Adeje: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise with Lunch and Swim

Pilot whales and dolphins are the main event here, but the 16 underwater windows give this Adeje cruise an extra angle. You can watch from the deck, then look below the waterline as the catamaran moves through Tenerife’s protected southwest coast.

I like the respectful approach to wildlife, with the boat keeping its distance and letting animals come near, and I like the practical value: lunch, soft drinks, beer, and sangria are included. The main caution is the sea itself. The boat can roll in open water, especially after leaving Puerto Colón, so take seasickness precautions if you need them.

Key points

• Two routes: Choose a three-hour cruise to Diego Hernández Bay or a 4.5-hour sail toward Masca and the cliffs of Los Gigantes.
• Pilot whales are a strong possibility: The southwest coast is home to resident cetaceans, though wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.
• 16 underwater windows: A useful feature when animals pass below or beside the boat.
• Swim and lunch stop: You get about 40 minutes at anchor, with food and drinks served onboard.
• Multilingual guiding: Commentary is offered in Spanish, Dutch, English, German, Italian, and French.
• Good family value: The boat has several viewing levels, a relaxed pace, and drinks available throughout the trip.

What This Adeje Whale Cruise Is Really Like

This is a half-day outing from Puerto Colón, not a small private expedition. The catamaran can carry a large number of people, but its several levels and open viewing areas help spread everyone out. At the most exciting moments, such as a whale surfacing near the boat, people naturally gather along the rails, so expect some crowding.

The setting is Tenerife’s Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, a Special Conservation Area along the island’s southwest coast. Pilot whales live in these waters year-round, and dolphins are also regularly seen. You may spot flying fish, turtles, and different dolphin species, but the exact show depends on the animals and the sea conditions that day.

The guide gives safety information, points out wildlife, and explains parts of the coast. Commentary is available in six languages. One guide named Johan was especially noted for switching between languages with ease, while crew members such as Anita and her team have been praised for being attentive and good with families. The exact guide depends on your departure.

Choosing Diego Hernández or Masca and Los Gigantes

The three-hour Diego Hernández cruise is the sensible choice if you want a shorter outing or are concerned about seasickness. The boat heads out from Puerto Colón, spends time searching for cetaceans, and then anchors at Diego Hernández Bay for a swim and lunch stop. Drinks are available during the trip.

The shorter route does not take you right up to Los Gigantes. You may see the cliffs from farther away, but this option focuses more on wildlife, the swim, and a compact time at sea. It is also easier to fit into a busy Tenerife schedule.

The 4.5-hour Masca and Los Gigantes cruise gives you more time along the southwest coast. The huge cliffs are the visual prize, rising dramatically from the water near one of the island’s most impressive coastal areas. The boat searches for whales and dolphins on the way, then anchors in a scenic bay for swimming and lunch.

Choose this longer route if the cliffs matter to you and you want a fuller day on the water. The tradeoff is simple: more scenery and more time at sea can also mean more exposure to rolling waves. If you are prone to motion sickness, the three-hour option may be the better bargain, even if Los Gigantes is on your must-see list.

From Puerto Colón to the Whale Sanctuary

You meet at or near the Royal Delfín catamaran at Puerto Colón, with the exact boarding point depending on the option booked. Allow time to find the correct gangway. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the harbor.

After a safety briefing, the boat leaves the marina and follows the southwest coast. The first part takes roughly 30 minutes, giving you time to settle in, find a good viewing spot, and take in the coastline. Morning departures can feel cool in the sea breeze, even in Tenerife, so bring a light jacket.

Once the boat reaches open water, the crew begins searching for cetaceans. The guide helps direct attention to movement near the surface, and the captain adjusts course carefully rather than racing after animals. That matters. The best encounters feel calm and natural, with whales or dolphins approaching the boat instead of being chased.

Several levels give you different views. The upper deck offers wider views and better airflow, which may help if you feel queasy. The lower deck is useful for close views near the water, and the underwater windows let you watch from below the surface. One of the most appealing moments can come when dolphins pass alongside the boat and appear through the glass.

Seeing Pilot Whales and Dolphins at Sea

Pilot whales are the animals you are most likely to hope for here, and many departures see several groups. You might watch a pod surface together, see a whale roll near the boat, or catch only brief appearances. Dolphins can be more energetic, sometimes moving quickly beside the catamaran in small groups.

This is wildlife watching, not a show with a fixed schedule. A quiet outing is possible, and the crew cannot control that. Still, the protected waters off southwest Tenerife offer a strong chance of seeing marine life, and past departures have included pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, flying fish, and even a sea turtle.

Bring your own camera if you want photos. The boat also has a photographer who takes pictures and video for purchase. There is no obligation to buy them, though the chance to get a clear shot of a whale or a family picture on the boat can be useful if your phone camera struggles with moving subjects.

The crew’s attitude toward the animals is one of the better features. The boat keeps a respectful distance and does not encourage feeding or touching marine life. Drones are not allowed, and feeding animals is prohibited. That keeps the encounter focused on observation rather than interaction.

The Underwater Windows Are Worth Using

The catamaran’s 16 panoramic submarine windows are not a gimmick you should ignore. You will still see more from the open decks when a whale surfaces, but the windows offer a different view when animals pass low beside the hull.

Use them early in the trip, before everyone gathers there. If the water is clear and a dolphin or whale moves below the boat, the sight can feel surprisingly close. On the other hand, underwater visibility varies, and you should not expect a full aquarium-style view throughout the cruise.

The windows are also useful for children who tire of standing at the rail. A youngster can move between the lower viewing area and the outside decks, keeping the outing varied. Families have particularly good reason to choose this boat because the animal watching, swim stop, lunch, and several seating levels create a full day without needing extra activities.

Swimming at Diego Hernández Bay or Masca Bay

The swim stop lasts about 40 minutes, though the precise timing can vary with conditions. The boat anchors in a sheltered bay, and you can enter the Atlantic from the boat. Water clarity is often excellent, with views of fish beneath swimmers reported at some stops.

This is a swim from the catamaran, not a beach visit. You do not walk ashore, and snorkeling equipment is not included. Bring swimwear, a towel if you need one, sunscreen, and a hat for the rest of the day. You may bring your own snorkeling gear, but rental equipment is not provided.

The stop can feel busy when many people want to enter the water at once. If swimming is important to you, listen carefully to the crew and move efficiently around the boarding areas. Some departures have had a shorter-feeling swim stop, so do not book this cruise solely for a long session in the water.

The setting is the real reward. In the Masca area, tall cliffs and clear water make a striking backdrop. At Diego Hernández, the appeal is a calmer bay and a refreshing break after watching the sea. The swim also breaks up the longer 4.5-hour route, which could otherwise feel like a lot of time seated on a boat.

Lunch, Drinks, and the Practical Value

Lunch is served onboard during or around the swim stop. The food is described as a straightforward meal, commonly including meat, rice, salad, fruit, and sometimes a local sweet. Portions can be generous, and the meal is designed to fill you up without being too heavy before more time on the water.

Do not expect a restaurant meal. Some people find the food tasty and plentiful, while others would prefer more side dishes or a wider choice. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available on request, so tell the provider in advance rather than waiting until you board.

Drinks are one of the strongest value points. Water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria are available throughout the cruise, with self-service machines reported onboard. Adults may also receive a small drink before returning to port, depending on the crew and departure.

At $59 per person, the package compares well with a basic boat trip because you are paying for several hours at sea, a guided wildlife search, a swim stop, lunch, and drinks. The longer route gives you more sightseeing time, but the shorter trip may offer better value if you know that four and a half hours on open water will test your patience or stomach.

Seasickness, Seating, and What to Bring

The boat may feel choppy as it leaves the harbor and reaches open water. If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual medication before departure and bring it with you. Sitting on the upper deck, facing forward, and getting fresh air may help, though no seating position removes all movement.

Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. Add sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the forecast. A light jacket is particularly useful on a morning cruise.

Keep your belongings secure around the swim stop. The boat is moving and can rock, so a phone or camera needs a firm grip. The crew can take family photographs, but personal pictures remain your responsibility.

The experience is wheelchair accessible on the main deck, but movement is limited there. The bathrooms are not wheelchair adapted, electric wheelchairs are not allowed, and you should contact the provider ahead of time so the crew can confirm there is enough room. Assistance dogs are allowed, but other pets are not.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would choose this for families, couples, and first-time visitors who want a broad taste of Tenerife’s southwest coast in one outing. You get wildlife, cliffs, a swim, lunch, and a look beneath the boat without arranging four separate activities.

It suits you especially well if you value good inclusions and an easy pace. You can move around, take photos, listen to the guide, and choose between sun and shade. The multilingual commentary also helps when a group includes people who speak different languages.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet, private boat or a specialist wildlife expedition. The catamaran carries many people, and the most popular viewing spots can fill quickly. It is also a poor match if you dislike open water, cannot tolerate boat movement, or expect guaranteed sightings.

For the best chance of a comfortable trip, arrive ready for sun and wind, choose the shorter route if seasickness is a concern, and decide in advance whether your priority is wildlife or the Los Gigantes cliffs.

Should You Book the Royal Delfín Cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced half-day on the water with a genuine chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins, plus lunch, drinks, and a swim. The underwater windows, multilingual guide, and respectful wildlife approach make it more than a simple coastal ride.

Choose the three-hour Diego Hernández option for a compact outing and the 4.5-hour Masca and Los Gigantes route for bigger coastal views. I would skip it only if you need a small boat, a quiet atmosphere, or complete protection from rough water. For most people staying around Adeje, this is a practical way to see Tenerife from its most rewarding side: offshore.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

You can choose between a three-hour cruise to Diego Hernández Bay and a 4.5-hour cruise toward Masca and Los Gigantes.

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs from the Puerto Colón area, with the exact meeting point depending on the option booked. Boarding is at or near the Royal Delfín catamaran.

What animals might I see?

The main species are pilot whales and dolphins. You might also see flying fish, turtles, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, and other marine life, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with drinks. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options can be requested in advance.

What drinks are included?

Water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria are available during the cruise. The selection may vary slightly by departure.

Can I swim from the boat?

Yes. The cruise includes a stop of about 40 minutes for swimming in a bay. The exact location depends on the route and sea conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to use it.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The boat is accessible on the main deck, but movement is limited there. The bathrooms are not wheelchair adapted, electric wheelchairs are not allowed, and wheelchair users should inform the provider beforehand.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing. A light jacket is useful on morning departures, and anyone prone to seasickness should bring suitable medication.