Whales off Tenerife, with lunch and a swim. This trip works because it combines a legally authorized cetacean cruise with real break-time at Masca Bay—not just “stand here and wait.” I like the mix of whale/dolphin searching and downtime to swim and eat, and I also like that lunch includes wine and beer. The main thing to plan around is that whale watching time is limited by the rules for protecting marine life.

You’ll start at 12:00 pm with pickup from Puerto de la Cruz, on buses labeled Barrera Chinea, then head to Puerto Colón for the cruise. The vibe can be more social than silent-nature, with onboard music, so if you want quiet, pack earplugs. Still, for the money, this is one of the easier ways to do a big chunk of the southwest coast in a single day.

Key things to know before you go

• Blue Flag, authorized boat: Built for legally permitted cetacean observation.
• Shogun 5-hour cruise: Long enough to search for whales and still enjoy the ride.
• Masca Bay swim stop: A real water break plus lunch while anchored.
• Lunch + drinks included: Wine and beer are served during the meal, with water/refreshments.
• Bring your own snorkel gear: No snorkeling equipment is provided.
• No towels or photos included: You’ll want your own swim basics.

Puerto de la Cruz pickup at noon: your easy start

This isn’t one of those “make your own way to the marina” tours. If you’re staying in the north (Puerto de la Cruz area), pickup is part of the deal, with return transport back to your hotel area when you’re done.

Pickup is timed for a 12:00 pm departure. The bus partner is Barrera Chinea—look for that name on the side. The guide rides along and then gets off at stops to help locate customers, which is a nice touch when you’re traveling with a group and the streets can be confusing.

One practical point: because the itinerary is weather-dependent and includes time on the water, the total duration is listed as about 5 to 10 hours. Expect the day to run long only if sea conditions or whale searching takes more time.

On the Shogun schooner: what that 5-hour cruise feels like

You’ll board the Shogun, described as a traditional Arab schooner, and spend about 5 hours on the water. This is where the trip earns its keep: it’s not just a quick boat dash to Los Gigantes. You get a proper chunk of time for the southwest coast views, plus chances to spot marine life as you sail.

Now, be realistic about sailing expectations. The boat is sail-equipped, but sailing can be supported by a motor for comfort and operation (common on tourist boats in real sea conditions). You’ll still feel the charm of a classic-style vessel, but the engine may be doing more work than you’d guess from a distance.

Also, this is a larger group day (maximum 125 travelers). That matters for your comfort: you’ll have energy, some noise, and a “holiday outing” feel onboard. One of the most useful things you can do is manage expectations—this is part wildlife search, part day trip.

Puerto Colón search for whales and dolphins: set your expectations

The day begins in Puerto Colón, where the whale and dolphin safari starts. From here, you sail toward the Los Gigantes area while the crew actively searches for cetaceans.

Here’s the key expectation shift: whale watching time is capped by the rules that protect animals in the wild. The result is that you’re not guaranteed a long sit with whales. If sightings happen quickly, you’ll get your moment. If not, you still get the cruise and the coastal scenery, but you shouldn’t plan your entire day around a single long whale encounter.

That said, the boat is legally authorized for observation of cetaceans, and that’s a big deal. It means the operation is designed around safe, permitted viewing rather than “anything goes” watching.

My advice: if you’re coming specifically for whales, stay flexible. Think of it as a best-effort wildlife search, not a guaranteed wildlife show.

Masca Bay swim stop: the best “time payoff”

After the main safari, you anchor in Masca Bay near the Los Gigantes area. This is the part of the trip that turns it from a wildlife gamble into a complete day out.

You’ll have about 40 minutes there—enough time to swim, cool off, and eat. It’s also where the day’s rhythm makes sense. Even if the cetaceans are elusive (or just briefly spotted), you’re not left with only “watching from the boat.” You get your water break.

Two more practical notes:

• There’s a swim, but snorkeling equipment isn’t provided. If you want to snorkel, bring your own mask/snorkel (and follow local safety rules).
• No towels are included. If you don’t want to deal with damp clothes and sand afterward, plan to bring a towel and something for changing.

Lunch on board with wine and beer: good value, simple fare

Lunch is served onboard while you’re in the Masca Bay section. The menu is straightforward and filling: rice with vegetables, coleslaw, meatballs in tomato sauce, bread, and banana.

What I like here is the budgeting advantage. At this price level, you’re getting more than a meal—you’re getting water/refreshments all day, plus wine and beer included during lunch.

A balanced note: this is not gourmet dining. It’s functional and designed for a group on a boat. Still, for a day trip that includes transport and a long cruise, it’s one of the reasons this tour feels like decent value rather than a “pay to stand around” excursion.

Also, alcoholic beverages beyond the included lunch wine/beer aren’t part of the ticket. If you want extras, you’ll need to budget separately.

Playa del Duque return and the southwest-coast storytelling

Once you leave Masca Bay, you return toward Puerto Colón near the coast. This is a good moment to relax, because you’ve already done the core action: the safari attempt and the swim stop.

In the Los Gigantes area, you’ll return by the Playa del Duque stretch, and the guide shares details about the southwest coast as you cruise back. This part isn’t about checking boxes—it helps you connect the scenery to place names and what you’re actually seeing along the island’s dramatic cliffs and coastline.

When you reach Puerto Colón again, your bus is waiting for the return ride back to your hotel area.

Price and value: why $74.71 can make sense

At about $74.71 per person, the value is mainly in the “package” effect:

• transport from Puerto de la Cruz and back is included
• you get a multi-hour authorized boat outing
• you get lunch onboard plus water/refreshments
• wine and beer are included during lunch

If you tried to piece this together yourself—boat tour, lunch, drinks, and transport—it usually turns into a bigger hassle and often a higher total cost. Here, your day is organized for you, and you’re not stuck scrambling for food once you’re out on the water.

The trade-off is that wildlife viewing is not guaranteed, and you’re traveling as part of a bigger group. In other words: you’re paying for an efficient day program, not a controlled “guaranteed whale encounter.”

Who should book (and who should choose another)

This is a solid fit if you want:

• a half-to-full day outing with transport included
• a day that mixes sea life with an actual swim stop
• onboard lunch and drinks so you don’t spend the day hunting for food

It may be less ideal if you:

• need a quiet, low-music wildlife expedition (the onboard mood can be lively)
• hate the idea of limited whale viewing time due to wildlife protection rules
• expect snorkeling gear, towels, or photo services to be included (none are)

If you’re traveling as a couple, family, or small group with flexible expectations, you’ll likely enjoy the mix of coast cruising and the Masca Bay break.

Should you book Neptuno Whale Experience to Los Gigantes?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward Tenerife day trip that covers a lot of ground: pickup from the north, an authorized cetacean search, a real swim stop at Masca Bay, and an included lunch with drinks. The price also feels fair for what’s included, especially the onboard meal and transport.

But don’t book it thinking you’ll spend an hour sitting with whales. Treat it like a search plus a great day at sea, and bring what you need for comfort—your own snorkel gear if you plan to snorkel, and a towel for after the swim.

If your goal is purely maximum wildlife time, look at options that match that style more closely. If your goal is a fun, organized Tenerife sea day with a good chance of cetaceans and a guaranteed swim stop, this one is worth your time.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 12:00 pm.

Where do you get picked up?

Pickup is offered from the Puerto de la Cruz area, and the return trip to your hotel is included.

How long is the experience?

The duration is listed as approximately 5 to 10 hours, depending on conditions and timing during the day.

Is the tour in English?

English is offered.

What is included for lunch and drinks?

Lunch on board includes rice with vegetables, coleslaw, meatballs in tomato sauce, bread, and banana. Water and refreshments are available, and wine and beer are included during lunch.

Do they provide snorkeling equipment or towels?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not provided, and towels are not included.

Is whale and dolphin spotting guaranteed?

No. Cetaceans are in the wild, so sightings depend on conditions. The observation time is also limited by regulations that protect marine life.

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