Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

The most memorable part of this two-hour trip is the chance to watch pilot whales and dolphins from a small RIB boat, rather than from a large sightseeing vessel. The boat can move quickly to the whale sanctuary, then cut its engine when animals are nearby. That gives you a quieter view and a better chance of hearing the sea instead of a motor.

I like two things in particular: the small group size, often no more than 12 people, and the fine mix of wildlife, cliffs, and swimming. Guides such as Luca and Alejandro are praised for clear explanations, humor, and care around the animals. The main caution is simple: wildlife is wild. The operator cannot truly guarantee whales or dolphins, especially in rough or windy conditions.

Key points to know

• Pilot whales are the most dependable sighting: They are often seen close to Tenerife’s southwest coast, while dolphins are less certain.
• A small boat makes a difference: With up to 12 passengers, you can usually find a clear place to watch and take pictures.
• Los Gigantes is half the show: The return route passes beneath coastal cliffs rising about 600 meters above the sea.
• A swim stop is included: You may stop at Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López, depending on sea conditions.
• The skipper matters: Luca and Alejandro are frequently praised for their humor, facts, and respectful handling of the boat.
• Arrive early: Traffic and parking around Los Gigantes can be difficult, so arriving an hour before departure is sensible.

Setting Out From Los Gigantes Port

You make your own way to the port of Los Gigantes. This sounds easy on a map, but the harbor area can be slow to reach, with limited parking and heavy traffic. The practical advice is to arrive at least one hour before departure, even though the official meeting instruction asks you to be there 30 minutes early.

A late arrival may mean no refund and no rescheduling. That is a harsh rule, but it is worth taking seriously. The port is not a place where you want to be circling for a parking space five minutes before departure.

The boat is a rigid inflatable speedboat, usually carrying no more than 12 passengers. That small capacity is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a larger whale-watching boat. You are less likely to have someone blocking your view, and the skipper can speak to the group without a microphone.

The tradeoff is comfort. A RIB can feel lively on the open sea. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the ride feels least bouncy and keep your eyes on the horizon when the boat is moving quickly. Bring a light jacket, too. Even in Tenerife, the open water can feel cool when clouds move in or the boat is underway.

Reaching the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary

The boat heads toward the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, an important marine area off Tenerife’s southwest coast. The trip is not only about reaching a viewing point. The ride itself gives you changing views of the island, open Atlantic water, and the steep volcanic coast.

Pilot whales are the sighting most often associated with this outing. Technically, pilot whales belong to the dolphin family, which explains why the trip can deliver an excellent wildlife experience even when you do not see the smaller dolphins many people hope for. Bottlenose and Atlantic dolphins have also been seen, along with turtles, flying fish, jellyfish, and occasional larger marine life.

The timing of the sightings can vary. Some trips find animals within about 10 minutes of leaving the harbor. Other outings spend much longer reaching the area where sightings are more likely. You might spend only 20 to 30 minutes watching animals, with the rest of the two hours used for travel, the coast, and the swim stop.

That is not necessarily wasted time. Operators need to avoid crowding animals with boats, and the skipper may shut off the engine when the group is close. Still, you should book this as a short coastal outing, not as two solid hours of whale watching.

Watching Pilot Whales From a Small RIB

When the boat finds a pod, the experience can be remarkably close. Sightings have included several pilot whales traveling together, groups of more than 20, and a mother with a calf. The skipper may position the boat nearby, then keep the engine off as much as possible.

That approach matters. You are not simply chasing animals for a quick photograph. The best moments can be quiet ones, with the boat drifting while the whales surface, breathe, and move through the water. The small boat also gives you a low view close to sea level, which makes each appearance feel more immediate than it might from a high deck.

Your camera should be ready, but do not spend the entire encounter looking at a screen. Pilot whales surface briefly, and dolphins can change direction quickly. A short burst of video may be useful, but the main reward is seeing the animals behave naturally.

The guides add a lot to this part of the trip. Luca is often singled out for his humor and ability to spot animals quickly. Alejandro is praised for explaining pilot whale behavior and answering questions. The language listed for the activity is Spanish, but the guides have been able to communicate clearly with mixed-language groups.

There is one important limit: no sighting can be guaranteed in the strict sense. The activity description uses guaranteed sightings language, but the practical information also says sightings depend on sea conditions and cannot be promised. Wind, waves, visibility, and animal movement all matter. Some outings see dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish. Others see only pilot whales, or no dolphins at all.

Cruising Beneath the Los Gigantes Cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat turns toward the coast and the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca. These volcanic walls rise roughly 600 meters above the water. Seen from below, they are far more impressive than they appear from a road or viewpoint.

The boat can pass close to the cliffs, giving you views into the Masca area and the folds of the coast. This is a strong part of the trip even if the animal sightings are modest. You get a sense of the scale of the rock, the sharp drop from high ground to sea, and the small coves tucked below the cliffs.

The return cruise also helps fill out the two-hour schedule. Several outings have included stops to point out coastal features, jellyfish, flying fish, or seabirds. One guide even attracted a gull that followed the boat back toward the harbor. These little moments depend on conditions, but they show how much the trip can offer beyond the headline promise of whales and dolphins.

If your main goal is photography, the cliff section is useful because it gives you a longer subject that does not suddenly disappear beneath the water. Bring a waterproof phone case if you have one. The boat can throw spray, especially when crossing open water.

Swimming in Masca Bay or Another Cove

The final major part of the trip is a stop in a sheltered bay. Possible locations include Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López. The exact place depends on the sea and the skipper’s judgment.

At the stop, you can swim in clear water beneath the cliffs. Some people describe the water as beautiful and calm enough for a refreshing break. Others skip it in the cooler months, especially in December or February. A towel and swimwear are sensible if you want the choice.

The swimming stop is more than a bonus. It changes the pace after time spent watching the sea and gives you a chance to enjoy Tenerife’s coast at water level. Some trips allow about 20 minutes in the cove, though the exact time can vary depending on delays, wildlife, and sea conditions.

Do not assume the swim will always be the same. A delayed departure can shorten the later sightseeing, and rough water may affect the location or length of the stop. One outing had a late start and ended at the planned time, leaving less time for the cliffs. The boat may also need to skip or adjust activities for safety.

Masks and snorkels are not listed as included. If you want to look beneath the surface, bring your own equipment only if the operator allows it and you can carry it safely. Glass objects are not permitted on board.

How Much Value You Get for $33

At $33 per person, this is a strong-value coastal trip if you want several experiences in one short outing. You get the boat ride, skipper, wildlife search, cliff views, and a possible swim without paying the higher prices often attached to larger or longer boat excursions.

The value comes mainly from the boat size. A large vessel may give you more room and a smoother ride, but a 12-seat RIB puts you closer to the water and can feel more personal. You are also less likely to spend the entire trip looking over rows of heads.

The price is less attractive if you expect a guaranteed dolphin encounter or a full two hours of animal watching. You might see only pilot whales, spend substantial time traveling, or lose the swim stop to weather. I would judge the $33 as payment for a compact coastal adventure, with wildlife as the hoped-for centerpiece rather than a fixed product.

The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if the forecast is uncertain. Still, check conditions close to departure and remember that changing plans at the last minute may not qualify for a refund.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Trip Most

This outing suits you if you want a short, active sea trip with varied scenery. Families with older children have enjoyed it, and children under two are not permitted. A seven-year-old was comfortable on one outing, but every child reacts differently to a fast, open boat.

It is also a good choice if you dislike large tour groups. The 12-passenger limit can make the experience feel more direct, and guides can adjust their commentary when someone spots an interesting animal or coastal feature.

You should think twice if you need a completely smooth ride, dislike spray, or have severe motion sickness. Pregnant women are permitted on board at their own risk, so personal comfort and medical advice should guide that decision.

This is not the best match if you want a long naturalist lecture. The guide usually explains the animals and the coast, but the focus is on finding wildlife and enjoying the setting. Reading a little about pilot whales before you go will make the sighting more meaningful.

What to Bring and How to Plan the Morning

Wear swimwear beneath quick-drying clothes and pack a towel. A light sweater or jacket is useful, particularly in winter or on cloudy days. Sun protection is still important, even when the air feels cool.

Keep your belongings compact and secure. The boat has limited room, and spray is possible. A waterproof phone pouch is more useful than a large camera bag.

Plan your route to Los Gigantes early. Parking can be difficult inside and outside the harbor, and public transport may take longer than expected. The safest plan is to reach the port an hour before the listed departure time, locate the meeting point, and then deal with tickets or boarding without rushing.

The host language is Spanish. Guides such as Luca and Alejandro have communicated well with international groups, but you should not expect a full multilingual presentation. If a detailed explanation in your own language is essential, confirm that before booking.

Should You Book the Los Gigantes Speedboat?

I would book this trip if you want good value, a small group, and a lively view of Tenerife’s southwest coast. The combination of pilot whales, possible dolphins, the Los Gigantes cliffs, and a swim stop gives you plenty for two hours.

Book with realistic expectations. Wildlife sightings are never certain, and dolphins may not appear. The boat ride can be bumpy, much of the time is spent moving between locations, and the Spanish-speaking guide may offer only limited commentary for some visitors.

For $33, the risk is reasonable. Arrive early, bring warm and swim-ready clothing, and treat the wildlife as a gift rather than a guarantee. If you do that, this is one of the better low-cost ways to experience the coast from Los Gigantes.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale and dolphin cruise?

The cruise lasts two hours, including the wildlife search, coastal sightseeing, and a possible swimming stop.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. Sightings depend on sea conditions and the movement of the animals. Pilot whales are often seen, but dolphins and other wildlife are not assured.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, jellyfish, and other marine life. The exact sightings vary from one departure to another.

Where does the boat leave from?

The tour leaves from Los Gigantes port in Tenerife, Canary Islands. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The boat may stop at Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López for a swim, depending on conditions. Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to take part.

How early should I arrive?

You should be at the meeting point 30 minutes before departure. Because parking and traffic around Los Gigantes can be difficult, arriving about one hour early is recommended.