Whale Safari to Los Gigantes with pickup from North

A whale day can be short and sweet, or long and lively. This one blends a cetacean search with a long sea cruise, plus a real swim stop at Masca Bay. You also get lunch and drinks on board, which helps if you want a full day without extra planning.

What I like most is the way the day is structured around sea time, not just a quick viewing window. The Shogun cruise is long enough that you actually get scenery, and lunch is served on board so you are not hunting for food after the boat trip. My main caution is that whale and dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, and the legal observation time can be limited, so you should go with a flexible mindset.

Key things I’d watch for before you go

• Authorized cetacean viewing boat: the vessel is legally authorized for observation.
• Masca Bay swim stop: there is a scheduled water break and time to eat on board.
• Lunch is part of the ticket: rice with vegetables, coleslaw, meatballs in tomato sauce, bread and banana, plus water and refreshments.
• Beer and wine at lunch: included during the lunch portion, not as an all-day bar.
• Language support in English: the tour is offered in English.
• Group size capped at 125: big enough for energy, small enough to stay organized.

Whale Safari From North Tenerife: the big idea

This is a classic west-coast Tenerife day out, built around one goal: see whales and dolphins as you cruise out from Puerto Colón toward the Los Gigantes area. The boat is an authorized vessel for cetacean observation, and the day is paced so you have time at sea, then time in the water, then a relaxed return.

The best part for me is that it does not feel like a “stand and hope” excursion. Even if sightings are brief, you still get the coast from the water, a scheduled swim stop, and a meal handled on board. That matters on Tenerife, where weather and ocean behavior can change the plan quickly.

One more thing to know up front: the itinerary includes set blocks of time, including time for searching for cetaceans and time for swimming and lunch. So if you are choosing this expecting a guaranteed long whale-watching session, adjust your expectations.

Getting picked up in the north: simple, but time your gear

Pickup is included from the north side, specifically Puerto de la Cruz. The bus partner is Barrera Chinea, and the guide gets off at each stop to locate customers. That means you are not just handed off and forgotten, which I appreciate on day trips that rely on multiple hotel pickups.

Start time is 12:00 pm, and the whole outing is listed as about 5 to 10 hours depending on what the sea is doing and how the day runs. In other words, plan for a long-ish day, not a quick afternoon.

What you should do before you board:

• Arrive ready to swim, even if the sea is rough. You will want your swimsuit handy because the Masca Bay stop is time-limited.
• Bring a bag that can handle splashes. You will move between boat areas and then back to seating for lunch.

On the Shogun: cruising time, not just a quick boat stop

The tour includes a 5-hour cruise on the Shogun, described as a traditional Arab schooner. On paper, that sounds romantic. In real life, what matters is how the experience feels: you have enough time to settle in, watch the shoreline, and then focus when the cetacean search starts.

A few details that shape your experience:

• You are on a boat that is legally authorized for whale and dolphin observation, so the setup is built for spotting and watching responsibly.
• You will likely hear music and feel a more social vibe. Some people loved the soundtrack and energy, while others found it too loud or too party-focused. If you are music-sensitive, consider bringing earplugs.
• The crew is a big part of the day. Several comments highlight how attentive and friendly they are, including being vigilant during the search.

Boat days in Tenerife can swing between calm and choppy. If you get motion sick, take steps before you leave. Even when you are only cruising for a few hours, the water can decide how comfortable you feel.

Puerto Colón to the cetacean search: where the waiting happens

The day begins in Puerto Colón, where the whale and dolphin safari kicks off after you board. This first active block is about 2 hours, including navigation and the attempt to find cetaceans.

Here is the key reality check. You are not booking a zoo. You are booking a sea search in open water. That means:

• When animals are around, you might get exciting sightings close by.
• When they are not, your “success” might look more like a few brief moments and lots of scanning.

You should also know that legal observation rules can limit how long the boat can spend watching. That is not a bad sign, it is part of protecting marine life. It does mean your best whale moment might be shorter than you hoped.

Still, the upside is that you are doing the search from a proper viewing boat, not a random transfer ferry.

Los Gigantes and Masca Bay: the swim-and-lunch payoff

After the whale safari portion, you move into the Los Gigantes area and anchor in Masca Bay. This is the part that tends to make the day feel complete, because you get time where you can actually do something besides watch.

You get about 40 minutes here, and the plan includes:

• A chance to swim from the anchored boat.
• Lunch served on board during this period.

Lunch is included and fairly specific. You are served rice with vegetables, coleslaw, meatballs in tomato sauce, bread, and banana. There is also unlimited access to water and refreshments. During lunch, wine and beer are included.

A practical note: snorkeling equipment is not provided. If you want to snorkel, bring your own mask and snorkel. And since towels are not included, plan to carry a small towel or be ready to dry off naturally before you get dressed again.

Some people love this stop because it feels like a real break in the day. Others might feel it is too short if they want longer time in the water. Either way, this swim break is the anchor point that makes the tour more than just a whale search.

Playa del Duque and the southwest-coast return: scenic value plus context

After Los Gigantes and the swim/lunch stop, you return toward Puerto Colón along the coast. The plan includes a segment near Playa del Duque and time to see the southwest coastline from the water and then by bus on the return.

This portion is listed as about 2 hours, and the guide shares details about what you are seeing on the southwest coast. Even if you are not a trivia person, a guided explanation can help you read the coastline faster once you are back on land.

The return is then completed by bus, with your transport waiting for you when you arrive back in Puerto Colón.

If you love scenery, this is where your cruise time really earns its keep. Even if cetaceans are not a big part of the final score, the cliffs and coastline from the sea tend to be worth the day on their own.

Price and value at about $74.71 per person

At roughly $74.71, the value depends on what you would otherwise pay for the same components: boat time, lunch, and a swim stop.

Here’s what you do get that’s hard to replicate cheaply:

• Private transportation from Puerto de la Cruz and return (so you are not coordinating taxis or bus connections).
• A 5-hour cruise experience on the Shogun.
• Lunch included, with water and refreshments, plus beer and wine at lunch.
• A Masca Bay swim stop (even with no snorkeling gear provided, it is a real water break).

What you do not get (and could change your spending if you care about these items):

• Snorkeling gear, towels, sun cream, and photos are not included.
• Alcohol beyond the lunch portion is not listed as included.

So if you were planning to book a boat excursion and then add lunch somewhere, this price starts to feel fair. If you are someone who will only enjoy it if you get a long whale-watching session, then the value will feel different. Your best bet is to decide if you enjoy sea cruising and the swim stop as much as the wildlife.

What to bring for a smoother Masca Bay swim

Because the swim stop is scheduled and timed, I would pack for speed and comfort:

• Swimsuit under your clothes. Some boats can be quick about boarding and leaving.
• Your own snorkeling mask and snorkel if you want more than a surface swim. Equipment is not provided.
• A small towel, since towels are not included.
• Sun protection. Sun cream is not provided.
• A dry bag or zip bag for your phone, tickets, and spare clothes.

Also, keep your expectations realistic about whale spotting time. Your day is designed with fixed blocks, and legal observation can limit time spent watching animals. That means you do not want to spend your entire day stressed about counting minutes.

If music or crowds are not your thing, think about earplugs too. Some people loved the party energy, others did not. The vibe can be lively.

Who this whale safari is best for

This tour works well if you want a full Tenerife experience in one shot: transport from the north, time on the water, a swim stop, and food handled for you.

You will probably enjoy it if:

• You like being out on the ocean for several hours, even if wildlife spotting is unpredictable.
• You are traveling with family or a mixed group and want one activity that includes lunch and a fun water break.
• You want an English-guided experience.
• You are okay with a social onboard atmosphere.

You might want to skip or adjust expectations if:

• You need guaranteed long whale-watching time. Your sightings depend on where the animals are.
• You are very sensitive to loud music or a party vibe. Some people felt the soundtrack was overpowering, while others said it was all good vibes and no one was forced into partying.

On the plus side, service animals are allowed, and the meeting area is near public transportation, which can make the day easier if you are not locked into one hotel pickup plan.

Should you book Neptuno Whale Experience Tenerife?

If you want the best reason to book, it’s this: you get more than wildlife scanning. You get a structured day with boat time, a Masca Bay swim stop, and lunch on board with drinks at lunch. That combination is what makes the ticket feel practical.

I would book if your ideal Tenerife day includes sea views, a quick swim, and a wildlife search you treat as a bonus. I would think twice if whale watching is the only thing you came for and you expect a guaranteed long session.

If your biggest priority is peace and quiet with maximum wildlife time, this may not be the best fit. If your priority is a fun, organized sea day with food, transport, and a swimming moment, it looks like a solid pick.

FAQ

What is the price and duration for this Tenerife whale safari?

The tour costs about $74.71 per person and runs for approximately 5 to 10 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 12:00 pm.

Is pickup from the north included?

Yes. Private transportation from Puerto de la Cruz and return is included.

What boat do you cruise on?

You sail on the Shogun (a traditional Arab schooner).

Do they provide snorkeling equipment for Masca Bay?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not provided, though you can bring your own.

Is lunch included, and what does it include?

Lunch is included on board. It includes rice with vegetables, coleslaw, meatballs in tomato sauce, bread, and banana, with water and refreshments available. Beer and wine are included during lunch.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Will there definitely be whales and dolphins?

The plan is to search for cetaceans, but sightings are not guaranteed because you are observing animals in their natural habitat.

Does the ticket include towels or sun cream?

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