Adeje: Whale Watching Tour to Los Gigantes with lunch & swim

A Closer Look at the Adeje Whale Watching & Los Gigantes Adventure

This five-hour tour from Adeje offers a chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment while enjoying the stunning scenery of Los Gigantes’ towering cliffs. From the moment you set sail, you’ll be immersed in the beauty of Tenerife’s coast, with opportunities for swimming, dining, and wildlife spotting all packed into one memorable trip.

What I love about this experience is the chance to witness whale and dolphin sightings in open waters—something that’s often unpredictable but truly magical when it happens. The lunch under the cliffs of Los Gigantes is another highlight; many reviews mention the delicious buffet and refreshing drinks like sangria, which make the trip feel like a proper mini holiday. Plus, the opportunity to swim in crystal-clear waters under those dramatic cliffs makes this trip stand out.

One thing travelers should keep in mind is that seasickness can be an issue for some, especially on a boat that sways a lot during the crossing. Several reviews note that the vessel can be quite bouncy, so if you’re prone to feeling queasy, it’s worth preparing accordingly. Still, with a lively crew and plentiful amenities, most find the day well worth the ride.

Key points / Takeaways

• Wildlife in Action: You have a good chance of seeing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, which is the main thrill of this tour.
• Dramatic Cliffs: The Los Gigantes cliffs are over 600 meters tall and offer some of the most striking scenery on the island.
• Swimming and Snorkeling: The anchor spot in a bay under the cliffs provides inviting, clear waters perfect for a refreshing dip.
• Onboard Meal: The buffet lunch, including soft drinks, beer, and wine, gets high marks for quality and variety.
• Experienced Guides: Multiple reviews praise the crew, especially guides like Andy, for their friendliness and knowledge.
• Transport & Convenience: Optional pickups make this easier to fit into your schedule, though some find having a car more straightforward.

Navigating the Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

The tour kicks off from Puerto Colón, with boarding beginning about 15 minutes prior to departure. You’ll head out at around 11:00 AM (check actual start times when booking), and the journey will first take you into the open waters of Tenerife’s southwestern coast.

Whale and dolphin watching is the main event. The boat will sail to an area where pilot whales are more likely to be seen, and you might enjoy a 30-minute window where the crew helps spot these gentle giants in their natural element. Several reviews mention the friendliness of the crew—particularly Andy—who keeps the atmosphere lively and ensures everyone feels included.

After whale watching, the boat will cruise toward the cliffs of Los Gigantes. This part of the trip is visually spectacular—those vertical walls are more than 600 meters high, creating a sense of awe. The boat anchors in a small bay beneath the cliffs, where you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch with drinks. The food, often described as plentiful and tasty, includes soft drinks, beer, and wine, letting you unwind in comfort.

Following lunch, you’ll have time to swim in the inviting waters of the bay—many reviewers note how clear and refreshing it is. The experience of swimming near such imposing cliffs is something I think many travelers will remember long after the trip ends.

Finally, the boat sails back along the coast to Puerto Colón, offering more scenic views and a chance to unwind with a drink or two, depending on your mood and stamina.

The Full Breakdown: What Makes This Tour a Solid Choice

Wildlife Watching: Seeing whales and dolphins in their natural environment remains the highlight for most. The tour’s route is planned to maximize your chances, especially around pilot whales, which are often seen during the trip. Several reviewers mention the magical moment of spotting these creatures, often described as a “must-do” experience while in Tenerife.

The Cliffs of Los Gigantes: These towering giants of rock are what make this tour unique. Sitting beneath or near these natural formations gives you a sense of scale and power that photos can’t quite capture. Many travelers report being impressed by the sheer height and beauty of the cliffs, which dominate the horizon.

Swimming and Lunch Experience: Anchoring in a bay beneath the cliffs allows for a relaxing swim in crystal-clear waters—perfect for cooling off after wildlife watching. The onboard buffet, which includes delicious local dishes and drinks, has earned praise for its quality. Many reviews highlight how the crew keeps the mood cheerful, with free-flowing sangria and beers adding to the fun.

Crew and Guides: The staff, including guides like Andy, are consistently praised for their friendly, knowledgeable approach. They manage the boat smoothly and keep everyone entertained, which makes a difference, especially on a longer trip.

Transportation & Logistics: The tour offers optional pickups, which can save you a lot of hassle. If you’re self-driving, you can arrive directly at the pier, which many find more convenient. The entire experience runs for about 5 hours, a length that balances adventure with comfort, especially given the included activities and meal.

Value for Money: Considering the whale sightings, the buffet lunch, drinks, and swimming, many travelers find this tour offers good value. The reviews point out that the experience is well-organized, fun, and worth the price—especially if wildlife is your main goal.

Possible Drawbacks: Seasickness is a real consideration—several reviews mention that the boat can sway and make some people feel unwell. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider medication or choosing a less choppy day. Also, those who prefer a more private experience might find the group size larger than desired, though most find the atmosphere lively and friendly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for animal lovers eager to see whales and dolphins in the wild, as well as travelers drawn to the dramatic scenery of Los Gigantes. It’s great for those who enjoy group adventures with lively guides and social atmospheres. If you’re comfortable on boats and don’t mind some movement, this tour offers a memorable, well-rounded day out.

Families with older children, couples, and solo travelers will find plenty to enjoy here. However, if you’re very sensitive to seasickness or looking for a more relaxed, less active excursion, you might want to consider a different kind of tour.

Price and Logistics: Is It Worth Booking?

Given that the tour includes wildlife viewing, a buffet lunch with drinks, swimming, and scenic cruising, the price is quite reasonable. The all-in-one nature of the experience provides excellent value, especially since reviews consistently mention the high quality of food and crew.

The optional pickup service makes things easier and helps time management, but arriving directly at the pier is straightforward if you prefer. Remember to check the availability of different departure times, as the length of the trip is fixed at about five hours.

Final Thoughts: Is It a Must-Do in Tenerife?

If you’re looking to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat while marveling at the Los Gigantes cliffs and enjoying a delicious onboard meal, this trip hits the mark. It combines wildlife, scenery, and relaxation in a way that many travelers find satisfying and memorable.

The experience suits those who want a full, active day on the water with plenty of opportunities to unwind and take in some of Tenerife’s most iconic sights. The lively crew, especially guides like Andy, help ensure the atmosphere is fun and relaxed, making it a highlight of many visitors’ trips.

Just keep in mind the seas can be choppy, so prepare accordingly. This tour offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and natural beauty that’s hard to beat in a five-hour window.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 5 hours, including wildlife watching, lunch, swimming, and cruising back along the coast. Always check the specific start times when booking.

Is transportation included?
Transport is optional. The tour offers pickups from various locations, but you can also arrive directly at Puerto Colón, which many find more convenient if you have a car.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. It’s also wise to wear clothes suitable for a boat trip and possibly some seasickness medication if you’re sensitive.

Will I see whales and dolphins?
Most trips aim to maximize wildlife sightings, especially pilot whales. While sightings depend on the day, many reviews mention successful and magical encounters.

Is the lunch included?
Yes, a buffet meal with soft drinks, beer, and wine is included. Many travelers praise the quality and variety, making the meal a highlight.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most ages, but check with the provider if you have very young children or special needs. The experience is best suited for those comfortable on boats.

This tour offers the kind of authentic, lively experience that can make your Tenerife trip truly special. From spectacular scenery and wildlife to tasty food and friendly guides, it’s an adventure worth considering.