Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour with Drinks

The best part of this Los Gigantes boat trip is the combination of wildlife watching and cliff scenery. You set out from the harbor looking for pilot whales and dolphins, then cruise toward the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca, which rise to almost 600 meters above the Atlantic.

I like the good-value mix of activities: wildlife spotting, a swim stop, a trapeze jump, drinks, and, on the three-hour option, a hot paella lunch. I also like the crew’s friendly, playful approach, which works especially well for families.

The main drawback is simple: marine animals follow their own schedule. Sightings depend on sea conditions, and the boat can feel busy, particularly on popular departures. If you are prone to seasickness, prepare carefully before booking.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are a realistic highlight: Dolphins and whales are not guaranteed, but pilot whale sightings are a frequent possibility on this route.
• The three-hour option is the better value: It adds chicken-and-vegetable paella, fruit, and more time for the full experience.
• Masca Bay brings the fun: You can enter the water by ladder or jump from the trapeze near the cliffs.
• Drinks are included: Cola, Fanta, water, beer, red wine, and Canarian schnapps are provided.
• The boat suits families: Pirate-style touches, a friendly crew, and the swimming stop appeal to children and adults.
• Arrive 30 minutes early: Find the Flipper Uno office at the right side of the harbor entrance, where staff wear yellow uniforms.

Sailing from Los Gigantes Harbor

Your meeting point is easy to identify if you know what to look for. Find the Flipper Uno office at the entrance to Los Gigantes Harbor on the right-hand side. Staff wear yellow uniforms, so keep an eye out for them and arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

That early arrival matters. Late arrivals are not refunded or moved to another departure, so this is not the sort of excursion to squeeze between a long lunch and a last-minute walk. The tour returns to the same harbor, and pickup from your hotel is not included.

The boat used for the longer trip is Flipper Uno, a family-friendly vessel with a cheerful pirate theme. The atmosphere is more lively than refined. You can expect jokes, music or announcements, several languages, and a crew that keeps the mood light.

That style suits children and groups who want an active outing. If you are looking for a quiet, small-boat wildlife trip with long stretches of silence, this may feel too busy. One useful point from the experience is that the onboard speaker can sometimes be loud, and commentary may be harder to hear from some parts of the boat.

Searching for dolphins and pilot whales

The first major part of the trip is the search for marine life off Tenerife’s west coast. The crew keeps watch while explaining what you are seeing and sharing information about the animals in English, Spanish, French, and German.

Pilot whales are a particular possibility here. You may also see dolphins, sometimes in groups close to the boat. Several outings have produced clear views of both, but the captain cannot promise a sighting. Sea conditions control the result, not the timetable.

That uncertainty is worth accepting before you book. A dolphin and whale trip is not a zoo visit, and the boat may spend time looking without finding the animals you hoped for. The reward, when it happens, is seeing them in open water rather than in a controlled setting.

Bring a camera, but keep it ready rather than relying on a long setup. Wildlife can appear suddenly and vanish just as fast. Sunglasses and a sun hat are useful on the open deck, while sunscreen is essential even on a cooler day.

The boat provides toilets, which is a practical advantage during a two or three-hour trip. Drinks are available during the outing, including water, cola, Fanta, beer, and red wine. Canarian schnapps is also included, though you should keep alcohol modest if you plan to swim or are sensitive to motion.

Passing beneath the cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca

After the wildlife search, the route heads toward the cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca. These dark volcanic walls rise nearly 600 meters, creating the most dramatic views of the trip.

From the water, the scale is different from anything you get on land. The cliffs rise almost straight from the sea, and the boat gives you a clear view of their height without buildings or roads interrupting the scene. This is a strong reason to book the tour even if the animals stay out of sight.

The boat also passes by beaches and bays along the coast before reaching the swim area. The setting near Masca is especially attractive, with clear Atlantic water and the cliffs close by. You get time to take photographs, listen to the guide, and enjoy the coast from a low viewpoint.

The sea can change the pace of this part of the trip. Wind may shorten the swimming stop or make the ride rougher. The boat still provides the chance to enter the water when conditions allow, but you should not expect a fixed amount of swimming time in every departure.

The swim stop and the boat trapeze

The swim is one of the most memorable parts of the outing for many people. The boat anchors in a bay with clear water, and you can enter using the stairs or take the more theatrical route from the trapeze.

The trapeze turns a normal swim stop into a small adventure. You swing out from the boat and drop into the Atlantic, which is especially popular with children and confident swimmers. If you prefer a calmer entrance, use the stairs instead.

You need to bring your own swimwear and towel. Beachwear, sunscreen, and a change of clothes are sensible too, since spray and splashes can reach you even if you never enter the water.

The trip is not only for strong swimmers. One account of the outing notes that nonswimmers were given foam support while in the water. Still, the supplied details do not describe a formal swimming lesson or lifeguard service, so you should be honest about your comfort level and follow the crew’s instructions.

The sea may be too rough for a long stop. Wind has occasionally limited the time in the water, though passengers could still jump in. Treat the swim as a welcome extra rather than the sole reason for booking.

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

Choose the three-hour option if lunch matters to you. It includes paella with chicken and vegetables, followed by a piece of fruit. The meal is straightforward rather than elaborate, but it fits the setting and adds real value to the longer departure.

The paella has been described as containing chicken, tomato, and peas. It is a useful meal after time on the water, and several people found it tasty. It is not a good fit if you do not eat rice, and there is no confirmed alternative such as tortilla or tapas.

The shorter option may be better if you want a quick outing or already have lunch plans in Los Gigantes. But at $38 per person, the three-hour trip gives you more time on the coast, the swim stop, and the meal, making it the stronger choice for most visitors who have the time.

Drinks are included throughout the experience. You can expect water, cola, Fanta, beer, and red wine, with Canarian schnapps also listed. Soft drinks may be served in small cups rather than cans, which is a minor point but useful to know if you are traveling with children or expect a large serving.

Do not assume the meal covers every dietary need. The confirmed food is chicken-and-vegetable paella and fruit. If you need something else, bring cash and ask the provider before departure rather than counting on an alternative onboard.

What the $38 price really buys

At $38, this is a strong-value excursion if you want several experiences in one booking. You are paying for the boat ride, guide, wildlife search, cliff views, swim time, trapeze, drinks, and, on the longer option, lunch.

A dedicated wildlife trip on a smaller vessel might offer a quieter atmosphere, but this outing adds more entertainment and facilities. The toilets are useful, the food removes the need to arrange lunch, and the swim gives the trip a clear second focus if animals are not found.

The value is strongest for families and mixed groups. One person can watch for whales, another can enjoy the scenery, and children can look forward to the trapeze. The crew’s jokes and pirate-style touches also give younger passengers something to enjoy between sightings.

The tradeoff is space and atmosphere. Popular departures can feel full, and the boat may be noisier than you expect. If you want personal attention, a peaceful ride, or a very small group, compare this with a quieter sailing option before paying.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this outing to families, couples who want a relaxed half-day activity, and anyone staying near Los Gigantes who wants to see the cliffs from the sea. It also suits first-time whale watchers because the crew combines wildlife viewing with scenery, swimming, food, and drinks.

It is a good choice for children who need variety. The wildlife search has an uncertain payoff, but the cliffs, lunch, and trapeze keep the outing moving. The crew’s multilingual commentary also helps mixed-language groups follow what is happening.

You should think twice if seasickness is a serious concern. The Atlantic can be choppy, and some people may feel unwell even though the boat has toilets. Bring whatever motion-sickness aid you normally use, and avoid drinking much alcohol before or during the rougher part of the ride.

This is also not the right booking if you need a guaranteed animal encounter. The company clearly states that dolphin and whale sightings depend on sea conditions. The cliffs and swim stop provide a worthwhile backup, but no boat can control the wildlife.

Practical packing advice for the Atlantic

Pack light. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and you will have a much easier time keeping your belongings close if you bring only a small day bag.

Your basic kit should include:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• A camera or phone
• Beachwear and a change of clothes
• Some cash

Leave sharp objects, glass items, drones, speakers, and fishing gear at home. Smoking and vaping are not allowed indoors, and feeding or touching marine life is forbidden. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and intoxicated passengers will not be accepted.

The rules are sensible for a working boat and a wildlife outing. Keep the deck clear, listen during safety instructions, and protect your phone from spray. You should also avoid bringing anything you would be upset to lose overboard.

Booking, cancellation, and language options

The tour lasts two to three hours, with starting times varying by availability. Check the departure options carefully before choosing between the shorter and longer versions.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your schedule is still changing. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. After that point, late arrival does not qualify for a refund or rescheduling.

Live guiding is available in Spanish, English, French, and German. The crew works across several languages, though announcements may be more difficult to hear when the boat is busy or the speaker volume is high.

Should you book the Flipper Uno tour?

Book it if you want a lively, good-value boat outing rather than a silent wildlife expedition. The strongest reasons are the Los Gigantes and Masca cliffs, the chance to see pilot whales or dolphins, the swim stop, and the added fun of the trapeze.

Choose the three-hour option if you want lunch and the fullest version of the experience. Pick the shorter trip if you have limited time or do not need paella.

I would not book it for a guaranteed whale sighting, a small and quiet boat, or a highly flexible arrival time. But for $38, the combination of scenery, wildlife, food, drinks, and swimming gives you plenty to enjoy even when the animals do not cooperate.

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.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 minutes before the tour begins. Late arrivals do not receive a refund or rescheduling.

How long does the boat trip last?

The available options last two or three hours. Check the available departure times when booking.

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

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

Is lunch included?

Paella with chicken and vegetables and a piece of fruit are included with the three-hour option. The shorter option may not include the meal.

What drinks are included?

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

Can I swim during the trip?

Yes. The boat stops in a bay for free time to swim when sea conditions allow.

How do I enter the water?

You can use the boat’s stairs or jump from the trapeze. Foam support is available for nonswimmers in the water.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included. The tour ends back at the Los Gigantes Harbor meeting point.