Whale Watching Catamaran to Los Gigantes & Masca (Including drinks & warm lunch)

See Tenerife from the sea. This half-day catamaran trip combines pilot whale and dolphin watching with the huge cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca, making it a good way to pair wildlife with coastal scenery. I like the included warm lunch and drinks, and the chance to swim beneath the cliffs adds a welcome break from sitting on deck.

The main point to consider is size. Up to 160 people may be aboard, and three large catamarans operate this excursion, so you cannot choose a particular boat. Sightings are never guaranteed, and the food and commentary receive mixed marks, but the crew, scenery, and overall organization are commonly the strongest parts.

Key points before you book

• Pilot whales live in these waters: You may also see bottlenose or spotted dolphins, though wildlife sightings depend on sea conditions and animal movement.
• Los Gigantes is the visual highlight: The catamaran heads toward the towering cliffs and the coast around Barranco de Masca.
• A warm lunch is included: Expect chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana, rather than a restaurant-style paella.
• Drinks are part of the fare: Bottled water, soda, and alcoholic drinks are included, though the selection and serving sizes are limited.
• Swimming may be offered: The boat can stop at a sheltered cove, but swimming depends on conditions and the crew’s plan that day.
• Sunbeds cost extra: The front sunbeds are sold separately and are available on a first come, first served basis.

Setting out from Puerto Colón at 1:15 pm

The trip begins at Av. de Colón, 11, in Playa de las Américas, close to Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje. Boarding instructions, including the gate number, are sent with your booking confirmation, so check your phone before heading to the port.

The scheduled departure is 1:15 pm, with the full outing lasting about four and a half hours. That afternoon timing works well if you want a relaxed morning, though you should allow enough time to reach the port and find the correct boarding point.

Pickup is available from selected hotels in the south of Tenerife. The operator will tell you the closest pickup location after booking, and hotels near the port may be asked to go directly there. Pickup is not offered outside southern Tenerife, and the instructions matter: check your email and provide a mobile number with the country code.

This is not a small sailing boat with a handful of passengers. The maximum listed capacity is 160, although the actual number may be lower on your departure. Three large catamarans operate the route, and the boat is assigned rather than chosen. That makes the trip practical and stable for a large group, but less personal than a smaller wildlife cruise.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The first major part of the outing is the search for marine life. The waters off southwest Tenerife are known for resident pilot whales, and the trip may also produce sightings of bottlenose dolphins or spotted dolphins.

The crew shares information about where whales and dolphins live, what they eat, and how they move between areas. The amount of commentary can vary, especially when information needs to be given in both English and Spanish. If you want a detailed natural-history talk, keep your expectations modest. This is primarily a scenic boat trip with wildlife watching, not a specialist research excursion.

You might see a small group of pilot whales, several dolphins, or nothing more than a quick glimpse. That uncertainty is part of any wildlife trip. One day can produce excellent sightings, while another may bring only brief views. Sea conditions also affect how easy it is to spot animals, and the captain may need to balance wildlife viewing with the comfort and safety of everyone aboard.

Bring patience. Keep your eyes on the water, but do not expect constant action. The strongest wildlife moments may last only a few seconds, so sitting where you have a clear view of the sea can make a difference.

The catamaran format gives you several places to watch from. You can move around the deck, sit in a sheltered area, or find a place to sunbathe. The front sunbeds are not included, however, and cost extra. They are first come, first served, so do not assume the most comfortable position is part of the ticket.

Los Gigantes and the coast of Masca

The cliffs of Los Gigantes provide the trip’s most dependable attraction. Rising dramatically from the sea, they give the catamaran a striking backdrop as it travels along the coast toward the Masca area.

You will have time to admire the rock walls from the water, which gives you a view that roads and lookout points cannot provide. The scale becomes clearer from offshore. A large catamaran also gives you room to take photographs, although you may need to move around to avoid other passengers in the frame.

The coast around Barranco de Masca is particularly scenic. The trip does not replace a full visit to Masca village or a mountain excursion, but it offers a simple way to appreciate the coastal side of this famous part of Tenerife. If you are choosing between a purely scenic cruise and a trip that also includes wildlife, this route gives you both.

There is a practical tradeoff. Because the catamaran must cover the route, look for animals, serve lunch, and return to port on schedule, the stops are not designed for long exploration. You see the cliffs from the water rather than walking ashore.

Lunch, drinks, and the swimming stop

The included meal is served warm and consists of chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana. It is useful fuel during a long afternoon on the water, but you should not book this trip expecting a gourmet meal.

Some people find the food perfectly acceptable for a boat excursion. Others find the meatballs and rice plain or less appealing than the advertised idea of paella. If you are a picky eater, bring a small extra snack if permitted, or eat something light before boarding. Ice cream is not included and costs extra.

Drinks are included, which adds real value to the fare. You receive bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages. Beer is available, but the drink selection may feel limited, and drinks are served in small plastic cups. Depending on the boat and the moment, you may need to go to the bar yourself rather than having drinks brought to your seat.

The swimming stop can be one of the nicest parts of the afternoon. The boat may pause at a beautiful cove, allowing you to swim in the Atlantic beneath the cliffs. It is not guaranteed that conditions will suit a swim, and you can remain on board if you prefer.

Pack a swimsuit, towel, and a light layer. Even on a sunny day, wind can make the open deck feel cool, especially while the boat is moving. A vest or windbreaker is a sensible addition.

Comfort on a large catamaran

A large boat offers space, but it also brings the usual compromises. You have different areas for sitting, relaxing, and sunbathing, yet the atmosphere can be busy when the boat is full.

Seasickness is worth taking seriously. Several people can feel unwell even when the sea appears fairly calm, and open water may be uncomfortable for anyone who rarely sails. If you know you have trouble on boats, think carefully before booking. The crew may direct anyone who feels sick toward the back of the boat, but your own preparation and choice of seating still matter.

Avoid eating a heavy meal before departure. Sit in an area with fresh air and a clear horizon if you begin to feel uneasy. Keep your movements slow, and ask the crew for help if needed.

The excursion is generally organized around a large number of people, so it is not ideal if you want quiet service or a private feel. On the other hand, families and first-time visitors may appreciate the easy format. You can move between shade and sun, take photographs, eat without arranging your own food, and enjoy the coastline without planning a complicated route.

The trip is offered in English and Spanish. That makes it accessible to a broad audience, though the bilingual format may mean the wildlife explanation is brief.

Is the $72 price good value?

At about $72.08 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the main inclusions. You are paying for roughly four and a half hours on the water, a large catamaran, wildlife searching, Los Gigantes and Masca views, a warm meal, bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, and possibly a swim stop.

The value is strongest when you see both whales and dolphins and make good use of the scenery. A good crew and a pleasant sea day can make this feel like one of the easier ways to experience Tenerife’s southwest coast.

The value is weaker if your main goal is close wildlife photography, a quiet boat, or premium drinks. Sunbeds cost extra, ice cream costs extra, and there is no guarantee of a particular boat or a particular animal sighting. You may also find the lunch basic.

For a first boat trip in Tenerife, I think the price is fair, provided you see it as a broad sightseeing outing rather than a specialist whale-watching tour. If you want intimacy and silence, spend more on a smaller boat instead.

Practical details that can make or break the day

Read the pickup instructions carefully. The operator sends meeting information and may assign a pickup point that is not directly outside your hotel. A missed pickup can turn into a stressful start, so confirm the location, time, and gate before leaving.

The tour runs daily except January 1, with departures 364 days a year. It requires suitable weather, and a cancellation caused by poor conditions results in a different date or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted, so keep that deadline in mind when arranging other plans.

Most people can take part, and the experience is near public transportation. Still, the open-water setting, boat movement, swimming stop, and large group make it less suitable for anyone who dislikes boats or needs a highly controlled setting.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and first-time visitors who want several Tenerife highlights in one outing. You get wildlife, cliffs, food, drinks, and a possible swim without needing to organize each part separately.

It also suits anyone staying in Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, or another southern resort with a simple route to Puerto Colón. The afternoon schedule leaves the morning free and can feel comfortable in cooler months when an early departure might be chilly.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet experience, detailed marine biology, or a refined meal. Serious wildlife photographers may prefer a smaller boat with more flexibility. Anyone prone to seasickness should also think twice, since the catamaran goes onto open water and several people can feel unwell.

Should you book the Los Gigantes catamaran?

Book this excursion if you want a practical half-day introduction to Tenerife’s southwest coast. The Los Gigantes cliffs, resident pilot whales, and friendly crew are the main reasons to go, and the included food and drinks help keep the price sensible.

Go in with realistic expectations. Wildlife is never promised, lunch is simple, the boat may be crowded, the drinks are basic, and the commentary may be short. Choose a seat with good air movement, bring a windproof layer, confirm your pickup point, and treat the swim as a bonus.

For a first visit to Tenerife, this is a solid all-round outing. For a more personal or specialist experience, choose a smaller vessel instead.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

It starts at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, near Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje.

What time does the tour depart?

The scheduled departure time is 1:15 pm.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately four hours and 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered from selected hotels in southern Tenerife. The operator provides the closest pickup location after receiving your booking. Pickup is not offered outside southern Tenerife.

Which languages are offered?

The experience is offered in English and Spanish.

What wildlife might I see?

You may see pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and spotted dolphins. Sightings depend on conditions and animal movement, so they are not guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The included meal consists of chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, soda, and alcoholic drinks are included. Ice cream costs extra.

Do the sunbeds cost extra?

Yes. The front sunbeds require an additional charge and are available on a first come, first served basis.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.