Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

The ocean gets interesting fast. This two-hour speedboat trip from Los Gigantes combines close wildlife watching, a swim in a clear-water bay, and a thrilling run beneath Tenerife’s huge volcanic cliffs. I especially like the small RIB-style boat, which can carry up to 12 passengers, and the chance to watch pilot whales with the engine cut off nearby. The $33 price is also strong value for a two-hour outing.

The main thing to keep in mind is that wildlife is never fully predictable. The tour description uses the phrase guaranteed sightings, but the booking information also says dolphins and whales cannot be guaranteed because sea conditions control what you see. The boat can also feel rough in wind and waves, and much of the two hours is spent getting to the animals and returning to port.

Key points before you book

• Small boat, maximum 12 passengers: You get more room for photos and a closer view than on a large sightseeing vessel.
• Pilot whales are the most reliable sighting: Dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and other marine life are possible, but not assured.
• Two hours includes several parts: Wildlife watching, a stop for swimming, and a scenic run beside the Los Gigantes and Masca cliffs.
• The Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary is the main wildlife area: This coast is known for regular sightings of pilot whales and dolphins.
• Arrive early at Los Gigantes port: Parking can be difficult, traffic can be heavy, and late arrivals do not receive a refund or a new departure.
• Bring a jacket and towel: The boat ride can feel cool, even on Tenerife, and the swim stop is optional.

Setting out from Los Gigantes port

You make your own way to the harbor in Los Gigantes. This matters because hotel pickup is not included, and the port sits in an area where parking can take time. The practical advice is to arrive at least an hour before departure, even though the required meeting time is 30 minutes early.

Once you find the meeting point, you board a rigid inflatable speedboat. The small size is one of the best reasons to choose this trip. With up to 12 passengers, you are not looking over several rows of heads or waiting for a distant animal to surface beside a large yacht. A half-full boat can feel almost private.

The speedboat gives the trip some energy, though you should keep your expectations in check. One person found the ride more like a leisurely cruise than a true high-speed run. That is not necessarily bad. The boat still covers the coast efficiently, but the trip is designed around wildlife and scenery, not nonstop thrills.

The crew has included guides called Luca, Alejandro, and Alessandro on different departures. Luca receives especially warm praise for his humor, practical care, and ability to spot animals. Alejandro is also noted for explaining pilot whales and the coast clearly. The host language is Spanish, so do not assume you will receive a full tour in English.

Watching pilot whales in the Teno-Rasca sanctuary

The boat heads toward the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, an important marine area off Tenerife’s west coast. The aim is to find pilot whales and dolphins in open water, not in an aquarium or staged show. That makes the sighting feel more meaningful, but it also means nature sets the schedule.

Pilot whales are the star of this trip. Several outings found groups of six, 20, or even 22 animals. Some boats came within roughly five meters, although the distance depends on the animals, the sea, and responsible operating rules. Pilot whales are actually large members of the dolphin family, a point worth knowing before you go. If you expect only the huge baleen whales seen in nature documentaries, you may find the species here different from what you imagined.

The best captains appear to handle the animals with care. They turn off the engine or reduce it as much as possible when the boat is close, then allow the pod to move naturally. That gives you quieter viewing and avoids the unpleasant feeling of chasing wildlife. A pod may remain beside the boat for some time, or it may surface only briefly and disappear.

Dolphins can also appear, sometimes in large groups swimming around the bow. Common dolphins, Atlantic dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins have all been reported on different trips. Other possible sightings include turtles, flying fish, jellyfish, a shark, and even a marlin. These are welcome surprises, not promises.

The trip’s wildlife success varies. Some departures found whales, dolphins, and turtles within minutes. Others saw only pilot whales, while a windy outing produced no dolphins. One departure saw no whales or dolphins at all, though the group still enjoyed kayaking and snorkeling. You should book this as a chance to see wild animals, not as a guaranteed checklist.

What the two-hour timing really means

Two hours sounds generous until you break it down. The boat must leave the harbor, reach productive waters, spend time observing animals, stop in a bay, and return to Los Gigantes. Depending on the sighting location and departure timing, the actual wildlife viewing may last around 20 to 30 minutes.

That is not a flaw by itself. Watching a pod for a long stretch can be the most valuable part of the trip. Still, one group found that a late departure reduced the time spent beside the cliffs and at the swimming bay. The advertised end time remained unchanged, so punctuality at the start matters.

The best way to judge the duration is to see it as a compact coastal outing rather than a dedicated research cruise. You get wildlife, scenery, and a swim in one package. If you want several hours focused only on marine mammals, this is too short.

Riding beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat runs close to the cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca. These volcanic walls rise to about 600 meters and are among the highest coastal cliffs in the world. From sea level, their height is hard to grasp until the boat is directly below them.

This is where the trip becomes more than whale watching. You see the cliffs from a viewpoint that roads and walking trails cannot provide. The route may also offer views toward the Masca Valley, with dark rock faces dropping sharply into the Atlantic.

A small boat works well here. It can pass close to the cliff base and pause for photographs without the crowding of a larger vessel. Guides such as Luca have used the scenic section to explain the rock formations and add a little humor. The commentary may not be a long natural-history lecture, though. One person found the trip light on detailed explanation, so read up beforehand if marine biology is a major interest.

The rougher water can also show itself along this stretch. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the crew recommends and keep your eyes on the horizon. The boat’s movement is part of the experience, but it can be tiring for some passengers.

Swimming at Masca Bay and other coves

The final major stop is a sheltered bay. The crew may choose Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López, depending on conditions. These coves offer clear water and a striking setting beneath the cliffs.

The swimming stop usually lasts around 20 minutes when the schedule allows. You can enter the Atlantic, stay on the boat, or simply enjoy the view. Some people skipped the swim in cooler months, especially December and February, while others called the stop one of the best parts of the trip.

Bring a towel and wear swimwear under your clothes if you want to get in without changing. A mask for snorkeling may be useful, but it is not listed as included, so bring your own if you want one. Do not bring glass objects on board.

The stop is also a useful balance to the wildlife section. After sitting in a moving boat and watching for surfacing animals, you get time to stretch, cool off, and take photographs. The bay is not a separate beach excursion, so do not expect a long shore visit or a full snorkeling session.

Guides, group size, and the feel on board

The guide can make or break a short boat trip, and this is one area where the experience often earns high marks. Luca is repeatedly praised for being funny, attentive, and skilled at finding pilot whales. He has also been noted for helping families sit together and lending a child a warmer vest.

Other nice touches have included fresh fruit, such as oranges from the captain’s own orchard. These extras are not listed as guaranteed, so treat them as occasional kindness rather than part of the package. The consistent offering is the boat, skipper, and coastal route.

The small group makes the outing more personal. A 12-passenger limit gives you room to turn, watch, and take pictures. It also lets the skipper react to your interest, slowing down when something catches your eye. On the other hand, a small RIB has less shelter than a big boat. Wind, spray, and sun reach you directly.

The boat is not described as wheelchair accessible, and no accessibility details are supplied. Pregnant women may ride at their own risk. Children under two are not permitted, while a seven-year-old has enjoyed the trip on a previous departure.

Is $33 good value?

At $33 per person, I consider this good value if you want several experiences in one short outing. You get a speedboat ride, a wildlife search, views of the Los Gigantes cliffs, and a swimming stop. The small boat is a real advantage compared with larger, more crowded vessels that may cost more.

The price does not include transportation to the port, food, or hotel pickup. You also need to account for parking, which can be difficult inside and outside the harbor. Still, the low price leaves room in your budget for a meal in Los Gigantes or another Tenerife activity.

Value depends on your expectations. If dolphins are your only goal, a departure with no dolphins may feel disappointing even if pilot whales appear. If you see the trip as a coastal adventure with wildlife as the main possibility, the cost is easier to justify.

Practical advice for a smoother trip

Arrive early. The port can be confusing, parking can fill up, and late arrivals are not refunded or rescheduled. Aim to be there an hour before departure rather than racing in 30 minutes before.

Wear layers. February conditions have felt cool on the water, especially when clouds move in. A light jacket or jumper is a smart addition, even when Tenerife is warm on land.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and a phone or camera. Keep loose belongings secure, and leave glass items behind. The crew may provide a life vest or other safety equipment, but the supplied information does not promise specific onboard amenities.

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking your usual precautions before departure. One person found the extended whale-watching period uncomfortable because of the boat’s movement. The sea may be calm, but no operator can control the swell.

Finally, listen to the guide’s wildlife instructions. The most rewarding encounters happen when the boat slows down, the engine goes quiet, and the animals set the distance.

Who should book this Los Gigantes cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a short, affordable outing with a small group and several highlights packed together. Families with children over two, couples, photographers, and first-time whale watchers should find plenty to enjoy, provided everyone is comfortable on an open speedboat.

It is also a good pick if you want to see Los Gigantes from the water without committing to a half-day cruise. The cliffs and Masca coast alone make the trip worthwhile on a clear day.

I would think twice if you need guaranteed dolphin sightings, dislike bumpy boat rides, or want a detailed lecture in English. You should also skip it if a swim in cooler Atlantic water does not appeal to you, though the swim is optional.

Should you book it?

For $33, I think this is an easy choice for most visitors staying in or near Los Gigantes. The strongest reasons are the small boat, respectful wildlife viewing, skilled skippers such as Luca and Alejandro, and the scenic run below the cliffs.

Book it for the full mix of sea life, cliffs, and swimming, not for one guaranteed animal. Arrive early, pack a jacket and towel, and accept that nature may deliver pilot whales instead of dolphins, or scenery instead of wildlife. With that mindset, this compact trip offers a lot for two hours.

FAQ

Where does the dolphin and whale watching cruise depart?

It departs from the port of Los Gigantes in Tenerife. You must make your own way to the port because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long is the boat trip?

The listed duration is two hours. This includes the journey to the wildlife area, time watching marine animals, the coastal route beside the cliffs, a possible swim stop, and the return to Los Gigantes.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

The activity information says sightings depend on sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed. Pilot whales and dolphins are often seen, but some departures see only one type of animal or no whales and dolphins at all.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, jellyfish, sharks, and other marine life. The exact animals vary with the day and sea conditions.

Is swimming included?

The boat normally stops in a bay such as Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López for a swim. Swimming is optional, and the stop can be affected by timing and conditions.

How early should I arrive?

You should reach the meeting point 30 minutes before departure. Because traffic and parking around Los Gigantes can be difficult, arriving about an hour early is recommended. Late arrivals do not receive a refund or rescheduled trip.