Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour on a Pirate Boat

This pirate-themed dolphin and whale watching tour runs from Los Gigantes in the Canary Islands and mixes wildlife spotting with big scenery. You sail out in search of whales and dolphins, get guide commentary about marine life, then head for the cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca before stopping in a calm bay for a swim.

I really like the value here because the tour includes more than just a boat ride: there’s drinks (including red wine and beer) plus paella on the longer option. The guides also seem to do a good job keeping things clear and fun, so you actually understand what you’re seeing instead of just hoping for a sighting.

One thing to plan around: dolphin/whale sightings are never guaranteed, and sea conditions can also change how comfortable the ride feels and how long you have for swimming.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• Los Gigantes + Masca views: you get the dramatic cliff scenery built into the route, not as an afterthought.
• Wildlife spotting depends on the sea: the crew searches when conditions allow, but you’re not buying a promise.
• Free time to swim: you can use the stairs or go for the trapeze jump into the Atlantic.
• Drinks onboard: red wine, beer, cola, Fanta, water, plus Canarian schnapps.
• Paella is included on the 3-hour option: chicken and vegetables, with fruit dessert if you select the longer tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Los Gigantes pirate-boat tour: the basic vibe

This is a sun-and-saltwater outing built around two goals: spotting marine life and then enjoying the coast from the water. The pirate-boat theme makes the day feel more like an activity than a strict sightseeing crawl, and that matters when you’re sharing the boat with other travelers.

The route is designed to give you the best odds and the best scenery. You leave Los Gigantes, head out on a wildlife search, then return with views of the cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes, which rise to nearly 600 meters.

Price and value: does $39 feel fair?

At about $39 per person, the value comes from what’s bundled. You’re not only paying for a boat ticket—you also get a guide, drinks, restrooms onboard, and a real swim stop.

If you choose the 3-hour option, paella (chicken and vegetables) and fruit dessert are included. That’s a big deal in a place like the Canary Islands where food adds up quickly once you factor in timing and getting back to shore.

The tradeoff is that this isn’t a premium private charter. Some travelers mention the boat can feel crowded, and seating may be uncomfortable if you’re sensitive to rougher surfaces. Still, for the mix of wildlife search, scenery, and an on-board meal on the longer trip, it’s easy to see why people rate it highly.

Meeting point at Los Gigantes Harbor: arrive early or lose flexibility

You’ll meet at the Flipper Uno office at the entrance of the Los Gigantes harbor, on the right-hand side. Staff typically wear a yellow uniform, so you can spot them fast.

Plan to be there 30 minutes early. If you arrive late, there’s no refund and no rescheduling, and that’s a tough policy to gamble against when you factor in traffic and tricky parking around the harbor. A smart move is arriving at least an hour early if you’re driving.

Also note there’s no pickup or drop-off listed. You’ll handle getting yourself to the port, then the tour takes over from there.

Timing: choosing 2 hours vs 3 hours without regrets

You’re looking at 2–3 hours total, depending on the option you book. The shorter option is simpler: you mainly get the wildlife search, commentary, and the swim time (with drinks still included).

The longer option adds paella. Based on the included details, it’s chicken and vegetables, and fruit is included as dessert. If you’re hungry, you’ll appreciate it. If you’re not, the 2-hour version can feel like the better deal for your energy level and sea-breeziness.

Some travelers felt the meal quality wasn’t the best match for their tastes, so if you’re picky about rice-based dishes, you may be happier skipping the extra time and going shorter.

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Dolphin and whale watching: what to expect on the water

This tour’s wildlife portion is built around “search and spot” rather than “guarantee and guarantee again.” Conditions matter. The operator explicitly says sightings depend on sea conditions, so you’re going out to maximize your chances, not to receive a certainty.

When luck is on your side, the marine life can be spectacular. Many people mention seeing pilot whales as well as dolphins like bottlenose dolphins, and even a few memorable extras such as sea turtles and flying fish.

You should also be prepared for the reality that you might see fewer animals than you hoped. Some travelers did spot dolphins and felt it was still worth it; others came away disappointed on sightings but enjoyed the rest of the experience—views, staff energy, and the swim stop.

Guide commentary: marine life explained in plain terms

A big part of the appeal is the guide onboard. You’ll get live commentary about marine life as you travel, and the tour runs in Spanish, English, French, and German.

The best guides do two things: they point out what you’re looking for and they keep the mood light so you stay engaged. People often mention that the crew is funny and entertaining, which makes the waiting time feel shorter while you scan the water.

One practical note: if you’re up top and the boat is moving, you may find it harder to hear. If you care a lot about the facts, try to get into a spot where you can still follow the guide.

The cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca: why the scenery matters

Even when wildlife is quiet, the scenery keeps the day moving. As you sail along, you get views of the cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes, among the tallest in the world, rising to almost 600 meters.

This isn’t just a photo moment from shore. You’re seeing the cliffs from the waterline, which gives you scale and drama you don’t get from the road. It also helps break up the day so it doesn’t feel like pure waiting for a whale to appear.

Many travelers love this part because it’s visually striking and it gives you something to enjoy even if the sea is changing fast.

Swim stop in a calm bay: stairs or trapeze

One of the most active parts of the tour is the swim break. After spotting wildlife (or while searching, depending on conditions), the boat drops anchor in a bay with clear water for a refreshing swim.

You can enter the water using the stairs, or you can use the trapeze for a swing/jump. Even non-swimmers tend to have fun watching others go for it, and some travelers mention it’s a top highlight for kids and thrill-seekers.

A smart practical tip: bring a towel and swimwear even if you think you might skip. Wind can affect how long the swim lasts, but the chance to cool off and do something playful is a big part of the tour’s value.

Also, cold is real. Even during summer months, people mention the Atlantic breeze can feel chilly, so pack layers you can wear on deck between swims.

Drinks and Canarian schnapps: the onboard party factor

The onboard “comfort package” is real. Included drinks list red wine, beer, cola, Fanta, water, plus Canarian schnapps.

This helps you relax and makes the whole thing feel more social. It also explains why so many people describe the crew as energetic—sharing drinks while you scan for wildlife creates that holiday atmosphere.

Keep it in mind: intoxication isn’t allowed, and there’s also a ban on smoking indoors. So yes, you can enjoy the drinks, but don’t treat it like a free-for-all.

Paella lunch on the 3-hour option: good food or a tradeoff?

On the 3-hour tour, you get paella with chicken and vegetables, and a piece of fruit for dessert. Drinks continue throughout, so you’re not stuck hungry after the swim stop.

What varies is taste and preferences. Many people praise the food, calling it tasty and enjoying the meal experience onboard. Others mention it wasn’t as good for them and suggest the shorter tour if you don’t want to commit extra time to a rice dish.

If you know you dislike chicken or you want something different, the data doesn’t list alternative meals. In that case, I’d lean toward the 2-hour option unless paella is your thing.

Getting comfortable on board: small issues that matter

A few practical points come up again and again in the experience details from travelers:

• Seating can be hard, especially if you’re on the lower sections. Bringing a towel as a cushion can help.
• The boat can feel crowded at busy times, which may be tough for anyone who hates close quarters.
• Some people mention the boat can feel choppy, and sea sickness is something to consider if you’re sensitive.
• Sound can be an issue: the guide’s delivery is included, but some travelers found the speaker volume loud at times.

None of these ruin the experience for most people. They’re just the kind of “know before you go” details that help you enjoy the trip without friction.

What to bring (and what to avoid)

The tour’s guidance is clear on packing. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, and beachwear. Cash is also suggested, just in case you want to have it on hand.

For safety and rules, you won’t be able to bring things like drones, weapons or sharp objects, glass objects, or anything that creates litter. Smoking is also restricted, and feeding or touching marine life isn’t allowed.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is also a family-style tour in spirit, but there are explicit rules around unaccompanied minors and other safety boundaries—so check what applies to your group before you go.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a great fit if you want an active, social morning/afternoon in the water. It suits people who:

• like wildlife travel but understand sightings depend on nature
• want drinks included
• enjoy a swim break and don’t mind deck time scanning the sea
• care about learning something, not just staring at waves

It may be less ideal if you:

• are very sensitive to choppy water or sea motion
• hate crowded boats or hard seating
• want a guaranteed whale encounter (this isn’t one)

Should you book this dolphin and whale tour from Los Gigantes?

Book it if you want a solid mix of wildlife searching, big cliff scenery, and an onboard day that includes wine/beer plus a swim stop. At roughly $39, the bundling is the point: you’re getting more than a ticket—you’re getting a full outing with guide commentary and time on the water.

Don’t book it if you’re mainly chasing a guaranteed whale sighting and you’d be upset by the “depends on sea conditions” reality. And if you hate rice-based meals, consider the 2-hour option unless paella is a must for you.

If you’re on the fence, my practical advice is this: plan for layers, bring a towel for seating comfort, arrive early at the harbor, and set your expectations for wildlife as a chance—then enjoy the rest even if the sea is stingy with sightings.

FAQ

Is seeing dolphins or whales guaranteed?

No. The tour does not guarantee sightings. Wildlife depends on the sea conditions, and the crew searches when conditions allow.

How early do I need to arrive at the harbor?

You should arrive 30 minutes before the tour starts at the Flipper Uno office inside Los Gigantes Harbor.

Is pickup or drop-off included?

No. The tour data says pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to get to the meeting point yourself.

What food and drinks are included?

Drinks are included, such as red wine, beer, cola, Fanta, water, and Canarian schnapps. Paella with chicken and vegetables is included on the 3-hour option, along with fruit dessert.

Can I swim and use the trapeze?

Yes. There is free time to swim in a bay, and you can enter using the stairs or use the trapeze.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour guide is available in Spanish, English, French, and German.

You can check availability for your dates here: