Ten minutes on the water and you’re hooked. This Adeje cruise mixes real wildlife watching with underwater submarine windows and a swim stop in Atlantic blue.

I really like how the trip keeps you searching in a protected stretch of ocean tied to the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary. And you also get a practical, enjoyable onboard setup: panoramic windows for marine life viewing, a guided run, and lunch and drinks included on both cruise lengths.

One thing to plan for: the boat can feel busy at key moments (like when everyone goes to the rail for sightings or when you all move toward the swim stop).

Key things I’d bet on

• 16 panoramic submarine windows for seeing marine life below you
• Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary territory, known for whale watching
• Two routes: Diego Hernández Bay (3 hours) or Masca and Los Gigantes (4.5 hours)
• Lunch plus drinks included, including choices for vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free on request
• Swim stop with crystal-clear water and a set time to enjoy it
• Respectful viewing rules: no feeding and no touching marine life

Tenerife West Coast by Catamaran: why this cruise works

If you’re doing whale watching in Tenerife, the best tours have one job: get you out to where the animals actually are, then make the experience feel natural and easy. This Adeje cruise does that by running along the island’s southwest coast in waters described as a Special Conservation Area. In plain terms: you’re not just sightseeing from a random route. You’re in the kind of habitat where whales, dolphins, and seabirds show up often enough to make the trip worthwhile.

The other reason this cruise is fun even if you’re not a hardcore wildlife person is the boat itself. It’s a catamaran designed for underwater viewing, with panoramic submarine windows, so you can watch what’s happening under the surface without only relying on spotting from above. On calm days, that can turn the whole ride into a living aquarium experience.

You’ll also have a guide onboard and a guided rhythm to the trip. Expect safety briefing early, then a mix of cruising, viewing stops, and spotting time—so you’re not just sitting around hoping.

Choosing your route: Diego Hernández Bay vs Masca and Los Gigantes

This tour comes in two main lengths, and the route choice matters.

The 3-hour option: Diego Hernández Bay + swim + lunch

This shorter cruise sets sail to look for cetaceans and heads toward Diego Hernández Bay. You get a dedicated stop to swim in the Atlantic and you’ll have complimentary lunch served during that stop, along with drinks included throughout the excursion.

If you’re short on time, this option is the cleanest choice. It’s enough hours to search for dolphins and pilot whales, plus do the swim. The shorter format also tends to feel less taxing if you’re sensitive to motion or want the whole thing to stay snappy.

The 4.5-hour option: Masca + Los Gigantes + longer scenery

The longer route explores Tenerife’s southwest coast up to the cliffs of Los Gigantes. You cruise with whale and dolphin watching in mind, then anchor in a bay for your swim and lunch, with drinks included.

Choose this one if you want the bigger visual payoff. Los Gigantes is the kind of coastline that makes people stop talking. Even when animal sightings aren’t constant, you’ll still have the dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery to enjoy.

Practical note: the longer the trip, the more chances the sea has to feel a bit choppy. If you’re prone to seasickness, keep that in mind.

The submarine windows: seeing marine life without guessing

Most whale-watching trips are “look for spouts, scan for fins, hope for luck.” This one adds a different layer: underwater viewing from the boat.

The highlight is the 16 panoramic submarine windows. That means when dolphins cruise below the surface—or when other fish are near—you can often spot movement even if the animals aren’t breaking the water where you’re standing.

On the catamaran, you’ll have multiple ways to view the sea. Some visitors highlight that there are different decks/levels to position yourself, which matters on a boat that can get popular. If you’re someone who likes a clear line of sight, you’ll want to move with the sightings instead of getting stuck in one crowded spot.

Also, the itinerary includes a glass-bottom boat ride moment. So you’re not relying on only one “method” of viewing. You get above-water viewing plus that below-water perspective that makes marine life watching feel more complete.

Lunch and the swim stop: the best kind of break

The cruise is built around breaks that aren’t just time fillers. The swim and lunch stop is where the trip turns from sightseeing into an actual Atlantic experience.

Swim details that help you plan

You’ll have a set swim window (often listed around 40 minutes). The water is described as clear and tempting, and the location options give you two very different vibes:

• Diego Hernández Bay: a straightforward swim stop on the route for the shorter cruise
• Masca/Los Gigantes area: a scenic anchoring stop with dramatic cliffs nearby for the longer cruise

This is also where you’ll want to be ready with the basics:

• swimwear under your clothes
• sunscreen and sunglasses
• a sun hat
• comfortable shoes for boarding and moving around

If you don’t swim, it still works as a relaxed rest moment. But most people come for the “get in the water” part.

Lunch and drinks: good value, not gourmet

Lunch is included and described as served during the swim stop. You can request vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options ahead of time. From the onboard experience people describe, the food is filling and practical for a day at sea—less about fancy flavors and more about keeping your energy up.

Drinks are also a real value point. The cruise includes drinks throughout, and people specifically mention options like soda, water, beer, and even sangria being available from included drink stations. You’re not buying beverages each time you want one, which is a sneaky way to keep the total cost under control.

One more small but appreciated detail: some guests note a traditional Canarian dessert included at some point during the trip. Even if that isn’t consistent every departure, it’s a good signal that this isn’t a purely generic food-and-soda setup.

How the wildlife watching feels in real life

This is where expectations matter.

A whale-and-dolphin cruise can’t guarantee whales every time. The cruise is designed for good odds: you sail in a conservation-focused area associated with whale watching, and you spend time searching with an onboard guide. Most importantly, you’re watching in a way that should feel natural rather than aggressive.

Many passengers emphasize that the boat doesn’t chase. Instead, the dolphins and pilot whales can approach while the crew maintains distance. That’s what you want: you want the animals to behave like animals, not like show performers.

You’re also likely to see more than one species. The core targets are pilot whales and dolphins. Some people also mention spotting turtles and other sea life on the way, which is a bonus when it happens.

Crew, guide, and the photo reality

The onboard crew and guide are a big part of whether this feels smooth or chaotic. Across experiences, people highlight professional, friendly service and guides who explain what you’re seeing. Multiple languages are offered, so you shouldn’t feel left out even if you don’t speak Spanish.

You might hear guides like Johan on certain departures, praised for clear explanations, and crews such as Anita and the team are also mentioned in feedback. (Not every departure will have the same individuals, but the consistent theme is good communication and active help during sightings.)

Photos and videos are available for purchase, and there’s usually some sort of onboard photo moment. If you love having a professional record of the day, it’s worth considering. If you don’t, you can simply ignore the sales portion and rely on your own photos from the decks and the submarine windows.

Seasickness, timing, and what to pack

This is the part people skip—then regret it.

Motion and where to stand

The cruise runs out from port, and some departures can feel choppy. A common practical tip is to stay on the main deck rather than being stuck below when the sea gets rough. If you’re prone to seasickness, take your precautions before you go and bring your own medication.

If you’re going on the morning trip, bring a light layer. Morning sea breeze can feel cooler than you expect in Tenerife.

What to bring (the stuff that actually matters)

• comfortable shoes
• sunglasses
• sun hat
• swimwear
• sunscreen
• weather-appropriate clothing

Also, no snorkeling equipment is included, so if you want extra gear for the swim, you’d need to arrange that separately. (Many guests are happy without it since the plan is a swim break, not a snorkel safari.)

Value check: is this $59 a fair deal?

At around $59 per person, this cruise looks like strong value when you tally what’s included. You get:

• a guided whale/dolphin cruise
• lunch
• drinks throughout
• underwater viewing via submarine windows
• a swim stop with a set time

In many places, whale watching is pay-per-sighting and pay-per-drink. Here, the included drinks and the swim stop do a lot to justify the price.

The one “value risk” is the usual one for wildlife trips: sightings are never 100% guaranteed. But with time spent on a conservation-focused route and multiple viewing methods (above + below), you’re not relying on just one chance.

Who this cruise suits best

This is a great fit if:

• you want whale and dolphin watching with real structure
• you like the idea of seeing marine life from the boat’s windows, not only from the rail
• you want a cruise that includes lunch, drinks, and a swim in a few hours
• you’re traveling as a family and want an activity with a clear “main event” plus a relaxed break

It’s also a good pick for first-timers. The onboard guidance and safety briefing make the trip feel organized, and the underwater viewing helps you spot life even when the whales are behaving more subtly.

Should you book this Tenerife whale and dolphin cruise?

Book it if you want a balanced day: wildlife searching, scenic coastline, included food and drinks, and an actual swim. The submarine windows are a standout feature, and they make the cruise entertaining even in quieter moments.

Skip it or think twice if:

• you’re very sensitive to boat motion and aren’t willing to take seasickness precautions
• you hate crowded moments. The boat can feel busy when everyone lines up for sightings or during the swim transition
• you expect a snorkeling-style experience. This is a swim stop, not snorkel gear included

If you’re aiming for the best mix of value and “Tenerife-style” fun, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Adeje whale and dolphin watching cruise?

You can choose a 3-hour cruise or a 4.5-hour cruise, depending on the route you book.

What’s included with the cruise price?

The cruise includes the sightseeing cruise, sustainable whale and dolphin watching, and lunch and drinks during the excursion.

Do they offer lunch and drinks on both routes?

Yes. Both the shorter Diego Hernández Bay option and the longer Masca/Los Gigantes option include lunch and drinks.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

Can I bring a drone or pets?

No drones are allowed. Pets are not allowed either, but assistance dogs are permitted.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The experience is wheelchair accessible, but movement is limited to the main deck, and the bathrooms are not wheelchair-adapted. Electric wheelchairs aren’t allowed, and you should inform the supplier beforehand for space planning.

Are there animals you’re specifically looking for?

The cruise is designed to look for pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.