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

Introduction: A Fun-Filled Marine Adventure in Los Gigantes

If you’re looking for a lively, family-friendly way to experience the waters off Tenerife, the Los Gigantes Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour on a Pirate Boat might just fit the bill. This 2-3 hour cruise, operated by Flipper Uno, is packed with opportunities to see marine life, enjoy spectacular scenery, and indulge in delicious local food—all on a boat deck styled like a pirate ship. With glowing reviews and a solid 4.5-star rating from over a thousand travelers, it’s clear this tour resonates with many visitors.

What I really like about this experience is how it combines wildlife watching with fun activities like swimming and trapeze jumps. Plus, the guides seem to go the extra mile—many reviews praise their friendliness and multilingual commentary, making it accessible for a broad range of travelers. Also, the inclusion of a hearty paella lunch and unlimited drinks, including local wine and beer, makes this trip a good value, especially considering the all-ages appeal.

One thing to keep in mind is that marine animal sightings are never guaranteed—nature can be unpredictable. If your main goal is to see dolphins or whales, be prepared for the possibility that the sea might be quiet. However, even without the animals, many find the spectacular scenery, fun stops, and lively crew make this tour worthwhile.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Wildlife sightings depend on sea conditions but are often successful, with many reviews mentioning seeing dolphins and whales.
• Multiple language guides ensure everyone understands and feels included, with reviews highlighting their friendliness and humor.
• Swim and jump options at Masca Bay, including the trapeze, add a playful element perfect for families and adventure-seekers.
• A hearty paella lunch and unlimited drinks, including local wine and beer, provide great value for a half-day trip.
• Vessel size and style mean a lively, pirate-themed atmosphere with good space for relaxing, socializing, or enjoying views.
• Arrive early at the port—traffic and parking can be tricky, so plan to get there at least an hour before departure.
• Safety and respect for marine life are emphasized, with strict rules against touching animals or littering, ensuring the experience remains eco-friendly.
• Excellent reviews point to memorable moments like singing happy birthday or capturing stunning photos of cliffs and wildlife.
• Suitable for families and all ages; even non-swimmers can enjoy the experience with reassurance from the crew and floaties.

Setting Sail from Los Gigantes: What to Expect

Your adventure begins at the Flipper Uno office, located at the entrance of Los Gigantes Harbor, where staff in yellow uniforms welcome you. The typical tour lasts around 2 to 3 hours, with starting times varying, so it’s wise to check availability in advance. Arriving at least 30 minutes early is crucial; arriving late means no refunds or rescheduling, and parking can be tricky in the busy harbor.

Once aboard, the boat exudes a pirate theme, with plenty of space to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. The vessel’s size and layout are designed for a lively, social atmosphere—perfect for families, friends, or even solo travelers looking to meet new people. The crew, often praised for their friendly, multilingual commentary, will keep you informed about marine life and local sights.

The Spectacular Cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes

One of the major highlights of this trip is the close-up view of the cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes—some of the tallest in the world, soaring nearly 600 meters above the water. Most passengers agree that the vistas of these rugged rock formations are breathtaking, especially when framed with the blue sky and sea. Many reviews mention capturing photos of the cliffs, Teide, and the surrounding landscape all in one shot, making it a memorable visual.

Wildlife Spotting: Dolphins, Whales, and Human Excitement

The main reason many join this tour is to spot dolphins and whales in their natural environment. While the crew emphasizes that sightings cannot be guaranteed, most travelers report seeing a good number of playful dolphins and, occasionally, whales—particularly pilot whales and even some pods of pilot whales.

As one reviewer put it, “We saw pods of dolphins and pilot whales—they came very close to the boat and we got to see them clearly.” This proximity is partly due to the crew’s respectful approach to marine life, aligning with best practices to avoid disturbing the animals.

The Swim Stop at Masca Bay

After dolphin and whale spotting, your boat anchors at Masca Bay for some well-earned free time to swim. You can choose to enter the water via stairs or take a leap off the trapeze—a feature many reviews highlight as a fun and exhilarating part of the trip. Even non-swimmers can participate, thanks to the provided floaties and reassuring crew members who keep an eye on everyone.

One reviewer shared, “The swim was great fun, and the crew was very reassuring,” which underscores how this stop is both enjoyable and safe. The water is consistently described as crystal clear, encouraging plenty of photo opportunities and relaxing moments.

The Paella Lunch and Unlimited Drinks

A surprising highlight for many is the paella lunch, especially since it’s included in the ticket price if you opt for the 3-hour version. Made with chicken and vegetables, the dish is hearty and flavorful, with many reviews praising its quality. For those who prefer different tastes, the 2-hour option might not include the meal, so check what’s included.

Throughout the trip, you’ll enjoy free-flowing drinks, including Fanta, cola, water, beer, and red wine. Several reviews mention how much they appreciated the generous alcohol and soft drink selection, which adds to the laid-back, festive mood onboard.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Arrive early to avoid missing the boat—traffic can be heavy, and parking limited.
• Bring essentials: sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, and camera.
• No smoking or littering allowed, maintaining the boat’s friendly and eco-conscious environment.
• Children and non-swimmers will find the experience accessible, thanks to safety equipment and crew support.
• Weather and sea conditions influence wildlife sightings; be aware that seeing dolphins or whales isn’t always guaranteed.
• Book in advance if you want the full experience with lunch and swimming, as popular slots fill quickly.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This trip suits a wide range of travelers—from families with kids to groups of friends seeking fun and adventure. If you enjoy animal encounters, scenic views, and a lively atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate good value: the inclusion of food and drinks makes it a more economical choice compared to separate activities.

Yet, if you’re primarily focused on wildlife viewing and are concerned about missing out if animals aren’t present, this tour might be a little hit-or-miss but still offers plenty of enjoyment. The scenic cliffs, fun swim stop, and engaging guides ensure there’s always something to remember.

The cost for this tour is reasonable, considering what’s included—food, drinks, wildlife watching, and fun activities. It represents good value, especially for families or groups wanting a full experience without extra charges. Keep in mind, the tour lasts 2 to 3 hours, so it’s a manageable half-day activity that allows you to explore other parts of Tenerife afterward.

The meeting point is straightforward, but because parking can be challenging, arriving early is a smart move. The boat is lively and spacious, accommodating a decent-sized crowd without feeling overcrowded. The language options include English, Spanish, French, and German, so communication rarely feels lost.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Experience?

This pirate-themed tour offers a lively, family-friendly, and scenic way to enjoy Tenerife’s coastal waters. It’s perfect for travelers who want a mix of wildlife, spectacular scenery, and fun activities like swimming and trapeze jumping—along with a tasty local meal and drinks. The crew’s reputation for friendliness and multilingual commentary adds an authentic, welcoming touch that elevates the experience.

While wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, the combination of scenery, good food, and engaging crew makes this a trip many travelers remember fondly. If you’re after a relaxed, enjoyable boat trip with plenty of photo opportunities, this tour is a solid choice.

Do I need to bring my own food or drinks?
No, the tour provides drinks, including soda, water, beer, and red wine, along with a paella lunch if you select the 3-hour option. Just bring personal essentials like sunscreen, camera, and swimwear.

How early should I arrive?
It’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to avoid missing the boat, especially since parking can be limited and traffic heavy.

Can I swim in the ocean during the trip?
Yes, you’ll have time to swim at Masca Bay. You can enter via stairs or jump off the trapeze for some fun in the clear waters.

Is this suitable for children?
Absolutely. The trip is family-friendly, and even non-swimmers can participate with safety equipment and crew support. Kids love the pirate theme and the swimming stop.

Is wildlife sighting guaranteed?
No, sightings depend on sea conditions and animal behavior. Many travelers do see dolphins and whales, but it’s not guaranteed.

What should I wear?
Bring swimwear, a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The boat is open, so dress comfortably for the weather.

What is the boat like?
It’s a lively, pirate-style vessel with plenty of space for relaxing, socializing, and enjoying the views. It’s suitable for all ages.

Are drinks alcohol permitted onboard?
Yes, alcohol including beer and red wine is served and included in the price. Drinking responsibly is encouraged.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Keep your schedule flexible by booking in advance.

In essence, if you’re seeking an engaging, scenic, and fun day on the water with the chance to see Tenerife’s famous cliffs and marine life, this pirate-themed dolphin and whale-watching tour is a solid choice. Expect good value, friendly guides, and memories that last long after you leave the harbor.