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

Discovering the Wonders of the Los Gigantes Boat Tour

This particular boat trip from Los Gigantes to Masca offers a chance to see whales or dolphins in their natural environment—a highlight that many travelers find unforgettable. The tour lasts about 2 hours, making it a manageable yet packed experience, especially if you’re short on time but eager for a taste of ocean wildlife and scenic beauty.

Two things that really stand out for me are the close-up animal sightings and the opportunity to swim at Masca Bay. Watching dolphins and whales surface just meters from the boat feels magical and genuinely humbling. Plus, the stop for a swim beneath the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes is a refreshing way to break up the cruise, especially on a warm day.

A potential consideration is the duration—two hours might seem brief, especially if you’re hoping to spend more time with the wildlife or exploring the coastline in detail. Also, snorkel equipment is not included, so if snorkeling is your goal, you’ll need to bring your own gear or rent it elsewhere. But overall, the balance of wildlife, scenery, and swimming makes this tour a solid choice for a quick but impactful adventure.

Key points/Takeaways

• Wildlife Encounters: Many reviews mention seeing pilot whales, dolphins, and even Bryde whales, often up close and personal.
• Scenic Views: The boat passes right next to the impressive Cliffs of Los Gigantes, providing photo-worthy moments.
• Swimming Stop: The Masca Bay stop offers a chance to cool off and enjoy crystal-clear waters in a dramatic setting.
• Expert Guides: Guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience more engaging.
• Value for Money: The overall cost is considered reasonable given the combination of wildlife, scenery, and swimming.
• Flexibility: The tour includes drinks (water, soft drinks, or beer) and insurance, adding to the convenience.

The Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21, in Los Gigantes, a convenient spot in the harbor area. This central location makes it easy if you’re staying nearby or taking public transport. The meeting process is straightforward, and the activity is wheelchair accessible, which is a plus for travelers with mobility needs.

The Itinerary and How It Feels

The tour involves two main boat rides of around 30 minutes each, connecting wildlife viewing and scenic cruising. The first leg takes you out into the Atlantic, where the crew scans the waters for signs of whales or dolphins. Many reviews mention the guides’ professionalism and their knack for locating animals—some travelers note seeing pilot whales, dolphins, and even a Bryde whale.

The 15-minute whale or dolphin watching segment tends to generate enthusiastic reactions, with many people excited about how close the animals come to the boat. One reviewer said, “watching whales so close was very good experience,” highlighting how special this can be.

Wildlife Watching—What You Might Expect

While seeing dolphins seems almost guaranteed—many reviews mention dolphins “at play”—whale sightings can vary. Some travelers, like Rafa, note “unfortunately there was no whales,” but still enjoyed the trip. Others, like Richard, were thrilled to spot pilot whales, describing the experience as “great value for money.” The crew’s dedicated effort at finding and following the mammals plays a crucial role in the success of your viewing.

The Masca Bay Swim: A Highlight

After wildlife spotting, the boat heads toward Masca Bay, renowned for its stunning cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The 15-minute swimming stop is usually enough for a quick dip or snorkel, though equipment isn’t included. Many reviews praise this part as a gorgeous, invigorating break.

One reviewer mentioned “surrounded by many fishes,” which hints at the vibrant marine life awaiting swimmers. The scenery here is truly dramatic, with towering cliffs shaping the bay, making it a perfect backdrop for a photo or a moment of quiet reflection.

Scenic Cruising Back and Final Impressions

As the boat makes its way back, you’ll pass the spectacular cliffs of Los Gigantes, often described as “breathtaking.” The views are so striking that they often become the highlight for many travelers. The crew typically offers a cold beverage, adding to the relaxing vibe, and some reviews mention music, making the atmosphere lively.

Who Will Love this Tour?

If you’re interested in wildlife watching, especially if you’ve always wanted to see pilot whales or dolphins in the wild, this tour is a winner. The friendly, knowledgeable guides—sometimes named—really enhance the experience, making it informative and fun. It’s also ideal if you want a short, scenic trip with an active element of swimming and relaxation.

This experience is particularly good for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a value-packed, authentic outing with a high chance of animal sightings and stunning landscapes.

Price and Logistics: Good Value for the Experience

At a reasonable price point, this 2-hour tour offers a lot: wildlife viewing, scenic cruising, and a refreshing swim—all with an insurance safety net. The tour runs from Maritima Acantilados or Nashira Uno Office, and booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Note that they don’t include snorkeling gear, so if you’re keen to snorkel, bring your own or rent elsewhere. The tour also doesn’t provide pick-up services, so plan accordingly, but the central meeting point is accessible.

The Review Perspective

Based on dozens of reviews, many travelers felt this tour provided excellent value for money. Seeing pilot whales and dolphins, often at close range, really adds an electric thrill. Several reviewers, like Lina, raved about the super friendly guides who made the trip enjoyable. The swimming stop at Masca Bay is often highlighted as a highlight, especially when the water is calm and clear.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers, those eager to see marine mammals in the wild, and travelers who want a short but memorable outing. If you prefer long, in-depth excursions, this might feel a little brief, but for most, it hits a sweet spot of adventure and scenery without overextending your day.

Final Thoughts

The Los Gigantes whale and dolphin watching tour with a swim in Masca Bay offers a balanced mix of wildlife, scenery, and relaxation. The guides’ professionalism and enthusiasm, combined with the stunning cliffs and marine life, make this a worthwhile activity—especially if you’re staying nearby and want a taste of the ocean’s marvels.

You’ll leave with not just photos but stories of dolphins swimming under the boat and whales surfacing close enough to feel their power. It’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a straightforward, fun, and scenic experience that captures some of the best elements of the Canary Islands’ coast.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and children generally enjoy the wildlife sightings and swimming stops. Just ensure your group can handle 2 hours on a boat.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?
Snorkel equipment is not included, so if you want to snorkel, bring your own gear or plan to rent elsewhere. The swimming stop is mainly for a quick dip.

What if I don’t see whales?
Wildlife sightings can vary. Many travelers still enjoy the scenic cruise and the chance to see dolphins, which are quite common.

Are drinks included?
Yes, you’ll be offered a drink—water, soft drink, or beer—at the end of the trip.

How long is the trip?
The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours, with specific starting times depending on availability.

What’s the best time of day to go?
Check availability for start times; the tour is generally scheduled during daylight hours optimal for wildlife and scenery.

Is the tour eco-friendly?
Many reviews mention that the guides are respectful of the marine environment and animals, following responsible practices.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

This whale and dolphin watching tour from Los Gigantes balances fun, scenery, and wildlife encounters all in a compact 2-hour window. For those wanting a memorable ocean adventure without a lengthy commitment, it’s a lively, well-reviewed choice that captures the essence of the Canary Islands’ vibrant marine life and dramatic coastlines.