Royal Delfin – 4’5H Dolphin & Whale Watching – Los Gigantes Masca – Lunch & Swim

The Atlantic puts on the show. Royal Delfin combines whale and dolphin watching with a cruise past the Los Gigantes Cliffs, a swim in Masca Bay, lunch, and drinks for $72.29 per person. The purpose-built catamaran also has underwater viewing windows, giving you another angle on the sea life.

I like the varied four-and-a-half-hour route and the fact that lunch, soft drinks, beer, and sangria are included. I also like the relaxed stop at Masca Bay, where you can swim beneath the cliffs instead of spending the whole outing seated on a boat. The main caution is simple: wildlife is free to roam, so sightings can be close and exciting one day, distant or brief the next.

The experience earns a mixed 3.8 out of 5 rating from 192 reviews, which fits the nature of the trip. The crew and scenery receive strong praise, while food quality, crowding, loud music, and inconsistent animal sightings draw the most criticism. If you accept that this is a sea outing rather than a guaranteed dolphin show, it can be good value.

Key points to know before booking

• Los Gigantes and Masca Bay are the scenic heart of the trip: The cliffs provide the most striking views, while the sheltered bay gives you time to swim.
• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed: Pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and other marine life have been seen, but encounters vary.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect rice, meatballs, salad, sandwiches, water, juice, soft drinks, beer, and sangria.
• The catamaran can carry up to 200 people: That creates a lively mood, but busy departures may feel crowded.
• Underwater viewing windows add a useful extra angle: You may see animals below the surface, though their position cannot be controlled.
• The trip leaves at 2:00 pm and returns to the starting point: Allow four and a half hours, with weather and sea conditions affecting the schedule.

Setting out from Puerto Colón at 2:00 pm

Royal Delfin sails from the Puerto Colón area on Tenerife’s southwest coast. The listed meeting address is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, and the boat returns to the same meeting point after the cruise. Parking is not included, so you should allow extra time if you are arriving by car.

The route follows the coast from Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje toward Los Gigantes. That matters because the outing is not only about spotting animals. You also get a long look at Tenerife from the water, with the coast gradually giving way to the tall cliffs around Los Gigantes.

The advertised departure is 2:00 pm. Confirmation is normally issued when you book, although bookings made within 12 hours of departure are subject to availability. The boat accepts service animals, sits near public transportation, and is suitable for most people, according to the supplied information.

The catamaran can take up to 200 people. That is a fairly large group for an intimate wildlife trip. I would expect a social, active atmosphere rather than a quiet naturalist cruise. Several accounts praise the friendly staff and good mood on board, while others found the boat too full. If personal space matters greatly to you, check the expected departure date before paying.

Whale and dolphin watching along Tenerife’s southwest coast

The main activity takes place offshore along the route to Los Gigantes. The crew searches for cetaceans in their natural setting, rather than bringing you to a controlled animal attraction. That is the right idea from an animal welfare point of view, but it also means the sea decides how much you see.

Pilot whales, often called killer whales in some casual descriptions but more accurately known as long-finned pilot whales, have been spotted on these trips. Dolphins are also seen on some outings, sometimes repeatedly and sometimes only briefly. A few accounts describe turtles and flying fish as bonus sightings, including flying fish covering impressive distances across the water.

The underwater glass viewing windows are one of the catamaran’s most distinctive features. They give you a chance to watch below the boat instead of only scanning the horizon. This can be especially useful when an animal passes near the hull, although the windows are not a guarantee of a close encounter. One of the strongest accounts praised seeing whales from the lower glass-viewing area.

You should keep expectations realistic. Some departures have produced several dolphin sightings and close views of pilot whales. Other outings have seen only a few animals, and not necessarily beneath the viewing windows. Small yachts and sailing boats can also gather around the same animals, making it harder for the Royal Delfin to approach.

The crew cannot control where a pod swims. The boat operator explains that the vessel moves slowly when dolphins approach, helping limit disturbance. That is a positive feature, even if it means the best view may last only a few seconds.

The first part of the trip can be bumpy. Waves are common offshore, and the operator says trips are canceled only when conditions become very rough. If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare accordingly. The supplied information does not list medication or special facilities, so bring whatever personal remedy you normally use.

The Los Gigantes Cliffs and Masca Bay stop

Los Gigantes is the visual payoff of the route. The dark, towering cliffs rise sharply from the sea and look particularly impressive from a low position on the water. Several accounts single out the cliffs as one of the most memorable parts of the outing, even when animal sightings were limited.

The boat continues toward Masca Bay, where it stops for swimming. This gives the cruise a welcome change of pace. After spending time watching the water and coastline, you can get in for a swim in the bay and enjoy the cliffs from below.

The swim stop is a strong reason to choose the four-and-a-half-hour option rather than a shorter whale-watching trip. You are not simply riding out and back. You have time to swim, eat, and enjoy the setting without feeling rushed. One account found that four and a half hours was just the right length because the schedule allowed plenty of time for both the meal and the water stop.

Still, swimming conditions can vary. The experience requires good weather, and the exact feel of the stop depends on the sea that day. Bring swimwear and any personal sun protection you need. The provided information confirms the swim stop but does not specify equipment hire, so do not assume snorkeling gear is supplied.

A few accounts use the word snorkeling when describing the stop, but the official inclusions specify a swim in Masca Bay rather than a guided snorkeling session. You may see something below the surface, but this should not be booked as a dedicated snorkeling tour.

What lunch and drinks are really like

Food is included, which helps the price make more sense. The listed refreshments include water, juice, soft drinks, beer, and sangria. A small sandwich is also provided as a snack, and some accounts describe drinks being available throughout the trip.

The main lunch is described as rice, meatballs, and salad. Several people found it tasty and adequate after time in the sun and sea. Others strongly disliked it, describing the meatballs as canned or plain and wishing for something more local. I would treat the meal as practical boat catering, not a Tenerife food experience.

Timing may vary. The planned meal is connected with the Masca Bay stop, while one account says lunch arrived within the first hour. Either way, you should not expect restaurant service or a choice of dishes. The supplied information does not confirm vegetarian alternatives, and one person specifically noted that the small sandwiches were all made with salami.

Coffee and tea are not included. Neither are spirits such as whiskey, rum, vodka, or liquor. If you want a hot drink or a stronger drink, budget for it separately if available. Beer and sangria are included, along with nonalcoholic options, so the basic package covers most people.

The drinks package is one of the more praised parts of the trip. It removes the need to buy each bottle or glass during a long afternoon at sea. Just remember that unlimited included drinks do not change the need to stay sensible before swimming.

The crew, music, and atmosphere on board

The crew receives some of the most consistent praise. Several accounts describe the staff as kind, friendly, attentive, and hard-working. The atmosphere is often described as relaxed and fun, with multilingual staff and a music playlist that some people enjoyed greatly.

The mood is social rather than quiet. Music can be fairly loud, especially when the boat is full. That may suit you if you want a cheerful afternoon with drinks and other people, but it can feel tiring if you prefer natural sounds and wildlife commentary.

A camera operator may record video during the cruise, with footage available to purchase afterward. This is not part of the ticket price, so consider it an optional extra rather than a promised souvenir. If you want your own photos, the cliffs and open sea provide plenty of opportunities, though moving wildlife can be difficult to capture.

The staff’s warmth does not remove the limits of a large commercial boat trip. One critical account felt the experience was too commercial and wanted more attention to personal service. That is a fair concern when as many as 200 people may be on board. You are paying for a package with food, drinks, scenery, and the chance of wildlife, not for a private charter.

Is $72.29 good value?

At $72.29 per person, the price is reasonable if you plan to use the full package. You get about four and a half hours on the water, whale and dolphin searching, views of Los Gigantes, a swim stop, lunch, a restroom, and a range of drinks. Buying those elements separately would likely cost more, although the exact comparison depends on your other options in Tenerife.

The value becomes less clear if your only goal is a close dolphin sighting. The animals may stay far from the boat, appear only twice, or not show up at all. In that case, you are paying mainly for the cruise, cliffs, meal, swim, and drinks.

The longer duration is useful for people who want a complete afternoon rather than a short animal-watching run. If you only care about cetaceans, a shorter trip may meet your needs just as well. One account directly suggests choosing a shorter option if whales and dolphins are your only priority.

The group size also affects value. A full boat can mean a lively atmosphere and more people to share the excitement with, but it can make the deck, viewing windows, and swim area feel crowded. The supplied rating of 3.8 reflects that split: many people had a wonderful day, while others felt the cost was too high for the food or the limited sightings.

Who should book the Royal Delfin?

I would recommend this trip to families, couples, and groups who want several activities in one booking. You get scenery, wildlife, swimming, food, and drinks without needing to plan each part separately. It suits anyone who prefers a social boat outing over a quiet, specialist wildlife excursion.

It is also a good choice if Los Gigantes is high on your Tenerife wish list. The cliffs are not a minor backdrop here. They are one of the central reasons to take this route, and the Masca Bay stop lets you enjoy them from the water.

You should think twice if you dislike crowds, loud music, or motion at sea. The boat may feel full, and the first part can be bumpy. You should also reconsider if you need guaranteed animal sightings or want a high-end meal.

The tour can work for families with children, but the supplied information gives no special child itinerary or child-specific facilities. Swimming, open water, and a four-and-a-half-hour schedule require sensible supervision. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 2:00 pm start time for a full refund. Within 24 hours, changes and refunds are not accepted. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a different date or a full refund.

My verdict on this Tenerife boat trip

Book the Royal Delfin if you want a full afternoon at sea with several included extras, and you are comfortable with the uncertainty of wildlife watching. The best days can be memorable, with pilot whales, dolphins, flying fish, dramatic cliffs, a swim in Masca Bay, and drinks served throughout the ride.

Skip it if your main aim is a guaranteed close dolphin encounter or a polished local-food experience. The meal is functional, the boat may be crowded, and sightings change from day to day. For most people, the strongest value lies in the combination of Los Gigantes, Masca Bay, food, drinks, and the chance to see free-ranging animals, not in any one guaranteed moment.

FAQ

Where does the Royal Delfin tour start?

The tour starts at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The boat departs from the Puerto Colón area and returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the tour depart?

The scheduled start time is 2:00 pm.

How long does the Royal Delfin experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours and 30 minutes.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. The tour searches for whales and dolphins in their natural environment, so sightings vary. Pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish have been seen, but the operator cannot guarantee what you will encounter or how close the animals will come.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with a small sandwich snack. The meal has been described as rice, meatballs, and salad, although the exact timing may vary.

Which drinks are included?

Water, juice, soft drinks, beer, and sangria are included. Coffee, tea, liquor, whiskey, rum, and vodka are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather or insufficient participants causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.