Los Gigantes: Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour and Swim in Masca

Pilot whales and dolphins are the main event here, but the real pleasure is the compact mix of wildlife, sea air, and towering cliffs. The boat heads out from Los Gigantes, spends time looking for marine life, then reaches Masca Bay for a swim beneath the cliffs. The animals are wild, so sightings are never guaranteed, but this part of Tenerife is one of Europe’s better places to look.

I like two things in particular: the 15-minute swim stop gives the trip a refreshing change of pace, and the return ride beneath the cliffs gives you a grand view that is hard to get from land. The included water, soda, or beer is a small touch, but it feels welcome after swimming.

The main caution is the speedboat ride. Conditions can turn choppy, and this is not the best pick if you get seasick easily. The water can also be cool, with one February departure recording about 17 degrees Celsius, and swimming time is short.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the most common highlight: You may also see dolphins, turtles, flying fish, or other marine life.
• Masca Bay is a scenic swim stop: The water is reported at roughly 4 to 5 meters deep in one swimming area, so bring goggles if you want to see fish.
• The cliffs look different from the sea: Los Gigantes feels especially huge when viewed from directly below.
• The boat has some shade: Several departures used a covered top, useful during sunny afternoon trips.
• The crew focuses on respectful wildlife watching: Guides have stopped engines near whales and even paused to remove rubbish from the sea.
• This is good value at $33: You get two hours on the water, a guide, wildlife watching, a swim stop, one drink, and insurance.

Why this short Los Gigantes cruise works so well

This tour packs several Tenerife highlights into two hours without taking over your whole day. You set off from Los Gigantes, search for whales and dolphins, stop at Masca Bay, and return along the cliffs. For $33 per person, that is a useful balance of time, scenery, and activity.

I especially like the length. A longer whale-watching trip can feel tiring if the sea is rough or the animals are hard to find. Here, you get enough time to enjoy the outing, but you can still plan lunch, a beach visit, or another stop afterward.

The tour is also more than a simple wildlife boat ride. Even if the animals keep their distance, you still have the cliffs, the bay, and the coastal views. That matters because nature tours always carry some uncertainty. No responsible operator can promise a dolphin sighting.

Leaving from C. Pob. Marinero, 1

The meeting point is at Maritima Acantilados or the Nashira Uno Office at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21. The details supplied for the activity note that the map marker can be confusing, with one person finding the actual location on the opposite side from where the map suggested. I would allow extra time to find the office and confirm the correct boarding point.

There is no hotel pick-up, so you need to make your own way to Los Gigantes. One person reported taking a taxi from Costa Adeje for about 40 euros, but that figure can change with traffic, time, and the exact starting point. The important point is to include your transport cost when working out the real price of the excursion.

Once you arrive, you may wait around 20 minutes before boarding. The boat used on some departures was called Gladiator, and it had a roof that provided shade. That is useful in strong sun, though a covered boat does not mean every seat stays shaded for the whole ride.

The first 30 minutes on the speedboat

The first main stretch takes about 30 minutes by speedboat. This is not a slow harbor cruise. You should expect wind, spray, and a faster ride out toward the area where the crew looks for marine life.

That speed gives the trip energy, but it also explains the seasickness warning. If you know you are sensitive on boats, sit where the motion feels easiest for you and consider taking your usual precautions before departure. The operator specifically warns that people who get seasick easily may not enjoy the outing.

The boat is not described as overcrowded, and several departures had room to move comfortably. Still, exact capacity can vary. If shade matters to you, arrive ready to claim a suitable seat rather than assuming every place offers the same protection from the sun.

Watching pilot whales and dolphins near Los Gigantes

The wildlife section lasts about 15 minutes in the planned schedule, though the crew may spend extra time searching when conditions allow. The most frequently reported sighting is the short-finned pilot whale, often seen in family groups and sometimes close to the boat.

That closeness can be remarkable. Several departures saw pilot whales only a few meters away, and one group watched whales pass calmly beneath the boat after the engine was turned off. The better moments come when the boat slows down and lets the animals set the pace.

Dolphins are also possible. You may see them quickly, as one February trip found a large group almost right away, or you may see whales instead. Some outings have included both species. Turtles, flying fish, and shoals of smaller fish have also been spotted, but these are bonuses rather than promises.

I appreciate the reported approach to animal safety. The crew has been described as keeping a respectful distance, switching off the engine near whales, and avoiding actions that might frighten or disturb them. This is the right way to view wild animals. You get a better experience when the boat is quiet and the wildlife remains in control.

Guides speak Spanish and English. On some trips, the crew made a point of translating explanations for English-speaking passengers. Guides named Juan Carlos and George received special praise for being friendly, explaining the animals, and keeping the mood relaxed. Staff names can vary, but the bilingual format is part of the advertised service.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole sighting looking at a screen. Whales surface quickly, and dolphins move even faster. You may get close photographs, but the best part is watching the animals behave naturally.

Masca Bay and the 15-minute swim

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward Masca Bay beneath the Los Gigantes Cliffs. This is the tour’s second big reward. From the sea, the cliffs rise directly above you, giving you a much stronger sense of their scale than a distant viewpoint can provide.

The swimming stop lasts about 15 minutes. That is enough for a quick swim, a look through goggles, and a few photographs, but it is not a long beach session. If you want plenty of time in the water, you may find the stop brief. One person specifically felt swimming time was a little short, while others considered it just right for a two-hour outing.

The water is described as clear, and fish can be visible below the boat. One departure reported a swimming depth of about 4 to 5 meters, so this is not a shallow wade from a sandy shore. Bring goggles or your own snorkeling gear if you want to see beneath the surface. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

The activity asks you to bring a towel, sunscreen, goggles, and snorkeling gear. You should take that advice seriously. A towel keeps the return ride more comfortable, and sunscreen matters because you will be exposed to sun before and after the swim. Jellyfish are possible in the sea, as one person was stung during a swim, so keep that possibility in mind.

The crew offers one drink during the stop or afterward. You can choose water, soda, or beer. Several people especially enjoyed having a cold drink after swimming, and it adds a pleasant finish without adding another charge.

You do not have to swim. You can stay aboard, take photographs, enjoy the view, or simply sit with your drink. That makes the stop workable for mixed groups, though anyone hoping for a long snorkeling session should choose a dedicated snorkeling trip instead.

Returning under the Los Gigantes Cliffs

The final 30 minutes are spent heading back toward port along the cliffs. This is not just dead time between stops. The slow return gives you another angle on the rock walls and a chance to settle after the faster ride out.

Los Gigantes is most impressive from the water. The cliffs appear especially enormous when the boat passes close to their base, and the view changes as you move along the coast. Have your camera ready, but also take a moment to look straight up. The scale is difficult to capture in a photograph.

The return can feel calm and scenic, though sea conditions still affect comfort. One departure faced agitated water, and the crew handled the group professionally. That is useful to know: the boat ride may be fun and smooth, but it remains an open-water activity rather than a guaranteed gentle cruise.

The boat returns to the same general meeting area at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21. From there, you can continue exploring Los Gigantes or head back to your accommodation.

What $33 includes, and what it does not

At $33 per person, this is strong value if you want several experiences in one short outing. The cost includes:

• Whale and dolphin watching
• A stop to swim beneath the Los Gigantes Cliffs
• One water, soda, or beer
• A Spanish and English-speaking guide
• Insurance

The price does not include transport to Los Gigantes or snorkeling equipment. If you need a taxi from another resort, that can cost more than the boat trip itself, so check your route before booking.

The tour also gives you a flexible booking option. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the supplied details do not explain the exact boarding arrangements or how the swimming stop works for wheelchair users. If that is important for you, confirm the practical details with the operator before paying.

Who should choose this boat trip?

I would choose this for a first visit to the Los Gigantes area, especially if you want a short activity with several memorable elements. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like wildlife, dramatic coastal views, and the option of a quick swim.

It is also a good choice if you are watching your budget. Many whale-watching excursions cost more or take much longer, while this one keeps the fare at $33 and includes a drink. The 4.7 rating from more than 2,200 bookings also points to a consistently well-received experience, though your wildlife sightings will always depend on the day.

Families can find plenty to enjoy, and one departure even included a 3.5-year-old child who was allowed to help navigate with the captain. That does not mean every child will have the same opportunity, but it suggests the crew can be welcoming with young passengers. Parents should still consider the speedboat motion, sun, and short swimming stop.

I would hesitate if you strongly dislike rough water, need a long swim, or expect guaranteed dolphins. This is also not the right outing for someone seeking a full snorkeling tour with supplied equipment. Bring your own gear, or choose a trip built around snorkeling.

Should you book the Los Gigantes whale and swim tour?

Book it if you want an affordable two-hour outing that combines pilot whales, possible dolphins, a cold drink, and the cliffs of Los Gigantes. The wildlife is the uncertain part, but the bay and cliff views give the trip value even on a quieter day.

Choose a calmer day if you can, bring goggles and a towel, and allow time to find the office. If seasickness is a concern, think carefully before booking. For most people who enjoy a lively boat ride and do not need a long swim, this is a well-priced way to see the coast from the water.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale and dolphin tour?

The tour lasts two hours. The schedule allows about 30 minutes for the speedboat ride out, 15 minutes for wildlife watching, 30 minutes toward Masca Bay, 15 minutes for swimming, and about 30 minutes for the scenic return.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is at Maritima Acantilados or the Nashira Uno Office, C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21, in Los Gigantes.

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

No. The animals are wild, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. The area is known for whale and dolphin watching, and pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish have all been seen on different departures.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops at Masca Bay for about 15 minutes of swimming beneath the Los Gigantes Cliffs.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included. Bring your own goggles and equipment if you want to look beneath the water.

What drink is included?

You receive one drink, with a choice of water, soda, or beer.

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, keeping your plans flexible.