Whale Watching Catamaran to Los Gigantes & Masca (Including drinks & warm lunch)

The best part of this Costa Adeje catamaran trip is the mix of open-sea wildlife and Tenerife’s dramatic west coast. You sail toward the cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca while keeping watch for pilot whales and dolphins, then have time to swim and relax before returning to Puerto Colón.

I like the practical all-in-one setup: a hot lunch and drinks are included, and the 4.5-hour length gives the boat time to reach the cliffs rather than turning around after a quick wildlife check. I also like the chance to see Tenerife from the water, with its steep coast rising above the Atlantic.

The trade-off is size. This is a large catamaran excursion, with up to 160 people and three possible boats in operation. If you want a quiet, small-boat wildlife outing, this will feel more like a well-run shared cruise.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main wildlife targets, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• Los Gigantes and Masca provide the visual highlight, especially from the water below the cliffs.
• Chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana make up the included hot lunch.
• Beer, soft drinks, and bottled water are included, though the drink service is basic.
• Swimming may be offered at a sheltered cove, depending on sea and weather conditions.
• Sun beds at the front cost extra, and pickup is limited to selected hotels in south Tenerife.

Sailing from Puerto Colón at 1:15 pm

Your outing begins at Av. de Colón, 11, in Puerto Colón, the marina serving Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas. Departure is scheduled for 1:15 pm, with boarding information and the gate number confirmed after booking.

The afternoon timing works well for a relaxed holiday schedule. You can have breakfast without rushing, spend the morning at your hotel or beach, and still get a substantial half-day on the water. One useful detail from the trip reports is that the afternoon can feel more comfortable in cooler months, especially when morning wind makes the sea feel chilly.

If you request hotel pickup, leave a mobile number with the country code and a working email address. Pickup is arranged only from set hotels, and the operator sends the closest pickup point after receiving your booking. Hotels close to the port may be asked to make their own way there, and no pickup is offered outside south Tenerife.

Take those instructions seriously. A pickup point may not be the hotel entrance shown on a map. Confirm the exact location, time, and meeting instructions before departure so you are not waiting at the wrong place.

The boat may be one of three large catamarans. That means the exact seating layout and onboard feel can vary. All are intended for this same type of excursion, but you should not book expecting one particular vessel unless the operator confirms it.

What the 4.5-hour route actually offers

The cruise first heads west from Costa Adeje in search of whales and dolphins. The crew shares information in English and Spanish about where these animals live, what they eat, and how they move between areas.

The wildlife portion is naturally unpredictable. Pilot whales are a regular target in the waters around Tenerife, and dolphins may also appear, but the boat cannot command an appearance. Some outings produce excellent sightings of pilot whales and bottlenose or spotted dolphins. On another day, you may see only a few animals or none at all.

That uncertainty is worth understanding before you pay. You are buying time on the ocean in a known marine area, not a guaranteed wildlife performance. When whales and dolphins do appear, the excitement is real. When they do not, the cliffs and sea views become the main event.

The boat is large enough to carry up to 160 people. This helps explain the organized boarding, food service, and fixed daily schedule, but it also means the cruise will not feel intimate. Some people may prefer the social energy and open deck space. Others will find the crowd less appealing, especially when several people move toward one side to watch an animal.

The crew has generally been praised for being friendly and capable. Some outings have included clear commentary, while others have offered less explanation than expected once the first animals were spotted. If marine biology is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations moderate. This is a sightseeing cruise with wildlife commentary, not a specialist research trip.

Los Gigantes and Masca from below

The route continues toward the cliffs of Los Gigantes and the coast around Masca. These dark, near-vertical rock walls are among Tenerife’s most memorable coastal sights, and seeing them from the Atlantic gives you a useful sense of their scale.

From land, you see the cliffs from roads, viewpoints, or the mountain route toward Masca. From the catamaran, you look up from sea level as the coast rises sharply above you. The changing angle makes the scenery feel different from a standard road excursion, and the return route gives you more time to watch the cliffs and Barranco de Masca.

The coastal scenery is a strong reason to book this even if wildlife sightings are limited. Several hours of sea air, cliff views, and open water provide a change from hotel pools and resort streets. The boat also makes a swim stop at a beautiful cove when conditions allow. Swimming is optional, so you can stay aboard if you prefer to watch from the deck.

Do not treat the swim as a fixed promise. The sea, wind, and route conditions control what the captain can safely offer. If swimming is important to you, bring suitable clothing under your daywear, but accept that the stop may change.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of the fare

At about $72.08 per person, this trip is priced as a mid-range shared boat excursion. The fare includes the cruise, wildlife search, scenery, lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. That package gives the trip better value than a basic boat ride where every drink and meal costs extra.

The hot lunch is listed as chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana. Some descriptions refer to it as paella, but you should not expect a restaurant-style paella or a choice of dishes. The meal is functional and filling, though food quality is the clearest weak point in the feedback. Some people find it perfectly acceptable for a boat trip, while others would prefer a fresh sandwich and fruit.

I see lunch as a convenience rather than a reason to book. You do not need to leave the cruise to eat, and a hot meal is welcome after time in the wind. If you are a picky eater, bring a small backup snack if permitted, and check the food details before sailing.

The included bar is also basic. Beer, soft drinks, and water are available, but serving sizes may be small plastic cups rather than generous pours. The phrase open bar should not lead you to expect premium spirits or a full cocktail menu. Ice cream costs extra, and there is no suggestion that upgraded drinks are available for purchase.

For many people, included drinks help justify the fare. For others, the bar will feel limited. I would calculate the value around the whole package: four and a half hours on the water, the Los Gigantes route, a hot meal, and drinks. It is fair value if you want all of those elements together. It is less attractive if your only goal is a close wildlife encounter.

Deck space, sun beds, and comfort

The catamarans have areas where you can sit, relax, and sunbathe. You do not need to pay extra to enjoy the regular deck areas, but the front sun beds cost extra and are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

The extra charge is worth considering carefully. The sun beds are reported to cost about 25 euros per bed area, supposedly for two people, but the space may feel tight for two adults. Unless you strongly want a front position, I would save the money and use the standard seating and deck space.

The open sea can feel windy even on a pleasant Tenerife day. Bring a light jacket or windproof layer, particularly outside summer. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and secure footwear are sensible. The sun can be bright on the water, and the wind can make you underestimate how much time you are spending outdoors.

Motion sickness is the most important comfort issue. Several people can feel ill on a large boat, even when the ride appears fairly smooth. If you know you get seasick, speak with a pharmacist or doctor about suitable precautions before the trip. Sitting where the crew directs you and avoiding heavy food before departure may also help, though no remedy can guarantee a comfortable crossing.

The size of the boat does provide some practical advantages. You can move around, find a calmer place to sit, and avoid being confined to a tiny vessel. Still, a large catamaran is not automatically stable for every person. If open water makes you uneasy, choose a land-based Los Gigantes excursion instead.

Wildlife watching without false promises

The waters off Tenerife are known for pilot whales, and dolphins are also possible. The most exciting outings combine both, with sightings of resident pilot whales and groups of dolphins moving near the boat.

Your experience will depend on weather, sea conditions, animal movement, and simple luck. The captain may spend time searching, but the excursion also has a planned route toward Los Gigantes and Masca. Once a few animals have been seen, the boat may continue rather than spend the entire afternoon searching for a larger pod.

That approach makes sense for a mixed group. Some people have booked for wildlife, while others mainly want the cliffs, swim stop, meal, or drinks. It also means you should not compare this with a specialist wildlife charter that can change direction for every distant fin.

The commentary can be useful, especially if you have never seen pilot whales before. You may hear about feeding habits, habitat, and migration. The amount of explanation can vary with the crew, crowd, and two-language format. If you want detailed science, ask questions when the crew is available rather than waiting for a long lecture.

Keep your phone or camera ready, but do not spend the entire cruise staring at a screen. Wildlife appears quickly, and the cliff views are best appreciated with your eyes. The operator may also take photographs at the start of the trip, with printed pictures offered for purchase later. You can decline them if you do not want a souvenir.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

This outing suits you if you want several Tenerife experiences in one booking. You get a boat ride, coastal scenery, a chance at whale and dolphin sightings, a meal, drinks, and possibly a swim. Families often like the variety, though younger children should be comfortable with a long period at sea.

It also works well for couples and groups who want a social afternoon rather than a private charter. The crew handles the practical details, and you can spend the trip moving between seating, views, food, and the water.

I would be more cautious if you want silence, personal service, or guaranteed wildlife. The large group and shared boat format limit privacy. The meal and bar are useful but not refined, and the paid sun beds may disappoint if you expect a luxury lounge.

People with mobility concerns should ask the operator for current boarding and boat-access details before booking. The supplied information says most people can participate and that the meeting point is near public transportation, but it does not provide a full accessibility description.

Booking details that matter

The tour departs daily at 1:15 pm on 364 days of the year, closing on January 1. It is offered in English and Spanish, and confirmation is provided at booking.

The experience requires suitable weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not refunded.

The trip ends back at the original meeting point in Puerto Colón. Since the boat may return after several hours at sea, leave enough time afterward for your next plan. Do not schedule a tight airport transfer or an important evening booking immediately after the cruise.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran if you want a well-priced half-day on the water with several included extras. The Los Gigantes and Masca coast is the strongest constant, while pilot whales and dolphins provide the potential high point. A hot meal, drinks, and a possible swim make the fare easier to justify.

Skip it if you want a small boat, premium food, expert-level marine commentary, or a guaranteed close wildlife encounter. For the best chance of enjoying the day, confirm your pickup point, bring a windproof layer, prepare for motion, and treat the wildlife as a gift rather than a promise.

FAQ

Where does the whale watching catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, at Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje.

What time does the catamaran leave?

The scheduled departure time is 1:15 pm.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes and returns to the original meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available from selected hotels in south Tenerife. Hotels close to the port may need to go directly to the port, and pickup is not offered outside south Tenerife.

Which languages are offered?

The excursion is offered in English and Spanish.

What food is included?

The included hot lunch consists of chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soft drinks are included. Ice cream costs extra.

Are the front sun beds included?

No. The front sun beds cost extra and are available on a first come, first served basis.