Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim

The best part of this Costa Adeje cruise is the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins in open water, not in a tank or staged show. You sail from Puerto Colón aboard the Shogun, an oriental schooner with a traditional wooden-boat feel, then pause in the Atlantic for a swim if the sea and weather cooperate.

I like the small-scale, relaxed mood and the clear focus on respectful wildlife watching. I also like the value: at $29 per person, you get a cruise, crew, guide, toilets, and a swimming stop, though drinks and snorkel gear cost extra.

The main consideration is that wild animals do not follow a schedule. You may see dolphins, pilot whales, flying fish, or sea turtles, but sightings are never guaranteed. The swim is also at the captain’s discretion, and the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are a regular target: The route uses waters where these whales and dolphins are often seen.
• The Shogun gives the trip character: You sail on a traditional wooden oriental schooner rather than a plain motorboat.
• The swim lasts 15 to 20 minutes: It happens only when weather and sea conditions are safe.
• The crew speaks several languages: Tours are offered in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.
• The $29 price is strong value: Your cruise, guide, crew, permit, toilets, and swim stop are included, but drinks and towels are not.
• There are longer choices: The main outing is described as two hours, while availability may also show options lasting up to five hours.

Setting out from Puerto Colón on the Shogun

You meet at Colon Harbour, pier number 14, next to the petrol station. Look for the Shogun boat. This detail matters because Puerto Colón has several piers and several boat trips leaving from the same general area, so allow time to find the right berth rather than arriving at the last minute.

The boat is described as an oriental schooner, and that gives the trip more character than a standard white excursion vessel. You can settle on deck, watch Costa Adeje recede, and enjoy the ocean air before the wildlife search begins.

The cruise is not only about getting from the marina to the whale-watching area. The coastal views are part of the experience. You get a broad look at Tenerife’s southern shore from the water, with the island behind you and the Atlantic opening out ahead.

The crew and captain remain onboard throughout, and a multilingual guide provides the commentary. The available languages are English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian. That is useful for families or groups who do not all speak the same language.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins in open water

The boat heads into waters where pilot whales and dolphins are often found. This is a wildlife trip, not a guaranteed performance, so the pace may include quiet stretches while the crew searches and watches the sea.

That uncertainty is part of the bargain. A dolphin may appear close to the boat, or you may spot a pod farther away. Pilot whales can be especially rewarding because they are one of the main species associated with this area, but you should keep your expectations sensible.

The strongest recorded sightings include families of dolphins, several pilot whales, spotted dolphins, flying fish, and, on one outing, sea turtles. Another trip produced plenty of dolphins but no whales. That gives you a fair idea of the range: sightings can be excellent, but the exact mix changes from trip to trip.

I appreciate the stated approach to marine life. The crew follows local sustainability guidelines and does not feed the animals. The rules also prohibit fishing, which helps keep the focus on watching rather than taking from the sea.

The guide explains the animals and the need to protect their habitat. This adds meaning to the sighting. You are not simply waiting for a fin to break the surface. You are also learning why the boat keeps a calm, respectful distance.

What the two-hour route feels like

The core excursion lasts about two hours. You leave Puerto Colón, spend time searching for whales and dolphins, and then stop for a swim before returning to the same boat and harbour.

The wildlife section is the heart of the trip. The crew takes time to find good viewing positions, and the boat’s open deck gives you a useful place to watch the sea. Bring sunglasses and a hat, since glare from the water can become tiring even on a pleasant day.

The return portion gives you time to relax rather than rush from one activity to another. Music may be played onboard, and drinks are available for purchase. This helps create a casual holiday mood, though the experience is still built around nature rather than entertainment.

Some availability may show longer outings lasting up to five hours. One five-hour option included lunch, free water and soft drinks, low-cost beer and wine, and cocktails for an added charge. Check the exact duration and inclusions when booking, since the standard description centers on the two-hour cruise and the longer version may be a different package.

The Atlantic swimming stop

When conditions permit, the captain anchors for a 15 to 20-minute swim. The water is described as clear, and the stop gives you a welcome break after sitting and scanning the horizon.

This is a simple swim, not a guided snorkeling session. Snorkel equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to look below the surface. Towels are also not provided, so pack one even if you plan only a quick dip.

The swim depends on the sea and weather. The captain makes the final call, and that is the right arrangement for an open-water activity. Do not book this trip solely for the swim, because the stop can be shortened or omitted when conditions are unsuitable.

If you do swim, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are useful before and after the stop. You should also keep your belongings organized on deck, since you will be moving between dry clothes and swimwear during a short break.

Drinks, music, and the practical comforts onboard

The Shogun has toilets, which is a real advantage on a two-hour boat trip. You can also buy soft drinks, beer, cocktails, and other beverages onboard.

The longer outing may include lunch, water, and soft drinks, but you should confirm the package before assuming those extras are part of your fare. The standard $29 price does not include drinks, snorkel equipment, or towels.

The mood can be lively without turning into a party boat. Music is played on some outings, and the crew has been praised for being friendly and helpful from boarding through the wildlife search. The rules prohibit alcohol and drugs in the sense of bringing them aboard, and party groups are not accepted.

Smoking areas are available according to one detailed account, though you should follow the crew’s instructions onboard. The overall setup suits people who want a social but fairly calm cruise, not a loud club at sea.

Is $29 good value for Costa Adeje?

At $29 per person, this is one of the easier boat trips to justify on price. The fare includes the cruise, captain, crew, guide, legal whale-watching permit, toilets, and the possible swim stop.

The Blue Flag legal whale-watching permit is an important detail. It signals that the operation is licensed for this activity and follows the local framework for watching whales and dolphins. It does not guarantee sightings, but it gives you more confidence in the way the trip is run.

The value gets even better if you see several species. A successful outing can include dolphins and pilot whales, with the possibility of flying fish or sea turtles. Still, the price should not be judged only by the number of animals seen. You are also paying for time on the Atlantic, coastal views, the crew’s search work, and a supervised route.

Budget for extras. Drinks are sold onboard, and neither towels nor snorkel gear is included. If you want the five-hour version with lunch, expect the price and inclusions to differ from the basic two-hour trip.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This is a good match for couples looking for an easy half-day activity, families who want wildlife and a swim, and anyone who prefers a boat with some character. It also suits people who want to learn a little about local marine life without committing to a full-day sailing trip.

The standard two-hour format works well after breakfast or before lunch. You get a proper ocean outing without using the whole day, and the swim gives children and adults something active to look forward to after the wildlife watch.

Nature lovers should like the emphasis on respectful observation. You may not get a perfect close-up every time, but the experience is more honest than a guaranteed animal show.

This is not the right choice for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The boat and boarding arrangements are not designed for those needs. You should also think twice if you dislike open-water motion, cannot swim, or would be disappointed by a trip with no whale sighting.

Smart ways to prepare for the Shogun

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. The information also lists a hat separately, but one good sun hat is enough.

Wear practical clothing that can handle sea spray and a change in temperature. Keep your camera or phone secure, especially during the swim stop. You will want them ready for dolphins, pilot whales, coastal views, and flying fish, but you do not want to spend the entire trip handling equipment.

Arrive at pier 14 with enough time to identify the boat. The meeting point is next to the petrol station in Colon Harbour, and the boat is named Shogun.

Book with the weather in mind. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times and exact durations vary with availability, so check the selected option carefully.

My verdict on the Costa Adeje whale cruise

I would book this trip if I wanted a reasonably priced morning or afternoon on the Atlantic, with a real chance of seeing dolphins and pilot whales and a short swim in clear water. The crew, multilingual guidance, traditional wooden boat, and legal wildlife permit give it more substance than a bare sightseeing ride.

I would not book it if my main goal were a guaranteed whale encounter or a full snorkeling session. Wildlife is unpredictable, the swim may be canceled, and gear is not supplied.

For most visitors staying in Costa Adeje, the $29 two-hour option offers a sensible mix of nature, sea air, learning, and relaxation. Choose the longer version only if you want lunch and several more hours aboard. Otherwise, the shorter cruise gives you a pleasant taste of Tenerife’s marine life without taking over your day.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin cruise depart from?

It departs from Colon Harbour in Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje. Board the Shogun at pier number 14, next to the petrol station.

How long is the cruise?

The main excursion lasts two hours. Availability may also show options lasting between two and five hours, so check the duration of the option you select.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $29 per person. Longer options may have different prices and inclusions.

Which animals might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, spotted dolphins, flying fish, and sea turtles. Wild sightings are not guaranteed.

Is swimming included?

Yes. A 15 to 20-minute swimming stop is included when weather and sea conditions allow. The captain decides whether the stop is safe.

Are towels provided?

No. You should bring your own towel.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkel equipment is not included.

Can I buy drinks on the boat?

Yes. Soft drinks, beer, cocktails, and other beverages are available to purchase onboard. Drinks are not included in the basic price.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.