Tenerife gets wild fast. This Royal Delfin catamaran trip is built for seeing dolphins and whales from the deck and through underwater viewing windows, with guides helping you spot wildlife as you sail. It’s a solid, no-fuss way to hunt for sea action without spending all day on the water.

Two things I really like: first, the setup gives you multiple ways to look—big windows from indoors/out of the wind and underwater glass when the animals come close. Second, you’re not just left to guess; the crew actively helps you read what you’re seeing and where to look next, which matters when animals pop up briefly.

One consideration: the boat can feel a bit crowded for watching and photos, and if seas are rough, you’ll want a plan for motion sickness.

Key things to know before you go

• Multiple viewing options: deck views plus underwater windows (and even a live-stream setup on deck)
• Guided spotting: crew help you locate wildlife while you’re moving
• Smaller group than many tours: max 20 travelers, which is a plus for attention and space
• Two-ish trip lengths: you’ll see listings around 2 hours and also a longer ~3-hour option with food/drinks
• Pack for the water: sunscreen, towel, swimsuit, and comfortable shoes make a difference
• Expect possible rough water: one guest suggested bringing seasickness medication if you’re prone

Royal Delfin in Puerto Colón: a practical way to see Tenerife’s whales and dolphins

If you want a Tenerife wildlife trip that’s easy to understand and quick to fit into a vacation schedule, this one works. You’re based in Puerto Colón at the Royal Delfin Catamaran, and the whole experience is designed around one idea: get you eyes on dolphins and whales with the least friction possible—weather, wind, and “where do I look?” issues included.

The catamaran setup is the main draw. Instead of relying only on standing outside on a rolling deck, you have ways to watch from large windows and from the glass that lets you see what’s going on below the surface. That’s not just a comfort upgrade; it also changes how often you catch something, because animals don’t always line up with the best viewing angle from above.

And yes, this is a English-offered experience. One review noted that English comprehension may be tricky for some passengers, so if you prefer lots of detail, it may help to arrive with a sense of the basics: what you’re hoping to see, and what “quick surface” behavior looks like.

Underwater windows and a live deck view: why this tour is built for sightings

Here’s what makes this dolphin and whale watching style practical: it’s not a single viewing method. You can shift your attention between the top of the water and the area below it.

On this trip, you can watch wildlife:

• from the deck (your classic “look ahead, look for surfacing” method)
• through large windows while you’re more sheltered
• through underwater viewing windows, which is often where the best moments happen
• via a live-stream on deck, which gives you another way to follow activity when visibility or angles aren’t perfect

That underwater viewing piece is the big value. Dolphins and whales can be hard to catch on a short timeline—one minute it’s quiet, then suddenly you see a fin, a spout, or a tail slap. With underwater windows, you’re not betting everything on a single angle. You can also reposition more smoothly when the boat turns.

A 4/5 review described seeing dolphins and whales from the deck and from the glass bottom. That matches the purpose of this design: maximize your chances even if the animals don’t stay at one height in the water column.

Time on the water: what 2 hours feels like (and the 3-hour option)

Your tour is listed at about 2 hours. In real-world terms, that’s enough time to get out, do a search pattern, and return—without turning your day into a half-day water festival.

But your included options point to something important: there also appears to be a 3-hour version that includes an aperitif, drinks, and lunch, plus professional guides. If you’re deciding between them, think about what you care about most:

• If you want the core wildlife mission at a lower “hang time,” the shorter sailing is likely your best fit.
• If you want more time aboard (and the food/drink portion), the longer option can feel like better value because you’re not just paying for viewing—you’re also paying for comfort and added extras.

On a boat experience, timing is everything. Too short can feel like you’re always waiting; too long can mean you’re bored if wildlife doesn’t cooperate. Here, the sweet spot is the fact that the main product is wildlife time—around two hours—plus the option to stretch it with meals.

Puerto Colón stop: using the harbor base without wasting your day

The itinerary includes a stop at Puerto Colón, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. Translation: you’re not dealing with complicated transfers or weird mid-tour drop-offs. You start from Royal Delfin, sail out for whale and dolphin watching, and then come back to the same base area.

This matters because Puerto Colón is where you can regroup fast—bathroom access nearby, a quick reset for snacks, and an easy way to continue your day after the cruise. You’re also in a part of Tenerife that’s built for this kind of activity, so it tends to be straightforward to coordinate with other plans.

One practical note: since the pick-up is not included, treat this as a “get there on your own” experience. The meeting point is right at Calle Colon, Pantalán 12, in Puerto Colón area (Playa de las Américas). If you’re running on vacation momentum, give yourself extra buffer time so you aren’t stressing at check-in.

Spotting help from the crew: how the guides improve your odds

A good wildlife guide doesn’t just talk. They help you shift from random scanning to smarter looking.

On this trip, the crew is there to:

• help you spot wildlife
• point out what to watch for (like where activity is happening relative to the boat)
• keep the experience moving so you’re not just waiting for something to happen

A 4/5 review called out that the guide seemed knowledgeable and spoke a few languages, but the English was hard to understand for them. That’s worth considering. You don’t need perfect English to watch marine animals, but if the guide calls out details about behavior or direction, you’ll probably get more out of it if you’re comfortable following fast speech.

Still, the core value holds even if you miss some words: the crew is working the sighting process. That means when the boat lines up for viewing, you’ll usually know what you’re looking at and where to shift your gaze next.

Crowds, photo angles, and the real deck strategy

This is where the balance comes in. One strong positive review mentioned great viewing from deck and glass bottom. But another review (4/5) flagged an issue that affects your enjoyment immediately: the boat can be overcrowded, making it harder to get a great spot for watching and taking photos.

Even with a maximum of 20 travelers, the physical reality of boat seating and viewing zones can still make it feel tight, especially if everyone tries to crowd toward the same viewing area at once. So here’s how I’d handle it:

• Pick a viewing “home base,” then move in short bursts as sightings happen.
• If you care about photos, know that underwater windows and glass-bottom views may require specific angles and patience.
• If you want comfort over perfect photos, look for a spot with a clear view and less jostling.

Also, remember that wildlife is the boss. If the crew signals a change in direction, the best “photo spot” might be the one you can reach quickly without blocking someone else.

Seasickness is the wildcard: bring a motion plan

One of the clearest practical tips from the reviews is about sea comfort. A 5/5 review mentioned the sea was a bit rough and suggested biodramina (seasickness medication) if you’re prone, and they noted they got motion sickness.

This matters because “rough water” doesn’t mean horror-movie seas. It can just mean the boat is rolling enough to trigger nausea, especially in the first stretch after departure. If you’re sensitive, don’t wait until you feel sick. Have a plan before you board:

• If you already know you get motion sickness, consider bringing your usual remedy.
• Skip alcohol before sailing.
• Bring a towel so you can manage damp spray and splash if you end up closer to the wind.

This isn’t a deal-breaker for most people. But it’s smart to treat it as part of the packing list, not a surprise.

Price and value: is $35.74 fair for Tenerife dolphin and whale watching?

At $35.74 per person, this falls into the “mid-budget” zone for Tenerife wildlife cruises. You’re not paying for luxury. You are paying for two things that are hard to fake:

1) access to the water and a search process

2) viewing tech that improves your chances (underwater windows, glass bottom access, sheltered viewing, and live deck viewing)

If you compare value by features, the underwater windows and sheltered viewing make the price feel more reasonable. You’re not just buying a ride; you’re buying viewing opportunities from multiple angles.

The rating average (3.3 from 36 reviews) suggests mixed experiences. One low review complained about a booking mix-up and rude treatment during boarding, which is the kind of problem you never want to deal with on vacation. I can’t verify the claim details, but I can tell you what to do to protect yourself: double-check your booking confirmation information and keep your mobile ticket ready, then arrive a bit early so you’re not rushing.

So is it worth booking? For many people, yes—if you want a short-to-medium wildlife outing with smart viewing design. If you want a small-boat experience where you can spread out and always get a perfect photo angle, you might prefer something with fewer passengers.

Where this tour fits best: who should book

This Royal Dolphin whale watching trip is a great match if you:

• want a 2-hour wildlife outing that fits a busy itinerary
• like having more than one way to watch (deck + windows + underwater viewing)
• are a first-timer and want guided help while you scan
• want to be in a group that’s relatively small (max 20)

It may be less ideal if you:

• are extremely sensitive to seasickness and get sick in small waves
• hate crowded spaces and need a lot of personal viewing room
• expect very detailed guided commentary in fluent English

For families, the concept is strong because you can watch from windows, and the boat setup means not everyone has to be outside scanning constantly. Just be realistic that rough water can still affect kids and adults alike.

Things to watch out for: ticket hiccups and onboard crowding

The biggest “red flag” from the reviews is a boarding problem. One guest said the crew couldn’t find their booking at arrival, then asked their group to step off the boat while it was sorted. They also described unprofessional behavior and said it ruined the trip.

I can’t judge what happened beyond what was written, but I’d treat it as a reminder to show up ready to verify quickly:

• Have your mobile ticket accessible.
• Bring the booking confirmation details you used to purchase.
• Arrive early enough to breathe, not to sprint.

On the comfort side, the other issue is crowds. Even with a max of 20 travelers, if the deck viewing area is limited, it can feel packed during active sighting moments. If you’re the type who gets stressed when you can’t control your photo position, plan to shift locations and accept that the best viewing spot might change fast.

Should you book Royal Dolphin Whale Watching in Tenerife?

I’d book it if your goal is simple: see dolphins and whales from a catamaran with underwater viewing and guided spotting, without committing to a long day at sea. At $35.74, you’re paying for real viewing tech—not just a boat ride—and the short duration is friendly for everyone.

I would hesitate if you know you get seasick easily or you’re photo-obsessed and need guaranteed open space. Also, if you’re the kind of traveler who panics with check-in problems, buffer your arrival time so you’re not dealing with any ticket sorting at the last second.

If you do book, go in with the right expectations: wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, but this tour improves your odds through smart viewing options and active crew help. And pack the motion plan and sun protection—those two things usually decide whether the trip feels magical or merely tolerable.

FAQ

How long is the Royal Dolphin whale watching excursion?

It’s listed at about 2 hours. There are also included options shown for a longer tour around 3 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The start point is the Royal Delfin Catamaran at Calle Colon, Pantalán 12, Puerto Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Is pick-up included?

No, pick-up is not included.

Are underwater windows available?

Yes. The experience highlights include viewing wildlife from underwater windows.

Can I watch from inside or sheltered areas?

Yes. The tour description mentions viewing wildlife from large windows or through a live-stream on deck.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is there a mobile ticket?

Yes, it’s listed as a mobile ticket.

What should I bring?

Bring your swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

How many people are on the boat?

The activity has a maximum of 20 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.