Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

If you want a Tenerife sea day that doesn’t eat your whole afternoon, this Los Gigantes dolphin and whale cruise is a solid choice. You cruise in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, sail close to the looming Los Gigantes cliffs, and end with time to cool off in clear water at a sheltered bay.

Two things I like a lot: the crew’s wildlife-spotting skills and the combo of big-cliff scenery plus actual swimming time. The main thing to keep in mind is simple: dolphin and whale sightings depend on sea conditions, so you’re booking the search, not a guaranteed encounter.

Quick hits before you go

• Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary time: wildlife viewing is built into the cruise, not an afterthought
• Los Gigantes cliffs from the water: the scale is hard to understand until you’re right alongside
• Swim stop in crystal bays: commonly Juan López, Masca, or nearby options like Barranco Seco
• Small trip, short duration: around 2 hours, with time to see, then cool down
• Value is the point: you get a boat cruise, wildlife time (weather permitting), swimming, and a free drink

You can check availability for your dates here:

What you’re really buying on this 2-hour boat day

This is not a long, slow expedition. It’s a compact cruise designed for one thing: getting you out on the water quickly from the Los Gigantes port, giving you a real chance at dolphins and whales, and then letting you enjoy a swim where the water is calm enough to enjoy (instead of just looking).

At about $33 per person for roughly two hours, the value comes from what’s included: the cruise, dolphin/whale watching depending on conditions, a stop by the Los Gigantes cliffs, and a swimming anchor-down in clear water. On top of that, you get one complimentary cold drink (options include cola, Fanta, water, or beer). For many travelers, that “boat + swim + drink” package is the sweet spot.

Meeting up at Los Gigantes Port (and why timing matters)

You board at Los Gigantes Port, and you should look for the Masca Express. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. If you show up late, there’s no refund or rescheduling.

This matters more than it sounds. The port area can get crowded, and on busy days parking can be a pain. If you’re coming by car or public transport, arriving at least one hour early gives you a buffer for traffic and finding a spot.

Step-by-step: what the cruise feels like from start to finish

1) Boarding and heading out

Once you’re on board, the vibe is relaxed. You’ll be searching for marine life right away, while the crew manages the route and scanning. Expect the kind of pacing that makes sense for a shorter tour: enough time to look and re-look, without dragging the day into something you regret.

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2) Wildlife search near Teno-Rasca

The core experience is cruising through the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary. Dolphins and whales are the main event, and sightings are very dependent on sea conditions.

A recurring theme from guests: when the crew finds a good group, they help you get the viewing time you came for. People mention spotting pilot whales and pods of dolphins close to the boat, including moments where animals were quite active around the group. Some also note that the crew may reduce engine noise near whales to improve the experience and keep the viewing respectful.

3) Big-cliff sailing: Los Gigantes at close range

After the wildlife viewing phase, you head back toward the dramatic coastline and cliffs of Los Gigantes. This is one of the reasons this cruise works even if you’re not a die-hard birder or marine-life nerd.

From sea level, Los Gigantes looks less like a postcard and more like a wall. You’re close enough to feel the scale, and it’s the kind of scenery that makes people snap photos even after they’ve already taken 50.

4) Sips in the sun, then the swim stop

You’re offered one complimentary cold drink as part of the included experience, and this is usually timed well: you’ve been out searching, you’ve seen the cliffs, and then you get a chance to settle and cool off before going for a swim.

Then the boat anchors in a sheltered bay with crystal-clear water. Depending on conditions and the day’s route, this can be places like Masca, Juan López, or sometimes Barranco Seco.

5) Swim time: jump in, float, and watch what’s under you

Swimming is included, and guests typically jump in directly from the boat. The water is usually calm enough for a satisfying swim, not just a quick dip.

A smart tip you’ll hear from experienced swimmers: bring a snorkel mask if you have one. Some travelers reported seeing lots of fish underwater during the swim stop. If you don’t have your own gear, you still get the main benefit: clear water, great scenery, and a break from the sun beating down on shore.

There are also small comforts onboard. Some guests mention pool noodles being available, which can make first-timers more comfortable in open water.

6) Return to port

After the swim stop and photos, you head back to Los Gigantes port. This is where the “short and sweet” format really shines: you get a memorable sea experience without using up your whole day.

Highlights that matter (not just “nice views”)

Knowledgeable crew who actually help you see animals

On this kind of tour, the difference between a so-so trip and a great one is often the crew. Here, travelers repeatedly mention guides who are professional and good at spotting.

Even better: the guides tend to explain what they’re seeing and where they’re looking, which helps you turn random sightings into something you can understand. And when whales or dolphins do show up, the crew’s role is to get you close enough for good viewing time while keeping things respectful.

Stunning scenery you can’t really replicate from shore

Los Gigantes and Masca are the headliners. And because the cruise is short, you’re not stuck in transit all day. You get the cliff views in the best way—out at sea—plus the payoff of swimming somewhere that feels like a hidden pocket.

Value: the “included” pieces are the whole point

A lot of boat tours sell the wildlife, then charge extra for the “fun part.” This one includes swimming and a cold drink. That turns it into a practical day trip you can actually plan around, especially if you don’t want a pricey excursion that’s mostly just sitting and waiting.

Swimming and wildlife: what to realistically expect

Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed

This is explicitly part of the deal. The tour can’t guarantee dolphins and/or whales. Sea conditions determine where the boat can go and how easily the crew can locate animals.

But when you do see them, you may see them well

Many travelers describe close viewing moments with pilot whales and active dolphin pods. Some mention calves with their mothers, and others mention animals surfacing repeatedly around the boat.

The takeaway: if you’re lucky, you’ll get memorable, up-close moments. If conditions are rough or animals stay farther out, you’ll still get the cliffs and the swim, which helps this tour “pay for itself” even if wildlife is light.

Motion sickness can happen on small boats

Because you’re on open water, some people report dizziness, especially if the sea is choppy. If you’re sensitive to motion, consider planning for it (seat choice helps on many boats, and bringing any personal remedy you use is smart).

What’s included vs. what’s not

Included

• Cruise (including whale/dolphin watching depending on sea conditions)
• Stop at Los Gigantes cliffs
• Swimming
• 1 cold drink (cola, Fanta, water, or beer)

Not included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

So you’ll want to handle your own transport to the port. This is normal for short shore-based tours, but it’s worth building into your plan.

Practical rules onboard (so you don’t get surprised)

The tour is very clear about what’s not allowed. For example:

• No smoking or vaping
• No alcohol and drugs
• No glass objects
• No touching animals
• No nudity
• No speakers
• No riding the animals

If you’re bringing small items like bottles or containers, keep them in mind. And if you’re planning to take photos, remember that what you bring should fit these rules.

A word on the language and crew vibe

The host or greeter is Spanish, and that’s useful to know if you’re not comfortable with basic Spanish. That said, travelers often describe the crew as friendly and welcoming, and many people say guides are informative once they start talking about what you’re seeing.

If you speak English or another language, don’t assume everything will be perfectly tailored—but the boat guides generally do a good job when it comes to helping you enjoy the experience.

Who this tour is best for

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a short 2-hour water experience instead of a full-day outing
• Care about dolphin and whale watching, but you also want a real payoff if wildlife is light
• Like the idea of a swim stop in clear water with big cliff scenery nearby
• Prefer good value and included extras (swim + drink)

It may be less ideal if you:

• Need guaranteed wildlife sightings (the tour can’t promise dolphins or whales)
• Are very prone to motion sickness and can’t handle boat movement
• Want a long educational program (this is more “see it and enjoy it” than a deep classroom session)

Price and value: why $33 often feels fair here

At around $33, you’re paying for:
1) boat time out at sea (not just a short ride along the harbor),
2) wildlife searching in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary (weather permitting),
3) sightseeing by Los Gigantes cliffs, and
4) a swim stop plus a cold drink.

In practical terms, it’s the combination that makes it worth considering. If you were paying separately for a boat tour, a swim location, and snacks or drinks, the total would likely climb fast. Here, you can plan your day with fewer hidden add-ons.

Should you book the Los Gigantes cruise with swim stop?

I’d book it if you want a simple, high-reward Tenerife day: cliffs from the water, a good shot at dolphins and whales, and a genuine break with a swim stop in calm, clear bays. The price-to-time ratio is strong, and the crew reputation for being knowledgeable helps you maximize your chances when animals are around.

Don’t book it expecting certainty on whales or dolphins. Book it expecting a fun, well-paced marine outing where the day still works even if the animals are quieter than you hoped.

If you’re comfortable with open water and you’re okay arriving early at the port, this one is an easy “yes” for most travelers.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The activity runs for about 2 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

You board at Los Gigantes Port. Look for the Masca Express.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

No. Dolphins and/or whales are not guaranteed and depend on sea conditions.

Is the swim stop included?

Yes. Swimming is included, and you’ll anchor in a bay with crystal-clear water for the swim.

What drink is included?

You get 1 cold drink, with options listed as cola, Fanta, water, or beer.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: