Whale Watching Catamaran to Los Gigantes & Masca (Including drinks & warm lunch)

The best part of this half-day catamaran trip is the mix of wildlife and dramatic Tenerife scenery. You head west from Puerto Colón toward the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes and the coast near Masca, with a real chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins along the way.

I like two things here: the hot meal is included, and the boat gives you plenty of time to sit, sunbathe, or watch the coast pass by. The crew is generally friendly and well organized. The catch is the size of the boat, which can hold up to 160 people, so this feels more like a lively group cruise than a quiet wildlife expedition.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main attraction: Sightings are common enough to make the trip worthwhile, but wild animals never come with a guarantee.
• Los Gigantes gives the cruise its scenic punch: The huge cliffs and Masca coast are the visual high point of the route.
• Lunch is hot but basic: Expect chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana, not a restaurant-style meal.
• Drinks are included: Water, soda, beer, and other alcoholic drinks are available, though drink portions can be small.
• Swimming may be offered: A stop at a sheltered cove is part of the experience when conditions allow.
• Front sun beds cost extra: They are first come, first served, and the price has been criticized as high for the space provided.

From Puerto Colón toward the cliffs

The tour leaves daily at 1:15 p.m. from Av. de Colón in Playa de las Américas, at the Puerto Colón area. Your booking confirmation provides the boarding gate, so check it carefully before heading to the marina.

The afternoon departure works well if you want a slower morning. It also gives you warm daylight for the cruise and the cliffs. One practical point: Tenerife’s south coast can be windy even on a sunny day, so bring a light jacket or vest. That small layer may matter more than your swimsuit once the catamaran gets out into open water.

You board one of three large catamarans. The exact boat is not guaranteed, and the atmosphere can vary slightly from one vessel to another. All are designed for a fairly large group, with areas for sitting, moving around, and sunbathing.

The boat heads west along the coast while the crew watches for marine life. The guide shares information in English and Spanish, including where whales and dolphins live, what they eat, and how they migrate. The amount of commentary can vary, especially with a large mixed-language group, so this is not the right choice if you want a detailed marine biology lesson.

Watching for pilot whales and dolphins

Tenerife’s southwest coast is known for regular sightings of short-finned pilot whales and several dolphin species. On this trip, you may see pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, or smaller groups of dolphins moving near the boat.

The wildlife is the least predictable part of the day. Some departures produce several sightings, including pilot whales and dolphins close enough to enjoy without binoculars. Other trips may bring only a few animals, or dolphins without whales. Weather and sea conditions affect both animal activity and how comfortably the captain can search.

The catamaran format gives you a stable viewing platform compared with a small speedboat, but it is still an open-water trip. Several people have felt seasick even when the crossing seemed gentle. If you know you are sensitive to motion, sit toward the back of the boat and face the horizon. The front may offer the best view, but it usually moves more in the swell.

The crew has sometimes asked anyone feeling ill to move toward the rear. That is sensible advice, and you should follow it early rather than waiting until you feel worse. A little fresh air and a fixed point on shore can help.

I would not book this solely because you must see a whale. Book it because you want a pleasant ocean outing with a good chance of wildlife, striking cliffs, and a swim stop. That expectation gives you a fairer measure of the experience.

Los Gigantes and the Masca coast

The cruise continues toward Los Gigantes, one of Tenerife’s most impressive coastal sights. The cliffs rise sharply from the Atlantic, creating the kind of view that makes even a busy boat feel worthwhile. From the water, you see the scale of the rock far better than from a road or overlook.

The route also takes in the coast near Barranco de Masca. Masca is famous for its rugged mountain setting, and from the sea you get a different angle on this remote-feeling part of the island. The return journey gives you more time to admire the coast rather than rushing through a short photo stop.

There is no separate land visit to Masca on this tour. You see the cliffs and coastal scenery from the catamaran. If you want to walk through the village of Masca or hike its ravine, you need a different excursion.

The boat may pause at a beautiful cove for swimming. The timing depends on sea and weather conditions, and not everyone chooses to get in. Bring swimwear under your clothes, plus a towel if you want to take part. The swim is a welcome change after sitting on board, though the main value of the trip remains the wildlife and coastal views.

Lunch, beer, and the open bar

The included meal is served as a hot lunch of chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana. Some people describe it as a basic but welcome meal, while others find the meatballs and rice disappointing. That difference is easy to understand: you are eating from a boat kitchen during a four-hour cruise, not ordering from a seaside restaurant.

I would treat lunch as practical fuel rather than a reason to book. The warm food is useful, especially after time in the wind, but the menu is fixed and there is no stated choice of main course. If you prefer a light meal, bring a small personal snack if permitted, though bottled water and soft drinks are supplied.

Alcoholic drinks are included, along with water and soda. Beer is a popular choice, but portions may be served in small plastic cups. The selection is limited, and this is not an open bar in the luxury-hotel sense. Still, having drinks included adds value to the $72.08 price, particularly if you plan to spend the full four and a half hours on board.

Ice cream costs extra. The front sun beds also cost extra and are offered on a first come, first served basis. Some reports put the price at about 25 euros for a bed, with the space sometimes feeling tight for two adults. I would skip this add-on unless having a fixed front-row place is especially important to you.

What the group size means

The catamaran can carry up to 160 people, although the actual number may be lower on your departure. This scale keeps the price moderate and allows the operator to run daily departures, but it limits the personal feel.

You may need to move through a busy deck to collect drinks, and the best viewing areas can fill quickly. The boat has room to relax, but do not picture a private yacht or a small naturalist boat. Families, couples, school groups, and larger holiday parties may all share the same sailing.

The large boat does have one advantage: it feels organized and provides several places to sit. The crew is used to managing a mixed group, serving food, handling the swimming stop, and getting everyone back to port on time.

For a more intimate wildlife outing, choose a smaller boat elsewhere, accepting that smaller vessels can feel more exposed to waves. For a first boat trip, a big catamaran may be the easier introduction, provided you are comfortable with the possibility of a lively deck.

Pickup, timing, and practical details

Pickup is available from selected hotels in southern Tenerife, but not from outside the south of the island. Hotels close to the port may be told to go directly to Puerto Colón rather than wait for a vehicle.

Give the operator your mobile number with country code and your email address. The pickup point may not be directly at your hotel entrance, and the exact instructions matter. Double-check the meeting place, time, and gate instead of relying only on a map pin.

The tour lasts about four hours and 30 minutes and ends back at the starting point. It operates every day except January 1, subject to suitable weather. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before departure. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

The tour is offered in English and Spanish. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable on a moving boat and able to manage the boarding and onboard conditions. The operator does not promise the same catamaran for every departure, so do not book around a particular boat name.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend it to families who want several island experiences in one afternoon: wildlife, cliffs, lunch, drinks, and a possible swim. Children who are excited by dolphins and whales should have plenty to watch, though parents should prepare them for the fact that sightings are not guaranteed.

It also suits couples who want an easy coastal outing without arranging transport to several viewpoints. The afternoon timing leaves your morning free, and the included meal keeps the day simple.

This is less suitable for anyone seeking a quiet, small-group nature trip. It is also a poor fit if you become seasick easily, dislike group activities, or expect restaurant-quality food and premium drinks. Strong wind or rough water can change the mood quickly, even when the boat remains on schedule.

Bring a light windproof layer, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and swimwear. Keep your phone secured on deck. The sun beds are optional, and I would not consider them necessary for enjoying the trip.

Is the $72.08 price fair?

At $72.08 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the whole package. You are paying for about four and a half hours at sea, a large catamaran, wildlife searching, the Los Gigantes and Masca route, lunch, water, soda, and alcoholic drinks.

The value drops if you mainly want a short view of the cliffs or if you do not drink and care little about the meal. It also drops if you expect a small group, extensive wildlife commentary, or a premium food service.

For most people, the strongest value comes from combining several costs into one booking. You do not need to arrange a separate whale trip, coastal cruise, lunch stop, and swim outing. The trade-off is that every part is delivered at a straightforward group-tour level rather than a luxury level.

Should you book the Los Gigantes catamaran?

Book this cruise if you want a friendly, well-organized afternoon on the water with a good chance of pilot whales and dolphins, big coastal views, a basic hot lunch, and included drinks. The crew receives strong praise for being attentive, and the cliffs near Los Gigantes give the trip a memorable visual payoff.

Skip it if you need guaranteed wildlife, a quiet boat, gourmet food, or a small private setting. If you do book, confirm the pickup instructions, wear a windproof layer, sit toward the rear if you feel queasy, and treat the animals as a lucky part of the outing rather than a promise. That approach gives you the best chance of enjoying what this cruise does well.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, near Puerto Colón. Your booking confirmation provides the boarding gate.

What time does the tour depart?

The daily departure time is 1:15 p.m. The tour lasts approximately four hours and 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available from selected hotels in southern Tenerife. Hotels close to the port may need to go directly to the port, and pickup is not offered outside southern Tenerife.

What food is included?

Lunch includes chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana. The menu is fixed, and ice cream costs extra.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, soda, and alcoholic drinks are included. The drink selection and serving size may be limited.

Can I swim during the trip?

A swimming stop at a cove may be offered during the cruise. Conditions and timing determine whether the stop takes place.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.