Royal Dolphin Whale watching excursion

The Royal Delfin gives you three ways to watch for dolphins and whales: from the open deck, through large windows, and through underwater viewing panels. That mix makes this more than a simple boat ride, especially when sea conditions let you see below the surface.

I like the low price of $35.74 and the compact two-hour schedule. I also like the live-stream viewing option, since it gives you something to watch when animals are not right beside the boat. The main drawback is that the catamaran can feel crowded, and one booking problem led to a particularly poor start for one family.

Key points to know before booking

• Three viewing options: Use the open deck, large windows, or underwater panels to look for marine life.
• Short two-hour outing: This fits neatly into a half-day plan around Playa de las Américas.
• Small stated maximum: The tour lists a maximum of 20 people, though one account describes the boat as crowded.
• Wildlife is never guaranteed: You may see dolphins and whales, but sightings depend on nature and sea conditions.
• Bring sea-day basics: Pack a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
• Book with care: Your confirmation should be ready at boarding, and the activity returns to Puerto Colón.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

Your meeting point is the Royal Delfin Catamaran at Pantalán 12 in Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas. The marina is near public transportation, but pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way there.

The activity begins and ends at the same point. That makes the tour easy to fit around a beach day, a meal in the resort, or another activity nearby. You are not committing to a full day at sea, which is useful if you are traveling with children or simply want to keep your plans flexible.

Bring your booking confirmation on your phone. One family had trouble at check-in because staff could not initially match the reservation to their records. The matter was eventually sorted out, but the exchange was described as rude and upsetting, particularly with a four-year-old present. I would arrive with the confirmation open, check the names and date carefully, and allow enough time to resolve any mismatch before departure.

The stated maximum is 20 people, a number that suggests a more personal outing than a large party boat. Still, one account found the boat crowded and had trouble finding a good position for photographs. Group size can affect how much space you have at the windows and on the deck, so do not assume that every departure will feel equally spacious.

What the two-hour catamaran ride feels like

The main part of the trip takes place aboard the catamaran. The boat moves away from Puerto Colón while the crew and guide help you watch for marine life. A two-hour trip is long enough to give the crew time to search an area, but short enough that you will not lose an entire morning or afternoon.

The most useful feature is the choice of viewing positions. On deck, you get the widest view and the best chance of spotting a fin or splash at a distance. The open-air position also makes it easier to take photographs, though you may need to move quickly when an animal appears.

Large windows give you shelter and a steadier way to watch. They are handy if the sun is strong or the sea feels cool. You can also follow a live stream on deck, which helps you keep track of what the crew is watching without standing at the most popular viewing spot.

The underwater panels are the unusual part of this outing. They will not guarantee a close view, and visibility can change with the sea, but they give you a chance to look below the surface rather than scanning only the horizon. If you are traveling with children, this feature can keep them interested during quiet stretches.

Looking for dolphins and whales

Wildlife watching requires patience. You may spend part of the two hours scanning open water before anything appears. That is not a flaw in the tour. Dolphins and whales move on their own schedule, and no short excursion can promise a sighting.

The guide’s role matters here. The crew helps you know where to look and offers information as you sail. The guide on one departure spoke several languages, which is useful for an international audience, although one English-speaking passenger found the guide’s English difficult to follow.

You should think of the guide as an extra pair of eyes and a source of context, not as a guarantee of constant entertainment. If you see dolphins or whales, the excitement comes from watching wild animals move freely. If the sea stays quiet, the live stream, deck view, and underwater windows give you several ways to remain engaged.

One of the strongest accounts of the tour confirmed sightings of both dolphins and whales, seen from the deck and through the glass-bottom viewing area. That is exactly the kind of outing this boat is designed to provide. Just keep your expectations sensible: the animals may be far away, visible only briefly, or hidden by the water.

Why the viewing design matters

Many boat trips offer one basic experience: sit on deck and hope something surfaces. Royal Delfin gives you more choices. That does not change the wildlife, but it changes how you use the waiting time.

The underwater windows are especially valuable for children and for anyone who enjoys seeing the sea from a different angle. The large windows provide a calmer viewing position, while the deck gives you a broad sweep of the water. The live stream may help when a guide has spotted something outside your immediate view.

There is a practical tradeoff. Multiple viewing areas can draw people to the same places, particularly when dolphins appear. If you want photographs, you may need to position yourself early or accept that another passenger will briefly block your view. One account specifically found it difficult to get a good spot because the boat felt overcrowded.

The stated limit of 20 people is reassuring, but the conflicting experience means I would not book this solely for personal space. The exact feel may depend on the departure, the seating arrangement, and how many people gather at the windows.

The crew, communication, and service

The crew includes professional staff and insurance is included for the two-hour outing. A guide provides wildlife information and helps you spot animals. The guide may speak several languages, but English delivery may not always be easy to understand.

There is also an important difference between the wildlife experience and the booking experience. The most serious negative account involved staff questioning a reservation at the marina, asking a family to leave the boat, and offering no apology after the issue was resolved. The passenger also felt that the treatment of her husband was connected to his race. That is a serious concern, even though it may not reflect every departure.

For your own peace of mind, keep your confirmation ready and make sure you know the exact provider named on the booking. The experience is operated by Tour2b, while the meeting point is the Royal Delfin Catamaran. If a reservation is made through a third party, those names may not appear identical at first glance.

Is $35.74 good value?

At $35.74 per person, the two-hour tour is priced as an accessible wildlife outing rather than a premium private cruise. You are paying for the boat, crew, insurance, guide assistance, and access to several viewing methods. For a first attempt at whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife, that is a reasonable starting price.

The value improves if you want a short activity with no complicated transport arrangements. You meet at Puerto Colón, sail for about two hours, and return to the same place. You do not pay extra for a full-day commitment, and you can continue with your own plans afterward.

The value is less certain if you want quiet surroundings, guaranteed close encounters, or a photography-focused trip. The catamaran may feel crowded, and the guide’s English may be hard to follow. A smaller boat could offer more room and a more personal atmosphere, but that would likely require spending more.

The included services differ depending on the duration selected. The two-hour option includes insurance and a professional crew. A three-hour option is also described with insurance, an aperitif, drinks, lunch, and professional guides. Since the main tour details describe approximately two hours, check the exact duration and inclusions before paying.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a budget-friendly introduction to marine wildlife and prefer a short outing. It suits families, couples, and first-time visitors who like having several places to watch from rather than one fixed seat.

The underwater viewing panels make it appealing for children, though the sea can be unsettled. One passenger advised taking motion-sickness medicine after a rough outing, so anyone prone to seasickness should plan ahead. A hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, swimsuit, and towel are specifically recommended.

You may want another option if your main goal is peaceful photography or a highly personal guide experience. The boat can feel crowded, and the guide’s English may not be clear enough for detailed commentary. You should also think twice if a difficult check-in would cause serious stress, although arriving prepared with your confirmation can reduce that risk.

Practical tips for a smoother trip

Arrive at Puerto Colón with your mobile ticket ready. Check that the booking date, time, passenger names, and selected duration are easy to show. Since pickup is not included, plan your route to Pantalán 12 in advance.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen. A swimsuit and towel make sense if you want to enjoy the boat in a more relaxed way, though the information provided does not promise swimming.

If you get seasick, consider preparing before departure. The sea was rough on one outing, and motion sickness affected the experience. The weather and water can change, so a light layer may also be useful, though no specific clothing requirement is given.

For the best chance at a clear view, pay attention when the guide points toward an animal rather than waiting for it to appear directly in front of you. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire trip looking at your screen. Wildlife sightings can be brief.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made later, along with changes made within that period, are not accepted for a refund. The cutoff follows local Tenerife time.

Should you book Royal Dolphin?

Book it if you want an affordable, compact whale and dolphin outing with deck views, large windows, and underwater panels in one trip. The chance to see both dolphins and whales, combined with the live-stream option and helpful wildlife spotting, gives you plenty to do during the two-hour cruise.

I would not book it expecting a quiet private boat, perfect English commentary, or guaranteed close encounters. The reported booking problem is also worth taking seriously, so keep your confirmation close and arrive prepared.

For most people, this is a fair-value choice for a first look at Tenerife’s marine life. Choose it for the range of viewing options and modest price. Choose a smaller, more expensive boat if personal space and a calmer atmosphere matter more to you than saving money.

FAQ

Where does the Royal Dolphin tour start?

It starts at the Royal Delfin Catamaran, Pantalán 12, Puerto Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the activity finish?

The tour ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Colón.

How long is the whale-watching excursion?

The main tour duration is approximately two hours. A three-hour option is also described, so check the duration selected when booking.

What is included in the two-hour tour?

The two-hour option includes insurance and a professional crew.

Are drinks and lunch included?

Drinks, lunch, and an aperitif are listed with the three-hour option. They are not listed among the inclusions for the two-hour tour.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. A mobile ticket is accepted, and you should keep your booking confirmation available at the meeting point.