Whales and cliffs in one tidy half-day. I love the included lunch and the alcoholic drinks vibe on a Tenerife catamaran. The tradeoff? It’s a big boat, so you can’t control the level of crowding or how many animals you’ll spot.

You sail from Costa Adeje with guided commentary in English (plus Spanish). One more thing to know: there are 3 large catamarans running the same trip, so you can’t pick which one you’ll be on.

Key highlights at a glance

• Whale and dolphin search on the way to the Los Gigantes and Masca coast
• Lunch with hot food plus drinks included so you don’t burn time hunting for a snack
• Time on deck for sunbathing and coastal views before you head back
• A swim stop may be offered in a cove near the cliffs (worth packing for)
• Sun beds cost extra and are first come first served at the front of the boat
• Maximum group size is 160, so it’s not a tiny, quiet sailing experience

Puerto Colón to Los Gigantes and Masca: what you’re really signing up for

This is a classic Tenerife “half-day by sea” plan: you leave the Puerto Colón area in Costa Adeje on a catamaran, search for whales and dolphins, then spend time cruising past the dramatic cliffs around Los Gigantes and the Masca coastline.

The big win here is pacing. In about 4 hours 30 minutes, you get open-ocean time, a featured scenery run past the cliffs, and onboard comfort—without needing a full day out of your schedule.

Timing that actually matters: the 1:15 pm departure

The tour runs daily around 1:15 pm (13:15). That matters because afternoon weather on the south coast often feels more forgiving than early departures when wind can be sharper.

Plan to arrive early enough to board calmly. You’re told your gate number will be confirmed with booking details, and you’ll get those meeting instructions only after you share your contact details (mobile number with country code and email).

Boat setup and the onboard vibe on a big catamaran

This is designed for a large group—up to 160 travelers. That’s great for social energy, but it also means you should expect a busier feel than a small private charter.

You’ll have deck space to relax and sunbathe, but the best front spots aren’t automatically included. Sun beds at the front of the boat cost extra and are first come first served. If you want one, treat it like a timed event rather than a casual bonus.

From the onboard experience side, crew attention gets strong marks. Many people comment on excellent, professional service, and the general feeling is that the staff run a tight ship—plus they do the job of keeping the tour moving at sea.

Drinks and lunch included: great value, but read the fine print

The package includes alcoholic beverages, plus bottled water and soda/pop. Lunch is also included: chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and banana.

This is the part that usually makes the price feel fair. For roughly $72.08 per person, you’re not just paying for a boat ride and wildlife search—you’re getting food and drinks built into the ticket. That’s a real convenience factor in Tenerife, where a snack run can quietly become a half-plan.

Now the honest part: the included bar can be basic in pour size and choice. Some guests report small plastic cups and a limited drink selection. So if your idea of a great open bar is premium liquor or big pours, you might be disappointed. If your idea is a chilled beer or a simple mixed drink while you watch the coastline, it does the job.

The wildlife search: whales, dolphins, and what to expect when sightings vary

The whole point is searching for whales and dolphins while you head toward the Los Gigantes and Masca area. The guide shares facts about where these animals are found, what they eat, and how they migrate, with commentary in English and Spanish.

Here’s the key reality: marine wildlife isn’t a scheduled show. One group may spot pilot whales and dolphins right away; another may only see a few dolphins later or have fewer sightings.

That said, the overall pattern from the experience is positive. Many people report bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales, and the excitement level stays high because you’re on the water in the exact habitat where these animals often appear.

Cruising past Los Gigantes and enjoying the Masca cliffs from sea

The tour doesn’t just take you to a single view. It’s more like a slow scenic cruise along the coast as you approach the mystical cliffs area.

On a good day, the coastline is a full-time show. Even when animal sightings are lighter than expected, you still get that signature Tenerife “cliffs drop straight into the Atlantic” feeling—plus time to sit on deck and take it in.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to watch the coastline unfold rather than just race between photo stops, you’ll likely enjoy this portion a lot.

Swim time and sun beds: the stuff that turns a trip into a memory

Some departures include an option to swim at a cove. It sounds simple, but it’s one of those moments that makes a catamaran trip feel different from a standard sightseeing cruise.

Bring swimwear and a towel you don’t mind getting salt on. Also consider a layer for the wind on deck, since one review specifically calls out cold wind and recommends a vest or wind protection—especially if you’re sensitive to breeze.

Sun beds are a separate decision. They’re extra, at the front, and first come first served. If you’d rather just grab a regular seat and relax, you can still do that. If you want the best comfort, arrive ready to claim it early.

Seasickness and roughness risk: don’t guess, prep

Even on a calm-looking catamaran day, open water can make some people sick. A few guests mention motion sickness hitting a notable portion of the group, and at least one person recalls crew guidance like moving toward the back if you feel unwell.

My practical advice: don’t take chances.

• Bring motion-sickness medication if you’ve ever felt it on boats.
• Wear layers you can adjust as wind changes.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, aim for positions that feel steadier once you’re onboard.

Also keep expectations realistic. If the sea is choppy, wildlife spotting can become harder, and the bar and lunch experience can feel less pleasant. Weather matters, and the operator notes the tour depends on good conditions.

The lunch reality: simple, hot, and not a buffet

Lunch is included and served onboard: chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and banana. It’s positioned as a hot meal, and several people call it decent for a sea trip.

Still, you should know there’s no real choice listed here. Some guests complain the meal felt like basic convenience food rather than something more exciting, while others say it was surprisingly satisfying for the setting.

If you care most about the wildlife and scenery, lunch is there to keep you fueled. If you need gourmet food or dietary options, you’ll probably want to read the meal description carefully before you book.

Crew and commentary: when it lands, it really lands

Crew service gets strong praise—friendly staff, attentive handling, and good explanations. The guide’s wildlife knowledge can be a highlight, especially if you like learning why whales and dolphins show up in certain waters.

That said, in large groups and multi-language settings, some guests say the level of detail can feel brief once animals are spotted and the crew shifts into logistics mode. So: expect education, but also expect the tour to run efficiently with 160 people in the mix.

Value for $72.08: worth it if you price it like a package

Let’s talk value in a way that helps you decide.

You’re paying $72.08 for:

• A half-day catamaran cruise
• Whale and dolphin search
• Lunch
• Alcoholic beverages, plus water and soda

If you’d normally pay for a boat ticket and then buy lunch and drinks separately, this looks like a straightforward deal. Even if the included bar is limited and the meal is simple, you still get a lot of paid elements bundled together.

Where it might feel less worth it is if you strongly prefer:

• a small boat with maximum space
• a wider alcohol selection
• a lunch with more variety or customization

In other words, this is best when you’re here for the sea day and the wildlife chance—not for fine dining or quiet luxury.

Who should book this Tenerife whale watching catamaran

I’d point this one at:

• Wildlife lovers who want a decent chance at whales and dolphins without planning a full day
• People who like a lively onboard atmosphere and don’t mind a larger group
• Anyone who values having lunch and drinks included more than strict gourmet quality
• Couples, friends, and families who want a half-day activity that doesn’t require extra planning

I’d think twice if you:

• get seasick easily and haven’t learned what helps you
• want a very intimate, low-crowd boat experience
• need lots of food choices or strict dietary flexibility (only one lunch plan is described)

Should you book this Tenerife afternoon cruise?

Book it if you want a classic Tenerife sea day: cliffs, wildlife searching, and the practical convenience of lunch plus alcoholic drinks included. The route around Los Gigantes and Masca gives you scenery even when animal sightings aren’t constant.

Don’t book it expecting guaranteed whales every time, or a top-tier bar and gourmet buffet. This is a bigger catamaran tour with a simple meal and an included drinks setup that can be more basic than some people hope.

If you’re ready for a real-world wildlife experience and you pack for wind and possible motion, this afternoon departure is a strong match.

FAQ

What time does the tour leave?

It departs daily at 1:15 pm (13:15).

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup available from hotels?

Yes, pickup is offered from set hotels. If your hotel is close to the port, you may need to go directly to the port. Pickup is only offered from the south of Tenerife.

What should I send for pickup and meeting instructions?

You’re asked to leave your mobile number (with country code) and email so the operator can share meeting instructions. They also confirm your gate number with your booking confirmation.

What’s included in the ticket?

Included are alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soda/pop, and lunch: chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and banana.

Are sun beds included?

No. Sun beds at the front of the boat are an extra charge and are first come first served.

Is there time to swim?

There may be time for a swim in the sea at a cove, depending on conditions and how the day goes.

What languages are the tour guide in?

The tour is offered in English and Spanish.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?

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

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum group size of 160 travelers.

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