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

The main draw is simple: you get pilot whales and dolphins in open water, then a swim beneath the towering Los Gigantes Cliffs, all in two hours. I like the careful wildlife approach, with the engine sometimes shut off near whales, and I like that the boat is often covered, so you have shade during the ride.

I also like the price, about $33 per person, which includes a drink and a guide. The catch is the sea: this is a speedboat trip, and rough water can make it uncomfortable if you get seasick. The swim is brief, too, and the water can feel cold, around 17°C in winter.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the regular prize: You may also see dolphins, turtles, flying fish, or other marine life, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• The Masca swim lasts about 15 minutes: Bring goggles or your own snorkeling gear, since equipment is not supplied.
• Los Gigantes looks different from the water: The return ride skims below the enormous cliffs for some of the trip’s best views.
• You get one drink: Water, soda, or beer is offered during the swim stop.
• The boat can feel lively: It is a speedboat, not a slow sightseeing cruise, so bring care if you are prone to seasickness.
• It is easy to fit into a Tenerife day: The tour leaves from Los Gigantes and returns to the same port after two hours.

Why this short Los Gigantes trip works so well

Tenerife’s southwest coast gives you two strong reasons to take to the water. Pilot whales live in the channel off the island, and the cliffs around Los Gigantes rise dramatically from the sea. This excursion joins both sights without taking half a day.

You start at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21, near the Maritima Acantilados or Nashira Uno office. The operator is Maritima Acantilados. Confirm the exact office when you arrive, since one booking note reported that the map marker appeared on the wrong side.

The tour is conducted in Spanish and English. The guides are a big part of the experience. Several recent trips were led by Juan Carlos and George, and the crew made a point of translating explanations for passengers who did not speak Spanish. You should expect a friendly, informal tone rather than a formal naturalist lecture.

At about $33, the trip offers a lot for a short outing. You get wildlife watching, a scenic ride, a swim stop, a drink, a guide, and insurance. A taxi from Costa Adeje can add to the cost, though, so include transport when comparing this tour with options that offer hotel pickup. This experience does not include pickup.

The 30-minute speedboat ride out from Los Gigantes

The first 30 minutes are spent riding out toward the whale and dolphin area. This is not just dead time. You get moving views of the Tenerife coast, the salt air, and the first sense of how large the cliffs are from sea level.

The boat used on some departures is called the Gladiator. It has been described as comfortable and not overcrowded, with a roof that provides shade. That cover matters in Tenerife’s strong sun, especially on an afternoon departure. You can enjoy the view without spending the whole ride exposed.

A speedboat also means motion. The ride is quicker than a traditional harbor cruise, but it can bounce when the sea is unsettled. One passenger specifically warned that people who get seasick easily should think carefully before booking. If that is you, sit where the movement feels least bothersome, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid arriving on an empty stomach.

The route is part of the fun, but you are not guaranteed a calm sea. In rough conditions, the crew has still been praised for handling the boat professionally and keeping passengers informed. Even so, a two-hour trip on open water will feel very different from a quiet coastal cruise.

Watching pilot whales and dolphins in open water

The wildlife section usually takes around 15 minutes in the published schedule, although the crew may spend longer searching when conditions allow. That flexibility is valuable. You are not simply given a quick glimpse and rushed away if the animals are nearby.

Pilot whales are the most frequently reported sighting. They have appeared close to the boat, sometimes within a few meters, and several trips saw family groups. Dolphins are also common on successful outings, with some departures spotting both species. Other possible sightings have included turtles, flying fish, and shoals of smaller fish.

You should keep your expectations sensible. The tour is designed to search for whales or dolphins, not to promise a particular species. Some departures see dolphins but not whales, while others see pilot whales and no dolphins. The ocean does not follow a timetable.

The best part is the way the crew handles the animals. Guides have stopped the engine when whales approached and waited quietly rather than chasing them. One crew even paused to remove rubbish from the sea. Those details matter because good wildlife watching is about giving animals room, not turning the encounter into a noisy pursuit.

Bring a phone or camera, but do not spend the entire sighting staring at a screen. Whales surface quickly, and dolphins may change direction without warning. The crew may help with photos, and one guide has been praised for taking pictures for passengers who asked.

The wildlife section can be especially rewarding for families. A young child was invited to help navigate with the captain, creating a memorable moment without changing the nature of the trip. Still, very young children may find the speed and motion tiring, so consider your child’s comfort on boats before booking.

Masca Bay and a 15-minute swim under the cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward Masca Bay. This is where the outing changes pace. Instead of watching the water for fins, you have time to look up at the cliffs and see Los Gigantes from below.

The swim stop lasts about 15 minutes. The water is described as clear, and passengers have seen shoals of fish in the swimming area. You can swim, use your own snorkeling gear, or stay aboard and enjoy the setting. The boat provides a drink during the stop, with water, soda, or beer available.

Fifteen minutes is enough for a quick swim and a look beneath the surface, but it is not a full snorkeling session. If swimming is your main goal, this tour may feel wildlife-focused rather than beach-focused. Several people enjoyed the stop but found the time short. That is a fair trade for a two-hour outing that also includes whale watching and the coastal ride.

The water temperature deserves attention. One February departure reported water at about 17°C, and another passenger decided not to swim because it was too cold. In warmer months, the stop may feel easier, but the provided information does not promise a particular water temperature. Bring a towel and sunscreen, and pack goggles or snorkeling equipment if you want to see fish.

You do not need to swim to enjoy Masca Bay. The cliffs are the main visual reward, and staying on the boat lets you photograph the rock walls without getting wet. If you do swim, remember that the boat may be positioned in water several meters deep. This is not a shallow beach wade.

There is also a small chance of jellyfish, as one swimmer reported a sting. That does not make the stop unsafe by itself, but it is a useful reminder to pay attention to the water and follow the crew’s instructions.

The slow return below the Los Gigantes Cliffs

The return to port takes about 30 minutes and is more scenic than simply retracing the route at speed. The boat skirts the base of the Los Gigantes Cliffs, giving you a perspective that roads and viewpoints cannot provide.

From the sea, the cliffs feel especially large. You see the rock walls rising directly from the water, with no beach or road softening their scale. Several passengers considered this view one of the strongest parts of the experience, even when the sea was too cold for swimming.

This final stretch is also a chance to settle down after the wildlife search. Have your drink, take photos, and watch for more marine life. The boat returns to the same meeting area at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21.

The tour does not include a meal, and it is not a long cruise with many facilities. Think of the drink as a pleasant extra rather than a full refreshment service. If you need food before or after, plan that separately in Los Gigantes.

What the $33 price really covers

At $33, this is strong value if you want several experiences in one compact trip. A dedicated whale and dolphin outing can cost more when it runs longer or includes transport, while a coastal sightseeing cruise may not include swimming. Here, you combine wildlife viewing, a Masca Bay stop, cliff scenery, a guide, insurance, and one drink.

The value depends on what you care about. If you mainly want a long swim or serious snorkeling, the 15-minute stop will seem limited. If you want the best chance of seeing marine life and also want a short scenic boat ride, the mix is more convincing.

The included drink is a nice practical touch. You can choose water, soda, or beer, although alcohol is not allowed as something you bring onto the boat. Smoking, vaping, drugs, littering, and speakers are also prohibited. Those rules keep the boat quieter and better suited to wildlife watching.

The overall rating is 4.7 from 2,229 reviews, which signals a consistently popular excursion. More useful than the number itself is the pattern behind it: praise centers on friendly guides, close pilot whale sightings, good views, an uncrowded boat on some departures, and the combination of wildlife with swimming.

Who should book this boat tour

I would recommend it to you if you want a short sea outing with several highlights and do not need a full-day adventure. It suits couples, families, first-time whale watchers, and anyone staying near Los Gigantes who wants to see the cliffs from the water.

It is also a good fit for people who value animal care. The crew has been described as stopping the engine near whales and avoiding disturbance. That is exactly the kind of behavior I want from a wildlife operator.

The trip may not suit you if you get seasick easily, dislike speedboat motion, or need a long time in the water. It is also not the best choice if you want guaranteed dolphins, since the sea decides what appears.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, which makes the tour more practical for many visitors. You should still confirm any personal boarding needs with the operator before arrival, since the supplied information does not describe the exact boarding process.

Practical tips for a better outing

Arrive at the stated meeting point with time to find the Maritima Acantilados or Nashira Uno office. The meeting point is in the port area, and one booking note warned that the map position was not perfectly clear.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, goggles, and your own snorkeling gear. Snorkeling equipment is not included. Wear clothing that can handle spray, and bring an extra layer if you are sensitive to wind on the return ride.

Choose a departure time based on your priorities. Afternoon trips have been popular because the swim and cold drink feel refreshing in the sun, but no departure guarantees better sightings. The most important factor is sea condition, not a promised wildlife schedule.

Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray. If you want a photo with the cliffs, the return route is a good time. If you want whale photos, watch the water rather than waiting for a perfect pose.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Check availability for the exact starting times because the schedule can vary.

Should you book the Los Gigantes whale tour?

Yes, if you want a good-value two-hour trip that combines marine wildlife, a quick swim, and the cliffs of Los Gigantes. The strongest reasons to book are the regular pilot whale sightings, the crew’s respectful approach to animals, and the chance to see Masca Bay from the water without committing your whole day.

Book with realistic expectations. Dolphins and whales are wild animals, the sea may be choppy, and the swim is only about 15 minutes. Bring your own goggles, prepare for cool water, and skip this one if speedboats usually make you ill.

For most visitors based around Los Gigantes, this is an efficient and enjoyable way to get onto the Atlantic. At $33, it gives you enough variety to feel like a proper excursion rather than a simple boat ride.

FAQ

Where does the Los Gigantes whale and dolphin tour start?

It starts at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21, at the Maritima Acantilados or Nashira Uno office in Los Gigantes.

How long does the tour last?

The full activity lasts two hours, including the boat ride, wildlife watching, swimming stop, scenic cliff views, and return to port.

Are whales or dolphins guaranteed?

No. The tour searches for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, but sightings depend on sea and wildlife conditions. Pilot whales and dolphins have both been seen on different departures.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops for about 15 minutes in Masca Bay near the Los Gigantes Cliffs. You may swim or stay aboard and enjoy the views.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Bring your own goggles and snorkeling equipment if you want to look underwater.

What drink is included?

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

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The live guide service is offered in Spanish and English. The boat is also listed as wheelchair accessible.