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

If you’re visiting Tenerife and craving a day of maritime adventure, the Los Gigantes dolphin and whale-watching tour on a pirate-themed boat might just be your perfect outing. This experience combines wildlife spotting, spectacular coastal scenery, and a bit of fun, making it a memorable part of any Canary Islands trip.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances informative guides and family-friendly activities with the chance to see some of the Atlantic’s most charismatic marine creatures. Plus, the stunning views of Los Gigantes’ cliffs and the delicious paella served on board add some real local flavor. A potential downside? Sea conditions can affect the likelihood of spotting dolphins or whales, so it’s not a guaranteed wildlife encounter. Still, the overall vibe and value make this a solid choice for families, wildlife lovers, and those after a relaxing, scenic cruise.

This experience is especially suited for travelers who enjoy informative guides, scenic boat rides, and casual swims in a friendly environment. Whether you’re traveling with kids or seeking a fun, social outing at sea, it offers plenty of value for money and genuine fun.

Key Points

• Wildlife Watching: Chances to see dolphins and whales depend on sea conditions, but guides do their best to spot them.
• Beautiful Scenery: View the towering cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes, some of the tallest in the world.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Swimmers can enjoy the trapeze, stairs for entering the water, and a lively pirate theme that appeals to kids.
• Local Cuisine & Drinks: The included paella (with chicken and vegetables) and a variety of drinks, including red wine and beer, add to the enjoyment.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides provide engaging commentary in multiple languages—Spanish, English, French, and German.
• Good Value: For around 2-3 hours, this tour offers a mix of wildlife, scenery, food, and drinks at a reasonable price point.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Setting Sail from Los Gigantes
The adventure begins at the Los Gigantes harbor, where you’ll find the Flipper Uno office, marked clearly with staff in yellow uniforms. Arriving at least 30 minutes before departure is wise, especially if you’re driving, since parking can be tricky and traffic may be heavy. The boat itself is a lively, pirate-themed vessel, designed to entertain families and fun-seekers alike.

Wildlife Spotting
The main draw for many is the chance to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. While the guide emphasizes that sightings depend on sea conditions, many reviews praise the crew’s efforts and the likelihood of success. For instance, one tourist noted, “We saw pods of dolphins and pilot whales,” and another mentioned, “We managed to see many whales and some dolphins,” which is encouraging.

Scenic Views of the Cliffs
After wildlife viewing, the boat glides past the impressive cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes, rising nearly 600 meters from the sea. These towering formations provide a dramatic backdrop and some spectacular photo opportunities. Many reviews highlight how stunning these cliffs are, emphasizing that they’re some of the tallest in the world.

Swim & Water Activities
Anchoring in a calm bay, the crew provides a friendly environment for swimming. You can descend via stairs or take the trapeze for a splash into the Atlantic’s clear waters. Several guests appreciated the opportunity, with comments like “Getting in and out of the water is easy, and the trapeze is great fun.” Some guests also mentioned that the crew is reassuring, especially for those who aren’t confident swimmers.

Food & Drinks
The paella with chicken and vegetables is a highlight for many, especially considering that it’s included in the tour price. If you opt for the 3-hour version, you’ll also get a dessert of fresh fruit. Drinks flow freely throughout the trip, with options including beer, Fanta, cola, water, and red wine. A few reviews pointed out that the drinks and food were top-notch, adding a layer of value to the experience.

Additional Entertainment & Atmosphere
The pirate theme, along with the lively crew, creates an engaging atmosphere. Kids love the playful vibe, and many reviews mention how the crew goes out of their way to make birthdays special, singing “happy birthday” and creating a festive environment. The trapeze swing is often cited as a fun highlight, especially for those looking for a bit of adventure in their swim.

The Practicalities

Duration & Availability
The tour lasts between 2 to 3 hours, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Check availability online, as departure times vary, and booking in advance ensures a spot. The tour runs in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, French, and German, making it accessible to a broad range of travelers.

Pricing & Value
For the price—generally considered reasonable—guests get a boat trip, wildlife sightings, a swim stop, food, and drinks. The inclusion of a paella lunch makes it a great value, especially compared to other tours that might charge extra for food and drinks.

What to Bring & Restrictions
To make the most of your trip, bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen. It’s worth noting that certain items like weapons, large luggage, smoking, and drones are not allowed onboard. The crew is diligent about safety, and the boat is equipped with toilets.

Considerations
Since sightings depend on sea conditions, don’t be discouraged if you don’t see whales or dolphins—this is nature, not a zoo. Also, heavy traffic and parking issues in the harbor suggest arriving early. If you’re prone to sea sickness, consider taking precautions, as some reviews mention varying experiences with motion sickness.

Authentic Guest Feedback

Guests consistently praise the friendly, multilingual guides and the beautiful views of the cliffs and wildlife. One review highlights the crew’s attentiveness: “The crew were attentive, informative, and entertaining,” while another mentions the “fantastic view of the cliffs and animals.” Many emphasize the good value for money, saying it’s a memorable, fun outing suitable for families and solo travelers alike.

Some guests were thrilled to see pilot whales and dolphins close to the boat, describing it as “mind-blowing,” while others appreciated the swimming and trapeze for adding an adrenaline rush. A few found the boat crowded but still enjoyed the overall experience.

The Sum Up

This dolphin and whale-watching tour on a pirate boat from Los Gigantes offers a well-rounded day at sea filled with wildlife sightings, scenic vistas, and fun water activities. The inclusion of local cuisine and drinks, paired with the friendly, knowledgeable staff, makes it a strong value proposition, especially for families or anyone looking for a relaxed yet engaging marine adventure.

While sightings are not guaranteed, the effort and enthusiasm of the crew, along with the stunning coastal scenery, create a memorable experience. The pirate theme and interactive elements like the trapeze provide a playful touch that appeals to children and the young at heart.

If you’re an animal lover, enjoy scenic boat rides, or want a lively, family-friendly outing that balances fun with education, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to arrive early, bring your camera and sun protection, and keep an open mind regarding wildlife sightings. It’s a genuine, fun-packed day that showcases the best of Los Gigantes’ natural beauty.

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FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts between 2 and 3 hours, depending on availability and sea conditions.

What is included in the price?
You get the boat trip, a guide speaking multiple languages, dolphin and whale watching (if seen), a swim stop, a trapeze jump, drinks, a paella meal (if selected), and toilets onboard.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and some cash for extras. Avoid large luggage or items that aren’t allowed on the boat.

Is there entertainment for kids?
Absolutely. The pirate theme, the possibility of snorkelling and trapeze fun, and the singing celebrations for birthdays make it very family-friendly.

Can I guarantee seeing dolphins or whales?
No, sightings depend on sea conditions. However, many guests have enjoyed sightings, and the guides do their best to find the wildlife.

Is it suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, the crew is reassuring, and floaties are available. The swim stop is optional, and you can stay onboard if preferred.

What about parking and transportation?
Parking in the harbor can be challenging; arriving at least an hour early is recommended. Public transport is an option, but plan ahead to avoid missing your departure.

This lively, scenic, and fun-filled trip on a pirate boat in Los Gigantes is a fantastic way to spend a few hours exploring the Atlantic’s amazing marine life and coastal grandeur. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family with kids, or just after some sea air and sunshine, it offers a genuine taste of the Canary Islands’ natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: