Whales are a long shot, but the day feels special. This Tenerife half-day catamaran pairs wildlife spotting with classic views of Los Gigantes and the Barranco de Masca coast. I especially like that the trip includes alcoholic drinks plus a warm lunch, so you’re not hunting for food halfway through the ocean.

One thing to consider: because this is a larger open-water-style outing, seasickness can hit some people even when the weather looks fine. If you’re even slightly motion-prone, plan for it before you board.

Key things you should notice before you go

• Whale and dolphin search, guided on the water with facts about habitat, feeding, and migration.
• Alcoholic beverages are included, which turns the cruise from a basic tour into a proper half-day treat.
• Los Gigantes and Masca views are the real backdrop—you spend a lot of time just enjoying the coastline from deck.
• Warm lunch onboard (chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, banana) plus water and soda/pop.
• Front sun beds cost extra and are first come first served, so arrive with a game plan.
• It’s a big boat outing (max up to 160), so expect a lively atmosphere rather than a quiet, private cruise.

Puerto Colón to Los Gigantes: the 4.5-hour flow that keeps you comfortable

This is a straightforward half-day trip designed around a simple rhythm: leave, cruise the search area for marine life, take in the coastline, then return with time to relax on the decks.

You set off daily at 13:15 (1:15 pm) and it runs about 4 hours 30 minutes. The action starts from the Costa Adeje area (Puerto Colón is where the sailing begins), with your meeting point listed at Av. de Colón, 11, Playa de la Américas. If you’re using pickup, you’ll get closer directions after booking because the exact boarding instructions depend on where your hotel falls.

What that means for you on the water: you’re not rushing from one stop to another like a bus tour. Instead, you get time. Time to settle into the motion. Time to scan the horizon. Time to watch the dramatic cliffs slide by as the coastline grows more impressive.

And since the tour runs 364 days a year (closed only on January 1), it’s the kind of activity you can fit into almost any Tenerife itinerary.

Whale and dolphin spotting: what to expect when the ocean decides

Let’s keep this real. Whale watching does not come with a guarantee. The tour is built around searching for whales and dolphins while sailing toward the Los Gigantes and Masca area, with a guide giving context as you go.

Here’s what you can count on:

• You’ll have an onboard guide with English and Spanish narration.
• You’ll get information about where whales and dolphins are found, what they eat, and migration patterns.
• The crew will actively look while the boat is moving, not just during one brief moment.

Now here’s the part that matters: sightings can vary. On a bigger catamaran, you might see only a few animals, or you might hit a better moment with more activity. Either way, the experience is structured so the cruise still feels like something—even when the wildlife show is small.

I like this approach because it rewards patience. You’re not doing a drive-by “check the box.” You’re spending real time at sea, with a guide helping you interpret what you’re seeing (or what you’re not seeing yet).

Los Gigantes plus the Barranco de Masca coast: the views are the bonus anchor

Los Gigantes is the headline for a reason. From the water, the cliffs feel bigger and more imposing than they do from land. On this tour, you’re sailing in that Los Gigantes direction and then—before heading back—you get time to relax on board and sunbathe while admiring the coast of Barranco de Masca.

That final stretch is smart. It’s when you can stop scanning quite so hard, start enjoying the scenery without pressure, and just let the Atlantic do its thing. If you tend to miss the best bits when you’re focused on one task, this part is a lifesaver.

Also, this is a cruise that works well for photos and for just staring. The cliffs and coastline change as the boat angle shifts, so it’s not one static “pretty view.” It’s a slow sequence of coastline moments—good for wide shots, good for close coastline textures, and good for that slightly awe-struck feeling you can’t get from a viewpoint.

Lunch, drinks, and what the all-in onboard setup is actually worth

This is one of the strongest value points of the tour. The included meal and drinks mean you’re not paying extra to keep your energy up halfway through.

Included in your price:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Bottled water
• Lunch: chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and banana
• Soda/pop

A warm lunch onboard sounds like a small detail, but it changes your day. You’re out at sea, and food timing matters. If you’ve ever done a half-day excursion where you’re hungry and grumpy by hour two, you’ll appreciate that this one feeds you.

For drinks, the big idea is: yes, you get alcohol included. The experience is set up like an open bar rather than a pay-as-you-go system. One practical consideration: drink service can be basic and portion-sized, so don’t treat it like a cocktail bar menu. Think more along the lines of an included, easy-to-grab drink program while you enjoy the cruise.

Food-wise, don’t expect fine dining. This is a group catamaran lunch: simple, warm, filling, and designed to feed everyone on schedule. If you’re a very picky eater, the lack of choice could bother you. If you mostly want to avoid hunger and keep the day moving, you’ll be happy enough.

Overall: for $72.08 per person, the drinks plus warm lunch are what help this feel like more than just a sightseeing ticket. You’re paying for a full half-day experience, not just a boat ride.

Sun beds, deck time, and beating the wind and motion

On a catamaran, comfort is a choice. You’ll have areas on the decks to relax and sunbathe, but the sun beds at the front of the boat cost extra and are first come first served. If sun beds matter to you, plan to claim your spot early rather than assuming you can stroll up later.

Also pack for Tenerife sea conditions. Even when the weather is pleasant, ocean wind can make it feel cooler than you expect. A light layer helps, and if you run cold easily, bring something that cuts wind.

Then there’s motion. Some people are fine. Others get hit—especially on larger boats and in open-water conditions. The practical move is to sit where the boat feels steadier for you. If you know you get seasick, come prepared with your preferred remedy and avoid treating lunch like it’s a guaranteed win for your stomach.

This is not an outing for stubborn optimism if you’re prone to motion sickness. Be smart early and you’ll enjoy the day more.

The small logistics that can make or break your boarding

This tour is well organized overall, but details matter because the boarding setup is tied to where you’re coming from.

Here are the facts you should work with:

• You’ll get confirmation and your gate number later.
• If you want pickup, you must provide a mobile number with country code and your email, so the operator can send meeting instructions.
• Pickup is offered from set hotels, but not everywhere.
• They don’t offer pickup outside the south of Tenerife.
• Hotels close to the port may require you to go directly to the port.
• There are three large catamarans operating this excursion, and you can’t choose which one you’ll be on.

One more detail: because there are multiple boats, do not plan to wing it on the day. Confirm your instructions and show up where you’re told. Most problems on boat tours come from people arriving at the wrong spot, not from anything dramatic happening.

Who should book the Tenerife whale and dolphin catamaran—and who shouldn’t

This tour is a good fit if you:

• Want wildlife time without having to drive yourself around the island.
• Like guided commentary while you’re out on the water.
• Appreciate the comfort of a warm lunch and included drinks for a half-day outing.
• Prefer a bigger boat vibe where it’s lively and social.

You might want to think twice if you:

• Get motion sickness easily and don’t plan for it.
• Expect gourmet food or a full selection menu. This lunch is straightforward and meant for the group.
• Want a super intimate experience. With up to 160 travelers, the atmosphere won’t be quiet and personal.

If your goal is both wildlife and a scenic coastline day, this checks those boxes better than most “quick cruise” options.

Should you book this catamaran to Los Gigantes & Masca?

Book it if you want a high-value half-day that combines three things well: marine-life searching, big Tenerife scenery, and no-stress onboard fueling thanks to drinks and a warm lunch.

Skip it or choose a different style of tour if you’re very sensitive to boat motion, or if you care most about guaranteed, constant wildlife sightings. The ocean decides what you’ll see, and this itinerary is designed to keep the day enjoyable even when the wildlife moment is brief.

If you do book: bring a wind layer, plan for motion, and arrive ready to relax on deck. Do those basics and you’ll get the best version of what this tour is built for—Los Gigantes views, Masca coastline time, and a real chance to spot whales and dolphins while you’re already enjoying the ride.

FAQ

What time does the whale watching catamaran depart?

The daily departure time is 13:15 (1:15 pm).

Where do I meet for the tour in Tenerife?

The meeting point is listed at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The sailing starts from the Puerto Colón area in Costa Adeje.

Do you offer hotel pickup?

Pickup is offered from set hotels, but only in the south of Tenerife. Hotels close to the port may require you to go directly to the port.

What’s included with the ticket price?

Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soda/pop, and warm lunch are included.

Is lunch included, and what does it include?

Yes, lunch is included. It consists of chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana.

Are sun beds included on the boat?

Sun beds at the front of the boat are an extra charge and are first come first served.

What languages do the guides speak?

The tour is offered in English and Spanish.

What if the weather is bad?

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

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