Royal Delfin – 4’5H Dolphin & Whale Watching – Los Gigantes Masca – Lunch & Swim

The best part of the Royal Delfin cruise is the mix of open-sea wildlife and dramatic Tenerife scenery. You may see dolphins, pilot whales, flying fish, and even turtles, then pause beneath the Los Gigantes Cliffs for a swim in Masca Bay.

I like the boat’s underwater viewing windows, which give you another angle on the sea, and the simple all-inclusive setup with lunch, snacks, beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water. The main caution is that wildlife is wild: some departures produce close sightings, while others see fewer animals. The boat can also feel crowded with up to 200 people.

Royal Delfin at a glance

• Whale and dolphin watching: Search the waters off Tenerife’s southwest coast for dolphins and pilot whales in their natural environment.
• Underwater viewing windows: The purpose-built catamaran offers glass viewing areas below deck, though animals do not always pass directly beneath the boat.
• Los Gigantes and Masca Bay: The route reaches the enormous cliffs and stops in the bay for swimming.
• Food and drinks included: Lunch, a small sandwich snack, beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water are included.
• About 4.5 hours at sea: The 2 pm departure returns to the meeting point at about 6:30 pm.
• A lively group outing: Music, drinks, and a friendly crew create a social atmosphere, but the boat may feel full.

Setting off from Puerto Colón at 2 pm

The advertised meeting address is Av. de Colón, 11, in Playa de las Américas, and the cruise departs from the Puerto Colón area. Plan to arrive with enough time to find the correct boarding point and settle in before the 2 pm departure.

The boat follows Tenerife’s southwest coast, passing the waters off Costa Adeje and Playa de Las Américas before continuing toward Los Gigantes. You are not simply being taken out for a quick animal sighting. The trip combines a coastal cruise, wildlife search, a meal, and a swim stop, so the four-and-a-half-hour length makes sense.

The first part can be bumpy. That depends on sea conditions, and the operator says departures are canceled when weather is seriously rough. Still, you should be ready for waves and bring whatever you normally use to stay comfortable on a boat. The catamaran has restrooms, which matters on a trip of this length.

The atmosphere is more social than quiet. Music plays during the cruise, and some departures have had a lively, full-boat feel. That is good if you enjoy meeting people and having drinks at sea. It is less appealing if you want a calm, private wildlife trip.

Searching for dolphins and pilot whales

The boat sails along the southwest coast looking for cetaceans. The common sightings described for this route include dolphins and pilot whales, with occasional flying fish and turtles. You may see animals several times during the cruise, or only briefly. No responsible whale-watching trip can promise a close encounter.

That uncertainty is worth understanding before you pay. Some departures have produced repeated dolphin sightings, pilot whales close to the boat, and animals visible from the underwater rooms. Other outings have had only two short dolphin encounters, with the animals staying away from the lower viewing area.

The crew must follow the animals rather than force the action. The boat may slow down when dolphins approach, but the animals decide where they go. Small private boats and sailing vessels can also gather around the same wildlife, making a close approach harder.

I like the fact that the focus is on seeing animals in their natural environment rather than putting on a staged show. You should also keep your expectations realistic: the price buys you time on the water and a genuine chance, not a guaranteed performance.

What the underwater windows add

The Royal Delfin catamaran has underwater glass viewing windows, one of its most distinctive features. When dolphins or whales pass beneath the boat, you can watch them below the surface rather than relying only on a view from the rail.

This can be thrilling. Seeing a pilot whale or dolphin move through the water below you gives the trip a different feel from a standard sightseeing cruise. But the windows are not a guarantee of better sightings. Wildlife may remain beside the boat, ahead of it, or farther away.

That is why I would treat the lower viewing area as a bonus, not the main reason to book. You will want to spend time outside too, especially when the boat is moving along the cliffs and coastline. If music is loud or the boat is busy, the glass viewing rooms may also feel less peaceful than expected.

A camera operator may record parts of the outing, with videos available for purchase afterward. That is optional and not part of the stated ticket inclusions.

Los Gigantes and the Masca Bay swim

The scenery becomes the star as the catamaran reaches the Los Gigantes area. These cliffs rise sharply from the sea and give the cruise a dramatic sense of scale. Even on a day with limited wildlife, the coastal views make the journey worthwhile.

The swimming stop takes place in Masca Bay, surrounded by the Los Gigantes area. You have time to get into the sea from the boat and enjoy a break from sitting and watching for wildlife. Several departures have found this the most memorable part of the trip.

The water is described as warm, but conditions can still vary. Swimming is optional, so you can remain on board if you prefer not to enter the sea. Bring a swimsuit and a way to keep wet clothing separate from the rest of your belongings. Those basic items are not listed as provided.

The bay also gives you a change of pace. The outward cruise is about movement and searching. At Masca Bay, you can relax, swim, eat, and look back at the cliffs from the water.

Lunch, snacks, beer, and sangria

Food and drinks are included, which helps the Royal Delfin compare well with a basic whale-watching trip. The package includes lunch, a small sandwich snack, beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water. Coffee and tea are not included, and spirits such as whiskey, rum, and vodka are excluded.

The timing of lunch may vary. Some departures have served the meal within the first hour, while the planned cruise centers on eating around the Masca Bay stop. Either way, you should not expect a restaurant meal prepared to order.

The meal has been described as rice, meatballs, and salad. Some people find it tasty and filling. Others consider it ordinary, with one particularly negative reaction to the canned-style meatballs. The food is best viewed as practical boat catering, not a taste of Tenerife.

The sandwich snack may be salami-based. A vegetarian alternative is not specified, so if you have dietary needs, ask before booking rather than assuming a substitute will be available. The included drinks are a real advantage, especially during a long afternoon at sea, but remember that the selection is limited to the listed beverages.

How the price compares with shorter boat trips

At $72.29 per person, this is not the cheapest way to look for dolphins around Tenerife. Its value comes from the package: about 4.5 hours on the water, the Los Gigantes route, a Masca Bay swim, lunch, snacks, and drinks.

I would compare it with shorter wildlife cruises based on what you want from the day. If your only goal is to see dolphins or pilot whales, a shorter trip may be enough. The longer Royal Delfin outing makes more sense if you also want the cliffs, a swim, food, and a relaxed half-day away from the resort.

The price is harder to justify if you dislike group excursions or expect a quiet, premium experience. A boat carrying as many as 200 people can feel crowded, and the food is functional rather than special. The best value comes when you use the whole package instead of treating it as a wildlife-only trip.

The overall rating is 3.8 out of 5 from 192 ratings, which fits the experience described here. The strongest points are the crew, scenery, drinks, swimming, and successful animal sightings. The weak points are inconsistent wildlife, busy conditions, and uneven opinions about lunch.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This trip suits you if you want several Tenerife highlights in one outing. Families, couples, and groups who enjoy a friendly boat atmosphere will find plenty to do. You can watch for wildlife, listen to music, eat, drink, swim, and take in the cliffs without arranging separate activities.

It is also a good fit if you are visiting the southwest coast and want to see the sea from a different angle. The combination of Playa de Las Américas, Costa Adeje, Los Gigantes, and Masca Bay gives the cruise a clear sense of place.

You may want a different option if you need guaranteed animal sightings, a quiet boat, high-end dining, or a small private group. The catamaran is purpose-built and well equipped, but this is still a commercial group excursion.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation, though parking fees are not included. The return is to the original meeting point.

Practical details before you book

The activity is offered in English and provides a mobile ticket. Confirmation normally arrives when you book, though bookings made within 12 hours of departure are confirmed as soon as possible, subject to availability.

The experience depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If the minimum number is not reached, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 2 pm start time. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off uses Tenerife local time.

I would also pack sunscreen, a swimsuit, a light layer, and any personal seasickness remedy you need. The boat has a restroom, but you are still committing to a long afternoon on open water.

Should you book the Royal Delfin?

Book it if you want an easy, social half-day that combines wildlife, food, drinks, a swim, and Los Gigantes scenery. The Masca Bay stop and dramatic cliffs give the trip value even when dolphins keep their distance.

Skip it if you are paying mainly for a guaranteed close-up animal encounter or a quiet, refined meal. Wildlife sightings vary, the boat may be full, and the lunch is basic. For most visitors who understand those limits, the Royal Delfin offers a solid all-in-one day at sea, with its best moments coming from the animals, the cliffs, and the swim rather than from luxury.

FAQ

Where does the Royal Delfin cruise start?

The listed meeting point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The catamaran sails from the Puerto Colón area.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 2 pm.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes and ends back at the meeting point.

What animals might I see?

The cruise searches for dolphins and whales, especially pilot whales. Flying fish and turtles have also been seen during the outing, but no sighting is guaranteed.

Does the boat have underwater viewing windows?

Yes. The purpose-built catamaran has underwater glass viewing windows.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops in Masca Bay near Los Gigantes for a swimming break.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A courtesy lunch is included, along with a small sandwich snack.

Which drinks are included?

Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water are included. Coffee, tea, liquor, whiskey, rum, and vodka are not included.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes. The catamaran has a restroom.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted or refunded. If weather or minimum participation causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.