Whales or dolphins, then cliffs from the water. This 2-hour speedboat outing pairs close wildlife watching off Los Gigantes with a swim stop in Masca Bay, where the rock walls feel bigger than you expect. I like that it stays active without turning into a half-day project, and that the crew clearly prioritizes calm, respectful viewing when animals come close.

My main caution is the obvious one: you’re on a boat, so if you’re sensitive to motion, this is the part to take seriously. The Masca swim is short, and conditions can be chilly, so plan on cold water days.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Whales or dolphins on a fast, 2-hour format that doesn’t eat your whole day
• Los Gigantes cliffs from sea level, with a scenic return pass that feels like the payoff
• A dedicated Masca Bay swim stop under the dramatic rock walls
• One drink included (water, soda, or beer) to warm you up after the water time
• Small-time focus on wildlife, with time allocated for viewing rather than endless cruising

Los Gigantes to Masca Bay: two hours that feel like more

If you only have a small window in Tenerife, this is the kind of activity that helps you use it well. You’re out on the water, not stuck in traffic or waiting around forever, and you get both the marine-life part and the scenery part in one go.

I also like the mix of experiences. You get the thrill of whale-and-dolphin spotting, then you shift to a calmer moment: slipping into the water at Masca Bay with the cliffs towering above you.

The $33 question: value for what you actually get

At about $33 per person, this tour is trying to hit a sweet spot: it includes the wildlife viewing time, a proper stop to swim, and a drink. For many people, that’s the real value equation on a vacation. You’re paying for time on the water plus the permission to do one of the most memorable things near Los Gigantes: swim beneath those cliffs.

What’s included matters here:

• Whale or dolphin watching
• Swim stop at Los Gigantes cliffs / Masca Bay area
• One drink (water, soda, or beer)
• Guide
• Insurance
• A time-efficient structure that keeps the experience from dragging

What’s not included also matters:

• Pick-up service (you’ll make your own way to the meeting point)
• Snorkeling gear (you’ll want your own if you plan to snorkel)

Where you meet and how boarding usually feels

You meet at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21 (the local port area), with references also listed as Maritima Acantilados or Nashira Uno Office as meeting points. It’s a straightforward setup: get there, check in, and then you’re moving.

One review detail that’s worth factoring in: some departures use speedboats with a covered top to help with sun and glare. Even if you’re not baking yourself, that cover can make the ride more comfortable, especially for shorter trips when the sun is still high.

Speedboat to the wildlife zone: quick cruise, quick payoff

Right after boarding, you head out by speedboat for about 30 minutes. This isn’t a long ocean crossing. It’s more like a fast run to get you in position for sightings.

That pacing is a big part of the tour’s personality. You’re not going out and spending most of your time in transit. Instead, the boat gets you moving early, and the schedule then builds around a focused wildlife stop.

Tip: this is also when motion can start to matter. If you’re the type who gets queasy on boats, keep your plan simple: sit where you feel most stable, and don’t try to “wait it out” once the boat starts moving.

Los Gigantes wildlife watching: what “close” looks like in real life

The main wildlife time is short and intentional. There’s a dedicated viewing period around 15 minutes for dolphin watching and whale watching from the boat, with the goal of getting you good sight lines.

Here’s the part you want to understand before you go: marine-life encounters in Tenerife aren’t museum-style guaranteed. The value is that the crew actively searches, and when animals are present, you can get really good photo and viewing opportunities.

What I like from the on-the-water stories is how respectful the approach seems to be. Several passengers describe the crew slowing down and, in some situations, turning off the engine when whales come close and staying calm so the animals aren’t pushed around. Even if you’re not thinking about conservation, that behavior usually means a better experience for everyone on board.

Masca Bay swim stop under the cliffs: the best kind of bonus

After wildlife time, you cruise again for about 30 minutes and then shift to the Masca area. This is the moment many people remember most: a stop for swimming (and optional snorkeling, since gear isn’t provided).

The swim/photo window is about 15 minutes, and that short duration is a design choice. It lets you enjoy the water without turning the day into “stand around and hope the sea calms down.”

Practical reality check: the water can be cold. One account notes temperatures around 17 degrees, so don’t assume “swim” will feel like a hot-weather pool day. If you’re going to swim, bring a towel you don’t mind drying with, and be ready to jump in confidently rather than paddling around forever.

What to bring (and what to leave at home)

Based on what’s listed for the activity, pack:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Goggles
• Snorkeling gear (not included)

And if you’re sensitive to wind, consider a layer you can put on quickly after the swim.

Also note the rules: no smoking or vaping, and no alcohol and drugs. There are also limits on speakers, which keeps the experience quieter and more ocean-focused.

The included drink: why this little detail matters

The tour includes one drink (water, soda, or beer). This seems basic, but it changes the “end of swim” feeling. You get a moment to cool down, warm up a bit (depending on the day), and reset before the boat heads back.

It’s also part of why this trip works as a value play. You’re not paying extra for a beverage at the end of an activity that includes a swim. For many people, that’s the difference between a “fun add-on” and a genuinely satisfying outing.

The return ride: cliffs, slow views, and a different perspective

On the way back, you get about 30 minutes of scenic cruising along the Los Gigantes cliffs. This isn’t random sightseeing time. It’s the payoff angle: seeing those cliffs up close from sea level, after you’ve already experienced the wildlife and the water.

The timing helps too. By the return, you’ve usually either swum or decided not to. Either way, you’re in a calmer state to watch the coastline rather than managing gear or thinking about the next thing.

If you’re the type who likes photos, this return pass is often when people step up their camera game. The light and angles from the water can look very different than what you see from shore paths.

Who this tour fits best

This is a good match if you want:

• Short trip, high memory (2 hours instead of an all-day excursion)
• A chance at whales or dolphins with a schedule built around wildlife viewing
• One swim stop that feels like a real ocean moment, not just a quick dip

It’s also a solid option if you’re traveling with a mix of interests. Wildlife lovers get their moment, and people who prefer calmer scenery get the cliffs and Masca Bay perspective.

Who should think twice

This isn’t the best choice if:

• You get seasick easily. Multiple comments flag that the boat ride can be a problem for sensitive passengers.
• You’re expecting unlimited snorkeling time or gear. Equipment isn’t included, and the swim window is brief.
• You want a slow, lounging pace. The structure is active and time-based: wildlife viewing, then swim, then back.

One more point: swimming time can feel short, especially if the water is perfect and you want more. If you’re hoping for a long swim session, manage expectations. This tour is built to maximize variety in limited time.

A quick, smart packing list before you go

You can make this trip smoother with a few basics:

• Bring goggles (listed) so you can see fish during the swim
• Bring your own snorkeling gear if you plan to snorkel
• Pack a towel that you can use immediately after you get back on the boat
• Wear sunscreen before boarding (sun can hit even when it feels breezy)
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead—don’t wait until you’re already on the water

If you’re unsure what to wear, aim for what you can rinse and dry quickly. This is one of those activities where clothing choice can make or break comfort.

Should you book the Los Gigantes whale or dolphin tour with Masca swim?

I’d book it if you want a compact Tenerife experience with real variety: wildlife watching off Los Gigantes, plus a Masca Bay swim under the cliffs—and you’re okay with a short time window for each part.

Pass on it if you’re dealing with motion sickness or if you’re looking for a longer, gear-heavy snorkeling day. This is a speedboat outing with set viewing and swim timing, not a full-day ocean expedition.

If your goal is to see the cliffs from the sea and add one unforgettable water moment, this is the kind of tour that gives you a lot of payoff per hour.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale or dolphin and Masca swim tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

What kinds of animals might you see?

The activity is designed for whale watching or dolphin watching, based on what’s available in the area that day.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at C. Pob. Marinero, 1, local 21, with meeting point references also listed as Maritima Acantilados or Nashira Uno Office.

Is pickup included?

No, pick-up service is not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included.

What’s included with the price?

Included items are whale or dolphin watching, a swim stop in the Los Gigantes/Masca Bay area, one drink (water, soda, or beer), a guide, and insurance.

How much time is there for swimming or snorkeling?

There is a short stop for swimming (and snorkeling if you have gear), listed as about 15 minutes.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, goggles, and any snorkeling gear you want to use.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Is there free cancellation?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.