Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour with Drinks

Los Gigantes is one of those spots where the scenery and the wildlife search feel like one shared event. You set out from the harbor, scan the Atlantic for dolphins and whales, then the boat turns toward the dramatic cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes. The day stays active, with a swim stop that includes a trapeze for brave jumpers.

Two things I really like about this tour are how hands-on it feels (spotting wildlife, then actually getting in the water) and the onboard hospitality. You’re not just on a viewing cruise, you get commentary from the guide, drinks during the trip, and a real meal at the end. One thing to plan around is that animal sightings are never guaranteed, since they depend on sea conditions.

Key Points Before You Go

• Wildlife viewing is the main event, but it depends on sea conditions
• Masca and Los Gigantes cliffs are the big visual payoff even on choppy days
• Swim time includes stairs and a trapeze, so you choose your level of brave
• Paella with chicken and vegetables is included, plus fruit on the longer option
• Drinks are part of the ticket, including beer, red wine, cola, Fanta, water, and Canarian schnapps
• You’ll get multilingual live guide commentary and toilets onboard

From Los Gigantes Harbor to the Open Atlantic

This tour starts right where you want to be, at Los Gigantes Harbor. You look for the Flipper Uno office at the entrance of the harbor on the right-hand side, and staff wear yellow uniforms. It’s a simple, no-nonsense setup, but do arrive about 30 minutes early. Late arrivals miss the start, and the operator won’t reshuffle you into a later slot.

Once you’re onboard, the tone is playful and energetic. Expect a crew that works the room, keeps things moving, and gives live commentary in multiple languages. The wildlife search itself is built into the trip, not treated like a quick stop. You’ll spend time scanning for dolphins and whales, then you’ll head toward the cliffs after you spot wildlife, or after the search window ends.

What I think the boat tour really gets right

You’re not just paying for a chance at animals. You’re buying a half-day of variety: wildlife scanning, cliff views, and then a swim. That matters because even if you leave without the whale you hoped for, you still get several high points in one outing.

Wildlife Search: Dolphins and Whales, With Real Expectations

The dolphin and whale watching part is straightforward. You leave Los Gigantes, the crew keeps an eye on the water, and the guide explains what to look for as you search. The listing is clear about one key thing: you cannot rely on a guaranteed sighting. The sea matters.

This is where choosing the right mindset helps. If you arrive expecting a 100 percent whale sighting, you’ll be disappointed by nature. If you arrive ready to enjoy the ride and the commentary, then seeing dolphins (and sometimes pilot whales) becomes the bonus moment. Many of the best memories from this tour come from clear sightings, including pods that feel close to the boat.

If you’re motion-sensitive

Some people mention feeling ill when the ocean is a bit lively. So if you’re prone to sea sickness, take that seriously. Pick the right day, consider motion-sickness prevention before boarding, and keep your eye on the horizon during the wildlife search.

Cruising Past the Cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes

After the wildlife scan, the boat heads toward the views that made Los Gigantes famous. The cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes rise to almost 600 meters, and you’ll get commentary along the way so you’re not just looking at a wall of rock.

What makes this part valuable is that it works as a backup plan. Even when wildlife is quieter than you hoped, the cliffs keep the experience feeling full. You get big, dramatic coastal scenery and plenty of photo time, especially if the light is good.

Practical tip for better photos

Bring a camera you can reach easily. This tour is active, and moments come fast when dolphins appear, or when the boat aligns for the cliff views.

The Bay Swim Stop: Stairs or Trapeze

This is one of the highest-energy parts of the trip. You’ll anchor in a bay with clear Atlantic water and then get free time to swim. The fun isn’t just that you can get in, it’s that you have multiple ways to do it: enter using the stairs, or use the trapeze to jump or swing into the sea.

From the way this tour is described, the swim stop is designed for different comfort levels:

• You can keep it simple with the stairs and a calmer entry.
• If you want the big moment, the trapeze is the headline.

Some people say the wind can shorten swim time, but even then the boat still aims to deliver the jump-in experience. It’s also a great place to cool off after scanning the water for wildlife.

Who the swim stop is best for

If you like water time, you’ll enjoy this tour more than a pure sightseeing cruise. Families often love it because kids can go from watching dolphins to feeling the thrill of swinging into the water. Non-swimmers can still typically enjoy the bay views and hang out onboard while others take the plunge.

Lunch and Drinks: Paella, Beer, and Canarian Schnapps

This tour feeds you, which is a big part of why it feels like good value. After the swim, you get paella with chicken and vegetables (and it’s included for the selected option). A piece of fruit is also included if you choose the 3-hour option.

The drink setup is part of the ticket, not a separate purchase. You’ll have drinks such as:

• beer
• red wine
• cola and Fanta
• water
• Canarian schnapps

There’s also a mention of snacks and extra surprises in the experiences people describe, which adds to the feeling that the crew is keeping the whole trip lively, not just moving you from one photo point to another.

A practical note about food choices

Paella is rice-based, and at least one person specifically calls out that they don’t eat rice. The menu is described as chicken and vegetables in paella, so if you have dietary needs or avoid rice, it’s worth thinking ahead. The tour information doesn’t say there are alternative mains included, so plan accordingly.

Onboard Experience: Guides, Humor, and Safety

A lot of the praise focuses on the crew and guide style. You get live commentary in Spanish, English, French, and German, which is a plus when you’re traveling with mixed-language groups. The best guides do two things at once: explain what you’re seeing, and keep everyone focused and comfortable.

Safety also comes up. People mention that the crew makes sure everyone feels safe around the swim activity. That matters because jumping or swinging into open water isn’t the same as just dipping your feet in. You’ll want to follow the crew instructions closely, especially around the trapeze area.

Toilets and comfort onboard

Toilets are available on board. That sounds basic, but it’s a comfort factor on a 2 to 3 hour trip, especially if you’re bringing kids or older relatives.

Price and Value: Is About $38 Worth It?

At around $38 per person, this tour can be strong value because the ticket bundles several parts most tours charge for separately. You’re getting:

• a boat trip with a live guide
• dolphin and whale watching depending on conditions
• commentary during the coastal cruise
• time to swim in a bay
• trapeze access
• drinks
• paella lunch (with fruit on the longer option)
• Canarian schnapps
• toilets onboard

If you compare that to paying separately for a wildlife cruise plus lunch plus drinks, the math starts to make sense quickly. Also, this isn’t a long day. It’s compact, which helps value because you’re not spending the whole afternoon in transit.

The main tradeoff

The tradeoff is the sighting guarantee. You’re paying for the search and the experience, not a promise of dolphins or whales. If your number-one goal is whales specifically, you should still book, but mentally shift the goal from guaranteed whales to a high chance at dolphins plus a great cliff cruise and swim.

Who Should Book This Tour (And Who Should Think Twice)

This tour is a great fit if you want a lively boat day that mixes nature with real fun in the water. It also tends to work well for families because the atmosphere is playful, and the swim stop creates a shared highlight.

You might think twice if:

• you strongly dislike being on a boat when the sea is rough
• you have dietary restrictions beyond paella with chicken and vegetables
• you need a quiet, low-energy experience with minimal movement

Also, note the activity rules. You can’t bring weapons or sharp objects, oversize luggage, drones, or glass items. Smoking and vaping are not allowed, and you also can’t fish or feed or touch marine life. It’s a sensible set of rules that supports both safety and wildlife protection.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Los Gigantes Day

Bring the basics that make the swim portion easy:

• sunglasses and sunscreen
• a sun hat
• swimwear plus a towel
• camera
• beachwear

Cash is also listed, so if you like to tip or buy an extra item onboard, you’ll be set. And since no pickup or drop-off is included, plan to get yourself to the harbor area on time.

One more tip, dress for quick changes. You’ll be moving between sun on deck and water time, so having layers or quick-dry items helps you feel comfortable the whole outing.

Should You Book This Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour?

If you want a single ticket that mixes wildlife searching, cliff scenery, and a proper swim stop, then yes, I think you should book it. The strongest moments are usually the ones where you get clear sightings and then take part in the trapeze and swim. Add the included paella and free drinks, and the trip starts to feel like a complete half-day plan rather than just a boat ride.

But be honest with your expectations: dolphins and whales are wild animals, and sea conditions matter. If you’re okay treating this as a chance to see wildlife plus a fun Atlantic day, you’ll likely feel like you got your money’s worth.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour in Los Gigantes?

Meet at the Flipper Uno office at the entrance of Los Gigantes Harbor on the right-hand side. Staff wear a yellow uniform.

What time should I arrive?

Be at the meeting point about 30 minutes before the tour starts. Late arrivals do not receive a refund or a rescheduling option.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 2 to 3 hours. Exact starting times depend on availability.

Is pickup or drop-off included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Do dolphins or whales happen every time?

No. The tour does not guarantee sightings because it depends on sea conditions.

What food is included?

Paella with chicken and vegetables is included depending on the option you select. If you choose the 3-hour option, you also get fruit for dessert.

What drinks are included onboard?

Drinks include red wine, beer, Fanta, cola, water, and Canarian schnapps.

Can I swim and use the trapeze?

Yes. You’ll have free time to swim, and you can enter using stairs or use the trapeze to jump into the sea.

Are there toilets on the boat?

Yes, there are toilets on board.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. Not allowed items include weapons or sharp objects, oversize luggage, drones, smoking, vaping indoors, fishing, glass objects, and touching marine life.