Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

The best part of this two-hour Los Gigantes cruise is the small boat. With space for up to 12 passengers, the RIB can move quickly toward the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary and then idle quietly near pilot whales. You get a closer, more personal view than on a large sightseeing boat, though the ride can feel lively in rough water.

I like the combination of wildlife and scenery. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, or jellyfish, then cruise beneath the huge Masca and Los Gigantes cliffs before stopping to swim. I also like the guides, especially Luca and Alejandro, who mix useful facts with humor and usually handle the animals with care. The main caution is simple: wildlife is wild, and the sea can cancel the dolphins, the swim, or both.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the most reliable wildlife highlight: Dolphins are possible, but many trips focus on pilot whales, which are technically members of the dolphin family.
• The boat carries up to 12 passengers: A small group gives you room for photos and a more direct view of the sea.
• Los Gigantes cliffs are part of the experience: The return route passes close to the towering cliffs and Masca Valley.
• A swim stop usually follows the wildlife search: Possible bays include Masca, Barranco Seco, and Juan López.
• The sea controls the schedule: Rough conditions may shorten the wildlife search, cancel swimming, or make the ride uncomfortable.
• Arrive early: Reach the meeting point 30 minutes before departure, and allow about an hour if driving or using public transport because parking and port traffic can be difficult.

A small RIB with a big advantage

This trip leaves from Los Gigantes port on Tenerife’s west coast. The vessel is a rigid inflatable speedboat, not a large catamaran. That difference matters.

A small boat puts you closer to the water. You can usually see animals without looking over several rows of heads, and the skipper can turn or slow down quickly when something appears. One recent trip had only six passengers, while the boat’s stated maximum is 12. That gives the outing a personal feel without the price of a private charter.

The tradeoff is comfort. A RIB responds to every wave, and even calm-looking water can produce a bouncy ride once you leave the shelter of the coast. One passenger described the trip as more of a leisurely cruise than a true speedboat ride, while another enjoyed the adrenaline of the waves. Your experience will depend heavily on the sea that day.

You sit close to the water, so protect phones and cameras as best you can. Glass objects are not allowed. Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to use the swimming stop, and pack a light jacket in cooler or cloudy weather. February trips, in particular, can feel cool once the boat is moving.

Searching the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary

The first main task is finding marine life. The boat heads away from Los Gigantes toward the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, an area promoted as one of Europe’s key whale-watching zones.

Pilot whales are the species you have the best chance of seeing. They may travel in groups, sometimes close to the boat. Several trips have seen pods of six, 20, or more animals, and one group watched a pilot whale with its calf. When the animals approach, the captain may cut the engine and let the boat drift, reducing noise and movement around them.

That quiet approach is important. You are not simply chasing a moving target at full speed. The best moments come when the motor stops and the water settles. You may see a fin surface, disappear, and reappear a few metres away. A small boat also lets you hear the sea rather than a loud engine or a crowd.

Dolphins are less predictable. Common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and Atlantic dolphins have all appeared on different trips, sometimes in large groups that swim around the bow. Other outings have found whales but no dolphins. On a rough day, the boat may not find either species.

The activity description refers to guaranteed sightings, but the practical information correctly warns that whales and dolphins cannot be guaranteed because conditions at sea control what the crew can find. Treat the wildlife promise as a strong aim, not a certainty. You are paying for time in a prime marine area, not a zoo exhibit.

You may also spot turtles, flying fish, jellyfish, seabirds, or even a shark. These sightings are extras, not part of a fixed schedule. One skipper pointed out a man-of-war jellyfish, while another group saw a marlin only briefly. Keep your eyes open between the larger animals.

What the guides add to the trip

The guide can make a real difference on a short wildlife trip. Luca is frequently praised for his humor, quick spotting, and calm handling of the boat. He has explained pilot whale behavior, pointed out marine life, and kept passengers entertained when wind made dolphin sightings unlikely.

Alejandro has also led trips and is described as cheerful and good at explaining the animals and coast. He reportedly slowed down when passengers noticed something interesting, answered questions, and made time for the swimming stop. The listed host language is Spanish, so do not book this expecting a full tour in English or another language.

The crew’s approach to wildlife is another strong point. Captains have turned off the engine near animals and kept a respectful distance. That gives you better viewing conditions and avoids making the encounter feel rushed.

Service can include small, thoughtful touches. One captain offered fresh fruit, including oranges from his own orchard, and lent a child a vest when the weather turned cool. These extras are not listed as guaranteed inclusions, so enjoy them if they happen, but do not count on them.

Alongside the 600-metre Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat turns back toward the coast. This is not filler. The cliffs are one of the main reasons to choose this departure point.

The walls of Los Gigantes rise dramatically from the Atlantic, with some sections reaching about 600 metres. From below, the scale is hard to grasp from land. The boat brings you close to the dark volcanic rock, where narrow folds and high slopes lead toward the Masca Valley.

The exact amount of time here varies. If the departure runs late, the return route may be shorter. One passenger reported that a 15-minute delay cut into the time available for the cliffs and bay. That is why arriving early matters. The operator asks you to reach the meeting point 30 minutes ahead, and the port can be slow to enter, park, and walk through.

On a smooth day, this section is a fine contrast to the wildlife search. First you scan the open sea for movement. Then you look upward at rock walls that make the boat feel very small. The skipper may share facts about the volcanic formations and nearby coves, often with a generous amount of humor.

The swim at Masca Bay or another cove

The final major stop is usually a sheltered bay. Possible locations include Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, and Juan López. The boat drops anchor so you can swim in clear water beneath the cliffs.

Masca Bay is the most frequently named stop, and it receives the strongest praise. The setting combines dark volcanic rock, clear Atlantic water, and steep cliffs. You may have around 20 minutes in the water, though the exact timing depends on sea conditions and how long the wildlife search takes.

You do not have to swim. In December, one parent and child enjoyed watching from the boat instead. In cooler months, the Atlantic may be better suited to a quick dip than a long swim. If you want to enter the water, wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel. Snorkeling equipment is not listed as included, and one passenger specifically advised bringing your own mask.

Swimming is not guaranteed. It may be shortened or removed if the sea is rough, if the trip starts late, or if the skipper needs extra time for safe wildlife viewing. One passenger expected a swim from the description but found it was not mentioned during the trip. Ask the crew at the start if this stop matters to you.

Is $33 good value for two hours?

At $33 per person, this is one of the stronger-value ways to see the Los Gigantes coast, especially if your priority is wildlife rather than a long restaurant-style cruise. The price includes the speedboat, skipper, and the search for whales and dolphins. Hotel pickup, food, and drinks are not included.

The small boat is the key value. Larger whale-watching boats may offer more space and a steadier ride, but you lose some of the direct contact with the water. Here, a group of 12 or fewer can spread out for photographs and avoid the feeling of being one face in a crowd.

You should also understand what the two hours contain. Some of the time is spent traveling from the port to the wildlife area, and more time goes toward reaching a bay and returning to Los Gigantes. One passenger estimated only about 30 minutes of actual animal watching on a particular trip. That is not unusual for a sea excursion. Finding animals takes time, and the boat cannot control where they appear.

I consider the price fair because you get three separate experiences: wildlife search, cliff viewing, and a possible swim. It becomes less satisfying if you want a long educational talk, guaranteed dolphins, or an extended visit at the cliffs. The activity is mainly about being on the water and reacting to what the sea provides.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

This is a good fit for you if you want a compact outing that packs several coastal experiences into one morning or afternoon. Families with children over age two can enjoy it, especially if the child is comfortable with a small boat and changing sea conditions. A seven-year-old passenger reportedly loved the close pilot whale sightings.

It also suits photographers who prefer a low boat and an unobstructed view. You may get good shots from the bow when dolphins approach, but keep your equipment secure because spray is possible.

Choose a larger vessel instead if you are prone to seasickness or strongly prefer a steady ride. The RIB can bounce, and one passenger found that extended time watching whales contributed to mild seasickness. Pregnant women are allowed on board at their own risk, but the operator does not present this as a specially gentle ride.

This is not the best match if you need a detailed bilingual lecture. The host language is Spanish, and the amount of commentary depends on the skipper. Luca and Alejandro have been praised for clear explanations and humor, but the core activity remains wildlife watching, not a formal naturalist talk.

Practical planning for Los Gigantes port

Make your own way to the port. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. Parking can be hard to find inside and outside the harbor, and traffic around Los Gigantes may be heavy. If you drive or use public transport, allow about an hour before departure, even though the formal meeting instruction is 30 minutes early.

Late arrival has a clear consequence: no refund or rescheduling is provided. This is one tour where cutting things close is a poor idea. Find the port, parking area, and meeting point before the day of the trip if possible.

The activity is available at different starting times, so check the departure that fits your day. Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Tenerife plans are still moving around, but they do not protect you from arriving late.

The overall rating is 4.7 from 1,063 reviews, which matches the main pattern of the experience: strong wildlife encounters, excellent captains, and striking scenery, balanced by the normal uncertainty of the sea. A few outings miss dolphins, find only pilot whales, lose swimming time, or feel shorter after a late start.

Should you book the Los Gigantes speedboat cruise?

I would book this for small-group access to pilot whales and the cliffs, especially at $33. The combination is hard to beat: a compact RIB, a serious wildlife area, a possible swim in a clear cove, and a close look at the coast from sea level.

Go in with the right expectations. Pilot whales are more likely than large baleen whales, dolphins may not appear, and rough water can change the plan. Arrive early, bring a towel and light jacket, secure your phone, and accept that the sea gets the final say.

If you want the best chance of an intimate wildlife outing and can handle a bouncy boat, book it. If you need guaranteed animals, a long swim, or a calm ride, choose a different coastal activity.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The cruise leaves from Los Gigantes port in Tenerife. You must make your own way there because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long is the activity?

The planned duration is two hours. The time includes travel to the whale sanctuary, wildlife viewing, the coastal route, a possible swim stop, and the return to Los Gigantes.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $33 per person.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

The activity information refers to guaranteed sightings depending on sea conditions, but it also states that whales and dolphins cannot be guaranteed. Sightings depend on the weather, sea state, and where the animals are found.

What animals might I see?

You might see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, jellyfish, seabirds, or other marine life. The most commonly reported larger animals are pilot whales and dolphins.

How many people fit on the boat?

The rigid inflatable speedboat has space for up to 12 passengers, not including the skipper.

Is swimming included?

A swimming stop is planned in a bay such as Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López, but it depends on sea conditions and available time. Swimming may be shortened or canceled.

Are children allowed?

Children under two are not allowed. Older children may join, and the small boat has been enjoyed by families, but conditions at sea can be bouncy.

What language does the host speak?

The host or greeter language is Spanish. Guides such as Luca and Alejandro may communicate clearly with passengers, but a full tour in another language is not listed.

How early should I arrive?

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