Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

Pilot whales and dolphins are the stars here, but the setting does plenty of work too. From Los Gigantes Port, the Masca Express heads into the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, then cruises beneath immense volcanic cliffs before stopping for a swim in clear coastal water. Two hours gives you a tidy ocean outing without swallowing your whole day.

I like the mix of wildlife and scenery, and I like that the trip ends with an actual swim rather than only a quick look at the sea. The complimentary drink, friendly crew, and low $33 price make this an easy add-on to a Tenerife holiday.

The main caution is simple: wild animals do not follow a timetable. You might see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or flying fish, but no sighting is guaranteed. The Atlantic can also be choppy, and some people may feel queasy on the small boat.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the most likely headline sighting: Several trips have found large groups, including mothers with calves.
• Los Gigantes cliffs provide the visual payoff: The boat gets close enough for striking views from the water.
• The swim stop is in a sheltered bay: Depending on sea and local conditions, you may stop at Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López.
• One cold drink is included: Choose from cola, Fanta, water, or beer.
• Arrive early at Los Gigantes Port: You need to be at the harbor 30 minutes before departure, and parking can take much longer.
• This is a wildlife trip, not a guarantee: Sea conditions control both the animal sightings and the exact route.

Setting out from Los Gigantes Port

You meet at Los Gigantes Port and look for the Masca Express, operated by Flipper Uno. The port sits below the famous cliffs, so even the departure has a strong sense of place. You are not simply boarding a boat from an anonymous marina. The dark volcanic walls rise around the coastal town, giving you an early preview of the scenery ahead.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. I would personally allow an hour if you are driving or arriving by public transport. Parking can be difficult both inside and outside the harbor, and heavy traffic can turn a short approach into a last-minute scramble.

The host language is Spanish. The crew on different departures has also helped international visitors, and guides including Alejandro have been praised for explaining sea life and keeping the trip lively. Still, you should not book this as a fully multilingual tour unless your departure details confirm the language support you need.

The boat trip lasts two hours. That is long enough to search for wildlife, see the cliffs, and stop for a swim, but short enough to fit around a beach afternoon or another Tenerife plan.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The first major part of the outing is the search for marine life in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary. The area is promoted as the whale watching capital of Europe, and the waters around southwest Tenerife are especially associated with pilot whales.

Pilot whales are the sighting most often associated with this trip. You might see one or two animals, or a larger group spread across the water. The most memorable encounters can include calves traveling with their mothers. Dolphins are also regularly seen, sometimes in lively groups that circle the boat, swim alongside it, or play in the wake.

The crew’s role matters here. A good skipper watches the water, reads the movement of other boats, and knows when to slow down. On some outings, the engine is switched off near the whales, giving you a quieter chance to watch and take photographs. That pause also helps keep the focus on observing the animals rather than chasing them.

You may also spot flying fish, turtles, or other marine life. One outing included a large turtle, while another had a shark sighting. Treat these as lucky extras, not promised parts of the route. The advertised offer guarantees the search, not a particular species.

The wildlife is fully wild. There is no feeding or touching, and the rules prohibit riding animals. That matters because the best moments come from seeing normal behavior: a calf staying close to its mother, dolphins cutting through the water, or whales surfacing and breathing near the boat.

Bring a phone or camera, but keep it ready rather than glued to the screen. Wildlife sightings can last only a few seconds, and the person watching the water often gets more from the experience than the person trying to record every movement.

Cruising below the Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat turns toward the cliffs of Los Gigantes and the Masca area. The cliffs rise sharply from the sea, with dark volcanic rock dropping toward the water. Seen from below, they feel much larger than they do from a road or lookout.

This is where the trip becomes more than a standard animal-watching ride. You get a moving view of Tenerife’s southwest coast, with the boat placing you close to the rock walls and small coastal bays. The crew may explain local facts and point out features along the shore.

The boat provides a different angle from a land excursion. You are looking upward at the cliffs, with open water between you and the coast. That makes the scenery especially good for photographs, although bright sun and sea spray can make a waterproof phone case a smart choice.

The boat has been described as clean and well maintained, with room to relax. Space and comfort can vary with the number of people aboard, so you should expect a social boat ride rather than a private charter. If you need a quiet, spacious vessel, this may feel more compact than you prefer.

The swim stop at Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López

The final highlight is the stop in a clear-water bay. The exact location can vary with sea conditions, with Masca, Barranco Seco, and Juan López among the possible choices. You anchor, take a cold drink, and get the chance to swim from the boat.

Masca Bay is the stop most often singled out for its setting beneath the volcanic cliffs. The water can look exceptionally clear, and the surrounding rock gives the swim a dramatic backdrop. You may jump directly from the boat or enter more carefully, depending on your comfort and the conditions.

The swim is brief, so think of it as a refreshing break rather than a full beach session. Pool noodles may be available if you need extra support. A snorkel mask is worth bringing if you have one, since fish can be visible below the boat in clear water.

You should also remember that this is a boat-based swim. There is no sandy beach, changing room, or long stretch of shallow water described as part of the activity. If you do not swim confidently, stay within your comfort zone and listen to the crew.

I like the way this stop rounds out the trip. After concentrating on whale blows and dolphin fins, you get time to look around, cool off, and enjoy the cliffs without the engine running beneath you. The included drink is modest but welcome: cola, Fanta, water, or beer.

How much value do you get for $33?

At $33 per person, this is strong value if you want several Tenerife experiences in one short outing. You get a two-hour cruise, an attempt to see whales and dolphins, a pass by the Los Gigantes cliffs, a swim stop, and one cold drink.

The comparison is not simply boat ride versus boat ride. A whale watching trip without a swim can feel unfinished on a hot day. A sightseeing cruise without wildlife can feel limited. This combines both, although each part receives only a portion of the two-hour schedule.

The price also works well for families and couples who want a low-cost activity between other plans. Several outings have included children, and the crew has made an effort to involve younger passengers. Still, you should consider sea conditions, especially if anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness. One person reported feeling dizzy on the small boat during a short period of the trip.

The included beer is available for adults, but alcohol and drugs are not allowed beyond the drink supplied as part of the trip. Smoking and vaping are also prohibited. Speakers, glass objects, nudity, and contact with animals are not allowed.

Practical advice for a smoother trip

Wear swimwear under light clothing, since the schedule moves from wildlife watching to a swim stop without much spare time. Bring a towel, sun protection, and a waterproof way to carry your phone.

I would also pack a snorkel mask if you already own one. It is not listed as included, but clear water and fish can make the swim more interesting below the surface.

Arrive early. The official minimum is 30 minutes before departure, but one hour is safer if you need to park. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you must make your own way to Los Gigantes Port.

Keep your expectations flexible. The exact bay, the sea state, and the animal sightings can change. The crew may find whales quickly, or you may spend longer scanning the water. A wildlife cruise rewards patience, and the cliffs and swim provide worthwhile scenery even if the animals stay out of sight.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife plans are still shifting.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a compact introduction to Tenerife’s southwest coast. It suits people who care about wildlife but also want scenery, a swim, and a drink rather than two hours of sitting still and watching the horizon.

Families can find plenty to like here, especially if the children enjoy boats and sea animals. Couples get a simple ocean outing with dramatic cliffs and a chance to cool off. It also works for budget-minded visitors because the price covers several distinct parts of the experience.

It may not suit you if you need guaranteed whale sightings, dislike small boats, or want a long, relaxed swim. It is also not the best choice if you want hotel transport or a tour conducted in a language other than Spanish without confirming arrangements first.

Should you book the Masca Express?

For $33, I think this is a sensible choice if you are staying near Los Gigantes or are willing to make the trip there. The strongest combination is the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, the close view of the cliffs, and the swim in a clear bay.

Book it with realistic expectations. You are paying for a well-packed wildlife search, not a private encounter with guaranteed animals. If the sea is calm and the crew finds a pod, you may come away with the kind of close whale and dolphin moments that make the trip memorable. If sightings are limited, the cliffs and swim still give the outing a solid second act.

FAQ

Where does the Los Gigantes whale watching cruise depart?

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

How long does the boat trip last?

The scheduled duration is two hours.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. Sightings depend on sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

What animals might I see?

The trip focuses on dolphins and whales, especially pilot whales. You might also see turtles, flying fish, or other marine life, but those sightings are not guaranteed.

Where does the swimming stop take place?

The boat may stop at Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López, depending on local conditions.

Is a drink included?

Yes. One cold drink is included. Options listed are cola, Fanta, water, or beer.

Do I need to arrange transportation to the port?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You should arrive at the harbor at least 30 minutes before departure, and allow extra time for traffic and parking.