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

Pilot whales, lunch, and cliffs in one slow day. On the Shogun wooden schooner out of Puerto Colón, you head along Tenerife’s southwest coast for pilot whales and dolphins, then finish with iconic Los Gigantes views and time to swim. It feels more like a calm day at sea than a rushed wildlife dash.

I especially like the mix of wildlife and scenery, with Masca Bay as the anchor point for your swim stop near Los Gigantes. The crew keeps things friendly and easygoing, which matters when you’re sharing the deck with families and kids.

One thing to consider first: this boat can sway, and seasickness is a real risk for people who get motion sick. If you’re sensitive, plan for it before you board.

Key things to know before you go

• Traditional wooden Shogun schooner for a relaxed pace and great ocean views
• Year-round pilot whales and dolphins in Tenerife waters, though sightings are never guaranteed
• Los Gigantes cliffs as your dramatic backdrop, with time for sightseeing
• Masca Bay swim stop in sheltered water, provided conditions allow it
• Lunch plus drinks included, with wine and beer at lunch for adults
• Family-friendly and licensed, with safety gear and life jackets/float aids at the swim

Stepping aboard the Shogun in Puerto Colón

Your day starts at Puerto Colón, Pier number 14, next to the petrol station. Boarding begins about 30 minutes before departure, so build in a little buffer and arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you’re coming from the south coast, you’ll likely appreciate how straightforward the pier is once you spot the right dock.

This tour is run on a traditional wooden schooner called Shogun, not the biggest motorized whale-watching boats. That difference matters because the vibe stays laid-back, and you spend more time enjoying the ocean and spotting wildlife, not just trying to squeeze in a “quick look.”

The cruise is designed for real viewing. You get time on the water searching for marine life along Tenerife’s southwest coast, then you anchor later for Los Gigantes sightseeing and a swim option. Overall, it’s built for people who want a peaceful day with a couple of real highlights.

If you have kids, this is one of the better formats. The crew works to keep both adults and children engaged with facts about what you’re seeing, plus a lively onboard atmosphere while you’re sailing.

Why the pilot whales show up here, and what you should watch for

The big idea is year-round sightings along this part of Tenerife. The waters near the southwest coast are known for pilot whales, and dolphins are often spotted too. You’re not relying on a “maybe we’ll get lucky today” plan, because these are resident animals in the area.

Even so, I would treat sightings as likely, not guaranteed. Wildlife decisions depend on sea conditions, animal movement, and where the captain finds pods. The good news is that pilot whales and dolphins often come close to the boat, which gives you better chances for clear viewing without doing anything disruptive.

On your time at sea, keep your eyes moving. Watch for changes at the surface, quick bursts of activity, and the telltale patterns of pods traveling together. If you’re with kids, ask the crew what signs to look for, because they can spot activity before most people do.

Also, don’t ignore the smaller moments. Some sailings can include other sea life like flying fish, and you may catch glimpses that aren’t the main target but make the trip feel alive. If the day’s energy includes music and interactive hosting, that can make waiting time feel short, even when the captain is positioning the boat.

The whale-watching route around Tenerife’s southwest coast

Your cruise travels out from Puerto Colón through calm waters that are favorable for spotting marine life. The route is built around the idea of respectful viewing, since these animals are already living in this habitat year-round.

You’ll typically spend a solid chunk of the experience on the water, and the captain uses sea conditions to decide where to look. That means the itinerary stays flexible. If you’re worried about rough seas, keep in mind that the captain can change course when conditions demand it.

This is one reason I like this tour for families. You’re not locked into a frantic schedule where everyone has to stare in one direction for the full time. Instead, the crew actively searches and adjusts, and you end up with more meaningful time watching.

If you’re a returning visitor who already did the basic beaches, this feels like a different side of the island. Tenerife’s south coast looks dramatic from land, but it becomes even more impressive when you see how whales and dolphins move through it at eye level.

Los Gigantes cliffs: the wow factor, plus a reality check

After your open-water whale watching, you’ll head toward Los Gigantes, one of Tenerife’s most recognizable cliff areas. From the water, these cliffs are the kind of scenery you instantly understand why people come here, even if you’re not a “cliff person.”

You get a sightseeing window after anchoring later near the cliffs. That time is short compared with full day shore excursions, but it’s perfect for photos, quick sea-breeze breaks, and just taking in the scale. If you want a calm, scenic finish to the day, this works because you’re not leaving the boat and marching around.

One practical thing to know: wind and water conditions affect how comfortable things feel on deck. On some days, the captain may adjust plans to keep passengers safe and comfortable. That’s not a failure of the tour, it’s basic seamanship.

If you want the best views, move around the deck. The boat orientation changes as you sail and as you anchor, and different angles highlight different parts of the cliffs and the surrounding coastline.

Masca Bay swim stop: when you get it, it’s the best part

The swim happens in Masca Bay, a sheltered cove that can feel like a mini escape under the cliffs. You don’t just jump in anywhere. The plan is to anchor in a spot that makes swimming safer and more pleasant, but it always depends on sea conditions.

When swimming is possible, you’ll have life jackets and float aids provided. Swimming is optional, so you can still enjoy the view from the deck if you’d rather not get in the water. The water time is typically brief, but it’s a refreshing break after hours of sailing.

What to expect in the water is comfort plus a lot of “look up” moments. Even when you’re focused on swimming, the cliffs and open sea keep pulling your attention upward. If you’re traveling with teens or adults who like a quick adventure, this short swim stop is a strong reason to book.

If sea conditions don’t allow the swim, you’re not left with nothing. You still get the scenic sailing and the lunch onboard, and you still experience Los Gigantes from the water. It’s just that your swim opportunity may be changed or canceled for safety.

Lunch onboard, and why it adds real value

Lunch is served onboard while you’re anchored. It’s not a gourmet menu, but it’s practical, and it saves you the hassle of finding food on your own during a half-day outing.

You get water and soft drinks included all day. Wine and beer are included for adults during lunch. That alone helps this tour make sense on price, because many similar cruises charge extra for drinks and then add a lunch stop later that costs you more.

I also like that lunch happens right when you’re in a calmer moment of the day. You’re not rushing to shore, and you get to eat while the ocean scenery is still doing its job. Even when the food is simple, that combination of timing and setting usually makes it feel better than a typical restaurant meal.

On some days, the onboard mood leans upbeat. Music is part of the experience, and the crew can run lively moments while you’re on the water. If you enjoy a little fun between wildlife sightings, this cruise can feel like a floating hangout, not a silent nature lecture.

For picky eaters, plan to keep expectations realistic. You’re buying time on the water plus a solid onboard lunch, not a fine dining reservation.

What the boat ride feels like, comfort, and seasickness planning

Let’s be honest about the main downside: this is a sailing experience on a wooden schooner, and it can sway. If you get motion sick, don’t ignore the warning. The operator specifically recommends medication if you’re prone to seasickness.

A few important patterns show up in real life with this style of boat. Sometimes the start can feel rocky, and the captain may adjust course quickly to improve comfort. That’s good to know because it suggests you’ll get real attention to conditions, not just a “hold on tight” approach.

What you can do to help yourself:

• Choose your seat wisely when boarding, if there’s an option.
• Stay hydrated since wind and sun can sneak up on you.
• If you start feeling off, ask early because the crew can help with practical guidance.
• Bring a light layer since the ocean breeze can cool you down.

Also, remember that swimming is optional. If you feel seasick, it’s absolutely okay to skip the water and stay on deck. You’ll still enjoy the main sighting time and the Los Gigantes views from a comfortable spot.

Who this tour suits best in Adeje and Costa Adeje

This is a good fit for families, couples, and travelers who want wildlife plus scenery without turning the day into a strict agenda. If you’re staying around Adeje, Costa Adeje, or nearby areas, the whole experience feels like a natural “one ticket, multiple highlights” day.

Kids usually do well because:

• The pace is relaxed and not overly technical.
• The crew is active with information and onboard interaction.
• There’s a swim option when conditions allow it.

For couples, the value is the combination of calm sailing and iconic cliffs. Los Gigantes from the water is a memorable contrast to the usual resort beach time. If you prefer time together without long shore walks, this fits.

If you want a hardcore wildlife hunt, you might find it too laid-back. But if your goal is a pleasant day where pilot whales and dolphins are a realistic possibility, this is right on target.

Also, it’s a solid option if you’re traveling with small pets. Pets up to 12 kg are welcome, but they must stay with their owner and cannot enter the water.

Practical planning: what to bring and how to get ready

Pack for a boat day first, a swim day second. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Sunglasses help too, because sun glare can be strong on the open water.

Bring a light jacket. Even in warm months, sea breezes can cool you down, especially during sailing or after lunch. If you’re prone to seasickness, take your prevention steps before you board, not after you feel bad.

If you want to take photos, remember that boat viewing often means fast moments. Keep your phone or camera protected from spray. Also, don’t block crew routes on deck, because safety comes first when waves and people are moving together.

Finally, give yourself time for boarding. Meeting at Puerto Colón Pier 14 can be easy, but you still want to arrive early enough to settle in, find your spot, and be ready when departure starts.

Price and value for a $64 half-day experience

At about $64 per person, what makes this tour feel like value is what you get in one package. You pay for a licensed whale and dolphin watching cruise, a swim stop opportunity, and lunch onboard with drinks included.

Many alternatives force you into separate purchases: tour, then lunch, then extra drinks. Here, the drink bundle is meaningful for adults because wine and beer are included during lunch, and water and soft drinks are unlimited throughout the cruise.

When you weigh the total time, you’re basically buying a full experience at sea. That includes time searching for pilot whales, time with Los Gigantes cliffs as your backdrop, and time to cool off in Masca Bay if conditions allow it.

The main “cost” is your comfort on the water. If you struggle with motion sickness and don’t plan for it, the experience can feel like more trouble than it should. But if you’re prepared, the value is real.

My honest take: should you book this Shogun whale-watching cruise?

Yes, you should book this tour if you want a relaxed Tenerife whale watching day that also delivers Los Gigantes views and an actual swim stop. The combination of a traditional wooden schooner, year-round resident wildlife chances, and lunch plus drinks included is hard to beat for a half-day-style plan.

Skip it or prepare extra carefully if you have serious seasickness. The boat can sway, and swimming depends on sea conditions, so your comfort plan matters.

If you’re the type who enjoys slow travel, wildlife viewing with respect, and scenery that looks amazing from water, this is a very sensible pick for Adeje and Costa Adeje.

FAQ

Will I definitely see whales or dolphins?

Sightings are very likely because pilot whales live here year-round, and dolphins are commonly seen. Still, wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

What is the swim stop, and can I swim if I want to?

The cruise anchors in Masca Bay for a swim stop. Swimming is optional and depends on sea conditions.

Is the boat safe for families?

Yes. The schooner is fully licensed and Blue-Flag certified, and it has the required safety equipment.

What drinks are included?

Water and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise. Wine and beer are included during lunch for adults.

How long is the experience?

The cruise duration is about 5 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet in Puerto Colón at Pier number 14, next to the petrol station. Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure.

Which languages does the crew speak?

The crew can guide in English, Spanish, German, French, and Italian.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. A light jacket is also recommended for the ocean breeze.

Can I bring a small pet?

Small pets up to 12 kg are welcome, but they must stay with you at all times and cannot enter the water.