Whales off Tenerife beat a regular day at sea. This trip pairs a Shogun 5-hour cruise with an official blue-flag, legally authorized cetacean observation setup, plus a timed plan that gets you out past the dramatic Los Gigantes coastline. I also like that the day is built around more than just spotting—Masca Bay time and a proper lunch make it feel like an experience, not a quick drive-by.

One thing to consider: whale watching is nature work, not a stadium event. Even with a focused search, the real time on cetaceans can be short (by regulation, the observation window is limited), and the onboard vibe can be party-leaning with loud music, which some people love and others don’t.

Key things that make this Tenerife whale safari worth your attention

• A real Shogun-style sailing cruise with a long stretch on the water
• Blue-flag, authorized cetacean watching for peace of mind on safety and operations
• Masca Bay anchor stop for swimming, plus lunch served on board
• Lunch you can actually eat (rice with vegetables, coleslaw, meatballs in tomato sauce, bread, banana) with beer and wine included
• Los Gigantes cliffs by sea instead of just looking from shore
• Limited headcount (up to 125), usually keeping the boat from feeling too chaotic

Setting out from Tenerife’s north: what the 12:00 start really means

Starting at 12:00 pm sounds late—until you’re on vacation and realize it’s a smart move. You avoid the early-morning scramble and still get a full afternoon at sea. Pickup is from the north side, including Puerto de la Cruz, which matters because it means you’re not fighting traffic cross-island just to reach the boats.

The transport partner is Barrera Chinea (buses labeled with their name). The guide gets off at each stop to help locate customers. For me, that’s a small detail, but it usually reduces the stress of finding your group at a busy port area.

Pickup plus cruise time usually adds up to a longer day than you expect. The experience is listed at about 5 to 10 hours, so plan the rest of your evening around getting back later rather than booking a tight dinner reservation.

The big picture itinerary rhythm: whale search, Masca Bay swim, and a return along the coast

This is structured around three main phases, and the order matters.

First, you sail out from Puerto Colón and spend time searching for whales and dolphins en route toward Los Gigantes. Second, once you’re at the Los Gigantes area, you anchor near Masca Bay for swimming and lunch. Third, you head back toward Puerto Colón and then finish with a return coach ride that also gives you a closer look at the southwest coast.

This rhythm is good value because you’re not betting the whole day on spotting. If cetaceans are far or the sea is rough, you still have the cliffs, the cruise, and a meaningful time in the water—plus lunch that’s included rather than a random snack stop.

Puerto Colón start: getting onto the water with time to look for cetaceans

Your day begins at Puerto Colón after pickup from Puerto de la Cruz. You arrive, get aboard, and then the search begins with the boat heading toward the Los Gigantes area.

Two things I like about how this phase works:

1. You’re not immediately rushed into the water or out of the day. There’s time for the boat to position and for the crew to do what they’re paid to do: scan and check conditions.
2. You’re sailing past one of Tenerife’s most dramatic coastlines, even if the animals don’t show in the first minute.

Do note the practical reality: whale/dolphin watching is controlled by animal welfare and by safety rules. One reply from the operator notes that the observation window can be up to 30 minutes by law, as long as it doesn’t affect marine life. So if you’re imagining long, constant viewing time, calibrate expectations.

Los Gigantes and Masca Bay: where swimming and lunch actually happen

This is the heart of the day.

After the whale safari portion, you reach the Los Gigantes area, then anchor in Masca Bay. You’ll get about 40 minutes here, and it includes both a swim opportunity and lunch service.

A quick reality check: Masca Bay time is short. That’s why I recommend going in ready. Keep your swimsuit on as much as you can before boarding or right before you reach the anchoring stop, so you’re not wasting precious minutes changing. The tour doesn’t include towels or snorkeling gear, so you’ll want to bring whatever you need for comfort and for hopping in smoothly.

For what it’s worth, multiple people also liked the feeling of jumping straight from the boat into the sea and still being in the water near the end. That only matters if you like water time, but if you do, this stop is what makes the day feel like more than a viewing session.

Playa del Duque and the southwest coast ride back

Once the Masca Bay swim/lunch phase ends, you return toward Puerto Colón. After that, the bus is waiting and you finish with a return ride that includes Playa del Duque.

That extra stop isn’t just filler. It’s a chance to see the southwest coast more clearly from land, especially if you’ve only spent time in the north or in a resort bubble. You also get a guided explanation while you ride, which helps you connect what you saw from the boat with what you’re seeing onshore.

If you prefer action over scenery, you might feel this is slower than the boat portion. If you like getting context, it helps you leave with a better sense of Tenerife’s geography.

On-board food and drinks: what’s included (and what kind of vibe to expect)

Lunch is included and it’s specific, which I appreciate. You’ll get rice with vegetables, coleslaw, meatballs in tomato sauce, bread, and a banana. There’s also unlimited access to water and refreshments during the trip, and wine and beer are included during lunch.

That’s a better setup than tours that say food is included but leave you guessing what you’ll actually get. Here, you have a full meal rather than a small snack.

The vibe is where reviews split. Some people describe it as fun with good music and a lively crew. Others complain about loud music and a party atmosphere that can shift the experience away from calm whale watching. There’s also mention of cocktails available for extra charge, so if you want a quiet, wildlife-focused day, you may feel less aligned.

Also watch for expectations about sailing. Even though the boat is described as a traditional Arab schooner, there’s feedback that sailing can be limited and navigation may use a motor for practicality. If you came for full wind-on-the-mast romance, that might disappoint. If you came for time on the water and a smooth day, it’s usually fine.

How long you’ll actually be on cetacean time

The big attraction is spotting whales and dolphins, but the day isn’t built around a guaranteed sighting. You’re paying for the chance, the search, and the authorized observation process.

The operator’s response (and the nature of the rules) points to why: whales and dolphins are wild and move on their own terms. Add sea conditions and safety limits, and the observation window can be short. In other words, if you’re the type who needs long, steady viewing to feel satisfied, you should treat this as a cruise with wildlife searching, not a wildlife show.

That said, when animals do show, you’ll get a front-row feel from a boat designed for observation, not just transportation.

Price and value: what $74.71 buys you on this Tenerife day

At $74.71 per person, you’re not paying pocket-change, but you are paying for a lot of structured pieces:

• pickup and return transport (from the north, with Puerto de la Cruz included),
• a multi-hour cruise (a 5-hour cruise is highlighted),
• a swim stop,
• lunch on board,
• and drinks (water plus refreshments; wine and beer during lunch).

So the value angle comes down to this: you’re effectively buying a half-day to full-day combo of transport + sea time + meal + water access. If you tried to recreate that yourself—getting to the port, booking a proper cruise, arranging lunch, and paying for water time—you’d likely spend more and lose the simplicity.

Where the value may feel weaker is if you care only about wildlife viewing time. If whales and dolphins don’t come close, you may feel the day was more about the cruise and cliffs than the animals. That’s the risk with any whale safari in open ocean.

Best fit: who will enjoy this Tenerife whale cruise the most

This works best if you’re a flexible day-tripper:

• You want Los Gigantes cliffs from the water, not just photos from land.
• You like the idea of a swim stop with a short but focused chunk of time to enjoy it.
• You’re okay with a more social onboard vibe and don’t need everything to be silent and serious.
• You’ll actually use included perks like lunch and drinks instead of skipping meals to save time.

It’s also a good option for families planning a fun sea day, since there’s a clear swim window and a real onboard meal. Some passengers describe it as a family-friendly day. If you’re traveling with kids, I’d still prep them for the reality of the swim stop being brief.

If you’re very sensitive to loud music or you only want long whale viewing, you may want to compare with quieter wildlife-focused operators before committing.

Practical tips so you don’t lose time on the day

These are the small things that make the biggest difference:

• Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you plan to snorkel. It’s not provided.
• Bring a way to handle the basics: no towels and no sun cream are included.
• Plan to have your swimwear ready. With only 40 minutes at Masca Bay, you don’t want a slow change.
• Expect that bathrooms can be basic on boats. Don’t plan on perfect comfort—plan on fun.
• Bring sun protection anyway. Even though the water time is short, you’ll still get sun.

If you want clean photos, remember that the tour doesn’t include photos. A GoPro or phone in a waterproof case can save you from awkward hand-holding near the water.

Should you book this Tenerife whale safari to Los Gigantes?

Book it if you want a balanced sea day: cruise time, dramatic cliffs, a swim break, and lunch with beer and wine included—plus an authorized effort to find whales and dolphins.

Skip or reconsider if you’re chasing a guaranteed dolphin encounter, or if your ideal wildlife experience is quiet, long, and uninterrupted. Also reconsider if loud music would grate on you, since the onboard atmosphere can lean party mode.

If you like variety—wildlife searching plus actual time in the water—this is a strong value play for Tenerife’s south and west views from sea level.

FAQ

What time does the whale safari depart?

The start time is 12:00 pm, with pickup offered from Puerto de la Cruz and the route run by Barrera Chinea.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 5 to 10 hours (the sailing and stop times vary based on the day’s conditions and timing).

Where do you go during the experience?

You begin at Puerto Colón, travel toward Los Gigantes for the cetacean search, anchor near Masca Bay for swimming and lunch, then return toward Puerto Colón with a ride that includes Playa del Duque.

Is lunch included, and what do you get?

Yes. 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. If you want to snorkel, bring your own gear.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The animals are in the wild and sightings depend on conditions. The observation time is also limited by rules intended to protect marine life.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded. The experience also requires good weather and a minimum number of travelers.