Cliffs, open water, and a shot at whales. This half-day catamaran from Puerto Colón pairs a wildlife search with Tenerife’s famous Los Gigantes and Masca scenery, and you don’t have to worry about food and drinks.

I like that alcoholic beverages and a warm lunch are included, so the day feels light and easy even if you came straight from the beach.

I also like the pacing. You’re not stuck indoors: the boat has deck space to relax and sunbathe, and near the end you get that slow, coastal look along the Barranco de Masca coastline. The guide keeps things moving with explanations about whales and dolphins as you cruise.

One thing to consider: this is a big-boat ride in open water, so if you get seasick, plan for it. And if you want the best front-deck sun seats, those sun beds cost extra and go first-come first-served.

Key things to know before you go

• Whales and dolphins plus Los Gigantes views in one tight half-day format
• Lunch and alcoholic beverages included so you don’t have to hunt for a meal
• Barranco de Masca coastline time for photos and deck lounging near the end
• Big-catamaran reality: more people on board means more motion risk for sensitive stomachs
• Sun beds are extra (front seats go first-come first-served)
• Three large catamarans run on this excursion, so you’ll board whichever one is assigned

Tenerife whale watching at 13:15: the schedule that fits most plans

This tour runs daily, with departures at 13:15, and it’s about 4 hours 30 minutes from start to finish. That timing is great if you want a wildlife morning but still keep your afternoon open for Los Cristianos, a beach walk, or dinner.

You’ll board at the meeting area near Av. de Colón (Costa Adeje / Playa de la Américas area), and the company confirms your gate number. If you’re using pickup, they’ll also share the closest pickup point after they have your details.

Where you start: Puerto Colón, meeting point, and pickup limits

Your meeting point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not doing a complicated transfer.

Pickup is offered, but only under certain conditions. They do pickup from selected hotels in the south of Tenerife, and they’ll tell you the closest option after booking. Two practical notes:

• If your hotel is very close to the port, you may be asked to go straight to the port.
• They don’t offer pickup outside the south of Tenerife.

Also, this tour runs on three large catamarans, and you can’t choose which one you’ll be on. The upside: you know the operator runs the route regularly. The downside: you’ll want to be flexible about the exact onboard feel.

The catamaran ride and the whale-and-dolphin search

Once you’re underway, you’re basically doing two jobs at once: cruising toward Los Gigantes and Masca, and scanning for whales and dolphins. The guide shares what to look for and the basics of whale and dolphin life—things like where they’re found, what they eat, and migration patterns.

This is one of those tours where the search matters as much as the sightings. Even on trips when the animals are a bit shy, you still learn how to read the water: watch for surfacing patterns, direction changes, and the way the sea looks around feeding areas.

You should also know this tour can be calmer or choppier depending on the day. Since you’re out in open water, the ship size helps stability, but it doesn’t erase movement. If you’ve ever felt queasy on boats, bring your game plan.

Los Gigantes cliffs: the payoff even when wildlife is quiet

Los Gigantes is the star backdrop here. As you cruise toward the area, the cliffs start doing their thing—tall, dramatic, and visible from the water in a way you just don’t get from land.

Even if wildlife sightings vary from day to day, the catamaran timing still makes sense. You’re moving with the coastline, so you’re getting a steady flow of viewpoints instead of one short stop where everyone rushes to the railing.

The tour also builds in deck time. As you approach the return portion of the trip, you’ll have a chance to relax and sunbathe while admiring the coast around Barranco de Masca.

Barranco de Masca coastline: when the tour slows down for photos

Near the end of the cruise, you shift from “search mode” into “soak it in” mode. That’s when you get time to relax on board and enjoy the Barranco de Masca coastline views.

This is the part I’d aim for if you care about photos and atmosphere. The light over the cliffs and coast can be very forgiving from the water, and you don’t feel rushed. Bring a phone strap or a light layer, because sea breeze can show up even if it’s warm on shore.

What’s included in lunch and drinks (and what to expect in real life)

The headline value here is simple: alcoholic beverages plus a warm onboard lunch. Included items are:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Bottled water
• Soda/pop
• Lunch: chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and banana

That’s a strong “keep it easy” bundle for a half-day. You can eat and drink without stepping off the boat to find a café, and that matters when you’re also hoping to spot wildlife.

That said, included meals and drinks on boat tours can be basic by design. Some people love it because it’s hot and convenient. Others find the lunch more like a provided meal than a culinary highlight. My practical take: plan to enjoy it as a practical warm meal, not as a special restaurant lunch.

For drinks, expect what you’d normally get from an onboard “included” setup. The included bar is part of the fun, but it’s not the same as a craft cocktail menu.

Sun beds, decks, and the best places to sit

The boat has areas to relax and sunbathe, but the very best deck comfort costs extra. Sun beds at the front of the boat are an extra charge and are first come first served.

If you want that front-sun-bed setup:

• Arrive ready to claim a spot as soon as you can move around on board.
• Don’t count on being able to grab one “later” after everyone’s done checking in.

If you’re not tied to sun beds, you can still enjoy the decks without paying extra. Just expect that on a larger catamaran, people spread out quickly and the best shaded spots go fast.

Comfort on open water: how to reduce the seasickness odds

This tour goes out to sea in a way that can trigger motion for some people. Even if the trip runs well, open-water movement is real.

Here’s what I’d do to stack the odds in your favor:

• Wear layers you can adjust, because wind chill is common at sea.
• If you’re sensitive, consider motion sickness medication before you leave shore (follow package directions).
• Bring something windproof for your top layer. Even warm days can feel cool once you’re moving.

If you know you get sick fast on boats, think twice about sitting right at the front during rougher conditions. The back of a boat often feels steadier, but the final call depends on how the crew guides people on your specific departure.

Group size and the “big-boat” feel

This excursion has a maximum of 160 travelers, and it runs with three large catamarans. That means the vibe can be social and lively, but it can also feel less intimate than smaller boats.

So decide what you want:

• If you like an organized group day with built-in entertainment (guide talk, included lunch, a full atmosphere), this fits.
• If you prefer quiet, low-crowd wildlife watching, you might find a smaller-boat option more your style.

Also, since you can’t choose which of the three catamarans you’ll get, plan for some variation in layout, open deck seating, and onboard space.

Getting the most out of wildlife time: simple strategy

I’d treat this tour like a three-part checklist:

1. Listen and look when the guide points things out. Whale and dolphin behavior isn’t just luck; small details help you spot activity sooner.
2. Stay patient during the search stretch. The best sightings often happen when you stop “waiting to see something” and start watching the water carefully.
3. Be flexible. Some days bring a strong wildlife moment; other days deliver fewer sightings but still fantastic scenery.

If you’re the kind of person who will be happiest with the cliffs and the sea view even without a whale close encounter, you’ll likely enjoy the day no matter what the water decides.

Should you book this Tenerife whale watching catamaran?

Book it if you want an easy half-day that bundles Los Gigantes and Masca views with a wildlife search, plus lunch and alcoholic drinks included. The format is efficient, and the deck time makes it feel like more than just a checklist boat tour.

Skip it (or choose another operator) if:

• You’re very prone to seasickness and don’t want open-water movement as part of the deal.
• You’re hoping for a truly premium lunch or a top-tier bar setup. Included meals and drinks are convenient, but they’re not the point for everyone.
• You want a small-group, quiet wildlife experience.

If you do book, come ready for a classic Tenerife sea day: layers for wind, a plan for motion comfort, and your camera set for cliffs and coastline. The rest is down to the ocean.

FAQ

What time does the Tenerife Half-Day Whale and Dolphin Tour depart?

It departs daily at 13:15 and runs for about 4 hours 30 minutes.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Is pickup available from my hotel?

Pickup is offered from selected hotels in south Tenerife. Some hotels close to the port may require you to go directly to the port, and pickup is not available outside the south of Tenerife.

What’s included with the ticket?

You get alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soda/pop, and a warm lunch (chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and banana).

Are sun beds included?

No. Sun beds at the front of the boat cost extra and are first come first served.

What language will the guide speak?

The tour is offered in English and Spanish.

What if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Winter Victoria Whale and Wildlife Zodiac TourWhale Shark Adventure from Isla MujeresWhale Watching and Bacardi Island day trip from Punta CanaWhale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive