The Atlantic does the starring. You get a guided boat ride from Los Gigantes, views of towering cliffs, and real time chances to spot dolphins or whales. I like that it feels active without being hard work, especially with the swim stop and trapeze.

Two things I really enjoy: first, the combo of wildlife spotting and cliff scenery, so even if the animals are shy, you still get an unforgettable ride. Second, the onboard paella with chicken and vegetables plus drinks, including red wine and beer, makes this one of the better-value outings in the area.

One key consideration: you cannot count on dolphins or whales. The operator does whale and dolphin watching based on sea conditions, so sightings depend on what the ocean allows.

Key Things I’d Mark on Your Map

• Los Gigantes and Masca cliffs nearby: You’ll cruise with some of the Canaries’ most dramatic coastal views.
• Swim time in a calm bay: Drop anchor in clear water and use the stairs or the trapeze.
• Dolphins and whales are possible, not guaranteed: Conditions decide whether you’ll get the big moments.
• Drinks plus Canarian schnapps: Red wine, beer, cola, Fanta, water, and schnapps keep things fun onboard.
• Paella lunch included (option dependent): Chicken and vegetables, plus fruit dessert if you choose the longer outing.

Los Gigantes Cliffs, Masca Bay, and the “See It for Yourself” Feel

The tour starts in Los Gigantes, a place famous for sheer, dark cliffs that rise dramatically from the Atlantic. You’ll set sail on a search for dolphins or whales, and that wildlife hunt is only part of the point. The other part is the scenery and the feeling of being out on the water with your guide pointing things out as you go.

As you move along the coast, you get a strong sense of why these cliffs are so well known. The towering rock walls near Los Gigantes and Masca reach almost 600 meters, and the views are the kind that make you stop talking and just look. If you like tours where you’re not just watching from a bus window, this one hits the sweet spot.

The Boat, the Crew, and Why This Trip Feels Fun, Not Stuffy

This is an action-packed boat outing, not a slow scenic cruise. There’s a live tour guide on board, speaking Spanish, English, French, and German. That matters more than people think, because the guide’s commentary is part of what turns the trip from random sightseeing into something you actually understand.

From the way the crew works, you can tell they’re focused on safety and on keeping energy up. People highlight attentive staff who explain marine life clearly, and they also note that the guides are often entertaining and good at creating a relaxed, friendly mood onboard. There’s even a light pirate-style touch reported by families, which can make kids pay attention without feeling like they’re stuck in a lecture.

Dolphins and Whales: How to Think About “Success” on This Tour

Here’s the honest truth that keeps expectations healthy: you cannot guarantee dolphins or whales. The tour includes dolphin and whale watching depending on the sea conditions, so if the water is too rough or the animals are elsewhere, you might end up with fewer or no sightings.

That said, the chance is real. You’ll be on the water specifically to look for marine wildlife, and when the animals are around, they can show up clearly and close to the boat. Many people mention seeing dolphins and pilot whales when conditions cooperate.

So how should you judge whether the trip is worth it? I’d frame it like this: wildlife is the main thrill, but the cliffs and the swim stop are also core parts. If you go with that mindset, you’ll still enjoy the day even on a slower wildlife outing.

What “Guided” Really Means on the Water

The guide’s job isn’t just to point at wildlife. You’re listening while the boat moves, so you’re getting short bursts of information in context. That’s when the details actually stick: where marine life tends to show up, what behaviors to look for, and why the boat may change speed or direction.

Because the guide speaks multiple languages, you’re more likely to get explanations that match what you care about. People often mention the multi-language format working smoothly, and that the information comes through even when the group is mixed.

Masca and Los Gigantes Views, Plus a Swim Stop in Clear Atlantic Water

After the wildlife search, the route heads toward the cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes. The boat then reaches a bay area where you drop anchor in clear waters. This is when the trip becomes a proper break, not just a moving viewing platform.

You get free time to swim. There are stairs to enter the water, or you can use the trapeze to jump in from above. Either way, you’ll feel the Atlantic quickly, since the water is cool and refreshing after sun on the deck. Families often treat the trapeze like the main event, and it’s easy to see why, since it turns “a swim” into a memory.

A small practical note that can help you plan: wind can affect how long you get in the water. Some people report shorter swim time when it’s breezy. If you’re scheduling this as a one-time “best day,” pick it when you’re not rushing to a tight dinner reservation afterward.

Paella Lunch, Unlimited Drinks, and Canarian Schnapps on Board

This tour earns its value with what’s included after the best views are already underway. You’ll enjoy paella with chicken and vegetables, and the exact menu depends on the option you choose. If you take the longer 3-hour version, you also get a piece of fruit for dessert.

What I appreciate is that the food and drinks are not an afterthought. Many people call out the paella as delicious, and they mention it with real satisfaction, not just as a box check. It’s a comfortable, filling meal that works for most appetites after a few hours at sea.

Drinks are also part of the fun. You’ll have red wine, beer, Fanta, cola, and water, plus Canarian schnapps. That means you’re not stuck buying extras once you’ve paid. For a lot of people, that’s the difference between a “nice tour” and a “good deal.”

Meeting Point and Timing: Where You Need to Be

The meeting point is at the Los Gigantes Harbor entrance, look for the Flipper Uno office on the right-hand side. Staff wear a yellow uniform, so you can spot the right place fast once you’re there.

Timing matters. Arrive about 30 minutes early. If you arrive late, you should know there’s no refund or rescheduling offered in that situation. I’d rather you treat it as a “show up early and relaxed” kind of day.

Also note: there’s no pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to make your own way to the harbor.

What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

This outing is outdoors, wet, and sun-heavy, so pack like you’re going to the beach plus one extra layer of practicality.

Bring:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A sun hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• A camera
• Beachwear you’re comfortable getting wet in
• Cash

You’ll also want to follow the on-board rules. Not allowed items include:

• Drones
• Weapons or sharp objects
• Glass objects
• Smoking and vaping
• Fishing
• Feeding or touching marine life
• Littering
• Unaccompanied minors
• Speakers (as noted by the rules)
• Intoxication

If you’re traveling light, this is easy. Just keep it simple: sun protection, swim gear, and don’t plan to bring anything complicated.

Price and Value: Why About $38 Can Still Feel Fair

At around $38 per person, the price makes sense mainly because it’s not just “sit and look.” You’re getting:

• A guided boat trip in the Los Gigantes area
• Dolphin and whale watching depending on conditions
• Time to swim in the Atlantic
• A trapeze option for jumping in
• Drinks onboard (including wine, beer, soda, water, and schnapps)
• Paella with chicken and vegetables, with fruit dessert on the longer option
• Toilets on board

In many coastal tours, food and drinks are either not included or they’re included in a very limited way. Here, the meal and drinks are part of the core experience, so you avoid spending extra once you’re on the water. For families in particular, the included swim activity is a huge part of why people feel the cost is justified.

If you’re on a tight budget, I’d still treat it as a serious “one of the activity days” purchase. It’s not a filler excursion.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This fits best if you want a mix of wildlife, views, and a hands-on break in the water. Families tend to enjoy it because it’s energetic and interactive, especially with the trapeze and the swim time. People also highlight that kids often love it, which is a big deal when you’re traveling with little ones and trying to avoid boredom.

It’s also a good pick if you like guides who keep things lively and informative across multiple languages. The on-board guidance is part of the value here, not just a background soundtrack.

One situation to be careful about is if you’re prone to sea sickness. Some people note that others struggled with motion, and one guest describes crew helping a passenger who felt ill. If you know you’re sensitive to waves, come prepared and consider bringing what typically works for you.

Should You Book This Dolphin and Whale Watching With Drinks?

Yes, I think you should book it if your priority is a fun half-day at sea with real included perks. The combination of wildlife searching, dramatic Los Gigantes and Masca cliffs, an anchor-drop swim with stair access or a trapeze, plus paella and drinks is a lot for the price.

If your main goal is guaranteed whale sightings, then temper expectations. The tour does the watching based on sea conditions, so sightings depend on factors outside anyone’s control. In that case, I’d book it only if you’re equally excited about the cliffs and the swim stop, because those are the parts you can count on more reliably.

If you want an easy, memorable day with a mix of nature and play, this one is worth slotting into your Canary Islands plans.

FAQ

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

The duration is listed as 2 to 3 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the exact slot.

Where do I meet for the tour?

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

Is pickup and drop-off included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included.

What food and drinks are included onboard?

You’ll have paella with chicken and vegetables depending on the option selected. Drinks include cola, Fanta, water, beer, red wine, and Canarian schnapps.

Do I get time to swim?

Yes. The tour includes free time to swim in a bay, with access via stairs or the trapeze to jump into the sea.

Are dolphin and whale sightings guaranteed?

No. The tour cannot guarantee sightings, since dolphin and whale watching depends on sea conditions.

What languages are the tour guide available in?

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

What should I bring and what is not allowed?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, beachwear, camera, and cash. Drones, weapons/sharp objects, glass objects, smoking or vaping, and feeding or touching marine life are not allowed, among other listed restrictions.