Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim

Wildlife meets a swim stop. This Costa Adeje cruise takes you from Puerto Colón aboard the wooden Shogun, an oriental schooner, to look for pilot whales and dolphins in the Atlantic. I like the small-scale, traditional boat feel and the chance to combine wildlife watching with a 15 to 20 minute swim. The crew also explains how to approach marine life without chasing or feeding it.

The main consideration is that wild animals set the schedule. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, flying fish, or even sea turtles, but no sighting is guaranteed. The swim stop depends on sea and weather conditions, and the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

The essential details at a glance

• Departure point: Shogun Boat, Colon Harbour, pier 14, next to the petrol station in Puerto Colón.
• Wildlife to look for: Pilot whales and dolphins are the main targets, with flying fish and sea turtles possible.
• Boat style: A traditional wooden oriental schooner with toilets and open deck space.
• Swim break: About 15 to 20 minutes, only when the captain considers conditions safe.
• Languages: English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.
• Price and flexibility: Around $29 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking.

Setting out from Puerto Colón on the Shogun

You meet the boat at pier number 14 in Colon Harbour, beside the petrol station. This detail matters because Puerto Colón has several piers and excursion boats, so allow time to find the Shogun rather than arriving at the last second.

The boat is called Shogun, and its traditional wooden design gives the trip more character than a plain modern launch. You are not simply being transported to an animal-viewing point. You spend the outing on a boat with a nautical feel, open views, a crew on deck, and the Atlantic moving around you.

The main excursion lasts two hours, though availability can include longer options from two to five hours. Check the departure time and length carefully when booking. A short morning sailing can fit neatly before lunch, while the longer option may suit you if you want more time at sea and a fuller meal service.

Once you leave the harbour, the southern coast of Tenerife opens up around you. The appeal here is simple: ocean air, broad views, and a different angle on Costa Adeje. I like that the trip is not built around constant activity. You can sit on deck, watch the water, and let the crew handle the searching.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins

The wildlife portion is the heart of the trip. The crew takes you into waters where pilot whales and dolphins are often found, then watches for movement, fins, and groups travelling through the water. Your guide explains what you are seeing and why a calm approach matters.

This is a respectful wildlife outing rather than a performance. The boat follows local sustainability rules, and feeding animals is not allowed. That makes the experience more meaningful. You get to see marine life in its own setting, without the promise that an animal will appear on cue.

Pilot whales are a strong possibility on this stretch of coast. They are often seen travelling in groups, and the sight of several dark backs rising together can be memorable even when the animals do not come close to the boat. Dolphins can be more active, with groups moving quickly across the surface.

Sightings can vary. On different outings, people have seen families of dolphins, pilot whales, flying fish, and sea turtles. Other trips have produced plenty of dolphins but no whales. That is not a flaw in the boat or the crew. It is the basic trade-off of watching wild animals.

The crew’s role matters here. They help position the boat for a good view and explain what is happening in several languages. The listed guide languages are English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian. That makes the trip easier for mixed-language families and couples.

Keep your expectations sensible. You may get several excellent sightings, or you may spend part of the trip scanning open water. I would book this for the pleasure of being at sea first, with wildlife as the hoped-for reward.

A 15 to 20 minute swim in clear water

After the wildlife search, the captain may anchor for a swim. The stop lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, and it happens only when the sea and weather allow it. The captain has the final say, so do not treat the swim as guaranteed.

The water is described as clear, and the stop gives the trip a welcome change of pace. After sitting in the sun and watching the horizon, you can cool off in the Atlantic instead of remaining on deck for the whole outing.

Bring your own swimsuit and towel. Snorkel equipment is not included, so pack your own if you want to look below the surface. The information provided does not promise snorkeling conditions or marine life at the swim stop, so think of it as a refreshing dip rather than a separate snorkeling tour.

This part is best for confident swimmers who are comfortable entering the sea from a boat. If you prefer to stay dry, you can remain on deck and enjoy the views. The swim stop is weather dependent, which is sensible on an Atlantic boat trip.

Relaxing on deck, with drinks available

The Shogun has a slower, social feel. You can sit outside, watch the coast, and enjoy the breeze between wildlife sightings. Music is played on board, which adds a cheerful touch, though you should not expect a silent nature cruise.

Soft drinks, beer, cocktails, water, and other drinks are available to buy. On a longer five-hour outing, one report described lunch, free soft drinks and water, beer and wine priced at €2, and cocktails at €5. Treat those prices and meal details as specific to that longer service rather than a guarantee for every two-hour departure.

There are toilets on board, a useful feature when you are spending time offshore. One account also noted a smoking area. If that matters to you, confirm the current arrangement with the operator before departure, as the supplied tour details officially confirm toilets but do not give a full layout of the boat.

The wooden boat and music make the trip feel more like a relaxed day on the water than a fast wildlife chase. That will suit you if you like a social outing. If you want a quiet, highly focused photography trip, the music and shared atmosphere may not be exactly what you want.

How the price compares with the experience

At about $29 per person, the two-hour cruise is strong value if you want several experiences in one outing. The price covers the cruise, captain, crew, multilingual guide, wildlife search, swimming stop when possible, and onboard toilet access.

You are paying less than you might expect for a boat trip that combines wildlife watching and swimming. The value is especially good for a short morning plan, a family activity, or a couple who wants something more memorable than sitting by the hotel pool.

The lower price also reflects the limits. This is not a private charter, a guaranteed whale sighting, or a specialist photography expedition. Food and drinks are not included on the standard two-hour trip, and towels and snorkeling equipment are extra items you need to bring yourself.

The strongest value comes when you treat the cruise as a complete outing. You get coastal views, a chance to see animals, a swim, and time on a traditional boat. Even if whales stay out of sight, the trip still offers a pleasant Atlantic cruise. If seeing a particular species is your only goal, the price cannot remove the uncertainty of nature.

Choosing between two hours and five hours

The standard plan is a two-hour excursion, which is long enough to get offshore, search for marine life, and allow time for a swim when conditions cooperate. It is a good fit if you have limited time or want to keep the rest of your day free.

Longer departures may be available, with total durations listed between two and five hours. The five-hour version can feel more like a half-day at sea. Food may be offered on that longer service, and there is more time for the crew to search different areas.

The trade-off is simple. A longer trip gives you more time for wildlife sightings and a more leisurely meal-and-music experience, but it also means more time in the sun and on moving water. If you are prone to seasickness, the shorter option is the safer planning choice.

I would choose two hours for a first try, a family schedule, or a morning activity before lunch. I would choose five hours only if you genuinely enjoy boat time and want the sea itself to be a major part of the day.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This outing works well for nature lovers, couples, families, and anyone who wants a gentle sea adventure without booking a full-day expedition. The wildlife talk gives the trip an educational side, while the swim and music keep it from feeling too formal.

It is also a good choice for people watching their budget. You can see the coast from the water, look for whales and dolphins, and enjoy a swim without paying for a private boat.

The experience is less suitable for anyone with mobility difficulties. The tour is specifically not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. You should also be comfortable boarding a boat and spending time at sea.

Party groups are not allowed, and fishing, alcohol misuse, drugs, feeding animals, and pets are prohibited. Assistance dogs are allowed. The rules help keep the atmosphere focused on the sea and wildlife rather than turning the cruise into a party boat.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. The supplied information lists both a sun hat and hat, so the practical point is to protect your head from direct sun. You also need your own snorkel equipment if you want it.

Wear something comfortable for a boat deck. Keep valuables secure and bring a light layer if you tend to feel cool in an ocean breeze, though the official packing list does not require one.

Arrive at pier 14 with enough time to locate the Shogun. The boarding point is next to the petrol station at Colon Harbour. If you are driving, one account found harbour parking for €5, but parking arrangements and prices can change, so check locally before relying on that detail.

The cancellation terms are useful for uncertain plans: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility when arranging a Tenerife itinerary.

My final take: book it if the sea is part of the plan

I would book this cruise if you want a well-priced mix of wildlife, coastal views, and swimming. The Shogun’s wooden design gives the trip personality, and the crew’s calm approach to marine life is a major plus. The high rating of 4.7 from 154 bookings fits the strongest parts of the experience: friendly service, good value, music, and successful sightings of dolphins and pilot whales.

Book it with realistic expectations. No crew can promise whales, dolphins, or a swim in wild Atlantic conditions. If you can accept that, this is an easy, enjoyable way to spend two hours in Costa Adeje.

Choose the longer option if you want lunch and more time at sea. Choose the shorter trip if you simply want a pleasant morning activity before getting back to the beach, pool, or restaurant. Either way, the best reason to go is not a guaranteed animal encounter. It is the chance to slow down, look across the Atlantic, and see Tenerife from the water.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin cruise leave from?

The boat leaves 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 standard excursion lasts two hours. Available departure options may range from two to five hours, so check the selected time and duration before booking.

What animals might I see?

Pilot whales and dolphins are the main animals sought on the cruise. Flying fish and sea turtles have also been seen, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is swimming included?

A 15 to 20 minute swimming stop is included when weather and sea conditions permit. The captain decides if the stop is safe.

Are drinks and food included?

Soft drinks, beer, cocktails, and other drinks are available to purchase onboard. Drinks are not included in the standard tour details. Lunch has been provided on a longer five-hour outing, but meal service may depend on the selected option.

Which languages does the guide speak?

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

Is the boat accessible to wheelchair users?

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