Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour on a Pirate Boat

If you’re dreaming of a fun-filled day on the water off Tenerife’s coast, the Los Gigantes dolphin and whale-watching tour on a pirate-themed boat might just be your perfect match. This excursion offers a lively mix of wildlife spotting, scenic views, and seaside activities, all wrapped up in a family-friendly, entertaining package.

What really makes this experience shine are the expert guides, the spectacular views of Los Gigantes cliffs, and the chance to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Plus, the included paella lunch and drinks add a relaxing touch to the adventure. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that wildlife sightings depend on sea conditions, so there’s no 100% guarantee you’ll see animals every trip.

This tour suits travelers who love nature, enjoy being on the water, and appreciate a lively, social atmosphere. Families, couples, even solo explorers looking for a memorable ocean outing will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Wildlife Spotting: Chances to see dolphins and whales, depending on sea conditions.
• Scenic Highlights: Views of the towering Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca Bay.
• Family-Friendly: Pirate theme, swimming, and fun activities suit all ages.
• All-Inclusive: Drinks, paella, and swimming gear are included.
• Flexible Duration: Options range from 2 to 3 hours, with different start times.
• Guided Experience: Multilingual guides provide informative commentary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Dolphin & Whale-Watching Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure kicks off at the Flipper Uno office, located at the entrance of Los Gigantes Harbor on the right-hand side. The crew, easily identified in yellow uniforms, welcomes guests for a prompt departure. Expect to arrive at least 30 minutes early to avoid missing out, especially since parking can be tight and traffic in the harbor can slow things down. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, making transportation considerations straightforward.

The Boat: Pirate Vibes and Comfort

The boat itself is a larger vessel, perfect for groups and families who want a stable, comfortable ride. The pirate theme adds a fun touch, especially appealing to kids (and the young at heart). From the upper deck, you’ll get unobstructed views of the coast and the cliffs. The boat is equipped with toilets, and there’s plenty of space to sit or stand and enjoy the scenery.

Wildlife Watching: The Main Event

The core of the trip is spotting dolphins and whales, which depends on the sea conditions. Reviewers consistently mention sightings of pilot whales and pods of dolphins, with some lucky travelers even catching glimpses of whales. As one guest shared, “We managed to see many whales and some dolphins,” highlighting how memorable these sightings can be.

Guides like Antonio, who speaks multiple languages including English and Spanish, provide engaging commentary. They’ll share insights about the marine creatures, making the experience both fun and educational. However, travelers should keep in mind that wildlife is unpredictable—some trips might be more animal-rich than others.

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The Scenic Highlights: Cliffs and Coastlines

After wildlife viewing, the boat heads to the spectacular cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes—some of the tallest in the world, reaching nearly 600 meters. Watching these cliffs from the water offers a perspective that’s both humbling and awe-inspiring. Reviewers love snapping photos of the towering rock formations, with one describing it as “mind-blowing,” capturing the sense of scale and natural beauty.

Water Activities and Swimming

One of the most appreciated parts of this tour is the opportunity for a swim in the Atlantic. The boat drops anchor in a calm bay, and you can choose to swing off the trapeze, use the stairs to enter the water, or simply splash in for a refreshing dip. Many reviews mention how smooth and accessible the swim stops are—one reviewer noted that even non-confident swimmers felt reassured with floaties provided, and others loved the chance to cool off in such crystal-clear waters.

Food and Drinks

After working up an appetite, guests can enjoy a hearty paella with chicken and vegetables—a generous, flavorful meal. Reviewers have praised the quality of the food, with one saying it was “absolutely delicious.” For dessert, a piece of fresh fruit caps off the meal.

Throughout the trip, a selection of drinks—including beer, red wine, Fanta, cola, and water—is available. The generous offering of beverages keeps the atmosphere convivial and relaxed. Some guests, like one who commented, appreciated the free-flowing drinks and the canarian schnapps served on board.

Family and Special Occasions

The pirate theme and lively crew make this trip especially appealing to families with children. One reviewer recounts how their daughter’s 12th birthday was made extra special, with everyone singing happy birthday—highlighting the friendly, personalized atmosphere. Kids love the pirate vibe, the chance to swing into the sea, and the fun activities like the trapeze.

Duration and Value

The tour lasts between 2 and 3 hours, with different start times to suit your schedule. Considering the included lunch, drinks, and activities, many find this experience to be excellent value for money. Another review mentioned that it’s “good value,” especially given how much entertainment and scenery are packed into a relatively short time.

Practical Tips for an Enjoyable Trip

• Arrive Early: To ensure smooth boarding and avoid parking headaches.
• Bring Essentials: Sunglasses, sunhat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen are must-haves. A camera for capturing the cliffs and wildlife is also recommended.
• Dress Appropriately: While most of the trip is outdoors, layers might be useful in case of wind or cool breezes on the water.
• Be Prepared for Sea Conditions: If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions, as the sea can be choppy at times.
• No Wildlife Guarantee: While sightings are common, they depend on the sea’s mood, so keep expectations flexible.

What’s Not Included

The trip does not include pickup or drop-off, so plan your transportation to Los Gigantes harbor accordingly. Public transport might be heavy or crowded, so arriving an hour early is advisable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
No, pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to Los Gigantes harbor.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the selected option and sea conditions.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and cash are recommended. Some reviews also suggest bringing cushions for comfort on the deck.

Can I swim during the trip?
Yes, there’s time for swimming in a designated bay, with stairs and a trapeze to make entry and exit easy.

What drinks are available?
A variety of beverages are provided, including water, cola, Fanta, beer, and red wine. Canarian schnapps is also served.

Is wildlife guaranteed?
No, wildlife sightings depend on sea conditions, but many guests report seeing dolphins and pilot whales regularly.

Are there any age restrictions?
Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, but the trip is family-friendly with pirate-themed fun for kids.

Final Thoughts

This dolphin and whale-watching cruise in Los Gigantes offers a lively, family-friendly way to enjoy Tenerife’s natural beauty. You’ll love the stunning cliff views, the chance to see marine life, and the relaxed, fun atmosphere onboard. The inclusion of a hearty paella, unlimited drinks, and activities like swimming and trapeze jumps make it a great value for money experience.

It’s best suited for families, couples seeking a fun day out, or solo travelers wanting a lively adventure on the water. Just keep in mind that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but even without animals, the scenery and activities make for a memorable outing.

This tour provides a fantastic mix of wildlife, scenic views, and interactive fun, all wrapped in a lively pirate theme. Whether you’re a watersports enthusiast, a family with kids, or simply looking for a relaxing day at sea, it’s a solid choice for a memorable Tenerife experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: