Costa Adeje: Masca and Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise

The best part of this 4.5-hour catamaran cruise is the setting: you watch wild pilot whales and dolphins in the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera, then swim below the cliffs of Los Gigantes. I like the mix of wildlife and scenery, and I like that lunch, beer, soft drinks, and a swim stop are included. The crew also gives live commentary in English and Spanish.

The main thing to keep in mind is that wild animals set the schedule. Sightings are common in these waters, but no cruise can promise whales. One recent passenger saw only dolphins, and some people found the food and drinks merely adequate rather than special.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales live in these waters year-round: The channel off southwest Tenerife is known for resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins.
• Masca Bay is the swimming stop: After the wildlife search, the boat anchors near the cliffs of Los Gigantes for swimming, sunbathing, food, and drinks.
• Lunch is included: Expect a simple onboard meal, with vegetarian and celiac-friendly options available.
• The catamaran has room to spread out: You can move around the boat, find a place in the sun, or pay extra on the day for a front sun lounger.
• Puerto Colón is the meeting point: Board at Dock 10 or 15, Av. de Colón 11, in Costa Adeje.
• The trip is best for a relaxed half-day: You get wildlife, sea views, a meal, and swimming without giving up the whole day.

Why this Tenerife whale cruise works so well

This is not just a short boat ride along the coast. The cruise heads toward the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera, where pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live in the open sea. Seasonal sightings can include sperm whales, rorquals, turtles, and, occasionally, orcas.

The resident pilot whales are the main attraction. They are not performing animals, and that matters. You wait, watch, and accept that the encounter may be brief or may last long enough for the pod to surface several times. The crew’s role is to help you spot the animals while keeping the encounter safe and respectful.

I also like the shape of the day. The whale watching comes first, when everyone is alert and eager to scan the water. The later swim stop gives the cruise a slower rhythm. You can stretch out, eat, have a drink, and enjoy the coast without spending the entire four and a half hours staring at the horizon.

The cruise has a rating of 4.3 from 382 bookings, which fits the experience well: the wildlife, crew, boat space, and scenery are the strongest points. Food quality is more variable, and sightings remain subject to nature.

Leaving Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje

You board at Puerto Colón, a practical departure point in Costa Adeje. The stated meeting location is Dock 10 or Dock 15 at Av. de Colón 11, Playa de la Américas. Check the exact dock on your booking because the departure option can vary.

If you arrive early, you improve your chance of choosing a preferred spot. One passenger arrived 30 minutes before departure and got a sunbed. That is useful advice if you want to lie down rather than sit on the main deck.

The front sun loungers are not included in the basic price. They may be available for an additional charge on the day, so treat them as an optional comfort rather than part of the standard package. You do not need one to enjoy the cruise, but a reserved front bed can make the sailing feel much more restful.

Pickup is available from selected hotels and resorts in southern Tenerife, including Costa Adeje, Los Gigantes, Playa Paraíso, El Médano, Golf del Sur, and several other locations. Select this option only if it suits your accommodation. Otherwise, make your own way to Puerto Colón.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins offshore

Once the boat leaves the harbor, the focus shifts to the open water. The crew watches for movement, fins, and the telltale surfaces of whales. Live commentary is provided in English and Spanish, helping you understand what you are seeing and why this stretch of sea attracts marine life.

Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are the most realistic targets. Other species are possible, but you should not book this trip expecting a particular animal. One group saw pilot whales, while another saw dolphins and turtles. Another saw dolphins but no whales at all.

That uncertainty is part of responsible wildlife watching. A good day may bring repeated whale sightings, with animals surfacing close enough for clear views. A quieter day may still give you dolphins, sea air, and the wide view toward La Gomera.

You may want to bring sunglasses and a hat because the water reflects strong sunlight. Sunscreen is essential. The boat offers open deck space, so you should also bring a warm layer. Even in Tenerife’s mild climate, the breeze can feel cool once the boat is moving.

If you usually get seasick, take suitable medication before departure. The outing spends substantial time at sea, and the motion can be more noticeable offshore than it is near the harbor.

The Los Gigantes and Masca view from the water

The coastal scenery becomes especially striking as the cruise reaches Los Gigantes. These cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, and viewing them from a boat gives you an angle that a road trip cannot provide.

Masca is one of Tenerife’s best-known mountain areas, but here you see it from offshore. The contrast is memorable: steep rock walls, open water, and the catamaran anchored below the cliffs.

The stop is scenic rather than a land visit. You do not go ashore in Masca, and you do not hike through the village or ravine. Instead, the boat pauses in the sheltered area near Los Gigantes and Masca so you can swim and enjoy the view.

This is an important distinction when comparing excursions. If you want a proper Masca road trip, this is not it. If you want to pair a coastal wildlife cruise with a swim beneath the cliffs, it fits nicely.

Swimming, lunch, and a slower hour at sea

After the wildlife portion, the boat anchors for a swim. Bring swimwear and a towel, and expect the water to feel refreshing rather than pool-warm. You can swim, sunbathe, or stay aboard and enjoy the scenery.

The swim stop is also when the cruise becomes more social and relaxed. Families can eat together, couples can find a quiet patch of deck, and children have a clear change from the patient whale search.

Lunch is included, along with soft drinks and beer. The meal is practical boat food rather than a dining highlight. Past menus described by passengers included paella, rice, and meatballs. Some found the food perfectly decent, while another found both the meal and drinks underwhelming.

Vegetarian and celiac-friendly food options are available, but make your needs known when booking or before departure. Coffee and tea are not included, so do not count on hot drinks aboard.

The included refreshments add real value to the price, especially since the cruise lasts half a day. Still, you are paying mainly for the boat, crew, wildlife search, and setting. The meal should be viewed as useful fuel, not as a reason to book.

The return sail along Tenerife’s coast

After the swim and meal, the catamaran begins the return journey to Puerto Colón. This part is less structured. You can enjoy the sun, watch the coastline, and take more photographs of the water and cliffs.

The return sail gives you time to settle into the trip. If you spent the outward journey scanning for whales, you may appreciate the quieter pace. If the wildlife sightings were brief, the coastal views and swimming stop still give the day a second focus.

The boat’s size is another practical advantage. Several passengers described having plenty of room to move around, and one family of seven found enough space to relax. The experience is not limited to one narrow row of seats.

Boat choice can affect the feel of the day. Some departures may use a smaller boat, and one passenger strongly preferred that arrangement. Check the exact vessel or selected option if boat size matters to you, since the available setup can influence deck space, crowding, and how easy it is to find a good viewing position.

What the $71 price includes

At $71 per person, this is good value if you want several activities combined in one outing. The price covers a 4.5-hour whale-watching cruise, a guide, lunch, soft drinks, beer, and the Masca swim stop. Optional hotel pickup can also be selected from listed locations.

Buying each part separately would be difficult. A boat trip, wildlife search, swim stop, meal, and coastal sightseeing are bundled into one simple plan. For families, that can be easier than arranging several shorter activities.

The value is strongest when you use the whole experience. If you only care about whale watching and dislike swimming or group boat trips, a shorter specialist excursion may suit you better. If you want a relaxed half-day with several elements, the package makes sense.

Remember that front sun loungers cost extra, and photos or DVDs are not included. You should also budget for your own transport if you do not select pickup.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when your Tenerife plans are still changing, but check the final booking details for your chosen departure.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to families, couples, and first-time visitors who want to see Tenerife from the water without committing to a full-day sailing trip. The combination of dolphins, possible whales, lunch, and swimming keeps the outing varied.

It also suits people who prefer a gentle day at sea rather than an active excursion. You can participate as much as you like. Watch the animals closely, swim at Masca, or simply find a place on deck and enjoy the coast.

The cruise is less suitable if you need a guaranteed whale sighting, want a quiet private boat, or expect restaurant-quality food. It is also not the right choice for anyone who feels uncomfortable on open water and does not prepare for seasickness.

Families should bring the full list of basics: comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. The boat includes food and drinks, but you should not assume every personal snack or hot drink will be available.

My practical verdict on Freebird Catamarans

I like this cruise because it gives you a real taste of Tenerife’s southwest coast in a compact format. You get the chance to see wild marine life, the drama of Los Gigantes, a swim near Masca, and enough time to relax on deck.

The strongest feature is the overall balance. The trip does not depend on whale watching alone. If the animals are elusive, you still have the cliffs, sea views, meal, drinks, and swim stop. If the pilot whales remain nearby, the wildlife becomes the clear highlight.

The main compromises are the basic food, paid front loungers, and the normal uncertainty of nature-based excursions. Those are fair tradeoffs for many people, but you should know them before booking.

Should you book this Costa Adeje cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced half-day on the water with a genuine chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, plus lunch and a swim beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs. Arrive early if you want the best choice of deck space or a sunbed.

Skip it if your priority is a guaranteed sighting, an upscale meal, or a private and silent sailing. For most visitors staying in southern Tenerife, though, this is a sensible way to combine wildlife, scenery, and rest in one outing.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching cruise depart?

The meeting point is Dock 10 or Dock 15 at Puerto Colón, Av. de Colón 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts 4.5 hours.

What animals might I see?

The main wildlife targets are pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Depending on the season and conditions, you might also see sperm whales, rorquals, turtles, or orcas.

Is whale watching guaranteed?

No. Sightings are common in the area, but wild animals cannot be guaranteed. Some departures see whales and dolphins, while others may see dolphins only.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat anchors near Masca and Los Gigantes for a swim stop.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with soft drinks and beer.

Are vegetarian and celiac-friendly meals available?

Yes. Food options for vegetarians and people with celiac dietary needs are available.

Can I arrange hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup is available as an optional booking choice from selected locations in southern Tenerife.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. If you are prone to seasickness, take appropriate medication.