Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

The best part of this two-hour cruise is the mix: you get a real chance to see pilot whales and dolphins in open water, then finish with a swim beneath the enormous cliffs of western Tenerife. It is not just a wildlife trip or just a sightseeing ride. You get both, plus a cold drink.

I like the small-boat feel, which puts you close to the water, and I like the sensible price of $33. The crew often helps passengers spot animals, and guides such as Alejandro have been praised for friendly commentary and strong English. The main drawback is simple: wildlife is never guaranteed, and the sea can be choppy.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the main prize: Large groups, mothers with calves, and dolphins are frequently seen in the sanctuary.
• The cliffs are part of the ride: You cruise close to Los Gigantes and Masca rather than viewing them only from land.
• The swim stop is short but memorable: You may anchor at Masca, Juan López, or Barranco Seco, depending on sea conditions.
• A drink is included: Choose cola, Fanta, water, or beer while you enjoy the views.
• Plan extra time at the harbor: Arrive 30 minutes early at minimum, and closer to an hour if you need parking.
• The host language is Spanish: Alejandro and other crew members may offer additional help, but confirm language needs before booking.

Leaving Los Gigantes Port for the open water

You meet the boat, Masca Express, at Los Gigantes Port. This harbor sits on Tenerife’s west coast, below the giant volcanic cliffs that give the town its name.

The boat ride begins with views of the coastline and a gradual move away from the port. The wildlife area is part of the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, a protected stretch of sea often called Europe’s whale-watching capital. The sanctuary label matters because this is the animals’ home, not a marine park with scheduled performances.

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. I would allow an hour if you are driving. Parking can be hard to find inside and outside the harbor, and traffic around Los Gigantes can slow you down. There is no hotel pickup, so getting to the port is your responsibility.

The activity lasts two hours, which makes it easy to fit into a half-day. The trade-off is that the schedule is fairly tight. A little time goes to leaving and returning to port, and the swim stop is not an all-afternoon beach session.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The wildlife search is the heart of the trip. Pilot whales are the animals most often seen, and they can travel in large groups. You might see adults with calves, hear a whale breathe near the boat, or watch several animals moving together through the water.

Dolphins are another common highlight. They may pass beside the boat, travel in a pod, or play in the wake. Some sightings are brief. Others last long enough for you to take photographs and simply watch without holding up your phone.

The crew’s role makes a real difference here. Guides and skippers scan the water, point out animals, and help you understand what you are seeing. Alejandro has received particular praise for explaining whales, dolphins, and other sea life while keeping the mood light. You may also hear about flying fish, turtles, and other creatures if the crew spots them.

The boat may slow down or switch off its engine near whales. That gives you a quieter view and avoids turning the encounter into a noisy chase. Still, you should keep expectations sensible. The company cannot promise dolphins or whales on every departure because sightings depend on the sea and the animals’ movements.

This uncertainty is part of the deal with any responsible wildlife cruise. You are paying for time in a strong viewing area, not a guaranteed animal performance. If seeing a whale is the only reason you want to book, you may find the risk frustrating. If you value time on the ocean and the scenery as much as the animals, the outing makes better sense.

The cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca

Once you are out on the water, the cliffs provide a dramatic change from the wildlife search. Los Gigantes rises sharply from the sea, and the boat lets you view the rock walls from below. From the water, their scale is harder to grasp than from a road or lookout.

The route also takes in the cliffs near Masca and the entrance toward Masca Gorge. This is a fine moment to put the camera away for a minute. The view is not a quick photo stop with a rushed countdown. You have time to sit, watch the rock faces, and enjoy the coastline at sea level.

The crew serves one cold drink during the outing. Your choices are cola, Fanta, water, or beer. That small inclusion works well, especially after sitting in the sun and salt air. You will want to bring sun protection, though the supplied details do not specify how much shade is available on the boat.

The views can be the strongest part of the trip when the animals stay out of sight. That is why I would not book this as a pure whale guarantee. Think of it as a coastal cruise with a wildlife search built into it.

Swimming beneath the cliffs

The final stop is usually in a clear-water bay such as Masca, Juan López, or Barranco Seco. The exact location depends on sea conditions. The boat anchors, and you can enter the water for a short swim.

Masca Bay is especially striking because the volcanic cliffs rise around the water. The contrast is memorable: dark rock, bright sea, and a boat sitting in a quiet cove. You may see fish below the surface, and pool noodles have been available on some trips for people who want extra support.

This is a swim from the boat, not a sandy beach stop. That distinction matters for families, nervous swimmers, and anyone expecting an easy walk into shallow water. The activity information does not give a precise swimming duration, so treat it as a refreshing break rather than a long snorkeling session.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. A snorkel mask could be useful if you want to look beneath the surface, though snorkeling equipment is not listed as included. You should also follow the crew’s instructions closely, especially when entering and leaving the water.

The sea may not be calm every day. A sheltered bay helps, but conditions can still affect the swim. On rough days, the crew may shorten or adjust the stop.

What the boat ride feels like

The boat is described in the experience details and direct accounts as clean and well maintained. It is small enough to give the outing a personal feel, but that also means the motion can be noticeable. One passenger reported brief dizziness on a small boat, so anyone prone to seasickness should prepare.

Big waves have been part of some departures, even when the crew kept the trip safe and on time. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the crew advises, look toward the horizon, and avoid arriving on an empty stomach. Those are general precautions rather than promises about conditions.

The atmosphere is usually informal. The crew may joke with passengers, answer questions, and involve children. Some passengers have been allowed to sit near the captain or take turns at the controls under supervision. Treat that as a crew decision, not a promised feature of every trip.

Smoking, vaping, speakers, glass objects, alcohol brought from outside, drugs, nudity, and touching animals are not allowed. The included beer is supplied by the operator, but outside alcohol is not permitted. You are also expected to keep well clear of the animals and never attempt to touch or ride them.

Is $33 a good price?

At $33 per person, this is strong value if you want several elements in one short outing. The price covers the cruise, wildlife search, Los Gigantes cliff views, a swim stop, and one cold drink. You do not need to pay separately for a sightseeing boat and a beach visit.

The value is even better when the animals appear. A close view of dolphins or a group of pilot whales can become one of the memorable parts of a Tenerife visit. Several departures have also produced sightings of turtles or flying fish, though these are pleasant extras rather than part of the promise.

The price does not include transport to Los Gigantes, parking, or hotel pickup. Those costs may matter if you are staying far away. You also need to build in waiting time at the harbor, particularly if you are driving.

Compared with a longer boat excursion, this trip gives you less time on the water. That is a benefit if you want a compact activity, but a limitation if you want a full day at sea. I see it as a good fit for a first wildlife outing, a family holiday schedule, or a day when you want to combine nature with a swim.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

You are likely to enjoy this trip if you want:

• A short boat trip with several activities
• A chance to see dolphins and pilot whales in the wild
• Close views of Los Gigantes and Masca from the sea
• A swim without committing to a full beach day
• A reasonably priced excursion
• A lively crew rather than a formal lecture

Families can do well here because the trip has changing scenery, animals, a drink, and a swim. The crew has made a point of involving children on some departures. Parents should still consider the boat motion and the fact that swimming is from the boat.

This is less suitable if you need guaranteed whale sightings, dislike small boats, or want a long and quiet snorkeling session. It may also be a poor fit if you have very little flexibility before departure, since arriving late means no refund or rescheduling.

The host language is listed as Spanish. Individual trips may have crew members who speak English or other languages, and Alejandro has been praised for communicating well in English. If language support is important to you, confirm it before booking rather than assuming every departure will be the same.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Wear swimwear under light clothing and bring a towel. Use sunscreen, secure your phone, and take a waterproof bag for anything you do not want splashed.

Arrive early. The official minimum is 30 minutes before departure, but an hour is wiser if you need to park or find the harbor entrance. The meeting point is Los Gigantes Port, and you should look for Masca Express.

Keep your camera ready during the wildlife search, but do not spend the whole trip behind a screen. Animals surface without warning, and the best view may last only a few seconds. The crew will point things out, but you still need to watch the water.

Finally, remember that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. A day with dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and flying fish can be exceptional. A day with fine cliffs, open sea, and no major sighting can still be worthwhile, but you should book with that honest expectation.

Should you book the Los Gigantes cruise?

I would book this if you want good value in a compact format. The combination of pilot whales, dolphins, cliff views, a drink, and a swim gives the two hours plenty of variety. The crew’s friendly approach and the chance of seeing mothers with calves add real appeal.

I would skip it only if you are highly prone to seasickness, need a guaranteed animal sighting, or want a long swim and snorkeling session. For most people visiting Tenerife’s west coast, this is an easy way to experience the sea around Los Gigantes without spending a full day or a large amount of money.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The cruise leaves from Los Gigantes Port. Look for the Masca Express.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts two hours.

What animals might I see?

You may see pilot whales and dolphins. Turtles and flying fish have also been spotted, but sightings depend on sea conditions and animal movements.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. The operator cannot guarantee sightings because they depend on sea conditions and the animals’ movements.

Where does the swimming stop take place?

The boat may stop at Masca, Juan López, or Barranco Seco. The exact bay depends on sea conditions.

Is a drink included?

Yes. You receive one cold drink. The choices are cola, Fanta, water, or beer.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to Los Gigantes Port.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. If you are driving, arriving about an hour early is recommended because traffic and parking can be difficult.

What language is the host listed as speaking?

The activity lists Spanish as the host language. Alejandro and other crew members may provide additional language support, but this should be confirmed before booking if it matters to you.