Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

The main thrill here is getting close to Tenerife’s marine life from a small rigid inflatable boat. Pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and jellyfish are all possible sightings, while the route also takes you beneath the enormous Los Gigantes cliffs and into the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary.

I like the small group, often no more than 12 people, and the way the skipper can switch off the engine near the animals. I also like the two-part rhythm: wildlife first, then a swim in a quiet bay. The catch is that sea conditions control the wildlife, and the boat ride can feel rough or cool, especially in winter.

Key points

• Small 12-seat RIB: You get a closer view than on a large sightseeing boat, with more room for photographs.
• Pilot whales are the usual star: Dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and other sea life may also appear.
• Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary: This protected coastal area is a prime place to look for marine mammals.
• Los Gigantes at sea level: The 600-meter cliffs look especially dramatic from beneath them.
• Swimming stop included: Depending on conditions, you may swim at Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López.
• Two hours for $33: That is strong value for a small-group boat ride, wildlife search, cliff cruise, and swim.

Why this two-hour boat trip works

At $33 per person, this is one of the more appealing short boat outings around Tenerife. You are not paying for a full-day cruise with food and a large crowd. You are paying for two focused hours on the water, with a skipper, a small boat, wildlife watching, cliff scenery, and time for a swim.

That short length matters. You can fit the trip into a morning or afternoon without losing most of your day. I would choose it if you want a taste of Tenerife’s west coast rather than a long party cruise.

The boat is a rigid inflatable speedboat, commonly called a RIB. It carries up to 12 passengers, although some departures have been much smaller. That makes the experience feel personal and gives you a better chance of seeing around other people when animals appear.

Do not expect a luxury yacht. The boat is built for speed and access, not cushioned lounging. You sit close to the water, feel the movement of the sea, and may get sprayed. For many people, that is part of the fun. If you prefer a calm, stable ride, a larger vessel may suit you better.

Meeting the boat at Los Gigantes

You make your own way to Los Gigantes port. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so build in extra time if you are driving or using public transport.

The port area can be slow to reach, and parking may be difficult both inside and outside the harbor. The practical advice is simple: arrive at least one hour before departure. You need to be at the meeting point 30 minutes before the start, and late arrivals are not promised a refund or a new departure.

This is not the sort of outing where I would cut things close. Allow time to find the port, park, walk to the meeting spot, and check in. A confusing office encounter or a last-minute dash can sour an otherwise excellent morning.

The operating language is Spanish. Guides such as Luca, Alejandro, and Alessandro have been praised for their humor, clear explanations, and skill at spotting animals. Some passengers have found communication easy even when Spanish was not their first language, but you should still expect Spanish as the official tour language.

Racing toward the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary

Once everyone is aboard, the RIB heads away from Los Gigantes toward the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary. The sanctuary is widely known as a major whale-watching area in Europe, and the waters off Tenerife are used by several kinds of marine life.

The ride out is part transportation and part attraction. You get open ocean, wind, spray, and the rush of a small boat moving at speed. One passenger described the speed as more of a leisurely cruise, so keep your expectations sensible. The boat can move quickly, but the skipper slows down when conditions, wildlife, or scenery call for it.

The crew’s main job is finding animals without disturbing them. When the boat reaches a pod, the skipper may reduce speed or turn off the engine. That matters. You are not simply chasing wildlife for a quick photograph. A quiet boat gives you a better chance to watch natural behavior and keeps the encounter less intrusive.

Several outings have produced pilot whale sightings within a short time of leaving the harbor. Pods have included a handful of animals and, on some trips, more than 20. One particularly memorable sighting involved a whale with a calf. These encounters are not scheduled performances, so the length and closeness of the sighting depend on the animals.

Pilot whales, dolphins, and the real wildlife promise

Pilot whales are the most consistent highlight mentioned in the tour details. The name can cause confusion: pilot whales are members of the dolphin family, although they are much larger than the dolphins most people picture.

You might see a large pod resting or moving near the boat. You might also see common dolphins or bottlenose dolphins. Turtles, flying fish, jellyfish, and even larger fish have appeared on individual outings. A few passengers also reported seeing a shark or a marlin, but those are unusual possibilities rather than promised parts of the trip.

The wildlife wording needs careful reading. The experience is marketed around guaranteed sightings, but the practical information also says that whales and dolphins cannot be guaranteed because sea conditions affect the search. Treat the guarantee as dependent on safe and workable conditions, not as a promise that you will see every animal named.

Some departures have seen several species. Others have found pilot whales but no dolphins. On rough or windy days, the crew may concentrate on what the sea allows and make the trip enjoyable with scenery and a swim stop. At least one outing had no dolphins or turtles, but still included kayaking and snorkeling according to the passenger account. Those extra activities are not listed as standard parts of this tour, so do not book expecting them.

The most useful mindset is to value the whole outing. If you see whales, dolphins, and a turtle, you have had an exceptional wildlife trip. If you see pilot whales and then cruise along the cliffs, that is still a worthwhile result at this price.

Watching from a small boat

The 12-passenger limit is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a large whale-watching vessel. You are not looking over several rows of heads, and the boat can often position itself closer to the animals while respecting a safe distance.

A small boat also makes the captain’s judgment more visible. You can see when the engine goes quiet and watch the pod without constant motor noise. The captain may hold position for a while, giving you time to understand what you are seeing instead of snapping one rushed photograph.

The trade-off is motion. A small RIB responds to waves more sharply than a big boat. One passenger found that extended whale watching brought on mild seasickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the crew recommends, keep your eyes on the horizon when possible, and consider taking appropriate precautions before departure.

The boat can also feel cool when cloud moves in, even on an otherwise pleasant day. In February, one passenger recommended bringing a jumper or light jacket. I would pack one year-round, along with sunscreen and a towel.

Los Gigantes cliffs from the water

After the wildlife search, the route turns toward the coast. The cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca rise about 600 meters above the sea, making them among the highest coastal cliffs in the world.

From land, you can admire these volcanic walls from viewpoints and the harbor. From the boat, you look straight up from their base. That changes the scale. Dark rock, sharp folds, and high ridges tower above the water, while the Masca valley opens inland behind the coast.

This part of the ride is not filler. It gives you the scenery that a wildlife trip alone might miss, and it helps make the experience worthwhile even on a day with limited animal activity. The skipper may slow down to point out features of the cliffs and surrounding coast. Luca is especially praised for mixing facts with humor, while Alejandro has been described as a cheerful guide who answered questions and adjusted the boat when passengers noticed something interesting.

The amount of time spent along the cliffs can vary. If the boat leaves late, or if the wildlife search takes longer, the coastal portion may be shorter. One departure was delayed by 15 minutes but still finished at the planned time, cutting into the overall route. That is another reason to arrive early and keep expectations flexible.

A swim at Masca Bay or another cove

The final major part of the outing is a stop in a sheltered bay. Possible locations include Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, and Juan López. The water is described as clear, and the setting is framed by steep volcanic cliffs and dark coastal rock.

You can usually use this time for a swim if conditions allow. Some people consider it the perfect finish after the open-water ride. Others skip it in cooler months, especially in December or February. Bring swimwear and a towel if you want the choice.

The stop is not just a quick photo pause. Several passengers describe around 20 minutes in the water, although the exact time depends on the day’s schedule and conditions. You may swim, stay aboard, or simply enjoy the quiet cove.

Do not assume snorkeling equipment is supplied. One passenger specifically advised bringing your own mask for snorkeling. The activity includes the speedboat and skipper, but not listed equipment, food, or hotel transport.

A few departures have included fresh fruit, including oranges from the captain’s orchard. That sounds like a pleasant personal touch, but it is not part of the formal inclusions, so consider it a bonus rather than something to expect.

What the guides add to the experience

A good skipper makes a major difference on a wildlife trip, and the strongest praise here goes to the guides. Luca is repeatedly singled out for being funny, attentive, and quick to find pilot whales. He has also been described as respectful toward the animals and careful about keeping the engine off when the boat was close.

Alejandro has been praised for explaining pilot whale behavior, answering questions, and making the trip feel lively. Alessandro is also mentioned as a captain who shared facts about the cliffs and whales. Names and crew assignments can change, but the pattern is clear: the guide is an important part of the experience, not just the person steering.

The commentary is not always extensive. One passenger felt the trip was mainly about sightings and suggested reading about Tenerife’s marine life beforehand if natural history is a major interest. That is useful advice. You will get explanations, but this is not a formal marine biology lecture.

The best approach is to arrive with a few basic questions in mind. Ask about the difference between pilot whales and dolphins, how the pod is behaving, or what makes the Teno-Rasca waters attractive to marine life. A good guide can turn the sighting into something more meaningful.

Value, comfort, and who should book

For $33, the combination is hard to fault: a small boat, a two-hour route, wildlife watching, dramatic cliffs, and a possible swim. A large boat may offer more stability, but it often brings a much bigger group and a less direct view.

I think this trip suits couples, families with children over age two, and anyone who wants an active half-day outing without committing to a long cruise. A seven-year-old and parent had a particularly successful outing, with pilot whales seen close to the boat. The captain has also helped keep children warm with a spare vest on a cold day, though you should bring suitable clothing rather than rely on extras.

It is less suitable if you dislike spray, bouncing boats, uncertain wildlife results, or last-minute changes caused by sea conditions. Pregnant women are allowed aboard at their own risk, so anyone who is pregnant should weigh the motion and personal comfort carefully.

The activity is not suitable for children under two. Glass objects are not allowed on board. Wear practical clothing, bring a jacket, and keep valuables protected from spray.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies help if your plans are still moving, but they do not remove the need to arrive on time.

Should you book the Los Gigantes speedboat?

I would book this if you want the best chance of a close, small-group wildlife encounter at a modest price. The strongest combination is the 12-seat RIB, respectful engine use near the animals, and the chance to finish beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs with a swim in Masca Bay.

I would not book it solely because you expect dolphins. The sea decides what appears, and pilot whales may be the main sighting. If you can accept that uncertainty, the cliffs, open-water ride, and cove stop give the trip real value even when the wildlife is limited.

Arrive early, pack a towel and light jacket, and sit ready for a little spray. For most people, this is a lively and affordable way to see Tenerife from the water without spending half a day on a large cruise boat.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes speedboat tour?

The activity lasts two hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $33 per person.

Where does the boat leave from?

The speedboat departs from the port of Los Gigantes in Tenerife.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to Los Gigantes port.

Can I see whales and dolphins?

You may see pilot whales, dolphins, or both, but sightings depend on sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed. Pilot whales are part of the dolphin family.

How many people fit on the boat?

The rigid inflatable boat has a maximum capacity of 12 passengers, not including the skipper.

Is swimming included?

The route includes a stop in a bay such as Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López for swimming when conditions allow.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Children under two are not permitted. Older children can join, provided they are comfortable on a small boat.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to swim, plus a light jacket for cooler or cloudy weather. Glass objects are not allowed on board.