Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

Pilot whales can appear surprisingly close to the boat, while the dark volcanic cliffs of Los Gigantes rise hundreds of meters above the sea. This two-hour speedboat trip combines wildlife spotting with a coastal run and a swim stop, all for $33 per person. I like the small-boat format for its close views, and the cliffs make the return leg part of the main event, not just a ride back to port.

There is one important catch: sightings depend on sea conditions, so no operator can promise you will see whales or dolphins every time. The boat can also be bumpy, and the sea may feel cold at the swim stop, especially in winter.

• Pilot whales are a common sight: You may also spot dolphins, turtles, flying fish, or other marine life, but none is guaranteed.
• The RIB carries a small group: Trips have been reported with a maximum of 12 passengers, giving you room to look and take photos.
• Los Gigantes is a highlight in its own right: The boat sails close to cliffs that rise about 600 meters above the sea.
• A swim stop adds a welcome change of pace: Depending on conditions and the route, you may stop at Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López.
• Plan your arrival carefully: Reach the meeting point 30 minutes early, and allow an hour if you need to find parking near the port.

A quick ride into the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary

Your trip begins at Los Gigantes port, where you meet the skipper and board a rigid inflatable speedboat. The destination is the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, off Tenerife’s southwest coast. It is a well-known area for whale watching, and the boat’s smaller size lets the skipper cover water quickly while keeping the group close to the sea.

The boat is a practical choice for a short outing. A large vessel can offer more room and a steadier ride, but a small RIB puts you nearer the water and gives you an open view in several directions. That can make it easier to watch animals and take photographs. Small also means you should expect a more exposed ride, with wind, spray, and waves part of the bargain.

The speedboat’s name may suggest a nonstop high-speed dash. In reality, the ride varies: there is time spent travelling to and from the wildlife area, and the skipper may slow down or pause when animals are nearby. One visitor found the pace more like a leisurely cruise than a full-throttle run. Book for the wildlife and scenery, not for a guaranteed adrenaline rush.

Looking for whales and dolphins at sea

Once the boat reaches the sanctuary, the skipper scans for marine life. Pilot whales are among the animals commonly seen around Tenerife, along with dolphins. A pilot whale is a member of the dolphin family, so the name can confuse first-time whale watchers. You may see these animals moving through the water, surfacing near the boat, or travelling in a pod.

Sightings can be memorable. Groups have seen pilot whales at close range, sometimes with calves, as well as bottlenose or Atlantic dolphins. Turtles and flying fish have also appeared on some trips. But wildlife moves freely, and the number or type of animals cannot be guaranteed. The activity information makes a promise of sightings in one place, then clarifies that the sea determines what you see. Take the latter as the realistic expectation: there may be no sightings, and even a successful trip might bring whales but no dolphins, or vice versa.

When the skipper spots animals, the boat may spend a while watching them. That’s the point of the trip, but it can mean less time for other stops. Some outings have devoted around 20 to 30 minutes to wildlife viewing; the exact balance depends on where animals are and how the sea is behaving. If you’re prone to motion sickness, note that remaining in one area while watching animals can feel harder than a moving ride. Take any precautions you normally use for boat trips.

A respectful encounter matters, too. Skippers have been seen turning off the engine or keeping their distance when whales approach. That gives you a quieter chance to observe the animals and avoids turning the sighting into a chase. Your skipper’s decisions shape the experience, so listen to instructions and keep your attention on the wildlife rather than trying to get a closer photo at any cost.

Sailing beneath the 600-meter cliffs

After the wildlife search, the route passes close to the cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca. These volcanic walls rise about 600 meters above the sea, and seeing them from below gives you a clear sense of their scale. From the water, the coast feels steep and dramatic, with views toward Masca Valley and dark rock faces dropping straight to the ocean.

For many people, this section is as valuable as the animal sightings. It gives the trip a second focus, so the outing still has a strong payoff if the wildlife is quiet. The skipper may share details about the cliffs and surrounding coast. Luca and Alejandro are among the guides named by passengers, with Luca often praised for humour and for explaining the area; Alejandro has also been praised for answering questions and talking about pilot whales.

This is not a long guided lecture, however. The host language is listed as Spanish, and the level of commentary may vary by skipper and departure. Some skippers have communicated clearly with mixed-language groups, but you should not assume every explanation will be in your preferred language. If learning detailed facts is a priority, prepare a few questions and be ready to listen when the guide speaks.

Cooling off in a sheltered bay

The boat may anchor in a clear-water bay such as Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López for a swim. The stop gives you time to get off the boat, cool down, and see the coast from the water rather than the deck. Masca Bay, in particular, is described as a scenic place for a swim beneath the cliffs.

Swimming is optional, so you can stay aboard if you prefer. In warm weather, the stop can be a welcome reward after sitting in the sun. In winter, the Atlantic may be chilly, and some people choose a quick dip or skip it altogether. Bring swimwear and a towel if you want the option; the activity includes the boat trip and skipper, not hotel transport or other extras.

The swim stop is a bonus, not the main purpose of the tour. Wildlife viewing and sea conditions can affect how the two hours are divided, and one departure may spend longer watching animals while another has more time at a bay. Don’t count on a fixed swimming duration. If you want a dedicated beach day, this is not a substitute for one; if a short swim between wildlife and cliffs sounds right, it rounds out the trip nicely.

Is the $33 fare good value?

At $33 per person, this is an appealing way to combine three Tenerife experiences in two hours: a wildlife search, a close look at Los Gigantes, and a possible swim. The fare covers the speedboat trip and skipper. You are not paying for a long day at sea, but the compact schedule makes it easier to fit into a holiday without giving up half a day.

The small boat is central to the value. A group of up to 12 passengers, as reported on trips, offers a more personal feel than a large sightseeing vessel and leaves more room to watch from different angles. It can also mean more movement in choppy water and less shelter from wind. If comfort and a stable platform matter more to you than getting close to the water, a larger boat may suit you better, though this trip’s price and small-group format are strong points.

The skipper can make a real difference. Luca and Alejandro are among the guides associated with trips, and passengers have praised their humour, wildlife knowledge, and care around the animals. Still, you should expect some variation: the guide, group, weather, and sightings all affect the mood and pace. The basic appeal remains the same, even if your particular outing is quieter than the best-case version.

Getting to Los Gigantes and preparing for the ride

You make your own way to Los Gigantes port; hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Arrive at the meeting point at least 30 minutes before departure. If you are driving or taking public transport, allow extra time: traffic can be heavy and parking difficult both inside and outside the harbor. The practical advice is to aim for an hour before departure, rather than arriving with only a few minutes to spare.

Wear swimwear under your clothes if you plan to swim, and bring a towel. A light jacket or jumper is useful on a cloudy or breezy day; one February trip became cool when cloud cover moved in. Keep valuables secure, and leave glass objects behind because they are not allowed. The boat is not suitable for children under two. Pregnant women may join at their own risk, so consider the motion and conditions before booking.

The listed host language is Spanish. Some skippers have managed to communicate clearly with people who do not speak Spanish, but don’t assume that every tour will include a full commentary in English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility if your plans are still taking shape.

Who should book this trip?

I’d choose this outing if you want a short, reasonably priced trip that balances wildlife with scenery. It suits couples, families with children over two, and anyone who would rather be in a small boat than on a large sightseeing vessel. It’s also a good pick if the cliffs matter to you as much as the chance of seeing dolphins or whales.

Think twice if you need a smooth ride, expect a guaranteed dolphin sighting, or want a long, detailed wildlife lecture. The speedboat is exposed, the sea sets the conditions, and two hours includes travel as well as stops. If you’re comfortable with those limits, the mix of pilot whales, volcanic cliffs, and a possible swim makes this a strong-value way to see Tenerife from the water.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?

The trip lasts two hours, including the wildlife search, coastal route, and possible swim stop.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $33 per person.

Where does the tour leave from?

It departs from Los Gigantes port. You need to make your own way there.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. Sightings depend on sea conditions, so whales or dolphins may not appear.

Which animals might I see?

Pilot whales and dolphins are common sightings. Turtles and flying fish have also been seen, but no animal sighting is guaranteed.

Does the tour include a swim?

The route may include a swim stop in a bay such as Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López. Swimming is optional.

What should I bring for the swim?

Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim. A light jumper or jacket may be useful on a cool or cloudy day.

How early should I arrive?

Be at the meeting point 30 minutes before departure. If driving or taking public transport, allow about an hour because traffic and parking can be difficult.

Can children under two join?

No. The tour is not suitable for children under two. Pregnant women are welcome on board at their own risk.