Los Gigantes: Whale or dolphin watching and swimming tour in Masca

Thinking about a boat trip off the coast of Tenerife? This whale and dolphin watching tour from Los Gigantes is a solid choice if you’re after a mix of wildlife encounters, spectacular scenery, and a refreshing swim. While I haven’t done this specific tour myself, I’ve read plenty of reviews and gathered the details to help you decide if it suits your style.

What I really like about this experience is how it combines animal sightings with a scenic boat ride—you get to see whales or dolphins in their natural habitat, and then relax with a dip in Masca Bay’s clear waters. Plus, the guides seem friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share their local insights. On the flip side, it’s a shorter trip—just two hours—which might feel rushed if you’re hoping for a more leisurely day. This tour feels best for those who want a quick, fun, and budget-friendly adventure that captures the essence of the local marine life and stunning cliffs.

If you’re someone who loves seeing marine mammals, enjoys scenic coastal views, and appreciates a bit of time for swimming and relaxing, you’ll probably find this experience quite appealing. It’s also suitable for travelers who want a well-organized, straightforward activity without the fuss of full-day excursions.

Key Points

• Wildlife Viewing: Chances to see whales or dolphins in their natural setting.
• Spectacular Scenery: Close-up views of the Los Gigantes Cliffs and Masca Bay.
• Included Swim Stop: Opportunity to cool off in crystal-clear waters, with drinks provided.
• Short & Value-Packed: Two-hour tour offers great bang for your buck.
• Guides & Accessibility: Knowledgeable guides and wheelchair accessibility.
• What’s Not Included: Snorkeling gear and transportation are extra, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at This Whale & Dolphin Tour

Starting Point and Overall Setup

The tour kicks off at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21, in Los Gigantes—a busy, accessible spot right in the harbor area. From there, you’ll hop onto a speedboat for the adventure, which usually lasts around 2 hours. The boat size is smaller, which many reviews praise for making the experience more intimate and manageable, especially when trying to spot elusive marine life.

The Itinerary: How the Time Flies

The trip is divided into roughly six segments, giving a structured yet flexible experience:

• Initial Departure & Scenic Drive: After meeting at the harbor, the boat departs, and you’re immediately immersed in the sea breeze. The first 30-minute ride gets you away from the coast and into the open waters.

• Wildlife Watching at Los Gigantes: The main focus is whale or dolphin sightings, which typically last about 15 minutes but can feel longer when marine creatures appear close enough to see underwater and surface nearby. Many reviews mention seeing pilot whales, dolphins, and sometimes Bryde whales—something that’s quite exciting given how close they come to the boat.

• Second Speedboat Segment & Scenic Views: The boat then heads towards Masca Bay, a route often praised for its stunning cliffs and rugged coastline. The second 30-minute ride offers more chances to catch glimpses of marine life or enjoy the picturesque scenery.

• Swim & Relax at Masca Bay: The highlight for many travelers is the stop in Masca Bay, a spectacular spot with crystal-clear waters. Here, you can take a quick 15-minute dip, snorkel (though equipment isn’t included), or simply float and enjoy the views. Many comments highlight how refreshing it is to cool off in such a beautiful setting.

• Return & Clifftop Views: The last part of the tour involves heading back along the cliffs of Los Gigantes, offering some of the best coastal views in Europe. It’s a relaxing way to conclude the short voyage, with many travelers saying the scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

Wildlife sightings are the star of this trip. The guides are generally very knowledgeable, and many reviews mention how they’re quick to spot whales or dolphins and eager to share their sightings. Some travelers note seeing multiple species, including pilot whales and various dolphins, with some even catching a glimpse of a Bryde whale.

The swimming stop at Masca Bay is brief but very popular. You’ll be dropped off into the water, surrounded by striking cliffs and teeming with fish, if you choose to snorkel (though equipment is not included). Even if you just relax on the boat, the scenery and the cool breeze make it a memorable moment.

Drinks and amenities are straightforward—water, soft drinks, or beer are offered during the swim stop, adding a casual, friendly vibe to the experience. The crew’s helpfulness and enthusiasm come through in reviews, with many praising how they’re attentive and informative throughout.

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The Value for Money

At around two hours, this tour is quite affordable compared to longer excursions. Many reviews describe it as “great value for money”, especially considering you get wildlife sightings, a scenic boat ride, and a swim in Masca Bay. The tour also includes insurance and a guide, making it a hassle-free choice.

However, snorkeling gear is not included, so if you’re big on snorkeling, you’ll need to bring your own equipment or rent it elsewhere. The tour’s short duration means it’s a quick fix rather than an all-day adventure, but many find that perfect for a half-day activity.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
– The guides seem friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to find animals.
– Spotting whales and dolphins is often successful, with close-up views.
– The scenery of Los Gigantes cliffs is breathtaking.
– The swim stop in Masca Bay is a refreshing highlight.
– The small boat size contributes to a more intimate experience.
– The price point is reasonable considering what’s included.

Cons:
– The 2-hour duration might feel brief if you’re hoping for a long day at sea.
– Snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so you’ll need to bring or rent gear if you want to snorkel.
– The timing and wildlife sightings depend on conditions; sometimes whales or dolphins might be elusive.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a quick, scenic, and wildlife-focused adventure without spending too much time or money. If you’re keen to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment, this is a good pick. It also works well if you enjoy boat rides, scenic coastal views, and a bit of swimming or relaxing in beautiful surroundings.

It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate a small, friendly crew and are comfortable with a short but action-packed trip. Families with kids who are comfortable on boats will find it manageable, though very young children should be supervised during the swim. If you’re looking for a full-day excursion or snorkeling equipment, this might not be the best fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour generally suits those comfortable on boats, including families. However, keep in mind the swim involves jumping into deep water, so supervision is important for kids.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
Snorkeling equipment is not included, so if you want to snorkel, you’ll need to bring your own or rent it separately.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, with specific stops and opportunities for wildlife viewing and swimming.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21 in Los Gigantes, with the tour operating from the harbor.

Are drinks included?
Yes, a drink (water, soft drink, or beer) is included during the swim stop.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility in case your plans change.

Final Thoughts

This whale and dolphin watching tour from Los Gigantes offers a friendly, scenic, and relatively short adventure that highlights the best of local marine life and stunning coastal vistas. The combination of wildlife sightings, the breathtaking cliffs, and a quick swim makes it a well-rounded option for travelers who want to tick multiple boxes in a small window of time.

The guides’ reputation for being knowledgeable and friendly, along with the opportunity to see whales or dolphins up close, keeps this experience highly rated. The value for money is evident, especially if you’re keen on a light yet memorable outing.

In short, if you’re after a fun, scenic, and animal-focused activity that won’t take up your whole day, this tour is worth considering. It’s a practical, enjoyable way to experience the natural beauty of Tenerife’s coast with a friendly crew by your side.

Remember to bring sunscreen, a towel, goggles, and snorkeling gear if you want to explore beneath the surface. And don’t forget to check the availability and starting times to plan your day around this lively boat trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: