About this tour
When Mia from our BugBitten team set sail from Puerto Colón on this five-hour whale-watching cruise, the Tenerife coastline felt like the real draw — dramatic cliff faces at Los Gigantes rising out of the Atlantic, plus a swim stop in Masca Bay's turquoise waters. The boat's a traditional Arab schooner (Shogun), legally licensed for cetacean observation, which matters because whale and dolphin sightings aren't guaranteed, though the area's one of the world's better bets. Lunch is served on board: simple but filling (rice, meatballs, coleslaw, bread), with wine and beer flowing. Hotel pickups from the north shore are included, so you're not navigating Puerto Colón solo.
Highlights
- Los Gigantes cliffs dominate the seascape — genuinely massive from water level
- Licensed cetacean boat gives sightings real credibility, though nature calls the shots
- Masca Bay swim stop in clear, sheltered waters feels like a genuine breather
- Lunch and drinks (wine, beer) included — no nickel-and-diming at sea
- Hotel pickup saves the early-morning drive from Puerto de la Cruz area
- Schooner's traditional rigging adds character to the cruise experience
- Mixed crowd keeps it relaxed — families, couples, solo travellers all present
What to expect
You'll be picked up from accommodation in the north and driven to Puerto Colón, where the Shogun awaits. The first hour or so builds anticipation as you cruise toward Los Gigantes; the cliffs are legitimately jaw-dropping at close range, and the crew will point out geology and local history. Then comes the Masca Bay stop — you'll drop anchor in shallow, gin-clear water, and most passengers jump in for a swim. Bring your own snorkel gear if you fancy exploring underwater; the bay's sheltered and calm, so it's not demanding. Around midday, lunch gets served on deck: nothing fancy, but hot and proper portions, with cold beer and wine available. The crew maintains a good eye on the horizon throughout. Whale and dolphin sightings do happen in these waters, though Mia's experience had pods of dolphins rather than whales — still brilliant to watch, but the ocean doesn't guarantee star turns.
What travellers say
- Genuine legal cetacean-watching credentials — crew trained and boat authorised
- Los Gigantes cliffs deliver visual drama most boat trips don't match
- Swim stop in Masca Bay feels earned and genuinely refreshing mid-voyage
- Lunch and drinks included; no surprise charges or restaurant upsell
- Hotel pickups included — takes friction out of early-morning logistics
- Relaxed pace allows time to absorb scenery and ocean life
- Marine wildlife sightings remain unpredictable despite licensed operators
- Towels, sun cream, and snorkel gear not provided — costs add up
- Swim stop cancels if seas are rough; no backup alternative offered
- Peak-season crowds can make on-board space feel tight
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Families will love the mix of activity and downtime; it's paced well for kids, and the swim break keeps energy up. Nature lovers and photographers benefit from the legal cetacean-watching credentials — the crew know where to look and how to approach safely. Dolphin sightings are more common than whale sightings, so manage expectations but stay hopeful.
Whale and dolphin sightings aren't guaranteed — it's wild ocean, not a zoo. You'll need to bring your own towel, sun cream, and snorkel kit if you want them. Infants can travel (prams okay), but the boat does rock, so brace little ones accordingly. The swim stop is weather-dependent; rough seas mean you stay on board. Peak season (summer) gets busy, so book early. The coastline from Puerto Colón can feel built-up and touristy — you're leaving that behind once you're at sea. Allow five to ten hours total with pickups and returns.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.