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

The best part of this two-hour Los Gigantes boat tour is the double bill: pilot whales and dolphins in open water, followed by a swim beneath the towering cliffs at Masca Bay. You get wildlife, sea views, and a short splash in one tidy outing.

I like the way the crew gives real time to finding animals rather than rushing straight to the swim stop. I also like the covered section on the boat, the included drink, and the care shown around the whales. The main catch is a choppy ride, and the 15-minute swim can feel brief.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are a strong possibility: Dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and flying fish have all been seen on recent trips, but wildlife is never guaranteed.
• Masca Bay is the visual payoff: You swim in roughly 4 to 5 meters of water beneath the Los Gigantes Cliffs.
• The boat is quick but not just a transfer: The ride out takes about 30 minutes, with another scenic 30 minutes on the return.
• A drink is included: Choose water, soda, or beer during the swim stop.
• The crew puts animal welfare first: Engines may be cut near whales, and the boat keeps a respectful distance.
• Bring your own goggles: Snorkeling equipment is not supplied, and the swim stop is short.

Why this short Los Gigantes trip works so well

At $33 per person, this is a pleasingly simple way to get onto the water in Tenerife. You are not paying for a full-day cruise with lunch and several stops. Instead, you get a focused two-hour trip with wildlife watching, a swim, a guide, and one drink.

That compact format matters. If you are staying around Los Gigantes and want a sea outing without giving up an entire afternoon, the timing is just right. I would also consider it a good choice for families or couples who want something active but not demanding.

The wildlife is the main reason to book. The waters around southwest Tenerife are known for regular sightings of short-finned pilot whales and dolphins. Boats have also seen turtles and flying fish. You should keep your expectations sensible, though. These are wild animals, not a scheduled show, and no responsible operator can promise a particular species.

The strongest part of the experience is the crew’s approach. On some trips, the boat spends extra time searching when conditions make sightings harder. Near whales, the engine may be turned off, allowing the animals to pass close by without being chased or disturbed. That creates a better encounter for you and a safer one for the animals.

Guides may include Juan Carlos and George, both named by returning visitors as friendly, attentive members of the crew. The tour is offered in Spanish and English. If you are on a mixed-language boat, the crew makes an effort to explain things in both languages.

Leaving from C. Pob. Marinero, 1

You meet at Maritima Acantilados or the Nashira Uno office at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the port area.

Give yourself a little extra time to find the office. One map report placed the location on the wrong side, so it is sensible to check the exact meeting instructions before setting off. The practical detail here is simple: arrive ready to board, not still hunting for the departure point.

The boat is described as a speedboat, and some departures use the Gladiator boat. The ride is quick and open to the sea, with a covered top that can provide shade. That roof is useful in strong sunshine, especially on the afternoon departures, though it will not remove the motion of the boat.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Still, because this is a boat outing, I would confirm the boarding arrangements directly if you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility. The supplied information confirms accessibility, but it does not explain the exact transfer process from the dock onto the boat.

The 30-minute ride toward the whales

The first part of the trip is a fast run from Los Gigantes toward the whale and dolphin viewing area. You may feel spray and boat movement, so sit securely and keep your belongings close.

This is not a silent nature cruise. The speedboat gets you to the wildlife area efficiently, leaving enough of the two-hour schedule for the cliffs and swim stop. If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously. A passenger on a rough-weather trip still saw a large group of dolphins, but specifically warned that the experience is not ideal for people who get seasick easily.

Conditions can change quickly on the Atlantic. One departure had agitated water and poor weather, yet the crew handled the group professionally. That is reassuring, but it does not make the ride smooth. If you know you struggle on boats, choose a calmer day if possible and bring whatever motion-sickness remedy you normally use.

The boat’s covered area is a useful touch. You can avoid full sun during the ride, though you still need sunscreen because reflected light from the sea is strong.

Meeting pilot whales and dolphins in open water

The wildlife stop lasts about 15 minutes on the planned schedule, but the exact time can vary with conditions and sightings. The boat may slow down or stop near a pod, giving you a chance to watch animals surfacing, swimming beside the boat, or passing underneath.

Pilot whales are the animals most often associated with this trip. Several departures have seen family groups close to the boat, including mothers with young. Dolphins have also appeared quickly on some outings, sometimes in large groups. You may see one species, both, or neither, so book this for the chance to see wild marine life rather than a guaranteed performance.

The guides add value here. A good wildlife trip is not just about spotting a fin. The crew explains what you are looking at, answers questions, and tries to avoid disturbing the animals. You may get a close view, but the boat’s behavior matters more than the distance.

Bring a phone or camera, but do not spend the whole stop staring at the screen. Whales and dolphins surface without much warning. Guides sometimes take pictures for passengers who ask, but I would treat that as a kindness rather than a promised service.

Other sightings have included a loggerhead turtle and flying fish. Those extras are possible, not part of the set program. The better approach is to enjoy each sighting as it comes.

Turning toward Masca Bay and the cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward Masca Bay. The return route is not a dull ride back to port. It skirts the Los Gigantes Cliffs, allowing you to see the rock walls from the water.

This is where the scale of Los Gigantes becomes clearer. From land, the cliffs are impressive. From sea level, with the boat close beneath them, they feel much larger. The changing viewpoint is one of the tour’s most valuable features, especially if you have already seen the cliffs from a road or lookout.

The speedboat ride to Masca takes about 30 minutes in the stated schedule. The trip can feel quick because the cliffs keep changing shape as you approach them. Keep your camera ready, but again, protect it from spray.

Masca Bay is not simply a photo stop. It is the place where you can get into the water. The boat pauses beneath the cliffs for around 15 minutes, giving you time to swim, look for fish, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

Swimming beneath Los Gigantes

The swim is in clear water, with the cliffs rising around the bay. One reported swim area was about 4 to 5 meters deep, so you should be comfortable in open water or remain on the boat. This is not a shallow beach activity.

The setting makes the stop special. You are not swimming at a standard resort pool or a crowded shore. You are looking up at the cliffs from the sea, which gives you a fresh sense of their height and bulk.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and goggles. Snorkeling gear is not included, and the supplied instructions specifically recommend bringing your own. The water can be cool even when the air is warm. In winter, it has been reported at about 17 degrees Celsius, and some people chose not to swim because of the temperature.

The 15-minute stop is enough for a quick swim and a look beneath the surface, but it is not a long snorkeling session. If swimming is your chief purpose, you may find the time short. If you see it as an extra after the wildlife viewing, the length feels more reasonable.

The water may contain jellyfish. One passenger reported a sting, so you should keep that possibility in mind without letting it put you off the activity. Listen to the crew and avoid touching marine life.

While the boat is stopped, the crew offers one drink. You can choose water, soda, or beer. A cold drink after the swim is a small benefit, but it helps make the short break feel complete. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed generally, so stick to the drink supplied by the crew.

The slow scenic run back to Los Gigantes

The last 30 minutes are a scenic cruise back to the port. After the quick outbound ride and wildlife search, this slower return gives you time to take in the cliffs.

This part is especially useful if the sea conditions make you want a calmer finish. It also gives you more chances for photographs without trying to capture everything during the swim stop.

The tour ends where it began, at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21. The entire outing lasts about two hours, though wildlife conditions and sea state can affect the pace.

What the $33 price really includes

The price is strong for what you receive. For $33, you get a speedboat outing, a guide, whale or dolphin watching, a swim stop beneath the cliffs, insurance, and one drink. You also get the benefit of a short schedule, which can be easier to fit around a beach day, dinner, or another Tenerife activity.

You do not get hotel transport or snorkeling equipment. Those omissions are reasonable at this price, but they matter when you compare the total cost. If you need a taxi to Los Gigantes or must buy goggles, your final spend will be higher.

I see the value in the combination. A basic wildlife trip might give you animals but no swim. A simple coastal boat ride might give you cliffs but no chance to watch whales. This outing combines both without taking half a day.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. That makes it easier to fit into a changing holiday plan. Starting times vary, so you need to check the available departure when booking.

Who will enjoy this boat tour most

I would choose this tour if you want several strong Tenerife sights in a short period. It suits couples, families, solo visitors, and small groups who like being on the water but do not need a luxury cruise.

You are likely to enjoy it if:

• You want a real chance to see pilot whales or dolphins.
• You like fast boat rides and open-water scenery.
• You are happy with a short swim rather than a long snorkeling session.
• You want to see Los Gigantes from below.
• You value a lower-cost outing with a guide and drink included.

I would think twice if you are highly prone to seasickness, dislike boat spray, or need a long, leisurely swim. The ride can be rough, and the swim stop is brief. The tour is also less suitable if you want guaranteed dolphins, since the animals are wild and sightings vary.

The rules are sensible: no smoking, vaping, littering, speakers, alcohol brought from outside, or drugs. That keeps the boat quieter and cleaner, which helps when you are watching wildlife.

Should you book it?

I would book this Los Gigantes tour if you want the best mix of wildlife and scenery for a modest price. The most compelling combination is the chance to see pilot whales or dolphins, followed by a swim beneath the cliffs with a cold drink in hand.

Choose a different outing if your priority is a long swim, extensive snorkeling, or a completely smooth ride. For everyone else, this is a well-sized two-hour experience. Bring goggles, a towel, sunscreen, and a little patience for the wildlife, then let the cliffs and sea do most of the work.

FAQ

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

The tour lasts two hours, including the boat ride to the wildlife area, time watching marine life, the Masca Bay swim stop, and the scenic return to port.

What animals might I see?

You may see pilot whales or dolphins. Other sightings recorded on the trip include turtles and flying fish, but no particular animal is guaranteed.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops at Masca Bay beneath the Los Gigantes Cliffs for about 15 minutes so you can swim or snorkel.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling equipment if you want to use it. Goggles are also listed among the recommended items to bring.

What drink is included?

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

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Maritima Acantilados or the Nashira Uno office at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21. Hotel pickup is not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The live guide service is offered in Spanish and English.