REVIEW · TENERIFE
Adeje: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise with Lunch and Swim
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Tenerife Dolphin · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Pilot whales in open water beat any aquarium.
This cruise along Tenerife’s southwest waters is built for real sightings with a guided search near the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, plus a seriously fun way to see what’s happening below with 16 panoramic submarine windows. I also like that you get a proper break for a swim and lunch, not just a quick stop.
The vibe stays relaxed even when the boat finds whales. The crew keeps things organized during the glass-bottom viewing moments and helps you spot marine life without turning it into a chase. One thing to keep in mind: the boat can feel a little crowded at peak moments (when people rush to the best viewing spots or swim), and the sea can be choppy depending on conditions.
In This Review
- Key things that make this cruise worth your time
- Tenerife West Coast by Catamaran: The experience you’re buying
- Whale and dolphin spotting: what you’re likely to see (and why the location matters)
- Two route choices: Diego Hernandez Bay vs Los Gigantes
- 3-hour option: Diego Hernandez Bay swim and lunch
- 4.5-hour option: Los Gigantes cliffs with a longer scenic payoff
- The underwater viewing: 16 panoramic submarine windows plus glass-bottom views
- Swim stop reality check: how the water time feels
- Lunch and drinks: what’s actually included and why it matters at sea
- Crew and guide style: multilingual and practical
- Price and logistics: getting your money’s worth
- Who this cruise fits best (and who should consider something else)
- Practical tips: how to have an easier, better day
- Accessibility notes you should know before you go
- Should you book this Adeje whale and dolphin cruise with lunch and swim?
- FAQ
- How long is the whale-watching cruise?
- What’s included with lunch and drinks?
- Is snorkeling equipment provided?
- Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
- What should I bring for the swim?
- Can I cancel if my plans change?
Key things that make this cruise worth your time
- 16 panoramic submarine windows for an underwater view without getting wet
- Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary waters in a Special Conservation Area for whales and dolphins
- Two routes with different swim-and-lunch timing: Diego Hernandez Bay or Los Gigantes
- Unlimited included drinks during the excursion, with lunch served on board
- Glass-bottom moments that pair nicely with the whale and dolphin spotting
- Multilingual guides (including English, German, French, and more)
Tenerife West Coast by Catamaran: The experience you’re buying
This is the kind of trip where the main event is simple: you cruise out looking for cetaceans, and you’re guided while you do it. From the start, it’s organized in a way that keeps your attention on two things—coastline views above and marine life below.
The boat itself is a big part of the comfort. Many people love that it’s kept clean, and that there are different places on board to watch from (plus the underwater viewing setup). Even though you’re sailing with a lot of passengers, you still get moments where you can move around and choose what feels best—up top when the lookout matters, or inside/low deck when you want the underwater perspective.
And then there’s the value piece. For a fixed price (listed at about $59 per person), you’re not just paying for “maybe we’ll see whales.” You also get lunch, drinks, and a swim stop with time to actually enjoy the water.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
Whale and dolphin spotting: what you’re likely to see (and why the location matters)
The cruise is designed around the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary and the southwest coast of Tenerife, where whales, dolphins, and birds use these waters. The key detail here is that this isn’t random cruising “out there.” Your route is planned around a marine environment where cetaceans are known to show up.
What you’re searching for is mostly pilot whales and dolphins. When conditions line up, you can get extended viewing time—people describe whales close to the boat for a while, not just a brief flash. Dolphins are also common, often in pods that swim alongside or travel near the vessel. On some days you may spot extra marine life too, like turtles or flying fish.
One reason this matters: it changes your expectations. You’re not trying to photograph a rare animal from far away. You’re trying to watch behavior—swimming, surfacing, and moving through the water column—while the guide helps you read what’s happening from above and below.
Two route choices: Diego Hernandez Bay vs Los Gigantes
You pick based on how much coastline drama you want versus how direct the swim stop feels.
3-hour option: Diego Hernandez Bay swim and lunch
If you choose the shorter cruise, you sail out in search of cetaceans and then head to Diego Hernandez Bay for a swim. During the swim stop, lunch is served onboard while you’re surrounded by the scenery. Drinks are included throughout the excursion.
This option tends to work well if you want a compact morning or afternoon activity that still delivers a full experience: boat time, spotting time, then an actual swim and meal.
4.5-hour option: Los Gigantes cliffs with a longer scenic payoff
The longer option follows the west/southwest coast up toward the dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs. You anchor in a bay for the swim and lunch, with additional time for marine-life watching along the way.
This one makes the most sense if you want extra hours on the water and you like the idea of big coastal views plus a longer window for whale and dolphin sightings.
Practical note: if you’re sensitive to sea conditions, the extra time on the water can be a trade-off. On rougher days, you’ll appreciate the ability to sit where you feel most stable (usually higher on deck).
The underwater viewing: 16 panoramic submarine windows plus glass-bottom views
This trip stands out because it gives you two chances to see marine life—above and below. You can scan the water surface for spouts and activity, but you also get a built-in way to look underneath through 16 panoramic submarine windows.
There are also glass-bottom boat ride moments during the cruise at viewing points. That combo is great on days when animals are harder to spot from above. Even if a whale doesn’t surface right where you’re standing, you still have a strong chance of catching movement below the surface.
If you’re traveling with kids, or if you simply don’t want to spend all your time staring at the horizon, this underwater setup is the kind of detail that turns a “good day” into a “wow, that was different.”
Swim stop reality check: how the water time feels
The cruise includes a swim, but it’s not presented as a complicated excursion. You’re given a set window—about 40 minutes in the swim/meal segment—so you can cool off, stretch your legs, and then get on with lunch and the rest of the spotting time.
Two things make the swim stop feel special:
- The water is described as clear and bright, with dramatic surroundings depending on the route.
- You’re swimming in an anchored setting after you’ve already been searching for whales and dolphins, which makes the day feel like a full arc rather than one continuous cruise.
You’ll want basic swim gear (swimwear) and sunscreen, and you’ll definitely want to remember that the deck can be wet and slick. Comfortable shoes help for getting around.
Also, photos and video exist as add-ons you can purchase, so if you’re hoping for underwater-looking shots, ask what’s possible at the time.
Lunch and drinks: what’s actually included and why it matters at sea
On a whale cruise, food can be the make-or-break factor. Here, lunch is complimentary during the swim stop, and drinks are included throughout the excursion.
From what you’ll experience on board, the lunch is simple and meant to work with the day. People describe it as tasty and satisfying, not gourmet. It’s also clear that there are diet options available by request, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.
The drinks setup is another big plus. People specifically mention soft drinks plus beer and sangria being available. Some describe it as self-serve, which usually keeps the line moving and lets you enjoy the day without constantly waiting for staff.
If you’re prone to seasickness, the included drinks and food can be helpful in the real world—having something steady in your stomach tends to make choppy water feel less intense. Still, you should bring your own medication if you need it. The crew can only do so much.
Crew and guide style: multilingual and practical
The guide is part science teacher, part trip manager. You get safety briefing at the beginning, and then the guide helps you keep an eye on what matters—where whales might surface, what dolphins are doing, and how to stay positioned for the best viewing.
Language support is a standout feature. The tour operates with multiple languages, and people report that guides may speak multiple languages clearly throughout the day.
Real names that show up in the experience:
- Anita appears in descriptions tied to the crew’s friendly professionalism.
- Johan is mentioned as a guide with strong language skills and island/dolphin/whale context.
- A cameraman named Steven Spielberg is referenced in one account in a playful way, as someone who captured a lot of the day.
Even when you don’t catch every whale that passes close by, the guide work usually helps you understand what you’re seeing, and that’s what turns random spotting into an actual learning experience.
Price and logistics: getting your money’s worth
At about $59 per person, you’re paying for more than just time on a boat. You’re getting:
- guided whale/dolphin searching in conservation waters
- underwater and glass-bottom viewing opportunities
- a swim stop with a set window
- lunch plus included drinks
That bundle matters because it reduces the usual add-ons people get stuck paying for on day trips. Here, you can plan your day with fewer surprises—no need to figure out where to buy lunch once you’re out at sea.
One practical logistical detail: there’s no hotel pickup included. You’ll need to make your way to the meeting point, which can vary depending on the option you book. Taxis can be the easiest approach if you’re staying in Adeje area.
Who this cruise fits best (and who should consider something else)
This cruise is a great fit if you want:
- a guided nature outing with real marine-watching focus
- a mix of above-water and below-water viewing
- lunch and drinks included so you can relax
- a short-to-medium time on the water (3 hours or 4.5 hours)
It’s especially good for families and for mixed-age groups because the underwater windows and swim stop give everyone something to do, even when sightings aren’t constant.
You may want to think twice if you have strong sensitivity to rough water. The sea can get choppy when you leave the port, and that can affect comfort. Also, since the swim stop can draw crowds, you’ll want to be okay sharing space at peak moments.
Practical tips: how to have an easier, better day
A few things can make your trip smoother:
- Sit where you feel best. If you’re prone to seasickness, getting up on deck tends to help more than staying low.
- Bring a light layer for morning trips. Morning sea breeze can feel chilly.
- Pack for sun and splash. Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and swimwear are non-negotiable.
- Wear sturdy shoes. Deck movement plus wet surfaces can happen.
- Don’t count on snorkeling gear. Snorkeling equipment isn’t included. If you were hoping to bring your own, that’s your call—but don’t expect it to be provided.
- Respect the rules. Drones aren’t allowed, pets aren’t allowed (assistance dogs are okay), and you can’t feed or touch marine life.
Accessibility notes you should know before you go
The boat is described as wheelchair accessible, but movement is limited. You’ll want to plan for access mainly on the main deck. Bathrooms are not wheelchair-adapted, and the seating/space may feel tight at busy viewing moments.
If you’re using a wheelchair, inform the supplier beforehand so they can make room for you properly. It’s a small step that can prevent a lot of stress once you’re on board.
Should you book this Adeje whale and dolphin cruise with lunch and swim?
Book it if you want a day that balances three things: chances at real pilot whale and dolphin sightings, a genuine underwater viewing setup, and an actual lunch-and-swim break without extra hassle. If your priority is seeing marine life in a conservation-area context rather than just touring coastline, this fits well.
Consider your sea-comfort and your tolerance for crowds at peak moments. If choppy water bothers you easily, plan to spend time on deck when possible and bring your medication ahead of time.
If you’re deciding between the two routes, choose the shorter Diego Hernandez Bay option when you want a tight timeline. Choose the Los Gigantes option when you want more time on the water and those big cliff views added to the wildlife focus.
FAQ
How long is the whale-watching cruise?
You can choose either a 3-hour cruise or a longer 4.5-hour cruise, depending on which route you book.
What’s included with lunch and drinks?
Lunch and drinks are included. Vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options are available upon request.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
The boat is described as wheelchair accessible, but movement is limited to the main deck, and the bathrooms are not wheelchair-adapted. If you use a wheelchair, you should inform the supplier beforehand.
What should I bring for the swim?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing also help.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes. The experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
