Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

Whales, cliffs, and a swim in two hours. I like this Los Gigantes outing because it combines wildlife watching with the towering cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes, then adds a swim in clear coastal water. I also like the simple price, about $33 per person, which includes a cold drink and makes this an easy half-day addition to a Tenerife holiday.

The main caution is that dolphins and whales are wild animals, not scheduled performers. Sightings depend on sea conditions, and rough water can make the ride uncomfortable for some people. You also need to arrive early, since parking around Los Gigantes can be difficult and late arrivals are not refunded.

Key points before you book

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: Many outings spot pilot whales, sometimes with calves, along with dolphins and flying fish.
• The cliffs are part of the experience: You cruise close to the huge rock walls of Los Gigantes and the Masca area.
• The swim stop is short but memorable: The boat anchors at Masca, Juan López, or Barranco Seco, depending on conditions.
• The crew earns strong praise: Alejandro is singled out by name in several accounts for his friendly, informative approach.
• The price is hard to beat: Two hours, wildlife watching, a drink, cliff views, and swimming are included for about $33.
• Plan extra time at the port: Arrive 30 minutes early at minimum, or closer to an hour if you need to park.

Leaving Los Gigantes Port on the Masca Express

Your meeting point is Los Gigantes Port. Look for the Masca Express and arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. I would aim for an hour, especially if you are driving. The port and surrounding roads can be busy, and parking may be difficult both inside and outside the harbor.

There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the port. That is a small inconvenience, but it also helps keep the price low. If you are staying in or near Los Gigantes, the departure point is particularly convenient. If you are coming from elsewhere on Tenerife, allow extra time for traffic.

The boat leaves for a two-hour cruise along the southwest coast. The exact route changes with sea conditions and the location of marine life. That flexibility matters. A captain who can adjust the course has a better chance of finding dolphins or pilot whales than one tied to a rigid route.

The tour is presented in Spanish. Some passengers have praised Alejandro and other crew members for explaining marine life clearly, with Alejandro receiving special credit for his English. Still, you should not assume that every departure will offer the same language support.

Searching for dolphins and pilot whales

The wildlife portion takes place in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, an important marine area often described as the whale-watching capital of Europe. The name sounds grand, but the appeal is practical: the waters off Tenerife are known for regular sightings of pilot whales and dolphins.

Pilot whales are the species most often seen on this trip. They travel in groups, and several accounts describe large pods, mothers with young, and whales close enough for passengers to hear their breathing. Dolphins may appear in smaller or larger groups, sometimes swimming beside the boat or playing in its wake.

You may also see flying fish, turtles, and other sea life. One outing included a large turtle, while another spotted flying fish. These are welcome extras, not promised features. The operator clearly states that whale and dolphin sightings depend on sea conditions, so book this for the full boat ride and scenery, not only for a guaranteed animal encounter.

The crew appears to play an important role in the experience. Passengers describe the guides as quick to spot animals and willing to stop so everyone has time to watch. On some outings, the engine has been turned off near the whales. That gives you a quieter view and avoids rushing the encounter.

This is also where responsible behavior matters. Do not touch the animals, feed them, or expect the boat to chase them. The rules prohibit touching animals, and that is exactly right. The best moments come when the whales or dolphins choose to pass nearby.

If you want photographs, keep your camera ready but do not spend the entire sighting looking at a screen. Wildlife moves quickly, and a group of dolphins can vanish before you frame the shot. A phone with a wrist strap is a sensible choice on a moving boat.

Cruising beneath the cliffs of Los Gigantes

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward the immense cliffs of Los Gigantes and the Masca area. These dark volcanic walls rise sharply from the sea, making this one of Tenerife’s most dramatic coastal views.

The cliffs are impressive from land, but seeing them from the water gives you a better sense of their scale. You can look almost straight upward from the boat, with the rock face filling your view. The cruise may also pass by the Masca gorge and nearby bays, depending on the route and conditions.

This part of the trip gives you a chance to slow down. You can sit in the sun, enjoy the view, and drink the included beverage. Your choice is cola, Fanta, water, or beer. It is a small inclusion, but it fits the mood well, especially after sitting in the sun and watching for animals.

The boat is described as clean and well maintained, with enough room to relax. One passenger found the smaller boat uncomfortable because of dizziness, so consider your tolerance for movement. The sea can be choppy, and even a well-run trip may feel bumpy. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where movement feels least troublesome and bring whatever remedy you normally use.

The crew also adds a human touch. Several accounts describe friendly jokes, a relaxed atmosphere, and extra attention to children. Some passengers were allowed to take turns near the driving position or sit with the captain for photographs, though you should treat that as a courtesy rather than a standard promise.

Swimming at Masca, Juan López, or Barranco Seco

The final major part of the outing is a stop in a sheltered bay. Depending on sea and weather conditions, the boat may anchor at Masca, Juan López, or Barranco Seco.

Masca Bay receives especially warm praise for its clear water and views of the cliffs. You step or jump from the boat into the sea, then have a short swim before returning to port. Pool noodles may be available if you need extra support.

This is not a long beach stop. You are swimming from the boat, not walking ashore for a full afternoon. That makes it refreshing rather than a major beach visit. The reward is the setting: clean-looking water, volcanic cliffs, and the unusual feeling of swimming beneath the Masca coast.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof pouch for valuables. A snorkel mask is also worth packing if you have one. One passenger reported seeing hundreds of fish below the boat, although underwater visibility and marine life will vary.

If you do not want to swim, you can stay on board and enjoy the view. The activity information lists swimming as part of the trip, but it does not suggest that every person must enter the water. Parents should note that children need to be comfortable entering the sea from a boat, and anyone who dislikes open water may prefer to watch from deck.

The swim stop can also be affected by conditions. The crew may use a different bay or shorten the stop if the sea is rough. That is sensible seamanship, even if it means your swim is briefer than expected.

How the two-hour schedule works

Two hours is a useful length for this outing. You get enough time to search for marine life, see the cliffs, stop for a drink, and swim without giving up an entire day.

The timing is not divided into fixed blocks. The boat may spend longer with a pod of whales and less time at the swim stop, or it may need to search farther for dolphins. That is a good tradeoff when wildlife is involved, but it means the schedule will not feel perfectly predictable.

Some accounts describe roughly 30 minutes of travel before reaching the whale area. That leaves a substantial part of the trip for animal watching, the cliffs, and the swim. The boat is expected to leave on time, so late arrival is a serious problem rather than a minor inconvenience.

The activity information lists Spanish as the host language. If you need detailed explanations in another language, ask before booking. Still, the accounts that mention Alejandro describe him as friendly and easy to understand in English, with useful information about whales, dolphins, and sea life.

Is $33 good value?

At about $33 per person, this is strong value if you want several experiences in one short outing. The price includes the cruise, the wildlife search, the Los Gigantes cliffs, a swim stop, and one cold drink.

You are not paying for a luxury yacht or a full meal. This is a straightforward boat trip with a simple beverage and a compact schedule. That is part of its appeal. You can fit it into a day exploring Tenerife without committing to a much longer excursion.

The value improves when you see both whales and dolphins, but the price should still make sense if wildlife is limited. You are also paying for the coastal views and the boat ride through the sanctuary. No operator can promise animals, and the tour says so clearly.

There are a few extra costs to consider. Hotel transportation is not included, and parking may be difficult. You may also want to bring your own snorkel mask, towel, and motion-sickness supplies. None of these costs are large, but they matter when comparing the total outing price.

What the strongest experiences have in common

The most praised part of this cruise is the combination of wildlife and crew attitude. People describe seeing pilot whales in groups, dolphins close to the boat, and even mothers with calves. Those moments are not guaranteed, but the crew seems committed to finding animals while keeping the boat ride calm and respectful.

Alejandro is mentioned several times for his friendly manner and explanations. The crew is also credited with helping children enjoy the trip and keeping the atmosphere light. That matters on a small boat, where an unfriendly guide can make two hours feel long.

The second major strength is the setting. The cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca give the trip a clear visual payoff even before an animal appears. The final swim then changes the mood from sightseeing to relaxation.

The boat itself receives positive comments for being clean and well maintained. One important qualification is comfort in rough water. A small boat can move more than a large catamaran, and one passenger reported temporary dizziness. If you want the most stable possible ride, this may not be your ideal boat trip.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and solo visitors who want a short sea outing with several highlights. It suits you especially well if you like wildlife but also want scenery and a swim rather than two hours of sitting and waiting.

Families should appreciate the compact duration and the crew’s reported effort to make children feel involved. Parents still need to decide if their children are comfortable with boat movement and entering the sea from the vessel.

This is also a good choice if you are staying in the Los Gigantes area and want an activity that does not take the whole day. The $33 price makes it easier to add to a wider Tenerife plan.

You may want to skip it if you get seasick easily, dislike uncertain wildlife sightings, or want a long swim with plenty of time in the water. You should also reconsider if reaching the port is difficult, since there is no pickup and parking can take time.

Final booking advice

I would book this cruise if you want good value in a short outing, especially for the mix of pilot whales, dolphins, volcanic cliffs, and a swim stop. The strongest reason to choose it is the balance: you are not relying on one attraction to carry the whole trip.

Book with realistic expectations. The whales may be wonderful, the dolphins may surround the boat, or the sea may make sightings brief. Arrive early, bring a swimsuit and towel, pack a snorkel mask if you have one, and keep your schedule flexible.

For most visitors who are comfortable on the sea, the Masca Express offers a well-priced way to experience Tenerife from the water.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

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

How long is the activity?

The cruise lasts two hours.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. Sightings depend on sea conditions and the location of the animals.

What animals might I see?

The cruise focuses on whales and dolphins. Pilot whales are commonly seen, and some outings also spot turtles, flying fish, and other sea life.

Where does the swimming stop take place?

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

What drink is included?

One cold drink is included. You can choose cola, Fanta, water, or beer.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. You need to arrange your own transportation to and from Los Gigantes Port.