Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

Pilot whales and dolphins can appear within minutes of leaving Los Gigantes, and the small RIB boat puts you close to the action without the crowd of a large sightseeing vessel. The trip also brings you beneath the 600-meter Los Gigantes cliffs, where the volcanic walls rise sharply from the Atlantic.

I like the small group of up to 12 passengers, which gives you a fair chance to see over the sides and take photos. I also like the mix of wildlife, cliff scenery, and a swim stop for one modest price. The main drawback is that sightings depend on sea conditions, and the ride can feel rough or cool when the weather turns.

Key points

• Small RIB boat: Up to 12 passengers creates a more personal outing than a large whale-watching vessel.
• Pilot whales and dolphins: The Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary is the main wildlife area, with turtles and flying fish possible too.
• Los Gigantes cliffs: You pass close to dramatic volcanic walls reaching about 600 meters above the sea.
• Masca Bay swim: The boat may stop at Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López for a swim in clear water.
• Two-hour format: The short trip packs wildlife, coast views, and swimming into one outing.
• Flexible booking: Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later.

Why this Los Gigantes boat trip works

This is a compact sea adventure rather than a long, formal wildlife expedition. You leave from Los Gigantes port, head toward the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, spend time looking for marine life, then return along the cliffs and stop for a swim if conditions allow.

At $33 per person, the price is appealing. You are paying for a skipper, the speedboat ride, wildlife watching, and coastal sightseeing in one two-hour trip. Large boats may offer more room, but this smaller craft can get closer to the water and gives you a better chance of seeing what is happening around the boat.

I would choose this for a half-day break from the beach or hotel pool. It is especially useful when you want several Tenerife highlights in one short activity, but do not want to commit to a full-day cruise.

Meeting the boat at Los Gigantes port

You make your own way to Los Gigantes. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so allow extra time for the approach. Traffic can be heavy, and parking may be difficult both inside and outside the harbor.

The practical advice is simple: arrive at least one hour before departure. You must be at the meeting point 30 minutes early, and a late arrival does not qualify for a refund or a new booking. That may sound strict, but the port roads and parking can take longer than expected.

The host service is listed as Spanish-speaking. Guides such as Luca and Alejandro have been praised for keeping the trip lively, explaining the animals and cliffs, and helping families settle into the boat. Communication may be more limited if you do not speak Spanish, but the crew has been described as clear and attentive with international groups.

The RIB ride toward the whale sanctuary

The boat heads quickly away from the port toward the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary. This is the main wildlife portion of the trip, so keep your eyes moving and your camera ready.

A rigid inflatable boat gives the outing a different feel from a big catamaran. You sit lower to the water, feel more of the movement, and can often watch animals from a shorter distance. The trade-off is comfort. The ride can be bumpy, especially when the Atlantic is choppy, and one passenger described the advertised speedboat as more of a relaxed cruise on that particular outing.

You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, jellyfish, flying fish, or other marine life. Pilot whales are the most regular sighting described for this trip. They are technically one of the larger members of the dolphin family, which explains why some departures produce whales but no dolphins in the usual sense.

The skipper may switch off the engine near the animals. This reduces noise and lets you watch without pressing in too closely. That respectful approach matters. You get a better chance to observe natural behavior, and the animals are not treated like performers.

Wildlife sightings and the limits of the promise

The activity is promoted around guaranteed sightings, but the practical information makes the important qualification clear: whales and dolphins cannot be guaranteed in every sea condition. The operator may still provide a wildlife-focused trip, but nature decides what appears.

Many departures have produced close views of pilot whales, sometimes in groups of six or more and sometimes in pods of about 20. Dolphins have also been seen swimming around the bow, with some outings producing large groups within minutes of leaving the harbor. Turtles and flying fish are welcome extras rather than promised features.

You should set your expectations correctly. This is not an aquarium visit, and you may see only one type of animal. On one outing, the group saw pilot whales but no dolphins. On another, rough wind prevented a dolphin sighting, though the guide kept the mood light and the coast still made the trip worthwhile.

The best approach is to treat the animals as one part of the experience. If you see a whale with a calf, a pod beside the boat, or dolphins crossing the bow, the trip may become the highlight of your Tenerife stay. If you do not, you still have the cliffs and the sea ride, but the value depends more heavily on your interest in scenery.

The guides make a real difference

The strongest part of this trip is often the skipper. Luca is frequently associated with a warm sense of humor, fast spotting, and clear explanations about the whales and the coast. Alejandro has also been praised for answering questions, slowing down when something interesting appeared, and explaining pilot whale behavior.

That personal approach is useful on a small boat. The skipper can adjust the pace, point out animals that you might miss, and keep children involved. One captain lent a child his own vest when the weather became cool, while another shared fresh fruit after the swim. These details are not guaranteed extras, but they show the kind of hands-on service you may receive.

The level of commentary can vary. Some departures have included plenty of facts about marine life and the volcanic cliffs. One passenger found the outing less descriptive and suggested reading about Tenerife’s dolphins and whales beforehand if natural history is a major interest.

Passing beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat turns toward the coast. This is where the trip changes from an animal search to a scenic ride.

The Los Gigantes and Masca cliffs rise about 600 meters above the water. Seen from the sea, they feel much larger than they do from a road or viewpoint. The boat can pass close to the dark volcanic walls, with views toward the Masca valley and narrow coastal inlets.

This part of the outing gives you time to take in Tenerife’s west coast without rushing from one lookout to another. The cliffs are the star here, so even a departure with limited wildlife can still deliver strong scenery.

The timing can vary. The official trip lasts two hours, but a late departure may reduce the time on the water. One delayed outing finished at the planned time, leaving less room for the cliff section and the bay stop. Arrive early and watch the clock if you want the full experience.

Swimming at Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López

The boat may anchor in a sheltered bay such as Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López. The water is described as clear and turquoise, with steep volcanic walls around the cove. This is a refreshing change after sitting in the boat and watching the horizon.

The swimming stop is optional. You can stay aboard, take photos, or simply enjoy the quiet setting. When conditions and timing cooperate, you may have about 20 minutes in the water, though the exact stop is not fixed.

Bring a towel and wear swimwear if you want to get in. Bring your own mask if you hope to snorkel, since snorkeling equipment is not listed as included. Do not expect the swimming stop to be guaranteed on every departure. It may be shortened by weather, timing, or sea conditions.

The Atlantic can feel cold outside the warmest months. A winter outing may be better enjoyed from the boat, especially if the day is cloudy. Pregnant women may board, but only at their own risk. Children under two are not permitted.

Comfort, weather, and what to pack

A small RIB gives you a close view of the water, but it does not provide the same sheltered comfort as a large boat. Wind can make the ride feel cooler than the temperature at the port. In February, one passenger recommended bringing a jumper or jacket, even without feeling seriously cold.

I would pack:

• A light jacket or warm layer
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun protection
• A phone or camera with a secure grip
• Motion-sickness medication if you are sensitive to boat movement
• A small waterproof bag for personal items

Glass objects are not allowed. Keep loose belongings to a minimum, especially if the sea is lively. The boat has limited space, although the maximum group size of 12 leaves more room than a crowded large cruise.

The ride may include spray. That is part of the fun for some people and a nuisance for others. If you want a calm, dry, polished cruise, choose a larger vessel. If you prefer a close-to-the-water outing with a bit of adrenaline, the RIB is the better fit.

How the $33 price compares

At $33, this is good value if you want wildlife watching and a short coastal cruise in one booking. The two-hour length is long enough to reach the sanctuary, spend time looking for animals, see the cliffs, and make a swimming stop when conditions permit.

The small boat adds value. You are not paying for a huge passenger load and a distant view from the upper deck. A group of six can feel almost private, while even a full boat of 12 remains manageable.

The price is less compelling if your only goal is a long swim or an in-depth wildlife lesson. Much of the two hours is spent moving between the port, the sanctuary, and the bay. The commentary may also be fairly light on some departures.

Still, for a short activity at a reasonable cost, the combination is hard to fault. You get a chance at pilot whales and dolphins, a dramatic view of Tenerife’s west coast, and a possible swim without giving up an entire day.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to families with children over two, couples, solo visitors, and anyone who prefers a small group. Children who enjoy boats and animals should have a good time, though parents should prepare them for wind, spray, and a moving deck.

It suits you if you want:

• A short activity from the Los Gigantes area
• A better chance of close water-level views
• Pilot whales and dolphins in the wild
• A scenic ride beneath the cliffs
• An optional swim in a quiet bay
• A guide with humor and local enthusiasm

I would be more cautious if you are prone to seasickness, need a fully calm ride, or consider dolphin sightings essential. The sea controls the wildlife, and the boat can move noticeably in rough conditions.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your schedule depends on weather, but they do not change the need to arrive early at the port.

Should you book the Los Gigantes speedboat cruise?

Book it if you want a lively two-hour trip with a real chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins, followed by some of Tenerife’s best coastal scenery. The small group, respectful engine use, and guides such as Luca and Alejandro add real value.

Skip it if you want a guaranteed dolphin encounter, a long swim, or a quiet luxury cruise. The sensible expectation is a compact Atlantic outing where wildlife is the bonus and the Los Gigantes cliffs provide a dependable reason to go.

For $33, I think it is a strong choice for most visitors staying near Los Gigantes, especially when you arrive early, bring a warm layer, and remain flexible about what the sea decides to show you.

FAQ

Where does the Los Gigantes speedboat tour depart from?

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

How long does the boat trip last?

The advertised duration is two hours. A delayed departure can reduce the time spent on the water, so arrive early.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The RIB can carry up to 12 passengers, creating a smaller group than a large whale-watching boat.

Will I definitely see dolphins or whales?

No sighting can be guaranteed in every sea condition. The activity information notes that wildlife sightings depend on the state of the sea.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, jellyfish, and flying fish. The animals vary from one departure to another.

Is swimming included?

The itinerary includes a stop for swimming in a bay such as Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López when conditions and timing allow. Swimming is optional.

What should I bring for the swim?

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

Is the tour suitable for young children?

Children under two are not permitted. Older children can join, though parents should consider the movement, spray, and possible cool weather on a small speedboat.

What language is spoken on the tour?

The host or greeter is listed as Spanish-speaking. Guides such as Luca and Alejandro have communicated with international groups during the trip.