Whales off Tenerife sound like a brochure. Watching them in the same place you can actually swim is the real deal, especially with the Los Gigantes cliffs looming overhead. You’ll set out from Puerto Colón, hunt for dolphins and pilot whales, then anchor under those famous vertical rock walls for lunch and a refreshing dip.

I really like two things: the chance to see whales and dolphins in the wild, and the fact the tour builds in time to enjoy the water instead of treating swimming like an afterthought. One thing to consider is seasickness—this route involves open-water boat time, and the boat can sway.

You’ll get a live guide in several languages, and the vibe tends to feel social on board, not stiff. The core payoff is simple: wildlife viewing, cliffs with serious drama, and a swim stop where the water is clear enough to make it worth packing your gear.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Pilot whale odds: the boat searches an area with a higher chance of pilot whales after leaving Puerto Colón.
• Los Gigantes cliffs, right up close: vertical walls more than 600 meters tall shape the whole experience.
• Lunch where you’re actually anchored: you eat under the cliffs, not just while cruising past.
• Swim stop in clear open water: you’ll pause to swim in a bay beneath the rock formations.
• Good value for a full package: food + soft drinks + beer and wine at lunchtime are included.
• Boarding timing matters: boarding starts 15 minutes before departure at Pier 14.

Puerto Colón Pier 14: where the day starts (and how not to fumble it)

Your tour meets back at Puerto Colón, Pier number 14, next to the petrol station. Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure, so arrive early and get your spot. This matters more than you’d think, because you’ll be out on the water for viewing time and you’ll want a decent angle when whales or dolphins surface.

If you choose pickup, you’ll wait at your selected pickup point and the operator provides an emergency contact if you’re running late. The trade-off is convenience: more people get collected, which usually means more time spent with the coach. The upside is you avoid the hassle of getting yourself to Pier 14 in time.

Also note the tour ends back at the same meeting point, then there are multiple drop-off locations. That’s helpful if you’re staying somewhere along the coast and don’t want to plan your own return.

The boat search: dolphins, pilot whales, and the real meaning of a 30-minute stop

After you depart around 11:00 AM, the boat heads out to look for whales and dolphins along the west coast of Tenerife. The plan is not to do a random loop—it’s built around increasing the odds of seeing pilot whales by moving to waters where sightings are more likely.

Then you get a 30-minute stop to watch whales in their natural environment. Thirty minutes sounds short, but in marine viewing that’s often the sweet spot. You’re not just watching for a guaranteed “show”; you’re waiting for wildlife to surface when they feel like it. This stop gives time for multiple passes and for the group to reposition without the tour feeling rushed.

What I like about this setup is that it matches how whale watching actually works. You might see lots of dolphins right away, then whales take a little longer. Or it flips. Either way, the tour gives you dedicated viewing time instead of treating sightings as bonus luck.

Los Gigantes cliffs: the anchored lunch and the dramatic reason people come

Next comes Los Gigantes, the part of this trip that makes your photos look like you hired a drone. The cliffs here rise as vertical walls over 600 meters tall, and when the boat anchors beneath them, you feel the scale.

At this point you’re not just passing by. You’ll anchor in a bay under the cliffs, and that’s where the tour does its best “hang time”: lunch on board for about 40 minutes, followed by the swim stop.

Why this matters: you get to experience the cliffs from the water, where the geometry looks different. From land, you see height. From your seat on the boat, you see shape—sheer faces, deep shadow lines, and that strange feeling that the rocks are too tall to be real.

The swim stop: clear water time under the cliffs

You’ll have a chance to swim in open, clear water under the cliffs. This is the part that turns a standard whale cruise into something more “Tenerife,” because you’re not just watching the ocean—you’re using it.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, because that’s exactly what you’ll need once you’re anchored. Sunglasses help too, since you’ll be out in bright light, bouncing on waves, and scanning for activity on the surface.

One practical note: the boat sways during the trip. Even if you’re not prone to seasickness on land, you can feel it out there. If you get even mildly queasy in moving boats, pack a remedy and plan for it. A few people reported getting very sick during the crossing, so don’t gamble on a “maybe I’ll be fine” attitude.

What’s included in the price—and why $63 can actually feel fair

The price is $63 per person, and what you’re getting is more than “a ride with a chance of animals.”

Included:

• Food and soft drinks
• Beer and wine at lunchtime
• Taxes
• A live tour guide in multiple languages

Not included:

• Photos and videos
• Alcoholic drinks beyond what’s listed as included

Here’s how I think about the value. If you were to buy food separately plus pay for a wildlife cruise on its own, you’d likely end up spending close to this amount anyway, and you wouldn’t automatically get the swim portion. The lunch stop also isn’t just a quick snack while you cruise—it’s tied to the anchoring time under Los Gigantes, which makes it feel like a real break.

Also, the tour tends to be social on board. Based on comments you might come across, the crew keeps the atmosphere lively, and drinks can be part of that mood. Still, don’t count on every cocktail option being free. Plan around beer and wine at lunch being part of the deal, while other drink add-ons may cost extra.

The guide and the on-board vibe: languages, music, and crew energy

This is a live tour with a guide who speaks Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian. In practice, that means you’re more likely to understand what’s happening—when you’re searching, when you stop, what to look for, and what’s coming next.

You might also get a more energetic style from the crew than you expect. Some notes highlight strong personalities and upbeat music on board, plus a friendly approach that keeps people comfortable while they wait for sightings.

One small caution: if you’re choosing a specific language because it’s important to you (like Italian), I’d verify on the day that interpretation is solid. A comment in the mix mentioned some uneven Italian at the beginning, and you don’t want to spend your most expensive hours missing key explanations.

Logistics that make or break the day: timing, seats, and sea state

This tour is hands-on. You’ll be scanning the water, shifting your body to get a view, and dealing with movement. A few practical choices make a noticeable difference:

• Arrive early for better seating. Boarding starts 15 minutes before departure, and getting settled early helps.
• Bring what you need for swimming even if you think you might skip it. Clear water under the cliffs is the whole point, and it’s frustrating to arrive unprepared.
• Prepare for sway. If the boat ride makes you uncomfortable, bring seasickness medication and sit where it feels steadier for you.
• Plan for the full back-and-forth if you’re using pickup. The tour runs about 5 hours as an activity, but the overall day can include coach time, especially with lots of drop-off points.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

I’d recommend this trip if you want three things in one package: wildlife viewing, the Los Gigantes cliffs close-up, and a swim stop that feels like part of the experience rather than a quick dip.

It’s also a good match for:

• Couples who want something active but not complicated
• Families who like boats and want a planned lunch onboard
• Anyone staying around Adeje who doesn’t want to coordinate multiple activities

Think twice if:

• You’re very sensitive to motion. The water can be rough enough that some people reported feeling quite sick.
• You’re expecting a quiet, lecture-style cruise. The tone is often fun and music-forward.
• You need flawless guidance in a specific language. The tour offers multiple languages, but performance can vary day to day.

Final verdict: should you book this whale watching tour to Los Gigantes?

If you can handle a bit of boat sway, I think this is a strong buy. The standout combination is the wildlife focus (including a dedicated whale viewing stop) plus the anchored Los Gigantes lunch and swim under the cliffs. That mix is what makes it feel worth doing instead of a one-note tour.

I’d say yes if your priorities are:

• seeing dolphins and possibly pilot whales
• spending real time under the 600+ meter cliff walls
• swimming in clear water after lunch

I’d say hold back if seasickness is a big issue for you or if you hate motion. In that case, even a good sighting might not feel like a good memory.

FAQ

What time does the tour depart?

The tour departs from Puerto Colón at 11:00 AM.

Where do I meet the group?

Meet at Puerto Colón, Pier number 14, next to the petrol station. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is optional. If you choose it, you’ll wait at the selected pickup point.

How long is the experience?

The experience is listed as 5 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You’ll have lunch onboard during the Los Gigantes stop.

What should I bring for the swim?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Are drinks included?

You’ll have food and soft drinks included, plus beer and wine at lunchtime.

Are photos or videos included?

No. Photos and videos are not included.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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