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

Pilot whales off Tenerife are within reach. This relaxed Adeje cruise on the Shogun wooden schooner pairs whale watching with lunch, a swim stop, and Los Gigantes views.

I like the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins in calm, year-round waters, often without feeling you are chasing them like a race. The vibe stays easy and spacious, helped along by a friendly, multilingual crew.

One thing to consider: the boat can sway, so if seasickness usually hits you, plan ahead with medication and keep an eye on the forecast.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Shogun wooden schooner: a slower, traditional style of sailing that feels less like a cattle call
• Pilot whales year-round: Tenerife’s southwest waters are known for regular sightings
• Masca Bay swim stop: anchored in a sheltered cove under the Los Gigantes cliffs, when sea conditions allow
• Lunch onboard with included drinks: water and soft drinks all trip, plus wine and beer during lunch for adults
• Crew energy and multiple languages: guides like Andi help keep things lively and easy to follow

Shogun wooden schooner: why this whale trip feels different in Adeje

Adeje is packed with sea tours, but this one stands out because you are not crammed onto a standard loud speedboat. You sail on Shogun, a traditional wooden schooner style boat. That matters because it sets expectations: think open-air relaxation, not nonstop engine noise.

The cruise is designed to stay calm. You cruise along Tenerife’s southwest coast, where pilot whales and dolphins are often spotted. Even when marine life does not show up on cue, you still have the ocean itself, the coastline, and the cliff scenery to enjoy.

This is also a smart choice if you want a “do it all” half-day. You get whale watching, Los Gigantes sightseeing, a lunch stop on board, and (when conditions allow) a swim in Masca Bay. For many people, that combination is the real value, not just the animal sightings.

Getting there: Puerto Colón Pier 14 and what the timeline really means

Your tour starts at Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje), boarding at pier number 14. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure time, but it is wise to arrive 15 minutes early or more. If you are late, you can lose your spot before you even leave the dock.

If you chose pickup, expect a bus or coach segment as part of the schedule. The drive time varies by where you are starting from, since there are many drop-off locations around the south coast. If you are driving yourself, you just need to be near the pier area in time to board.

Once you are on board, the day settles into a rhythm: look for whales and dolphins while sailing out, enjoy lunch during the Los Gigantes stop phase, then wind down on the way back.

Whale and dolphin watching on Tenerife’s southwest coast

The main idea is simple: ride out in search of pilot whales and pods of dolphins. The waters here are known for year-round sightings, and the tour is built around that. In plain terms, you are more likely to spot something than on routes that depend entirely on migration.

You are also not stuck in one position. You sail through the area where pilot whales and dolphins are often reported. The best sightings happen when the crew spots activity early and you get time to watch respectfully from the boat.

A detail I appreciate is how much the tour leans into education without turning it into a lecture. The crew shares facts during the cruise, aimed at both adults and kids. That can make a difference on a family day when everyone needs a reason to stay focused while you scan the water.

For wildlife tours, one truth still applies: sightings are never guaranteed. What makes this one feel reliable is that pilot whales live in these waters, not just pass through now and then.

Los Gigantes cliffs: the dramatic part you actually spend time seeing

Los Gigantes is one of Tenerife’s most iconic cliff regions, and the tour uses it as more than a photo stop. After the whale watching segment, the schooner heads toward Los Gigantes for sightseeing.

You anchor in Masca Bay, a sheltered cove at the cliff base area. This is where the day shifts from scanning the horizon to enjoying the scenery close up. You can watch the cliffs from the deck while you wait for lunch, and you can take it in slowly instead of sprinting for pictures.

If you like your scenery with a bit of drama, this portion is the payoff. You are seeing the cliffs from water level, where they look taller and more sheer than they ever do from a road viewpoint.

Masca Bay swim stop: the best reset in a 5-hour tour

One of the most loved parts of this trip is the chance to swim in Masca Bay under the cliffs. When conditions allow, the schooner anchors and the crew offers a swim stop. Life jackets and float aids are provided, which helps make the water time feel safer and easier for people who are not confident swimmers.

Swimming here is optional. If the sea is rough, the swim might not happen, or it might be shortened. If you are going as a family, this is worth knowing up front. The stop is planned around safety, so you are not being pushed into a risky swim just to tick a box.

Even if you do not swim, you can still enjoy the bay from the boat. Many people prefer staying relaxed in the shade of the deck while they watch the water and cliff walls. It is a nice change of pace after sitting and watching for whales.

Practical tip: bring a towel and sunscreen. Water time tends to make you forget how quickly sun shows up in Tenerife.

Lunch onboard: simple, included, and timed to keep the day flowing

Lunch is served while the boat is in the Los Gigantes area. It is not a restaurant meal experience, but it is a real included break that keeps the tour from feeling like a long stretch of just scanning water.

You get lunch on board, plus unlimited water and soft drinks throughout the cruise. For adults, wine and beer are included during lunch. That detail is a big part of the appeal. Many people end up treating lunch like the social moment of the day.

The food itself is generally described as simple but enjoyable. You should expect a straightforward onboard meal, not gourmet service. What you are really buying is convenience plus time saved, since you do not have to figure out where to eat between ports and viewpoints.

If you want to be extra comfortable, consider eating what is provided and then adjusting. Some people have reported that when the sea starts rough, they choose not to eat much at first. Listening to your own stomach is the best strategy.

Drinks and the onboard atmosphere: from calm sailing to upbeat crew energy

The boat stays relaxed, but it is not boring. The crew keeps things friendly and interactive, with a sense of humor that helps a half-day fly by. Guides such as Andi are known for speaking multiple languages and staying engaging.

You may also hear music onboard. Some passengers have described a lively feeling during parts of the day, including requests and general fun energy. That makes it easier for kids to enjoy the search for animals rather than getting restless.

Also, during lunch time, the included wine and beer changes the tone. It is a small thing, but it makes a difference. You are not paying extra at the exact moment you feel hungry and tired. That is part of why this feels like good value for the time.

One extra note: additional alcoholic drinks outside lunch may be purchased. So if you like to keep things very simple, plan to enjoy the included drinks during lunch and then decide after.

Seasickness reality check: who should prepare (and who should not worry)

This is where I want to be honest. The boat can sway. Several people have mentioned rocky or bumpy moments, especially at the start, and that some passengers felt sick. If you know you get motion sickness easily, do not treat this as optional.

Your best move is to take prevention seriously. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking medication ahead of time. Bring sunglasses and try to get a spot where you can watch the horizon rather than only looking down at the floor.

If you tend to be fine on boats, you are likely to have a great time. The sailing is often described as relaxed once the captain finds a calmer route. Still, the possibility of swaying is part of any open water cruise, and this one does not try to hide that.

Pet-friendly policy and family comfort: practical notes before you go

Small pets are allowed, up to 12 kg, as long as your pet stays with you and cannot enter the water. If you travel with a dog or small companion animal, this is a helpful option because not all whale tours allow pets at all.

For families, this tour is set up for a mixed group. The boat is fully licensed and Blue-Flag certified, with required safety equipment onboard. That does not mean every child will love the rocking motion, but it does mean the operation takes safety seriously.

Kids can swim during the stop when conditions permit, but swimming is always optional. If you have a child who wants water fun, this can be the highlight of the whole trip. If your child is cautious, deck time still offers views and a calm enough break to keep the mood positive.

Price and value: what you actually get for around $64

At about $64 per person for a 5-hour experience, you are paying for a lot of bundled time. Most people come for the whale watching, but the value comes from the extras.

You get:

• whale and dolphin watching on a boat designed for relaxed viewing
• Los Gigantes sightseeing
• a Masca Bay swim stop when sea conditions allow
• lunch onboard
• unlimited water and soft drinks
• and included wine and beer during lunch for adults

If you were to piece these things together separately, you would almost certainly spend more in time and money. Even if the swim stop does not happen due to conditions, lunch and the cliff scenery still make it a full outing.

So think of it as a half-day nature day with a built-in meal, not just a wildlife spotting mission.

Who should book this Adeje tour, and who should look elsewhere

Book it if you want a calmer whale watching day with real scenery time. It suits:

• families who want a straightforward schedule
• couples who like ocean views and a relaxed pace
• nature lovers who care about respectful boat watching
• travelers who want lunch and a swim stop without planning extra meals

Consider a different option if:

• you are very sensitive to motion and cannot take medication
• you need guaranteed swimming, because it depends on sea conditions
• you expect a luxury dining experience rather than simple onboard lunch

Should you book this Adeje whale watching with Los Gigantes and lunch?

If your goal is a balanced half-day that combines pilot whales, dolphins, major cliff scenery, and a Masca Bay swim stop, this is a strong pick. The best reason to book is the package: wildlife time plus lunch plus an actually scenic anchored bay.

I would book it with two prep steps. First, pack for sun and water, including sunscreen and a towel. Second, if you get seasick, plan for it before you board, since the boat can sway.

One more practical thought: arrive early at the pier so you can settle in comfortably. You will enjoy the watch more when you are relaxed, fed, and set up for the day ahead.

FAQ

Where does the whale watching cruise depart from?

The tour meets at Puerto Colón, pier number 14. Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure time, so arriving early helps you get settled.

What animals are you looking for on this trip?

The cruise focuses on pilot whales and dolphins. Pilot whales live in the area year-round, which makes sightings likely, though nothing can be guaranteed since it is wildlife.

Is the Masca Bay swim stop included?

A swim stop in Masca Bay is included, but it is always dependent on sea conditions. If conditions do not allow it, you may still enjoy the scenery from the boat.

What food is included during the cruise?

Lunch is served on board while you are near the Los Gigantes area. The day also includes water and soft drinks throughout the trip.

Are drinks included, and what is included for adults?

Yes. Water and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise. Wine and beer are included during lunch for adults.

How long is the entire experience?

The experience runs for about 5 hours total.

Can children swim during the stop?

Swimming is optional, and whether it happens depends on sea conditions. Children can swim during the stop when conditions are safe.

Can I bring a pet on the tour?

Small pets up to 12 kg are welcome, but your pet must stay with you and cannot enter the water.