5 hrs. Watching and listening whales and dolphins visiting Los Gigantes

A 5-hour tour of marine life and scenic coastlines in Tenerife offers an exciting way to experience the island’s abundant marine habitat. Operated by White Tenerife, this cruise is praised for its expert guidance, comfortable sustainability-focused catamaran, and an enjoyable mix of wildlife watching and coastal scenery. Typical bookings are about 15 days in advance, which speaks to its popularity. The price of around $69 per person feels reasonable considering the included lunch, drinks, and the chance to see whales, dolphins, and even sea turtles in their natural environment.

Two things I particularly appreciate about this experience are the quality of the wildlife encounters and the delicious onboard lunch. Several reviews highlight that the crew, such as Lewis, found pilot whales, dolphins, and even a sea turtle swimming by, adding a layer of excitement and authenticity. Plus, the meal—serving paella rice with chicken and vegetables, fresh fruit, beers, and soft drinks—is thoughtfully included, helping you avoid those long hours on the water without snacks. The third advantage is the photography opportunities—the bay of Masca and the Los Gigantes cliffs are breathtaking backdrops to your marine adventure.

A potential drawback is the weather dependency. Since the tour’s success hinges on good maritime conditions, poor weather can mean cancellations, though the policy offers a full refund or rescheduling. It’s also worth noting that snorkeling equipment isn’t included—a minor extra if you’re eager to explore beneath the surface. Plus, the tour concludes back at the original marina, so you may need to arrange transport to your accommodation.

Key Points

• Wildlife Watching: Expert guides help you spot whales, dolphins, and even sea turtles in their natural habitat.
• Comfort and Sustainability: The cruise runs on a sustainable catamaran designed for comfort and environmental consciousness.
• Inclusive Lunch: Enjoy a prepared onboard meal of paella, fresh fruit, and drinks, which makes the trip more relaxing.
• Photographic Moments: The scenery around Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca Bay offers excellent photo opportunities.
• Group Size: With a maximum of 74 travelers, the experience remains intimate enough for everyone to enjoy.
• Weather Cancellations: The tour is weather-dependent, so flexibility is key if conditions turn unfavorable.

In-Depth Review

Setting Out and the Itinerary

Starting from Costa Adeje at the marina, you’ll board White Tenerife’s well-reviewed catamaran at around 10:30 am. The company emphasizes a sustainable approach, which is important if you’re conscious of eco-tourism. Once out on the water, the itinerary begins with the main event: spotting whales and dolphins. According to reviews, guides like Lewis are very attentive and knowledgeable, making the experience both fun and educational. Lewis and the crew are known for their friendly attitude, and many reviews mention how welcoming and attentive the staff are, making you feel comfortable whether you’re a seasoned marine life enthusiast or just excited to see these creatures.

The guide’s advice on where to look helps you maximize sightings, as marine life is unpredictable but often abundant. Reported sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, and occasionally, sea turtles. The reviews are full of praise for those moments—“saw pilot whales, dolphins, and even a sea turtle swimming by!” (Lewis_C).

Visiting Los Gigantes Cliffs and Masca Bay

After a good stretch of wildlife watching, the boat makes a stop at the Los Gigantes Cliffs, which are truly striking. These cliffs plunge directly into the sea and provide an awe-inspiring backdrop for photos and a chance to appreciate the island’s rugged coastline. It’s a perfect spot for some quick photographs or just sinking in the stunning view.

Next, the boat heads to the quiet bay of Masca, where you’re encouraged to snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Several reviews mention how the water’s transparency allows for great underwater viewing of local flora and fauna, adding an extra layer of adventure. If you’re a snorkeler, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to float amidst vibrant marine life, though snorkel equipment isn’t included—so consider bringing your own if you plan to snorkel extensively.

The Onboard Lunch

One of the tour’s standout features is the included lunch, which is more than just an afterthought. It’s a hearty paella with chicken and vegetables, served along with fresh fruit, water, soft drinks, and beer. This is a real plus because it means no scrambling for snacks on the water or worrying about hunger during the long day. Several guests, like FERNANDO R., have praised this, calling it a “fantastic day” with “great food”. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that pairs well with the laid-back vibe of the cruise.

The Overall Experience

From the reviews, it’s clear that many travelers consider this tour one of the most exciting parts of their holidays. The balance of wildlife, stunning scenery, and good food makes it feel like a well-rounded adventure rather than just a boat trip. The maximum group size of 74 helps keep the atmosphere lively but manageable, and the crew’s focus on attentiveness really shines through.

Considerations and Tips

While the experience is generally very positive, a few practical considerations are worth noting. Because weather dictates the success of marine sightings, it’s wise to book with some flexibility or a backup date if your schedule allows. Also, if snorkeling is a priority, bringing your own gear might be worthwhile, as it’s not included in the package.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re traveling to Tenerife and love the idea of seeing whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural environment, this is one of your best options. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a relaxed, enjoyable day with plenty of photo opportunities and good food. The moderate price and pleasing reviews reflect high value—you’re paying for more than just a boat ride; you’re investing in a memorable wildlife encounter with knowledgeable guides.

It’s also worth noting that this experience suits those who are comfortable on the water for about five hours and want to avoid overly crowded or commercialized excursions. The focus on sustainability and smaller group sizes make it appealing to environmentally conscious travelers.

Final Thoughts

This whale and dolphin watching tour in Tenerife offers an engaging blend of wildlife, wind-in-your-hair sailing, and scenic coastal vistas—all wrapped up with a hearty onboard meal. The expert guidance and friendly crew help make it a highlight for many visitors, and the included lunch means you won’t go hungry amid the excitement. The scenic stops at Los Gigantes and Masca add a visual feast, making this cruise more than just a boat trip; it’s a full day of nature and leisure.

If you’re eager for authentic encounters with marine life, enjoy stunning natural scenery, and value comfort and good food, this tour is well worth considering. Just remember to keep an eye on the weather forecast and bring your snorkel gear if exploring underwater moves up your list.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes a 5-hour cruise, all fees and taxes, onboard lunch of rice with chicken and vegetables, fresh fruit, and drinks (water, soft drinks, beer).

What is not included?
Snorkeling equipment isn’t provided, so if you plan to snorkel, bring your own gear. Also, transportation to and from the marina isn’t included.

What time does the tour start?
The adventure begins at 10:30 am from White Tenerife’s marina at Pantalán 8, Costa Adeje.

How many people are on each boat?
The maximum group size is 74 travelers, which balances a fun, lively atmosphere with enough space to move comfortably.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor?
Yes, the tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 15 days before the trip to secure their spot, especially during peak seasons.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, making it a family-friendly activity. Just consider the length at 5 hours on the water.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, a hat, your snorkeling gear if desired, and perhaps a camera or smartphone for photos.

Is the lunch suitable for dietary restrictions?
The included meal is paella with chicken and vegetables; for special diets, you might want to prepare or inquire beforehand.

This well-rounded adventure offers a mix of wildlife, scenic beauty, and comfort, perfect for visitors looking to make the most of their time in Tenerife.