Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour with Drinks

Whales, cliffs, paella, and a sea swim. This Los Gigantes boat trip packs a lot into two or three hours, with a good chance of seeing pilot whales or dolphins, plus time at the foot of the Masca and Los Gigantes cliffs. I especially like the friendly multilingual crew and the simple mix of wildlife, scenery, food, and swimming. The main thing to keep in mind is that sightings depend on sea conditions, and the boat can feel crowded on busy departures.

I also like the value: at about $38 per person, the trip includes drinks, a guide, toilets, and free time in the water. Choose the three-hour version if you want the paella lunch, which comes with chicken, vegetables, fruit, and drinks. If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously before booking, as the Atlantic can be lively.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are a real possibility: Several departures have seen pilot whales and dolphins close to the boat, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• The three-hour option adds lunch: The longer trip includes chicken and vegetable paella, fruit, and drinks, making it the better value for a relaxed outing.
• Swimming is part of the fun: You can enter by the boat stairs or use the trapeze for a splash into the clear Atlantic water.
• Los Gigantes provides the grand finale: The cliffs rise almost 600 meters above the sea, with the Masca area adding rugged coastal scenery.
• The crew keeps things lively: The staff are described as funny, attentive, professional, and able to give commentary in Spanish, English, French, and German.
• Arrive 30 minutes early: Find the Flipper Uno office on the right at the entrance to Los Gigantes Harbor, where staff wear yellow uniforms.

Setting out from Los Gigantes Harbor

Your trip begins at the Flipper Uno office at the entrance to Los Gigantes Harbor. It is on the right-hand side as you enter, and the staff wear yellow uniforms. Arrive 30 minutes before departure. This matters because late arrivals are not refunded or moved to another sailing.

The boat returns to the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel are not included, which is worth checking when you plan your day around Los Gigantes.

Flipper Uno gives the excursion a light pirate flavor, a detail that children seem to enjoy. It is not presented as a quiet, luxury yacht outing. Expect a social boat trip with a cheerful crew, onboard announcements, and a group atmosphere. One practical downside is that popular departures may feel full, so anyone wanting a peaceful, private outing should set expectations accordingly.

The boat has toilets, which is useful on a trip lasting up to three hours. Drinks are available throughout the outing, including water, cola, Fanta, beer, and red wine. Canarian schnapps is also included, adding a local touch near the end or during the meal.

Searching for dolphins and pilot whales

The first major part of the trip is the search for marine life off the coast of Tenerife. The crew watches the water and explains what you are seeing when dolphins or whales appear. Pilot whales are the most frequently noted sighting in the supplied trip accounts, while dolphins have also appeared in groups close to the boat.

Pilot whales are not the enormous whales many people picture, but they are impressive animals and can be seen clearly when conditions cooperate. Dolphins can bring a faster, more playful moment, especially when several appear together. The best advice is to keep scanning the water rather than stare at one fixed spot. Wildlife moves quickly, and the crew may direct your attention from one side of the boat to the other.

Sightings are never promised. The operator clearly states that dolphins and whales depend on sea conditions, so you should book this for the full experience, not as a guaranteed wildlife show. Some trips see both pilot whales and dolphins. Others see only dolphins, or spend more time enjoying the cliffs and bay.

That honesty is important. A boat trip can still be worthwhile without a major sighting because the coastal views and swim stop remain part of the plan. Still, if seeing a particular animal is the only reason you want to go, the natural uncertainty may frustrate you.

The guide provides commentary in Spanish, English, French, and German. The multilingual approach is useful for mixed groups, although the sound system may be loud at times, and some announcements can be difficult to hear from every part of the boat. Staying near the guide when the boat stops for an explanation should help.

The cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca

Once the wildlife search is complete, the boat heads toward the cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes. These sea cliffs reach almost 600 meters, making them one of the defining sights on Tenerife’s west coast. Seen from the water, their scale is easier to appreciate than from land because the boat places you directly below the rock walls.

This part of the trip gives the outing its sense of place. The wildlife is unpredictable, but the cliffs are the reliable highlight. You pass beaches and coastal coves before reaching the area around Masca Bay, where the sea is often calmer and better suited to a swim stop.

The views are especially valuable if you have not explored this section of Tenerife by boat before. From the deck, you see the cliffs rising from the water, with no road or viewpoint between you and the coast. Bring a camera, but keep it secure and protected from spray. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also essential because the open deck offers little escape from the sun.

The boat’s pirate style and lively commentary suit families well. Some adults may prefer a smaller, quieter vessel, but the larger social setup can be a plus if you want an easygoing afternoon with food, drinks, and entertainment built in.

Swimming at a clear Atlantic bay

The boat drops anchor in one of the bays near the cliffs, often around the Masca area, for free time in the water. This is not just a quick photo stop. You can swim, use the boat stairs, or swing from the trapeze and jump into the sea.

The trapeze is one of the most popular parts of the trip. It gives confident swimmers a playful way to enter the water, while the stairs provide a calmer option. Nonswimmers may be given foam flotation equipment, according to the trip details, but you should still bring your own level of caution and stay within your comfort zone.

The swim stop can vary with the wind. On one departure, the stop was shorter than planned because of rough conditions, although passengers still had time to enter the water. This is a useful reminder that the schedule is shaped by the Atlantic, not just by the printed itinerary.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and beachwear. You should also pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. The combination of bright sun, sea glare, and wind can catch you off guard, even on a mild day.

The water may look inviting, but the boat does not promise a long, quiet swim. Think of this as a refreshing break and a chance to enjoy the setting, not a dedicated snorkeling session. Fishing, feeding animals, and touching marine life are not allowed.

Paella, fruit, and drinks on the three-hour trip

If you choose the three-hour option, lunch includes paella with chicken and vegetables, followed by a piece of fruit. The meal has earned particularly strong praise, with several people calling it tasty or delicious. For an activity priced around $38, having a hot meal included makes a meaningful difference.

The paella is a straightforward group lunch rather than a restaurant meal. The described version contains chicken, tomato, peas, and rice. If you do not eat rice, there does not appear to be an alternative meal listed, so check carefully before selecting the lunch option.

Drinks include water, cola, Fanta, beer, and red wine. The supply is described as generous, though soft drinks may be served in small cups rather than full cans. That is a minor point, but it explains why you should not expect a full bar service.

The drink package is useful after swimming and helps keep the boat outing social. Alcohol is included, so pace yourself, especially in the sun and on moving water. Intoxication is not allowed, and the crew can restrict participation if someone becomes unsafe.

The shorter two-hour option may suit you if you want the wildlife and scenery without a full meal. The three-hour version makes more sense for families or anyone who wants a slower outing with lunch and a proper swim stop. Exact starting times vary, so check availability for the day you want.

Crew, languages, and the overall mood

The crew receives some of the strongest praise connected with this trip. They are described as welcoming, entertaining, attentive, and professional. That combination matters on a boat excursion because the staff control the timing of wildlife viewing, swimming, food, and safety instructions.

The humor also helps. The crew joke with the group and keep the atmosphere upbeat without turning the whole trip into a forced performance. Families seem to enjoy the pirate theme, while adults can appreciate the practical help when someone feels unwell.

One particularly useful detail is that a crew member helped a passenger who became seasick. That does not remove the risk of motion sickness, but it suggests that staff pay attention to how people are coping. If you often feel ill on boats, bring whatever remedy you normally use and choose your seat carefully.

The guide speaks Spanish, English, French, and German. Commentary covers the marine life and the scenery, though the speaker volume may be high, and hearing every word is not guaranteed from all positions on the boat.

Is $38 good value?

At roughly $38 per person, this is a strong-value outing if you want several activities in one booking. You are paying for the boat ride, wildlife search, guide, cliff views, swimming time, onboard toilets, drinks, and, with the right option, a paella lunch and fruit.

The price is less compelling if you want a small boat, silence, or a specialist wildlife tour focused only on observation. This is an all-round excursion with a broad appeal. Its strength is variety rather than a highly focused approach.

The three-hour choice gives you more for the money because of the meal and longer time on the water. A family can build a half-day around it without adding lunch at a restaurant afterward. The shorter option may be enough if you are testing your tolerance for boat travel or have limited time in Los Gigantes.

The lack of hotel transport does add a planning step. You must make your own way to the harbor and arrive early. Still, because the meeting point is clearly identified and the boat returns there, the logistics are fairly simple once you reach Los Gigantes.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

This excursion suits families, couples, and groups who want an active outing with several changes of pace. You get wildlife watching, cliff scenery, swimming, food, and drinks instead of spending the entire time focused on one activity.

Children who enjoy boats, pirate themes, and jumping into the sea are likely to have a particularly good time. The stairs and trapeze give swimmers a choice, and flotation support may be available for nonswimmers.

You should also consider it if you are taking an older relative or first-time boat passenger. The scenic element does not depend entirely on swimming, and the crew is described as helpful and attentive. The toilets onboard are another practical advantage.

I would be more cautious if you are highly sensitive to motion, dislike busy group outings, or need a quiet boat with flexible personal space. The Atlantic may be choppy, the speaker can be loud, and a busy departure may feel crowded.

The trip is also not suitable for unaccompanied minors. Smoking, vaping, drones, fishing, glass objects, speakers, oversized luggage, and sharp objects are not allowed. You should avoid bringing anything you do not need on the boat.

What to pack and how to prepare

Wear swimwear under comfortable beachwear and bring a towel. Add sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a camera, but protect electronics from splashes and keep loose items secure.

Carry some cash. It is specifically listed among the recommended items, and you may want it for personal expenses or a tip, although tipping is not included in the package.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure at the Flipper Uno office. Look for the yellow-uniformed staff on the right side of the harbor entrance. Late arrival means no refund and no rescheduling.

Do not plan an important appointment immediately afterward. Sea conditions can affect the timing of the swim stop, and the boat trip is designed to be enjoyed at sea rather than rushed like a transport service.

Should you book the Los Gigantes whale-watching tour?

I would book it if you want a well-priced, family-friendly boat outing that combines wildlife, Tenerife’s famous cliffs, swimming, lunch, and drinks. The strongest reasons are the warm crew, the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, and the excellent setting around Los Gigantes and Masca.

Choose the three-hour option if paella and a longer swim matter to you. Choose the shorter trip if you mainly want the wildlife search and cliff views.

Book with realistic expectations. You may see dolphins and pilot whales close to the boat, but no sighting is guaranteed. You may also encounter wind, a crowded deck, or loud announcements. For most people, the mix of scenery, water time, food, and good humor makes those limits a fair trade at about $38.

FAQ

Where does the Los Gigantes boat tour start?

It starts at the Flipper Uno office at the entrance to Los Gigantes Harbor on the right-hand side. Staff wear yellow uniforms.

Where does the boat trip end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at Los Gigantes Harbor.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 30 minutes before the tour starts. Late arrivals do not receive a refund or rescheduling.

How long is the excursion?

You can choose a two-hour or three-hour option. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

No. Dolphin and whale sightings depend on sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

What food is included?

The three-hour option includes paella with chicken and vegetables, plus a piece of fruit for dessert.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are cola, Fanta, water, beer, and red wine. Canarian schnapps is also included.

Can I swim from the boat?

Yes. The boat offers free time for swimming, with stairs for entering the water and a trapeze for jumping in.