Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

The best part of this two-hour Los Gigantes cruise is the small rigid inflatable boat. With space for no more than 12 passengers, it can get close to pilot whales and dolphins without the crowded, slow feel of a large sightseeing vessel. The route also gives you a fine view of Tenerife’s volcanic coast from sea level.

I like the mix of wildlife and scenery. You get time to watch marine life, then cruise beneath the towering cliffs near Masca and Los Gigantes before stopping in a clear-water bay. Guides such as Luca and Alejandro are especially good at explaining the animals and keeping the mood light. The main caution is simple: sightings depend on sea conditions, despite the advertised sighting guarantee, and rough water can shorten or change the wildlife portion.

Key points to know before you book

• Small boat, maximum 12 passengers: You get a closer view and more room for photos than on a large whale-watching vessel.
• Pilot whales are the usual star: You may also see dolphins, turtles, flying fish, jellyfish, or other marine life, but no species is assured.
• The Teno-Rasca sanctuary is the main wildlife zone: The boat heads out quickly from Los Gigantes rather than spending the whole trip near the harbor.
• The cliffs are part of the experience: The return route passes close to the 600-meter walls of Los Gigantes and Masca.
• A swim stop is included: Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López may be used, with clear Atlantic water and dramatic rock scenery.
• Arrive early: Reach the port at least 30 minutes before departure, and preferably one hour early if driving or using public transport.

Why the small RIB makes such a difference

The boat is a rigid inflatable speedboat, often called a RIB. That matters here. A large vessel may give you a steadier ride, toilets, and more shelter, but this small boat puts you close to the water and gives the skipper a better view in every direction.

The listed capacity is 12 passengers, not counting the skipper. Some departures may have fewer people, which makes the ride feel almost private. You can usually shift your attention quickly from one side of the boat to the other, and you will not be peering over several rows of heads to see a whale’s back.

There is a tradeoff. A small open boat gives you less protection from wind, spray, and sun. If the Atlantic turns choppy, you will feel the movement more than you would on a catamaran. The boat can also feel less like a leisurely cruise and more like a fast ride across open water, although one passenger found the pace slower than expected.

The skipper’s handling is an important part of the experience. Several departures were praised for reducing engine noise near the animals and keeping a respectful distance. That is good for the wildlife and good for you, since a quiet boat makes it easier to watch natural behavior rather than a frantic chase.

Leaving Los Gigantes for the Teno-Rasca sanctuary

You make your own way to Los Gigantes port. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so build in time for the approach. Traffic can be heavy, and parking can be difficult inside and outside the harbor. Arriving an hour before departure is sensible, even though the formal meeting instruction asks you to be there 30 minutes early.

Once aboard, the boat heads out toward the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary. This part of Tenerife’s coast is known for regular sightings, which is why it is often described as one of Europe’s leading whale-watching areas. The open-water run is not wasted time, but it does use part of the two-hour schedule.

You may feel spray, especially when the boat picks up speed. Wear clothes that can handle salt water and bring a light jacket or jumper in cooler months. February departures can feel cool when clouds move over the sun, even if the day began warmly.

The host language is Spanish. Guides such as Luca and Alejandro have been described as clear, funny, and attentive, with Luca in particular adding plenty of humor while giving information about the whales and the coast. Still, do not book this as an English-language nature lecture. The official language is Spanish, and the amount of explanation may vary by skipper.

Watching pilot whales and dolphins at sea

The main wildlife target is the pilot whale. That name can mislead you: pilot whales are actually a type of dolphin, but they are much larger than the familiar bottlenose or common dolphin. Some sightings involve a single animal or a small group, while others can be dramatic pods of six, 20, or more.

The reports from different departures include pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic dolphins, turtles, flying fish, jellyfish, and even occasional larger fish. One trip came close to a pilot whale with a calf. Another found a group of more than 20 dolphins within minutes of leaving the harbor.

That variety is part of the fun, but you need the right expectation. You are not guaranteed a parade of animals beside the boat, and you may not see the huge whale species you imagined from a wildlife documentary. Pilot whales are the animals most often encountered, and dolphins are not present on every outing.

The description uses the phrase guaranteed sightings, but the practical conditions say sightings depend on the sea. Treat the guarantee as conditional, not absolute. Wind, waves, visibility, and animal movement all matter. One departure saw whales but no dolphins, while another saw neither dolphins nor turtles and made the most of the coastal ride and swimming stop.

When animals are found, the boat may slow or stop. You will have time for photos and video, though you should keep your phone secure because spray and sudden movement are possible. A skipper who turns off the engine near the pod gives you a calmer view and reduces disturbance.

The wildlife stop can last around 20 to 30 minutes on some departures, while other groups spend longer watching a pod. That variation explains why the experience can feel very different from one day to the next. If you are prone to seasickness, keep this in mind: sitting or floating in open water while watching animals can be harder on your stomach than moving steadily toward the next stop.

The return beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat turns toward the coast and the cliffs. Los Gigantes rises in dark volcanic walls, with sections reaching about 600 meters above the sea. Seeing them from below changes their scale. From the harbor, they are impressive. From a small boat at their base, they feel much taller.

The route can include views toward the Masca valley, with steep folds of land running inland from the coast. The skipper may slow down to point out features, explain the volcanic rock, or give you time to take photos. This is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip instead of a wildlife-only outing.

I like that the scenery is not treated as filler. On a day with fewer sightings, the cliffs and coves give the trip a real second purpose. Even passengers who saw only pilot whales, or no dolphins, still had a substantial coastal experience.

The boat’s small size helps again. You can look almost straight up at the rock walls, rather than viewing them from far offshore. The drawback is that spray and motion can make photography tricky. Use a wrist strap or a secure case, and do not hold your phone over the side for that perfect shot.

Swimming at Masca Bay or another quiet cove

The final major stop is a swim in a sheltered bay. Depending on sea conditions and the skipper’s choice, this may be Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López. The water is described as clear, with dark volcanic cliffs around the cove.

You can swim if you want, or stay aboard and enjoy the setting. Some people skipped the swim in December because the Atlantic was too cold for their taste. Others called the stop one of the best parts of the trip, especially at Masca Bay.

Bring a towel and wear swimwear under your clothes if you may go in. Bring your own mask if you want to snorkel, since snorkeling equipment is not listed as included. Do not assume that a long beach visit is part of the plan. This is a short boat stop, not a full beach afternoon.

The swimming time can also vary. One departure offered about 20 minutes in the cove, while another had less time because of a late start. If swimming is your main reason for booking, ask about current conditions before you leave, but do not count on a long session.

A few departures included fresh fruit, including oranges from the captain’s own orchard. This is a pleasant extra, but it is not listed as a standard inclusion, so regard it as a possible courtesy rather than something to expect.

What the $33 price really buys you

At $33 per person, this is strong value if you want three things in one short outing: wildlife, cliffs, and a swim. Large whale-watching boats often offer more facilities, but this trip gives you a smaller group and a closer-to-the-water feel at a modest price.

The two-hour length is about right for many people. You get out to the wildlife area, spend time searching and watching, see the cliffs, and stop at a cove without giving up half a day. It also works well as a morning or afternoon addition to a Tenerife itinerary.

The low price does mean you should not expect hotel transfers, a meal, drinks, or a fully equipped cruise boat. The skipper and speedboat are included. Transport to Los Gigantes is your responsibility, and the port logistics deserve more attention than the price suggests.

Value also depends on the sea. On a calm, sunny day with a pod nearby, $33 feels like a bargain. On a windy day with limited wildlife and a shorter swim, you are paying partly for the chance to see nature, not for a guaranteed show.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make it easier to fit the trip around a changing holiday schedule. Late arrival is the exception: no refund or rescheduling is provided if you miss the departure.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this for couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a small boat to a large organized cruise. Children under two cannot join, but a seven-year-old enjoyed one departure, and the compact boat can make the experience feel more personal for families.

It also suits photographers who want clear access to the water and cliffs, although you must protect your equipment from spray. Nature lovers will appreciate the respectful approach to the animals and the chance to see more than one species.

You should think twice if you dislike open boats, rough water, or uncertain wildlife. Pregnant women may join at their own risk, according to the activity information. If you want guaranteed warm swimming, a long beach stop, or a detailed English lecture, this is not the best match.

The tour is also less suitable for anyone who needs a highly predictable schedule. The sea decides where the boat goes, how long the wildlife stop lasts, and which bay is safe for swimming. That flexibility is part of responsible wildlife watching, but it can frustrate people who want every minute fixed.

Practical tips for a smoother departure

Arrive early. The stated meeting time is 30 minutes before departure, but one hour is safer if you need to park. Los Gigantes has limited parking, and a late arrival means no refund or new booking.

Wear swimwear beneath quick-drying clothes and pack a towel. Add a light jacket, especially from late autumn through winter. Bring sun protection, but secure hats and loose items because the boat can move quickly.

Glass objects are not allowed. Keep phones and cameras in a waterproof pouch when not in use. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking your usual precautions before boarding, since the open-water wildlife stop can involve waiting and gentle rolling.

The listed price is $33 per person. The activity lasts two hours and ends back at Los Gigantes port. No hotel transfer is included, and the activity is conducted in Spanish.

Should you book the Los Gigantes speedboat?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, small-group outing with a real chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins, plus a close look at Tenerife’s great sea cliffs. Luca, Alejandro, and the other skippers add much of the personality, while the quiet approach near the animals is an important ethical plus.

Book with sensible expectations. The sea may provide dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish, or it may provide only some of them. The strongest case for this trip is not a guaranteed wildlife performance. It is the combination of a compact boat, open Atlantic scenery, respectful watching, and a swim beneath the cliffs, all in two hours for $33.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from the port of Los Gigantes in Tenerife, Canary Islands. You must make your own way to the port.

How long does the activity last?

The scheduled duration is two hours, ending back at Los Gigantes port.

How much does the tour 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 dolphins and whales cannot be guaranteed. Wildlife sightings depend on the sea and the animals’ movements.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and jellyfish. No specific species is assured.

What kind of boat is used?

The tour uses a rigid inflatable speedboat. It has space for up to 12 passengers according to the supplied activity details and departure information.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops in a bay such as Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López for a swim, subject to sea conditions and the skipper’s route.

What language is spoken on the tour?

The host or greeter language is Spanish. Guides such as Luca and Alejandro may provide information during the trip.

What happens if I arrive late?

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. If you arrive late, no refund or rescheduling is provided. If you are driving or using public transport, arriving about one hour early is recommended because parking and traffic can be difficult.