Adeje: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise with Lunch and Swim

Exploring Tenerife’s Marine Life: Whale and Dolphin Watching with Lunch and Swim

A whale and dolphin watching cruise from Adeje offers a fantastic way to experience Tenerife’s most captivating marine creatures. As a guide, I’ve seen plenty of tours, but this one stands out for its blend of wildlife sightings, scenic beauty, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The boats are spacious, with plenty of viewing decks, and the guides are knowledgeable, making sure everyone gets a good look at these gentle giants and playful dolphins. Plus, the chance to enjoy a swim in the Atlantic and a tasty included lunch makes this experience more than just a wildlife tour—it’s a full-on ocean adventure.

What I love most about this cruise is the opportunity to see dolphins swimming close to the boat, often on the lower deck where photos and videos turn out stunningly. Many reviews praise the friendly crew and the professional guides, such as Johan, who made the trip both fun and informative. The underwater windows, offering panoramic views of the sea life beneath, are a unique touch that sets this apart from standard boat trips. The second highlight? The scenic stops, especially the chance to swim off Diego Hernandez Bay or near the cliffs of Los Gigantes—both breathtaking spots that make the trip memorable.

A potential consideration is the choppiness of the sea, which can cause seasickness, especially on the shorter or windy days. It’s wise to bring seasickness medication if you’re prone, and note that the boat’s movement is mostly on the main deck, with limited wheelchair access to the bathrooms. If you’re planning to include swimming, be prepared for a quick but refreshing dip, and bring your own snorkel gear if you want to explore underwater more thoroughly. This tour offers excellent value, especially considering the all-inclusive drinks, lunch, and multiple chances to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Wildlife Encounters Are the Highlight: Expect to see dolphins and pilot whales, often swimming close enough to capture great photos.
• Underwater Views Add a Unique Touch: The 16 panoramic submarine windows give you a rare glimpse into the marine world below the boat.
• Flexible Tour Options: Choose between a 3-hour cruise at Diego Hernandez Bay with a swim and lunch or a longer 4.5-hour trip to Los Gigantes for more scenic exploration.
• All-You-Can-Drink Included: Soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water are served freely throughout, making it easy to stay refreshed.
• Lunch Is Usually Generous and Varied: Expect a sit-down meal, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options available on request—reviews say it’s a hearty, well-presented meal.
• Family-Friendly and Accessible: The trip is wheelchair accessible, and children tend to enjoy the sea, wildlife, and swim stops.
• Experienced Guides Make a Difference: Guides like Johan are often praised for their friendly, multilingual explanations and tips, enhancing the experience.
• Good Value for Money: At $57 per person, the combination of wildlife watching, swimming, lunch, and drinks provides a considerable bang for your buck.

The Experience in Detail: A Complete Breakdown

Starting Off: Easy Meeting Point and Clear Instructions

The tour begins at the Royal Delfín Catamaran docked at Dock 12 in Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje. Most reviews mention how straightforward it is to find, especially if you opt for a taxi from nearby hotels—many visitors praised the convenience and stress-free check-in process. Guides like Johan take the time for a detailed safety briefing, which helps ease first-timers who might be nervous about the sea. If you arrive early, you can pick your preferred seating, often on upper decks with panoramic views.

The Scenic Voyage: What You’ll See and Feel

Once underway, the boat slices through the calm waters, giving you sweeping views of Tenerife’s rugged coast. The guides—who speak several languages including English, Spanish, Dutch, and more—share interesting tidbits about local marine life and the conservation efforts in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary. Many reviews mention how attentive the crew is in helping everyone spot whales and dolphins. You’ll often see dolphins swimming alongside the boat, sometimes even riding the bow waves, which is a delight for kids and adults alike.

Marine Life Encounters: The Main Attraction

The core of this cruise is the chance to see dolphins and pilot whales in their natural environment. Multiple reviewers mentioned how close the whales came to the boat—sometimes staying alongside for 30 minutes or more—making for spectacular photo opportunities. One guest recalled a sighting of a baby dolphin, which truly is a special moment. The underwater windows come into play here, letting you glimpse marine life beneath the surface, a feature praised by reviewers and a highlight for many.

The Swim and Lunch Stops: Perfect Mid-Trip Breaks

Depending on your chosen option, you’ll either head to Diego Hernandez Bay or explore the cliffs of Los Gigantes. The shorter cruise stops at Diego Hernandez Bay, where you can jump into the crystal-clear Atlantic waters, often described as invigorating and refreshing. The longer Los Gigantes trip offers a stunning view of the cliffs, and the anchor point provides a perfect spot for a swim.

Many reviewers noted the good quality of the lunch, which is served during the stop—think fresh salads, rice, and meat or vegetarian options. Some mentioned that the meal is hearty, filling, and well-presented, adding to the overall value. Drinks—soft drinks, beer, sangria—are unlimited, and some guests appreciated the variety.

Comfort and Convenience: What You Need to Know

The boat is large enough to avoid overcrowding, even for groups of 200, as some reviews mention. The main deck is where you’ll spend most of your time, with good access to observation points. The crew keeps the drinks flowing and often points out wildlife and scenery along the way. If seasickness worries you, bringing medication is advised—some reviews noted choppiness and how it affected sensitive travelers.

Accessibility is considered, although movement is limited mostly to the main deck, and bathrooms are not wheelchair-friendly. Still, many reviews praise how accommodating the staff is for those with mobility issues.

End of the Day: Returning with Photos and Memories

Most trips conclude back at the same dock, with many guests feeling satisfied and eager to share their photos. Some reviewers mentioned the optional purchase of photos taken during the trip, which can be a worthwhile keepsake. The overall atmosphere is friendly, relaxed, and focused on enjoying the ocean and its inhabitants.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re keen on witnessing playful dolphins and majestic whales in the wild, this trip is a no-brainer. It’s especially suited for families, couples, and solo travelers who appreciate a mixture of wildlife, scenic views, and ocean activity. The inclusive lunch and drinks make it appealing for those who prefer a more relaxed, all-in-one experience. Those prone to seasickness should consider bringing medication, and travelers with mobility issues should communicate beforehand.

It’s also a fantastic value—at just $57, you get multiple wildlife sightings, a scenic boat ride, a swim stop, and a hearty meal. Many reviewers felt it was more than worth the price, thanks to the quality of sights and the friendly crew.

FAQs

• What is the duration of the cruise?
  The trip lasts between 3 and 4.5 hours, depending on the option you choose and availability.

• Where does the tour start?
  The cruise departs from Dock 12 at Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje, with a straightforward meeting point.

• Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals available?
  Yes, special dietary requests can be arranged upon request to ensure everyone enjoys the lunch.

• Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
  The boat is accessible, but movement is limited mostly to the main deck, and the bathrooms are not wheelchair adapted.

• What should I bring?
  Comfortables shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), swimwear, and weather-appropriate clothing. Seasickness medication is recommended if you’re prone.

• Can I buy photos of my trip?
  Yes, photos can be purchased after the trip, although they are not included in the price.

• Is hotel pickup included?
  No, the tour starts at the dock, but many find taxis convenient for reaching the meeting point.

• Are drinks included?
  Yes, soft drinks, beer, and sangria are available freely throughout the cruise.

Final Thoughts

This whale and dolphin cruise from Adeje is a well-balanced mix of wildlife viewing, scenic beauty, and relaxing ocean activities. The knowledgeable guides and the chance to see marine mammals in their natural habitat make it a standout experience—especially if you’re interested in nature and the ocean. The inclusion of lunch and drinks, along with the opportunity to swim in the Atlantic, packs a lot of value into a 3- to 4.5-hour adventure.

Perfect for families, nature lovers, or anyone wanting a memorable day at sea, this tour offers a genuine glimpse into Tenerife’s marine world without breaking the bank. Just keep in mind the sea conditions and accessibility considerations, and you’ll likely leave with stories and photos to cherish for years.

Happy sailing and whale-watching—Tenerife’s ocean life awaits you.