Tenerife : Whales and Dolphins with Food and Bath in Los Gigantes

Whales and cliffs in one smooth day. This Tenerife cruise blends whale-and-dolphin spotting with a big-mountain backdrop at Los Gigantes, plus a proper on-board meal. The only real catch to keep in mind is that cetacean sightings are not guaranteed 100%, and sea and weather can affect how far you travel.

I like the mix of time: time on the water for marine life, then an anchored break for swimming right in the Los Gigantes area. I also like that lunch is cooked on board, not some sad snack situation. You do, however, want to plan for a realistic day at sea, meaning you may swap plans if conditions are rough.

Timing is set up for convenience. The boat leaves at 12:00 pm from Puerto Colón, with pickup generally running between 10:00 am and 11:45 am, depending on your hotel area. One more practical note, there’s no snorkeling equipment provided, so if you want to snorkel, bring your own.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Whale and dolphin searching is led by the crew with help finding cetaceans and sharing marine-life facts
• Los Gigantes is the star for the swim stop, with cliffs rising about 600 meters above sea level
• Lunch on board is included, plus wine, beer, and unlimited soft drinks and water
• You can swim near Masca Bay, but snorkeling gear and towels are not provided
• Small-to-medium feel for a big trip, with a maximum of 135 travelers
• Weather matters, and routes may adjust for safety when seas are not ideal

Setting Sail From Puerto Colón: the day plan in plain language

This is a half-day to full-day style outing built around a single, easy base: Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje. You start at Puerto Colón S.A (Puerto) and, if you booked pickup, you’re collected at an authorized stop near your hotel between 10:00 and 11:45. The boat departs at 12:00, so treat pickup time as your warm-up and arrival window.

Once you’re on board, the day runs in three main chunks: go out from Puerto Colón, spend time in the Los Gigantes area for swimming and a meal, then return along Tenerife’s southwest coast. Total duration is listed as 5 to 9 hours, and the range makes sense for a sea day where you might spend more or less time searching for cetaceans or adjusting the route.

It’s also worth noting the boat is a wooden boat tour. That matters because it usually means a more classic feel on the water, and it tends to make the crew and guest flow feel less rushed than on super-large vessels.

Practical tip: if you’re sensitive to motion, bring layers. Even when it is warm onshore, sea breezes can cool you off quickly once you’re out past the harbor.

Whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife waters: how the odds work

Tenerife is one of Spain’s best places for whale and dolphin encounters, but the tour is honest about the real deal: sightings are not guaranteed 100%. What you are paying for is the chance plus the experience of a crew that actively helps you find cetaceans and explains what you’re seeing as you go.

During the first stretch, you sail from Puerto Colón toward the cliffs of the giants, and this is where the spotting time happens. Expect a guided search, not a passive sit-and-hope approach. The crew helps you locate cetaceans and shares curiosities about marine life along the way, which can turn a simple sighting into something you actually remember.

From a value perspective, this is important: whale-watching tours live or die by search time and on-water experience. Here, the tour design gives you a dedicated block for sightings, rather than treating it as a bonus that might happen on the way to lunch.

Small consideration: if weather and sea conditions are not ideal, the operator may need to adjust the route for safety. That is exactly the kind of thing that can impact where you end up and how long you spend in the best viewing zone. It doesn’t mean you will see nothing, but it does mean you should keep expectations flexible.

Los Gigantes cliffs and the swim stop: the moment that earns its reputation

Los Gigantes is where this cruise earns its name. You anchor near the imposing cliffs of Los Gigantes, which rise around 600 meters above sea level. This is not just a photo stop. The tour gives you time to swim in the water near the cliffs, described as crystal clear.

There’s something special about swimming next to steep volcanic rock walls. It makes the water feel calmer and more “enclosed,” even though you’re still open to the ocean. It also changes the whole vibe from sightseeing to doing something physical, which is why this is the part that tends to feel like the payoff.

After anchoring, you get back on board for lunch while you’re still in the Los Gigantes area. That pairing is smart. You don’t have to choose between eating and water time, and you avoid the awkward “swim, then wait forever” feeling some tours create.

One more thing to plan for: this is an anchored and swimming phase, not a full-day beach day. You will want to keep your belongings secure and be ready for a quick on-water window. If you love a low-stress schedule, this is a good match.

Lunch on board: food you can actually enjoy, plus drinks

Let’s talk about the meal, because it’s a big part of why the price feels reasonable. Lunch is included on board and is freshly prepared, not just a box you pick up and eat while standing.

The menu listed is:

• Rice with vegetables
• Coleslaw
• Chicken thigh
• Meatballs in tomato sauce
• Bread
• Banana

Drinks are also part of the deal. You get wine and beer during lunch, and soda or pop plus unlimited access to water and refreshments.

I like this setup because it covers two trip pain points. First, you’re not hunting for food during a time when you’re busy on the water. Second, you’re not paying extra just to have something enjoyable to drink with your meal.

The only caution is that food quality can always be subjective on a boat. In general, though, this is clearly designed to keep you fueled for both whale-watching time and the swim stop.

Masca Bay and snorkeling reality check: what to bring

The tour description points to a swimming stop connected to Masca Bay, and that’s where you can get in the water. But here’s the key practical point: snorkeling equipment is not provided.

So if you’re thinking about snorkeling, bring your own gear. Also bring your own towel and sun protection, because towels, sun cream, and photos are not included. That may sound obvious, but plenty of people show up assuming they’ll get basics on board.

What I recommend:

• Pack a towel small enough to manage after the swim
• Bring sunscreen and a hat if you burn easily
• If you snorkel often, bring a mask, snorkel, and fins that fit well, not a borrowed set you hate

Also, wear swim-friendly clothes you can tolerate getting damp, because you’ll likely dry off slowly in the sea breeze.

Booking, timing, and value: is the $66.42 price fair?

At $66.42 per person, this is positioned as an affordable outing compared with many longer or higher-end premium marine experiences. The value comes from the package: wooden boat tour, navigation to the area, a swim stop, and an included lunch with drinks.

Duration ranges from 5 to 9 hours. That broad window matters for value because longer days usually mean more time for both spotting and swimming. Shorter days can still be fun, but your experience will hinge more on how sea conditions cooperate.

Group size is capped at a maximum of 135 travelers. That number is big enough that you should expect some crowding during peak boarding moments, but small enough that you can still find your own spot and enjoy the day without constant body-to-body contact.

You’ll also get English offered on the tour, and you can use a mobile ticket. Pickup is offered, and you’re near public transportation at the start point, which helps if you decide not to use pickup.

One last value note: this is not priced like a private charter. If you want a private-vessel feeling, you’d likely need a different style tour. But for most people doing Tenerife in a limited time window, this hits the sweet spot between experience and cost.

Who this trip suits, and who might want a different plan

This cruise is a great match if you want a single outing that combines marine life, a meaningful water break, and an included meal. If your priority is seeing whales and dolphins, you’ll appreciate that the schedule includes dedicated spotting time rather than treating it like a bonus.

It’s also good if you like a guided day. The crew is there face-to-face with you on board, helping you find cetaceans and sharing facts about marine life. That guidance can make a big difference, especially if you’re not sure what to look for.

Where you should slow down and think:

• If you are extremely disappointed by itinerary changes, understand that route adjustments can happen when weather and sea conditions are not ideal
• If you expect guaranteed access to Los Gigantes and every exact stop regardless of conditions, the tour is not written that way
• If you need snorkeling gear and towels provided, this one does not include them

If you’re traveling with kids, it can work well because the day is structured and includes lunch and a swim. Just remember that kids still need sun protection and safe swim practices, since the basic extras are not included.

Should you book the Tenerife Whales and Dolphins with Food and Bath?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward Tenerife sea day that gives you time for cetacean watching, a proper Los Gigantes swim stop, and an included lunch with wine and beer. The package is built for convenience, and that makes it a good choice when you’d rather spend your time enjoying the water than hunting down food and trying to coordinate transport.

I’d think twice if your trip is built around one specific location being non-negotiable, because safety and weather can shift the route. I’d also prep for the practical parts: bring towels, sun cream, and any snorkeling equipment you want to use.

Overall, it’s strong value for a guided boat experience in a region known for whales and dolphins, with the cliffs of Los Gigantes giving you a swim backdrop that feels earned.

FAQ

What time does the boat leave from Puerto Colón?

The boat departs at 12:00 pm. Pickup is offered between 10:00 and 11:45, depending on where your hotel is located.

Is pickup available from hotels?

Yes. Pickup is offered at an authorized point closest to your hotel. The pickup point and time are shared via messages after booking.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. Cetacean sightings are not guaranteed 100%, though the crew helps you find them and provides information while you search.

Where do you swim, and is snorkeling gear included?

You’ll have a swimming stop near Masca Bay. Snorkeling equipment is not provided, so if you want it, bring your own.

What’s included in lunch?

Lunch on board includes rice with vegetables, coleslaw, chicken thigh, meatballs in tomato sauce, bread, and banana. Wine and beer are included during lunch, plus unlimited soda or pop access to water and refreshments.

Do I get towels, sun cream, or photos included?

No. Towels, sun cream, and photos are not included.

What happens if the tour cancels due to weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.