Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

The best part of this two-hour cruise is the mix of wildlife and scenery. You set out from Los Gigantes in search of pilot whales and dolphins, then cruise beneath the enormous cliffs before stopping for a swim in a clear coastal bay. It packs a lot into a short outing.

I like the chance to see marine life in the wild, not in a tank, and I like the simple finish: a cold drink and a swim with the Masca cliffs nearby. The main caution is that whales and dolphins are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed. Sea conditions can also make the ride bumpy.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the regular highlight: You may see large groups, mothers with calves, and dolphins swimming close to the boat.
• Los Gigantes and Masca provide the backdrop: The cliffs are especially impressive from sea level, where their height is easy to appreciate.
• The swim stop is short but memorable: Depending on conditions, the boat anchors at Masca, Juan López, or Barranco Seco.
• A cold drink is included: Choose from cola, Fanta, water, or beer while you cruise or pause for the swim.
• Arrive early at Los Gigantes Port: Find the Masca Express at least 30 minutes before departure, and consider arriving an hour early if driving.
• The tour is good value at $33: It combines wildlife watching, coastal views, a drink, and swimming in two hours.

Why the wildlife search works so well here

The cruise heads into the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, an important marine area off Tenerife and one of Europe’s best-known places for whale watching. Pilot whales are a frequent sighting on this stretch of coast, and dolphins may appear in playful groups around the boat.

You might see a single whale surface quietly, or you could find a larger group moving together. Several people have seen mothers with young, which gives the trip a more special feel than simply ticking an animal off a list. Dolphins can be just as exciting, especially when they swim beside the boat or play in its wake.

The crew helps by watching the water closely and pointing out what you might otherwise miss. Other possible sightings have included flying fish, turtles, and even a shark, though these are extra surprises rather than promised parts of the trip.

The boat may slow down or switch off its engine when whales are nearby. That gives you a better chance to watch natural behavior without constant engine noise. It also reflects a respectful approach to wildlife. You should keep your expectations sensible, though. No captain can promise whales, dolphins, turtles, or a particular number of animals.

Boarding the Masca Express at Los Gigantes Port

You meet the boat at Los Gigantes Port. Look for the Masca Express and arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. This is not a place where arriving at the last minute makes sense.

Los Gigantes has heavy traffic at times, and parking can be difficult both inside and outside the harbor. If you are driving or using public transport, arriving about an hour early gives you time to find the port, locate the boat, and deal with parking without starting the cruise in a panic.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to the harbor, so add that transport time and cost when comparing this excursion with boat trips leaving closer to where you are staying.

The host language is listed as Spanish. Some trips have included crew members such as Alejandro, praised for explaining the whales and sea life and for speaking excellent English. That may not be available on every departure, so treat it as a possibility rather than a guarantee.

The first stretch along Tenerife’s western coast

Once the boat leaves the harbor, the first part of the outing is about getting out toward the wildlife area. One account describes roughly 30 minutes on the boat before reaching the whales, although the timing changes with sea conditions and animal locations.

This open-water section can feel smooth and relaxing on a calm day. It can also be choppy. One person reported feeling dizzy on the smaller boat for a short time, while another said the ride felt safe even with large waves. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the movement feels least intense, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider preparing before departure.

The boat has been described as clean and well maintained, with enough room to relax. Some departures feel lively, with jokes and friendly crew interaction. Others may be quieter, depending on the group and sea conditions. The overall format is informal rather than luxurious, which suits the low price.

Watching pilot whales and dolphins in open water

The wildlife portion is the heart of the experience. The crew searches for animals, slows the boat, and gives you time to watch. If a pod appears, you may see several whales surfacing together, sometimes with calves nearby.

Pilot whales are not usually dramatic performers. Their appeal is in the close, calm view of a family group moving through the water. Dolphins provide more action. They may approach the boat, swim in formation, jump, or circle through the wake.

You will want your phone or camera ready, but do not spend the entire sighting staring at a screen. The animals surface quickly, and the best moment may be the one you see directly rather than the one you capture perfectly.

The boat crew has also been praised for helping children enjoy the outing and for making room for better viewing positions when possible. Follow crew instructions, and do not expect to touch or feed any animal. Touching animals is not allowed, and responsible viewing matters in a protected marine area.

The giant cliffs from sea level

After the wildlife search, the route continues toward the cliffs of Los Gigantes and the Masca area. From the water, the cliffs feel much larger than they do from a road or viewpoint. The boat can bring you close enough to appreciate their dark, rugged faces while keeping a broad view of the coast.

This is also the relaxed part of the cruise. You can sit in the sun, look back toward the cliffs, and drink your included cola, Fanta, water, or beer. The drink is a small extra, but it makes the transition from wildlife watching to swimming more pleasant.

The route may include Los Gigantes, Masca Gorge, or the coast near Masca Bay, depending on the conditions. Do not expect a land visit or a hike into the gorge. The attraction here is the view from the water.

Swimming in Masca, Juan López, or Barranco Seco

The boat anchors in a sheltered bay when conditions allow. Possible stops include Masca, Juan López, and Barranco Seco. The exact location is not fixed, so the crew can choose a suitable place for the day.

Masca Bay has drawn particular praise for its clear water and views of the cliffs. You may jump from the boat into the sea, swim near the vessel, or stay aboard and enjoy the setting. Pool noodles have been available on at least some trips, which can help if you are not a confident swimmer.

The stop is described as brief, so think of it as a refreshing pause rather than a long beach session. There is no promise of snorkeling equipment, but bringing your own mask could be worthwhile. One person reported seeing many fish below the boat with a snorkel mask.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a way to protect your phone from spray. Glass objects, smoking, vaping, speakers, alcohol beyond the included drink, nudity, and drugs are not allowed. The rules keep the small boat safer and the bay more pleasant for everyone.

What $33 buys you in two hours

At $33 per person, this is strong value if you want several short experiences in one outing. The price covers the cruise, the wildlife search, the Los Gigantes cliffs, the swim stop, and one cold drink.

A dedicated whale-watching trip may give you more time focused only on animals. A longer coastal cruise may offer more space or a larger meal. This excursion takes a different approach: it gives you a compact sample of Tenerife’s western coast and adds a swim before returning to port.

The two-hour length is useful if you are fitting the cruise around another day in Tenerife. It is also a good choice for families who may not want to spend half a day at sea. The tradeoff is that the wildlife search and swimming time are both limited. If animals are slow to appear, the crew may need to spend much of the outing looking for them.

The drink is modest, but it is included. The real value comes from the chance to see whales and dolphins in the sanctuary, then enjoy the cliffs and sea in the same trip.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this tour if you want a reasonably priced boat outing with a strong chance of seeing pilot whales and a proper scenic finish. It suits couples, families, and anyone who prefers a short activity rather than a full-day excursion.

Children may enjoy the dolphins, the possibility of whales with calves, and the swim from the boat. Parents should remember that the sea may be rough, the swimming stop is brief, and the boat has open-water movement. Anyone who gets seasick should plan carefully.

It is also a good fit for photographers, though the conditions are demanding. Wildlife moves quickly, sunlight reflects off the water, and the boat can shift beneath you. Bring a camera, but keep your eyes up.

I would think twice if you need guaranteed animal sightings, dislike small-boat motion, or want a long, quiet swim. The excursion depends on nature and sea conditions, not a fixed wildlife show.

Practical details that can make the day easier

Book only if your schedule leaves enough time to reach Los Gigantes Port early. Late arrival can mean missing the departure, with no refund or rescheduling.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available departure times when booking, since the exact start time is not fixed in the information provided.

Wear clothes that can handle spray, and bring a towel. Keep valuables secure, especially during the swim stop. Smoking and vaping are not allowed, and the boat does not permit speakers or glass.

The captain and crew have received strong praise for punctual departures, clean boats, friendly service, and careful handling around wildlife. Alejandro is one crew member specifically praised for sea-life explanations and English communication, but the listed host language remains Spanish.

Should you book the Los Gigantes cruise?

Book it if you want good value in a compact package: pilot whales and dolphins, striking cliffs, a cold drink, and a swim for $33. The strongest reason to go is the setting. Seeing a pod of pilot whales in open water, then swimming below the Masca cliffs, is a fine use of two hours.

Do not book it expecting a guaranteed whale encounter or a long beach stop. The sea can be choppy, parking takes planning, and the host language is listed as Spanish. For most people who accept those limits, Flipper Uno’s Masca Express offers an enjoyable, well-priced taste of Tenerife from the water.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

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

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts two hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What animals might I see?

The cruise searches for dolphins and whales, especially pilot whales. Turtles, flying fish, and other marine life may also appear, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the swimming stop included?

Yes. Swimming is included, with possible stops at Masca, Juan López, or Barranco Seco depending on sea conditions.

What drink is included?

You receive one cold drink. Choices include cola, Fanta, water, or beer.

Can I smoke or vape on the boat?

No. Smoking and vaping are not allowed. Glass objects, speakers, nudity, drugs, and touching animals are also prohibited.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. If you are driving or using public transport, arriving about one hour early is recommended because traffic and parking at the harbor can be difficult.