Cliffs, dolphins, and a real swim stop. This Los Gigantes boat trip turns a marine-wildlife search into a hands-on outing with guided commentary, Masca and Los Gigantes views, and time to cool off in the Atlantic.

I really like the combination of paella lunch with drinks plus an onboard guide who keeps the trip moving and explains what you’re looking for. The vibe is lively without feeling chaotic, and it’s built for a 2–3 hour hit of fun.

One thing to plan around: you’re not guaranteed dolphins or whales. Sighting depends on sea conditions, so your best bet is to show up ready for wildlife and open water at the same time.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Masca and Los Gigantes cliffs: some of the tallest in the world, up around 600 meters high.
• Swim stop with options: enter via stairs or use the trapeze to jump in.
• Paella onboard: chicken and vegetables, plus fruit if you choose the 3-hour option.
• Drinks included: red wine, beer, Fanta, cola, water, and Canarian schnapps.
• Marine-life guide: live commentary in multiple languages (Spanish, English, French, German).
• On-the-water wildlife focus: dolphins and possible whales depending on conditions.

Los Gigantes cliffs give your dolphin-and-whale search instant context

If you’re going to chase marine animals, you want a coast that feels dramatic before you even spot anything. Los Gigantes delivers that. The cliffs are the headline here—towering rock faces that rise to nearly 600 meters—and they frame every approach as the boat heads out and then returns near Masca.

That matters because it changes the feeling of the trip. You’re not just sitting in open water waiting for luck. You’re seeing a real place: steep-sided bays, Atlantic swell, and the kind of coastline that makes dolphins (and sometimes whales) easier to track and understand. The guide’s explanations also help you connect the dots between what’s happening offshore and what you’re seeing along the shore.

From the Los Gigantes harbor to Masca: how the 2–3 hours unfolds

Most of the value of this tour comes from the flow. You set off from the Los Gigantes harbor on a search for dolphins or whales, then you shift your attention to the stunning coastal views around Masca and Los Gigantes.

Here’s the rhythm you can expect:

• You leave the harbor with a live guide who talks about what marine life you might see and where to look.
• Once the wildlife is spotted (if it happens), you spend time in the area to watch the pod behavior.
• After that, you head toward the cliffs, keeping commentary going as you travel along the coast.

Timing is flexible only in the sense that tours run at different starting times (you’ll need to check availability for exact times). The duration is listed as 2–3 hours, and that’s important for deciding what kind of day you want. If you want the extra pause for food and dessert, the 3-hour option is the one to consider.

The swim stop in clear Atlantic water is the real win

The highlight that turns a wildlife trip into an actual experience is the swim stop. The boat drops anchor in a bay with clear water, and that’s when the day stops being “watching” and starts being “doing.”

You get free time to swim, and you can enter in two ways:

• Use the stairs
• Or go for the trapeze option to swing and jump into the sea

This is where the tour earns its family-friendly reputation. Kids often remember the trapeze first and the whales second, but even adults enjoy the simple joy of getting in the water with the cliffs overhead. It’s also a good reset if you’ve been scanning for animals and your eyes feel tired—suddenly you’re focused on something physical and fun.

One practical note: sea conditions shape how long the swim stop lasts. When wind is up, you may not get as much time in the water as you hoped, even though you still get the chance to jump in.

Paella lunch and drinks: simple, plentiful, and part of the pacing

For $38, you’re not just paying for boat time. You’re also paying for food and drinks that keep the trip from feeling like a rushed transfer. Lunch is served as paella with chicken and vegetables (exact contents can vary by option), and the tour includes drinks throughout.

What’s included on the drinks side:

• Red wine
• Beer
• Fanta
• Cola
• Water
• Canarian schnapps

On the food side:

• Paella with chicken and vegetables
• A piece of fruit for dessert if you pick the 3-hour option

I like this setup because it matches how boat tours can feel: you’re out on the water, then you’re swimming, then you’re hungry. By handling food onboard, you avoid the “where do we eat now?” scramble and you keep the day smooth.

A small diet heads-up: one traveler noted they don’t eat rice and would have preferred an alternative to paella. If rice isn’t your thing, you should plan for that reality and decide if you’re comfortable eating something you don’t usually choose.

Wildlife spotting: dolphins and pilot whales depend on the day

This tour is built around a simple promise: search for dolphins or whales, with the crew making it happen as conditions allow. The catch is honest and important—the tour can’t guarantee sightings.

So how do you make the most of it?

My advice:

• Don’t treat the animals as the only goal. The cliffs and the swim stop are a solid plan on their own.
• Watch the guide’s directions. They’re there to tell you where to look as the boat moves.
• Be ready for either outcome: dolphins, pilot whales, or only dolphins.

In practice, this area can turn up real sightings. Many people come away seeing pilot whales and dolphins clearly, with some pods approaching close to the boat. That’s not something you should count on every time, but it’s exactly why this route is worth considering: the setting supports it.

The onboard crew vibe: attentive, funny, and safety-minded

The crew is part of the value, not just the background noise. You’ll get live guidance in Spanish, English, French, and German, and the guides tend to keep things lively while also making sure people feel safe—especially during the trapeze and swim transition.

A few details that show up in the feel of the trip:

• Guides explain what’s happening and what you might spot next.
• The crew can be entertaining with jokes and a pirate-themed style that works well for families.
• Toilets are on board, which matters more than you might think once you’re out for a couple of hours.

One practical consideration: the boat can be busy and fairly full, so if you hate tight seating or crowded conditions, that’s something to keep in mind.

Also, if you’re sensitive to sound, there’s a note from one traveler that the speaker volume can feel loud at times. It’s not a deal-breaker for most people, but if you’re noise-sensitive, plan accordingly.

Where to meet Flipper Uno at Los Gigantes harbor (and why being early matters)

Logistics are simple, but timing is strict. The tour meets at the Flipper Uno office at the entrance of the Los Gigantes Harbor on the right-hand side. The staff wear yellow uniforms, so you can spot them fast.

Arrive 30 minutes early. Late arrivals don’t get a refund or rescheduling, so you’ll want cushion time for parking, walking, and finding the office.

No pickup or drop-off is listed, so plan to get yourself to the harbor on your own.

What to pack (and what to avoid) for a smoother day at sea

This is a sun-and-water outing, so your packing list should focus on staying comfortable before the swim and safe during it.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear
• Cash (you’ll see this listed as something to bring)

You also should plan your clothing for a boat day: quick-dry layers can help, and sunscreen is non-negotiable if you’ll be on deck while scanning for animals.

What’s not allowed includes:

• Drones
• Weapons or sharp objects
• Fishing
• Glass objects
• Smoking and vaping (and smoking indoors)
• Littering
• Unaccompanied minors
• Feeding or touching marine life/animals
• Fireworks or explosive substances
• Padlocks
• Nudity
• Speakers

That list is more about keeping everyone safe and protecting wildlife than rules for the sake of rules. Still, read it before you pack so you don’t end up stuck at the harbor.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This trip is ideal if you want:

• A short outing with big scenery payoff (cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes)
• A real swim stop with both stairs and a trapeze
• Onboard food and drinks included in the price
• A guide-led wildlife search where the onboard time stays active

It also works well for families because the crew can bring an energetic, playful theme to the boat.

Who should think twice:

• If you can’t handle the uncertainty of animal sightings, know that dolphins/whales are not guaranteed and depend on sea conditions.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, take that seriously. Some passengers reported feeling unwell during rougher moments, though crew support is available.
• If you hate crowds, consider that the boat can run full.

Is $38 good value for dolphins, paella, drinks, and a trapeze swim?

For many people, the price is the reason to book. $38 per person is hard to beat when you’re getting a boat trip, a live guide, drinks, paella lunch, and a swim stop with trapeze access.

You can think of the day as three parts:

1) Wildlife search (with no guarantee)

2) Cliffs and coastal views that still deliver even without a whale

3) Hands-on fun in the water, plus food and drinks

If you were paying separately for a boat tour, food, and a guided swim moment, you’d quickly spend more than this. Even with the reality that sightings can vary, the overall package gives you multiple ways for the day to be a win.

Should you book this Los Gigantes dolphin and whale watching tour?

Book it if:

• You want a short, active boat outing with paella and drinks included.
• You’re excited about the Atlantic swim stop and especially the trapeze option.
• You like wildlife, but you’re okay with the fact that sightings depend on conditions.

Skip or rethink if:

• You need whales/dolphins guaranteed (this isn’t a guarantee tour).
• You’re extremely sensitive to crowding or noise.
• You can’t manage sea conditions comfortably.

If you match those “book it” points, you’ll likely feel like you got your money’s worth: good deck time, real scenery, and a swim stop that turns the whole afternoon into something you can talk about.

FAQ

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

The duration is listed as 2 to 3 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the exact schedule.

Is paella lunch included?

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

What drinks are included on board?

Drinks included are red wine, beer, Fanta, cola, and water, plus Canarian schnapps.

Do dolphins and whales always get spotted?

No. The tour cannot guarantee dolphin and/or whale sightings. It depends on sea conditions.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. There is free time to swim in the bay where the boat drops anchor.

Can you jump from the boat?

Yes. You can enter the water using the stairs or use the trapeze to jump in.

Where do I meet the tour?

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

Are there toilets on board?

Yes. Toilets are listed as available on board.

What languages are offered by the guide?

The live guide is available in Spanish, English, French, and German.

Is pickup or drop-off included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a pay later option?

Yes. The tour offers a reserve now and pay later option, so you can book your spot and pay nothing today.