Hi there. I've done surveys through ciao for a while but have now discovered the reviews section an...
Hi there. I've done surveys through ciao for a while but have now discovered the reviews section and think it's brilliant. Forget the advertising spiel and let's hear what people really think of the products and services on offer.
Member since:04.01.2006
Reviews:13
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.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Hotel - Calle Gran Bretana - Urbanización San Eugenio, Costa Adeje, 38660 Tenerife, Gran Bretaña, s/n, 38660 Playa de las Americas, Spain - 4 Stars - 404 Rooms
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
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
very helpful by (100%):
