Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour with Drinks

The best part of this Los Gigantes boat trip is the combination of wildlife and scenery. You head out to look for dolphins and pilot whales, then cruise beneath the huge cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca, which rise to almost 600 meters. If conditions allow, you finish with a swim from the boat.

I like the friendly, funny crew and the fact that drinks are available throughout the trip. I also like the choice between a shorter outing and a three-hour version with chicken-and-vegetable paella. The trade-off is simple: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and a full boat or rough sea can affect the day.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main attraction: Sightings depend on sea conditions, so go for the full experience rather than a guaranteed animal encounter.
• The three-hour option includes lunch: You get paella with chicken and vegetables, fruit, drinks, and a longer outing.
• Masca and Los Gigantes look best from the water: The cliffs rise almost 600 meters and give the boat trip its grand setting.
• Swimming is an active part of the trip: Use the boat stairs, or jump from the trapeze if you want more excitement.
• The crew speaks four languages: Commentary is offered in Spanish, English, French, and German.
• Arrive 30 minutes early: Find the Flipper Uno office on the right at the entrance to Los Gigantes Harbor, where staff wear yellow uniforms.

Setting off from Los Gigantes Harbor

You meet at the Flipper Uno office, on the right side as you enter Los Gigantes Harbor. Look for the yellow uniforms. Arrive 30 minutes before departure, because late arrivals are not refunded or moved to another sailing.

The tour lasts two or three hours, depending on the option you select. The shorter trip may suit you if you want a quick look at the coast and wildlife, while the three-hour version gives the day more breathing room, including lunch and time for a swim.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to make your own way to the harbor, so allow extra time if you are coming from another part of Tenerife. The activity returns to the same meeting point, which keeps the start and finish easy to manage.

Flipper Uno has toilets on board, a useful detail on a boat trip of this length. You should still pack lightly. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and the boat is better suited to a small day bag with swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

Searching for dolphins and pilot whales

Once the boat leaves Los Gigantes, the crew begins looking for marine life. The focus is on dolphins and whales in their natural environment, not animals kept in a show setting. That makes the search itself part of the experience.

Pilot whales are among the sightings possible on this route. Dolphins may also appear close to the boat, sometimes in groups. You will want to keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole trip staring through a screen. Wildlife can surface quickly and vanish just as fast.

The crew provides commentary about the marine life and the area in Spanish, English, French, and German. This is especially helpful when several languages are being spoken on board. One practical point is worth knowing: commentary can be hard to hear at times, and the speaker volume may feel loud during parts of the trip.

You should book this outing with realistic expectations. The crew cannot guarantee dolphins or whales because sightings depend on sea conditions. Some departures see both animals clearly, while others see only dolphins or very little wildlife. The cliffs, sea air, and swim stop still give the trip value, but animal sightings should be treated as a bonus.

That uncertainty is normal for responsible wildlife watching. A boat cannot order an animal to appear. If seeing whales is the single reason you are booking, you may be disappointed. If you want a coastal trip that includes a chance of wildlife, this format makes more sense.

Cruising beneath the cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes

The coast is the other major reason to choose this excursion. Los Gigantes is famous for its towering cliffs, and the boat gives you a low, wide view of the rock walls. The cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca reach almost 600 meters, so you can appreciate their scale in a way that is difficult from land.

The boat also passes by bays and beaches before reaching the swim area. From the water, the cliffs feel less like a distant lookout and more like a wall rising directly beside the Atlantic. Keep your sunglasses on and your camera protected from spray.

The crew adds commentary as you go, explaining what you are seeing. The tone is not purely formal. Several people found the staff funny, attentive, and good at creating a relaxed mood. The pirate theme adds a playful touch, which helps explain why families often enjoy this boat more than couples looking for a quiet, small-group cruise.

That atmosphere has two sides. A lively crew and onboard speakers can make the trip fun, particularly for children. If you prefer silence and a very calm boat ride, the music or announcements may feel too loud at times.

Swimming in a clear Atlantic bay

The boat anchors in a bay with clear water for a swim stop. This is usually the most active part of the outing. You can enter by the stairs, which is the sensible choice if you want a steady way into the sea, or use the trapeze for a more dramatic jump.

The trapeze is a major hit with families and anyone who likes a little harmless showmanship. You can jump into the Atlantic and swim near the boat, with the cliffs around you. The swim time can vary with the wind and sea conditions, so do not assume you will get a long, leisurely water stop on every departure.

You need swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Bring a hat and sunglasses for the rest of the sailing, but secure them before entering the water. The boat also has flotation aids for people who are not confident swimmers, according to the practical details provided for the tour.

The swim stop is not only for strong swimmers. The stairs make entry easier, and the crew keeps the activity organized. Still, you should be comfortable getting into open Atlantic water, and you should follow the crew’s instructions about where and when to swim.

Paella, fruit, and drinks on the three-hour sailing

The three-hour option includes a lunch of paella with chicken and vegetables, followed by a piece of fruit. The meal adds real value to the longer sailing, especially if you want a half-day activity without needing to arrange lunch separately.

The paella has been described as chicken with tomato and peas, though the exact preparation may vary. It is a straightforward boat lunch rather than a restaurant meal. For many people, that is exactly right after time in the sea and sun.

You should note the limited food choice. If you do not eat rice, the paella may not work for you. One useful improvement would be an alternative such as tortilla or tapas, but no substitute is listed, so ask before booking if this matters to you.

Drinks include water, cola, Fanta, beer, and red wine. Canarian schnapps is also included. Soft drinks may be served in small cups rather than full cans, and cash is recommended to bring. The combination of food and drinks helps explain why the $38 price is good value for a three-hour outing, especially when you also factor in the guide, boat, swimming, and wildlife search.

The shorter option may not include the paella, so check the exact choice when booking. If lunch matters to you, select the three-hour version rather than assuming every departure includes food.

How the $38 price measures up

At $38 per person, this is priced as an accessible boat excursion rather than a luxury cruise. You get a boat trip, a guide, a wildlife search, coastal views, a swim stop, drinks, toilets, and the trapeze. The three-hour choice adds paella and fruit.

I see the strongest value in the range of activities packed into one outing. You are not paying only for a chance to see dolphins. You also get the cliffs, a meal, time in the water, and a crew that handles commentary and service.

The price is less attractive if you want a quiet, private boat or a guaranteed whale encounter. The boat can feel full, particularly on popular departures, and the pirate-style energy is aimed more at families and mixed groups than at people seeking an intimate sailing.

For a family, the included drinks and simple lunch can keep extra spending under control. For adults, the included beer and wine are a pleasant addition, though you should stay within the rules and avoid boarding intoxicated.

Who will enjoy Flipper Uno most?

I would recommend this tour to families, first-time boat visitors, and anyone who wants several activities in one affordable outing. Children can watch for dolphins, enjoy the pirate atmosphere, eat lunch, and use the trapeze under crew supervision.

It also suits adults who want an easy coastal excursion with a social mood. The multilingual guide, friendly crew, and simple onboard setup make it approachable if you do not usually take boat trips.

You may prefer another type of excursion if you get seasick. The open Atlantic can be uncomfortable, and some people struggle on the water. Bring whatever motion-sickness remedy you normally use, though the tour information does not list any specific medication or treatment.

This is also not the best fit if you need a special diet unless you confirm options in advance. The listed meal is chicken-and-vegetable paella, with fruit afterward. There is no stated vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free alternative.

The tour is not suitable for unaccompanied minors. Smoking, vaping, drones, fishing, speakers, glass objects, sharp items, and large luggage are not allowed. Feeding or touching marine life is also prohibited, which is the right approach around wild animals.

Practical tips for a smoother boat trip

Wear swimwear beneath comfortable beachwear so you can change activities without fuss. Bring a towel, camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Cash is also listed as something to bring.

Keep your belongings secure when the boat is moving. Salt spray and sudden movement are not kind to phones and cameras. A small waterproof pouch can be useful, but do not bring glass items or oversize bags.

Arrive early, not just on time. The required arrival point is 30 minutes before departure, and late arrival means no refund or rescheduling. The meeting point is at the harbor entrance, not a hotel, so check your route before leaving.

Listen carefully to the safety instructions before swimming. You can use the stairs or trapeze, but do not touch marine life, feed animals, or enter the water outside the crew’s directions.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your schedule is still changing, but they do not protect you from arriving late.

Should you book this Los Gigantes boat trip?

Book it if you want an affordable, lively outing that combines wildlife watching, giant sea cliffs, lunch, drinks, and swimming. The best value comes from the three-hour option, since the paella and fruit are included there and you have more time for the coastal scenery.

Go in with flexible expectations about dolphins and whales. You may see pilot whales and dolphins close to the boat, but sea conditions control the result. The most reliable parts are the cliffs, the crew-led boat ride, and the swim stop.

Choose another tour if you want a small, quiet boat, a guaranteed animal sighting, or a broader meal choice. For families and mixed-age groups, though, Flipper Uno offers a cheerful and practical way to experience the Los Gigantes coast.

FAQ

How long does the Los Gigantes dolphin and whale tour last?

You can choose a two-hour or three-hour outing. Check the available starting times when booking.

Where does the boat tour start?

Meet at the Flipper Uno office at the entrance to Los Gigantes Harbor, on the right-hand side. Staff wear yellow uniforms, and you should arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

No. Sightings depend on sea conditions, so the crew cannot guarantee dolphins or whales. Pilot whales and dolphins are among the animals you may see.

Is lunch included?

Paella with chicken and vegetables and a piece of fruit are included with the three-hour option. The shorter option may not include lunch, so check the selected package carefully.

Can I swim from the boat?

Yes. The boat stops in a clear-water bay for swimming. You can enter using the stairs or jump from the trapeze, subject to the crew’s instructions and sea conditions.

Which languages does the guide speak?

Live commentary is available in Spanish, English, French, and German.