4’5-hour Royal Dolphin and Whale Watching Excursion in Tenerife

A catamaran hunt for whales sounds fun. On this Tenerife outing, you cruise the southwest coast in a glass-bottom catamaran, then scan the water for dolphins and whales while live underwater TV adds a bonus layer of spotting.

I especially like how you get two ways to watch the sea: looking from the boat deck and watching what’s going on underwater without constantly leaning over the rail. The second win for me is the added Masca Bay time, where the trip turns from pure wildlife searching into scenery plus a real ocean break.

One thing to consider: if you’re prone to motion sickness, take that risk seriously on open water. Also, despite the tour being designed for a smooth day, pickup service isn’t listed as included, so you’ll want to plan to reach the Puerto Colón meeting point yourself.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Glass-bottom catamaran + underwater TV for sea-life spotting in more than one way
• Los Gigantes coastline cruise on the hunt for whales and dolphins
• Masca Bay anchor stop with time to cool off in the ocean
• Lunch and drinks included (beer, sangria, juices, water)
• Small-to-midsize group limit (maximum 95 travelers) for a less chaotic feel
• Mobile ticket plus a straightforward meet-and-return route

What You’re Really Getting on This 4.5-Hour Cruise

This is a short, efficient Tenerife marine day. You’re not committing to a full day on the water, and that matters if your time is limited or you want your wildlife time wrapped around lunch and a swim. The format is simple: board in Puerto Colón, sail out along the dramatic southwest, and then settle into Masca Bay for a scenic pause.

You also get a practical mix of “watching” and “doing.” Yes, the main goal is spotting marine life—but you’re not stuck with only one viewing style. The onboard setup is built for scanning, and the live underwater camera (fed to a screen onboard) helps you keep your attention on the water even when conditions aren’t perfect.

And because you’re returning to the same meeting point, the day stays predictable. That’s a big plus if you hate last-minute logistics while you’re on vacation.

Boarding in Puerto Colón: Fast Start, Clear Goal

Your start point is the Royal Delfin Catamaran at Calle Colon, Pantalán 12, Puerto Colón (near Playa de las Américas area). You’ll have a short boarding window—about 15 minutes—before the boat heads out. That quick turnaround keeps the trip from dragging, but it also means you should arrive early enough to park your mind in vacation mode, not in “where is my boarding line?” mode.

The tour runs in English, and the day is capped at a maximum of 95 travelers. In practice, that usually means you’ll have room to move around the deck without fighting crowds every time you want a new angle on the sea.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, so you can keep things lightweight. Just make sure your phone battery is healthy before you show up.

Cruising Toward Los Gigantes: The Wildlife-Spotting Stretch

After boarding, the catamaran sails toward the Cliffs of Los Gigantes. This is the main “search” phase, where you’re exploring Tenerife’s stunning southwest coast while the crew looks for whales and dolphins from the boat.

Here’s why this stretch is worth paying attention to: Los Gigantes is all about steep coastal rock and exposed coastline. Those dramatic shapes can make the water feel a lot bigger and more open than calmer bays—exactly the kind of setting where you’re more likely to notice surface activity. Even when wildlife isn’t instantly obvious, the coastline makes the ride feel like more than just traveling from A to B.

Where to stand (and where to watch)

Try both:

• Watch from the open deck for movement you can track with your eyes.
• Then cross-check with the live underwater TV, which can help you catch action you’d miss from above.

If the sea is choppy, the underwater screen becomes even more useful because it reduces the need for constant head-tilting and leaning over the rail.

The Possible Downside: Sea Sickness Can Be Real Here

This trip is on the water, and you’re coming out of Puerto Colón to scan open-coast waters. If you’re the kind of person who gets queasy on ferries or windy catamarans, this is the part to take seriously.

In feedback tied to this specific Royal Delfin experience, some people described extreme sea sickness—nausea and vomiting—turning the cruise into a painful experience. That doesn’t mean it will happen to you, but it does mean you shouldn’t assume a catamaran automatically equals easy sailing.

Quick practical advice

• If you’ve ever had motion sickness before, pack your go-to remedy and use it as directed before you’re already nauseated.
• Consider sitting where the water motion feels more manageable (often toward the center of the boat, if you can choose).
• Keep your eyes on the horizon when possible. It’s not glamorous, but it helps.

This tour is short enough that if you’re susceptible, you’ll want to plan to survive the worst part rather than hope it passes. Better to be prepared and enjoy it.

Masca Bay Stop: Cliffs, A Swim Break, and Lunch on the Water

The itinerary shifts in a good way with the Masca Bay stop. You’ll drop anchor in Masca Bay and get about 1 hour 30 minutes there. The atmosphere changes in a bay setting: less of the constant “sailing motion,” more of the focused time to enjoy the cliffs and the water.

This is also where the trip becomes more than a wildlife chase. You get a chance to take a refreshing dip—the swim stop is included—so you can turn the day’s heat into something fun and physical instead of just watching.

Lunch included (and actually useful)

You’ll have lunch in Masca Bay. The tour also offers alternative menus for vegetarians or for people with coeliac needs, which is important because food surprises can ruin an otherwise great day.

Drinks are included throughout as well: beer, sangria, juices, and water. That’s a genuine value add. Instead of doing the “find cash, find a bar, pay extra, wait in line” routine, you can eat and drink without it becoming a second trip.

What to expect from the scenery

Masca is known for dramatic coastal shapes, and anchoring here means you’re not just staring out at open sea. You’re looking at a real backdrop—the cliffs and the bay structure—while you eat, swim, and reset your energy.

One caveat: because you’re anchored, the experience depends on sea conditions and how comfortable you feel going in and out for a dip. If you love water time, it’s a highlight. If you prefer staying dry, you can still enjoy the views and the break.

Onboard Experience: How the Boat Setup Shapes Your Day

The key things that affect your comfort here are the viewing options and the seating.

• Glass-bottom catamaran cruise: You can look down and keep your attention on the water even when you’re not perfectly positioned for spotting.
• Live underwater television: It’s a clever trick for helping you interpret what you might be seeing from the surface.
• Deck time: You’ll want to move around to catch the best light and angles, especially during calmer moments.

A spacious boat with decent seating was specifically called out by one positive experience, and that matches what I’d expect from a well-run catamaran tour. Comfort matters, because even a great itinerary can feel long if you’re stuck in an uncomfortable spot for the whole run.

Timing and Flow: Why This Duration Works

At about 4 hours 30 minutes, this outing is a “sweet spot” length. It’s long enough to leave Puerto Colón, cover meaningful coastline, and then enjoy Masca Bay with lunch and time in the water. But it’s not so long that you’ll feel trapped if the sea is rough or if wildlife spotting takes longer than hoped.

The day is structured with a clear rhythm:

• Quick boarding in Puerto Colón
• A longer cruise focused on Los Gigantes and marine life spotting
• A defined Masca Bay block for scenery, swimming, and lunch
• Back to the meeting point afterward

That predictability is part of the value.

Price and Value: Is $76.89 a Good Deal?

At $76.89 per person, you’re paying for a bundle: catamaran ride, marine-focused cruising, lunch, drinks, and the onboard “spotting tools.” You’re also covered by port fees and liability and accident insurance, which is the kind of behind-the-scenes detail that saves you from headaches later.

Here’s how I’d judge the value for you:

• If you want wildlife and scenery plus an actual meal and included drinks, the package makes sense.
• If you only care about spotting from the deck and you’d rather skip lunch and drinks, the price might feel less of a bargain.

The strongest value signal here is the inclusions: lunch plus drinks are often where tours either shine—or disappoint. This one gives you that for your Masca Bay time, which can turn the day into more of a complete experience rather than “pay for a boat and hope.”

Who Should Book This (and Who Might Want to Skip It)

This tour fits best if you:

• Love marine wildlife watching but want the day to include real downtime (Masca Bay, swim stop, lunch)
• Prefer a shorter excursion that stays manageable
• Want a viewing setup that doesn’t rely only on spotting from one deck angle (glass-bottom + underwater TV)
• Travel with dietary needs like vegetarian or coeliac options (alternative menus are offered)

I’d think twice—or prepare extra—if you:

• Know you get severe motion sickness on boats
• Prefer strictly calm, land-based sightseeing because the success of wildlife spotting is partly at the mercy of sea conditions

What to Bring So You Enjoy Every Minute

Even though drinks and lunch are included, you’ll still want to show up ready for a day outside.

Bring:

• Sun protection (it’s Tenerife and you’ll be out on deck)
• A layer you can put on if the sea breeze cools you down
• Swimsuit and towel if you plan to use the included swim stop
• Motion sickness support if you’re even mildly prone to it
• A phone charger or power bank (mobile ticket + photos)

And remember: your best spotting moments often come when you’re not rushing. Slow down, scan steadily, then check the underwater TV when you want to confirm what you’re seeing.

Should You Book This Royal Dolphin and Whale Watching Excursion?

If you’re excited by the idea of cruising past Los Gigantes, spending time anchored at Masca Bay, and getting both on-deck spotting and underwater TV, this is a solid choice. The combo of glass-bottom viewing, live underwater camera support, and an included lunch with drinks makes it feel like more than a simple “boat for wildlife.”

Book it if:

• You handle catamarans fairly well and want a value-packed marine day
• You’ll actually use Masca Bay for the swim and meal

Skip or only book if you’re prepared if:

• Motion sickness hits you hard on the water. This is the one risk that can turn the experience from fun to misery fast.

If you’re on the fence, the decision comes down to one question: can you enjoy a boat ride without worrying about your stomach? If yes, you’ll likely have a great time seeing Tenerife’s coast from the sea—and enjoying that Masca Bay reset with real food and a proper dip.

FAQ

How long is the Royal Dolphin and Whale Watching Excursion?

It runs for about 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

It starts at Royal Delfin Catamaran, Calle Colon, Pantalán 12, Puerto Colón, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is a mobile ticket used for this experience?

Yes, the tour includes a mobile ticket.

What language is the tour offered in?

The excursion is offered in English.

Is lunch included, and are dietary options available?

Yes. Lunch is included in Masca Bay, with alternative menus for vegetarians or coeliacs.

What drinks are included during the trip?

Drinks included throughout the trip are beer, sangria, juices, and water.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. There is a swim stop, and you’ll have time to dip while anchored in Masca Bay.

Is hotel pickup service included?

No. Pickup service is listed as not included.

Is cancellation free, and how far in advance do I need to cancel?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.