Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

The best part of this Los Gigantes cruise is the small boat. With space for up to 12 passengers, you can get close views of pilot whales without being lost among hundreds of people on a large sightseeing vessel. Guides such as Luca and Alejandro also add plenty of local detail and good humor. I especially like the respectful wildlife approach, with the engine shut off when animals are nearby, and the chance to swim beneath the huge cliffs afterward.

I also like the strong value at $33 for two hours. You get wildlife watching, a scenic coastal ride, and a swim stop in one outing. The main drawback is the sea: sightings depend on weather and ocean conditions, and the ride can feel rough or chilly. The company promotes guaranteed sightings, but the practical information correctly warns that whales and dolphins cannot be promised every time.

Key points

• Small 12-seat RIB: A compact boat gives you a more personal view than a large yacht or ferry.
• Pilot whales are the usual star: Dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and jellyfish are also possible sightings.
• Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary: This protected stretch off Tenerife is one of Europe’s major whale-watching areas.
• Los Gigantes cliffs: The boat passes close to cliffs reaching about 600 meters above the sea.
• Swimming stop: Depending on conditions, you may stop at Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López.
• Arrive early: Traffic and parking around Los Gigantes can be difficult, so give yourself at least an hour before departure.

A small boat with a big view of Tenerife

I like this cruise because it combines three very different parts of Tenerife’s southwest coast. You begin in the port at Los Gigantes, head out to look for marine life, and then return along a dramatic wall of volcanic cliffs. A stop for swimming gives the two-hour trip a welcome change of pace.

The boat is a rigid inflatable speedboat, often called a RIB. It is not a luxury yacht, and you should not expect a quiet, slow cruise with a full onboard lecture. The appeal is the opposite: a nimble boat, a small group, and a closer connection with the sea.

The exact group size matters. The boat holds a maximum of 12 passengers, and some departures may have fewer. That leaves room to look over the sides, take photos, and shift your attention quickly when a whale or dolphin appears.

The tour is operated by Flipper Uno. Luca is one of the skippers most often mentioned by name, while Alejandro and Alessandro have also led departures. Their style is part of the experience. You can expect practical information about pilot whales, the coast, and the volcanic cliffs, with humor mixed in rather than a formal speech from beginning to end.

Leaving Los Gigantes port

You make your own way to the port. This is an important point because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Los Gigantes has a steep, compact setting, and parking can be hard to find inside and outside the harbor.

I would arrive at least an hour before departure. The required meeting time is 30 minutes before the trip, but that is the minimum, not a comfortable arrival target. Traffic can slow you down, and a late arrival means no refund or rescheduling.

Once you find the meeting point, the start is fairly direct. You board the RIB, listen to the basic instructions, and head out from the port. A small boat can move quickly across the water, although the ride is not always a full-throttle speed run. One departure was described as more of a leisurely cruise than a true speedboat blast, so set your expectations accordingly.

That is not necessarily a weakness. A gentler pace makes it easier to watch the coast, spot birds or flying fish, and avoid turning the first part of the ride into a rough-water sprint.

Watching pilot whales in the Teno-Rasca sanctuary

The wildlife portion takes place in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, an important marine area off Tenerife. Pilot whales are the most likely large animals to see, and they are technically members of the dolphin family. You may also see bottlenose or Atlantic dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and occasionally jellyfish.

Some outings have found a pod of six pilot whales, while others have encountered groups of more than 20. A particularly good sighting can include a mother and calf. The small RIB lets you watch from close range, but a responsible skipper should still keep a respectful distance.

That respect is one of the strongest points of this trip. Luca and other skippers have been praised for cutting the engine or reducing its use when animals are nearby. The boat is not there to chase the pod. Instead, you wait, watch, and let the whales decide how close they want to come.

This is also where you need to keep expectations sensible. The words guaranteed sightings can sound stronger than the real promise. The conditions section makes clear that dolphins and whales cannot be guaranteed because the sea controls the encounter. On an excellent day, you might see both species within minutes of leaving the port. On another day, you may see pilot whales but no dolphins, or no cetaceans at all.

One departure had windy conditions and missed the dolphins, yet the guide kept the outing enjoyable with coastal views and conversation. That is a useful reminder: you are buying a wildlife search, not a staged animal show.

The time spent watching can vary too. The boat may spend around 20 to 30 minutes with the animals, while the rest of the trip is used for travel, the cliffs, and the swim stop. If the pod stays near the boat, the skipper may give it priority over rushing to the next part of the route.

Cruising beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat turns toward the coast. This is when Los Gigantes makes its full impression. The cliffs rise roughly 600 meters above the sea, with dark volcanic rock dropping almost straight into the water.

Seeing them from below changes your sense of scale. From land, you look across at a wall of rock. From the RIB, you look upward from the water and see how the cliffs dominate the coast. The route can also give you views toward the Masca Valley, one of the most striking areas in western Tenerife.

The skipper may slow down to explain the rock formations and point out details along the shoreline. This part is not just transport between two stops. It is a chance to appreciate the coast without a road, viewpoint, or line of buildings between you and the cliffs.

I would keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray. The boat can be wet, particularly when crossing waves. You will have better photo opportunities when the skipper slows near the cliffs than during the faster open-water sections.

The tradeoff is time. Every minute spent with whales, crossing toward the bay, or pausing under the cliffs comes out of the same two-hour schedule. If the boat leaves late, the coastal portion can be shortened. One departure lost some sightseeing time after a 15-minute delay, so arriving early is not just polite, it protects your own experience.

Swimming at Masca Bay and other coves

The final major element is a stop in a sheltered bay. Depending on sea conditions and the route, this may be Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López. The water is described as clear, and Masca Bay is surrounded by steep cliffs and dark volcanic shore.

You may have about 20 minutes to swim. This is a real bonus at the price, especially on a warm day when you want to cool off after sitting in the sun. Some departures also include snorkeling, but you should bring your own mask if you want to look beneath the surface.

Swimming is optional. In winter, the Atlantic may feel too cold, and some people choose to stay aboard. You should bring swimwear and a towel if you want the option, but do not feel that you have missed the point if you remain dry.

There is also a small practical issue: the swim stop may not happen exactly as you imagine. The final bay depends on conditions and available time, and the stop can be shortened if the boat is delayed or the sea is unsettled. If swimming is your main reason for booking, confirm the plan at the start rather than assuming a long beach visit.

A few departures have included fresh fruit after the swim, such as oranges. That is not listed as a guaranteed inclusion, so treat it as a pleasant extra rather than part of the contract.

What the $33 price really buys

At $33 per person, this is one of the better-value marine excursions around Los Gigantes. Large whale-watching boats can carry many more people and may cost more, while this RIB gives you a smaller setting, wildlife viewing, cliff scenery, and a possible swim.

The value is strongest when you see several kinds of wildlife. A good outing might include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish before reaching the bay. Even a simpler trip with pilot whales and the cliffs still gives you two distinct experiences for a modest price.

The price does not include transportation to the port, food, drinks, or hotel pickup. You also need to bring your own towel and snorkeling mask if you want them. There is no mention of a full meal, so eat beforehand if you need more than a light snack.

I would compare this with a large boat based on your priorities. Choose the RIB if you want a small group and a more direct view of the water. Choose a larger vessel if you prefer a steadier ride, more room to move, or less exposure to spray and waves. For many people, the small boat is the better use of the money, but it comes with less protection from the elements.

Sea conditions, clothing, and comfort

This is an outdoor trip, so weather matters more than the brochure-style description might suggest. Wind can affect animal sightings, the route, and the swim stop. Cloudy days can also feel cool on the water, even when Tenerife feels warm on land.

I would pack a light jumper or jacket, especially from autumn through spring. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to enter the water. Keep valuables secure, since spray and movement are part of the RIB experience.

Pregnant women are allowed on board at their own risk. Children under two are not permitted. The information provided does not give a detailed accessibility policy, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the operator before booking.

Sea sickness is another fair consideration. The small boat puts you close to the water, which is excellent for viewing animals but can feel lively when the ocean is choppy. If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a calm weather forecast when possible and ask the crew where the most stable seating is.

The boat can be comfortable with 12 passengers, but that does not mean spacious in the way a yacht is spacious. You sit close to the sea and to the other people on board. That intimacy is part of the charm, but it is worth knowing before you commit.

Who will enjoy this Los Gigantes cruise?

I would recommend it to anyone who wants a short, active sea outing rather than a polished sightseeing production. Families with older children can enjoy it, and one seven-year-old particularly loved seeing pilot whales close to the boat. Children under two cannot join.

It is also a good fit if you have limited time in Tenerife. Two hours is long enough to reach the whale area, spend time searching, see the cliffs, and possibly swim without consuming an entire day.

You should think twice if you dislike bumpy rides, getting splashed, or uncertain wildlife results. This is not the right choice if your whole holiday depends on seeing dolphins. It is better viewed as a coastal nature trip in which dolphins and whales are a major possibility, not a guaranteed performance.

The Spanish-speaking host can communicate clearly, but the listed language is Spanish. If detailed commentary in English is essential to you, check before booking. The guides have communicated effectively with mixed groups, but this is not advertised as a multilingual tour.

Booking advice and final verdict

I would book this tour if I wanted close wildlife viewing in a small group and liked the idea of combining it with Los Gigantes cliffs and a swim. At $33, the package gives you a lot for two hours, especially when the boat finds a lively pod and the skipper handles the encounter with care.

I would not book it if you need a guaranteed dolphin sighting, a long swim, or a fully sheltered boat. The sea decides what happens, and the schedule can feel tight if departure is delayed.

For the best chance of enjoying it, arrive early, wear a layer, bring swimwear and a towel, and keep your expectations flexible. If you see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish, you have had an exceptional outing. If you see only pilot whales and the cliffs, the trip can still be well worth the fare.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs from the port of Los Gigantes in Tenerife, Canary Islands. You must make your own way to the port.

How long does the tour last?

The advertised duration is two hours.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $33 per person.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The RIB speedboat holds up to 12 passengers.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and jellyfish. The exact wildlife depends on sea conditions.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. The practical information states that sightings depend on sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

What is the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary?

It is the marine area off Tenerife where the wildlife search takes place. It is described as a major whale-watching area in Europe.

Is there time to swim?

The itinerary includes a stop in a bay such as Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López for a possible swim. The stop depends on conditions and available time.

Are children allowed?

Children under two years old are not allowed on the tour. Older children may join.

What language does the host speak?

The listed host language is Spanish. Guides such as Luca, Alejandro, and Alessandro lead some departures.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How early should I arrive?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.