Adeje: Whale Watching, Lunch & Swim Stop at Los Gigantes

Sea life, cliffs, and lunch afloat. This five-hour cruise from Puerto Colón combines year-round pilot whale sightings with a sail toward Los Gigantes, a swim in Masca Bay, and a meal on a traditional wooden schooner. I especially like the roomy wooden boat and the friendly, multilingual crew, who keep the mood light without turning the trip into a noisy party. The main catch is simple: Shogun can sway quite a bit, so seasickness is a real concern.

I also like the value. At $64 per person, you get the cruise, lunch, water, soft drinks, and wine or beer with the meal. Sightings are highly likely, but wildlife is never on a timetable, and the swim stop can change with the sea.

Key things to know before sailing

• Pilot whales live here year-round: You have a strong chance of seeing them, often fairly close to the boat, though no sighting can be promised.
• Shogun is the attraction: This Arabian-style wooden schooner feels far more memorable than a standard motorboat.
• Masca Bay is the swim stop: You can swim with life jackets and float aids beneath the cliffs of Los Gigantes, conditions permitting.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Water and soft drinks are available during the cruise, with wine and beer served to adults at lunch.
• The crew adds real warmth: Guides speak Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian, and the atmosphere includes music and plenty of humor.
• Plan for motion: Bring seasickness medicine if you are prone to it, and arrive at Puerto Colón at least 15 minutes early.

Setting out from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje

The trip begins at Puerto Colón, the main marina in Costa Adeje. Boarding is at pier number 14, next to the petrol station, and boarding starts 30 minutes before departure. I would arrive early rather than cutting it close, since late arrivals may miss the boat and the pier area can be busy.

Paid parking is available a short walk away, but spaces can be limited in high season. If you select hotel pickup, the transfer may make your overall day much longer. The coach service covers a wide collection of pickup and drop-off points around Costa Adeje and nearby resorts, which is handy if you do not have a car, but direct arrival at the pier is simpler when possible.

The first sight of Shogun sets the tone. This is a traditional wooden schooner with an Arabian-style design, not a sleek commercial catamaran. The boat has room to move around, so you can look for whales from different sides, find a sunny place, or retreat from the breeze.

I would get on early if choosing your seat matters. One long-time practical tip is to bring a light jacket even on a warm Tenerife day. Once the boat leaves shelter, the breeze can feel cool, especially after swimming.

Watching pilot whales along Tenerife’s southwest coast

The cruise follows the southwest coast, an area known for resident pilot whales and dolphins. Pilot whales are the main hope here because they live in the waters year-round. That gives this trip a stronger wildlife outlook than an excursion based only on seasonal visitors.

Still, you are watching wild animals, not a scheduled show. You may see pilot whales, several kinds of dolphins, flying fish, or other sea life, but the crew cannot control what appears. Some outings have produced close encounters with both whales and dolphins. Others have seen whales but no dolphins. That is normal, and the tour is better understood as a respectful search than a guaranteed performance.

The crew shares facts in several languages and keeps an eye on the water for you. Andy, who has been praised for his humor and language skills, is one of the names associated with the lively atmosphere onboard. The exact guide may vary, but the overall style is friendly, informative, and interactive.

The boat’s slower sailing character helps here. You are not simply rushing to a viewing point, taking a quick photograph, and turning back. The schooner gives you time to watch the sea, listen for announcements, and enjoy the open-air setting. On the other hand, a wooden sailing boat moves with the water more than a large, stable vessel does. If you are sensitive to motion, take medication before departure rather than waiting until you feel ill.

One particularly useful sign of good seamanship came when the captain changed course during rougher weather. The route is not rigid when conditions become uncomfortable. That may mean less time in one area, but it is the right trade for safety and comfort.

Sailing toward the cliffs of Los Gigantes

After the wildlife portion, Shogun heads toward Los Gigantes. The cliffs rise dramatically from the sea and are among Tenerife’s most memorable coastal sights. Seeing them from the water gives you a very different view from a road lookout or town promenade.

The cliffs also help explain why this route feels like more than a whale-watching outing. You get open sea, coastal scenery, marine life, and a sheltered cove in one half-day. On a clear day, you might also see Mount Teide from the sea, adding another strong view to the trip.

The scheduled stop lasts about 40 minutes, though the exact timing can shift with sea conditions. The schooner anchors in Masca Bay, a sheltered cove beneath the cliffs. The water is the star here: clear, blue, and inviting when the weather cooperates.

Swimming is optional. Life jackets and float aids are available, and children can take part when conditions allow. You can also remain onboard, enjoy the view, and avoid the water if it feels too cold or rough. One group described the water as warm and refreshing, while another found the swim too chilly for most of the party. That difference is a good reminder that comfort depends on the day and the person.

The stop is not a beach visit. You are swimming from the boat, not walking ashore, so bring a towel and expect a short, simple water break rather than a full beach afternoon.

Lunch on the schooner

Lunch is served while the boat is anchored. The meal is described as buffet-style and simple, with enough food to suit a half-day cruise. I would set expectations correctly: this is a boat lunch, not a restaurant meal. Some people found it delicious and plentiful, while another considered it merely acceptable.

That range is fair. The value comes from eating on deck with Los Gigantes around you, not from a gourmet menu. The meal also arrives at a useful point in the trip, after the first sailing stretch and before the return journey.

Water and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise. Adults receive wine and beer with lunch, while other alcoholic drinks can be purchased separately. Several past outings have also offered cocktails and sangria for an extra charge, but you should not assume every drink beyond the included selection is free.

The drink service adds to the social side of the experience. Music often plays, and the return sailing can become quite lively, with music requests and a relaxed holiday mood. That is a plus if you want a sociable boat trip. If you are hoping for a silent nature cruise, the music may feel less peaceful than the word relaxed suggests.

The return sail to Puerto Colón

The return to Puerto Colón is a gentle final stretch, though conditions can change. Keep watching the water because dolphins may appear after the main wildlife stop, and flying fish have also been spotted on these outings.

The crew continues checking on people during the crossing. Families have particularly appreciated the attention given to children, including small touches such as photographs with the captain. The multilingual service is useful for mixed groups, although language coverage may vary by guide and one experience did not find the Italian commentary as strong as expected.

The overall mood depends partly on the day’s sea state. In calm weather, the wooden boat, coastal views, drinks, and music make the return feel easy. In rough weather, the same motion that gives Shogun its character can become tiring. Sit where you feel most stable, keep your eyes on the horizon if needed, and use the sheltered areas when the wind picks up.

If you use the optional return transfer, leave extra patience in your schedule. Pickup and drop-off cover many hotels and apartment areas, and road traffic can affect timing. For a direct end to the day, arrange your own transport from Puerto Colón if that suits your plans.

Is the $64 price good value?

At $64, this is good value if you want several activities in one outing. A separate whale-watching cruise, meal, drinks, and a boat trip to Los Gigantes could easily cost more when booked individually. You also get a distinctive schooner rather than a plain sightseeing vessel.

The strongest value points are:

• Five hours on the water
• A strong chance of seeing resident pilot whales
• Possible dolphin sightings
• Los Gigantes and Masca Bay
• Lunch onboard
• Water and soft drinks
• Wine and beer during lunch for adults
• Safety equipment and insurance
• Optional pickup from selected locations

The price is less attractive if you dislike boat motion, do not plan to eat the included lunch, or want a quiet, private charter. You are sharing the schooner with other people, and the atmosphere can become lively with music and drinks.

The cruise is Blue-Flag certified and fully licensed for whale and dolphin watching. That does not guarantee perfect weather or a sighting, but it does provide useful reassurance for a family outing.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to families with older children and teenagers, couples who want a relaxed half-day at sea, and anyone who prefers a scenic boat day to a tightly packed land excursion. The mix of wildlife, cliffs, swimming, food, and music gives the outing broad appeal.

Children can swim when conditions are suitable, but parents should remember that the boat may move noticeably. Small pets up to 12 kilograms are allowed, although they must stay with their owner and cannot enter the water.

This is not the best choice for someone with serious seasickness. The tour information itself advises medication, and several people have become ill when the water was rough. A calm day can make a huge difference, but you cannot count on one.

It also may not suit someone seeking a guaranteed dolphin encounter. Pilot whales are the more reliable possibility. Dolphins are common in the area, but they remain wild and unpredictable.

What to bring for a comfortable day

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Add a light jacket for the wind, even if the forecast is warm. I would also carry any seasickness medicine you normally use and keep it accessible before the boat starts moving.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure, even though boarding begins 30 minutes ahead. Bring only what you need, since an uncluttered bag is easier to manage on a moving boat.

If you plan to buy extra alcoholic drinks, carry a payment method accepted onboard. One experience reported that extra drinks were inexpensive but cash-only, so it is sensible to ask the crew before ordering.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now-pay-later option can help if your Tenerife plans are still shifting. Check the exact departure time and pickup point when booking, since those details depend on the option selected.

Should you book Shogun?

I would book this cruise if you want a full, easygoing day at sea rather than a short wildlife ride. The best reasons are the traditional wooden schooner, the strong chance of pilot whales, the Los Gigantes setting, and the fact that lunch and basic drinks are already covered.

I would skip it if motion sickness is a serious problem, if you need a quiet boat, or if your main goal is a guaranteed dolphin sighting. For everyone else, the $64 price covers enough to make the trip feel worthwhile, and the crew’s humor and care add something that a standard sightseeing boat often lacks.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching cruise depart from?

The boat leaves from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, at pier number 14 next to the petrol station.

How early should I arrive?

Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time because late arrivals may miss the boat.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts five hours. Optional pickup and drop-off can add travel time before and after the boat trip.

Will I definitely see whales or dolphins?

No. Pilot whales live in the area year-round, so sightings are highly likely, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Dolphins are also possible but not assured.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The cruise plans a swim stop in Masca Bay, but swimming depends on sea conditions. Life jackets and float aids are provided.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch, water, and soft drinks are included. Wine and beer are included for adults during lunch. Additional alcoholic drinks are not included.

What languages does the crew speak?

The live guide service is available in Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian.

Are small pets allowed onboard?

Small pets up to 12 kilograms are welcome. They must remain with their owner and cannot enter the water.