Los Gigantes: Whale or dolphin watching and swimming tour in Masca

The big draw here is the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins in open water, then swim beneath the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes on the same short outing. You get a lively sea trip without giving up a full day of your holiday.

I like the small-boat feel and the clear two-part plan: wildlife first, Masca Bay swim second. At $28 per person, it is an easy way to add some sea time to a stay in Tenerife. The trade-off is that wildlife is never guaranteed, and the time spent watching animals can shrink the swimming stop.

Key points to know before you go

• Pilot whales are a real possibility: Sightings have included several whales, mothers with calves, and dolphins.
• Masca Bay is a short swim stop: Plan for roughly 10 to 15 minutes in the water, not a long beach break.
• You enter the sea from the boat: The boat does not pull onto a sandy beach, so swimming means jumping or climbing down into deeper water.
• The cliffs are part of the return trip: The ride back to Los Gigantes gives you a fine view of the rock walls from below.
• Bring your own snorkel gear: A drink is included, but masks and snorkels are not.
• The tour is short and flexible: It lasts about two hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option.

Why this two-hour trip works so well

Los Gigantes is a strong base for a boat trip because the sea, marine life, and huge cliffs all fit into one compact outing. You leave from the harbor, head out in search of whales and dolphins, stop at Masca Bay, and return along the cliffs. There is no long transfer from a hotel and no need to spend an entire day at sea.

The wildlife is the unpredictable part, but this is one of the better places in Europe to look for whales and dolphins. Pilot whales are often the star of the trip. The sightings described on this route have included several pilot whales, dolphins, and even different dolphin species on one outing.

I would choose this trip if you want a taste of the Atlantic rather than a full marine expedition. Two hours is enough time to get out on the water, see the cliffs, and have a swim without turning the day into a major commitment.

The mood can be lively. Some departures have music, and the crew may keep the trip light and social. That suits many people, especially families and groups of friends. If you prefer a quiet nature trip, ask yourself how much boat music you will enjoy. One person found the music too loud while watching wildlife.

Leaving from the Los Gigantes harbor

The meeting point is at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21, with check-in handled through Maritima Acantilados or the Nashira Uno office. The stated meeting location is in the harbor area, but allow time to find the correct office and collect any required ticket or boarding information.

The boat returns to the same general meeting point, which keeps the day simple. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to Los Gigantes.

The harbor has cafés and restaurants nearby, useful before or after the boat ride. There is no toilet on the speedboat or at the swimming spot. A harbor toilet is available for a small charge, reported as about 50 cents, so use the facilities before departure if you can.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, though the swimming part naturally requires you to get into the sea from the boat. If you use a wheelchair, confirm with the operator how boarding and the swim stop will work for your particular needs.

The first 30 minutes: a fast ride into open water

The outward leg takes about 30 minutes by speedboat. This is not just transport. You get the feel of the sea, the wind, and the changing view of the Tenerife coast as the harbor falls behind.

A speedboat makes the trip efficient, but it also means a more exposed ride than you would have on a large covered vessel. Wind can make the sea feel rough, and one departure was moved to a larger boat because conditions were especially windy. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the crew recommends and avoid a heavy meal before leaving.

The guide speaks Spanish and English. The crew’s job is to scan the water, explain what you are seeing, and bring the boat into a respectful viewing position. The best outings have included friendly, funny crew members who helped passengers feel looked after without making the trip feel formal.

You may hear music during the ride. That can add a holiday feel, but it is worth knowing that this is not always a quiet, birdwatching-style cruise. Speakers are not allowed from passengers, and smoking and vaping are prohibited.

Looking for whales and dolphins near Los Gigantes

The wildlife section is the heart of the outing. The crew heads toward areas where whales and dolphins may be seen, then slows down when marine life appears. You might spot animals quickly, or you might spend around 15 to 30 minutes searching before the boat finds them.

That uncertainty is part of the deal. The operator cannot control where the animals are or how long they stay near the boat. On good trips, people have seen pilot whales close enough to watch them below the surface, along with dolphins swimming and surfacing near the boat.

Sightings have included:

• Pilot whales, sometimes in groups
• Mother and young whales
• Common dolphins and other dolphin species
• Whales and dolphins in the same outing

The boat’s small size helps you feel close to the water. It also means everyone needs to follow the guide’s instructions and avoid sudden movement when the boat slows. The crew has been praised for finding animals and keeping a respectful distance, which matters more than chasing a perfect photograph.

You should not book this expecting a guaranteed whale show. You may see dolphins but no whales, whales but no dolphins, or both. One successful outing found seven small whales, while another had to search in strong wind before locating pilot whales. The trip remains worthwhile if you also value the cliffs and sea ride, not only the animal count.

Masca Bay: a short swim beneath the cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward Masca Bay, set beneath the cliffs of Los Gigantes. This is the visual high point for many people. Dark rock walls rise around the water, and the bay gives you a striking place for a quick swim.

The stop is usually about 10 to 15 minutes, though timing can change. If the crew spends longer finding whales and dolphins, the swim may be shortened. One outing spent roughly an hour and 45 minutes on the water overall, with less time than expected for dolphin searching and snorkeling. That is useful to keep in mind: the advertised two hours is a guide, not a promise of equal time in every section.

You do not walk onto a beach here. The boat stops in the water, and you enter by jumping or climbing down from the boat. The water may be clear enough to see fish below, and several outings have found the bay especially good for a quick swim.

If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew about the safest way to enter and exit before you commit. You can also stay aboard and enjoy the view. The stop is optional in spirit, even though it is a central part of the route.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and goggles. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so pack your own mask and snorkel if you want to look beneath the surface. Do not expect a dedicated snorkeling session with a long exploration period. This is a short swim stop that adds variety to the whale-watching trip.

The return beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

The route back to port runs along the cliffs, giving you time to look upward and take photographs from the sea. The cliffs are impressive from land, but the boat offers a different scale. From the water, the rock faces feel higher and more enclosed.

This part of the journey also helps balance the wildlife uncertainty. Even if the animals stay hidden, you still get a scenic coastal ride and a close view of one of Tenerife’s most dramatic shorelines.

The guide may serve your included drink around the swim stop or near the end of the trip. You can choose water, a soft drink, or beer. The cold drink is a small detail, but it is welcome after sitting in the sun and salt spray.

Alcohol and drugs beyond the permitted included drink are not allowed, and littering is prohibited. Keep your belongings secure on the boat, especially phones, towels, and sunglasses.

What the $28 price really covers

At $28 per person, this is strong value if you want three things in one outing: marine-life watching, a swim, and a cliff cruise. You also get a guide, insurance, and one drink. There is no added charge for the wildlife search or the Los Gigantes scenery.

The price is less attractive if your main goal is a long snorkeling session or a guaranteed close encounter with whales. The swim can be brief, and wildlife sightings depend on conditions and luck. A dedicated whale-watching cruise with more time at sea may suit you better if the animals are your only priority, though that would be a different type of outing.

I especially like the short format for a holiday schedule. You can fit it around a meal, another activity, or a relaxed afternoon in Los Gigantes. The reserve-now, pay-later option also helps if you are planning several days around weather and availability.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Check the available starting times when booking because departure schedules are not fixed in the information provided here.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it for families, couples, and friends who want an affordable taste of the coast. It works well for anyone who likes the idea of seeing whales or dolphins but does not want to spend half a day on a large boat.

It is also a good match for swimmers who are comfortable entering deep water from a boat. You will get more from Masca Bay if you bring your own goggles and snorkel, though you can simply swim or stay aboard.

The trip may not suit you if you need a quiet boat, a long time in the water, or a guaranteed animal sighting. The music can be noticeable, and the wildlife search may be shorter or longer depending on what the crew finds. Strong wind can also affect the boat used and the shape of the outing.

Practical packing advice

Bring only what you need, since space on a small boat may be limited. Your short packing list should include:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Goggles
• Personal snorkeling gear
• A secure phone case or small waterproof bag
• Light clothing that can handle spray and wind

Wear something comfortable for a fast boat ride. The sun can feel strong even when the wind makes the air seem cool. Keep your belongings close and follow the crew’s instructions when the boat slows near wildlife.

Do not bring speakers, cigarettes, vaping devices, or extra alcohol. The operator provides one drink, and the rules are intended to keep the boat safe and pleasant for everyone.

Should you book it?

Book this Los Gigantes trip if you want good value in a short time and like the mix of wildlife, cliffs, and swimming. The strongest version of the day includes pilot whales or dolphins nearby, a clear-water stop at Masca Bay, and a cold drink while the cliffs rise around you.

Go in with realistic expectations. The swim may last only 10 to 15 minutes, the animals may take time to find, and music may make the ride feel more festive than peaceful. For $28, though, the combination is hard to fault if you are already staying near Los Gigantes and want a simple half-day addition to your plans.

FAQ

How long does the Los Gigantes whale and dolphin tour last?

The boat trip lasts about two hours. The exact time spent watching wildlife and swimming can change depending on sea conditions and how long it takes to find whales or dolphins.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21, in the Los Gigantes harbor area. Check-in is through Maritima Acantilados or the Nashira Uno office.

Does the boat return to the starting point?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point in Los Gigantes.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The tour is designed for whale and dolphin watching, but sightings depend on the animals, weather, and sea conditions. Pilot whales and several dolphin species have been seen on past outings.

How long is the swim at Masca Bay?

The swim stop is generally about 10 to 15 minutes. It may be shorter or longer depending on the time used for wildlife watching and the conditions at sea.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes, if you want to snorkel. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own mask and snorkel. The tour does include a swimming stop and a drink.

What drink is included?

You receive one drink, which can be water, a soft drink, or beer.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The live guide service is available in Spanish and English.