Adeje: Whale Watching, Lunch & Swim Stop at Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes cliffs are the star of this five-hour sea trip, but the best surprise is how much the cruise packs into one relaxed outing. You sail from Puerto Colón on Shogun, a traditional wooden schooner, watch for pilot whales and dolphins, stop in Masca Bay, and eat lunch with the cliffs rising nearby.

I like the year-round chance of seeing pilot whales and the easy pace of the day. I also like that lunch, water, soft drinks, and adult wine and beer are included, so the $64 price is not just paying for a boat ride. The main caution is simple: Shogun can sway noticeably, and people prone to seasickness should take precautions.

Key points to know

• Pilot whales live here year-round, with dolphins also regularly seen along Tenerife’s southwest coast.
• Shogun is a traditional wooden schooner, giving the trip a quieter, more old-fashioned feel than a standard motorboat.
• Masca Bay provides the swim stop, though swimming depends on sea and wind conditions.
• Lunch and drinks are included, with wine and beer served during lunch for adults.
• The multilingual crew speaks five languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.
• Pickup is optional, with many stops around Costa Adeje and nearby resorts.

Why this cruise works so well as a half-day plan

This is not a fast wildlife chase. Shogun is designed for a slower day on the water, with time to sit, walk around the deck, eat, swim, and watch the coast pass by. That makes it a good fit if you want a sea outing that includes more than one headline attraction.

The cruise leaves from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje. Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure at pier number 14, next to the petrol station. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before sailing, since late arrival can mean missing the boat.

The cruise itself lasts about five hours. If you use hotel pickup, allow extra time for the bus. The pickup service covers a long list of stops around Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, Puerto de la Cruz, and nearby areas, depending on the option you choose. If you have a car, paid parking is available a short walk from the pier, but spaces can be limited in high season.

The overall rating is 4.6 from 446 reviews, and the strongest pattern is clear: the crew, wildlife sightings, food, and friendly mood receive the most praise. That does not remove the normal uncertainties of a wildlife trip or the possibility of rough water, but it gives you a good idea of the experience’s character.

Setting sail from Puerto Colón on Shogun

Shogun is a traditional wooden schooner with an Arabian-style design. It looks and feels more distinctive than the basic white catamarans and fast boats used for many whale trips around Tenerife.

That design is part of the charm, but it also affects comfort. The boat can sway in choppy water. One passenger described several people becoming sick during a rough crossing, while another appreciated the captain changing course when the wind made the first route uncomfortable. If you know you get seasick, bring medication and choose a seat with care.

The boat has enough room to walk around and find different views. Arriving early may help if you want a particular place on deck, especially during busy periods. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and a light jacket. The ocean breeze can feel cool even on a warm Tenerife day.

The crew keeps the mood social rather than formal. Guide Andy, also spelled Andi in some accounts, is known for using several languages, making jokes, giving basic information about the coast and marine life, and keeping the group involved. Music is part of the trip, and the crew may take requests. On the return journey, the mood can become more lively, with music, drinks, and photos with the captain for children.

Watching pilot whales and dolphins off Tenerife

The waters between Costa Adeje and La Gomera are known for resident pilot whales. These whales live in the area throughout the year, which gives this trip a stronger wildlife outlook than a seasonal whale excursion.

You are likely to see pilot whales, but no responsible operator can promise a sighting. Dolphins are also common, and the crew watches for them during both the outward and return journeys. Sightings can be close to the boat, though the animals remain wild and their behavior cannot be directed.

Past trips have included pilot whales, several dolphin species, flying fish, turtles, and even a shark. You should treat those extra sightings as luck rather than part of the standard promise. The reliable focus is pilot whales and dolphins.

The crew shares information in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian. The quality of translation can vary by language and by the individual guide, so if you choose the trip specifically for Italian commentary, it is worth confirming the language arrangements when booking.

I like the way the wildlife portion fits into a wider coastal trip. You are not left with a short viewing session and a long ride back. The cliffs, sea views, food, swim stop, and quiet sailing all give the day value even if dolphins stay out of sight.

Los Gigantes and the stop at Masca Bay

The boat continues toward Los Gigantes, where dark volcanic cliffs rise dramatically from the sea. Seeing these cliffs from the water gives you a different view than a road trip or lookout above the coast. You see their scale as the schooner approaches, then have time to take them in while the boat anchors.

The planned stop is Masca Bay, a sheltered cove near the cliffs. The boat usually stays there for about 40 minutes for swimming and lunch. You can use the provided life jackets and float aids, or stay on deck if you do not want to enter the water.

Swimming is optional and depends on conditions. Wind, waves, and safety concerns may shorten or change the stop. The water can also feel cool, although one summer account described it as warm and refreshing. Bring a towel and do not assume you must swim to enjoy this part of the trip.

This stop works especially well for families because everyone can choose their own pace. Children and confident swimmers can use the water, while others can eat, take photos, or enjoy the view from the boat. Small pets are allowed, up to 12 kilograms, but they must remain with their owner and cannot enter the water.

Lunch, drinks, and the social side of the boat

Lunch is served on board while Shogun is anchored. The food is simple rather than restaurant-style, but it is described as plentiful and enjoyable overall. One less enthusiastic opinion found the meal merely adequate, so you should think of it as a practical boat lunch, not a gourmet event.

That is a fair expectation for a cruise that combines wildlife watching, swimming, drinks, and a five-hour schedule. The meal is usually buffet-style or picnic-like, making it easy to eat without a long formal service. You share the setting with the other people on board, which adds to the relaxed feel.

Water and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise. Wine and beer are included during lunch for adults. Additional alcoholic drinks are not part of the base price, though drinks can be bought on board. Some past trips have offered cocktails and sangria for a small extra charge, with cash needed for certain purchases, so bring some euros if you want more than the included drinks.

The atmosphere is one of the tour’s biggest strengths. The crew checks on people, helps families, keeps the music going, and makes room for conversation. If you prefer a silent nature trip with no music or group interaction, this may feel too lively. If you like a friendly boat outing with food and a bit of entertainment, it fits well.

The return sail to Puerto Colón

After the stop at Masca Bay, Shogun sails back toward Puerto Colón. The return is not just transport. You can have a final drink, watch the cliffs recede, and keep looking for dolphins or other marine life.

The boat may use a different course if wind or waves make the planned route uncomfortable. That flexibility is useful for safety, but it means the exact sequence and timing can change. One trip had to adjust course because of wind but still managed to serve lunch and offer a swim stop.

The trip can become more musical on the way back. Some outings include a small disco atmosphere, and the crew may take music requests. That is fun for many families and couples, though the mood is less suited to someone seeking a quiet sailing lesson or a strict wildlife tour.

Optional transfers return you to selected pickup points after the cruise. Transfer timing can vary, and one delayed pickup was reported, so build a little patience into your day if you use the bus. If you are staying near Puerto Colón, walking or arranging your own transport may be simpler.

Is $64 good value?

At $64 per person, this is good value if you want several activities in one outing. The price includes a five-hour cruise, wildlife watching, the Los Gigantes route, a possible swim stop, lunch, water, soft drinks, adult wine and beer at lunch, insurance, and safety equipment.

A separate whale-watching trip plus a coastal cruise and lunch could cost more, while also requiring extra planning. Here, the main attractions are combined into one half-day plan. The traditional schooner also gives you a more distinctive setting than a basic transport boat.

The value is less clear if you mainly want a guaranteed swim or a quiet whale sighting. The swimming stop can change with sea conditions, and wildlife is never guaranteed. You are paying for the whole experience, not a guaranteed checklist.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option make it easier to fit into a changing holiday schedule. Still, check the exact departure time and pickup point before booking, especially if your day includes another timed activity.

Who should book this experience?

I would point families toward this trip first. Children have wildlife to watch, room to move around, a swim option, food, and a crew that keeps the day active. Older children and teenagers may especially enjoy the combination of whales, dolphins, swimming, drinks, and music.

Couples who want a gentle day at sea should also find plenty to like. The cliffs and open water provide the main scenery, while lunch keeps the outing from feeling like a long wait between sightings.

It suits nature lovers who understand that wild animals do not perform on command. Pilot whales are a strong possibility because they live locally year-round, but dolphins and unusual sightings remain uncertain.

I would be more cautious if you suffer badly from motion sickness. The wooden boat can move with the sea, and rough conditions have made some passengers unwell. Medication, a light meal before sailing, and a sensible seat may help, but no boat trip can remove the risk entirely.

Small dogs and other pets up to 12 kilograms can come along, provided they stay with their owner and remain out of the water. Check the transfer arrangements if you bring a pet, since the boat policy does not automatically explain the bus policy.

Practical details worth knowing before you go

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket. Wear something comfortable for a boat deck and protect your skin, since the sea breeze can make the sun feel less strong than it is.

Arrive at Puerto Colón early. Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure, and the meeting point is pier number 14 beside the petrol station. Paid parking is nearby, but high-season availability can be tight.

The cruise is licensed for whale and dolphin watching and is Blue Flag certified. It carries the required safety equipment and insurance. Life jackets and float aids are available for the swimming stop.

The crew speaks English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian. The trip is family-friendly, but the boat’s movement means you should think about each person’s tolerance for open water before booking.

Should you book the Shogun cruise?

Book it if you want a well-filled half-day at sea rather than a short wildlife ride. You get the best mix of this experience by enjoying the pilot whales, keeping your eyes open for dolphins, treating lunch as a pleasant boat meal, and viewing the Masca Bay swim as a bonus that depends on conditions.

The strongest reasons to choose it are the distinctive schooner, the friendly multilingual crew, the high chance of pilot whales, the Los Gigantes cliffs, and the amount included in the $64 price. The main reasons to hesitate are seasickness, the possibility of a changed route, and the fact that neither dolphins nor swimming can be guaranteed.

For families, couples, and anyone who likes a social day on the water, I think it is a sensible choice. If rough seas are a serious concern, choose a calmer land-based outing instead.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching cruise leave from?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, at pier number 14 next to the petrol station.

How early should I arrive?

Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before sailing because late arrivals may miss the tour.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts five hours. Pickup and drop-off by bus take additional time if you select a transfer option.

Will I definitely see whales or dolphins?

No sighting can be guaranteed because these are wild animals. Pilot whales live in the area year-round, making sightings very likely, and dolphins are also commonly seen.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The planned swim stop is in Masca Bay near Los Gigantes, but swimming depends on sea and weather conditions.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch, unlimited water, and soft drinks are included. Adults also receive wine and beer during lunch. Extra alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is the boat suitable for children?

Yes. Shogun is licensed, Blue Flag certified, and equipped with the required safety equipment. Children can swim if conditions allow, or remain on deck during the stop.

Which languages does the crew speak?

The crew speaks English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

Can I bring a pet?

Small pets up to 12 kilograms are welcome. They must stay with their owner at all times and cannot enter the water.