Tenerife: Whale Watching & Eco Catamaran Tour with Food

Summary

Whale watching near Los Gigantes with dolphin sounds and Masca Bay swim

You’ll spot whales and dolphins by Los Gigantes cliffs, listen to their underwater sounds through headphones, then swim in Masca Bay’s clear water before sharing lunch on deck with fellow travelers. The eco catamaran is run by locals who know these waters well — expect honest moments and real connection with nature out here.

What’s the experience like?

“Did you hear that?” someone whispered — I think it was Marta, our guide, but honestly I was too busy grinning at the weirdly musical sound coming from under the boat. We were anchored off Los Gigantes, and there it was: that deep, echoey click-click from a pod of pilot whales. The cliffs looked almost fake in the morning haze — all jagged and massive — and the air smelled faintly salty, mixed with sunscreen and something green I couldn’t place. I’d never done whale watching in Tenerife before, so I kept expecting it to feel like a zoo, but it really didn’t.

The crew (one of them called himself “El Capitan”, which cracked us up) knew exactly where to look. At one point, he pointed out a dolphin fin slicing through the water and then handed me headphones so I could actually listen in — not sure how that tech works but it felt kind of magical. There was this moment where everyone just went quiet except for someone’s can of beer hissing open (not mine this time), and we all just listened. It’s hard to explain why that felt so… grounding? Maybe because nobody was trying to impress anyone; even the dolphins seemed chill about the whole thing.

Afterwards we dropped anchor in Masca Bay for a swim. The water was colder than I expected but clear enough to see my own feet kicking around below me. Lunch was simple — chicken rice or pasta salad (I went veggie), plus fruit and white wine that tasted better than it probably was because of the sun and sea air. Someone tried to say “gracias” in a proper Canarian accent; Marta laughed but gave us an A for effort. I still think about floating there looking up at those cliffs, feeling tiny but good.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching and swimming tour

• See whales and dolphins
• Visit Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca bay
• Anchor for swim and snorkel
• Relax on the catamaran deck
• Enjoy food tasting with drinks

Top questions

Is this whale watching tour in Tenerife wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both the catamaran and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Are meals included on this eco catamaran tour?

Yes, you’ll get chicken rice or pasta salad, fresh fruit, plus drinks like white wine, beer, water, and soft drinks.

How long does the whale watching tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed here but expect several hours on board including time for swimming and lunch.

Can vegetarians be accommodated on this Tenerife whale tour?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you mention it when booking.

Where does the whale watching take place?

The tour sails near Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca Bay off Tenerife’s coast.

Will we have a local guide during the trip?

Yes, there’s an experienced crew providing live commentary throughout your day trip.

Is swimming or snorkeling part of this tour?

You’ll have a chance to swim (and snorkel if you bring gear) when anchored in Masca Bay.

Are alcoholic drinks served on board?

Yes, white wine and beer are included along with non-alcoholic drinks.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing on a sustainable eco catamaran with an experienced skipper and two sailors guiding you through whale watching near Los Gigantes cliffs; live commentary onboard; use of headphones to listen to whales and dolphins; time for swimming or snorkeling at Masca Bay; plus a lunch of chicken rice or pasta salad with fresh fruit, white wine, beer, water, and soft drinks before heading back ashore together.