Pilot whales from a wooden schooner, not a speedboat. This Adeje whale watching cruise is a relaxed, family-friendly way to watch pilot whales and dolphins in Tenerife’s southwest waters, then finish with sea views and time to swim near Los Gigantes.

Two things I especially like: first, the vibe on the Shogun feels calm and uncrowded, so you’re not just rushing for sightings. Second, you get a real onboard lunch served while the boat anchors in Masca Bay, plus wine and beer for adults during lunch.

One consideration: this is a sailing day, so if you’re prone to seasickness, expect some motion. A rocky start and wind changes can happen, and the swim stop is always “conditions permitting.”

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Shogun wooden schooner, not a typical whale boat: you get a slower pace and lots of space to move and view.
• Pilot whales and dolphins are the stars: sightings are very likely because these animals are around year-round.
• Masca Bay swim stop under Los Gigantes cliffs: anchor-time makes the scenery feel close, not distant.
• Lunch + drinks are part of the experience: water and soft drinks are unlimited, and adults get wine/beer with lunch.
• The crew brings the energy in multiple languages: reviews highlight multilingual hosts like Andi/Andy.
• Seasickness planning matters: motion can be noticeable, and swimming depends on sea conditions.

Why the Shogun schooner makes Adeje whale watching feel relaxed

Most Tenerife whale tours feel like a checklist: go out, hope for whales, snap photos, return. This one changes the tempo. You sail on Shogun, a traditional wooden schooner that’s more “slow day at sea” than “loud excursion.”

I like that the crew keeps the mood easy and family-friendly. You’re watching wildlife from the water, not standing in a cramped viewing tube. And because the boat is built for calmer cruising, you’ll often feel less rushed while you scan the horizon for pilot whales and dolphins.

The other thing: you’re not only chasing animals. The day is built around a full arc—wildlife time, then the dramatic cliffs at Los Gigantes, then a swim stop.

Puerto Colón pier 14: how the day starts (with optional pickup)

The cruise departs from Puerto Colón, pier number 14, next to the petrol station. Boarding begins about 30 minutes before departure time, so arrive early. One review specifically warned that being early helps you get a better seat.

If you choose the optional pickup, you’ll be taken to Costa Adeje by coach (there’s also a return coach ride). Some people find the walk to the docks easy, especially if their hotel is nearby, but pickup is there if you don’t want to figure out the timing.

Little practical tip: if you’re choosing where to sit for comfort, do it early during boarding. You can’t control the sea, but you can control where you’re sitting.

The whale watching portion off Tenerife’s southwest coast

You set out from Puerto Colón and head along Tenerife’s southwest coast in calm waters. This is one of the reasons pilot whale and dolphin sightings can be so consistent here.

What you’re looking for:

• Pilot whales (often sighted year-round)
• Dolphins (frequently seen, sometimes close to the boat)
• Occasional other marine life (some reviews mention flying fish and even a shark)

The key value here is the “respectful viewing” angle. The goal isn’t to crowd the animals—it’s to watch them as they move through their normal habitat. When sightings happen, it can feel surprisingly close without turning the experience into something frantic.

Also, don’t ignore the guide’s onboard commentary. Reviews praise guides like Andi/Andy for staying interactive and explaining what you’re seeing in multiple languages. Even if you only catch bits, it makes the sightings feel more meaningful.

Los Gigantes cliffs and the Masca Bay anchoring swim stop

After the open-water viewing, you move toward Los Gigantes, one of Tenerife’s most iconic cliff stretches. Then the boat anchors in Masca Bay, a sheltered cove where you can actually stop and enjoy the scenery from the waterline.

This is where the tour becomes more than whale watching. Instead of just turning around and heading back, you get time to switch from watching to doing.

Then comes the swim stop. You’ll have a chance to swim using provided life jackets and float aids. If you’re not in a swimming mood, you can stay on deck and soak in the view from above the water.

The swim is always dependent on sea conditions, so it’s smart to treat it as a bonus, not a guarantee. If the sea is rough, the boat may adjust the plan for everyone’s safety and comfort.

Lunch on board: what you get, and why it’s good value

Lunch happens while the schooner is anchored, so it feels like a break, not downtime. It’s served onboard as a freshly prepared meal.

Included with the price:

• Lunch on board
• Unlimited water and soft drinks
• Wine and beer during lunch for adults

A few reviews mention additional drinks available for purchase (like cocktails). That’s separate from what’s included, but it can be a nice add-on if you want something beyond wine/beer with lunch.

Is the lunch fancy? It’s more “simple and satisfying” than gourmet. But that’s part of the value math: you’re not buying food in port before or after. You’re eating while the day is still in motion, with the cliffs and sea around you.

And if you’re sensitive to motion: you can decide how much you want to eat. One review mentioned skipping lunch if they felt sick, which is a totally reasonable strategy on a boat day.

Sea conditions, seasickness, and the real comfort checklist

This is where you have to be honest with yourself. Even on calmer sailing routes, this is still open water.

What the tour info and reviews suggest:

• If you’re prone to seasickness, bring medication. They specifically recommend it.
• The boat can sway, and wind can change the route.
• Some people reported a rocky start, with the captain adjusting course for comfort.

So how do you reduce your chances of a miserable cruise?

• Take seasickness meds ahead of time if you’ve used them before.
• Bring a light jacket. The ocean breeze can be cool even when the air feels warm onshore.
• Don’t overpack. Keep essentials easy to grab so you’re not scrambling if the boat shifts.

If you know you’re usually fine in mild motion but not in rougher conditions, this tour still can work well. Just plan for the possibility that the captain will keep things safe and comfortable, even if it changes where you spend time.

Who this cruise is best for (and who should reconsider)

This fits best if you want:

• A relaxed pace (not a sprint)
• A boat experience with real downtime for swimming
• A family-friendly outing where everyone can participate without extreme intensity

It’s also a good match for people who like seeing wildlife from a stable, more traditional vessel. Reviews repeatedly highlight how the day feels easy—lots of space, a friendly crew, and a calm group atmosphere.

Families tend to enjoy it because it’s not all about “stand and stare.” Kids can watch, then swim if conditions allow, and lunch plus drinks for adults keeps the day feeling complete.

Couples who want a scenic day at sea also like it, mainly because Los Gigantes gives you that classic Tenerife backdrop and Masca Bay adds a different feel than open-water cruising.

Who might reconsider:

• Anyone who gets knocked over by motion. The tour is relaxed, but it’s still a sailing day.
• People who need perfect certainty about the swim stop. It’s conditional on sea conditions.

Price and value: why $64 can feel like a lot or a steal

$64 for a 5-hour experience sounds straightforward—until you look at what’s actually included.

You’re paying for:

• A licensed whale & dolphin watching cruise
• Time dedicated to seeing pilot whales and dolphins
• Los Gigantes sightseeing
• A Masca Bay stop with a potential swim
• Lunch onboard
• Unlimited water/soft drinks
• Wine and beer during lunch for adults

In practice, the food and drinks alone can take the sting out of the total cost, especially if you’re on a day when you’d otherwise spend money on lunch ashore. And because the cruise includes the swim stop and sightseeing, you’re not piecing together multiple activities.

It can feel like a steal if you’re the type who wants “one ticket, one day, done.” It feels less attractive if you’re only interested in wildlife and would rather skip lunch and swim.

Small details that help your Adeje whale watching day go smoothly

Here are the practical bits I’d plan around before you go:

• Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• Pack a light jacket for the ocean breeze.
• Arrive early so you can get situated before departure.
• If you’re traveling with small pets: pets up to 12 kg are allowed, but they must stay with the owner and cannot enter the water.

Also, consider the mix of languages. The crew/guide uses multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian. That matters because the onboard narration helps you understand what you’re seeing, not just that you’re seeing something.

Lastly, there’s a safety-first vibe. The tour info notes the boat is fully licensed and Blue-Flag certified, with all required safety equipment.

Should you book this Adeje whale watching cruise?

I think it’s a strong book if you want a chilled day that combines wildlife, famous cliff scenery, and a swim stop in a beautiful cove. The included lunch and drinks are genuinely part of the value, and the Shogun format makes the whole thing feel less like a race.

I’d only hesitate if you’re very seasick-prone. The captain may adjust course for conditions, but the motion is still part of a sailing day. If that’s you, take meds, sit where you’re most comfortable early on, and keep your expectations flexible about swimming.

If you’re aiming for pilot whales and dolphins with a classic Tenerife backdrop at Los Gigantes, this is the kind of tour that can turn into your favorite day.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The cruise boards at Puerto Colón, pier number 14, next to the petrol station.

Is pickup available from hotels in Costa Adeje?

Pickup is optional from select locations. The meeting point details are provided on your voucher, and the schedule depends on the selected option.

Will I definitely see whales and dolphins?

Sightings are very likely because pilot whales live in the area year-round, but wildlife can’t be guaranteed.

Is the swimming stop at Masca Bay guaranteed?

No. The swim stop is planned in Masca Bay, but it depends on sea conditions.

What’s included in lunch and drinks?

Lunch is served onboard. 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, and it’s set up for a family-friendly cruise.

What should I bring for the cruise?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. A light jacket is recommended for the breeze on the water, and seasickness medication is recommended if you’re prone to motion sickness.

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