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 dolphins and pilot whales, then cruise beneath the huge walls of Los Gigantes and Masca, which rise nearly 600 meters above the sea. A swim stop, boat trapeze, drinks, and optional paella keep the outing lively rather than turning it into a long search at sea.

I like the generous mix of activities for the price, especially the chicken paella, drinks, and swim stop included with the 3-hour option. The multilingual crew also adds real value, speaking Spanish, English, French, and German, with a cheerful pirate theme that works especially well for children.

The main consideration is simple: whales and dolphins are wild animals, not scheduled performers. You might see pilot whales and dolphins close to the boat, or you might see fewer animals than hoped. Wind can also shorten the swim stop, and the boat may feel crowded on a busy departure.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are a realistic possibility: Sightings can include pilot whales and dolphins, but no wildlife encounter is guaranteed.
• The 3-hour option gives you the full outing: It includes chicken and vegetable paella, fruit, drinks, a swim stop, and time near the cliffs.
• Masca and Los Gigantes are the visual highlight: The cliffs rise almost 600 meters from the ocean and look especially dramatic from the water.
• You can enter the Atlantic by stairs or trapeze: Nonswimmers can use the stairs, while confident swimmers can swing or jump in.
• The boat has toilets and drinks on board: Cola, Fanta, water, beer, red wine, and Canarian schnapps are provided.
• Arrive 30 minutes early: Find the Flipper Uno office on the right at the entrance to Los Gigantes Harbor, where staff wear yellow uniforms.

Setting out from Los Gigantes Harbor

Your meeting point is easy to identify if you know what to look for. Go to the entrance of Los Gigantes Harbor and find the Flipper Uno office on the right. Staff wear yellow uniforms, but you should still arrive 30 minutes before departure. Late arrivals do not receive a refund or a new booking.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to the harbor. Bring only what you need for the boat. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and the sensible kit is a swimsuit, towel, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, beachwear, camera, and some cash.

The boat trip returns to the same meeting point. That makes the excursion easy to fit into a day around Los Gigantes, though you should leave enough time before any later reservation. The listed duration is two to three hours, depending on the option and departure you choose.

The Flipper Uno boat has a playful pirate character. That gives the trip a family-friendly feel rather than the quiet, polished mood of a small private charter. Children often enjoy the theme, the open water, and the chance to use the trapeze, while adults should expect a social boat ride with commentary, music or announcements, and shared facilities.

Searching for dolphins and pilot whales

The first main part of the trip is the search for marine life. Your guide explains what you are looking for and shares information about the animals as the boat moves into the waters around Tenerife.

The most likely sightings described for this excursion are pilot whales and dolphins. Pilot whales are not technically whales in the same sense as the giant baleen species, but they are large members of the dolphin family and can make a memorable sight at sea. Dolphins may travel in groups and sometimes come close enough for clear views from the boat.

The important point is to keep your expectations sensible. The crew can search suitable areas, but they cannot control the sea, the wind, or the animals. A trip can produce excellent views of whales and dolphins, or only a few sightings. The activity provider specifically warns that sightings depend on sea conditions.

I suggest keeping your camera ready, but do not spend the entire wildlife section looking through a screen. Animals can appear quickly, and the best view may be on the opposite side of the boat from where you happen to be sitting. Listen for crew instructions and look across the water rather than staring at one fixed spot.

The multilingual guide speaks Spanish, English, French, and German. That matters on a shared boat, since explanations about wildlife, safety, and the next stop are available to a broad mix of passengers. Several crew members are described as friendly, funny, attentive, and good at keeping the group involved.

One practical warning: seasickness is possible. Some people feel unwell on open water, and a wildlife cruise requires time at sea before reaching the swimming area. If you know you are sensitive to motion, prepare accordingly and choose your place on the boat with care.

The cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca from sea level

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward the cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca. This is not just a quick backdrop for a photograph. From the sea, the walls rise almost 600 meters, giving you a strong sense of their scale.

Los Gigantes is famous for its dark, near-vertical cliffs, while the Masca area adds a rugged coastal setting that looks very different from the resort areas of southern Tenerife. Seeing the cliffs from a boat gives you an angle you cannot get from a road viewpoint.

Your guide provides commentary as you pass the coast. The exact amount of explanation may depend on sea conditions and the flow of the trip, but the commentary helps turn the ride into more than a simple boat transfer. You can watch the cliffs, listen to the guide, and keep an eye out for seabirds or more marine life.

This section also gives you a change of pace. The wildlife search can involve waiting and scanning the sea. The cliffs provide a guaranteed visual attraction, so even a quiet animal-watching day still includes a strong sightseeing element.

Swimming below the cliffs

The boat drops anchor in a clear bay, often around the Masca area, for free time in the Atlantic. The water is described as clear, and this is where the outing becomes more active.

You can enter using the boat stairs, which is the sensible choice if you want a steady way into the water. Confident swimmers can use the trapeze for a swing or jump. The trapeze is one of the most popular features for families and anyone who enjoys a little theatrical entrance.

The crew keeps safety in view and can provide flotation support for people who are not strong swimmers. Still, you should bring a swimsuit and towel, and you should judge the conditions for yourself. Wind can limit the length of the swim stop, so do not count on a long, calm period in the water every time.

The swim is also a useful break from sitting. A three-hour boat trip can feel long if it consists only of wildlife spotting, but getting into the sea gives the day a physical high point. You can swim near the boat, enjoy the cliff views, or simply stay on deck and watch others use the trapeze.

Keep your belongings secure and follow the crew’s instructions. The boat’s rules prohibit littering, touching marine life, feeding animals, fishing, smoking, vaping, and the use of drones. Glass objects, speakers, weapons, fireworks, and other dangerous items are not allowed.

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

If you choose the three-hour version, the meal includes paella with chicken and vegetables, followed by a piece of fruit. The dish is a practical boat lunch rather than a gourmet restaurant meal, but it adds real value to the longer departure.

The paella has been served with ingredients such as chicken, tomato, peas, and rice. If you do not eat rice, note that no alternative such as tortilla or tapas is specified. Anyone with dietary restrictions should check before booking, since the included meal is clearly centered on chicken and vegetable paella.

Drinks are available during the excursion. The selection includes cola, Fanta, water, beer, and red wine, with Canarian schnapps also included. The drinks make the trip feel more like a relaxed social outing, but remember that the boat is still moving and sea conditions can affect how comfortable you feel with alcohol.

Some details matter here. Soft drinks may be served in small cups rather than cans, so do not expect a full can every time. Beer and wine are available, but responsible drinking is especially important on a moving boat and around the swimming stop.

The shorter option may suit you if your main aim is wildlife viewing and coastal scenery. The three-hour option makes more sense if you want the full rhythm of the outing: search for animals, see the cliffs, swim, eat paella, and enjoy drinks. It may also use a larger boat, according to the trip details, which can change the feel of the experience.

How the boat atmosphere affects your day

This is a group excursion, not a silent nature expedition. The crew uses humor, the pirate theme adds energy, and the trapeze gives people something to watch between wildlife sightings. Families with children are likely to appreciate that character.

Adults looking for a small, peaceful boat with no entertainment may find the atmosphere too busy. One point to bear in mind is that the onboard speakers can be loud at times, and announcements may be difficult to hear in wind or engine noise. The guide may speak several languages, but not every passenger will hear every word clearly from every seat.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. They explain the wildlife, help with the water entry, keep drinks moving, and assist if someone feels unwell. That last point matters: one passenger who became seasick received help from a crew member.

The boat has toilets, which is a basic but useful feature on a two- to three-hour trip. You should still use the facilities at the harbor before boarding, since a shared boat toilet is best treated as a backup rather than a destination.

Is $38 good value?

At $38 per person, the tour offers a lot for a half-day activity. The boat trip, guide, wildlife search, cliff viewing, swim stop, drinks, and onboard toilet are included. If you select the three-hour option, paella and fruit are added as well.

The value is strongest when you use most of what is included. A family can combine sightseeing, wildlife watching, lunch, and swimming without paying separately for each activity. The drinks and food also reduce the need to plan a meal immediately after the trip.

The price does not buy certainty. You are paying for the outing and the chance to see wild dolphins or pilot whales, not for a guaranteed sighting. If seeing a particular animal is the sole reason you are booking, that uncertainty should be part of your decision.

I also think the price suits first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to the Los Gigantes coast. You get the major sea views, a taste of the local coastline, a social boat atmosphere, and a chance to swim. It is less suitable if you want private service, a quiet boat, or complete control over the route.

Who should choose this Los Gigantes boat trip?

I would choose this excursion for families, couples who enjoy active sightseeing, and anyone who wants several activities in one booking. The pirate theme and trapeze are especially useful if children need more than a slow cruise to stay interested.

It also works well for visitors who want to see the cliffs from the water without committing to a full-day sailing trip. The multilingual commentary makes it practical for mixed-language groups.

You should think twice if you are very prone to seasickness, dislike shared group activities, or need a guaranteed wildlife encounter. The boat can feel full, the speakers may be loud, and the swimming stop can be affected by wind.

For the best chance of enjoying the full experience, choose the three-hour option, arrive early, bring sun protection, and treat the wildlife sighting as a bonus rather than a promise. Keep your expectations flexible and you will have more to enjoy even on a quiet day at sea.

FAQ

Where does the dolphin and whale 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?

You should arrive 30 minutes before the tour starts. Late arrivals are not eligible for a refund or rescheduling.

How long does the boat trip last?

The activity lasts two to three hours. Check the available departure options when booking.

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

No. Dolphin and whale sightings depend on sea conditions, so the activity provider cannot guarantee them.

What animals might I see?

The trip searches for dolphins and whales, with pilot whales and dolphins among the animals seen during the excursion.

Is food included?

Chicken and vegetable paella with a piece of fruit is included with the three-hour option. Check the selected option when booking.

What drinks are included?

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

Can I swim from the boat?

Yes. The boat stops in a bay for free time in the water. You can use the stairs or the trapeze, and flotation support is available for nonswimmers.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

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

Should you book it?

Book this Los Gigantes boat trip if you want good value and variety: pilot whale and dolphin watching, giant sea cliffs, a swim, drinks, and paella in one outing. The crew’s humor and pirate theme make it a strong pick for families, while the coastal views give adults plenty to enjoy.

Skip it if you need guaranteed wildlife, a quiet private boat, or a long, calm swim. For most visitors, the three-hour option is the better choice because it includes lunch and gives the day enough time to develop. Arrive early, pack lightly, and treat the animals as a welcome surprise rather than the only reason to go.