Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

Pilot whales and dolphins are the draw here, but the cliffs of Los Gigantes make the whole outing feel larger than a simple wildlife trip. I like that you get time to watch for marine life in its natural habitat, then stop for a swim; I also like the included cold drink and the $33 price for a two-hour cruise.

One consideration: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the boat can encounter rough water. Arrive early, bring what you need for a swim, and treat the animals as a welcome possibility rather than a promise.

• Pilot whales and dolphins: The cruise searches the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, with sightings dependent on sea conditions.
• Cliff views: The route passes close to the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca.
• A sea swim: The boat anchors in a bay such as Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López.
• One drink included: Choose from cola, Fanta, water, or beer.
• Two hours for $33: A compact outing that combines wildlife, coastline, and swimming.
• Early arrival matters: Reach the port 30 minutes before departure, and allow extra time for parking or traffic.

A short cruise with three distinct rewards

This trip packs three different experiences into two hours: watching for whales and dolphins, seeing the cliffs from the water, and swimming in a coastal bay. That variety is the main reason I’d consider it. You are not spending the whole outing waiting for an animal to appear, and the scenic return route still has value if sightings are quiet.

The price is $33 per person. For that, you get the cruise, a wildlife search, a stop at the cliffs, a swim, and one cold drink. It is good value if you want a short sea outing without committing half a day, though the value naturally feels different if the sea is choppy or the animals stay out of view.

Setting off from Los Gigantes Port

The boat boards at Los Gigantes Port. Look for the Masca Express, the boat name given for this departure, and plan to be at the harbor at least 30 minutes before the start time. The instructions are firm: if you arrive late, there is no refund or rescheduling.

Getting to the port can take longer than expected. Traffic may be heavy, and parking can be difficult both inside and outside the harbor. If you are driving or using public transport, allow about an hour before departure to find your way and avoid turning the start of a relaxing cruise into a sprint.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own transport. Check the departure time when booking, since the available start times vary.

Looking for whales and dolphins offshore

Once underway, the crew heads out to search for dolphins and whales in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary. Pilot whales feature often in sightings on this route, and dolphins may appear in groups around the boat. Some departures have also spotted turtles and flying fish, but those are occasional extras, not a reason to book on their own.

There is no guarantee of seeing any wildlife. The activity depends on sea conditions, and animals move freely through their habitat. Go with the right expectation: you are paying for a search in a known whale-watching area, not a scheduled performance. If a sighting happens, take time to watch rather than trying to capture every moment on your phone.

Crews have been praised for spotting animals, sharing information, and making the outing feel welcoming. Alejandro is one guide’s name associated with the trip, but crew members may vary, and the activity lists Spanish as its host language. Some departures have offered guidance in English, but you should not assume that will always be available.

The experience can also depend on the sea. One departure may feel calm and easy; another may meet larger waves. If you are prone to motion sickness, keep that possibility in mind when deciding whether a boat trip is right for you.

Seeing Los Gigantes from the water

The cliffs are a major part of the route, not just a backdrop for the wildlife search. From the boat, the steep rock faces rise above the sea, and the view gives you a different sense of their scale than you get from shore. The cruise also passes the cliffs around Masca, linking the wildlife outing with one of Tenerife’s most striking stretches of coast.

This is a good time to put the phone down for a moment. The boat moves along the coast, and you can take in the cliffs while having your included drink. You may choose cola, Fanta, water, or beer. The drink is a small perk, but it suits the pace: no elaborate meal, just a cold refreshment before the swim stop.

The crew may share information about local marine life and the area. If that matters to you, ask questions when the boat is not actively watching for animals. The trip is short, so the balance is more about seeing and enjoying the coast than taking an in-depth natural history lesson.

Anchoring for a swim in a sheltered bay

After the coastal and wildlife portions, the boat anchors in a bay such as Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López. The exact stop can vary. The appeal is clear water, a chance to cool off, and a view back toward the cliffs while you are in the sea.

Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to get in. A snorkel mask is also worth packing if you own one. Fish have been spotted under the surface at the swim stop, though what you see will depend on the water and conditions. Some departures have had pool noodles available, but do not assume they will be provided every time.

The stop is a refreshing break, not a long beach visit. You are swimming from the boat, rather than going ashore, and the available time is part of a two-hour outing. If you prefer to stay dry, you can enjoy the views from the boat instead. The swim is optional, but it is one of the features that makes this cruise more than a wildlife-search loop.

What the crew and boat add

The crew’s role matters on a short wildlife cruise. They steer the boat, look for animals, manage the stop, and help keep the group comfortable. A number of departures have been described as well organized, with friendly staff and a clean, well-kept boat. These details are practical, not fancy: a tidy boat and a crew that keeps the trip moving make a two-hour outing easier to enjoy.

Some guides have been praised for explaining what you are seeing and helping people get a better look. On one departure, the crew turned off the engine while watching whales. That is a thoughtful way to observe wildlife, though it may not happen in exactly the same way on every trip.

The stated host language is Spanish. If you need English, ask before booking rather than relying on a particular guide being aboard. Alejandro has been named as a guide who spoke English and shared information about whales and dolphins, but staff assignments are not guaranteed.

Is $33 good value?

At $33, this is a reasonably priced way to combine a boat outing, a chance to see wildlife, cliff scenery, a swim, and a drink. The appeal is the mix. A dedicated whale-watching trip might focus more narrowly on finding animals, while this cruise also gives you a coastal view and a chance to get in the water.

The price does not buy certainty. If no whales or dolphins appear, you still have the cliffs and the swim, but the wildlife is a central part of the promise. If the sea is rough, the ride may be less comfortable, and the swim could be less appealing. Weigh the fare against your interest in the whole outing, not just the chance of a close wildlife encounter.

The trip suits couples, families, and anyone looking for a relatively short activity near Los Gigantes. Children can enjoy the boat and swimming, but parents should judge their own family’s comfort with sea conditions and getting in and out of the water. If you want a full-day tour, shore time, or guaranteed wildlife, this is not the right fit.

What to bring and how to plan

Wear clothes you are comfortable in on a boat, and pack swimwear and a towel if you want to use the swim stop. Consider a snorkel mask, sun protection, and a secure way to carry your phone or camera. Glass objects, speakers, smoking, vaping, alcohol and drugs, and nudity are not allowed. The included drink may be beer, but other alcohol is prohibited.

Give yourself more time to reach the harbor than you think you need. Thirty minutes early is the minimum stated arrival time; an hour is the safer plan if you are driving or taking public transport because traffic and parking can be difficult. Missing the departure means no refund or rescheduling.

The cruise has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if your plans are still shifting, but they do not change the need to arrive on time.

Should you book this Los Gigantes cruise?

Book it if you want a compact, reasonably priced outing that pairs a wildlife search with impressive cliff views and a chance to swim. I especially like the variety: even between sightings, the coast gives the trip something to offer, and the stop in a clear-water bay is a fine finish.

Think twice if you need a guaranteed whale sighting, dislike boats in rough water, or want a longer swim or time on shore. The sensible approach is to book for the overall sea experience, arrive early, and let the wildlife be the bonus rather than the only reason you go.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts two hours. Check the available start times when you book.

How much does the tour cost?

The stated price is $33 per person.

Where do I board?

Board at Los Gigantes Port and look for the Masca Express.

How early should I arrive?

Be at the harbor at least 30 minutes before departure. Allow about an hour if you are arriving by car or public transport because traffic and parking can be difficult.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. Sightings depend on sea conditions, and the tour cannot guarantee that you will see whales or dolphins.

What animals might I see?

The cruise searches for whales and dolphins, including pilot whales. Turtles and flying fish have also been spotted, but sightings of those animals are not guaranteed.

Where does the boat stop for swimming?

The swim stop may be in a bay such as Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López. The exact bay can vary.

Is a drink included?

Yes. One cold drink is included: cola, Fanta, water, or beer.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own transport to Los Gigantes Port.

What language is the host?

The activity lists Spanish as the host language. English has been spoken on some departures, but it is not guaranteed.