Watching and Listening Whales visiting Los Gigantes&Masca. Food&drinks included

REVIEW · TENERIFE

Watching and Listening Whales visiting Los Gigantes&Masca. Food&drinks included

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  • From $68.61
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Operated by White Tenerife · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (193)Price from$68.61Operated byWhite TenerifeBook viaViator

Whales, cliffs, and lunch at sea. I love the whale-and-dolphin watching time built into the morning, and I really like that the trip includes a proper Canarian meal with drinks onboard. One heads-up: no pickup or drop-off is included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the Marina Puerto Colón meeting point.

This is a half-day catamaran format, so you’re not spending your whole day commuting or waiting around. You’ll get live commentary as you sail the south coast, plus plenty of deck time for photos, sunbathing, and that classic “watch the sea for movement” focus.

The route is simple and scenic: depart from Costa Adeje, sail past the dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs, then anchor near Masca Bay for a relaxed swim stop. If you want whales and dolphins without complicated logistics, this one is set up nicely.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

Watching and Listening Whales visiting Los Gigantes&Masca. Food&drinks included - Key Things to Know Before You Go

  • Morning timing from Costa Adeje (10:30 am) gives you calmer water chances and more daylight for spotting.
  • Los Gigantes cliffs from the sea: you’ll see the coastline at an angle land tours can’t match.
  • Masca Bay swim + sun time: real beachy relaxation, not just a quick photo stop.
  • Food and drinks included onboard (including beer, wine, and soft drinks with the meal).
  • Up to 74 travelers keeps it lively, but still small enough to feel like a group excursion.
  • Snorkel gear costs extra even though you’ll have free time in the water.

Why This Half-Day Catamaran Works So Well

Watching and Listening Whales visiting Los Gigantes&Masca. Food&drinks included - Why This Half-Day Catamaran Works So Well
I like short tours that feel like a treat, not a checklist. This one is about three things: wildlife watching, iconic coastline views, and time to unwind in the water at Masca. In about 5 hours, you’ll get the “wow” parts of Tenerife’s south coast without burning a full day.

What makes the plan practical is that it mixes action and downtime. You’re not only scanning the horizon; you’re also anchored close enough to actually swim and lounge. And because there’s live commentary while you sail, you’re not just staring at waves in silence.

The catamaran setup also helps. You get sea air, open deck space, and a more spacious vibe than smaller speedboats. That matters on a trip where the real star is patience—waiting for marine life to show up.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.

Costa Adeje Departure: Wildlife Watching Starts Early

Watching and Listening Whales visiting Los Gigantes&Masca. Food&drinks included - Costa Adeje Departure: Wildlife Watching Starts Early
The tour kicks off at White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, Marina Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, starting at 10:30 am. This matters because the morning departure gives you more time to spot wildlife before the day gets too hot and the sea gets more chaotic.

You’ll head out in search of dolphins and whales while getting live commentary onboard. The trip is designed for watching in a natural habitat, so the goal is to be in the right areas and stay alert long enough for good chances.

A nice detail: you’re not stuck without a plan once you’re onboard. There’s a structure to the morning sailing, and the crew keeps things moving so you spend your time where it counts. One review also highlighted how the crew looked after safety and comfort, which is exactly what you want when you’re out on open water.

Los Gigantes Cliffs: Views That Feel Like a Movie Scene

Los Gigantes is one of those places that looks unreal from land—and even better from the sea. When you sail along the coast, the cliffs rise up steep and dramatic, and you get the kind of perspective that makes Tenerife feel bigger than it does on a bus window.

This segment also works because it’s scenic without being rushed. You’ll be on the water, moving at a comfortable pace, while wildlife-watching continues and the coastline stays in view. That’s a good balance: you get both the romance of cliffs and the practical reason for being out there—marine spotting.

If you’re the type who likes photos, bring your phone camera mindset. The angles from a catamaran are different from viewpoints on shore. Even if you’re not obsessed with photography, you’ll still appreciate how the cliffs change as the boat shifts position.

Masca Bay Anchor Stop: Swim, Sunbathe, and Relax

Watching and Listening Whales visiting Los Gigantes&Masca. Food&drinks included - Masca Bay Anchor Stop: Swim, Sunbathe, and Relax
After the coastline part, the boat anchors in the Bay of Masca. This is the downtime section, where the tour turns from “watch and wonder” into “kick back.”

You’ll get free time to swim and sunbathe, and you can also snorkel, though snorkel equipment isn’t included (it’s available for purchase). That means you either pack your own gear or plan to rent/buy it if snorkeling is a priority.

Here’s my practical advice: even if you don’t snorkel, the water time is still the best payoff of this tour. You get to cool off in the ocean, float a bit, and enjoy the deck while the boat stays put. It’s one of the reasons this trip feels more like an experience than just a boat ride.

Masca Bay also gives you that rare combo of scenery + comfort. You’re not only looking at the view; you’re using it—swimming, lounging, and soaking up the light while you can.

The Meal and Drinks: Real Canarian Comfort Onboard

Watching and Listening Whales visiting Los Gigantes&Masca. Food&drinks included - The Meal and Drinks: Real Canarian Comfort Onboard
Let’s talk food and drinks, because on boat tours this can be either great… or sad. This one includes a meal and drinks with the ride: rice with chicken and vegetables, plus fresh fruit. The list also includes white wine, beer, water, and soft drinks.

That’s a solid inclusion for the price. You’re not paying extra once you’re already on the water, and you don’t have to hunt for lunch later. It’s the kind of convenience that makes the tour feel like it respects your day.

One review mentioned paella specifically as part of the meal experience, and the overall food and drink setup was praised for being enjoyable and filling. Still, I’ll be honest about the one possible weak point: at least one person found the meal disappointing. If you’re extremely picky about food style, keep your expectations realistic—this is a boat lunch, not a multi-course restaurant meal.

Either way, the meal is timed and served so you’re not just eating randomly while the boat is moving. It’s set up as part of the sailing rhythm.

Crew and Onboard Vibe: Service, Safety, and a Fun Atmosphere

This tour is run by a skipper and two sailors, and there’s live commentary. That combination matters because it gives you both seamanship and context while you’re out there.

A few things that stood out from the experience details:

  • The crew emphasizes comfort and safety, which you’ll feel once you board.
  • The boat has beanbags in the front, but one review noted that only two people can sit there at one time. Translation: it’s a fun spot, but it fills fast.
  • There’s a social element onboard, with at least one review mentioning music and dancing.

If you like a mellow scene, you can still find your calm corner on deck. And if you’re traveling with friends, the energy is there without being chaotic.

Also worth noting: the tour may operate with a multi-lingual guide, and reviews highlighted guides across multiple languages. So even if your Spanish is rusty, you’re likely to catch the main points.

Whale and Dolphin Spotting: How to Increase Your Chances

Watching and Listening Whales visiting Los Gigantes&Masca. Food&drinks included - Whale and Dolphin Spotting: How to Increase Your Chances
No one can promise wildlife sightings on the ocean. But this trip is built for spotting, with time dedicated to watching and listening. That’s a different vibe than “pass by an area, then go eat.”

To boost your odds, do the boring things that work:

  • Be ready when the crew signals or shifts position.
  • Spend more time looking outward than checking your camera.
  • Ask questions when the crew speaks through the commentary—sometimes they’ll clue you into where to focus.

You’re also watching and listening, not just staring. That can change how you scan the water. Movement patterns matter, and the crew’s guidance helps you know what you’re looking for.

From the experience details and results people shared, pilot whales and dolphins are among the marine life you could spot, and there was at least one mention of a turtle too. That’s not a guarantee, but it’s a useful sign that the area can produce a variety of wildlife.

Price and Value: What $68.61 Gets You

Watching and Listening Whales visiting Los Gigantes&Masca. Food&drinks included - Price and Value: What $68.61 Gets You
At $68.61 per person, this is priced like a mid-range sea excursion in Tenerife. The real question is value: what’s included versus what you’d otherwise pay.

Here’s what you’re getting without extra fees:

  • The catamaran tour for around 5 hours
  • Live commentary
  • Crew (skipper and two sailors)
  • Meal (rice with chicken and vegetables), fruit
  • Drinks included (white wine, beer, water, soft drinks)
  • All fees and taxes
  • Admission ticket free is listed, meaning the core activity cost is already covered

What’s not included:

  • Pick-up/drop-off
  • Snorkel equipment (available to purchase)
  • Coffee and cider (available to purchase)
  • Souvenir photos and hammock (available to purchase)

When you compare that to what you’d pay for boat time plus lunch and drinks, the price starts to make sense. The only “value wrinkle” is transport: because pickup isn’t included, you have to plan your own way to the marina. If you’re already in Costa Adeje, that’s usually easy. If you’re staying elsewhere, budget extra for getting there.

What to Bring: Small Stuff That Makes a Big Difference

Because the tour runs in all weather conditions, you should dress like the sea can change its mind in 15 minutes. Pack a light layer for breeze, especially once you’re out sailing.

Here’s the practical list:

  • Swimwear and a towel (you’ll use the water time)
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses (deck time is real)
  • A light jacket or windbreaker for the sail back
  • Your own snorkel gear if you want to snorkel without buying equipment
  • Cash or card for optional purchases like snorkel gear, coffee, cider, and souvenir photos

Also, the tour uses a mobile ticket, so have that accessible on your phone at the meeting point.

If you’re traveling with kids, remember that children must be accompanied by an adult. And if you’re drinking alcohol onboard, the minimum drinking age is 18, so plan accordingly.

Getting There and Staying Flexible

The tour starts back where it meets, at White Tenerife’s Pantalán 8 at Marina Puerto Colón. There’s no pickup included, but it’s noted as near public transportation, which is a relief if you don’t want to fight for parking.

Start time is 10:30 am, so don’t aim for the marina at 10:29. Tenerife tours run on real-world time, not “close enough” time.

One more practical point: the tour has a maximum of 74 travelers. That tends to create a social-but-not-crowded feel. If you like quieter experiences, go early in your day so you can find a spot on deck before it fills up.

And if weather turns rough, the tour still operates in all conditions. That’s good news for planning. It also means you should dress for movement and spray, not just for sunshine.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Skip It)

This is a great fit if you want:

  • A wildlife-focused catamaran trip without the stress of planning viewing points
  • One iconic coastline stop (Los Gigantes) plus real water time (Masca Bay)
  • Food and drinks included, so you’re not hunting for lunch after you sail

It’s also a good choice for couples and small friend groups. The onboard setup gives you both shared moments and personal deck space.

You might skip it if:

  • You’re mainly looking for a land hike or a long stop in a village. This is time at sea and at the anchor, not a walking tour.
  • You expect snorkeling gear to be included. Snorkel equipment is extra, so plan to rent or bring your own.

Should You Book This Whales Watching and Masca Catamaran?

I’d book it if you want an easy win: whales and dolphins potential, cliffs that look dramatic from every angle, and a Masca Bay swim stop that actually lets you enjoy the ocean. The best value comes from the combination—boat time plus meal plus drinks—without making you add costs later.

The one solid reason to hesitate is transport. If you can’t easily reach Costa Adeje / Marina Puerto Colón, that “no pickup/drop-off” detail can make the whole day feel more work than fun.

If you’re already in Costa Adeje or can get to the marina without stress, this tour is an efficient way to see Tenerife’s south coast like you mean it.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour to Los Gigantes and Masca Bay?

It runs for about 5 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:30 am.

Where is the meeting point?

It starts at White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, Marina Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje, Tenerife, Spain.

Does this tour include hotel pickup or drop-off?

No, pickup and drop-off are not included.

What food and drinks are included onboard?

Included items are rice with chicken and vegetables, fresh fruit, white wine, beer, water, and soft drinks.

Is snorkeling included?

You’ll have free time in the water, but snorkel equipment is not included and is available to purchase.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise at the time of booking.

Can children join this tour?

Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Will the tour run in bad weather?

It operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately.

Is cancellation free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 74 travelers.

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