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

The Atlantic puts on the show. This half-day catamaran cruise combines whale and dolphin watching with the dramatic cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca, plus a hot lunch, drinks, and time for a swim. I like the excellent chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins, and I like that the cruise is more than a quick wildlife outing. You also get several hours at sea, coastal views, and a relaxed stop near the cliffs.

The main drawback is the boat’s size. Up to 160 people may be aboard, and three different catamarans operate the trip, so you cannot choose a particular vessel. The included food and drinks are useful, but neither is especially fancy, and the sea can be rough enough to make some people ill.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main attraction: Sightings have included pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and other dolphins, but wildlife is never guaranteed.
• Los Gigantes supplies the grand finale: The cliffs and the coast near Barranco de Masca provide the most striking views of the cruise.
• Lunch is hot but simple: Expect chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana, with descriptions sometimes referring to the meal as paella.
• Drinks are included: Beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and other alcoholic drinks are part of the package, although portions and choices may be limited.
• Swimming may be offered: The boat can stop at a beautiful cove, but conditions and timing can vary.
• Sunbeds cost extra: The front sunbeds are sold separately, are limited, and are available on a first come, first served basis.

Setting out from Puerto Colón at 1:15 p.m.

The cruise begins at Av. de Colón, 11, in Playa de las Américas, at Puerto Colón. The scheduled departure is 1:15 p.m., and the tour lasts about four and a half hours, returning to the same meeting point.

You receive the boarding gate with your booking confirmation, so check your phone before heading to the port. The operator also asks for a mobile number with the country code and an email address. That matters because pickup instructions are sent after booking, and the nearest pickup point may not be directly outside your hotel.

Pickup is offered from selected hotels in the south of Tenerife. Hotels close to the port may need to send you straight to Puerto Colón, and pickup is not offered outside southern Tenerife. Get the exact meeting instructions in writing and follow them carefully. A missed pickup can become an expensive misunderstanding.

At the port, do not assume you will board a specific catamaran. Three large boats operate this excursion, and the company does not guarantee which one you will use. The largest boats can carry up to 160 people, though one reported sailing had around 80 people aboard. This is not a private wildlife trip or a small sailing boat outing.

Watching for whales and dolphins offshore

Once the catamaran leaves the port, the crew searches the waters for cetaceans while heading toward Los Gigantes and Masca. The trip has produced sightings of pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and smaller groups of dolphins. A few people have seen only several whales or a small pod of dolphins, while others have enjoyed multiple sightings.

That variation is normal for a wildlife cruise. The boat can look for animals, but it cannot summon them. A good day may bring dolphins close to the boat and pilot whales in open water. A quieter day may offer only a short sighting before the catamaran continues along the coast.

The crew provides information in English and Spanish. You can expect explanations about where whales and dolphins live, what they eat, and how they migrate. The amount of commentary may depend on the crew, the sea conditions, and the number of languages being used. Some people have found the explanations helpful, while others wanted more detailed information and a longer search for animals.

I would book this mainly for the chance to see wildlife, not as a guaranteed whale encounter. Keep your expectations flexible. The animals are wild, and the coastal scenery still gives the outing value when sightings are brief.

Los Gigantes and the coast near Masca

The cliffs of Los Gigantes are the visual high point. These dark, towering rock walls rise directly from the sea, creating a powerful contrast with the open water and the low profile of the catamaran. Seeing them from offshore gives you a different angle from a road trip or viewpoint visit.

The boat continues toward the coast of Barranco de Masca before beginning the return journey. The route offers long views along Tenerife’s western shore, with plenty of time to sit, stand, or move between viewing areas.

This is also where the cruise feels less like a simple wildlife search. Even if the whales keep their distance, the cliffs give you a fixed reward. The coastline is impressive, and the boat’s position on the water lets you appreciate its scale.

The front sunbeds are an optional extra. They are first come, first served, and one price cited onboard was 25 euros for a bed said to accommodate two people. In practice, that space may feel tight for two adults. I would not book this cruise expecting a free private lounger. The standard deck areas are included, and you can still enjoy the views without paying extra.

Lunch, beer, soft drinks, and the practical value

The tour includes a warm meal of chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana. The meal has also been described as paella, chicken paella, or rice with meatballs, so do not expect a restaurant-style paella served from a broad pan. It is simple excursion food.

The meal can be a welcome touch during a four-and-a-half-hour outing. It saves you from bringing lunch and gives the cruise a fuller day-trip feel. Still, the food receives mixed reactions. Some people find it perfectly acceptable for a boat excursion, while others would prefer a fresh sandwich and fruit.

Drinks are included too. The package lists alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soda. Beer has been especially common, but some people have found the plastic cups small and the selection limited. You may need to walk to the bar to collect drinks, while lunch may be brought to your seat.

That makes the package good value for some people and less impressive for others. At about $72.08 per person, you are paying for the boat, wildlife search, coastal route, lunch, and drinks. If you would otherwise pay separately for a meal and several drinks, the price is reasonable. If you mainly want a quiet boat ride with premium food and generous bar service, it may feel expensive.

Ice cream is not included. Save room in your expectations as well as your stomach.

Swimming below the cliffs

The catamaran may stop at a sheltered cove for swimming. The setting below Los Gigantes can be beautiful, and a swim in the Atlantic gives the cruise a welcome change of pace after time spent watching the horizon.

Swimming is not the central promise of the tour, so the length of the stop can vary. Some people skip it and continue enjoying the views from the deck. If you want to swim, bring what you need for getting wet and remember that the boat returns to Puerto Colón after the stop.

The sea also explains why comfort matters. Several people have felt sick even when the crossing seemed fairly smooth, and rougher conditions can make the open-water section unpleasant. The crew has asked anyone feeling ill to move toward the back of the boat. If you know you have trouble on boats, take that seriously before booking.

The afternoon departure can be a sensible choice during cooler periods. One person noted that an April morning outing might have felt colder and windier. Bring a light layer for the breeze, even if the day begins warm.

How crowded and comfortable is the catamaran?

The large catamaran gives you room to move around, but it also brings a crowd. This is a group excursion, not an intimate sailing experience. You will share the bar, viewing areas, lunch service, and swimming stop with a sizeable group.

The boat has areas for relaxing and sunbathing. The standard spaces are part of the tour, while the front sunbeds cost extra. If you want the quietest possible setting, a smaller boat would suit you better, though this tour offers the advantage of more space than a tiny vessel.

Crew service is one of the strongest parts of the experience. People have consistently praised the staff for being friendly, attentive, professional, and well organized. The captain has also received praise for handling a difficult harbor maneuver at Los Gigantes with great skill.

There are a few practical frustrations. Drink service may require you to cross a moving deck, and the boat can become uncomfortable when the water is choppy. One excursion had many people feeling sick, so this is not the right choice if the thought of open water already makes you uneasy.

Who will get the most from this cruise?

I would recommend this trip to families, first-time visitors to Tenerife, and anyone who wants several island highlights in one afternoon. You get wildlife, cliffs, a boat ride, lunch, drinks, and possibly a swim without arranging separate bookings.

It also suits people who value convenience. The cruise leaves daily at 1:15 p.m., operates 364 days a year except January 1, and returns to the original meeting point. Pickup from selected southern hotels can make the outing easier, provided you confirm the precise pickup location.

This is less suitable for people seeking a quiet or highly personal experience. The boat may carry up to 160 people, the vessel is assigned rather than chosen, and commentary may feel brief. Food-focused visitors may also be disappointed by the basic meal.

Wildlife photographers should keep expectations realistic. You may see dolphins and pilot whales, but the boat does not guarantee a particular species, number of sightings, or length of time spent searching.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

The tour requires suitable weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. The tour is offered in English and Spanish, and confirmation is provided at booking.

Most people can take part, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Since the route reaches open water, think honestly about seasickness before paying. A light jacket is a sensible addition for the wind, especially outside the hottest summer months.

Should you book the Los Gigantes whale cruise?

Book it if you want a convenient afternoon on the water with a real chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins, plus striking views of Los Gigantes and Masca. The included lunch and drinks add useful value, and the crew is generally a strong part of the experience.

Skip it if you want a small boat, refined food, premium drinks, or guaranteed close wildlife encounters. The big catamaran can feel crowded, the food is basic, front sunbeds cost extra, and rough seas may cause discomfort.

For a first boat trip in Tenerife, this is a sensible all-round choice. Just arrive with a flexible attitude, confirm your pickup instructions, and remember that the ocean writes part of the itinerary.

FAQ

Where does the whale watching catamaran tour start?

It starts at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, at Puerto Colón in Tenerife.

What time does the tour depart?

The scheduled departure time is 1:15 p.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the boat return?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point in Puerto Colón.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered from selected hotels in southern Tenerife. Hotels close to the port may need to go directly to the port, and pickup is not offered outside the south of Tenerife.

Which boat will I be on?

Three large catamarans operate the excursion, and the specific boat cannot be guaranteed in advance.

What wildlife might I see?

The cruise searches for whales and dolphins. Sightings have included pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and other dolphins, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The included meal is listed as chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana. It has also been described as paella or chicken paella.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soda. Ice cream costs extra.

Do the front sunbeds cost extra?

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

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.