Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

Pilot whales can appear within minutes of leaving Los Gigantes, and the small boat can bring you close without the crowded feel of a large sightseeing vessel. The trip then turns into a scenic coastal ride beneath the towering cliffs, with time for a swim in a clear-water bay if sea conditions and timing allow.

I like the small RIB boat, which usually carries no more than 12 passengers, and I like the way guides such as Luca and Alejandro combine wildlife watching with lively commentary about Tenerife’s coast. The $33 price is especially good for a two-hour outing that includes marine wildlife, cliffs, and a swimming stop.

The main caution is the sea itself. Wildlife cannot truly be guaranteed, despite the promotional wording, and strong wind or waves may prevent dolphin sightings or shorten the swimming stop. This is also a moving speedboat ride, not a slow, highly scripted nature lecture.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the most reliable sighting: These animals are technically the largest members of the dolphin family, and pods are often spotted in the sanctuary.
• A small boat changes the experience: With up to about 12 passengers, you get more room for photos and a closer view than on a large cruise vessel.
• The 600-meter cliffs are a major part of the trip: The return route passes close to Los Gigantes and offers views toward the Masca valley.
• A swim may be included: The boat can stop at Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López, depending on conditions and timing.
• Wildlife sightings are never certain: Dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, and jellyfish have all been spotted, but nature sets the schedule.
• Arrive early: Reach the port at least 30 minutes before departure, and allow an hour if you need to park or find the harbor.

Leaving Los Gigantes in a 12-passenger RIB

You make your own way to Los Gigantes port. There is no hotel pickup, so plan your route carefully, especially if you are coming from another part of Tenerife. Traffic near the harbor can be heavy, and parking may be difficult both inside and outside the port.

The operator asks you to arrive 30 minutes before departure. In practical terms, I would allow an hour if you are driving. A late arrival can mean no refund and no rescheduling, so this is not the time to cut things close.

The boat is a rigid inflatable speedboat, commonly called a RIB. It is much smaller than the large catamarans used for many Tenerife excursions. That smaller size gives you a more personal outing, easier views in every direction, and fewer people competing for the best photo position.

There is a trade-off. A RIB offers a lively ride over open water, and the spray can be part of the fun. On a windy day, it can also feel rough. One passenger described the ride as more of a relaxed cruise than a true speedboat trip, so do not book this expecting nonstop racing.

Searching the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary

The boat heads toward the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, an important marine area off Tenerife’s southwest coast. The region is promoted as the whale-watching capital of Europe, and its waters are known for regular sightings of pilot whales and dolphins.

The crew’s first job is to find the animals. The captain may travel quickly at the start to reach the best area, then slow down once wildlife appears. The best trips have included large groups of pilot whales, pods of dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and even occasional jellyfish.

Pilot whales are the species most often described during this outing. They are not the enormous blue or humpback whales that many people picture when they hear the word whale. They are actually members of the dolphin family, although their size and rounded heads make them impressive in their own right.

That distinction matters. If your dream is to see a giant baleen whale breaching beside the boat, this trip may not meet that exact expectation. If you want a good chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins in the wild, the outing makes much more sense.

The guides are a big part of the experience. Luca is frequently praised for his humor, quick spotting skills, and care around the animals. Alejandro has also led trips, explaining the behavior of pilot whales and pointing out coastal features along the route. The official host language is Spanish, so do not expect a multilingual nature presentation.

Some guides offer clear explanations through gestures and simple communication, but you should be comfortable with a Spanish-led activity. One passenger found the commentary fairly limited and suggested reading about Tenerife’s marine life beforehand if detailed natural science is important to you.

Respectful wildlife watching from a quiet engine

A particularly good feature is the crew’s approach when animals are nearby. The captain may turn off the engine or keep it off as much as possible, allowing the group to watch without the boat constantly pressing forward.

That makes a real difference. You hear the water, watch the pod move, and have time to take pictures without feeling that the boat is chasing every animal. Sightings have included pilot whales traveling with calves, groups of around 20 dolphins, and pods of more than 20 pilot whales.

Of course, the animals do not follow a timetable. Several outings have produced both dolphins and whales, while others have found only pilot whales. On rough or windy days, the crew may not locate dolphins at all. One trip had no dolphin sighting but still included whales, cliffs, and a swim in a cove.

The phrase guaranteed sightings needs a little care. The activity details also state that dolphins and whales depend on sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed. Read that as a strong effort to find wildlife, not a promise that a particular species will appear.

Passing beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward the coast and the cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes. These walls rise about 600 meters above the sea and are among the highest coastal cliffs in the world.

This is not just filler between the wildlife and the harbor. The cliffs are one of the trip’s strongest features, especially if you have not seen them from the water before. From below, their scale is hard to judge from land. The boat gives you a direct view of the dark volcanic rock, narrow coastal inlets, and the Masca valley opening inland.

The captain often slows down to explain the formations and point out coastal details. A small boat is useful here because it can travel close to the cliff base and enter areas that feel more intimate than a broad harbor cruise.

The timing can vary. If the wildlife search takes longer, the cliff section may be shorter. One passenger reported spending only around 20 to 30 minutes watching whales, followed by more time traveling and swimming. Another felt too much time was spent stationary with the whales and would have preferred more time near the cliffs.

That is a fair point for anyone prone to seasickness. Watching whales often means sitting or drifting on open water, where the motion can feel stronger than during a steady cruise. If you are sensitive, choose a calm day if possible and consider the boat ride carefully.

Swimming at Masca Bay and other coves

The final major part of the outing is a stop in a sheltered bay. Possible locations include Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, and Juan López. The water is described as clear and turquoise, with dramatic dark cliffs around the cove.

You can swim if conditions permit. Several people describe the stop as a highlight, with roughly 20 minutes in the water on some trips. Others skipped it in winter, when the Atlantic felt too cold. Bring a towel and wear swimwear under your clothes if you want the option.

Snorkeling may be possible, but bring your own mask if that matters to you. The activity includes the boat ride, skipper, and wildlife search, but it does not list snorkeling equipment.

The swimming stop is not always handled the same way. It may be shortened by weather, late departure, or a longer wildlife encounter. In one case, the stop was not clearly mentioned during the outing, leaving a passenger unprepared. Treat it as a possible bonus rather than the central promise of the tour.

The bay also gives you a welcome change of pace. After the noise and movement of the RIB, a short stop in still water lets you enjoy the cliffs from sea level. Some trips have included fresh fruit, particularly oranges, after the swim, though this should not be treated as a guaranteed inclusion.

What the $33 price really buys

At $33 per person, this is strong value for a two-hour trip. You are paying for a small-boat wildlife search, a skipper, a coastal sightseeing route, and the chance to swim in a striking bay.

Compared with a large boat excursion, the advantages are clear. The RIB usually carries up to 12 passengers, which means less crowding and a better chance of seeing animals from the side or bow. The boat can also feel closer to the water, and the engine can be shut off quickly when wildlife is found.

The lower price does not mean every part is polished. The activity is Spanish-led, there is no hotel transport, and port parking can add stress. You also receive a two-hour window, not a full-day marine safari, so the wildlife search, cliff route, and swim must all fit into a fairly tight schedule.

I would call it especially good value for couples, solo visitors, and families who want a compact outing. It is also a smart choice if you are comparing it with a much larger cruise and care more about a smaller group than onboard facilities.

Who should book this boat trip?

This outing suits you if you want several experiences in one short trip: marine wildlife, a lively ride, dramatic cliffs, and a possible swim. Families with children over age two have enjoyed it, and one guide provided extra care for a child who was cold by lending a vest.

You should be ready for open water, spray, and some movement. Pregnant women are allowed on board, but the activity information says they participate at their own risk. Children under two are not permitted.

It is a good match for photographers because the boat is small and the group is limited. It is less suitable if you need guaranteed dolphin sightings, want extensive wildlife lectures in English, or dislike sitting on a moving boat while waiting for animals to surface.

For the best chance of a comfortable ride, watch the sea conditions before you go. Wind made one trip too rough for dolphin sightings, while calm sunny days produced close encounters and a pleasant swim. A light jacket is wise in cooler months, even when Tenerife feels warm on land.

Practical details before you reserve

The tour lasts two hours and departs from Los Gigantes port. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The boat operator is Flipper Uno.

Keep these points in mind:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
• Allow an hour if you are driving to find parking and reach the meeting point.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
• Glass objects are not allowed on board.
• Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to use the swimming stop.
• Consider a jacket in winter or on cloudy days.
• Expect Spanish as the tour language.
• Do not count on seeing both dolphins and whales.
• The boat is not suitable for children under two.

Should you book the Los Gigantes speedboat cruise?

I would book this tour if you value a small group, close views of pilot whales, and a coastal route that includes the Los Gigantes cliffs. At $33, it packs a lot into two hours, and the strongest part is the combination of wildlife watching and scenery rather than either one alone.

Book with realistic expectations. The animals are wild, the sea can change the plan, and the swim may be brief or skipped. If you can accept that uncertainty, this is one of the better low-cost ways to experience Tenerife’s southwest coast from the water.

FAQ

Where does the dolphin and whale watching cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Los Gigantes port in Tenerife. You must make your own way there because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts two hours. Check the available starting times when you book.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $33 per person.

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

No. The operator makes a strong effort to find wildlife, but sightings depend on sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, or other marine life.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and jellyfish. The most frequently reported whale sighting is the pilot whale.

Is swimming included?

The itinerary includes a possible swim in a bay such as Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López. Conditions and timing can affect whether the stop takes place.

What should I bring for the swimming stop?

Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to swim. If you hope to snorkel, bring your own mask because snorkeling equipment is not listed as included.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The host or greeter language is Spanish. The activity information does not list English or other languages.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. If you are coming by car or public transport, allow about an hour because traffic and parking around Los Gigantes port can be difficult.