Royal Delfin – 4’5H Dolphin & Whale Watching – Los Gigantes Masca – Lunch & Swim

Spotting whales in Tenerife feels unreal.

This Royal Delfin catamaran trip is built for whale watching Tenerife from the water, with underwater glass windows so you can scan below as you cruise along the southwest coast. I like that the day is not just about passing scenery, you get a real break to swim in Masca Bay plus an included meal and drinks to keep the vibe easy.

What I really like here is the combination of animal time plus onboard comfort. You can search for dolphins and whales along the coast while staying seated and comfortable, and the underwater viewing windows add a second way to spot cetaceans, not just with your eyes over the rail. The second win for me is the onboard food and drinks, including beer and sangria, which means you are not hunting for cash-only add-ons in the middle of the day.

One consideration: wildlife sightings can be hit or miss on any ocean cruise. Even on good days you might see fewer animals than you expected, and the boat can feel busy, especially during peak season.

Key things to know before you go

• Underwater glass viewing windows help you look for wildlife below the surface, not only ahead.
• Los Gigantes cliffs and the southwest coastline are the route you will cruise while searching for whales and dolphins.
• Masca Bay swim stop gives you a warm-water break rather than just another photo stop.
• Included lunch and drinks keep the experience simple and good value for a half-day.
• Group size can be large (up to 200), so the vibe may feel packed at times.
• Animal sightings are natural and unpredictable, so manage expectations for frequency and distance.

How the Royal Delfin catamaran day is set up (and why it matters)

Royal Delfin runs as a half-day, about 4 hours 30 minutes, starting at 2:00 pm and returning to the same meeting point. You meet at Av. de Colón, 11 in Playa de la Américas (Santa Cruz de Tenerife). This timing matters because you are going in a lighter part of the day, with enough daylight for good spotting and photos.

The boat itself is a purpose-built catamaran with underwater glass windows. That detail changes the feel of the trip. Ocean wildlife does not always come up where you are standing, so having another viewing angle helps you stay engaged the whole time.

You will also have a restroom on board, which sounds basic but actually makes a long coast cruise much more comfortable, especially when you are settling in for sightings.

Leaving Playa de las Américas for Los Gigantes: the whale watching phase

Once you sail out, you are cruising along Tenerife’s southwest coast, aiming for the Los Gigantes area and the cliffs nearby. The goal is simple: spot cetaceans in their natural habitat. That might sound like a vague promise, but it is still one of the best ways to see whales and dolphins without paying for something more artificial.

This is where the underwater windows earn their keep. When the sea is calm enough for viewing, you can scan below while the catamaran moves along the coast. If the water is rougher, you may rely more on surface sightings, but either way you are not stuck watching only horizon lines.

Also, be ready for the reality of wildlife behavior. Some days animals come close and hang around, and other days they show up farther away or for shorter stretches. A few reviews mention that dolphins were seen only a limited number of times, and that is a good reminder to treat this as a wildlife cruise, not a zoo guarantee.

The best onboard features: windows, music, and a crew that keeps things moving

A lot of the positive energy on this tour comes from how the crew handles the day. Multiple reviews praise friendly staff and a good overall vibe. That matters because a large group (this tour can have up to 200 people) needs clear guidance, especially when it comes to settling in for lunch, drinks, and the swim stop.

One surprisingly memorable detail from reviews is the music playlist during the ride. People call it brilliant, and that fits the overall “relaxed day out” tone. Just keep in mind there are also reviews noting the music can be loud for some passengers, so if you are sensitive to sound, bring earplugs.

The vibe also seems supported by how easy the inclusions are. Drinks are served during the trip (including beer and sangria), and the flow of service seems designed to keep most people from waiting around.

What the underwater viewing is really like (and how to use it)

The underwater glass windows are not just a gimmick. They let you watch for dolphins and whales without constantly changing your position or fighting for rail space. If you see a splash near the surface, glance immediately through the windows too. Sometimes animals surface and dive in quick patterns, and you can catch the action both ways.

Here is how I would use it if you want to maximize your odds:

• Spend a few minutes at the windows during each “quiet” stretch when no one is pointing out animals.
• When you see activity on the surface, switch your attention fast to the windows, because the next moment could be underwater.
• If the boat is busy, do not stay fixed in one spot for the whole cruise. Move gradually so you can always find a decent angle.

One review calls out that whale viewing from the glass-bottom areas took their breath away. That is exactly the kind of experience this is built for.

Masca Bay swim stop: the moment you’ll remember

After the sailing and spotting phase, the itinerary shifts to Masca Bay, where you get a swim stop. The water there is described as warm in the tour highlights, and that aligns with why this stop is so popular. A cruise can turn long if you never get on the water, so this is the practical break that makes the half-day feel balanced.

In reviews, the swim stop gets a lot of love, with people saying the bay is spectacular and the swimming is perfect. Even passengers who mainly wanted animal sightings often mention that the water break adds real value, because it gives you something sensory and physical, not just watching from above.

Two practical notes:

1. Bring swim basics you can trust. You will want comfortable footwear for getting around on and off.
2. If you are more cautious, do a short swim first to gauge conditions. Even on warm-water days, the sea state can vary.

Lunch on board: what’s included, and what to expect

Lunch is included and served during the trip, with a small sandwich and a courtesy lunch plus soda, juice, and water. Alcoholic beverages included are beer and sangria. The general impression from reviews is that food is good or at least fine for a cruise lunch, and many people say drinks were available throughout the trip.

That said, you should calibrate your expectations. One critical review mentions the lunch as canned meatballs with rice and salad, which is not what most people hope for when they hear delicious. Another review says food quality could be better. So yes, the lunch is part of the value, but do not treat it like a gourmet meal.

If you care about taste most, plan to snack a bit earlier in the day (before you board) so you are not relying on lunch to satisfy your food standards. If you care most about the day at sea, the inclusions help you stay relaxed, with fewer interruptions.

Also, you might notice something small but important: coffee and/or tea are not included. If you love a mid-cruise hot drink, plan ahead.

Drinks and alcohol: fun for many, manage your pace for everyone

Alcohol is included in the form of beer and sangria, and reviews frequently describe drinks as bottomless or always available. That can make the atmosphere feel festive, and it also helps the ride feel less “touristy cafeteria.”

Still, because the group can be large and the trip includes a swim stop, pace matters. Even if you like to have a drink, I would keep it moderate during the water time. The goal is to enjoy the bay and stay steady.

If you prefer non-alcoholic options, soda, juice, and water are also included. That should cover most tastes.

How crowded it can feel (and what to do about it)

This tour can have up to 200 travelers, and reviews describe it as fairly crowded or even overfilled at times. That does not automatically mean the experience is bad, but it can affect comfort, especially around peak periods like boarding, the underwater window areas, and the lunch moment.

My suggestion is simple: when you see the boat settle and you get your bearings, pick a “home base” spot for the windows and then be willing to relocate. If you stay stuck in one area, you might end up with blocked views when the crowd shifts.

Also, if you are traveling with kids, there is a note that itinerary clarity could be better for families. So if you have little ones who need predictable pacing, ask early what happens when, especially around lunch and the swim timing.

Sighting reality check: whales and dolphins in the wild

Here’s the honest part: you are sailing in search of cetaceans, and you cannot control where they swim. Reviews show the range. Some people report many dolphin sightings and even whales, plus extra wildlife like turtles and flying fish. Others report fewer animal sightings than hoped, or dolphins spotted only a couple times.

What you can control is your attitude and strategy. Bring binoculars if you have them, because looking for small blows or quick surface breaks is easier with magnification. Also, stay patient after you spot something. Animals can move on, then return later, and the ship’s route follows a broad search pattern along the coast.

There are also comments about other boats staying near animals longer, which can affect how close wildlife comes to a given vessel. I cannot guarantee anything about other operators, but I can say this: when animals appear, keep your expectations flexible. If dolphins are distant on one stretch, you may be rewarded later.

Camera crew and keepsakes: nice if you like instant memories

One popular perk mentioned in reviews is that there is a camera man who records video during the trip, and the footage can be purchased afterward. If you want easy memories without worrying about capturing every moment yourself, this can be a good add-on.

Just remember it is still a cruise, so your best photos will usually come when animals are clearly visible from the windows or when you have open surface moments.

Value for money: is Royal Delfin worth $72.29?

At about $72.29 per person, this tour is not a budget “just get on a boat” option. The value comes from stacking inclusions into one ticket: whale and dolphin watching, a Masca Bay swim stop, lunch, beer and sangria, soda/juice/water, and snacks.

If you usually end up paying for boat transport plus an onboard meal plus drinks, this package saves you time and decision fatigue. It is also longer than a short harbor hop, so you get meaningful cruising time along the southwest coast.

Where value can dip is if you are unlucky with sightings and the day feels packed. A few reviews mention disappointment on animal frequency and food quality. Still, even those reviews often acknowledge the scenery and the friendly crew.

My take: you are paying for the experience design, not a guaranteed whale show. If you want predictability, this is not the tour type. If you want a comfortable, well-fed dolphin and whale watching cruise with a real swim break, it can be a strong deal.

Who this tour fits best

This trip is a great fit if you want:

• Whale watching Tenerife without spending extra on food and drinks
• A boat with underwater glass windows, so you can keep spotting even when animals are not right at the surface
• A swim stop that breaks up the coast cruise

It might be less ideal if:

• You hate crowded tours and want lots of personal space the whole time
• You need premium, restaurant-style meals onboard
• You are very sound-sensitive and dislike loud music

Should you book Royal Delfin? My straight answer

I would book this if your main goal is a relaxed half-day on the water that mixes cetacean spotting with a proper swim in Masca Bay, while staying covered by an included lunch and drinks. The underwater viewing windows are the standout feature for people who enjoy scanning for action below the surface, and the crew seems to work hard to keep things smooth.

I would think twice if you are the type who needs to see dolphins up close repeatedly, or if you are picky about lunch quality. In that case, expect variability, and consider aiming for another option that better matches your comfort and food expectations.

FAQ

How long is the Royal Delfin tour?

It lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start in Tenerife?

It starts at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What time does the tour depart?

The start time is 2:00 pm.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with a small sandwich snack.

Are drinks included on board?

Yes. Beer and sangria are included, plus soda, juice, and water. Coffee and/or tea are not included.

Is there a swim stop?

Yes. There is a swimming stop in Masca Bay at Los Gigantes.

What is included for whale and dolphin watching?

Whale and dolphin watching is included, and the catamaran has underwater glass viewing windows.