REVIEW · TENERIFE
Adeje: Whale Watching, Lunch & Swim Stop at Los Gigantes
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Neptuno Whale Experience Tenerife · Bookable on GetYourGuide
There’s something special about Tenerife’s southwest from a traditional sailboat. This relaxed whale watching cruise on the Shogun wooden schooner gives you a calmer way to spot pilot whales and dolphins, while Los Gigantes cliffs shape the background later in the day.
I especially like the built-in value: lunch on board plus a swim stop in Masca Bay, so you’re not doing a fast hit-and-run tour. You also get unlimited water and soft drinks, and adults get wine and beer during lunch, which makes the whole thing feel more like a day out than a chore.
One consideration: this is the ocean, and sea conditions matter. If you’re prone to motion sickness, the ride can feel swaying—plus the swim stop is always dependent on safety conditions.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Meet Shogun in Puerto Colón: where the pace slows down
- Pilot whales and dolphins: what you can realistically expect
- Los Gigantes cliffs from the sea: the scenery moment you actually remember
- Masca Bay swim stop: a refreshing break under the cliffs
- Lunch on board: what’s included and why it’s good value
- The ride, the rules, and the stuff you should pack
- Price and value: why this costs $64 and who benefits most
- A smart way to decide: should you book this Shogun tour?
- FAQ
- Where is the meeting point for the Shogun whale watching cruise?
- When should I arrive to board?
- How long is the whale watching and swim experience?
- How likely are whales or dolphins to be seen?
- Is there swimming during the tour?
- What’s included for lunch and drinks?
- What should I bring for the day?
- Is the boat safe for families?
- What languages does the crew speak?
- Are pets and kids allowed during the cruise?
Key things to know before you go
- Shogun wooden schooner: a more laid-back feel than big motorboats
- Pilot whales + dolphins year-round: sightings are very likely, not guaranteed
- Los Gigantes cliffs + Masca Bay: scenic cruising and a sheltered swim cove
- Swim stop is optional: life jackets and float aids are provided, but conditions decide
- Lunch with free drinks: water/soft drinks all cruise; wine/beer for adults at lunch
- Multilingual crew: guides speak English, Spanish, German, French, and Italian
Meet Shogun in Puerto Colón: where the pace slows down
Your day starts at Puerto Colón, right by the pier (Pier number 14, next to the petrol station). Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure, and you’ll want to arrive early enough to get settled without stress.
The boat is Shogun, a traditional wooden schooner. That matters more than it sounds. You’re not packed into a slick, tightly controlled viewing deck setup. Instead, you get a more open, relaxed layout where people can move around, watch from different angles, and settle in without feeling like they’re herded.
If you’re traveling as a group, this kind of boat experience often feels easier on everyone’s mood. Families tend to like it because it’s calm and spacious. Couples like it because it feels scenic and unhurried, especially on the return sail.
One practical note: pickup can be optional depending on your selected option. If you’re using transport, expect travel time to add to the day, even though the cruise itself is 5 hours.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
Pilot whales and dolphins: what you can realistically expect
This cruise runs along Tenerife’s southwest coast, an area known for year-round sightings of pilot whales and dolphins. The key word here is “year-round,” because it means you’re not relying on a rare season or a lottery-style lucky day.
In real terms, you’re there for pilot whales and dolphins, and the chance of seeing at least one pod is high. Still, wildlife is wildlife. The operator’s promise is about likelihood, not certainty.
What I like about the way this tour is set up is that the crew also shares facts during the trip, with activities suited to adults and children. You’re not just scanning the water in silence. With a multilingual guide team, you’re more likely to understand what you’re seeing and why it’s happening—whether it’s different whale behavior or how dolphins move through feeding areas.
Also, if you’re the type who gets disappointed by “no sightings” tours, this one has a strong advantage: pilot whales live here year-round. That doesn’t remove risk, but it does tilt the odds.
Los Gigantes cliffs from the sea: the scenery moment you actually remember
After the whale-and-dolphin portion, the cruise shifts focus toward Los Gigantes, one of Tenerife’s most iconic cliff areas. This is when the day turns more sightseeing-friendly, with time to enjoy the view instead of just hunting wildlife.
The way it works best is simple: you watch, you learn, you take in the scenery, and then you get a break from standing still. Even if the sea decides to be a little lively, your attention has a job—cliffs, views, and the whole “southwest Tenerife from the water” perspective.
Los Gigantes is dramatic, and seeing it from the water changes the scale. From the deck, the cliffs feel closer and taller than you’d expect from land views.
Masca Bay swim stop: a refreshing break under the cliffs
Here’s the big payoff beyond whale watching: the schooner anchors in Masca Bay, a sheltered cove near the Los Gigantes area, and you get a swim stop.
This is the kind of add-on that makes the tour feel complete. You’re not stuck just looking at the ocean—you get a chance to re-enter it, safely and briefly. The boat provides life jackets and float aids, and swimming is always optional.
There’s one reality check: the swim stop happens only depending on sea conditions. If it’s too rough or unsafe, you may miss the water part. That’s why the tour still works even if you skip swimming, but it’s also why you should pack for it anyway.
If you do swim, bring a towel because you’ll want one after getting back on board. And if the water is cooler than you expect, plan to go in calmly. A short dip often feels better than trying to “power through” in one go.
Lunch on board: what’s included and why it’s good value
Lunch is served while the boat is anchored, and it’s freshly prepared on board. You’re not rushing to find food in a busy area between activities—this tour builds nourishment directly into the schedule.
What’s included:
- Lunch on board
- Unlimited water and soft drinks
- For adults: wine and beer during lunch
The drinks are a noticeable part of the value. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, unlimited water and soft drinks help you stay comfortable while you’re out on the water.
Is lunch fancy? It’s not sold as gourmet. But it is timed well and tends to satisfy. You get a proper break, and it also helps a lot if you’re someone who gets hungry quickly while out at sea.
From a decision standpoint, I like that this is not a “pay extra for everything” kind of setup. For $64 per person, including lunch and basic drinks is where a lot of the value lives—especially for families.
The ride, the rules, and the stuff you should pack
A day on a wooden schooner can feel different from modern boat tours. The ride can also be more noticeable if the sea is working. That’s why the tour advises motion-sickness medication if you’re prone to it.
If that’s you, don’t gamble on willpower. Take medication as recommended and consider sitting where you feel the least movement once you’re aboard. Also, note that sea conditions can affect the itinerary and whether swimming happens.
What to bring:
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A light jacket (the ocean breeze can feel cool even on a sunny day)
If you travel with a small pet, that can work too: pets up to 12 kg are welcome, but they must stay with you and can’t enter the water.
One more logistics detail that matters on the day: paid parking is available nearby, but it can be limited in high season. If you’re driving, aim to arrive early so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Price and value: why this costs $64 and who benefits most
At $64 per person for a 5-hour experience, the question isn’t only whether you’re paying for whale watching. You’re also paying for three additional pieces that often cost extra on other tours: lunch, a swim stop, and drinks.
This is the kind of trip that works especially well if you want a full day without turning it into a checklist. Families tend to like it because it’s not just “stand and watch.” Couples like it because it mixes wildlife viewing with scenery and then a swim in a sheltered bay.
It’s also a strong choice if you’re not trying to maximize distance or adrenaline. You want a slower cruise, a relaxed onboard vibe, and time to enjoy the day.
Where it’s less ideal:
- If you’re extremely sensitive to motion sickness, even a “relaxed” schooner may be rough. The tour specifically warns about swaying and recommends medication.
- If you’re traveling only for a guaranteed whale encounter, remember wildlife isn’t guaranteed. You’re buying a high-likelihood chance, not a promise.
A smart way to decide: should you book this Shogun tour?
Book it if:
- You want pilot whales and dolphins on a year-round-friendly route
- You care about scenery, not just spotting animals
- You want lunch included and a real chance to swim at Masca Bay
- You like the idea of a traditional wooden schooner experience with a multilingual crew
Consider skipping or choosing another option if:
- Motion sickness is a big problem for you and you’d rather avoid open-water movement
- You’ll be upset if the swim stop changes due to sea conditions
- You expect premium food and a strict, never-changes-itinerary schedule (the ocean can adjust plans)
If you’re flexible and you pack smart—swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a light layer—this tour is a practical, good-value way to experience Tenerife’s southwest from the water.
FAQ
Where is the meeting point for the Shogun whale watching cruise?
You meet at Puerto Colón, Pier number 14, next to the petrol station.
When should I arrive to board?
Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure. It’s best to arrive at least 15 minutes early so you don’t risk missing the tour.
How long is the whale watching and swim experience?
The tour duration is 5 hours.
How likely are whales or dolphins to be seen?
Pilot whales and dolphins are common in the area, and pilot whales live here year-round. Sightings are very likely, but wildlife can’t be guaranteed.
Is there swimming during the tour?
Yes, there is a swim stop in Masca Bay near Los Gigantes, but it depends on sea conditions. Swimming is optional, and life jackets and float aids are provided.
What’s included for lunch and drinks?
Lunch is included on board, along with unlimited water and soft drinks. Adults also get wine and beer during lunch.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. A light jacket is also recommended for the breeze on the water.
Is the boat safe for families?
Yes. The boat is fully licensed and Blue-Flag certified, with required safety equipment.
What languages does the crew speak?
The crew offers live guiding in Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian.
Are pets and kids allowed during the cruise?
Small pets up to 12 kg are allowed, but they must stay with their owner and can’t enter the water. Kids can swim during the stop, but it’s always dependent on sea conditions.
