... Tenerife has temperate waters, which are home to Pilot Whales (and sometimes Sperm Whales) and dolphins (particularly Bottlenose Dolphins). There are a variety of boat trips leaving from Puerto Colon (10 minutes from Playa De Las Americas) and Los Gigantes and they include catamaran trips ... Read review
Hotel - Quinto Centenario, 7, Playa de Las Américas, Adeje, 38660 Tenerife, Avenida V Centenario 7, 38660 Playa de las Americas, Spain - 2 Stars - 165, 147, 115 Rooms
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Advantages: Able to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Disadvantages: Some companies are better value than others.
If anyone is thinking of visiting Tenerife then this trip is a must. I have been four times now with various companies and I would advise anyone to go. Tenerife has temperate waters, which are home to Pilot Whales (and sometimes Sperm Whales) and dolphins (particularly Bottlenose Dolphins). There are a variety of boat trips leaving from Puerto Colon (10 minutes from Playa De Las Americas) and Los Gigantes and they include catamaran trips and sailing ... ...and usually include soft drinks and beer and a sandwich, paella or buffet. They are also priced accordingly. The cheapest I found was Bonnadea leaving from Puerto Colon at 22Euros, but to be honest, I was very disappointed with their trip. The most popular price seems to start at 44Euros. The boat usually leaves the harbour and heads out to sea with music playing. As soon as the first whales or dolphins are seen the music is stopped and the Captain ... more
If anyone is thinking of visiting Tenerife then this trip is a must. I have been four times now with various companies and I would advise anyone to go. Tenerife has temperate waters, which are home to Pilot Whales (and sometimes Sperm Whales) and dolphins (particularly Bottlenose Dolphins). There are a variety of boat trips leaving from Puerto Colon (10 minutes from Playa De Las Americas) and Los Gigantes and they include catamaran trips and sailing ships.
The trips range from 2-5 hours and usually include soft drinks and beer and a sandwich, paella or buffet. They are also priced accordingly. The cheapest I found was Bonnadea leaving from Puerto Colon at 22Euros, but to be honest, I was very disappointed with their trip. The most popular price seems to start at 44Euros. The boat usually leaves the harbour and heads out to sea with music playing. As soon as the first whales or dolphins are seen the music is stopped and the Captain stops the engines so you just float along quietly watching these awesome creatures in their natural habitat. The last time I went the boat went to a known feeding area for dolphins and we saw loads - and they were not shy!! They were doing back flips and coming right up to the boat. We then moved further out to find Pilot Whales and some come really close to the boat - even swimming alongside or going underneath. A good company has someone on board who gives a commentary about the whales and dolphins, which makes it interesting. You then tend to have something to eat and drink and, on a lot of trips, are given the opportunity to swim in the sea.
There are a lot of companies doing these trips but here's a few:
Freebird (they have the ordinary trip but also have Freebird One, which is a VIP trip),
Eden which was good - you got a sandwich and cans of beer or soft drinks included in the price. Price is around 30Euros at present.
Royal Delfin, which was built specifically for these trips and has a glass bottom. Price is around 41Euros at present.
Muscat, again sandwiches and soft drinks and beer are included. Price is around 39Euros at present.
Bonnadea, sandwiches and soft drinks poured from bottle. This was not really very good value as the Captain spent the whole trip texting and gave no commentary. He also went the opposite way to other trips, who were heading for the dolphin feeding area. We saw a few whales in the distance but no dolphins. People coming off the previous trip were also disappointed. Price is about 22Euros at present.
Flipper Uno, a sailing ship leaving from Los Gigantes. I went on this a few years ago and it was excellent. It costs about 25Euros at present.
The prices may change depending on when you go and how you book and are for the cruise only, not any coach transfers. It is well worth the money though. If you're not sure who to go with try standing at the jetty when the cruise comes back and see what people thought.
You can book these trips at the tourist offices in the resort, or through your rep. You can also go direct to the office. If you go to Puerto Colon there are a few rows of shops and bars and some of the companies are based there. Most of them run twice a day in summer, around 11.00am and 1.15pm but less frequently in winter. They also do evening cruises returning around midnight.
Make sure you take sunglasses, high factor sunscreen, bikini or trunks, towel if you want to go for a swim, camera and some money for souvenirs.
Advantages: Central location in town, funky and chic hotel Disadvantages: Feels like staying in IKEA without the advantage of it being cheap
-town Reykjavik, but this is not particularly thrilling. There are no more shops that you would get in a provincial English city and there are bars and restaurants, plus a few convenience shops. There are some museums and galleries to visit. There are various music and cultural events through the year. See http://www.visitreykjavik.is
You can swim in one of the swimming pools with geothermal heated water. The interesting Cathedral (great views from the top) is a 20 minute walk. There are also several companies offering a variety of trips and tours, the most popular of which seem to be:
• Whale and dolphinwatchingtrips, some ½ day from Reykjavik harbour, some longer
• The Golden Circle, an 8 hour coach trip to the some natural wonders including a geyser and waterfall (reviewed on Ciao under 'Golden Circle Route, Rekyjavic')
• Tour ...
Advantages: Lovely location, tasty food, good prices Disadvantages: It's in America and I'm not
of this highway and as we hadn't been very hungry when we left San Diego we were getting quite peckish and ready for something substantial to fill our bellies.
***Dana Point***
This pretty marina is an excellent place to wander around and have a look at the boats that dock there. It was named after a sailor who visited this area and subsequently wrote a book that tells of his adventures trading and sailing in the 19th Century.
There are plenty of small shops and large restaurants to choose from around Dana Point, as well as museums to visit to find out more about the history of the area. This headland is the first point before getting to Laguna and then Newport Beach areas and the scenery is spectacular.
If you are looking for something a bit special to do whilst in this area then whale and dolphinwatchingtrips are available ...
Advantages: cost of trip Disadvantages: Delays & Cost of meals
We have just returned from our 1st mini cruise and can say we will most definatly be going again. The staff were all friendly and helpful, every where we went was clean and well kept.
Our trip started off on the wrong foot when we experienced a 9 hour delay due to a medical emergancy on the returning trip, the terminal is not the best place to be for this amount of time, however we were given free beverages for the duration of our delay. Once on board the Captain and his crew set off at a good speed and we arrived in Santurtzi port just behind schedule, the trip out was smooth , we spent some time watching for dolphins and we were not dissapointed ,we didn't see the whales.
We found the whole trip very relaxing, just what we needed. We paid for our meals prior to departure, however if you don't do this be prepared for the cost ...
reddrunkenkiller 30.03.2007
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