The glass-bottom windows make wildlife feel close. On the Royal Delfin catamaran, you’re out on the southwest coast of Tenerife looking for dolphins and whales, then you get a real break in Masca Bay with time to swim and lunch on board. What I like most is the underwater viewing through the glass windows, and the way the crew keeps things friendly and upbeat without turning it into a stuffy lecture. One thing to keep in mind: sightings are never guaranteed, and some days you may get fewer moments than the best-case stories.

This is a solid 4.5-hour plan that mixes big scenery with hands-on time in the water. You’ll sail along the coast toward the Los Gigantes cliffs area in search of cetaceans, and the ride has a fun onboard vibe, including a well-liked music playlist. If you’re the type who wants a guaranteed dolphin count, this will feel frustrating sometimes, but if you like nature and good boat time, it usually lands well.

For a smooth day, think practical: pack swimwear, bring sunscreen, and if you’re sensitive to chop, consider motion-sickness basics since open-water waves can happen. Also, even though the boat has underwater views, your best chances come from looking both above and below when you’re in the action zone.

Quick highlights before you book

• Underwater glass viewing windows for watching dolphins and whales from below
• Masca Bay swim stop with warm water time and a real change of pace
• Lunch plus drinks included, including beer and sangria
• Los Gigantes cliffs route, with big-coast views during the search
• Purpose-built catamaran feel for a more comfortable ride than smaller boats
• Crew-led fun, with onboard snacks and a popular music vibe on the cruise

Price and what you really get for about $72

This tour costs about $72.29 per person and runs about 4 hours 30 minutes. That price isn’t just for boat seats. It covers the whale and dolphin search, a swim stop at Masca Bay, and food and drinks while you’re out there.

Here’s the value breakdown that matters on the day:

• Lunch is included (and it’s served onboard rather than at some distant stop).
• Drinks are included: beer and sangria, plus soft drinks like juice and water.
• There are also snacks (a small sandwich) so you’re not starving if the lunch timing doesn’t line up with your appetite.
• There’s a restroom onboard, which you’ll appreciate once you’re out for hours.

The one thing to watch: coffee/tea and harder alcohol aren’t included. If you love espresso or cocktails with spirits beyond what’s listed, you’ll need to plan on buying those separately.

If you’re doing Tenerife on a tight budget, this stands out because you’re not paying extra for the basic “day out” comforts. You’re mostly paying for time at sea plus the Masca Bay break.

The 4.5-hour route: from Playa de las Américas toward Los Gigantes

The tour meets at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas. The departure time is 2:00 pm, and it loops back to the meeting point.

What makes the route worth your attention is that you’re not sitting in one spot. You’ll sail along the southwest coast, including the Los Gigantes cliffs area, while the crew scans for wildlife. This matters because cetaceans don’t live on a schedule. When the boat can move with sightings, you get more chances to encounter dolphins and whales.

You’re also treated to the kind of scenery Tenerife is famous for:

• Coastal views with rugged cliff walls
• Open ocean stretches where you can often spot flying fish
• That in-between feeling of cruising, where you’re watching both the horizon and the sea surface

If you’re thinking of doing whale-watching elsewhere on the island, this route choice is a big part of why people like it. The cliffs and coast give you constant visual payoff, even on days when animals are a bit more distant.

Underwater glass windows: how to make it count

The Royal Delfin catamaran is built for cetacean viewing with underwater glass windows. This is the feature that turns a normal wildlife cruise into something you can actually control.

On the best sightings:

• Dolphins may show up from below, not just at the surface.
• You’ll get a different angle than other boats, because you’re literally watching from under the waterline.

My practical advice is simple: don’t get stuck in one spot. When you hear the crew call out activity, split your attention:

• Spend time at the glass windows when animals are likely beneath you.
• Also look up from the open deck, because quick surface breaks can be easier to catch on the top deck.

One more tip: if you’re hoping for close-ups, understand how wildlife works. Even with great viewing tech, cetaceans choose their own distance. Some days they come closer to the boat; other days they stay a bit more cautious.

Masca Bay swim stop: the payoff after the wildlife search

After cruising and searching, the tour heads toward Masca Bay at Los Gigantes for a swim stop. This is one of the most satisfying parts of the itinerary because it turns the tour from purely observational into something active.

You’ll get time to:

• Swim in the bay from the boat
• Cool off in warmer water conditions

This stop is also a good reset if the first part of the trip is slow or the sea is a little rough. You go from scanning the horizon to actually being in the water.

Timing note: lunch is served onboard, and many people report the meal comes relatively early in the journey (often within the first hour). Still, even if you don’t get hungry right away, you’ll like having food and drinks waiting while the boat is cruising and you’re taking in views.

What to bring for this part:

• Swimsuit and a towel you can use quickly
• Sunscreen (you’re exposed at sea)
• Water shoes if you’re cautious about how the boat platform feels underfoot

Food and drinks onboard: good enough for a day at sea

The onboard food package includes:

• Lunch plus snacks (small sandwich)
• Alcoholic beverages: beer and sangria
• Soda/soft drinks, juice, and water

In other words, you’re not rationing your comfort. Drinks are part of the experience, and the meal is included so you’re not scrambling for lunch onshore.

That said, not every meal is a crowd-pleaser. Some guests have described the lunch as very standard or not especially authentic. I’d treat it as a practical, included meal for a tour day, not as a foodie destination. The upside is that it’s reliably there, and it keeps the day rolling without extra stops.

If you have dietary needs beyond what you can handle easily, you’ll want to be cautious. The provided information doesn’t mention special meals, so plan to bring options if you need flexibility.

Crowds, comfort, and the bumpy reality

The tour can have up to 200 travelers, so you should expect it to feel busy at sea, especially near the best viewing areas or during wildlife moments. A crowded deck doesn’t ruin the day, but it does change the vibe: it’s more social and lively than calm and quiet.

Comfort can also depend on the sea state. Open water has waves, and while many people report a smooth ride, some guests have mentioned a bumpy stretch earlier in the journey. If you’re sensitive, don’t wait until you’re already in motion—prepare ahead.

A good mindset for this kind of excursion:

• You’re there for nature and scenery.
• You’re not guaranteed every dolphin moment to be right at the glass windows.
• When you do get good sightings, the whole crowd tends to perk up at once.

Also, music can be a plus or a mismatch. Some people enjoy the playlist; others find it a bit much. If you like quiet, bring something like earplugs.

Wildlife watching: what to expect from dolphins and whales

This tour is designed specifically for whale and dolphin watching in their natural habitat. That’s the big truth behind the whole experience: nature sets the terms.

A few realities to anchor your expectations:

• You might see multiple dolphin sightings in a great window.
• You might get fewer sightings on other days.
• Whale sightings can happen, but they can’t be scheduled.

Even when dolphins are present, their behavior can determine how close you feel they are. Some guests have noted that sightings didn’t always line up with the underwater glass window at the exact moment they wanted. That’s not a problem with the boat; it’s just how wildlife moves.

A smart strategy is to stay flexible in your location on the boat, and to keep your eyes scanning continuously rather than waiting for one perfect moment.

Is it worth it for your travel style?

This is a great pick if you want:

• A combined day: sea life, a scenic coast, and an actual swimming break
• An onboard experience with food and drinks included
• A catamaran with viewing tech, not just a deck and a pair of eyes

It’s also a good choice for groups and people who like being around others. The atmosphere tends to be social, and the crew plays a big part in keeping energy up.

It may feel less satisfying if you want:

• A highly focused tour where wildlife is the only goal
• A quiet, uncrowded experience
• Food that’s the main event (it’s included, but it’s not positioned as gourmet)

If you mainly care about maximum wildlife time, you might prefer a shorter cruise that concentrates more tightly on sightings. But if you’re balancing “see animals” with “enjoy Tenerife,” this one has the right mix.

Should you book Royal Delfin?

I’d book Royal Delfin if you’re after a practical Tenerife sea day that includes the big three: cetaceans, Los Gigantes scenery, and Masca Bay swimming, with lunch and drinks already handled. The underwater windows are the standout feature, and the overall value is strong for what’s included.

I’d think twice if you’re the kind of traveler who plans around a strict wildlife fantasy and gets irritated when nature doesn’t cooperate, or if you’re very bothered by crowds and want a quieter boat experience. In that case, you’ll likely feel the tradeoff.

For most people, the right way to win this tour is to treat it as a fun day at sea with smart viewing. When the dolphins and whales show up, this boat is set up to make you notice.

FAQ

How long is the Royal Delfin dolphin and whale watching tour?

It runs for about 4 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour depart?

The start time is 2:00 pm.

Where is the meeting point?

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

What’s included in the ticket for this tour?

Included are whale and dolphin watching, a swimming stop in Masca Bay, lunch, snacks (small sandwich), soda/soft drinks, juice, and water. Alcoholic beverages included are beer and sangria.

Are there drinks included besides lunch?

Yes. Beer and sangria are included, along with soft drinks like soda/pop, juice, and water.

Is there time to swim during the tour?

Yes. You’ll have a swim stop in Masca Bay at Los Gigantes.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

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