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

The Los Gigantes whale and dolphin watching tour in Masca offers a captivating 2-hour boat trip that combines wildlife encounters with scenic views and a refreshing swim. Departing from C. Pob. Marinero, 1, this tour is operated by Maritima Acantilados and is highly rated with a 4.8/5 score based on 891 reviews. The experience includes whale or dolphin sightings, a stop for swimming in Masca Bay, and a free drink, making it an appealing option for nature lovers and those seeking a quick, engaging excursion.

At just 2 hours, this tour delivers a balanced mix of wildlife watching and relaxation. The guided trips are led by bilingual guides in Spanish and English, ensuring clear explanations and a friendly atmosphere. The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes insurance, adding reassurance for all participants. What truly sets this trip apart is the opportunity to observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat in one of Europe’s best spots for marine life.

Key Points

• Two-hour boat trip departing from Los Gigantes, offering whale or dolphin sightings, swimming, and scenic views.
• Includes a stop at Masca Bay for a swim, snorkel (equipment not included), or relaxation.
• Guided by friendly, knowledgeable guides in Spanish and English, enhancing the experience.
• All necessary insurance provided, with free drinks available during the trip.
• No snorkeling gear included, but essentials like towels, sunscreen, and goggles are recommended.
• No pickup service is included; guests meet at the designated harbor meeting points.

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Departure and Meeting Points at Los Gigantes Harbor

This boat tour starts at either Maritima Acantilados or Nashira Uno Office in Los Gigantes harbor, providing easy access for visitors already in the area. The meeting point is clearly indicated, and the activity concludes back at the same location. The duration is flexible, so check availability for precise starting times, which typically run around 2 hours.

Participants should arrive prepared with a towel, sunscreen, goggles, and snorkeling gear if desired. Since there are no facilities on the boat, planning ahead for comfort and convenience is advised.

The Itinerary and Main Stops

The tour features several well-structured stops designed to maximize wildlife viewing and relaxation. It begins with a 30-minute speedboat ride that takes guests out into the waters, setting the stage for marine life encounters. The highlight is 15 minutes of dolphin or whale watching near Los Gigantes, where pilot whales, dolphins, and Bryde whales are often seen surfacing close to the boat.

Following the marine viewing, a second 30-minute speedboat segment takes guests toward Masca Bay, famous for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs. Here, travelers have about 15 minutes for a swim, with the option to snorkel — although snorkeling equipment is not included. The stop is perfect for relaxing and capturing photos of the stunning scenery.

On the return trip, guests enjoy scenic views along the Los Gigantes Cliffs for about 30 minutes, providing plenty of picture opportunities of the towering rock formations. The entire journey is designed to balance engaging marine encounters with moments of peaceful scenery and leisure.

Marine Life Encounters: Whales and Dolphins in Action

This tour has a solid track record for whale and dolphin sightings, with many excursions delivering close-up views of pilot whales, dolphins, and Bryde whales. Several reviews highlight sightings of pilot whales and multiple species of dolphins, sometimes including up to three different dolphin species in a single trip.

While whale sightings are common, some trips might focus more on dolphin viewing, depending on the season and marine conditions. Tour guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the marine life watching more informative and enjoyable. Many participants appreciate the opportunity to see these animals surfacing close to the boat.

Swimming and Snorkeling in Masca Bay

The swimming stop at Masca Bay is frequently praised as a highlight. The bay’s crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs create a breathtaking setting. Guests can swim or relax in the water, with snorkeling being an option if they bring their own gear. This stop is typically around 15 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy a refreshing dip without feeling rushed.

Some reviews mention that jumping into deep water is necessary, as the boat doesn’t dock directly on the beach. The spectacular scenery surrounding the bay makes it a memorable moment, perfect for photos and cooling off after marine wildlife spotting.

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Scenic Views of Los Gigantes Cliffs

One of the primary visual attractions of this tour is the spectacular Cliffs of Los Gigantes. The boat glides along these imposing rock formations, providing excellent vantage points for photos. The 30-minute scenic cruise along the cliffs offers a chance to appreciate the massive size and rugged beauty of these natural giants.

Many reviews emphasize how close to the cliffs the boat gets, giving an impressive perspective of their scale. This part of the trip complements the marine encounters and adds a dramatic backdrop to the whole experience.

Food, Drinks, and Onboard Atmosphere

A complimentary drink — water, soft drink, or beer — is included, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy the trip. The friendly crew often provides music and commentary, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere onboard. Some comments note that loud music can sometimes be a bit intrusive, especially when seeking quieter moments.

Since no snorkeling equipment is included, guests should bring their own gear if they wish to snorkel. Plus, no food service is mentioned, but the free drinks and the relaxed environment make for a comfortable trip.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs. It does not include a pickup service, so visitors need to meet at the designated harbor points. Planning ahead and arriving on time will ensure a smooth experience.

Participants should bring essentials such as towels, sunscreen, goggles, and snorkeling gear if desired. It’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing and light coverings for sun protection, as exposure to the sun can be significant during the trip.

Customer Satisfaction and Review Highlights

This tour’s high rating of 4.8 out of 5 stems from consistent praise for friendly guides, good value, and memorable wildlife sightings. Common positive themes include seeing pilot whales and dolphins up close, enjoying the scenery of Los Gigantes, and having a fun, social atmosphere onboard.

Many reviews highlight the professionalism of the crew, their knowledge, and the timing of the stops, which balance wildlife watching with relaxation. Light-hearted comments about the music and service reinforce the positive vibe.

Final Thoughts on the Los Gigantes Whale and Dolphin Tour

This tour in Los Gigantes offers a compact yet rich experience packed with marine wildlife encounters, scenic views, and a friendly atmosphere. The 2-hour duration makes it a suitable choice for those who want a fun activity without a full-day commitment.

The highlight for many is the chance to see whales and dolphins in the wild, often surfacing close to the boat. The swim stop at Masca Bay adds a splash of relaxation and adventure, while the scenic cruise along the cliffs provides stunning photo opportunities.

While snorkeling gear is not included** and no onboard food service exists, the free drink, easy accessibility, and professional guides make this tour a solid value. It suits travelers who enjoy nature, wildlife, and scenic landscapes, providing an authentic and enjoyable marine experience in Tenerife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided to the meeting point?
No, this tour does not include a pickup service. Guests meet directly at C. Pob. Marinero, 1 or at the Nashira Uno Office.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is not included, but you are encouraged to bring your own goggles and snorkel if you wish to snorkel during the swim stop.

What marine animals are typically seen?
The tour often features pilot whales, dolphins, and occasionally Bryde whales. Sightings depend on marine conditions, but many trips see multiple species.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs.

What should I bring on the tour?
It’s recommended to bring towels, sunscreen, goggles, and snorkeling gear if desired. Light clothing and sun protection are also advised for comfort during the trip.

How long does the trip last?
The entire boat experience lasts approximately 2 hours, with specific start times available upon reservation.

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