| Trip | Leaves from | Duration | Listed price | Rating | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whale watching cruise by sailboat | See the offer page | See the offer page | See the offer page | 4.9 (2,292 reviews) | Sailing and whale watching | See |
| Los Gigantes whale and dolphin cruise | Los Gigantes port | 2 hours | from 28 euros | 4.7 (5,987 reviews) | Cliffs, tight budget | See |
Prices and ratings read on 6 November 2026; they change with the date and the group size.
How to choose
- Staying in the south (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas): the catamaran leaves from Puerto Colón, and the listing offers hotel pickup on request from southern hotels.
- Staying on the west coast or driving there: the Los Gigantes cruise leaves from the town's own port and passes below the cliffs before a swim stop in a bay (Masca, Barranco Seco or Juan López).
- Group size. The catamaran is sold as "12-person", but its listing states a maximum of 24 travelers, so expect a mid-sized boat rather than a private one.
- Whales. Short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live off Tenerife all year according to the island's tourist board (read 6 November 2026), so any month works; see whale watching in Tenerife for species and season. No sighting is ever guaranteed.
What is included
- Catamaran: snorkeling equipment, food and drinks buffet, taxes. Bring your own towel and sunscreen.
- Los Gigantes cruise: the swim stop and one drink (cola, Fanta, water or beer). Meet 30 minutes before departure at the operator's office at the port entrance; staff wear yellow T-shirts.
- Cancellation: both offers are free to cancel up to 24 hours before.
Typical mistakes
- Arriving late at Los Gigantes: no refund or rebooking if you miss the boat, and parking in and around the port is hard, so allow an hour.
- Skipping a seasickness pill: reviews of the catamaran mention a choppy sea.
- Expecting the same trip twice: one lasts 3 hours from the south, the other 2 hours from the west. For the cliffs only, read Los Gigantes boat trips; for land excursions, the best Tenerife excursions.
FAQ
Which boat trip should I choose in Tenerife?
The catamaran (4.9 from 2,292 reviews) if you want to swim and stay in the south; the Los Gigantes cruise (4.7 from 5,987 reviews, from 28 euros) for the cliffs and a shorter outing.
How long are the trips?
The Los Gigantes cruise lasts 2 hours and the catamaran 3 hours, according to their listings on 6 November 2026.
Will I always see whales?
No. Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are resident, which improves your chances, but sightings depend on the sea and nothing is guaranteed.
The Tenerife Authority editorial team, 6 November 2026.
