Tenerife: Whale Watching & Los Gigantes Catamaran with Lunch

Whales, Cliffs & a Quiet Swim Off Tenerife's Coast

You spend five hours on a catamaran watching whales and dolphins off Tenerife's south coast, swim in the bay at Masca, and eat lunch with wine on the deck overlooking Los Gigantes cliffs. The crew handles navigation and commentary, and all food and drinks are included. Plan for a full morning or afternoon out on the water, with the return timed so you're back at the port by early evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching and Los Gigantes visit

• Watch and listen to whales and dolphins
• Sail to Los Gigantes cliffs
• Visit Masca bay for swimming
• Relax and sunbathe on deck
• Enjoy paella, canary mojo, and fresh fruit
• Drink beer, water, and soft drinks
• Sail back along Tenerife south coast

The experience

You're out on the water hoping to see something, but not sure if it'll actually happen, and then the skipper cuts the engine and points. The whales are there, moving slow and deliberate, and the deck speakers pick up their calls underneath the boat. It's five hours total on a catamaran built for this: spacious, stable, with a crew of three who know the route and the animals. The boat leaves the south coast of Tenerife and heads toward Los Gigantes, those massive cliff walls that drop straight into the sea, and then into the quieter bay at Masca where the water is clear enough to jump in.

After the whale-watching stretch (which can last an hour or more depending on what shows up), you anchor in Masca bay and get time to swim or snorkel if you want it. The crew handles the boat, and you handle yourself in water that's calm and warm. Most people stay on deck with a drink, but the option is there. Then comes lunch: chicken and rice with vegetables, or pasta salad if that's your preference, fresh fruit, white wine, beer, water and soft drinks all included. You're eating on the deck with the cliffs in front of you and the Canary Islands wind on your face. The whole thing moves at a pace that doesn't feel rushed: the skipper isn't trying to cram in extra stops or cut corners on the whale time.

The boat is authorized and operates under a sustainability charter, which means they're not chasing the animals or breaking any rules about how close you get. The crew speaks multiple languages and will explain what you're seeing as it happens. Weather doesn't stop the trip. They run in all conditions, so bring a layer if it's windy, which it often is out there. Infants need to sit on an adult's lap, and kids have to be with a grown-up, but there's no fitness requirement. If you're vegetarian, let them know when you book and they'll swap the chicken for something else.

The only real catch is that the tour needs a minimum number of passengers to run, so there's a small chance it could be cancelled after you've booked if not enough people sign up, but if that happens, you get offered another date or your money back. It's a public catamaran, not a private charter, so you'll be sharing the boat with other travelers, usually somewhere between twenty and forty people depending on the day.

What’s included

• Five hours on a catamaran with an experienced skipper and two crew members.
• Whale and dolphin watching with deck speakers so you can hear them underwater.
• Access to Masca bay for swimming and snorkeling (on demand).
• Lunch including chicken and vegetable rice or pasta salad, fresh fruit, white wine, beer, water and soft drinks.
• Live commentary about the marine life and the coast.
• All fees and taxes are covered.

Before you book

Days and timesWed · Fri · Sun · 10:30 · season until 28 Apr 2027

AgesAges 12+ · 3 to 11 years · Under 3

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “Arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time for boarding. To reach de boat: highway TF5 Exit Puerto Colón. When you arrive at the port road down, take…”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by White Tenerife

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to see whales off Tenerife without arranging a boat or worrying about what to bring: the crew, the food and the route are all handled. Expect a full morning or afternoon on the water with other travelers. The boat holds up to forty people, and the pace is set by where the whales are that day, not by a fixed schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

3 to 11 years; under 3.

How long is the whale watching part of the tour?

It varies depending on where the whales are that day, but typically around an hour or more. The skipper will stay in the area as long as the animals are visible.

Is snorkeling included or do I have to pay extra?

Snorkeling is on demand and free. The crew will help you if you want to go in, but it's optional. Most people swim or relax on deck instead.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in all weather conditions. Bring a windproof layer and dress warmly, as it can be windy on the water even when it's sunny on shore.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

No, all meals and drinks are included. Chicken rice, pasta salad, fruit, wine, beer, water and soft drinks are provided on board.

What's the minimum group size?

The tour requires a minimum number of passengers to operate. If that number isn't met after booking, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. Let the operator know at the time of booking and they'll provide a vegetarian alternative to the chicken rice.

Can infants come on the tour?

Yes, infants are welcome but must sit on an adult's lap throughout the trip.

Do I need to be fit or have swimming experience?

No fitness level is required. Swimming is optional, and the crew will help anyone who wants to go in the water.