Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

The ocean can change your day. This two-hour speedboat trip from Los Gigantes combines close wildlife watching with a fast ride along Tenerife’s west coast. I especially like the small rigid inflatable boat, which carries up to 12 passengers, and the chance to swim beneath the huge cliffs at Masca Bay.

I also like the guides’ warm, personal approach. Luca and Alejandro are praised for their humor, wildlife knowledge, and care around the animals. The main drawback is simple: wildlife sightings depend on sea conditions, and some departures spend much of the two hours getting to the animals and back.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the most likely main sighting, with dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and jellyfish also possible.
• The boat carries no more than 12 passengers, giving you better views than a large sightseeing vessel.
• The Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary is the main wildlife area off Tenerife’s southwest coast.
• Los Gigantes and Masca cliffs rise about 600 meters, creating the tour’s strongest scenery.
• A swim stop usually follows the wildlife viewing, often at Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes early, or one hour early if you need to park near Los Gigantes port.

Why this Los Gigantes cruise is worth considering

At $33 per person, this is a strong-value outing if you want both wildlife and scenery in a short window. Many boat trips charge more for a larger vessel, then keep you farther from the water and the animals. Here, the small RIB-style boat puts you close to the sea, with fewer heads blocking your photographs.

The two-hour length also works well in a busy Tenerife itinerary. You are not committing to a full morning or afternoon, yet you still get time for marine life, the cliffs, and a swim. I would view it as a compact coastal adventure rather than a full educational marine expedition.

There is one important correction to keep in mind. The tour description uses the idea of guaranteed sightings, but the practical information also says dolphins and whales cannot be guaranteed. That second point is the honest one. Wildlife is wild, and weather, sea conditions, and animal movement control the day.

The strongest departures have found pods of pilot whales within minutes, sometimes including a calf, along with dolphins and turtles. Other trips have seen only pilot whales, or no dolphins at all. On rough or windy days, the guide may focus on safe boating and coastal views instead.

Leaving Los Gigantes port in a small RIB

You make your own way to Los Gigantes port. This matters because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and parking around the harbor can be difficult. Traffic can also be heavy, so arriving an hour before departure is sensible if you are driving.

The formal meeting instruction is to arrive 30 minutes before departure. Do not treat that as a casual suggestion. Late arrivals may receive no refund or rescheduling, and the boat cannot wait indefinitely for one delayed party.

Once aboard, expect a low, open speedboat rather than a covered excursion boat. The small size is a major advantage for seeing wildlife and taking photographs, but it also means you feel the motion of the Atlantic more directly. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the crew advises and consider bringing your usual remedy.

The experience is advertised as a speedboat ride, though the pace varies. You will travel quickly when crossing open water, but there are also slower sections for wildlife watching, coastal viewing, and swimming. One person described it as more of a leisurely cruise than a constant high-speed run, so do not book it solely for a two-hour thrill ride.

Searching for whales and dolphins in the Teno-Rasca sanctuary

The boat heads toward the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, an important marine area off Tenerife’s southwest coast. The point is not simply to see animals in a display setting. You are watching them in open water, where the captain must read the sea and look for signs of movement.

Pilot whales are the species most often encountered. Technically, pilot whales belong to the dolphin family, which can cause confusion if you are hoping for the huge whales seen in nature films. The trip can still produce impressive sightings, with pods reported at close range and, on one outing, a group of around 22 pilot whales.

Some departures have seen six pilot whales, while others have encountered a much larger group. A calf has also been spotted. The captain has been praised for turning off the engine near the animals and keeping a respectful distance, an important point for anyone who cares about responsible wildlife watching.

Dolphins are possible but less dependable. Sightings have included Atlantic dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and groups of more than 20 swimming near the boat. On another trip, rough weather prevented a dolphin sighting, even though the guide still kept the outing enjoyable.

You might also see turtles, flying fish, jellyfish, or even a shark. These are welcome extras, not promised parts of the trip. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole time looking at a screen. A pilot whale surfacing beside a small boat can disappear before you frame the shot.

What the guide adds to the two hours

The guide can make a large difference on a short tour. Luca receives repeated praise for his humor, quick wildlife spotting, and calm handling of the boat. Alejandro is also praised for explaining pilot whale behavior, answering questions, and slowing down when something interesting appeared.

The style is friendly rather than formal. You may receive facts about the animals and the volcanic cliffs, but this is not necessarily a full lecture from start to finish. One passenger found the commentary fairly limited and suggested reading about Tenerife’s marine life beforehand if detailed natural history is important to you.

The best guides also manage the group well. Luca has been praised for arranging seating so parents and children could sit together, lending a vest to a chilly child, and offering fresh fruit on some trips. Those small touches matter on a compact boat, where comfort and good manners affect everyone.

The listed host language is Spanish. Several English-speaking passengers still found the guides clear and helpful, but you should not assume a full tour in English. If you want a detailed explanation of every species, confirm the language arrangements before booking.

Passing below the 600-meter cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward the famous Los Gigantes and Masca cliffs. These dark volcanic walls rise roughly 600 meters above the sea, and viewing them from below gives you a far better sense of their scale than looking from a road or viewpoint.

The boat may pass close to the cliffs, with views toward the Masca valley and the rough volcanic rock above. This part of the trip is often as memorable as the wildlife. Even on a day without dolphins, the cliffs give the outing real value.

The timing can vary. If the sea is rough, if the wildlife is far offshore, or if the boat leaves late, the cliff section may be shorter. One passenger felt that too much time was spent watching whales and not enough time was left for the cliffs. Another saw the boat spend a good stretch beneath the cliffs after finding pilot whales quickly.

That variation is unavoidable to some degree. The captain has to choose between staying with a good wildlife sighting and following the planned coastal route. I would rather have a respectful, unhurried look at a pod of pilot whales than a rushed checklist of every stop, but your priorities may differ.

Swimming at Masca Bay and nearby coves

The final part usually includes a stop in a clear-water bay. Possible locations include Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, and Juan López. The exact cove depends on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment.

Masca Bay is often the favorite. The boat stops beneath steep cliffs, giving you a striking setting for a swim. The stop can last around 20 minutes, though the available time depends on how the earlier parts of the trip run.

You do not have to swim. One passenger skipped the water in December, and another described the Atlantic as a quick jump in and out. Bring a towel and wear swimwear under your clothes if you want the option. If you hope to snorkel, bring your own mask, since snorkeling equipment is not listed as included.

This stop adds more than a photo opportunity. It breaks up the time at sea and lets you experience the water rather than simply look at it. Still, if your main aim is a long beach swim, this is not the right format. The stop is brief, and there is no promise of a particular bay or exact swimming time.

Some outings have included fresh fruit after the swim, such as oranges from the captain’s own orchard. That is a pleasant extra, but it is not listed as a guaranteed inclusion, so do not count on it.

Comfort, safety, and the small-boat tradeoff

A maximum of 12 passengers is one of the best features here. You have more room to see over the side, take photographs, and hear the guide than you would on a large whale-watching boat. Some departures have had only six passengers, creating an especially personal outing.

The tradeoff is exposure. This is not a large vessel with indoor seating, and the Atlantic can feel cool even in Tenerife. A February departure became cloudy and chilly, so a light jumper or jacket was useful. Sun protection is also sensible, since you may spend much of the trip in direct sun.

Pregnant women may join at their own risk. Children under two are not permitted. The information does not give a detailed accessibility description, so anyone with mobility concerns should check directly before booking.

Glass objects are not allowed on board. Keep your belongings compact and secure, especially phones and cameras. The boat’s movement, spray, and open sides make a waterproof pouch a practical choice.

The $33 price and who gets the best value

At $33, the price is hard to fault when the wildlife search works well. You get the boat, skipper, wildlife viewing, the Los Gigantes cliffs, and usually a swim stop in a single two-hour outing. Compared with a larger boat trip, the small group can offer better sight lines and a closer feel for the water.

The value is less certain if you want a long, detailed talk about marine biology or a guaranteed dolphin encounter. The captain’s job is to find animals, but no one can control what appears. You are paying for the attempt, the boat ride, and the scenery, not a fixed wildlife performance.

I think this suits couples, families with children over two, and anyone who wants a short active excursion from the west side of Tenerife. It is especially good for people who prefer a small group and do not mind a little spray or boat movement.

I would be more cautious if you get seasick, dislike open boats, or need a fully predictable timetable. A late start can reduce time at the cliffs or swimming cove, and the route can change with the sea.

Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those terms help if your Tenerife schedule depends on weather, though they do not change the wildlife risk.

Should you book the Los Gigantes speedboat?

Book it if you want a good-value mix of wildlife, cliffs, and a short swim. The small boat, respectful wildlife approach, and strong guides can create a far more personal outing than a large cruise vessel. Pilot whales are the most realistic target, while dolphins and turtles are welcome bonuses.

Go with realistic expectations. The sea may be windy, the boat may move more slowly than the word speedboat suggests, and the animals may not appear. If you accept that uncertainty, this is one of the better short boat trips around Los Gigantes, especially at $33.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Los Gigantes port in Tenerife. You must make your own way there, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long is the trip?

The scheduled duration is two hours. The time is divided between wildlife watching, the coastal cliffs, and a possible swimming stop.

Can I be sure I will see whales or dolphins?

No. Sightings depend on sea conditions and animal movement. Pilot whales are commonly sought, while dolphins, turtles, and other marine life are possible but not guaranteed.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, Atlantic or bottlenose dolphins, turtles, flying fish, jellyfish, and occasionally other marine life. The exact sightings vary by departure.

How many people fit on the boat?

The rigid inflatable speedboat carries up to 12 passengers. Some departures may have fewer people.

Is swimming included?

The itinerary includes a stop for swimming in a bay such as Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López. You can choose not to swim.

What should I bring for the swimming stop?

Bring a towel and wear swimwear if you want to enter the water. If you want to snorkel, bring your own mask because snorkeling equipment is not listed as included.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. If you are driving or using public transport, arriving about one hour early is recommended because traffic and parking near the port can be difficult.