Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim

A wooden boat and the open Atlantic, that is a good combo. I like the close-up wildlife watching in a real working marine area, and I also like that the crew keeps things calm and educational. The big thing to think about is simple: whale sightings are not guaranteed, and the swim stop depends on weather and sea conditions.

You start from Colon Harbours and step aboard the Barco Shogun (an oriental schooner) for a guided session that is part nature lesson, part pure relaxation. The crew follows local sustainability rules, and that makes it feel respectful instead of chaotic.

Key points to know before you go

• Barco Shogun meeting point is pier 14 at Colon Harbours (next to the petrol station), so arrive a few minutes early.
• Legal whale watching permit (Blue Flag) means the operation is authorized and regulated.
• Pilot whales and dolphins are the target with a crew that actively looks while keeping distance.
• Swim stop is short and weather-based (about 15 to 20 minutes, captain decides).
• You board for 2 hours or go longer, depending on the option you choose.
• Bring swim gear and basics since snorkel equipment and towels are not included.

Onboard the Barco Shogun: what the experience feels like

The first win here is the boat. You are not stuck in a big, noisy cattle cart. You are on a traditional wooden-style vessel called Barco Shogun, and the whole vibe is more “sail day on Tenerife” than “tour bus, but on water.”

You’ll spend time out on the Atlantic watching for pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. When you see animals well, you notice details. Pods move, surfaces break, and the animals react to what is around them, not to the boat. A lot of the pleasure comes from the crew’s approach being steady and not pushy.

I also like that the experience is framed as respectful wildlife viewing. The tour is backed by a Blue Flag legal whale watching permit, and the crew follows local sustainability guidelines. Translation: you should feel like you are there to watch, not to disturb.

Pier 14 to the Atlantic: how the morning flow works

Your start point is straightforward, which you’ll appreciate if you are juggling parking and getting to the harbour. You board at Colon Harbours, pier number 14, next to the petrol station, on the Shogun boat.

From there, the cruise runs as a 2-hour excursion at the basic level, with options that extend the time (the activity lists duration from 2 to 5 hours depending on availability). That matters because short trips are great if you want a quick hit of marine life before lunch. Longer trips give you more time for sighting chances and a more relaxed pace on the water.

It is also a good idea to plan for the ocean mood. Even when the itinerary looks neat on paper, the sea decides the schedule. Your swim stop happens only if conditions allow, and the captain calls it based on safety and comfort.

Whale and dolphin watching with a crew that keeps it calm

This is the main event: finding whales and dolphins and learning what you are seeing as you go. The crew guides you through the area where pilot whales and dolphins are often found, and they share facts about the animals and why protecting their habitat matters.

What you should expect is guided searching and observation, not just drifting around until something happens. The best sightings tend to come when the crew helps you keep your eyes on the right parts of the water and understand animal behavior. When you know what you’re looking for, you feel smarter fast, and the trip becomes more than “we saw something.”

If you are lucky, you may see multiple types of marine life. One passenger noted spots like spotted dolphins and flying fish, and another mentioned sea turtles in the mix. You should not count on any one species every time, but the range of sightings people reported is a nice reminder that Tenerife’s waters can be lively.

A practical note on expectations

A whale watching trip is always a nature lottery. The crew can steer you toward likely areas and use respectful distance, but nature still controls the outcome. That is why this can still be great even if whales are not part of the moment, and why you should not treat it like a guaranteed checklist.

The swim stop: crystal water, but pack for a quick dip

Let’s talk about the swim, because that is what turns a standard wildlife cruise into a full-bodied half-day.

After sailing along Tenerife’s southern coast, the boat anchors and you get a swim break in clear water. The listed swim window is about 15 to 20 minutes, and it only happens when weather and sea conditions are suitable. The captain decides.

This is a quick, refreshing break rather than a long snorkeling session. And importantly, snorkel equipment is not included, so if you are hoping to snorkel, you’ll need to bring your own gear. Also, towels are not included, so bring one or you’ll be improvising with what you carry.

What I like about the swim part is that it is low pressure. You are not signing up for an intense activity. You cool off, feel the water, and then you are back to watching boats and animals with the sun on your face. It also helps on a warm Tenerife day when you want something active that still feels relaxing.

What to bring so the swim is actually easy

Pack the basics the tour asks for:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sun hat (and sunglasses)
• Sunglasses and a hat for deck time

If you forget anything, you’ll feel it more here than on a land tour, because you are literally on the water.

Onboard comfort and small perks that matter

This is not a bare-bones boat ride. You get practical comforts that make a difference, especially if you are out for a couple of hours.

• Toilets on board are available, which is a huge quality-of-life item on an ocean outing.
• There’s also mention of a smoking area onboard, so if that matters to you, you’ll want to plan where you sit.
• For drinks, the cruise sells beverages onboard. Soft drinks, beer, and cocktails are not included, but they are available for purchase.

One longer-trip account mentioned soft drinks and water available free, and beer and wine at a listed price, plus low-cost cocktails. Treat that as “nice if it’s offered on your sailing” rather than something to rely on for every option, since the general policy is that drinks are available to purchase.

Deck time and views

You’ll spend time on deck, with panoramic coastal views of Tenerife and wide-open Atlantic water. Even if wildlife sightings are quiet, the scenery and sea air give the trip an enjoyable rhythm. And because the boat is smaller than many modern big catamarans, you often feel like you are part of the action rather than tucked into the back row.

Price and value: is it worth $29?

At around $29 per person, this is positioned as one of the more affordable ways to do a whale and dolphin cruise in the area. The value is not only the price tag. It’s what you get for it: a legal-permit operation, a guided wildlife search, a real on-water sailing experience, and a swim break.

Here’s how I think about value on trips like this:

• If you are paying a low price and still get a crew that explains what you see, that’s a win.
• If you get a swim stop and basic comforts like toilets, you come away with more than just a wildlife spotting session.
• If the boat is not overcrowded (people describe it as relaxed), the experience tends to feel more enjoyable even when the sea is doing what it wants.

The only time it can feel like poor value is if you personally need guaranteed whales and you have a “must see” mindset. That is not how this type of tour works. Think of it like a best-attempt wildlife outing, with the swim and sail time as strong backups.

How long should you book, 2 hours or up to 5?

You have options depending on availability, with the experience listed from 2 to 5 hours.

Choose the shorter option if

• You want a morning activity that still leaves you time for lunch and beach time.
• You like quick, efficient sightseeing.
• You’d rather spend your money and energy on Tenerife land plans afterward.

Choose the longer option if

• You want more time for the crew to search and for your eyes to adjust.
• You enjoy being out at sea longer and you like a slower pace.
• You want a better chance of multiple sightings.

Some people reported extra pleasures on longer sails, like mention of music on board and even lunch. Those are not guaranteed across all departures, but they hint at the fact that longer options can feel more like a full outing rather than a single stop-and-go segment.

Who this tour suits best, and who should reconsider

This is a great fit for:

• Nature lovers who want respectful wildlife viewing
• Couples looking for a half-day that feels different from beach hopping
• Families, as long as kids can handle waiting calmly for sightings
• People who like a relaxed boat ride with a swim break built in

It’s not a great fit if:

• You have mobility impairments or use a wheelchair, because the tour is listed as not suitable for these needs.
• You need snorkel gear or towels provided, since neither is included.
• You want an alcohol-centered party day, because party groups are not allowed and alcohol and drugs are not allowed in the prohibited list.

Also, pets are not allowed, but assistance dogs are allowed, which is good to know if you travel with a service animal.

Should you book this whale and dolphin cruise from Costa Adeje?

If you want a low-stress way to see marine life in Tenerife waters, this is an easy yes. You get a real sailing experience on the Barco Shogun, you have a guided search for pilot whales and dolphins, and you also get something active and fun with the on-water swim stop.

Book it if:

• You’re comfortable with a nature-based outcome (sometimes you get whales, sometimes you don’t)
• You can pack swimwear and the little essentials (towel, sunscreen, hat)
• You want a calm, respectful operation with a legal permit

Skip it or choose another plan if:

• You need wheelchair-friendly access
• You are only satisfied by a guaranteed whale sighting
• You are hoping to snorkel, since snorkel equipment is not included and the swim break is time-limited

FAQ

FAQ

Where do I board the cruise in Costa Adeje?

You board the Shogun boat at Colon Harbours, pier number 14 (next to the petrol station).

How long is the whale and dolphin cruise with swim?

The experience is listed as 2 to 5 hours depending on availability, with a basic 2-hour whale watching plus swim format.

Is the swim stop included?

Yes. A swimming stop is included, typically 15 to 20 minutes, and it depends on weather and sea conditions, with the captain deciding.

Do I get snorkel equipment or a towel?

No. Snorkel equipment and towels are not included, so bring your own if you plan to snorkel or need a towel for the swim.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live guide is available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users or mobility impairments?

No. The tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.