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

A speedboat, whales, and a cliff swim, all in one go. I love how this trip pairs real marine-life time with a Masca Bay swim stop right under the famous Los Gigantes cliffs. You get that dream combo without turning your day into a marathon.

One thing to think about first: if you get seasick easily, speedboat rides on the open water may be rough on some days.

If your goal is close-up nature and a quick, scenic reset in the water, this one fits.

Quick hits before you go

• Pilot whale and dolphin chances in one of Europe’s standout watching areas
• Short, focused search time at sea, then straight to the fun part
• Masca Bay swim under towering cliffs, with a cold drink waiting after
• A crew that watches animal behavior, including keeping a respectful approach when wildlife is near
• Bring your own snorkeling setup if you want to snorkel, goggles help either way

Setting off from Los Gigantes, fast and simple

The tour starts in the Los Gigantes area, with meeting point options listed at Maritima Acantilados or Nashira Uno Office. The day I’m aiming for, I want two things from a short tour like this: clear timing and no extra waiting around.

Once you’re aboard, it’s straight into motion. Expect a speedboat ride segment that gets you out to the viewing area quickly, because the best sightings are usually about being in the right place at the right time.

Also keep an eye on comfort. Some boats have a covered section, which matters if the sun is strong, but you will still want sunscreen and a towel for the swim stop.

Whale or dolphin watching: what the 15 minutes is really for

This part is built for results. You’ll get roughly 15 minutes dedicated to marine life viewing, and the crew aims to get you close to active wildlife rather than just cruising slowly with a long lecture.

In practice, many sightings revolve around pilot whales and pods of dolphins. One review I liked because it showed the crew’s animal respect was when the captain turned the engine off during calm whale moments, and the whales continued peacefully near the boat. That kind of behavior tells me the crew isn’t treating this like a chaotic wildlife selfie hunt.

You should still go in with the right expectations. The ocean decides what you’ll see, so you might end up with dolphins, whales, and sometimes other marine life like turtles and flying fish. The upside of a shorter tour is that you can still have a great day even if the species changes.

Tip: if you care about photos, grab your spot early on the best side of the boat as soon as you’re moving. When animals are close, you don’t want to be stuck figuring out where to stand.

Sailing up to Los Gigantes cliffs, up close and personal

The Los Gigantes cliffs look dramatic from shore. From the water, they’re on a different level, because you feel the scale. On the way out and back, you’ll sail along the coastline with scenic views that are part sightseeing, part “wow, we’re really under these cliffs” moment.

This is also where the timing matters. Because the tour is only about 2 hours, the cliff views aren’t something you have to plan a whole separate half-day for. You get them during the same trip, and the boat doesn’t waste your time.

One practical thing: cliffs can mean wind chill even on sunny days. I’d bring a light layer, especially for the return leg when you might be wet from the swim stop and still want to enjoy the views.

Masca Bay swim stop: the part most people remember

Then you get to the water. The tour includes a stop for swimming at Masca Bay under the cliffs, with about 15 minutes on-site. This is not a long beach day, but it’s enough time to cool off, splash around, and feel the setting from the waterline.

The clarity can be genuinely eye-opening. People describe it as crystal-clear, and the best feeling here is that you’re not just swimming somewhere generic. You’re swimming in front of a cliff wall that looks huge from the deck, and somehow even bigger when you’re in the water.

You can also go snorkeling, but snorkeling gear is not included. If you want to snorkel comfortably, pack your own goggles and consider bringing whatever you use at home. Even a quick snorkel with goggles makes a difference because you can watch fish around the rocky, sheltered area.

What about water temperature? One review noted roughly 17 degrees, so don’t assume it will feel like a summer pool. If you’re sensitive to cold water, treat it as a quick swim, not a long soak, and keep your towel ready for right after.

And yes, you’ll get a drink while you stop. It’s a simple touch, but it makes the whole swim break feel less like a chore and more like part of the experience.

The return ride: photos, scale, and the last scenic sweep

After the swim and any short photo moments, you head back skirting the cliffs. This is where the tour earns its money for people who like scenery. You’ll get a final stretch of about 30 minutes of scenic cruising, which helps you catch the cliffs from angles you might not have seen on the outbound side.

If you’re the type who likes a few solid photos rather than 200 blurry ones, this is your window to slow down. The boat motion is still there, but you’ve usually got better focus once you’re past the adrenaline moment of spotting wildlife and jumping in.

It’s also a good time to think about what gear you have. If you’re bringing goggles or a small waterproof pouch, this return leg is when you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery without constantly adjusting gear.

Crew vibe and safety: why it matters on a small boat

On a short speedboat tour, the crew makes a big difference. Reviews highlight friendly guides and captains who keep the mood upbeat and help people feel comfortable onboard.

Names that came up include Captain Juan Carlos and George. The common thread was a professional, calm approach, including animal safety and doing the job properly when conditions aren’t perfect. One review even pointed out how the operator handled an agitated sea situation with care, which matters because you want a captain who won’t improvise recklessly.

I also like the practical attitude. This kind of tour works best when the crew is paying attention to the water, the animals, and the group at the same time.

And if you’re sensitive to motion, take it seriously. A review specifically warned against booking if you get seasick easily. I’d listen to that, bring motion-sickness remedies if you use them, and avoid alcohol beforehand.

Price and value: is $33 a fair deal?

For about $33 per person, you’re paying for three things bundled together: a guided marine-life search, a swim stop at Masca Bay, and a drink plus basic included safety coverage through insurance.

The value is strongest for people who want a high-impact experience without spending half a day in transit or doing multiple separate activities. This tour’s strength is its tight structure. You don’t have hours of dead time. You have a short marine-life viewing block, a cliff-side swim, then scenic cruising back.

You are also getting a guide in English or Spanish, which helps if you want context while you watch wildlife instead of just guessing what you’re seeing.

What’s not a bargain? If you expect snorkeling gear included, you’ll need to add that cost yourself. And if you need pickup service, it’s not included, so you’ll want a plan for getting to the meeting point.

But for the overall mix of whales or dolphins, cliffs from the water, and a real swim stop, the pricing feels fair.

Who this tour is perfect for

This is a great fit if you’re traveling with limited time. Two hours is enough to satisfy the big bucket list items without pulling you away from the rest of your Tenerife plans for the day.

I’d particularly recommend it for:

• Couples and solo travelers who want a quick adventure
• People who love wildlife and can handle the ocean deciding the species
• Sun and water lovers who want to swim under the cliffs, not just watch from above
• Families who want a short, exciting outing with a friendly crew

If you dislike choppy rides, you might still go, but go with caution. The captain can handle conditions professionally, but the sea is still the sea.

What to bring so the day feels easy

This tour gives you a swim moment, so pack like you’ll actually use it. Bring:

• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Goggles (especially if you want snorkeling or better underwater visibility)
• Snorkeling gear if you plan to snorkel

You may also want a light layer for the boat ride. Wind off the water can feel colder than you expect, even when you start the day warm.

Onboard rules are also pretty clear. No smoking, no vaping, no alcohol or drugs, and no littering or speakers. That keeps the ride calmer and safer for everyone.

Should you book this Los Gigantes whale and Masca tour?

Book it if you want a compact day with three wins: marine life viewing, Los Gigantes cliff scenery from the water, and a Masca Bay swim with a drink included. The strong reviews back up that the crew runs it smoothly, stays friendly, and takes the wildlife approach seriously.

Skip or at least think twice if you:

• get seasick easily
• want long snorkeling time
• need pickup service from your hotel

If you’re flexible and you’re happy to let the ocean decide whether it’s whales or dolphins, this is an easy yes. It’s one of the better ways to feel the dramatic cliffs and still get that hands-on water moment without burning your day.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale or dolphin tour with swim in Masca Bay?

The tour duration is 2 hours.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is $33 per person.

What’s included in the ticket price?

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

Is pickup service included?

No, pickup service is not included.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

No, snorkeling gear is not included.

Is there time to snorkel?

There is time to swim and snorkeling is an option at the stop, but you need to bring your own snorkeling equipment.

What should I bring for the swim?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, goggles, and your snorkeling gear if you plan to snorkel.

Are there any restrictions onboard?

Smoking and vaping are not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Littering is not allowed, and speakers are not allowed.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.