Costa Adeje: Respectful Whale-Watching Sailboat Tour & swim

The star of this Costa Adeje outing is the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins from an old-style teak sailboat rather than a fast, crowded motorboat. The Shogun has the feel of a Portuguese Goleta, with a broad main deck, an upper deck for views, and enough room to move around while the crew searches the water.

I like the friendly, attentive crew and the relaxed pace. I also like that you get more than a wildlife sighting: there is a swim stop, free water and soft drinks, and food is included on the relevant option. The main caution is simple: whales are wild animals, and sea conditions can change the route or cancel the swim.

Key points before you book

• Pilot whales are the main target: The boat cruises along Tenerife’s west coast, an area known for local pilot whale and dolphin populations.
• The Shogun is part of the experience: This teak-built sailboat has a spacious main deck, an upper deck, a central table, and three bathrooms.
• You get a swim stop: Swimming depends on sea conditions, so bring a towel and swimsuit but keep expectations flexible.
• Food and drinks are useful extras: Water and soft drinks are free throughout, with a simple meal of rice, meatballs, cabbage salad, bread, and fruit.
• The crew earns high marks: The crew is described as attentive, good fun, and well informed about the whales.
• The price needs checking: The advertised rate is $20 per person, but transfer and meal arrangements depend on the option you choose.

Setting out from Puerto Colón on the Shogun

You meet the boat at Puerto Colón, pier number 14, next to the petrol station. Look for the Shogun. The activity returns to this same point, which makes the outing easy to fit into a day around Costa Adeje.

The boat itself gives this trip much of its character. It is an authentic oriental sailboat built entirely from teak for the private use of an Arabian Sheikh. That detail may sound grand, but the practical result is more important: you are on a large, traditional-style vessel with several places to sit, watch, and take in the sea.

On the main deck, you can settle around the large central table. The upper deck gives you a better view while the boat is under way, and the broad deck leaves room to stretch out in the sun. Below deck are two bathrooms, with another bathroom at the same level as the main deck.

A bar is available for drinks. Water and soft drinks are free throughout the trip, while alcoholic drinks are available for purchase outside the meal period. Beer and wine are included with lunch on the option that includes food.

Along Tenerife’s west coast in search of whales

The cruise lasts about two hours, including the wildlife search, views, and swimming stop. The crew takes you along the southern west coast of Tenerife, where local pilot whales and dolphins are found.

Pilot whales are the main attraction here. The crew explains why these whales are drawn to the west coast, giving the trip a useful local angle instead of turning it into a simple boat ride. You may also see dolphins, but sightings are never guaranteed. Wild animals choose the schedule, not the booking calendar.

This is where the Shogun’s slower, more open design helps. You can look out from different levels rather than being fixed in one seat. Keep your sunglasses and sun hat handy, and use sunscreen even when the breeze makes the sun feel mild.

The best approach is to treat the wildlife search as part of the experience, not as a promise of a close encounter. You may find pilot whales, dolphins, or both. You might also spend time simply watching the water and the coast. The crew’s job is to search respectfully, and feeding animals is not allowed.

A respectful wildlife outing, not a chase

The tour is presented as a respectful whale-watching experience, and that matters. The rules prohibit feeding animals, fishing, and the use of alcohol or drugs. Party groups are not allowed, so this is aimed at people who want a calm sea outing rather than a floating nightclub.

The crew has received especially strong praise for being friendly, attentive, and good fun. One outing included a newborn whale, a rare and memorable sight, though you should not expect that particular event on your trip. The crew also provides information about the local whale population and the reasons the animals use these waters.

I appreciate that the activity leaves room for simple enjoyment. You can watch from the upper deck, sit at the central table, or find a sunny place on the main deck. You are not packed into a narrow viewing area for the entire cruise.

The swim stop and what sea conditions mean

A swim stop is part of the two-hour program. It gives you a chance to get off the boat’s deck and into the Atlantic, but the stop depends on sea conditions. If the water is rough or conditions are unsuitable, the crew may change or skip this part.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. A hat and sunglasses are also sensible. There is no reason to bring fishing equipment, and fishing is not permitted.

The swim is best viewed as a bonus rather than the central purpose of the outing. The primary activity is whale and dolphin watching. If swimming is especially important to you, check the conditions on the day and understand that safety comes first.

Food, drinks, and the onboard rhythm

The included food is straightforward rather than fancy. The meal consists of rice with vegetables, meatballs, cabbage salad, bread, and fruit. That is a useful midday meal after time in the sun, though you should not book this as a food-focused cruise.

Water and soft drinks are free all trip. Beer and wine are included at lunchtime with the applicable food option, while other alcoholic drinks can be bought at the bar outside that period.

The large central table gives the meal a social feel, while the upper deck offers a quieter place to look out over the water. The arrangement works well for a mixed group, since you can choose between sitting, eating, watching, and sunbathing instead of following one fixed activity.

What the $20 price really tells you

The advertised price of $20 per person is unusually low for a two-hour sailboat trip with wildlife watching, a swim stop, and drinks. At that rate, the cruise can be excellent value if your main goal is to get on the water and look for pilot whales.

Read the selected option carefully before paying. Bus transfers are available from some areas only, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not generally included. The food and beer or wine details are tied to the relevant option, so confirm what your booking includes rather than assuming every fare has the same package.

The value is strongest for people staying near Puerto Colón, since you can go directly to pier 14. If you need a bus transfer, compare the departure area and added cost with the convenience it provides. The tour returns to the original meeting point at Puerto Colón.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Costa Adeje plans are still shifting. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The duration is two hours, but you need to check availability for the actual start times.

The practical details that affect your day

The listed guide languages are English, French, German, and Spanish. That gives you a good chance of following the safety information and the explanation of the whales, though the exact language mix on your departure is not specified.

The boat has three bathrooms, a useful feature on a short sea trip, especially if you are traveling with children or prefer not to be without facilities. The deck is spacious, but sea movement can still make walking uncomfortable for some people.

There is conflicting information about accessibility. One part of the activity information describes the boat as wheelchair accessible, while another says it is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. I would contact the provider, Neptuno Whale Experience Tenerife, before booking if this affects you. Do not rely on the more favorable statement without confirming the actual boarding arrangements.

Pets are not allowed, although assistance dogs are permitted. Party groups are also not accepted. The tour is subject to sea conditions, so a change to the swim or wildlife route is possible.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most

I would choose this cruise if you want a gentle introduction to Tenerife’s marine life without committing to a full-day boat trip. It suits couples, families, and anyone who likes a bit of sightseeing mixed with time in the sun.

It is also a good match if the boat matters to you. The Shogun is not just transport to a viewing point. Its teak construction, upper deck, central table, bar, and traditional sailing design give the outing a distinct feel.

You should think twice if you need a guaranteed whale sighting, a long swim, or a high-speed adventure. Wildlife is unpredictable, and the cruise lasts only two hours. The experience is strongest when you are happy to enjoy the boat and the sea even if the animals remain elusive.

Should you book the Shogun whale-watching cruise?

Yes, if you want an affordable, short boat trip with a traditional vessel, a friendly crew, a possible swim, and a reasonable chance of seeing pilot whales or dolphins. The high praise centers on the crew, the beautiful boat, and the quality of the wildlife sightings, including one memorable newborn whale sighting.

Before booking, confirm your exact option, especially the meal, transfer, and accessibility details. Bring sun protection and swim gear, meet at pier 14 beside the Puerto Colón petrol station, and keep your wildlife expectations realistic. For $20, this is a strong-value choice for a relaxed Costa Adeje morning or afternoon on the water.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching boat leave from?

The Shogun leaves from Puerto Colón, pier number 14, next to the petrol station.

How long is the boat trip?

The activity lasts two hours. You need to check availability for the exact starting times.

What animals might I see?

The cruise looks for pilot whales and dolphins along Tenerife’s southern west coast.

Is swimming included?

Yes, the itinerary includes a swimming stop, but it depends on sea conditions.

Are drinks included?

Water and soft drinks are free throughout the trip. Beer and wine are included at lunchtime with the applicable food option. Other alcoholic drinks are available for purchase outside lunchtime.

Is food included?

The applicable food option includes rice with vegetables, meatballs, cabbage salad, bread, and fruit. Check your selected option to confirm that food is included.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not generally included. Bus transfers are available from select areas depending on the option you book.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.