Los Gigantes: Whale or dolphin watching and swimming tour in Masca

The most interesting thing about this Los Gigantes tour is how fast it takes you from harbor life to open water, where whales and dolphins are the main event. I love the chance for up-close whale and dolphin spotting, and I also love that the trip ends with a Masca Bay swim right under the cliffs.

One possible drawback to plan for: this is wildlife viewing, so sightings are not guaranteed, and the water stop is brief. If you’re hoping for a long snorkel session, you will need to bring your own gear and manage expectations for time.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Whales or dolphins near Los Gigantes cliffs: your route is designed to get you close to the action.
• A swim stop in Masca Bay: crystal-clear water under the dramatic cliff walls.
• A drink included for the wait-and-watch part: cold water, soft drink, or beer while you cool off.
• Short, focused timing: about 2 hours total, with wildlife viewing and scenic ride time built in.
• Snorkeling is optional, not included: equipment is not provided, so bring what you need.
• Small-group feel on a speedboat: the boat is described as a smaller option in the experience feedback.

The Los Gigantes to Masca Bay setup: why it works

Los Gigantes is famous for its cliffs and its sea views, and this tour turns that scenery into something you can combine with wildlife spotting and an actual swim. You start in the port area, head out for whale or dolphin watching, then you shift gears to Masca Bay for water time before returning along the coast.

I like this format because it keeps the day from ballooning. In just 2 hours, you get three different vibes: open-water search time, a scenic ride past dramatic rock walls, and a chance to jump in somewhere that feels like a postcard.

That also means it’s not a slow, full-day “hang out on the water” plan. If you want hours of lounging and multiple long beach stops, this one may feel a bit tight. But if you want a concentrated highlight loop, it’s a smart use of time.

The 2-hour timing: what each chunk is really for

This tour runs about 2 hours total. The plan is built around movement, not waiting around in one place.

Here’s how the time tends to break down:

• Speedboat run out (about 30 minutes): you’re heading to the wildlife area, not just cruising in circles.
• Los Gigantes wildlife time (about 15 minutes): this is the dedicated watching window once animals are spotted.
• More riding time (about 30 minutes): used to reposition and get you to the Masca Bay area.
• Scenic ride time (about 30 minutes): on the way back, you get the cliff views again from the water.
• Masca Bay swim time: the exact minutes can vary with how the wildlife search goes, and the water window is often described as around 15 minutes.

The practical takeaway: you’ll want to be ready to move. If you’re the type who hates tight schedules, this may feel rushed. If you’re okay with a fast-paced outing where the captain and guides are actively looking, you’ll likely enjoy how efficient it is.

Stop by the cliffs: whale and dolphin watching in the best viewing zone

The whale watching and dolphin watching happens with Los Gigantes cliffs as your backdrop. The guides look for marine life and then position the boat so you can see what’s going on, including surface behavior.

In the experience feedback, the most common sightings include different dolphin types and pilot whales. People also report seeing whales close enough to feel real, not distant. One standout note: there are mentions of a Bryde whale and a few “small whale” sightings, which tells me you’re not only chasing one narrow species. It’s a bonus that the guides are tuned in to what’s out there that day.

Two things I’d expect you to care about most:

1) How close the boat gets once animals are found. The reports often describe sightings that are visibly under the water as well as at the surface.

2) How the search is handled when conditions are tough. Wind can make spotting harder, and on windy days some operators adjust the plan. If it’s blustery, the key is staying patient while the crew looks harder, not panicking that you missed your chance.

Wildlife viewing has a built-in wildcard. Sometimes you’ll see dolphins clearly and miss whales. Sometimes the opposite happens. This tour gives you the right structure to maximize your odds in a short time.

Masca Bay under the cliffs: swimming and optional snorkeling

The Masca Bay stop is the emotional payoff for many people. You get to get out of the “watching mode” and into the “being in it” moment, with clear water framed by the cliffs of Los Gigantes.

What you can do here:

• Take a swim
• Snorkel, but equipment is not included
• Relax and admire the water and scenery
• Have a drink during the stop

A few practical pointers based on what’s actually described:

• The water time can be short, commonly around 15 minutes. Plan to treat it like a quick swim break, not a full beach day.
• People report that the snorkel spot can be fishy and worth the effort if you have your own gear.
• Getting in and out is part of the experience. The boat may not be positioned right at a sandy edge, so you should be comfortable stepping down into deeper water.

If you want to make this stop feel like it lasts longer, bring what you need: goggles, and whatever you use for snorkeling. Also bring a towel so you’re not doing the dry-off dance with damp clothes in the wind.

The return ride past Los Gigantes: scenery time you can actually enjoy

After the Masca Bay swim, you head back toward the harbor. This is not just a boring cruise. It’s the part where you get your second look at the cliffs from the water, and that’s a big part of why this route feels special.

Expect:

• Scenic views as the boat moves along the coast
• A continued chance to spot marine life if conditions stay active
• A general “wrap-up” atmosphere, often with guides talking and the group settling after the swim

A small heads-up from the experience feedback: some people found the music volume too loud for nature, while others enjoyed the lively vibe. If you’re sensitive to sound, bring earplugs. You can always choose quiet time by leaning into the view and letting the crew do their work.

Crew, insurance, and the included cold drink

The guide is live and offered in Spanish and English, and the overall vibe is described as friendly, professional, and helpful. That matters on a wildlife boat because you want someone who can explain what you’re seeing and reposition quickly when sightings happen.

What’s included for your comfort and sanity:

• Whale or dolphin watching
• Swimming stop at Los Gigantes cliffs
• A drink: water, soft drink, or beer
• Guide
• Insurance

That drink inclusion is more meaningful than it sounds. After time in sun and wind, you’re not stuck waiting until you find a café. It gives you a moment to cool down and refocus without spending extra.

What to bring so the swim and snorkeling actually work

This is one of those tours where a little planning pays off fast. The tour info asks you to bring a towel, sunscreen, goggles, and snorkeling gear.

Here’s how I’d pack practically:

• Towel: you will want one for the boat ride back.
• Sunscreen: the sun reflects off water, and wind can fool you into thinking you’re not burning.
• Goggles: useful even if you only swim, because you may see fish near the surface.
• Snorkeling gear: equipment is not provided, so if you want to snorkel, bring it.

Also think about your comfort:

• Wear swim-safe clothing you don’t mind getting wet.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing what works for you, since you’re on a speedboat for a total of 2 hours.

And a strict note from the tour rules: no smoking, no vaping, and no speakers. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed either.

Price and value: why $28 can feel like a win

At around $28 per person, this tour lands in a reasonable category for a Canaries water experience that includes wildlife spotting plus a swim stop. The key value points are what you don’t have to pay separately:

• you’re not buying a separate boat tour and a separate excursion
• you’re not paying for the guide or insurance
• you get a drink during the stop

Is it perfect value? It’s best value if you want this specific combination: whales or dolphins plus a Masca Bay water break, all without committing to a full day.

If your #1 goal is guaranteed whale sightings, no wildlife tour can promise that. Your value comes from the search process, the route, and the short scheduling that keeps you active on the water.

Where you meet and how to make the start smooth

The tour starts at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21. Meeting can be at Maritima Acantilados or Nashira Uno Office, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

No pickup service is included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the harbor area. Plan to arrive a bit early so you’re not stressing when it’s time to board. Boats can leave close to schedule, but build in a little buffer.

Also keep an eye out for the exact check-in instructions the day of your tour, since the meeting details may be referenced by dock location.

Who should book this tour, and who might want a different option

This tour fits best if you want:

• Short duration: about 2 hours, not an all-day plan
• Wildlife-first energy: watching whales or dolphins is the core goal
• A real swim stop in Masca Bay under the cliffs
• Value pricing relative to other boat excursions

It might feel less ideal if:

• you want a longer swim time or a full snorkel session (equipment isn’t included, and time can be around 15 minutes)
• you hate the idea that wildlife sightings are weather and luck dependent
• you’re very sound sensitive, since music volume can be a mixed bag

On the plus side, it is wheelchair accessible, so the operator has designed it to include people with mobility needs.

Quick practical expectations: toilets and real-life comfort

One real-life detail to know: some experience feedback notes there may not be a toilet on the boat or at the swim spot, and that there is a restroom near the dock for a small fee. That’s not the kind of detail you want to discover mid-ride, so I suggest using facilities before you board if you can.

Also, expect saltwater and wind. Even with a quick swim stop, you’ll likely get splashed, and you’ll want your towel ready.

Should you book Los Gigantes whale watching plus the Masca Bay swim?

I think you should book this if your ideal Tenerife style day is focused, scenic, and marine-life centered. The combination is efficient: whales or dolphins out on the water, then the Masca Bay swim under dramatic cliffs, and a cold drink to close it out.

Skip it or choose another option if you’re looking for long water time, guaranteed whale sightings, or snorkeling gear provided for you. This is a tight, active tour where the crew works hard to find animals, and you get your water moment fast.

If you can handle a short wildlife window and a short swim window, this tour is a strong way to experience Los Gigantes and Masca Bay in one go.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale or dolphin watching and Masca swimming tour?

The tour duration is 2 hours.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes whale or dolphin watching, a swimming stop at the cliffs, a drink (water, soft drink, or beer), a live guide, and insurance.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling is possible, but snorkeling equipment is not included. You should bring your own gear if you plan to snorkel.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is at Maritima Acantilados or Nashira Uno Office. The starting location address is C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup service included?

No. Pick up service is not included.

What languages will the guide speak?

The live guide speaks Spanish and English.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, goggles, and snorkeling gear.

What are the main rules onboard?

Smoking, vaping, and speakers are not allowed. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and littering is not allowed.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.