Cliff views, then whales, then you get wet. On this Los Gigantes dolphin and whale-watching tour, I love the focus on wildlife spotting and I love that you can jump straight into the Atlantic with the trapeze swim. It’s a lively 2–3 hour ride with a guide and plenty of time out on the water, not just a long, slow cruise.

One thing to consider: you can’t count on seeing dolphins or whales every trip. The operator says sightings depend on sea conditions, so if wildlife is your only reason for booking, plan with that in mind.

Key highlights

• Dolphins and whales are the main quest (but sightings depend on the sea)
• Trapeze + stairs swim stop in clear Atlantic water
• Los Gigantes and Masca cliffs near 600 meters high
• Paella with chicken and vegetables (and fruit for the longer option)
• Drinks on board including beer, red wine, Fanta, cola, water, plus Canarian schnapps
• A guide who explains marine life in multiple languages

Where Los Gigantes fits into the Canary Islands’ best wildlife days

Los Gigantes is all about drama: towering cliffs, bright water, and a shoreline that makes it feel like the ocean is right up to the rocks. That matters because a good dolphin-and-whale day is partly luck, partly timing, and partly where the captain decides to look. You start the trip right at the Los Gigantes Harbor, so the adventure begins fast.

What I like about this outing is the mix. You’re not only waiting for animals; you’re also getting guided context about marine life while moving along the coast. And once you spot wildlife (or even if you don’t), you still get the big payoff: a swim in a calm bay.

Price and what you actually get for $38

At about $38 per person, this tour sits in the “value” zone for a guided boat outing with food and drinks included. The reason is simple: the package covers the boat trip, the guide, drinks on board, paella (depending on the option), and even a proper swim setup with a trapeze.

This isn’t a bare-bones experience where you pay extra for everything. You get red wine, beer, Fanta, cola, water, plus Canarian schnapps. Even the paella has structure to it: chicken and vegetables, and fruit dessert if you choose the 3-hour option.

If you’re trying to compare value, don’t just look at the sightseeing label. Compare the full mix: wildlife search + cliffs + swim time + meals + drinks, all within a short window.

Getting started right: meeting at Los Gigantes Harbor (Flipper Uno)

Plan to be early. The meeting rule is clear: show up 30 minutes before the tour start, or you won’t be eligible for refund or rescheduling. That’s one of those details that can ruin a good day if you treat it casually.

You’ll be looking for the Flipper Uno office at the entrance of Los Gigantes Harbor, on the right-hand side. Staff wear a yellow uniform, which makes it easier to spot them when you arrive.

Once onboard, you can expect toilets on the boat. That sounds basic, but it really matters on a 2–3 hour excursion where the schedule moves quickly.

The wildlife search: how the guide turns spotting into a real lesson

This tour is built around a search for dolphins or whales, and the guide plays a big role. The operator promises live commentary about marine life, and reviews back up that the crew is attentive, informative, and entertaining across languages.

Here’s what to understand going in: you’re going out in the Atlantic, not into a guaranteed sighting zone. The company explicitly notes it can’t guarantee dolphins and/or whales, and your chances depend on sea conditions. So while you should absolutely hope for dolphins and pilot whales, you should also be prepared for a day where you see only some of what you came for.

When sightings happen, it tends to feel immediate—dolphins and pilot whales are exactly the kind of animals that can show up suddenly and move fast. The value is that the guide helps you recognize what you’re seeing and why it matters, instead of treating it as a random animal hunt.

Cruising past Los Gigantes and Masca cliffs

Even if wildlife is quiet, the scenery gives you a second reason to love the ride. The cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca are said to reach almost 600 meters, and the tour is timed to reach these viewpoints after the wildlife search.

This is one of those parts where the boat format helps. From the water, the cliffs don’t feel like a postcard background; they feel like a wall—steep, close, and massive. The route also works well with the energy of the day: you’re moving, you’re listening to the guide, and the views keep changing without you having to plan anything.

If you’re taking family, this is often where kids actually stay interested even between animal sightings. Reviews mention the fun crew atmosphere, and the pirate-themed elements on the boat add to that lively mood.

The swim stop in the Atlantic: stairs or trapeze

This is the main event for the body-on-water crowd. After dropping anchor in a crystal-clear bay, you get free time to swim. You can enter using the stairs, or you can use the trapeze to jump in.

That trapeze detail matters. A lot of boat tours say swimming is included, but the activity often becomes “wade in and go back.” Here, you have an actual action option: jump or swing off the side depending on how bold you feel.

From the reviews, the swing/jump moment is a consistent highlight—people describe it as great fun, and it’s clear the boat crew keeps it safe and organized so you’re not just waiting around. Even non-swimmers are mentioned as having foam to cool down in the water, which is a nice touch if you’re traveling with someone who wants the ocean experience without doing the jumps.

Timing can shift a bit based on wind. One caution from the feedback: if it’s breezy, the stop might not be as long as you hoped. The core idea still holds: you’re not stuck on land for most of the day.

Paella, fruit, and drinks: when the food is part of the day

Food can be a weak link on group boat tours—something bland you tolerate. That’s not the story here. Paella with chicken and vegetables is included depending on the option you select, and reviews call it delicious and satisfying.

The longer option (the 3-hour tour) also includes fruit dessert. That doesn’t sound earth-shattering, but it helps make the meal feel complete rather than like a snack.

Drinks are another reason the tour feels like good value. You get red wine, beer, Fanta, cola, water, and Canarian schnapps. In practical terms, it keeps the mood up during the wildlife search and during the wait for the swim stop.

Two notes from real-world experience and feedback:

1) If you’re sensitive to rice-based meals, you might want to think twice since the paella is rice-based.

2) One small annoyance that came up is that speakers can feel loud at times, though it doesn’t stop most people from enjoying the day.

What to pack (and what to leave at home)

This is an easy tour to prepare for, but don’t wing it. Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, and beachwear. Cash is also suggested.

Also check what’s not allowed. The list includes weapons or sharp objects, oversize luggage, smoking, drones, intoxication, glass objects, and littering. Feeding animals and touching marine life are prohibited too, which is the right call for wildlife safety and animal welfare. Drones and speakers are also restricted, so don’t plan on bringing your own sound system.

If you’re trying to pack light, the swim stop means you’ll want your swim kit ready before boarding so you’re not scrambling once everyone is on a schedule.

Group energy, boat size, and motion sickness reality checks

One theme in the reviews is energy. The crew is described as funny, welcoming, and good at keeping everyone entertained while still being informative. That’s a solid match for families and mixed-age groups, especially when you want the day to feel like a shared activity, not just a sightseeing lecture.

There’s also a practical consideration: the boat can run full. If you’re sensitive to space or you don’t like crowded conditions, keep that in mind. One reviewer also flagged that some people struggle with sea sickness. If you get motion sickness easily, treat that as a meaningful warning—not a technicality.

Languages and how the guide keeps everyone in the loop

This is a multi-language tour. Live guidance is offered in Spanish, English, French, and German, which helps your group understand what you’re seeing instead of guessing.

That multilingual setup matters on a boat because you’re moving through changing conditions. When the guide explains marine life in real time, it makes wildlife spotting more rewarding. You’re more likely to notice behavior, not just the final moment when someone points.

Who should book this tour (and who should think twice)

This tour fits best if you want a lively mix: animal spotting, major coastal scenery, and an actual swim stop with a trapeze option. It also works well for families because the atmosphere is playful and the pirate theme is a real part of the experience.

You might think twice if:

• You’re booking purely for whales and you need a guaranteed sighting. The operator can’t promise it, and sea conditions affect the search.
• You’re not comfortable with motion. Even if the trip isn’t extreme, a boat ride plus open ocean can be tough for some people.
• You’re expecting a quiet, adult-only nature cruise. This one runs more like an organized adventure.

Quick FAQ for planning your day

FAQ

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

It runs about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the option you choose. You should check availability to see the exact starting times.

Where do I meet for the Flipper Uno tour?

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

Do dolphins and whales include a guaranteed sighting?

No. Sightings depend on sea conditions, and the operator cannot guarantee dolphins or whales.

Is there time to swim during the tour?

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

What food is included on board?

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

What drinks are included?

You’ll have drinks such as red wine, beer, Fanta, cola, and water, plus Canarian schnapps.

Are toilets available on the boat?

Yes, toilets are provided on board.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages does the live guide speak?

The live guide provides commentary in Spanish, English, French, and German.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and beachwear (cash is also suggested). Not allowed items include drones, smoking, glass objects, and anything that counts as weapons or sharp objects.

Should you book this Los Gigantes dolphin and whale tour?

If you want a short, high-energy boat day with wildlife spotting, major cliff scenery, and an ocean swim with stairs or trapeze, this is an easy yes. The value is strong because meals and drinks are included, and the experience doesn’t stop at “look at the sea” for the whole trip.

Book with one clear expectation: dolphins and whales are the goal, but sea conditions decide the final outcome. If you can accept that (and you’re excited about the swim stop and the views), you’ll likely have a memorable couple of hours on the water from Los Gigantes.

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