The cliffs are the pre-show. Then the ocean gives you the real drama: whales, dolphins, and calm moments to swim. This 2-hour RIB speedboat trip from Los Gigantes blends fast access to the best waters with that big-Tenerife scenery you can’t fake.

Two things I really like here. First, the small-scale feel: the boat is set up for close watching (often with guides actively managing the distance and engine use). Second, you’re not only hunting wildlife—you also cruise right by the towering Los Gigantes and Masca cliffs, then drop anchor for a quick swim in clear coves.

One consideration: sightings depend on sea conditions. You’ll search in the right area near Teno-Rasca, but you can’t treat this like a guaranteed animal zoo tour.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Small RIB-style boat that helps you get close for photos without feeling packed in
• Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary search for whales and dolphins off Tenerife
• Los Gigantes + Masca cliff views from the water, with commentary from the skipper/guide
• Engine-off style watching reported by multiple guides/captains to keep animals calm
• Bay swim stop at crystal-clear locations like Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López
• True time-on-the-water for a 2-hour trip, not a half-day wandering schedule

Zoom Out of Los Gigantes on a Rigid Inflatable Speedboat

Los Gigantes is a great starting point because it’s already dramatic before you even hit open water. You’ll board at the port of Los Gigantes, then head out fast—exactly what you want if you’re trying to line up with marine animals that move through the region.

This is a speedboat / RIB setup, which matters for comfort and payoff. The ride is quick and sporty, and the payoff is that you spend more of your 2 hours in the water searching than sitting around on a larger vessel far from the action.

Plan smart for the meeting time. You need to arrive 30 minutes before departure, and late arrivals mean no refund or rescheduling. Also, if you’re driving, give yourself extra buffer—traffic can be heavy and parking inside/outside the harbor can be tricky.

Finding Whales and Dolphins Near Tenerife’s Teno-Rasca Sanctuary

The heart of the trip is the search area tied to the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary—often described as a top whale-watching zone in Europe. The idea is simple: you head into the waters where marine life is most likely to be encountered, then you stay there long enough to actually watch.

Here’s the honest part: the operator says sightings are guaranteed depending on the state of the sea, and at the same time notes that dolphins/whales can’t be guaranteed because conditions can change. In practice, that means you’re buying a high-probability wildlife search, not a contract that says you’ll see a specific animal every time.

What you might see varies, but the most common reported favorites include pilot whales (which are dolphins), plus dolphins like Atlantic dolphins and other sightings such as turtles, flying fish, and even jellyfish (including man of war type). Some days are whale-heavy; other days focus more on dolphins—or you might get a broader mix of sea life like sharks and rays when they’re around.

One detail I really respect in the way these trips run is how guides manage the encounter. In multiple accounts, captains like Luca, Alejandro, and Alessandro are reported to keep distance and reduce noise, including turning the engine off or minimizing it near animals so you get a better, calmer viewing experience.

How the Watching Time Usually Works (and Why That Matters)

Even when you’re out for only 2 hours, the timing is built around behavior. You need enough time at sea to locate a pod, then enough time alongside to watch them surface, swim, and breathe.

In a few accounts, the actual animal window is roughly 30 minutes, with the rest of the time spent traveling to/from the search waters and then heading to a bay for swimming. That might sound short, but it’s often the difference between seeing something real versus just cruising around while animals move on.

If you’re prone to seasickness, this is worth thinking about. With fast motion on a speedboat and time on open water, some people feel it more than others—so pack accordingly if you know you’re sensitive.

Cruising Past Masca and Los Gigantes Cliffs Like You’re in the Movie

Then comes the scenery shift. After the wildlife search, the boat cruises close to the 600-meter cliffs around Masca and Los Gigantes. This is one of those places where the coastline looks impossible from land—and somehow looks even taller from the water.

You’ll get that “we’re right beside it” effect without needing a hike or a long drive. For photographers, it’s also a practical setup: the speedboat route gives you angles that typical viewpoints can’t.

You’ll usually hear explanations from the skipper/guide while you cruise. Names that show up in the experience include Luca, Alejandro, and Alessandro, and the common theme is that they mix facts with humor—helpful, because it keeps the long cliff glide engaging while you’re waiting for that next sighting or for the swim stop.

The Swim Stop: Crystal Coves, Real Water Time

This tour isn’t just about spotting animals. It also builds in an anchor-down break for swimming in calm, clear water—often at places like Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López.

Drop anchorage in one of these coves is where the trip goes from “wildlife adventure” to “instant vacation.” In accounts of the swim, people describe it as clear, scenic, and worth the quick break—sometimes around 20 minutes, depending on conditions and how the timing works that day.

Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to use this time. If you’re going in cooler months, bring a light jacket or jumper because you can get chilly on the water before/after a swim—especially on breezy days.

Also, watch the expectations. This is a swim stop, not a guided snorkeling session. If you’re hoping for underwater time, you’ll need to be ready with what’s allowed/available day-of—and the tour data only confirms swimming and optional time in the water.

What You Really Get for Around $33

At about $33 per person for a 2-hour speedboat tour, the value comes from two places.

First, you’re paying for time in the right zone. The speedboat format is all about getting out quickly, staying flexible when animals show up, and not wasting half your day in transit.

Second, you get a double-hit of Tenerife. You’re combining wildlife watching near Teno-Rasca with a direct-from-the-water look at Los Gigantes and Masca cliffs plus a bay swim. If you’ve been thinking about doing separate sightseeing and sea time, this bundles it into one outing.

Group size also plays into value. Multiple accounts describe a small RIB experience (often around 12 passengers max), which tends to mean better viewing spots and less waiting around than on big-boat tours.

Practical Tips Before You Go

A few details will make your day smoother.

Bring swim gear and a towel if you want the water break. You may also want a light layer for the ride, since temperatures and wind can swing—people specifically recommend a warm layer in winter months.

Avoid glass items. The rules say no glass objects, so skip glass bottles and anything fragile.

If you’re driving, aim to arrive early because parking near ports can be stressful. This one-hour “buffer” matters because late arrival is not forgiving.

If you’re traveling with kids, note that the tour is not suitable for children under 2 years. For families, the small boat setup is often mentioned as more comfortable than larger vessels.

If you’re pregnant, you can still be on board, but it’s listed as welcome at your own risk—so be honest with yourself about motion and comfort.

Who This Trip Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This is a great match if you want a high-energy, short-duration marine wildlife experience without a full day of logistics.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You’re visiting Tenerife and want a hit of Los Gigantes cliffs plus sea life in one outing
• You prefer small-group vibes with better access for viewing
• You like a boat that’s lively and direct, not slow and sightseeing-by-brochure

You might want to rethink it if:

• You need a super-stable ride (a speedboat can feel rougher than big boats)
• You’re going only for whales in the strict sense (pilot whales are common and are dolphins, but the specific “whales vs dolphins” mix varies)
• You can’t be flexible about animal sightings, since sea conditions affect what you see

Should You Book Los Gigantes Dolphin and Whale Watching by Speedboat?

Yes—if you’re realistic and you want the best chance at wildlife without spending all day. The combination is strong: the fast RIB search near Teno-Rasca, the cliff cruise by Masca/Los Gigantes, and the bonus swim in a clear bay makes this feel like real value, not just a ticket for a route.

Book especially confidently if you care about respectful animal viewing—many guides/captains are reported to manage distance and reduce engine noise near wildlife, which is exactly what you want for good sightings and good photos.

Just don’t treat it like a guarantee of a specific animal. If the sea is rough, your sightings may change. If you can accept that nature is nature, this is one of the more fun ways to experience the wild edge of Tenerife.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes dolphin and whale watching cruise?

The cruise lasts 2 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

You board at the port of Los Gigantes.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Are dolphin and whale sightings guaranteed?

Sighting of wildlife is described as guaranteed depending on the state of the sea, but the operator also notes that they cannot guarantee dolphins and/or whales because it depends on sea conditions.

What time should I arrive at the meeting point?

Be at the meeting point 30 minutes before the tour starts. Late arrival means no refund or rescheduling.

Is there a swimming stop?

Yes. The tour includes time to swim after anchoring in a bay with crystal-clear waters (such as Masca Bay, Barranco Seco, or Juan López).

Are there restrictions on what I can bring to the boat?

Glass objects are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 2 years.

Can pregnant women join?

Pregnant women are allowed on board at their own risk.

What are the cancellation and booking options?

You get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can use reserve now & pay later.

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