Dolphins, whales, and a cliff-backed swim stop. This Los Gigantes cruise blends wildlife watching with big-bay views of Masca and Los Gigantes cliffs, reaching almost 600 meters, plus an on-board break for drinks and food. It’s a fun 2 to 3 hour block of Atlantic air with plenty going on even when the sea is a little moody.

What I like most is the way you get both sides of the experience: real marine-life searching with guide commentary, then time to get in the water using stairs or the trapeze. I also like that the food and drinks are part of the package, including paella with chicken and vegetables (and fruit dessert on the 3-hour option) plus Canarian schnapps.

One thing to keep in mind: you can’t count on dolphin or whale sightings, since it depends on sea conditions. And if the wind picks up, your swim time may feel shorter than you hoped.

Key things to know before you go

• Dolphin and whale watching isn’t guaranteed—conditions matter.
• Cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes rise nearly 600 meters for serious photo time.
• Swim stop is the main “wow” moment, with stairs and a trapeze for jumping.
• Food and drinks are included, including paella and a spread of soft drinks, beer, and wine.
• Crew energy matters—the pirate-themed atmosphere is part of the fun.
• Boat can feel crowded, so pack like you’re on a working tour boat, not a private yacht.

Los Gigantes dolphin-and-whale boat time: what the 2–3 hours really includes

This is a classic “do a lot in a short window” cruise. You leave Los Gigantes Harbor and head out in search of dolphins or whales, with your guide talking along the way about what you’re likely seeing and why. It’s a practical setup: you get explanations while you’re actively scanning the water, not after the fact.

After the search portion, the route shifts toward the dramatic cliff scenery around Masca and Los Gigantes. Those cliffs are the headline in plain view—nearly 600 meters tall—so even if wildlife sightings are light, you still get a coast-hugging tour that feels visually rewarding.

The timing is flexible because the experience runs as a 2–3 hour trip (you’ll need to check available start times). If you want the more complete meal setup, lean toward the 3-hour option, since it includes a piece of fruit for dessert. If you’re short on time, the shorter option still includes paella, drinks, and the swim break.

Masca and Los Gigantes cliffs: where the photos come from

The cliffs are a big reason to choose this cruise over a generic sightseeing boat. The tour’s focus isn’t only marine life. It also gives you steady viewing of one of the most striking coastlines in the area, with Los Gigantes and Masca framing the water.

Here’s why that matters for your day: you’re not stuck hoping for one perfect moment. You can spend your time doing what you came for—watching the horizon for spouts or fins—but you also have a strong visual payoff if the sea doesn’t cooperate.

I also like that the boat doesn’t rush past this coastline. Once you get near the cliff views, you’re typically in the zone where cameras actually get used. Bring sunscreen and a hat anyway—this is open water and sun doesn’t care about your viewing schedule.

The swim stop in an Atlantic bay: stairs, trapeze, and getting in comfortably

The anchor-drop swim stop is the part most people remember. The boat stops in crystal-clear waters of a bay, giving you real time off the boat rather than a quick dip. You’ll have free time to cool off, and the crew makes it easy to enter the water in two ways: using stairs or using the trapeze to jump.

If you like easy choices, use the stairs. If you want a burst of fun, the trapeze is the headline activity. It’s not just a gimmick—when the group is lively, this is where the energy spikes.

A helpful detail from actual experience on the water: for people who aren’t confident swimmers, you might find there’s foam provided. If you’re with kids or someone who wants to play in shallow comfort, it’s worth noting for your own expectations before you go.

Wind can affect how long you spend swimming. So if you’re planning this as your one beach replacement day, keep a little flexibility in your mindset. The goal is not a “guaranteed hour-long beach.” It’s a boat trip with a swim stop that’s weather-dependent.

Wildlife odds: dolphins and whales, and how the guide helps you spot them

You set off hoping for dolphins or whales, and the crew actively searches once you’re out. The guide provides live commentary in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, French, and German, and they’re there to help you look in the right place and understand what you’re seeing.

Now for the honest part: sighting outcomes depend on the conditions of the sea. That’s common sense at sea, but it’s still the key decision factor for whether you’ll be thrilled or just satisfied. This tour is built for watching, not for a promise.

That said, when sightings happen, it’s often the kind of encounter that feels close and clear. In the examples I’ve reviewed, pilot whales and dolphins show up, sometimes in pods. The best strategy is to treat the search time as a shared sport: keep scanning calmly, listen for the guide’s cues, and don’t fixate on only one horizon line.

One more practical caution: if you’re prone to motion sickness, this is open-water cruising. You might want to plan ahead with your usual remedy, and consider choosing a day when the sea looks steadier from the harbor.

Paella lunch, drinks, and Canarian schnapps: what’s included and what that means for value

This tour is unusually “food-forward” for a wildlife cruise. You get a paella lunch with chicken and vegetables, and on the 3-hour option you also get a piece of fruit for dessert. On top of that, drinks are included throughout the trip.

Included drinks list:

• red wine
• beer
• Fanta
• cola
• water

You’ll also get Canarian schnapps, plus toilets on board. For many people, that’s the big value driver. You’re not paying extra at a café after the boat. You’ve got a proper break built into the afternoon.

The paella is typically the comfort food you want after time in the sun and salt air. If you’re a rice-avoider, flag this before you book, because paella is part of the core plan. One practical move: eat lightly beforehand so you’re not stuck feeling too full or too hungry when the lunch timing hits.

Also, bring an eye for the details of the vibe. More than one person notes the crew leans into fun, including a pirate-themed feel on board. That matters because the guide isn’t only pointing at animals. They’re also keeping the mood upbeat between sightings and during the swim break.

How to handle the “small” stuff: meeting time, what to bring, and what’s not allowed

Logistics on boats can make or break the day. The first rule: arrive early. You need to be at the meeting point 30 minutes before the tour starts. If you show up late, there’s no refund and no rescheduling provided.

Meeting point tip: Look for the Flipper Uno office at the entrance of Los Gigantes Harbor, on the right-hand side. Staff wear yellow uniforms.

What to bring (simple and practical):

• sunglasses
• sun hat
• swimwear
• towel
• camera
• sunscreen
• beachwear
• cash

Cash sounds small, but it can matter for tipping and for any personal extras you might want beyond what’s included.

Not allowed items are strict for safety:

• weapons or sharp objects
• oversize luggage
• smoking
• vaping
• drones
• glass objects
• fishing
• feeding animals
• touching marine life
• padlocks, fireworks, explosives
• touching animals
• making fire, nudity, speakers
• unaccompanied minors
• littering

For an easy day, pack minimal, keep it water-friendly, and leave anything risky or bulky at your accommodation.

One more comfort note: a few people mention the onboard speaker volume can be loud at times. If sound bothers you, consider bringing earplugs. It’s a small thing that can make the difference between a trip you love and a trip you just tolerate.

Who should book this cruise (and who might not love it)

This tour is best for people who want action without complicated planning. If you like wildlife watching, enjoy cliff scenery, and you’re happy doing a real swim stop, you’ll likely have a great time. It’s also a solid family-style option since the boat activities (including trapeze jumping) add structure to the fun.

I’d also recommend it if you’re visiting for a short stay. For $38 per person, you’re paying for far more than time on a boat: you’re getting guided marine-life searching, paella lunch, multiple drinks, a swim break, and even on-board facilities like toilets. It’s a bundled afternoon that works especially well when you don’t want to juggle multiple reservations.

You might reconsider if:

• you feel seasick easily
• you’re very sensitive to crowded boats
• you’re not comfortable with the idea of a swim stop where timing can shift with wind
• you don’t eat rice, since paella is part of the meal

If you’re mainly chasing one thing—like only whales, only snorkeling, or only a quiet adult sunset cruise—this might feel like a lot. But if you want a high-energy afternoon with real included perks, it fits.

Should you book the Los Gigantes dolphin and whale tour with drinks?

Yes, if your ideal day includes wildlife searching + cliffs + a swim and you’re happy with the reality that sightings depend on sea conditions. The value is strong because the cruise bundles the big costs: boat time, guide, drinks, and a full lunch with paella.

Book it confidently if you’re flexible, pack for sun and water, and arrive on time. You’ll get a lot out of the day even when wildlife spotting isn’t perfect, because the cliff views and swim stop still deliver.

FAQ

FAQ

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

It runs for about 2 to 3 hours. Start times vary, so you’ll need to check availability for the exact schedule.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the entrance of Los Gigantes Harbor, looking for the Flipper Uno office on the right-hand side. Staff wear yellow uniforms.

Are dolphin and whale sightings guaranteed?

No. The tour can’t guarantee dolphins or whales, since sightings depend on sea conditions.

What food and drinks are included?

You get paella with chicken and vegetables (depending on the option) and drinks including red wine, beer, Fanta, cola, and water. Canarian schnapps is also included.

Is there dessert on the tour?

A piece of fruit for dessert is included if you book the 3-hour option.

Can I swim, and how do I get into the water?

Yes. The boat drops anchor in a bay and you get free time to swim. You can enter using stairs or jump using the trapeze.

What should I bring for the swim stop?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. A camera and cash can also be handy.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the harbor meeting point.

What can’t I bring on board?

Drones, glass objects, smoking, vaping, weapons or sharp objects, oversize luggage, and anything that could be unsafe are not allowed. Feeding or touching marine life is also prohibited.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, depending on the option shown.

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