Los Gigantes: Whale or dolphin watching and swimming tour in Masca

Wildlife first, cliffs second. This two-hour trip from Los Gigantes combines a search for whales and dolphins with a swim in Masca Bay, all for about $28 per person. I like the small speedboat feel and the chance to see pilot whales, dolphins, or both in open water. The route also gives you a close look at the giant cliffs from the sea.

I especially like that the crew includes a swim stop and a cold drink, rather than making this only a wildlife outing. The main drawback is simple: animals move freely, so sightings are not guaranteed, and time spent searching can reduce the swimming stop to about 10 or 15 minutes.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are a real possibility: Many trips spot several, and some also find dolphins or Bryde whales.
• Masca Bay is the second big reward: You can swim among fish beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs.
• The boat is fast and open to the sea: Expect movement, wind, and spray rather than a calm sightseeing cruise.
• The swim is from the boat: You may need to jump or climb down into deep water, not walk onto a beach.
• A drink is included: Choose water, a soft drink, or beer during the swimming stop.
• The price is excellent for a short outing: At $28, it is a good choice if you want a compact sea trip instead of a full-day cruise.

Leaving Los Gigantes on a two-hour route

Your meeting point is at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21, with check-in listed at Maritima Acantilados or the Nashira Uno Office. Since both names are provided, check the exact meeting instructions when you book. The activity ends back at the same meeting area, which makes it easy to combine with lunch or a walk around the harbor.

The schedule is built around several short sections. You spend roughly 30 minutes traveling by speedboat, about 15 minutes watching marine life, another 30 minutes moving toward the cliffs and swim area, and the remaining time taking in the scenery before returning to port.

That timing matters. This is not a long expedition with hours at sea. It is a brisk outing that packs wildlife, coastal views, and a swim into a tight window. I think that works well if you have only half a day in Los Gigantes, but you should not book it expecting an extended wildlife study.

The boat can be lively, especially in wind. One trip was moved to a larger boat and extended to three hours because of strong conditions, but that is not the standard arrangement. Most departures appear to use a smaller speedboat, which gives you a closer feel to the water and makes it easier to see animals near the hull. It also means less shelter from sun, wind, and spray.

The search for dolphins and whales

The first main purpose is finding marine life in the waters off Los Gigantes. The crew takes you out to areas where dolphins and whales are often seen, then slows down when animals appear.

Pilot whales are the most commonly noted sighting in the available trip accounts. Some outings find several, including groups with mothers and young. Other departures spot dolphins, and a few see both species together. One particularly strong outing found seven small whales, while another recorded three different kinds of dolphin and whales.

You may also see a Bryde whale, but that is less certain. Some trips see only dolphins, and others find whales but no dolphins. That variation is normal for wild animals. The honest way to view the wildlife portion is to value the search and the open sea setting, not to treat a sighting as guaranteed.

The crew appears to spend time looking rather than simply stopping at the first quick glimpse. One account describes about 30 minutes searching for dolphins and getting repeated views close to the boat. Another found pilot whales after about 15 minutes. At the same time, a few departures offered only around 15 minutes of actual animal watching before moving on.

This is where the tour’s short length cuts both ways. You get a focused outing at a low price, but if the animals take time to locate, the captain must balance the search with the swim and the return journey. If whales are your main reason for booking, an all-day or longer wildlife cruise might offer more time. If you want a good chance of seeing marine life without giving up most of your day, this format makes sense.

The guides speak Spanish and English. Their role is more than steering the boat. They help locate the animals, explain what you are seeing, and keep the mood friendly. Several accounts praise the crew for being cheerful, helpful, and attentive. Some mention personal explanations to each group rather than relying only on a loudspeaker.

There is one small atmosphere issue to consider. Music is sometimes played during the ride, and one person found it too loud for a nature outing. If you prefer quiet observation, you may find the sound less appealing than the views and animal encounters.

Masca Bay beneath the cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward Masca Bay. This is the most scenic part of the route, with the cliffs of Los Gigantes rising above the water. From sea level, the rock walls feel more imposing than they do from land, and the boat gives you a useful view of their scale.

The swim stop usually lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, though the stated schedule allows roughly 30 minutes for the travel section toward this part of the coast. If the wildlife search runs long, the crew may shorten the swim. You should think of it as a refreshing pause, not a long session for swimming and snorkeling.

The water is described as clear, and several accounts mention fish in the bay. If you bring goggles, you might get a quick look below the surface. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own mask and snorkel if that matters to you. The supplied information specifically recommends bringing a towel, sunscreen, goggles, and snorkeling gear.

The boat does not stop directly on a sandy beach. If you choose to swim, you enter from the boat into deep water, either by jumping or climbing down. That detail is important for anyone who is not a confident swimmer, anyone traveling with small children, or anyone who simply prefers an easy beach entry.

You can also stay aboard and enjoy the setting. Nobody needs to swim, and the view of the cliffs is the main reason to remain on the boat. During the stop, the crew provides one drink: water, a soft drink, or beer. Alcohol is not allowed as a general activity item, so the included beer is best understood as the single drink offered by the operator, not an invitation to bring your own.

Returning beside the Los Gigantes cliffs

The ride back to port follows the cliffs and gives you another chance to enjoy the coast without the pressure of watching for fins. This scenic section is a useful part of the trip because it lets you look up, take photographs, and notice the rock formations from a different angle.

The speedboat ride can be fun, but it is not a silent harbor cruise. Wind and engine noise are part of the deal. Keep your sunscreen close, and bring a towel or a light cover if you do not want to sit wet for the ride home.

The short route also helps explain the strong value. You are not paying for a full meal, hotel transfer, or a long day at sea. You are paying for a guided wildlife search, a coastal ride, a swim stop, and a drink. At $28, that is a fair price even on a trip that sees only one type of animal, provided you are happy with a compact outing.

What the guides add to the experience

The strongest praise goes to the crew. The captain and guides are repeatedly described as friendly, funny, professional, and helpful. They work to find the animals, explain their behavior, and make people feel looked after on a moving boat.

That personal approach matters on a wildlife trip. A whale appearing for a few seconds can be easy to miss if nobody tells you where to look. The guides help turn a distant sighting into something you can understand, especially when dolphins surface near the boat or pilot whales travel in a group.

The crew also seems willing to adjust when conditions change. Wind can make the search harder, and one departure used a larger boat and a longer route because of the weather. You should still expect the final plan to depend on sea conditions and animal movements.

The atmosphere is generally upbeat, with music on some trips. That will suit you if you want a fun boat ride rather than a quiet scientific tour. If you want a hushed nature experience, ask about the style of departure when possible, or be prepared for a lively ride.

Practical details that affect your day

There is no hotel pickup. You need to make your own way to the harbor and find the correct office or meeting point. Plan a little extra time because the meeting instructions refer to more than one nearby location, and one account describes confusion over whether to arrive 20 or 30 minutes before departure.

A boat departure was also reported as running about 10 minutes late. That is not unusual for a harbor activity, but it matters if you have a tight schedule afterward. I would avoid booking this immediately before a bus, dinner reservation, or another timed attraction.

There is no toilet on the boat or at the swimming area. A toilet is available near the dock for a small fee, according to the supplied information, so use the facilities before leaving the harbor.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the swimming portion involves entering the sea from the boat. If you use a wheelchair, contact the operator before booking to confirm which parts of the boat and boarding process work for you.

Smoking, vaping, outside alcohol and drugs, littering, and speakers are not allowed. These rules make sense on a small boat and help keep the ride pleasant for everyone.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Tenerife plans depend on weather or changing day trips.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would choose this activity if you want three things in one short outing: a chance to see whales or dolphins, a swim in clear coastal water, and views of the Los Gigantes cliffs.

It suits couples, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who wants a good-value activity without committing to a full day. The two-hour length also works well for a morning or afternoon plan.

You should think twice if you need a guaranteed whale sighting, want a long snorkeling session, dislike speedboats, or prefer a quiet nature tour. The animal time can be brief, and the swimming stop may be shortened when the search takes longer or the sea becomes rough.

Bring sunscreen and a towel. Add goggles and your own snorkeling gear if you want to look beneath the surface. You do not need to bring a drink, since one is provided, but you may want dry clothes for the ride back.

Is the $28 price worth it?

For most people, yes. The cost is low for a guided sea trip that includes wildlife watching, a swim beneath the cliffs, a drink, insurance, and a return ride to the harbor.

The value is strongest when you treat the tour as a complete coastal outing rather than paying only for whale watching. Even if dolphins do not appear, you still have the cliff views, the chance of pilot whales, Masca Bay, and time on the water.

The price does not remove the usual wildlife risks. You might see several whales and dolphins, or you might see only one kind of animal. You might also get a shorter swim than expected. That is a fair trade for a low-cost, tightly planned trip, but it is worth knowing before you book.

Should you book this Los Gigantes tour?

Book it if you want an affordable and active introduction to the coast around Los Gigantes. The best departures combine close wildlife sightings, friendly guiding, a swim among fish at Masca Bay, and the striking return ride beside the cliffs.

Skip it if you need certainty, silence, or a long swim. For everyone else, the mix is hard to beat at $28, especially when you have limited time in Tenerife. I would leave room in your schedule, arrive early at the harbor, and treat the wildlife sightings as a welcome gift rather than a promise.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin watching tour?

The standard activity lasts two hours. Check the available departure times when booking.

Where does the tour start?

The listed starting location is C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21. The meeting point is listed as Maritima Acantilados or the Nashira Uno Office.

Where does the activity end?

The boat returns to the same meeting area at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $28 per person.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The activity offers whale or dolphin watching, but sightings depend on wild animals and sea conditions.

What animals might I see?

You might see dolphins, pilot whales, or other whales. The supplied trip details include sightings of Bryde whales, several pilot whales, and different dolphin species.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour includes a swimming stop at Masca Bay beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling equipment is not included. Bring your own gear if you want to snorkel. Goggles are also recommended.

What drink is included?

You receive one drink during the swimming stop. The choices are water, a soft drink, or beer.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup service is not included, so you must reach the meeting point in Los Gigantes yourself.