A whale’s tail beat the quiet Atlantic.

This half-day Tenerife catamaran trip mixes wildlife searching with big scenery near Los Gigantes and Masca, so it feels like more than just a drive-by excursion. I especially like the built-in comfort: onboard lounging space plus a warm meal, and I like the fact that alcohol is included, not sold as an afterthought. The one drawback to plan for is simple: whale and dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed, and some days can be more “a few sightings” than “wildlife fireworks.”

You’re out on the water long enough to settle in, but the timing still leaves room for a second afternoon plan back on Tenerife. I also like that the day is structured with a clear departure time and a straightforward return, which helps when you’re figuring out where to fit this around beach time. One more thing to keep in mind: the prime sun areas are limited, because sun beds come with an extra charge and are first come.

Quick take: What matters most on this tour

• Wildlife searching with onboard guidance as you cruise toward Los Gigantes and Masca
• Alcoholic drinks included along with soda/pop and bottled water, so you’re not rationing cash
• Warm lunch is part of the ticket (chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, banana)
• Lots of deck time for sunbathing and coast views of the Barranco de Masca
• Sun beds cost extra and can sell out fast on the front area
• Big-boat reality check: up to 160 people and animal sightings can be lighter on some outings

From Puerto Colón to Los Gigantes: Your 4.5-hour catamaran rhythm

This tour runs daily at 13:15 and clocks in around 4 hours 30 minutes—long enough to feel like a proper half-day, short enough that you’re usually back before dinner plans get complicated. You start at the port area in the Costa Adeje region (meeting at Av. de Colón, 11, Playa de la Américas) and head out in a catamaran-style cruise.

A detail that affects your experience more than you’d think: this operator runs 3 large catamarans for the same excursion. You can’t pick which one you’ll be on, so expect the day to feel like a shared big-boat outing rather than a quiet, small-group sail.

If you’re using mobile tickets, you’ll want your confirmation details handy. You’ll also receive your gate number later with the booking confirmation, which keeps boarding organized but means you should stay alert after you book.

Whale and dolphin spotting: how the search works (and why sightings vary)

The whole point is wildlife. While you cruise in the Atlantic, the guide provides information on whales and dolphins—where they’re found, what they eat, and migration patterns—so you’re not just waiting for a lucky moment. On a good day, you’ll see pilot whales and dolphins; in several outings, bottle-nose dolphins show up too.

Here’s the reality check I think you should plan around: because this is open-water wildlife watching, sightings can vary a lot. Some people come back with a few dolphins or a small number of whales, while others feel like the day delivered big. The route is designed to maximize your chances, but you’re still at the mercy of what the animals decide to do.

How to improve your odds on the water:

• Dress for wind, even if it feels calm at the start.
• Spend time at the best viewing spots as soon as you see the first activity.
• If the boat is rocking, hold on and keep your eyes level—storms of motion can turn a great sighting into a blurry one.

Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca coast views: the part that still hits even on a slow wildlife day

Even if the animals are quieter, the scenery is a strong part of the payoff. The catamaran sails toward the Los Gigantes area, with views of the dramatic cliffs that make this corner of Tenerife feel like it’s framed for postcards.

The best “wow” moments come from the cruise sections where you can relax and look out across the Barranco de Masca coastline. This isn’t just sight-seeing from a bus window; you’re on moving water, with sight lines that shift minute by minute as the coastline comes closer.

There’s also often a chance to get into the sea during the trip. One guest specifically described a swim at a beautiful cove. You might take it, you might skip it, but it’s nice that the day has more than just watching.

Lunch and drinks that are actually included: what you’re signing up for

The ticket includes lunch and drinks, which is where this tour can feel like strong value. Your warm lunch is listed as chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana. It’s a real sit-and-eat item for a half-day on the water, not a token cookie.

Drinks included:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Soda/pop
• Bottled water

A few reviews give extra clarity on how this works in practice. Some people loved the meal quality enough to call out that it was hot and decent for the setting. Others were less impressed, saying the food option felt limited and not as fresh as they expected—think meatballs and rice style instead of a buffet with choices.

Alcohol also comes with a caution flag. A review complained that the open bar is served in small plastic cups, with limited selection. Translation: it’s a genuine perk, but it may not feel like a premium cocktail bar experience.

My advice: treat this as a “included and convenient” setup, not a gourmet food tour. If you’re the type who cares about variety and top-shelf drinks, you’ll still likely enjoy the day, but you may wish you’d bring a backup snack expectation in mind.

Deck time, sun beds, and staying comfortable in real Atlantic wind

You’re not just trapped in the seating area. The boat has sections where you can relax and sunbathe on the decks. That matters because this tour’s best moments happen when you’re positioned to look out and settle into the view.

Sun beds at the front of the boat are extra and operate on a first come, first served basis. One reviewer said they were charged around €25 for the front sun beds and noted they were only suitable for smaller people or kids. So if sun beds are a must-have for you, don’t wait until late in the trip to look for space.

Also plan for movement. Multiple reviews mention seasickness for some passengers, even when the day is otherwise fine. If you’re sensitive to boat motion, bring what helps you (like motion sickness meds) and try to keep your eyes on the horizon rather than staring down at your phone.

Crew, commentary, and the big-boat atmosphere (160 people max)

The staff gets a lot of credit in the feedback, especially for professionalism and keeping the day moving smoothly. Guides provide commentary throughout the search and cruise sections, and several reviews praised the quality of the information—especially the way the crew explains whales and dolphins and keeps things lively.

Because the maximum group size is 160, expect a lively atmosphere. You might also notice how service works in waves: food and drinks are handled efficiently for a large group, but that can lead to a “everyone gets the same thing” feeling with limited choices.

There’s also the human side of it. One review praised a captain for expert navigation during a maneuver back into port to drop off a passenger. That’s a reminder that the crew is actively managing more than just sightseeing.

If you care about order and comfort, take the motion seriously. One review described a guest vomiting near them and said the crew didn’t move that person. That’s the kind of incident you can’t fully plan for, but it’s another reason to pick your comfort strategy early—like choosing a seat and area that feels stable to you.

Price and value: why $72 can feel fair (or not)

At $72.08 per person, this tour is priced like a mainstream half-day cruise—yet it includes meaningful extras: alcoholic drinks and a warm lunch. For a lot of people, that combination is the big reason the price feels worth it. You’re not building your budget around buying snacks on top of the ticket.

So when does it feel overpriced? If you expected a more premium lunch setup, more drink variety, or consistently big wildlife sightings. A few reviews said the food and drink options were more basic than expected, and some felt the boat was large and the whale/dolphin sightings weren’t as frequent as hoped.

My takeaway for value: this works best if you want a simple, high-convenience day where food and drinks are taken care of and you’re open to wildlife being unpredictable. If you’re chasing maximum animal sightings and you dislike crowds, you might do better with a smaller-boat format.

Practical tips before you go (so the day feels easy)

A few small choices can make a big difference on a catamaran day:

• Bring a light wind layer. Even in afternoon sun, deck wind can cool you down.
• Pack motion-sickness help if you’ve ever felt queasy on boats.
• Plan for sun beds to be limited if you’re paying extra for the front area.
• Expect a consistent lunch menu and a drink service setup designed for a large group.
• Leave room in your day for an easy return—this half-day can be a solid connector between beach time and dinner.

If you’re doing pickup, remember it’s limited. Pickup is offered only from set hotels and only within the south of Tenerife area. Hotels close to the port may require you to go directly to the port.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a great fit if you:

• Want whale and dolphin spotting with expert explanations
• Like the idea of a included open bar plus a warm lunch
• Enjoy deck time and panoramic cruising between Puerto Colón/Costa Adeje and the Los Gigantes-Masca area
• Are okay with a big-boat feel (up to 160 people) and some variability in animal sightings

Think twice if you:

• Only want a serious chance at constant animal sightings and don’t handle slow wildlife search days well
• Are picky about food quality or drink variety
• Strongly prefer a small boat where service feels more personal

Should you book this Tenerife whale and dolphin catamaran?

I’d book it if your priority is a fun half-day at sea with included lunch and alcoholic drinks, plus a strong chance to see whales and dolphins while cruising past Los Gigantes. The price makes more sense when you treat it as a convenient day package rather than a fine-dining or boutique wildlife mission.

I’d skip or consider another option if wildlife volume is your only metric and you already know you’ll be disappointed by fewer sightings than expected. Also, if boats make you feel sick, be prepared—this is an open-water experience, not a calm lake cruise.

If you land on a day with good sightings, the overall setup is exactly what you want from Tenerife: sun, sea views, and wildlife education, wrapped into one smooth 4.5-hour block.

FAQ

What time does the tour depart?

It departs daily at 13:15, and the activity lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes.

Where is the tour meeting point?

The meeting point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Does this tour include food and drinks?

Yes. The tour includes alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soda/pop, and a warm lunch (chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and banana).

What languages are offered on board?

The tour offers English and Spanish.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered from set hotels, but only in the south of Tenerife. Some hotels close to the port may require you to go directly to the port. You’ll need to leave your mobile number (with country code) and email so the meeting instructions can be sent.

Are sun beds included?

Sun beds at the front of the boat are not included. They cost extra and are first come, first served.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 160 travelers.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the meeting point.

Is there a weather-related cancellation?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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