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

Pilot whales and dolphins are often seen off Los Gigantes, but the real treat is the whole short outing: a search at sea, a swim in Masca Bay, and a return along the immense cliffs. The tour lasts about two hours and costs $28 per person.

I like the mix of wildlife watching and a proper swim stop. I also like that the boat is small enough to feel close to the sea and the crew can talk with people directly, rather than relying only on a loudspeaker.

One thing to weigh up: wildlife is not guaranteed, and the time spent watching animals can vary. The swim stop is brief, too, often around 10 to 15 minutes, so think of this as a compact boat trip, not a long beach outing.

At a glance

• Two hours on the water: A compact outing from Los Gigantes port, with wildlife viewing, a Masca Bay stop, and a scenic return.
• Whales or dolphins: The crew searches for marine life, but sightings and time spent with animals can vary.
• Masca Bay swim: You can swim or snorkel in clear water beneath the cliffs, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.
• One drink included: Choose water, a soft drink, or beer during the stop.
• Bring your own snorkel gear: Equipment is not supplied, and you enter the water from the boat.
• Spanish and English guides: The tour is wheelchair accessible, but pickup is not included.

Leaving Los Gigantes port

The meeting point is at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21, by the Maritima Acantilados or Nashira Uno office. Check your confirmation for the exact check-in instructions. The harbor can be busy, so give yourself time to find the right stand and get settled before departure.

The tour uses a speedboat, with the first leg heading out from the cliffs to search for whales or dolphins. The plan allows roughly 30 minutes for this ride, though the actual timing can change with the search and sea conditions. That flexibility matters: the crew is looking for wild animals, not following a fixed show schedule.

The boat is described as wheelchair accessible. If you need specific access arrangements, check with the operator before booking, since the information provided does not explain how boarding or the swim stop works for different mobility needs.

Searching for whales and dolphins

The wildlife search is the main event, and it is worth setting a sensible expectation. Pilot whales are a frequent sighting on this route, and people have also seen dolphins, including more than one species. Some trips spot both; others see one kind of animal, and sightings can take time.

When marine life appears, the boat slows so you can watch. You may see animals at the surface and, when they pass near the boat, beneath the water. The crew can share information in Spanish or English, and some guides speak with groups directly. That personal approach can make it easier to follow what is happening without a running commentary over a speaker.

The search can last a short while or take longer. One account described spending about 30 minutes looking for dolphins; another found pilot whales after roughly 15 minutes. Strong wind can also affect the outing. The operator may change boats or the trip plan in those conditions, so do not assume every departure will run in exactly the same way.

The time with wildlife is not fixed. If the boat spends longer searching or watching, the swim may be shorter. If the crew finds animals quickly, you may have more time for other parts of the trip. I’d book for the combination of sea, cliffs, wildlife, and swim, rather than expecting a set number of minutes beside a whale.

Swimming beneath the Masca cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward Masca Bay, tucked beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs. This is the tour’s second big draw: the chance to get into clear water with steep rock walls rising around you. The setting is dramatic, and the shift from watching the sea to being in it gives the trip a welcome change of pace.

The stop is short, commonly around 10 to 15 minutes. You can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. The boat does not pull up onto a beach, so if you choose to swim, expect to enter the water from the boat into deep water. That is useful to know before you book, especially if you are not a confident swimmer.

Bring your own goggles and snorkel gear if you want to look below the surface. Equipment is not included. Some people have seen fish in the bay, but do not count on a particular marine-life encounter. The swim is an opportunity to enjoy the water and setting, not a guided snorkeling session.

A drink is included while the boat stops: water, a soft drink, or beer. Take a towel and sunscreen, and keep your belongings secure on board. Smoking, vaping, littering, speakers, and alcohol or drugs are not allowed; the included beer is the exception specified as part of the tour.

The return beneath Los Gigantes

The trip back to port is a scenic leg along the cliffs. From the water, the scale of Los Gigantes becomes clear: the rock walls rise dramatically above the boat, and the changing angle gives you a different view from the one you get on land.

The return is part of the experience, not simply a ride home. You can take in the cliffs, enjoy the sea air, and let the outing settle after the wildlife search and swim. Music may be played on board, which some people enjoy as part of the lively mood. If you prefer a quiet nature trip, this is worth considering: the sound level can depend on the crew and departure.

The advertised duration is two hours, but weather, wildlife searching, and the timing of the swim can affect the schedule. Keep some flexibility around the end time rather than planning a tight connection immediately afterward.

What the $28 fare gets you

At $28 per person, this is good value if you want several experiences in one outing. The price includes the boat trip, whale or dolphin watching, the Masca Bay swimming stop, a guide, insurance, and one drink. You get the open-water search and a close look at the cliffs without paying for a longer excursion.

The price is especially appealing for a family or group, though the trip is short and the swim may not suit everyone. It is not an all-day cruise, and you should not expect snorkel equipment, food, hotel pickup, or a guaranteed wildlife sighting. Those limits help explain why the fare is modest.

The tour has a 4.7 rating from 733 reviews, and its strongest points are consistent with what the format offers: sightings of pilot whales and dolphins, friendly crews, the cliff scenery, and the swim. There are also fair criticisms. Some people want more time with the animals, and loud music can detract from the natural setting. The balance is simple: strong value for a brisk, varied trip, less ideal if your priority is a quiet, extended wildlife watch.

Practical details before you book

Wear swimwear under your clothes if you plan to get in the water, and bring a towel, sunscreen, and goggles. Pack your own snorkeling gear if you have it. Because you enter the water from the boat, consider your comfort with a deep-water swim before choosing this activity.

There is no toilet on the boat. A paid toilet is available at the harbor, reported at about 50 cents, though facilities can vary. It is sensible to use the facilities before boarding.

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Starting times depend on availability. The tour is conducted in Spanish and English, and pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the port.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I’d recommend this tour if you want to see the Los Gigantes cliffs from the water and are happy to share a short wildlife search with a swim stop. It suits people who enjoy being out on a boat, can manage getting into the sea from the vessel, and do not need every minute to follow a strict timetable.

It is also a good choice if you have limited time in Los Gigantes. Two hours gives you a taste of the area’s marine life and scenery without taking up most of the day. Families can enjoy the variety, but make sure the children in your group are comfortable with the boat and the swim setup.

I’d look elsewhere if you want a long snorkeling session, a guaranteed whale sighting, or a quiet trip without music. For a low-cost outing that pairs wildlife searching with a swim under the cliffs, this one earns its place on a Tenerife itinerary.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a short, good-value mix of wildlife, sea views, and swimming. Go with realistic expectations: the crew searches for whales or dolphins, but nature sets the pace, and the Masca Bay stop is brief.

Bring your own goggles and snorkel gear, be prepared to enter deep water from the boat, and leave room in your schedule for small timing changes. If that sounds like your kind of outing, the $28 fare buys a lot of variety in two hours.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The advertised duration is two hours. Timing can vary with weather, the wildlife search, and the swim stop.

What animals might I see?

The crew searches for whales or dolphins. Pilot whales and dolphins have been seen, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is a drink included?

Yes. You can choose water, a soft drink, or beer during the stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Bring your own snorkeling gear and goggles if you want to snorkel.

Where does the tour start and finish?

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

What languages are the guides available in?

The live guides speak Spanish and English.