Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching with Los Gigantes Cliffs Swim

What you actually hear when the boat cuts its engine near the whales

You board a solar catamaran and spend five hours on Tenerife's south coast watching for whales and dolphins with a silent engine approach, swimming in Masca Bay's clear water, and eating onboard meals. The boat passes Los Gigantes cliffs, uses deck speakers so you hear the mammals, and returns you by late afternoon. Small groups, all inclusions covered.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching and Los Gigantes visit

• Watch and listen to whales and dolphins
• Visit Los Gigantes Cliffs
• Swim in Masca bay
• Snorkel to see flora and fauna
• Sail along south coast
• Enjoy catering on board

The experience

The catamaran is already moving when you step aboard. The crew has timed the departure so you're heading toward the feeding grounds while the morning is still cool. Five hours sounds long until you realize it's split between three completely different things: the search itself, the swimming stop, and the slow sail back while you eat. The boat runs on solar panels and uses a silent approach when mammals are near, which means no engine noise, just the sound of water and whatever the whales decide to do next. You'll have deck speakers so you can listen to them underwater: that part stays with you.

Los Gigantes cliffs rise 800 meters straight out of the water on the way, and the boat passes close enough that you see the scale properly, not from a postcard. After that comes Masca Bay, a quiet inlet where the water is clear enough to see the bottom. You get time to snorkel here, and the crew points out what's moving in the rocks and seagrass. The catering arrives mid-afternoon (rice with chicken and vegetables, pasta salad, fresh fruit, beer, wine, water) served on deck while the boat drifts. It's not fancy, but it's hot and it tastes better when you've been on the water for three hours.

The whale and dolphin watching isn't guaranteed (you're in their habitat, not a tank), but the crew knows the south coast well and adjusts the route based on recent sightings. If nothing shows, you still get the cliffs, the swimming, the food, and five hours away from the island. Infants can come (they sit on a lap), and the boat handles all fitness levels because most of the day you're sitting or floating. Public transport reaches the departure point if you don't have a rental car.

What’s included

• All fees and taxes are covered.
• You get deck speakers for listening to the mammals, onboard catering (rice with chicken and vegetables, pasta salad, fresh fruit, white wine, beer, water, soft drinks), and time to snorkel in Masca Bay.
• The catamaran is solar-powered and uses a silent approach when mammals are near.

Before you book

Days and timesWed · Fri · Sun · 10:30

AgesAges 12+ · 3 to 11 years · Under 3

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “Arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time for boarding. To reach de boat: highway TF5 Exit Puerto Colón. When you arrive at the port road down, take…”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by White Tenerife

Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to spend a full morning and afternoon on the water without arranging their own boat or worrying about meals: the five hours let you search properly, swim, and eat without rushing back to shore. Families with infants and young children can join, though the length works best if kids are comfortable on a boat.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

3 to 11 years; under 3.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

Do you see whales and dolphins every trip?

No, you're in their natural habitat, so sightings depend on where they're feeding that day. The crew adjusts the route based on recent activity, but there's no guarantee. You still get the cliffs, swimming, and meals regardless.

How long is the boat ride each way?

The full trip is five hours total, including the search, swimming stop at Masca Bay, and the return sail. It's not a commute. The time is built into the experience.

Can you swim during the tour?

Yes, at Masca Bay. You get time to snorkel and explore the rocks and seagrass. The water is clear and shallow enough to see the bottom.

What food is served?

Rice with chicken and vegetables, or pasta salad, plus fresh fruit, white wine, beer, water, and soft drinks. It's served on deck during the return journey.

How do I get to the departure point?

Public transportation is available nearby. If you have a rental car, you can drive. The operator can provide the exact meeting location and parking details.

What's the difference between the solar panels and a regular boat?

Solar power means less fuel consumption and quieter operation, which matters when you're trying to listen to whales and dolphins underwater via the deck speakers.