4’5-hour Royal Dolphin and Whale Watching Excursion in Tenerife

Royal Delfin boats are awesome, until seasickness hits. I like the glass-bottom cruise plus the onboard live underwater TV, and Masca Bay turns the trip into more than animal spotting with lunch, drinks, and a real swim stop. The main drawback to consider is that a catamaran ride can be rough if you’re prone to sea sickness, and one recent report described extreme nausea.

This is a solid half-day outing if you want big coastline views and a chance at dolphins or whales without overplanning. The price sits in the mid-range for a guided marine trip with food and drinks included, but the logistics need a quick check because pickup is not clearly consistent in the details I found.

Key Things I’d Tune Into Before You Go

• Glass-bottom viewing and live underwater TV so you’re not only relying on what you spot from above
• Masca Bay swim stop (about 1 hour 30 minutes) plus lunch and drinks included
• Los Gigantes coastline cruising with a search for whales and dolphins from the catamaran
• Small-ish group size (max 95) for a half-day, moving with a clear schedule
• Sea conditions matter if you’re sensitive to motion—this trip is worth taking seriously

Royal Delfin catamaran: what $76.89 gets you on the water

For about 4.5 hours, the Royal Delfin outing is priced at $76.89 per person, and you’re not just paying for a boat ride. The value comes from the combo: time on a catamaran cruise along Tenerife’s southwest, a dedicated marine-life search, and an anchored stop in Masca Bay where lunch, drinks, and swimming are built in.

You also get a few practical perks that make the trip easier. You’ll use a mobile ticket, and the tour is listed as English. The group size is capped at 95, which is large enough to feel like a tour day but not so huge that you’re lost in the crowd right away.

One thing to keep in mind: the marine part isn’t guaranteed. That’s normal for whale-and-dolphin excursions anywhere. What you can control is your comfort level. If you’re likely to get sick on boats, read that as a priority rather than an afterthought.

Where you’ll start in Puerto Colón (and why that matters)

The day begins at Royal Delfin Catamaran, Calle Colon, Pantalán 12, Puerto Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Boarding time is listed as 15 minutes, with the tour ending back at the meeting point.

That short boarding window is why I’d plan to arrive a bit early, especially if you’re coming by bus or walking over from your hotel. The good news is it’s described as near public transportation, so you’re not forced into a complicated transfer plan.

Also, there’s a detail worth flagging: the highlights talk about convenient pickup and drop-off, but the information lists pickup service as not included. So don’t assume your hotel will handle you. If you want door-to-door help, confirm what’s actually included when you book or before you show up.

Los Gigantes coastline cruise: the whale-and-dolphin search setup

After boarding in Puerto Colón, the catamaran heads toward the Cliffs of Los Gigantes, exploring Tenerife’s southwest coast as the crew searches for marine life. This is where the trip’s “big views” part kicks in—towering cliffs, open ocean, and a decent amount of time scanning for movement on the surface.

You also have two ways to improve your odds of seeing something, even when spotting from the deck is tricky:

• Spot marine life from the boat deck
• Watch live underwater television

That underwater TV detail is more than a gimmick. When the sea is choppy or the animals keep their distance, it’s at least something you can watch without craning your neck for every possible spout. It’s a good feature for mixed groups—especially if some people want to stay focused on scanning while others enjoy the onboard viewing.

The tradeoff is motion. A coastline cruise on a catamaran can create waves that feel stronger than you expect. If you’re sensitive, this segment is exactly when you’ll notice it.

Masca Bay stop: lunch, drinks, and a swim you’ll actually remember

Masca Bay is the main “anchor moment” of the trip. You’ll drop anchor there for about 1 hour 30 minutes, which gives you enough time to do more than stand around and take photos.

Here’s what’s included at Masca Bay:

• Lunch
• Drinks included: beer, sangria, juices, and water
• Swim stop

The lunch detail matters because it’s not one-size-fits-all. The tour offers alternative menus for vegetarians or coeliacs, which is a big deal on day tours. If you have dietary needs, you’ll want to confirm your requirements at booking, but at least the framework is there.

The swim stop is also a practical bonus. Even if you don’t see whales or dolphins at close range, you still get that direct ocean time—cooling off, stretching your legs, and feeling like you did something real on the coast.

One consideration: the timing is tight. You’ll have a good block of time in the bay, but it’s not hours and hours. If you want a very relaxed pace, come with a mindset of “swim, eat, and enjoy the views” within the allotted window.

Glass-bottom and live underwater TV: why both are useful

The “glass-bottom catamaran” idea plus live underwater television gives you two different ways to track marine life. That can be helpful for different comfort levels and attention styles.

From above, you’re looking for typical cues—movement, surface behavior, and the occasional spout. From the TV feed, you’re more likely to notice changes in the water under the boat. It also helps when visibility or sea conditions make deck spotting harder.

If you tend to get distracted easily, this setup keeps the trip feeling active rather than just waiting and hoping. And if your group has mixed preferences—some people want to stare at the horizon, others would rather have a clearer view—you’ve got something for both moods.

Still, don’t treat underwater TV as a guarantee you’ll see whales or dolphins all the time. It’s there to improve your chances and keep things engaging, not to promise a specific number of sightings.

Food, drinks, and the comfort question (including sea-sickness risk)

Food is included in Masca Bay, and drinks are included throughout: beer, sangria, juices, and water. That’s a good setup for a half-day because you’re not hunting for lunch spots afterward, and you can pace your time without constantly buying snacks.

One note from feedback I read: the food quality was described as average by someone who had a very unpleasant experience overall. That doesn’t mean your lunch will be bad—it just tells me not to expect fine dining. Think filling and convenient rather than fancy.

Now for the big reality check: sea sickness. One report described extreme sea sickness on the Royal Delfin, leading to nausea and vomiting, turning the trip into a “4 hours of torture” for that person. Staff were described as friendly, but the experience was still terrible for them physically.

So here’s my practical take: if you’ve ever felt sick on boats before, plan as if the ride could hit you. Bring what works for you (motion-sickness medication if you use it), and consider sitting where the boat’s movement feels most manageable. If you know you’re very sensitive, you may want to choose a different type of tour altogether.

Is it worth it for dolphins and whales, or just the scenery?

It’s both, but you’ll get the best results if you match your expectations to how wildlife works. A whale-and-dolphin hunt is never a guaranteed “yes” on any ocean tour. What you can count on here is:

• you’re cruising Tenerife’s southwest coast,
• you get Los Gigantes views,
• you have a marine-life search process,
• and you have Masca Bay as a planned payoff (lunch + swim + drinks).

That structure is exactly why this kind of trip can be a win even when wildlife sightings are light. The coastline portion gives you the sense of place, and Masca Bay gives you a tangible moment on the water.

If you’re chasing wildlife as your main goal, go in ready to scan, ask the crew questions, and stay patient. If your main goal is “a great half-day on the ocean,” this fits well because the schedule is built to keep you busy and comfortable.

Who should book this Tenerife dolphin and whale cruise?

This experience makes the most sense for you if:

• you want a half-day catamaran outing with a structured plan,
• you like marine-life activities and don’t mind spending time scanning,
• you’d enjoy Masca Bay for swimming and included lunch/drinks,
• you have dietary needs that fit the offered options (vegetarian/coeliac).

I’d think twice if:

• you’re very prone to motion sickness or you’ve had severe reactions on similar boats,
• you’re counting on hotel pickup with no time to confirm, since pickup is listed as not included in the provided details,
• you want a super quiet, slow-paced trip—this is a scheduled excursion and moves to its timeline.

Should you book the 4.5-hour Royal Dolphin and Whale Watching in Tenerife?

If you handle boats well, I think this is a good-value way to experience Tenerife’s southwest coast and add a realistic chance at dolphins or whales. The included lunch, drinks, and swim stop make it feel like you get something even beyond sightings, and the underwater TV helps the whole trip stay interesting.

My main caution is the one you shouldn’t ignore: sea conditions and individual sensitivity. Read that as a personal decision tool. If you get sick easily, this may not be your best bet. If you’re usually fine at sea, you’re likely to come away with great coastline views, a memorable bay stop, and plenty to do during the ride.

FAQ

Is this tour in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket after booking.

How long is the Royal Delfin dolphin and whale watching excursion?

The duration is listed as about 4 hours 30 minutes.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is Royal Delfin Catamaran, Calle Colon, Pantalán 12, Puerto Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Your ticket includes lunch in Masca Bay, drinks throughout (beer, sangria, juices, and water), a swim stop, and items like port fees plus liability and accident insurance.

Are vegetarian and coeliac options available?

Yes. The lunch in Masca Bay offers alternative menus for vegetarians or coeliacs.

Is pick-up service included?

No. Pick-up service is not included in the provided tour details.

What animals are you looking for?

The cruise is a whale-and-dolphin search around Tenerife’s southwest coast near Los Gigantes.

Do you have underwater viewing?

Yes. You can spot marine life from the deck and also watch live underwater television.

How big is the group?

The tour lists a maximum of 95 travelers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund.