Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

Wildlife, cliffs, and a swim in two hours. This $33 Los Gigantes cruise packs a lot into a short outing, combining dolphin and pilot whale watching with views of Tenerife’s volcanic coast and a stop in a clear-water bay. I especially like the chance to see marine life in the wild and the simple finish: a cold drink, a swim, and towering cliffs overhead.

The crew has earned strong praise for friendly service, careful boat handling, and good spotting skills. Some trips have included pilot whales with calves, large groups of dolphins, turtles, and flying fish. The main consideration is that whales and dolphins are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed, and the sea can be choppy enough to bother you if you are prone to motion sickness.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the main prize: Sightings have included large groups, mothers with calves, and whales close enough for passengers to hear them breathe.
• Los Gigantes provides the backdrop: The boat passes beneath the enormous volcanic cliffs and continues toward the Masca area.
• The swim stop is part of the appeal: Depending on sea conditions, you may swim at Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López.
• A cold drink is included: Choose from cola, Fanta, water, or beer while the boat is cruising or anchored.
• The tour is short but full: Two hours gives you wildlife, coastal scenery, and swimming without taking up half a day.
• Arrive early at the port: Los Gigantes can have difficult parking and heavy traffic, so arriving an hour early is sensible.

Setting out from Los Gigantes Port

You meet the boat at Los Gigantes Port and look for the Masca Express, operated by Flipper Uno. The meeting instructions ask you to arrive 30 minutes before departure, but I would give yourself a full hour if you are driving or using public transport. Parking can be hard to find both inside and outside the harbor, and a late arrival means no refund or rescheduling.

The port itself is a fitting starting point. Los Gigantes is known for its huge cliffs, and you begin seeing their scale as the boat leaves the harbor. From the water, the rock walls feel much larger than they do from land. The boat gives you a better sense of how steeply the coast rises from the Atlantic.

This is a two-hour trip, not a full-day sailing excursion. That matters if you are fitting it around a beach day, a drive through western Tenerife, or another activity. You get a taste of the coast without committing an entire morning or afternoon.

The tour is listed with Spanish as the language. Some crew members may speak other languages, and Alejandro has been specifically praised for speaking excellent English, but you should not assume that every departure will offer a full English-language presentation.

Searching for dolphins and pilot whales

The first major part of the cruise is the search for dolphins and whales in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary. The area is described as the whale-watching capital of Europe, and pilot whales are the species most often reported on these outings.

The boat may travel for around 30 minutes before reaching the main wildlife area. Once there, the crew watches the water closely and directs attention to sightings. That practical skill matters. A whale’s back can appear for only a few seconds, and dolphins can surface on either side of the boat with little warning.

The best moments are not simply about counting animals. You might see a group of pilot whales moving together, a mother beside a calf, or dolphins playing in the wake. Several trips have included pods of around a dozen dolphins, while other outings have found two large whale groups. A few lucky departures have also seen turtles and flying fish.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire trip staring at your phone. The animals move quickly, and the most rewarding part is often the first sighting, when everyone on board suddenly points in the same direction. The boat may stop or reduce its movement near the whales, giving you a better chance to watch and take photographs.

There is an important limit here: no wildlife sighting can be promised. Sea conditions affect where the animals are and how easy they are to find. Some trips have seen dolphins but no whales. That does not mean the outing has failed, but you should book it for the whole experience rather than for a guaranteed checklist.

The rules also protect the animals and the quality of the encounter. You cannot touch the dolphins or whales, ride animals, use speakers, smoke, vape, or bring glass objects. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, although one included beer is offered as a drink choice.

Sailing beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat turns toward the cliffs of Los Gigantes and the Masca coast. This is where the trip shifts from animal watching to scenery, and it gives you a different view of Tenerife’s western shore.

The cliffs are the dramatic centerpiece. From a small boat, you can look almost straight upward at the dark volcanic walls. The route may also include views toward Masca Gorge and nearby coastal coves such as Barranco Seco and Juan López.

The boat ride is not just a transfer between two stops. The crew may share facts about Los Gigantes and the surrounding sea life while you take in the cliffs. Alejandro has been praised for explaining whales, dolphins, and other marine life in an engaging way, while captains and skippers have been described as friendly, professional, and safety-conscious.

You also get time to sit in the sun and enjoy your included drink. The choices are cola, Fanta, water, or beer. It is a small inclusion, but it suits the relaxed character of the trip. You are not paying extra every time you want something cold while the boat is out at sea.

The boat has been described as clean and well maintained, with enough room to relax. Still, remember that this is a boat excursion, not a luxury yacht charter. If the ocean is rough, the ride can feel lively. One passenger reported brief dizziness on the smaller boat, while another described large waves but still felt safe. If you often get seasick, sit where movement feels least noticeable and bring whatever remedy you normally use.

Swimming at Masca, Juan López, or Barranco Seco

The final major part of the outing is the swim stop. The captain anchors in a sheltered bay, with Masca, Juan López, or Barranco Seco used depending on sea conditions and the day’s route.

Masca Bay appears to be a favorite because the cliffs frame the water so closely. You can jump from the boat into clear water and swim while looking back at the volcanic coast. It is a simple activity, but the setting makes it memorable. You are not swimming beside a crowded resort beach. You are floating below the cliffs, with the boat serving as your temporary platform.

The stop is described as brief, so you should not expect a long snorkeling session. Bring a swimsuit and towel, and consider packing a snorkel mask if you want to look below the surface. One passenger reported seeing hundreds of fish with a mask, although marine life beneath the boat will vary.

Pool noodles may be available for anyone who wants extra support in the water. Even so, you should be comfortable entering the sea from the boat and swimming in open water. The activity information does not promise a beach landing, so this is not the right choice if you want an easy, shallow-water swim from the sand.

Some people may prefer to stay aboard during the stop. That is perfectly reasonable. You can use the time to enjoy the cliffs, take photographs, or finish your drink while others swim.

What makes the $33 price worthwhile

At $33 per person, this is good value if you want several western Tenerife experiences in one compact outing. The price includes the cruise, the wildlife search, the Los Gigantes cliff route, the swim stop, and one cold drink. You do not need to add a separate boat trip for the cliffs or pay extra for a basic refreshment.

The value is strongest when you see both dolphins and pilot whales. A pod moving alongside the boat can make the trip feel like far more than a standard coastal ride. Even without a whale sighting, you still receive two hours on the water, views of Los Gigantes, and a swim in one of the nearby bays.

The low price also means you should keep expectations sensible. This is a short shared excursion, and the exact wildlife route depends on the sea. You are paying for a well-planned opportunity to look for animals, not a private guarantee that they will appear on cue.

The trip also works well for families. Crew members have made an effort to include children, and some departures have allowed passengers to take turns sitting with the captain or seeing the boat from a better angle. Those touches can make the outing more engaging for younger passengers, although the sea conditions still matter.

The crew and the feel on board

The crew is one of the most praised parts of the experience. Captains and guides have been described as friendly, professional, entertaining, and helpful from departure through the swim stop.

Alejandro is a name worth noting. He has been praised for his explanations of whales, dolphins, and sea life, as well as his strong English. Other crew members have also been credited with spotting animals quickly, answering questions, and creating a relaxed atmosphere.

That combination is useful on a wildlife cruise. You want a captain who handles the boat well and a guide who can help you understand what you are seeing. The strongest outings appear to balance both: the crew gives the animals space, turns off the engine near whales when appropriate, and still keeps the trip lively.

The atmosphere is casual rather than formal. Expect jokes, friendly conversation, sun, sea spray, and passengers watching the water from different sides of the boat. It is a good fit if you enjoy a social outing. If you want silence, privacy, or a polished luxury setting, choose a private charter instead.

Practical advice before you go

Plan more time around the tour than the two-hour duration suggests. The official advice is to reach the harbor 30 minutes early, but heavy traffic and scarce parking make one hour a safer target.

Wear swimwear under your clothes if you want to enter the water without fuss. Bring a towel, sun protection, and a waterproof way to carry your phone. A snorkel mask can be useful, though it is not listed as included.

Stay alert for the wildlife search. Dolphins and whales may surface on either side of the boat, and the best sighting may last only a few seconds. If photography matters to you, a camera with a wrist strap is more practical than holding an unsecured phone over the water.

You should also prepare for changing sea conditions. The swim bay and wildlife route can vary, and the boat may feel rough on a windy day. The activity is not suitable for anyone hoping to smoke, vape, bring glass, use speakers, or interact physically with the animals.

The meeting point is not a hotel pickup location. You must make your own way to Los Gigantes Port, and hotel transfers are not included. This is easy enough if you are staying nearby, but it adds planning time if you are coming from another part of Tenerife.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your plans depend on weather or if you are arranging several activities during your stay.

Who should book the Masca Express cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you want wildlife, scenery, and swimming in one short outing. It suits couples, families, and anyone who wants a strong introduction to the Los Gigantes coast without spending a full day at sea.

It is especially appealing if pilot whales are high on your list. The chance to see mothers and calves, large groups, and dolphins close to the boat gives the wildlife portion real potential. The cliffs and swim stop also provide a satisfying backup if the animals stay out of sight.

I would hesitate if you suffer badly from motion sickness, dislike shared boat trips, or need a guaranteed animal encounter. The sea can be rough, the swim is brief, and nature sets the schedule.

For most visitors who can reach the port easily, the price is hard to argue with. You get an active, scenic two hours, an included drink, and a real chance to see marine life in its natural setting. Book it with flexible expectations, arrive early, and keep your eyes on the water.

FAQ

Where does the dolphin and whale watching cruise depart?

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

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts two hours.

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

No. Sightings depend on sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Where does the swimming stop take place?

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

What drink is included?

You receive one cold drink. The choices are cola, Fanta, water, or beer.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to Los Gigantes Port.