Adeje: Whale Watching, Lunch & Swim Stop at Los Gigantes

A wooden schooner cruise can be surprisingly magical. This 5-hour ride from Costa Adeje stays calm and uncrowded while you hunt for pilot whales and dolphins and then drift past the cliffs of Los Gigantes.

I especially like the traditional Shogun feel, plus the fact that you’re not rushed. I also love that you get real extras included, like lunch on board and time to swim in Masca Bay.

One thing to consider: the sea can get bouncy, and the itinerary (including the swim stop) depends on conditions, so if you get seasick easily, plan ahead.

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• Shogun is a traditional wooden schooner, not a modern cattle-boat, so the vibe feels more relaxed.
• Pilot whales and dolphins are a year-round target, often seen at close range when conditions cooperate.
• Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca Bay give you two very different views in one smooth day.
• Masca Bay swim stop with life jackets and float aids makes the ocean feel personal, not just scenic.
• Lunch on board plus adult wine and beer turns a wildlife trip into a proper day out.
• Crew energy matters here, and guides like Andi and Andy have a reputation for keeping things fun.

Shogun Wooden Schooner Cruising From Puerto Colón

This trip runs out of Puerto Colón, and you board the Shogun, a traditional wooden schooner. That matters more than you might think. Wooden boats tend to feel less like a chore and more like a slow day on the water. You also get room to move around and look out for wildlife without playing bumper cars with strangers.

The atmosphere is family-friendly and calm. The cruise is set up so you can enjoy the ocean breeze, chat with other passengers, and still focus on spotting marine life. The crew provides information for adults and kids, so the trip doesn’t feel like a silent search. Reviews repeatedly point to helpful, entertaining staff, with guides like Andi and Andy standing out for multilingual fun and friendly attention.

Whale and Dolphin Watching Off Tenerife’s Southwest Coast

Your main target is pilot whales and dolphins around Tenerife’s southwest coast. The good news: pilot whales are residents here, so sightings are considered very likely, not some rare, once-in-a-lifetime gamble. Dolphins often appear close to the boat too, which is great for photos and for seeing behavior without feeling invasive.

What you’re watching for on a whale cruise is basically rhythm. Sometimes pods show up quickly, sometimes they surface in patterns over time. The crew keeps an eye out and shares what’s happening, which helps you know when to look and when to just relax and let the ocean do its thing.

And yes, you might get more than whales and dolphins. Some riders report extras like flying fish and even a shark sighting. That’s wildlife though, so nothing is guaranteed. Still, the itinerary is built around a coast where pilot whales are expected year-round.

The Los Gigantes Cliffs Stop: A Signature Tenerife View

After the wildlife time, the cruise swings toward Los Gigantes. This is one of Tenerife’s most iconic coastal scenes: tall, dramatic cliffs dropping straight into the sea. Seeing them from the water feels different than looking at them from land. From the boat you get scale, texture, and that “how is this even real?” feeling.

When you reach the cliffs area, the schooner anchors in Masca Bay, a sheltered cove. That sheltered stop is a big deal. It’s a built-in timeout from the open-water search. You’re not just passing by for a few minutes and moving on. You’ll actually have time to enjoy the view, and then you can swim if the sea conditions allow it.

Masca Bay Swim Stop and What to Expect in the Water

The highlight for many people is the swim stop in Masca Bay. The water here is clear enough that the swim feels more like a vacation moment than a rushed checkbox. The trip provides life jackets and float aids, so you’re not stepping into the ocean totally alone.

Swimming is optional and always dependent on conditions. That means if the sea is rough, you might still enjoy the anchored views from deck, or just wait it out. If you do go in, plan for a cold-to-nippy surprise, depending on the day. Several riders mention that the water can be chilly, and that only some people take the full plunge.

Also remember, safety runs the show. The boat is fully licensed and safety equipped, and the whole operation is designed around safe wildlife watching plus a controlled swim stop. If you’re traveling with kids, this part is usually a big win because it’s a clear, tangible activity in the middle of the cruise.

Lunch on Board, Drinks, and Real Value at About $64

For a whale watch, the included food is a major part of the value. Here, you get lunch prepared on board while the boat is anchored in the Los Gigantes, Masca Bay area. It’s not a fancy five-star meal, but it’s positioned as a satisfying, practical break that keeps the day feeling complete.

Included drinks make it feel like more than a short excursion. You’ll have unlimited water and soft drinks during the cruise. For adults, wine and beer are included during lunch. Extra alcoholic drinks may be available for purchase outside of what’s included.

Now the value math. At about $64 per person for a roughly five-hour experience with whale and dolphin spotting, a swim stop, and a sit-down meal on board, you’re paying for time on the water plus wildlife access plus the whole “day at sea” package. You’re not just paying to stand on a deck staring at blue water. You’re getting a structured experience: wildlife time, cliff scenery time, then food and water time.

One more value point: this is described as calm and uncrowded, with space to relax. That matters. A crowded boat can turn a good wildlife day into a stressful one. A calmer setup helps everyone enjoy the views and the sightings more.

Getting the Timing Right: How the Day Flows

Even without counting every minute, the rhythm of the day is easy to understand.

1) You start at Puerto Colón and head out for the whale and dolphin search. This is the “eyes up” part.

2) Then you shift focus toward Los Gigantes. The boat slows into the scenic portion.

3) You anchor in Masca Bay for lunch and the potential swim. This is where the trip turns into a true break, not just sightseeing.

4) Finally, you sail back toward Puerto Colón, with more chances to spot dolphins and a last relaxed stretch of ocean time.

One thing to keep in mind is route changes. Wind and sea conditions can make the captain adjust course. That can sound scary in theory, but the reports here are mostly positive, with people appreciating the captain changing strategy when seas get rough, while still keeping the day on track and stopping for lunch.

Who This 5-Hour Cruise Fits Best

This tour is a strong match if you want a wildlife trip without the stress.

It’s especially good for:

• Families who want a clear activity plan: wildlife, lunch, and an optional swim.
• Couples who like scenery and a relaxed pace, not a fast sprint for photos.
• Nature lovers who care about seeing animals respectfully in their habitat.
• People who prefer traditional boats and a more local-feeling experience.

It might be less ideal for:

• Anyone who is highly seasick and sensitive to boat movement. Reviews mention some trips starting rocky and causing people discomfort.
• People who want guaranteed swimming. It’s planned for Masca Bay, but sea conditions decide.

If you’re in doubt, treat this like a “prepared for the sea” day, not a guaranteed smooth ride.

Practical Tips: What to Bring and How to Stay Comfortable

If you want the day to feel easy, pack like you’re going swimming and maybe getting a bit wet from sea spray.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• A light layer for the breeze

Also plan for motion. The operator recommends motion sickness medication if you’re prone, and riders describe that the swells can be noticeable. If you do get sick easily, take that seriously before you board.

Seating and viewing can make a difference too. On a traditional schooner, you’ll likely do more moving around to find the best sightlines. The deck setup is part of the enjoyment, and reviews highlight the ability to walk around and look out.

One more small but real tip: show up early. Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure, and it’s smart to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to avoid missing out.

Should You Book This Whale Watching and Los Gigantes Cruise?

I think you should book this if your idea of a great Tenerife day is simple: wildlife, a big scenic backdrop, and included food plus a swim. The biggest draws are the year-round pilot whale target, the classic Los Gigantes cliffs viewpoint from the sea, and the fact that you’re not just on a boat, you’re on a structured experience.

Skip it, or at least be cautious, if you know you get seasick hard. The swim stop is fantastic when it happens, but it’s conditions-based, and the boat can sway enough to make some people miserable.

If you go, go with the right mindset: this is a calm day on the water with a strong chance of marine sightings, and the optional swim makes it feel like more than a sightseeing tour. For many people, that combination is exactly why this one earns a high rating.

FAQ

Will I definitely see whales or dolphins?

Sightings are very likely because pilot whales live in the area year-round, but wildlife can never be guaranteed.

Where does the cruise depart from?

You meet at Puerto Colón, Pier number 14, next to the petrol station.

What about the swim stop in Masca Bay?

The swim stop is planned in Masca Bay, but it depends on sea conditions. Life jackets and float aids are provided.

Can children swim during the stop?

Yes, swimming is optional and depends on sea conditions. It is not required, and safety rules apply.

Is lunch included, and what drinks are provided?

Yes, lunch is included on board. Water and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise, and wine and beer are included for adults during lunch.

Is the boat safe for families?

Yes. The boat is fully licensed and Blue-Flag certified, with the required safety equipment.

Does the tour offer pickup?

Pickup is optional from selected locations, depending on the option you choose.

Are pets allowed on the cruise?

Small pets up to 12 kg are welcome, as long as they stay with you at all times and cannot enter the water.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. A light jacket is also recommended for the ocean breeze.