Royal Delfin – 2Hour Sustainable Dolphin & Whale Watching Mini Cruise

The Royal Delfin’s main prize is simple: wild whales and dolphins in open water, not animals trained to perform. Pilot whales are the regular stars, and dolphins may appear in fast-moving pods beside the boat. I also like the 16 panoramic underwater windows, which give this large catamaran a feature most whale boats cannot match.

I like the friendly multilingual presentation, the roomy boat, and the strong value at $36.20 for two hours. The main caution is seasickness. On rougher outings, many people have felt ill, and the underwater windows can be hard to use while the boat is moving.

What makes this two-hour cruise worth considering

• Pilot whales are the most likely sighting: You may see them swimming, resting, or traveling in groups near Tenerife’s coast.
• Sixteen underwater windows: The Royal Delfin is billed as Tenerife’s only catamaran with Submarine Vision, giving you a below-water view of passing marine life.
• Two hours is a sensible length: You get time on the water without committing to a half-day outing.
• The upper decks offer the best general views: The underwater screens are unusual, but dolphins and whales are often easier to spot from above.
• A large catamaran helps with space: The boat can carry up to 200 people, so it is not an intimate small-boat trip.
• The crew keeps things easy: Staff give explanations in several languages, and the boat has a restroom, bar service, and support for guests with mobility needs.

Leaving Playa de las Américas for open water

The Royal Delfin departs from Av. de Colón 11 in Playa de las Américas, with the scheduled start at 10:30 a.m. The cruise returns to the same place, which makes it easy to fit into a day based in the resort area.

I would arrive early rather than cutting it close. One outing reportedly left late while the boat waited for a late arrival, leaving people in the hot sun. That may not happen on your sailing, but early arrival gives you time to board, find a seat, and settle before the catamaran pulls away.

The boat is large, clean, and described as comfortable, though it is not new. You have room to move around, seated areas on different levels, a restroom, and a bar selling drinks and snacks. Food and beverages are not included in the $36.20 fare, but onboard purchases are available at an extra charge.

The maximum capacity is 200 people. That matters. You are booking a proper shared cruise, not a quiet private charter. On a busy departure, the upper deck can fill quickly, and the best places for uninterrupted viewing may go first. Still, the size gives you more room than a small rigid boat and may feel steadier for some people.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

Once offshore, the crew searches the water for signs of marine life. The usual sightings around this type of trip include short-finned pilot whales and dolphins, with bottlenose dolphins among the species sometimes seen. Conditions and animal behavior control the day, so nobody can promise a particular whale or a close pass.

The strongest sightings can be excellent. People have seen groups of pilot whales at close range, mothers with calves, several kinds of dolphins, and even a fast-moving dolphin pod. A few outings have included especially unusual sightings such as a right whale or giant squid, but treat those as lucky exceptions rather than part of the standard program.

I appreciate that this is a wildlife trip, not a staged show. The animals roam free, and some days produce more action than others. On a quieter outing, you may see only a few pilot whales and no dolphins. That is disappointing if you expect constant activity, but it is also the honest trade-off of looking for wild animals.

The two-hour schedule gives the crew enough time to search without making the day drag. One passenger felt that once the whales had been found, the boat should have returned instead of filling the remaining time. Another person felt two hours was exactly right. I think the duration works well for most people, though it can feel long if the sea is choppy or the sightings are brief.

The Royal Delfin’s underwater viewing area

The unusual feature here is the Submarine Vision area. Sixteen panoramic underwater windows let you look below the surface from inside the catamaran. This is the part that makes the Royal Delfin different from a standard sightseeing boat.

When dolphins pass close to the hull, the underwater view can be special. You may see their bodies moving below the boat instead of only watching dorsal fins break the surface. It offers a second angle on the animals and can be particularly appealing for children who like the idea of looking through a submarine window.

Keep your expectations sensible. The underwater windows are not a magic viewing machine. Several people found the best sightings came from the top deck, where you can scan a wider area and follow animals as they move. The glass sides can also show mostly foaming water while the catamaran is underway. The underwater section is an extra advantage, not a replacement for open-air whale watching.

I would split your time between the two. Use the upper deck when the crew spots animals, then check the underwater windows when dolphins or whales move close to the boat. Staying mobile helps, since the best view can change from one side to another.

Coastal views from the Costa Adeje side

The cruise is not only about wildlife. From the water, you get broad views back toward Tenerife’s coast and the mountains behind Costa Adeje. On a clear day, the return stretch can be as attractive as the outward search.

The boat lets you walk around, so you are not locked into one seat. That is useful for taking in the coastline, finding shade, or moving away from a crowded viewing spot. At the same time, upper-deck seating can be limited, especially on a full departure.

Sun protection is important. A morning sailing can still be hot, even in winter. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, and remember that an open deck gives you little protection from direct sun. The bar sells drinks, but carrying what you need is simpler.

The sea can change the feel of the trip. On a calm, sunny day, this is an easy coastal outing with pleasant views. On a rougher day, the same boat can feel lively, and the motion becomes the main thing you notice.

Seasickness is the serious drawback

I would not skip this warning. Several accounts describe widespread seasickness, with people becoming ill around them. Even someone who usually handles boats well felt unwell on one sailing.

A large catamaran may feel steadier than a small speedboat, and one outing was praised specifically for being spacious enough to reduce motion sickness. But no boat can remove the movement of the Atlantic. If you know you get sick at sea, this may not be the right activity, or you should speak with a medical professional about your usual precautions before booking.

Choose a seat with fresh air and a clear horizon if possible. Avoid arriving with a heavy meal, and use the restroom before the boat gets underway. The crew can help with general comfort, but the tour cannot control the sea or prevent another passenger from becoming ill.

Young children deserve extra thought. Families have enjoyed the cruise, including children who loved the dolphins and underwater windows. Yet a sick child, strong sun, and a crowded deck can make two hours feel much longer. If your child is prone to motion sickness, a land-based activity may be easier.

Service, accessibility, and the group size

The staff receive some of the strongest praise. The crew is described as friendly and helpful, and the guide gives information in several languages. That is useful on a mixed international boat, especially when sightings happen quickly and you need clear instructions.

Wheelchair assistance has also been provided on board, and the crew helped a mobility-impaired person have a smooth outing. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is listed as suitable for most people. Still, the supplied details do not explain every boarding measurement or restroom arrangement, so anyone needing specific access support should confirm the practical details before departure.

The capacity of 200 gives you a clear picture of the atmosphere. This is a social, shared excursion with plenty of people around you. You can move about, but you may not always get a front-row position. If your priority is silence, personal attention, and the smallest possible group, pay more for a smaller boat elsewhere. If you value a lower fare, a restroom, open decks, and a better chance of finding a stable place to sit, the Royal Delfin makes more sense.

There is also a photo service. A picture is taken while boarding and offered for purchase near the end, reportedly for about €10. You do not have to buy it. If you dislike sales interruptions, be ready to decline politely.

Is $36.20 a fair price?

At $36.20 per person, the Royal Delfin offers solid value for a two-hour wildlife cruise. The fare covers the boat ride, the whale and dolphin search, the guide’s commentary, and access to the underwater viewing area. A restroom and roomy catamaran are useful extras, especially for families.

The value depends on your expectations. You are paying for the chance to see wild animals, not a guaranteed show. A day with many dolphins and pilot whales can feel like a bargain. A quiet day with only distant sightings may feel less satisfying, even though the crew has still provided the scheduled two hours.

The underwater windows also help justify the price, but I would not choose this boat solely for that feature. Their greatest value comes when animals pass close to the hull. Most of your actual wildlife spotting may still happen from the open decks.

The cruise is often booked about 13 days ahead, so I would reserve before your preferred date if your Tenerife schedule is tight. The mobile ticket is convenient, and confirmation normally arrives at booking. If you book within 12 hours of departure, confirmation is subject to availability and may arrive later.

Who should book the Royal Delfin?

I would recommend it to you if you want a reasonably priced introduction to Tenerife’s marine life, prefer a stable large catamaran to a tiny speedboat, and like having both open-air viewing and an underwater option. Families, casual wildlife fans, and people who want a two-hour break from the resort should find the format easy to understand.

It also suits anyone who values the chance to see animals behaving naturally. Pilot whales are often the main event, and dolphins can make the trip memorable when they approach the boat. The coastal views add something even when sightings are limited.

I would think twice if you are highly prone to seasickness, need guaranteed close encounters, or want a quiet private outing. The boat may be crowded, the upper deck may fill, and wildlife may remain distant or absent. Those are not faults the crew can solve.

The experience has a free-cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start time. Late cancellations and changes are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

My booking advice

Book the Royal Delfin if you can accept the uncertainty of wild animal watching and want an affordable, well-equipped boat with an unusual underwater feature. Arrive early for a better choice of seat, bring sun protection and water, and prepare for possible motion sickness.

I would place this in the good-value category rather than the luxury category. The crew service, whale sightings, dolphin encounters, and 16 underwater windows can make it a memorable morning. Just keep the expectations honest: the ocean decides what appears, and the upper deck is usually your best friend.

FAQ

Where does the Royal Delfin cruise depart?

It departs from Av. de Colón 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 10:30 a.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours.

Where does the cruise finish?

It ends back at the same meeting point in Playa de las Américas.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The cruise gives you the chance to see wild whales and dolphins, but sightings depend on animal behavior and sea conditions.

What marine life might I see?

Pilot whales and dolphins are among the possible sightings. Some outings have also seen bottlenose dolphins, mothers with calves, a right whale, or giant squid, but these less common sightings are not guaranteed.

What is included in the ticket?

The ticket includes the catamaran cruise, onboard restroom access, and use of the Submarine Vision underwater viewing area.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and drinks cost extra, but they are available for purchase onboard.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.