Los Gigantes: Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour and Swim in Masca

Pilot whales off the cliffs.

This 2-hour speedboat outing from Los Gigantes is built for real wildlife time, with a good shot at seeing whales or dolphins and sailing up close to the Los Gigantes Cliffs from the water. I like that the whole experience stays short and focused, so you spend less time in transit and more time out on the ocean.

I also like the Masca Bay stop under the cliffs, where you can cool off with a swim, and the crew keeps things relaxed and friendly. In a few rides, guides like Captain Juan Carlos and George are the kind of people who take animal safety seriously, plus you get a cold drink after the water time.

The only real catch is motion. If you get seasick easily, the speedboat style and ocean conditions may not be for you, even though some trips are more comfortable with covered shelter.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Close-up viewing time right by Los Gigantes, with frequent sightings of pilot whales and dolphins
• Engine-off approach reported in some cases, so you can watch calmly instead of forcing the animals away
• Masca Bay swim stop under the cliffs, with a cold water, soda, or beer waiting afterward
• Photo-friendly runs from the boat during sightings, plus scenic views on the way back to port
• Helpful, bilingual guides in English and Spanish who keep the vibe easy

Why Los Gigantes and Masca Bay are such a strong combo

Los Gigantes is one of those places where the scenery has scale. From the water, the cliff walls feel huge, and that matters because it sets the stage for the wildlife. Dolphins and whales tend to show up when the conditions line up, but the setting helps your trip feel special even if the animals are only seen briefly.

Then you swap gears for the Masca Bay swim. The contrast is part of what makes this tour satisfying. You start with wide-open ocean time and quick, intense wildlife watching. You finish with a human-sized break: 15 minutes in clear water right under the cliffs, where you can relax, look down, and maybe snorkel using your own goggles.

Getting to the boat: what the first 30 minutes feels like

You meet at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21 (the local area for Maritima Acantilados or Nashira Uno Office). After that, you get the speedboat ride out. Expect around 30 minutes on the water to reach the best zone for marine life.

This is the part where you want to be ready mentally. You’re not standing around waiting for entertainment. The crew is moving you to where they think you’ll have a shot. It also helps to plan for spray and wind, especially on days when the coastline breeze turns brisk.

If you’re booking because you love wildlife, this is a good rhythm. Instead of a long cruise, you get that quick push out, then the wildlife viewing moment.

Wildlife spotting in Los Gigantes: what to watch for and how to improve your odds

The main wildlife time is about 15 minutes in the Los Gigantes zone. That’s not long, but it’s enough if you’re in the right place and paying attention. In the better moments, people report pilot whales and dolphins from just a few meters away. You may also get extras like turtles or flying fish, though those are not guaranteed.

Two things make this segment work for your experience:

1. The crew’s search behavior matters. Several rides are described as organized and focused, with the guide making sure everyone has a view. On some trips, the crew even spent extra time looking when sightings weren’t immediately obvious.
2. Animal-friendly behavior makes the difference. One strong theme in the feedback is that the captain and guides try not to disturb the animals. There are reports of the engine being turned off at times, so whales can approach and the group can watch without constant noise.

If you want to maximize what you see, do this:

• Keep your eyes scanning the water surface for quick surface blows or dorsal fins.
• Stay patient during the pauses. Many sightings happen suddenly once the boat is oriented correctly.
• If you’re taking photos, have your settings ready before the boat slows.

And if you do get motion sick, consider sitting where you feel the least movement. Also pack sunglasses, because even a short run can throw bright glare into your eyes.

Sailing up close to the cliffs: the part that surprises people

This tour isn’t only about animals. The sail past Los Gigantes Cliffs is a big part of the payoff, especially because the boat angle puts you right at water level with the rock face.

During the return, you get about 30 minutes of scenic views while heading back toward port. That’s useful because it turns the trip into more than a one-hit wildlife moment. You still get that “wow” factor even if the sightings are brief.

In-person, the cliffs can look like they go on forever. From the water, you also get a sense of depth that you won’t get from land viewpoints, and you can appreciate why the coastline is such a magnet for marine life.

The Masca Bay swim stop: clear water, short time, and a real change of pace

After the wildlife segment, you head toward Masca Bay for the swim portion. The stop is about 15 minutes for swimming and photo time, with snorkeling possible if you bring your own gear.

Here’s why that swim stop is often the emotional highlight. You’re not just jumping in a random spot. You’re in crystal-clear water right where the cliffs tower above you. A lot of people describe it as a new perspective, because you’re looking up at the scale of Los Gigantes instead of looking at it from a walkway.

A cold-water note matters. Several rides happen in winter or cooler months, and one rider specifically mentioned water around 17 degrees Celsius. If you’re sensitive to cold, bring a towel, get out quickly if you start shivering, and remember the stop is short by design.

You also get one included drink after the swim, typically water, soda, or beer. It’s a small thing, but it makes the swim feel complete, especially if the weather has turned chilly.

Snorkeling, what you should know (and what you shouldn’t expect)

Snorkeling is listed as an option, but snorkeling gear is not included. You’ll want goggles if you plan to look around. (Brought goggles are repeatedly mentioned as a good idea.)

You might see fish close by in the shallower area, and a few riders mentioned shoals of fish during the swim time. Still, treat it as “fun bonus,” not a full snorkeling expedition. This is a short stop inside a 2-hour tour.

One more practical thing: this is open water. In at least one case, a rider reported a jellyfish sting while swimming. It didn’t ruin the trip for them, but it’s a reminder to be alert and keep an eye on your legs and hands when you’re in.

Timing and comfort: can you handle a speedboat for 2 hours?

Total duration is 2 hours. Within that, you’re looking at roughly:

• about 30 minutes out to the viewing area
• about 15 minutes for dolphin or whale watching
• about 30 minutes of cruising afterward
• about 15 minutes at Masca Bay for swim and photo time
• about 30 minutes back for scenic views

This schedule is why I call it value-focused. It’s not a half-day commitment. It fits easily into a Tenerife day without stealing your whole morning or afternoon.

Comfort is mixed, mostly depending on sea conditions and your personal tolerance. Some trips mention covered top on the boat, and others note shade and a non-crowded feel. But if you’ve had bad experiences on small boats before, trust that instinct. One review specifically said not to recommend it if you get seasick easily.

Price and value: why $33 feels fair for what you get

At about $33 per person, this tour is priced like a practical ocean add-on, not a luxury day. The value comes from what’s included for that price:

• Whale or dolphin watching
• Masca Bay swim stop (short, but the setting is the point)
• One drink (water, soda, or beer)
• Guide
• Insurance

What you’re not getting is also clear:

• Pick-up service is not included
• Snorkeling gear is not included

So the math is simple. If you’re already staying near Los Gigantes and you want a compact wildlife outing plus a real swim moment, this is the type of ticket that makes sense. If you need transportation included, or you’re expecting full snorkeling equipment and a longer water session, you may feel like you should shop other options.

A smart way to approach it: treat this as a short “wildlife plus one swim” experience. Then plan the rest of your day around it.

What to bring, what rules to follow, and how to be a good boat passenger

The list is straightforward:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Goggles (especially if you want to snorkel)
• Any snorkeling gear you have

There are also clear behavior rules:

• No smoking or vaping
• No alcohol and drugs
• No littering
• No speakers

I like these rules because they protect the experience for everyone. It keeps the boat calmer and reduces the chance of things going wrong around wildlife.

And if you want to stay comfortable, think wind. Even if it’s sunny, you can get cooled down fast on a speedboat. Sunglasses and sunscreen matter as much as the swim stop.

Who this tour suits best, and who might want a different plan

This tour suits you if:

• you want whales or dolphins without spending half a day at sea
• you care about the Los Gigantes Cliffs from the water
• you want a real swim moment at Masca Bay, not just photos from a shore path
• you like guided structure with a friendly, bilingual team in English and Spanish
• you want a price that doesn’t explode your budget

It may not suit you if:

• you get seasick easily
• you’re expecting long snorkeling time or gear provided
• you hate cold water, since the swim stop is short but the sea can feel chilly depending on season

Should you book the Los Gigantes whale or dolphin tour with Masca swim?

Yes, if your priority is a compact, high-impact ocean experience. For the price, you get the wildlife focus, a cliff sail that feels cinematic up close, and a Masca Bay swim stop with a drink afterward. It’s also the kind of trip where crew behavior can make a real difference, including animal-friendly viewing and organized spotting efforts.

I would book it especially if you’re in the Los Gigantes area already and you want something you can actually fit into a tight Tenerife day. If you’re seasick-prone, be honest with yourself, because speedboat conditions can be the difference between a great story and an unpleasant one.

FAQ

Is pick-up service included?

No. Pick-up service is not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is listed as Maritima Acantilados or the Nashira Uno Office, with the starting address given as C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21.

Does this tour include snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included. You can bring your own equipment if you want to snorkel, and goggles are recommended.

How long is the swim stop at Masca Bay?

The swim stop is about 15 minutes.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes whale or dolphin watching, a swim stop at the Los Gigantes cliffs, one drink (water, soda, or beer), a guide, and insurance.

How long is the whole tour?

The total duration is about 2 hours.