Whales off Tenerife feel close enough to touch. On this boat day from Puerto Colón, you go looking for whales and dolphins, then cool off by the Los Gigantes cliffs with a proper lunch on board.

I love how the crew helps you spot cetaceans with face-to-face guidance, plus you get real talk about marine life as you cruise. I also like that the included lunch with wine and beer turns the outing into a full day, not just a quick ride.

The main thing to think about: sightings are not guaranteed 100%, and if weather and sea conditions are rough, the route can change. That can also affect where your swim stop ends up.

Key things to know before you go

• Crew-led wildlife search to help you find whales and dolphins, with marine-life info along the way
• Los Gigantes anchor stop with time to swim near the famous 600-meter cliffs
• Filling lunch included (rice with vegetables, coleslaw, chicken thigh, meatballs in tomato sauce, bread and banana)
• Unlimited soft drinks, plus wine and beer during lunch
• Budget-friendly for what’s included, even though snorkeling gear, towels, and photos aren’t provided
• Group size capped at 135, which usually keeps the boat feel manageable

A great Tenerife day formula: wildlife plus cliffside swimming

This is the kind of Tenerife outing that makes sense fast: wildlife first, then a dramatic break at the waterline. You start cruising from Puerto Colón looking for cetaceans, and you’re not just relying on luck—you get an expert crew working with you on spotting.

Then the day shifts gears. Los Gigantes is famous for a reason: the cliffs rise about 600 meters above sea level, and anchoring nearby gives you big, real-world scale. You’ll get a swim stop and a lunch break that’s included, so you’re not spending the day hungry or scanning menus.

Just keep your expectations practical. The wildlife part is a search, not a promise. And the sea is part of the deal in Tenerife—if conditions aren’t safe, your route may adjust.

Getting to Puerto Colón: pickup timing and what to plan for

The tour meets at Puerto Colón S.A (Puerto) in Costa Adeje. The boat departs at 12:00 pm, and pickup happens between 10:00 and 11:45 am at an authorized point near your hotel (if your hotel is in the pickup zone).

That timing matters because it affects what you do in the morning. You’ll want breakfast that won’t sit heavy, and you’ll want to build in a little buffer for the pickup window. You also use a mobile ticket, so make sure your phone battery is healthy and your ticket is accessible offline.

The tour runs about 5 to 9 hours depending on conditions and the day’s route. It’s offered in English, and the activity has a max size of 135—big enough to run often, but still limited.

One small planning note: it’s near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. If you’re traveling with mobility needs, the listing says most people can participate, but there’s still the reality of getting on and off a boat—so wear grippy shoes.

Puerto Colón whale watching: how the crew helps you find cetaceans

You sail out from Puerto Colón toward the cliffs area, and this is your main wildlife window. The tour includes whale and dolphin watching at large plus a wooden boat tour. The expert crew works alongside you, helping you spot animals and explaining what you’re looking at.

This is a big deal for value. Whale watching can feel frustrating when you’re left to stare at open water with no guidance. Here, the structure is different: you get live, face-to-face input while you’re out there, and that makes even a “quiet” day feel purposeful.

That said, don’t treat any cetacean tour as guaranteed. The tour explicitly notes that sightings are not guaranteed 100%. Also, the sea state and weather can influence where you cruise. Even when you do see animals, the timing and distance can vary.

Based on what I think is the best way to experience this segment: give your eyes time. Wildlife is often visible for short windows. If you keep shifting focus between camera and horizon, you’ll miss the moment when something surfaces.

Los Gigantes anchorage and the swim: what makes the stop special

After the wildlife search, you head to Los Gigantes, where you’ll anchor near the cliffs. This stop is about 40 minutes, and the whole point is simple: you get the chance to swim in clear water with those dramatic cliffs looming overhead.

Los Gigantes is the kind of place where photos don’t fully explain the scale. The cliffs rise around 600 meters, and being near the waterline changes how you understand that height. Even if you don’t swim, it’s a strong view moment.

Practical catch: where the swim happens can depend on conditions. The tour includes a swim stop, and the description mentions enjoying a swim during the stop at Masca Bay, but the real world is weather and safety. If sea conditions are not ideal, routes can adjust, and your swimming location may differ from what you expected.

So, pack your confidence like this:

• You’re booking the cliffs-area experience.
• You’re scheduling a swim window, but you’re also accepting that the sea can change the plan.

Lunch on board: the included meal is what makes this feel like a full day

This tour isn’t just “see wildlife, then buy lunch.” You get a freshly prepared meal on board during the Los Gigantes portion, plus drinks.

What’s included

Your lunch menu is spelled out: rice with vegetables, coleslaw, chicken thigh, meatballs in tomato sauce, bread, and banana. It’s the kind of set menu that’s designed for a moving boat, which is a plus.

On drinks, you get unlimited soda/water and refreshments, and wine and beer are included during lunch. That’s a rare win for the price range. You’re not budgeting on the fly, and the day stays relaxed.

How to make it work for you

If you’re prone to motion sickness, time matters. Eat lightly early in the cruise, then plan on the full lunch after the boat settles at the anchor. If you’re not sure, bring a calm stomach strategy—water intake helps, and avoiding heavy extra snacks before the 12:00 departure can make the afternoon easier.

Also plan to hydrate. Unlimited soft drinks sound good, but water is still your friend. Sunscreen isn’t included, and wind on the water can trick you into thinking you’re not getting burned.

The return trip: enjoying the southwest coast on the crossing

After the swim and lunch, you head back toward Puerto Colón. This crossing is about 2 hours, and it’s another chance to take in the coastline of southwest Tenerife.

This part matters because it’s when the boat ride becomes scenery time instead of search time. If you’re hoping for a final wildlife glimpse, this can still happen, but don’t count on it. The schedule is built so you get at least one main wildlife window and then a separate anchor stop.

If you like learning while you travel, this is also when the guide and crew help connect dots about the island during the crossing. That’s the difference between a simple sightseeing boat and something you feel more connected to.

A small tip: use the return trip to reset. If you’re taking photos, wipe your lens or phone case after your swim stop. Salt water and sunscreen residue are a fast way to ruin a camera moment.

Price and value: is this worth about $66 per person?

At around $66.42 per person, this tour can feel like a strong deal if you compare what’s included. You’re paying for:

• whale and dolphin watching in the Los Gigantes area
• boat time on a wooden vessel
• navigation to the cliffs region
• a swimming stop
• a full lunch meal on board
• unlimited soda/water plus wine and beer during lunch
• an expert crew and face-to-face guidance
• mobile ticket convenience and English service

The price is lower than you’d expect for the mix of boat + food + drinks. The key is that the tour leans into a classic format: wildlife cruise + cliff swim + included meal. If you’re someone who often skips food on tours, you’ll probably feel good about this one because lunch isn’t an extra charge.

The caution is the one you can’t avoid: cetacean spotting isn’t guaranteed. If your top priority is guaranteed sightings, no operator can promise that. Your best move is to book it when you have flexibility—good weather days give you better odds.

What to pack (and what to skip expecting)

This tour gives you a lot, but it doesn’t give you everything.

Bring

• Your own snorkeling gear if you want it. Snorkeling equipment is not provided.
• A towel and sun cream. Neither is included.
• Simple swimwear and quick-dry layers, since you’ll go in the water and then be on a boat.
• Something grippy for the deck, plus a light layer if it’s breezy.
• Seasickness support if you know you need it. The ride is on water, and conditions can change.

Know what’s not included

• No towels, sun cream, or photos are included.
• No snorkeling equipment is provided.

If you’re a “photo person,” plan your own shots. If you rely on someone else taking pictures for you, you’ll end up disappointed.

Weather reality (because Tenerife is the ocean)

This tour needs good conditions, and the cancellation info says that if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll get a different date or a full refund. That’s a comfort. Still, if you go on a day that’s operational but choppy, expect that routes can shift for safety.

Who should book this whale and dolphins + food and bath tour?

This is a good fit if you want a one-ticket day that mixes wildlife with a proper break at the waterline.

You’ll likely love it if:

• you’re excited by whales and dolphins and like learning as you look
• you want the Los Gigantes cliffs experience without planning your own boat day
• you prefer included food and drinks so the day stays easy
• you’re traveling with people who want both adventure and comfort

You might think twice if:

• you need absolute certainty of seeing whales or dolphins (this is not guaranteed)
• you get uncomfortable on boats and don’t plan ahead for motion
• you really care about a specific swim location every time—routes may adjust based on sea conditions

It also works well for couples and small families because the structure is clear: wildlife window, swim window, lunch, and return.

Should you book this Tenerife tour?

Yes—if you want a practical mix of Tenerife whale watching plus cliffside swimming and an included lunch. The value is in the package: boat time, expert help spotting cetaceans, and food/drinks that would cost extra elsewhere.

Book it when your schedule can handle weather changes. And go in with the right mindset: the best part is the journey and the search, not a promise written in the sky.

If you’re okay with that, this is a satisfying, low-stress way to spend a day in the Los Gigantes area.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs about 5 to 9 hours (approx.), depending on conditions.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat leaves at 12:00 pm.

Is pickup from hotels included?

Pickup is offered from an authorized point closest to your hotel, typically between 10:00 and 11:45.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. Cetacean sightings are not guaranteed 100%.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch on board is included (rice with vegetables, coleslaw, chicken thigh, meatballs in tomato sauce, bread, and banana). Unlimited soda/pop and refreshments are included, plus wine and beer during lunch.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You can swim, but snorkeling equipment is not provided. You can bring your own.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Puerto Colón S.A (Puerto), Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje, and ends back at the same meeting point.