Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

The most memorable part of this Los Gigantes trip is the chance to watch pilot whales and dolphins from a small boat, sometimes only a few meters away. I like the 12-passenger scale, which gives you a better view than a large sightseeing vessel, and I like the route beside the 600-meter cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca. You also get a swim stop in a clear-water bay, if sea conditions and timing allow.

There are two things to keep in mind. The boat ride can be lively, and the wildlife is never truly guaranteed, despite the strong wording used to promote the trip. Sea conditions decide what you see. On some outings, you may find dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish. On others, you may see only pilot whales or no marine mammals at all.

Key points at a glance

• Small boat, up to 12 passengers: A rigid inflatable speedboat keeps you close to the water and makes it easier to see and photograph wildlife.
• Pilot whales are the main regular sighting: Dolphins, turtles, jellyfish, flying fish, and even a marlin have also been seen, but nature sets the schedule.
• Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary: The boat heads offshore to one of Europe’s best-known whale-watching areas.
• Los Gigantes from sea level: You cruise below cliffs reaching about 600 meters, with views toward the Masca valley.
• Swimming stop included: The boat may anchor at Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López for a short swim.
• Arrive early: Reach the port at least 30 minutes before departure, and allow about an hour if you need to park.

Setting out from Los Gigantes port

You make your own way to Los Gigantes port. This is important because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and parking around the harbor can be difficult. Traffic can also slow the final approach, so I would not cut it close. The practical advice is to arrive at least an hour before departure if you are driving or using public transport.

The formal meeting time is 30 minutes before the boat leaves. Late arrivals are not promised a refund or a new departure, so treat that half hour as part of the tour plan rather than a suggestion.

The boat is a small rigid inflatable craft, often described in the feedback as a RIB, with space for a maximum of 12 passengers. That size is one of the best reasons to choose this trip. You have fewer people blocking your view, and the skipper can react more easily when something appears on the water.

The trade-off is comfort. A small boat feels every wave more than a large catamaran does. One person described the ride as more of a leisurely cruise than a true speedboat trip, while other outings included a fair amount of adrenaline and spray. Expect an active sea ride, not a smooth floating lounge.

Searching for whales and dolphins in the Teno-Rasca sanctuary

The boat travels out toward the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, an area promoted as the whale-watching capital of Europe. The main target is the short-finned pilot whale, which is a member of the dolphin family despite its name. Several outings have found groups of six, 20, or even 22 pilot whales.

This is where the small boat earns its keep. Guides such as Luca, Alejandro, and Alessandro have been praised for spotting animals quickly and positioning the boat respectfully. The engine is sometimes switched off near the animals, reducing noise and letting you watch without constant motor vibration.

You may see the whales surfacing, traveling in groups, or staying near the boat for several minutes. One particularly fortunate outing included a whale with a calf. Other sightings have included Atlantic or bottlenose dolphins, turtles, flying fish, jellyfish, and a shark. A marlin was also spotted on one trip, though you should regard these as lucky extras rather than promised attractions.

The wildlife portion may last only part of the two-hour outing. The boat must travel offshore, and it also needs time for the coastal cruise and swimming stop. Some departures have spent around 20 to 30 minutes watching animals before moving on. That may feel brief if you hoped for a full wildlife safari, but it also reflects a sensible approach: the crew should avoid chasing animals or crowding them with boats.

Do not book this trip on the assumption that you will definitely see dolphins. The sea state, weather, and animal movements all matter. A strong outing may include dolphins and pilot whales close to the boat. A less fortunate one may produce pilot whales but no dolphins, or no whales at all. The activity information itself warns that sightings depend on sea conditions.

What the guide adds to the two-hour ride

The guide can make a big difference on a short excursion. Luca receives repeated praise for his humor, quick spotting, and care around the animals. Alejandro is also noted for explaining pilot whale behavior, answering questions, and slowing down when something interesting appeared along the coast.

The language listed for the host is Spanish. That does not mean you will be left without any explanation in every language, but you should not book this as a guaranteed multilingual lecture. The quality of the commentary appears to depend partly on the individual guide and the group.

The strongest guiding style combines wildlife facts with a light touch. Luca has been described as funny and attentive, while other guides have pointed out coastal features and marine life that could easily go unnoticed. There have also been reports of small extras, such as fresh fruit after the swim and a borrowed vest for a child who became cold. These are pleasant touches, but they are not listed as formal inclusions.

If you want a detailed natural-history talk from start to finish, this may not be the right format. Most of the two hours are spent moving between the port, the wildlife area, the cliffs, and the swimming bay. One outing offered little descriptive commentary beyond the main sightings. I would read up on Tenerife’s pilot whales and dolphins beforehand if the biology matters to you.

Cruising below the Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward the coast and the dramatic cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca. These volcanic walls rise roughly 600 meters above the water, and seeing them from below gives you a sense of their scale that is difficult to get from land.

The boat travels close enough for you to study the dark rock faces and look toward the Masca valley. This section is not just a way to fill time after the whale watching. For some people, it becomes the most impressive part of the trip, especially when the sea is calm and visibility is good.

The route may include views of Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, and Juan López. You will not get a full land tour of the villages or hiking routes, but you do see the coast from an unusual angle. A small boat can slip into corners that are less practical for larger vessels.

The downside is that travel time takes up much of the two-hour schedule. If the boat is delayed at departure, even by 15 minutes, the final tour can feel rushed. One outing reached the bay with little time left for the full cliff route. Arriving early helps prevent delays caused by late boarding, though it cannot control sea conditions or the operator’s schedule.

A short swim in Masca Bay or another cove

The swimming stop is a welcome change after time spent scanning the horizon. The boat may anchor at Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López, depending on conditions and the captain’s decision. The water is described as clear, and the setting is framed by dark volcanic cliffs.

You can swim if you want, or stay aboard and enjoy the views. The stop is usually short, with about 20 minutes mentioned on one outing. Bring a towel and wear swimwear under your clothes if you plan to get in. Bring your own mask if you want to snorkel, since snorkeling equipment is not listed among the inclusions.

Do not assume the swim will happen exactly as described. One person said it was not clearly announced, while another skipped it because the December water felt too cold. Sea conditions, timing, and the captain’s judgment all matter.

The water break also helps break up the boat ride. If you are prone to seasickness, standing or sitting on a small boat while watching animals can become tiring. A quick swim and a slower coastal ride may make the second half easier, but the speedboat format still suits people comfortable on open water better than those wanting a calm harbor cruise.

What the $33 price really buys you

At about $33 per person, this is a strong-value option for a two-hour coastal trip, especially when the boat is not full. You are paying for the speedboat, skipper, wildlife search, cliff cruise, and possible swimming stop. Hotel transport, food, and drinks are not included.

The price looks especially good compared with larger boat trips if your priority is getting near the animals with fewer people around you. A full 12-passenger boat still feels personal compared with a large excursion vessel, and some departures have carried only six passengers.

Value depends heavily on the wildlife encounter. If you see a pod of pilot whales, dolphins, or turtles and get a proper cliff cruise and swim, the price is excellent. If rough water prevents sightings and the route is shortened, the trip becomes more of a scenic boat ride. That can still be worthwhile, but you should understand the risk before booking.

The activity allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some flexibility when planning around changing weather, though it does not remove the need to arrive on time.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this outing if you want a small-group wildlife trip rather than a polished, large-vessel cruise. Families with children over age two can enjoy it, and one seven-year-old reportedly handled the outing well. Parents should keep in mind that the boat can move sharply and spray is possible.

It also suits photographers. The boat gives you open sight lines, and the crew may turn off the engine near wildlife. You will need quick reactions, though. Dolphins and whales do not pose on command, and a phone or camera with a secure grip is sensible.

This is less suitable if you need a smooth ride, guaranteed dolphins, extensive commentary in your own language, or a long swim. Pregnant women are allowed on board at their own risk, but the small speedboat and open sea make personal comfort an important consideration.

Avoid bringing glass objects. Pack a towel, swimwear, and a light jacket or jumper. Even in Tenerife, the boat can feel cool when clouds move in or the wind picks up, particularly in winter.

The practical verdict on Flipper Uno

The best part of this trip is the combination of three experiences in a short window: wildlife offshore, cliffs from sea level, and a swim in a volcanic bay. The small boat keeps the outing more intimate than many standard whale-watching cruises, and the guides have a strong record for humor, animal awareness, and quick spotting.

The main weakness is built into the format. You cannot control the sea, the animals, or how much time remains after a delayed start. Some trips see dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish. Others see only one type of animal, or none. The two-hour schedule can also feel compressed when the boat spends much of it traveling.

Should you book this Los Gigantes speedboat trip?

Book it if you want the best chance of a close, small-boat encounter at a modest price, and if you are happy treating the wildlife as a bonus rather than a promise. I especially recommend it to people who value the Los Gigantes cliffs as much as the whales.

Skip it if you dislike choppy water, need a guaranteed dolphin sighting, or prefer a quiet vessel with long, formal commentary. For everyone else, the combination of pilot whales, volcanic cliffs, and a possible swim makes this one of the better-value short excursions from Los Gigantes.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour depart from?

The tour departs from Los Gigantes port in Tenerife. You need to make your own way there because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the experience last?

The scheduled duration is two hours. This includes the trip to the wildlife area, time searching for whales and dolphins, the coastal cruise, and the possible swim stop.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $33 per person.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. The activity information states that sightings depend on sea conditions. Pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and other marine life may be seen, but no specific animal can be promised.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, jellyfish, flying fish, sharks, and occasionally other marine life. Pilot whales are the most frequently noted sighting in the available information.

Is swimming included?

The itinerary includes a stop in a bay such as Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López for a possible swim. Sea conditions and timing can affect whether the stop takes place. Bring a towel and swimwear if you want to enter the water.

How many people fit on the boat?

The rigid inflatable speedboat holds up to 12 passengers. The small capacity gives you more room to see and photograph wildlife than a large sightseeing boat.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

Children under two are not permitted. Older children can join, but parents should remember that this is a small open speedboat that may move sharply in the sea.

How early should I arrive?

You should be at the meeting point 30 minutes before departure. If you are driving or using public transport, allow at least an hour because traffic and parking around Los Gigantes port can be difficult.