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

The most memorable part of this two-hour trip is the combination of wildlife and scenery. You head out from Los Gigantes to look for dolphins and pilot whales, then stop in Masca Bay for a swim beneath the towering cliffs before cruising back along the coast.

I like the small-boat feel, which puts you close to the water and makes the wildlife easier to see. I also like the simple value: at about $28 per person, you get the boat trip, guide, swim stop, and a cold drink. The main drawback is time. Wildlife sightings can take up much of the outing, leaving only about 10 to 15 minutes for swimming.

Key points

• Pilot whales are a strong possibility: You may also see dolphins, including several species, but no wildlife sighting is guaranteed.
• Masca Bay is the second act: The boat stops beneath the cliffs for a short swim in clear water.
• The boat is part of the fun: Small speedboats provide close views, but the ride can feel bumpy in strong wind.
• Bring your own snorkel gear: Swimming equipment is not supplied, and the boat does not stop on a sandy beach.
• The return route is scenic: You cruise beside the immense Cliffs of Los Gigantes on the way to port.
• It is easy to fit into a holiday: The trip lasts two hours, begins and ends at the harbor, and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Why this Los Gigantes trip works so well

Los Gigantes is one of Tenerife’s best places for a short boat outing. The port sits beside enormous volcanic cliffs, and the nearby waters are known for regular sightings of dolphins and whales. This tour makes use of both attractions without asking you to give up an entire day.

I like the format. The first part focuses on marine life, the second on Masca Bay, and the final run back to Los Gigantes gives you a different view of the coast. It feels more varied than a simple sightseeing cruise.

The wildlife is the star, but keep your expectations sensible. Dolphins and pilot whales are often seen, and some outings have included Bryde’s whales or several dolphin species. Still, these are wild animals. The crew searches for them, but cannot promise a sighting or control how long they remain near the boat.

At $28, this is a particularly good choice if you want a compact activity between beach time, meals, or a visit to the village of Masca. You are not paying for a full-day cruise with a meal and extensive facilities. You are paying for a focused outing with wildlife, cliffs, swimming, and one drink.

Finding the harbor and getting checked in

The meeting point is at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21, with check-in listed at Maritima Acantilados or the Nashira Uno Office. The tour returns to the same meeting point, which keeps the logistics simple if you are staying in or near Los Gigantes.

Give yourself time to find the correct harbor office. The port has several boat operators, and one useful detail is that the check-in point may be at the last stand in the harbor. Arriving early is sensible, but do not be surprised if staff adjust the exact meeting time after issuing tickets.

There is no hotel pickup, so you must make your own way to the port. Cafes and restaurants are close by, which is handy before or after the trip. A basic public toilet is available at the dock for a small fee, but there is no toilet on the boat.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the transfer arrangements with the operator before booking, since the tour uses a boat and may involve getting aboard from the harbor.

The first 30 minutes on the speedboat

Once aboard, you head out from Los Gigantes by speedboat. The outward run takes roughly 30 minutes, though the exact timing can change depending on sea conditions and where the crew finds animals.

A small boat gives the trip an informal feel. You are closer to the surface than you would be on a large sightseeing vessel, and the crew can speak directly with people rather than relying only on a loudspeaker. That personal approach is useful when the boat is moving and everyone is trying to spot a fin.

The tradeoff is comfort. Wind can make the ride lively, and a few people may find the open boat hard on their backs or stomachs. Sit securely, hold onto your belongings, and bring sun protection even on a cloudy day. The boat is exposed, with little shelter from sun and spray.

The crew may play music during the ride. Some people enjoy the cheerful atmosphere, while others prefer quiet while watching animals. If you want a calm nature outing, this is not a silent research vessel. It is a friendly, casual boat trip with a social mood.

Looking for dolphins and pilot whales

The wildlife search generally takes place around the Los Gigantes area. The crew watches the water, changes course as needed, and gives you information in English or Spanish. The search may last around 15 to 30 minutes, but it can be shorter or longer depending on conditions and sightings.

Pilot whales are among the animals most often seen on this route. You might see small groups, and some outings have included adults with young. Dolphins may appear close to the boat, sometimes alongside whales. Sightings can be brief, so keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire time looking through a screen.

The best viewing position depends on the animals and the crew. You may see backs and fins at the surface, and occasionally dolphins close enough to glimpse beneath the water. The crew’s job is not only to find animals, but to follow them in a way that lets the boat watch without turning the experience into a frantic chase.

This is where the trip’s short length matters. If the boat finds whales quickly, you may get a good amount of time watching them. If the search takes longer, the stop at Masca Bay may be shortened. Some departures have spent only about 15 minutes with dolphins before moving on, while others have found several pilot whales and had more time for observation.

You should book this for the chance to see marine life, not for a guaranteed species or a guaranteed number of minutes. On a good day, the combination of dolphins and whales can make the trip feel like an excellent bargain. On a quiet day, the cliffs and swim still give the outing a worthwhile second half.

Masca Bay and the short swim

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward Masca Bay, set beneath the Cliffs of Los Gigantes. The water is described as clear, and the high rock walls create a dramatic setting for a swim.

This is not a beach stop. The boat does not pull up to a sandy shore. If you want to swim, you get into the water directly from the boat, which means entering deep water rather than walking in from shallow sand.

That detail matters for families and anyone who is not a confident swimmer. A short swim ladder or boat access point may be used, but the supplied information does not specify the exact arrangement. Ask the crew for help if needed, and skip the swim if the sea feels uncomfortable.

The scheduled swimming time is roughly 10 to 15 minutes on some departures. It can vary because the boat may spend extra time searching for animals or because wind and sea conditions affect the schedule. You can swim, use your own goggles or snorkel, or remain aboard and enjoy the view.

Bring your own towel, sunscreen, goggles, and snorkeling equipment. Snorkel gear is not included. The water may be full of small fish, but this is primarily a swim stop, not a dedicated snorkeling excursion with a long period for exploring underwater.

The crew provides one drink during the stop or afterward. Your choice is water, a soft drink, or beer. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed as general items on the activity, so treat the included beer as the controlled refreshment supplied by the crew, not an invitation to bring your own drinks.

Returning beneath the Cliffs of Los Gigantes

The run back to port is one of the tour’s prettiest sections. Instead of simply retracing the outward route, you get time to look at the Cliffs of Los Gigantes from the water.

The cliffs rise sharply from the coast, and the boat gives you a low viewpoint that you cannot get from the road. This is a good time to put the camera away for a moment and watch the rock faces, sea, and changing light.

The return portion is listed at around 30 minutes, but the full timing can shift. A two-hour outing may finish slightly early or late, especially if the crew changes boats because of wind or adjusts the route for conditions. One departure was reported to return after about one hour and 45 minutes, so avoid scheduling a tight connection immediately afterward.

This scenic return also helps make up for a shorter wildlife stop. Even if you see only a few dolphins, you still get a boat-level view of one of Tenerife’s most striking coastal features and a chance to swim in Masca Bay.

How good is the $28 value?

At about $28 per person, the price is the clearest strength. Many boat outings charge more once you add a wildlife search, a scenic coast cruise, and a swimming stop. Here, the basic package includes the guide, insurance, wildlife watching, swimming, and one drink.

The value is best if you want a short activity rather than a full excursion. You do not get a meal, hotel transport, or snorkeling equipment. You also should not expect a long, carefully timed wildlife session on every departure.

Still, the package covers the essentials. You can spend two hours on the water, see the coast from a different angle, have a real chance of seeing dolphins or pilot whales, and get into the sea beneath the cliffs. For a family, couple, or solo visitor who wants a straightforward morning or afternoon outing, that is a fair deal.

The boat’s size can add value. You are not looking across a huge deck at animals far away. The tradeoff is that there may be less room to move, no onboard toilet, and a rougher ride when the wind rises.

Practical advice before you book

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel. Sunscreen is essential, as the boat offers little protection from direct sun. A light layer can also help during the ride if the wind picks up.

Secure your phone and camera. The boat moves quickly, and spray is possible. A waterproof pouch is useful, though it is not listed as required equipment.

If you want to snorkel, bring your own mask and snorkel. The activity specifically does not include this equipment. Goggles are also worth packing if you mainly want to swim and look below the surface.

Do not bring speakers, cigarettes, vaping devices, litter, or unapproved alcohol and drugs. The operator keeps the outing family-friendly and protects the water and wildlife.

The tour runs in English and Spanish. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure. Those terms are helpful if your plans around Tenerife are still shifting.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would choose this trip if you want three things in one compact outing: a chance to see dolphins or whales, a swim in a striking coastal setting, and a close look at Los Gigantes from the sea.

It suits couples, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who prefers a small, lively boat to a large cruise vessel. It also works well for people with only a short window in Los Gigantes.

I would think twice if you dislike open boats, get seasick easily, need a long swimming session, or want guaranteed quiet. The music and friendly atmosphere are part of the experience, but they may not suit someone seeking a peaceful wildlife survey.

Non-swimmers can remain on board and enjoy the scenery, but the swim is a major part of the tour’s appeal. If getting into deep water from a boat is not comfortable for you, choose an outing built around shore access instead.

Should you book the Masca Bay boat tour?

Yes, if you want an affordable, lively introduction to the Los Gigantes coast. The strongest combination is the realistic chance of seeing pilot whales or dolphins, the clear-water stop at Masca Bay, and the return cruise beneath the cliffs.

Book it with flexible expectations. Wildlife sightings vary, the swim may last only 10 to 15 minutes, and the sea can be windy. Bring your own snorkeling equipment, arrive with time to find the harbor office, and leave room in your schedule after the tour.

At $28, the risk is small. You may see dolphins and whales, or you may mainly enjoy the cliffs and sea. Either way, the two-hour format gives you a good taste of Los Gigantes without taking over your day.

FAQ

How long does the boat tour last?

The activity lasts about two hours, though the exact time on the water can vary with weather, sea conditions, and the time needed to find dolphins or whales.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at the Los Gigantes harbor area, at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21. Check-in is listed at Maritima Acantilados or the Nashira Uno Office, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What animals might I see?

You might see dolphins, pilot whales, and possibly other whale species such as Bryde’s whales. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops in Masca Bay for a swim beneath the Cliffs of Los Gigantes. The swimming time can vary and may be about 10 to 15 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling equipment if you want to snorkel. Towels, sunscreen, and goggles are also recommended.

What drink is included?

The tour includes one drink, with a choice of water, a soft drink, or beer.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.