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

The ocean puts on the show. This two-hour trip from Los Gigantes combines close wildlife viewing with a swim beneath the enormous cliffs of Masca Bay. I like the smart use of time: the boat goes out in search of pilot whales and dolphins, then returns by way of the cliffs rather than simply racing back to port.

I also like the friendly crews, the covered section on some boats, and the included drink at the swim stop. The main caution is the sea. The speedboat can feel lively, and even successful trips can be uncomfortable if you get seasick easily. Swimming time is only about 15 minutes, so this is mainly a whale and dolphin trip with a short water stop, not a full beach outing.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the most common highlight: Several departures have seen family groups close to the boat, along with dolphins, turtles, and flying fish.
• Masca Bay gives you a new view of Los Gigantes: The cliffs look huge from land, but they feel even more dramatic from the water below.
• The swim stop is brief but worthwhile: You get about 15 minutes for swimming, photos, or snorkeling, with one water, soda, or beer included.
• The boat has some shelter from the sun: A covered top has been available on boats used for recent departures, though you should still bring sunscreen.
• The crew takes wildlife seriously: Engines have been shut off near whales, and guides have made an effort not to crowd or disturb them.
• The price is strong for a short outing: At $33 per person, you get wildlife watching, the cliff cruise, a guide, insurance, and a drink.

Setting out from Los Gigantes port

The meeting point is at Maritima Acantilados or the Nashira Uno office, at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21. Give yourself enough time to find the correct office. One useful warning is that the map marker can appear on the wrong side, so check the office name rather than relying only on the map pin.

The trip uses a speedboat. You spend roughly 30 minutes heading out, so the ride itself is part of the fun rather than a simple transfer. Expect wind, spray, and a faster, more open feel than you get on a large sightseeing vessel.

I like this format for a short holiday activity. You are not tied to a half-day cruise, and you still get enough time on the water to see the coast from several angles. The trade-off is motion. If you are prone to seasickness, this is not the safest choice for your stomach. One successful outing still had rough conditions, and the crew had to work carefully with an agitated sea.

Some boats have a roof or covered section, which helps in strong sun. It does not turn the boat into a shaded lounge, so bring sunscreen, a towel, and a light layer if the day is breezy.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The wildlife portion takes about 15 minutes in the stated schedule, but the actual time can vary with conditions and animal sightings. The guides may spend longer looking when there is a good chance of finding whales or dolphins, as happened on one outing when the crew continued searching until the group found whales.

The waters around Tenerife are especially known for short-finned pilot whales. They are not the huge, towering whales many people picture, but they are powerful, social animals that often travel in family groups. Seeing several surface near the boat can be more rewarding than a quick glimpse of a single distant animal.

Dolphins are also possible. Some departures have seen them almost immediately, while others have focused on whales instead. You should treat both as possible sightings, not a promise. The wildlife is free-ranging, and the sea decides what appears.

The best reports describe pilot whales gliding close to the boat, sometimes only a few meters away. On one trip, the captain stopped the engine and the whales passed calmly underneath. That detail matters. The pleasure here is not just getting close, but seeing the crew give the animals space and avoid noisy pursuit.

Guides add useful context while you watch. Juan Carlos and George have been praised for their warm manner and care with the animals on some departures. Other guides have helped translate between Spanish and English, answered questions, and taken photos for people who asked.

You might also see more than the main targets. Turtles, flying fish, and smaller fish have appeared during recent trips. Still, do not book this solely for a turtle or dolphin. Book it because the combination of open water, possible marine life, and the Los Gigantes coast is worth your time even when one species does not appear.

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 trip’s visual high point. From the sea, the cliffs rise directly above you, and their scale is difficult to judge from the harbor or road.

The boat stops for about 15 minutes. You can swim, use goggles, take photos, or stay aboard with your drink. The water is described as clear, and one outing had swimmers in water about 4 to 5 meters deep with shoals of fish below.

This is a proper open-water stop, not a shallow beach wade. You need to be comfortable getting into the sea from the boat. Bring a towel and goggles if you have them. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so pack your own gear if you want to look below the surface.

Water temperature can be cool. One February trip recorded water at about 17 degrees Celsius, and another group chose not to swim because of the cold. In warmer months, the stop may feel easier, but conditions still change. You can enjoy the scenery from the boat if you decide the water is not for you.

The stop may feel short if you want a long swim. One person found the swimming time a little limited, which is fair criticism. The schedule gives you a taste of Masca Bay rather than time for a relaxed snorkel session. The upside is that the tour does not spend too long parked in one place, which keeps the two-hour outing moving.

Bring sunscreen, but do not bring alcohol, smoking products, speakers, or anything you might drop into the sea. Littering is not allowed, and the crew has even stopped to remove rubbish from the water.

Returning beneath the Los Gigantes Cliffs

The route back to port takes about 30 minutes and follows the cliffs. This slower scenic section balances the faster trip out. After watching animals in open water, you get time to look up at the rock walls and take photographs.

Los Gigantes is best appreciated from the sea. From below, the cliffs feel less like a distant viewpoint and more like a wall rising directly from the Atlantic. The return route also gives you another chance for photos without the pressure of the wildlife search.

The included drink fits naturally here or at the swim stop. The package includes one water, soda, or beer. Some recent departures had a choice of cold drinks available, but you should count on one included drink rather than an unlimited supply.

The boat reaches the same meeting area at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21. Since the complete outing lasts two hours, it works well before dinner or alongside another Los Gigantes activity.

What the $33 price really buys

At $33 per person, this is good value if you want several Tenerife highlights in one compact trip. Your fare covers the boat ride, a guide, whale or dolphin watching, the swim beneath the cliffs, one drink, and insurance.

You are also paying for the route, not just the wildlife. A quiet day with no close dolphins can still give you a fast coastal ride, Masca Bay, and the cliff views. That makes the price easier to justify than a wildlife-only trip where everything depends on a sighting.

The limits are clear. There is no pickup service, so you must make your own way to Los Gigantes. A taxi from Costa Adeje was reported at about 40 euros, but that is an individual fare and can vary. Add transport to your budget if you are staying elsewhere.

Snorkeling gear is not included. If you own goggles, bring them. If you need a full set of equipment, factor that in before booking. The activity includes a guide and insurance, but it does not include a meal or an extended swim session.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this trip if you want a short, active outing with three distinct parts: marine life, a swim, and cliffs. Families can enjoy it, and one recent trip was especially memorable for a young child who got to sit with the captain for a short time. That does not mean every child will have the same opportunity, but it shows the friendly tone some departures offer.

It suits people who like a little speed and do not need a long, quiet cruise. The crew has been praised for keeping the mood light, explaining what you see, and helping people feel comfortable on the boat.

It is less suitable if you are very sensitive to motion, want guaranteed dolphins, or hope to spend an hour snorkeling. The wildlife is unpredictable, the swim is short, and the sea can become rough.

The boat is listed as wheelchair accessible, but you should confirm the practical arrangements before booking if you need specific boarding assistance. Accessibility on a speedboat can depend on the vessel and sea conditions.

Practical tips for a better outing

• Wear swimwear under your clothes: You will save time at the Masca Bay stop.
• Bring your own goggles: The water can be clear, and fish have been seen below the boat.
• Pack a towel and sunscreen: Both are listed as items to bring, and the sun can feel strong even with a roof overhead.
• Take seasickness seriously: If you are prone to it, ask a pharmacist about suitable precautions before the trip.
• Keep your camera secure: The boat moves quickly and spray is possible.
• Arrive with the office name in mind: Look for Maritima Acantilados or Nashira Uno, not just the map marker.
• Do not expect a long beach stop: The swim is around 15 minutes, so think of it as a refreshing pause.
• Watch the crew near wildlife: The best moments come when the boat slows or stops and the animals are left undisturbed.

Should you book the Los Gigantes whale tour?

Book it if you want strong value from a two-hour sea trip and like the idea of combining wildlife with a quick swim. The repeated highlights are clear: close pilot whales, friendly guides, attractive cliff views, and a cold drink at a reasonable price.

I would be especially keen to book when staying near Los Gigantes, since the meeting point is simple and the outing fits neatly into a day. If you are coming from Costa Adeje, add taxi time and cost before deciding.

Skip it if rough water makes you miserable or if you need a guaranteed animal sighting. For everyone else, this is a lively, well-priced way to see Tenerife from the Atlantic, with enough variety to make two hours feel useful.

FAQ

How long does the Los Gigantes whale and dolphin tour last?

The tour lasts two hours, including the boat ride out, wildlife viewing, the Masca Bay stop, and the scenic return to port.

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21, at the Maritima Acantilados or Nashira Uno office.

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

No guarantee is stated. The trip searches for whales and dolphins, and sightings can vary. Pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish have all been seen on different departures.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops at Masca Bay beneath the Los Gigantes Cliffs for about 15 minutes for swimming, photos, or snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included, so bring your own goggles and equipment if you want to snorkel.

What drink is included?

One drink is included. You can choose water, soda, or beer.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. Live guiding is available in Spanish and English.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.