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

Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale-Watching Tour on a Pirate Boat — A Detailed Look

When you’re visiting the Canary Islands and find yourself near Los Gigantes, a dolphin and whale-watching cruise on a pirate-themed boat offers a lively and memorable way to explore the ocean. Typically lasting between 2 to 3 hours, these tours depart from Los Gigantes Harbor and promise to combine wildlife spotting, scenic views, and fun activities like swimming and trapeze jumping. The price is quite reasonable considering the many highlights packed into the experience, with reviews praising the knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and delicious paella.

What we love about this tour are two particular features. First, the close encounters with dolphins and whales—many reviewers mention seeing pods of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, which adds a magical element to the trip. Second, the swimming stop at Masca Bay, where you can float, jump, or swing into the clear Atlantic waters, is great for those who love a splash of adventure in a beautiful setting.

A practical consideration is that sea conditions can affect animal sightings—nothing’s guaranteed in wildlife watching, so patience is key. Also, the boat can get crowded, especially during peak season, which might impact your comfort or chances for a longer swim.

This tour suits families, wildlife lovers, or anyone wanting a lively, scenic sea adventure that balances wildlife, scenery, and fun. If you’re looking for a relaxed, small-group experience, or a tour focused solely on nature without the pirate flair, you might want to explore other options. But for a blend of entertainment, informative guides, and the chance to see marine life, it’s hard to beat this trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see dolphins and possibly whales, though sightings depend on sea conditions.
• Scenic Views: The cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes, some nearly 600 meters tall, are breathtaking.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Swings, trapeze, and pirate themes make it great for kids and families.
• Tasty Food & Drinks: Paella with chicken and vegetables and unlimited drinks, including wine and beer, make the trip enjoyable.
• Guided Commentary: Guides explain marine life and local scenery, enhancing your understanding of the environment.
• Flexible Duration: Tours run from 2 to 3 hours, so you can choose based on your schedule and stamina.

An Honest Look at the Experience

Setting off from Los Gigantes Harbor

Your adventure begins at the Flipper Uno office, located at the entrance of Los Gigantes Harbor, easily recognizable by the yellow-uniformed staff. The meeting point is convenient, but visitors should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early—traffic and parking in the harbor area can be tricky, especially during busy seasons. Arriving an hour early is wise if you’re driving or using public transport, as no refunds or rescheduling are offered for late arrivals.

Once onboard, the boat—adorned with a playful pirate theme—sets the tone for a fun-filled trip. With the guide offering commentary in several languages (including English, Spanish, French, and German), the atmosphere is engaging and informative.

Wildlife Watching: Dolphins and Whales

The main event is spotting marine creatures. Many travelers, including those who didn’t expect much, end up delighted with the number of dolphins they see. Reviewers mention seeing “pods of dolphins” and “pilot whales,” with some lucky enough to observe both species together. As one reviewer put it, “We saw pilot whales and one of the best parts was the paella.”

However, it’s worth noting that animal sightings depend heavily on sea conditions, and there’s no guarantee. This unpredictability is part of wildlife watching and keeps the adventure authentic. Guides usually do their best to find the animals, and many reviewers report seeing plenty of dolphins and whales, making the trip worthwhile.

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Cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes

After wildlife spotting, the boat heads toward the towering cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes—some of the tallest in the world—rising almost 600 meters from the sea. The views are stunning, with sheer rock faces that seem to plunge into the ocean. These dramatic landscapes are perfect for photos and just soaking in the natural grandeur.

Swimming and Fun Activities

One of the standout features is the swimming stop. When anchored in a calm bay, you can jump into the crystal-clear waters, either via the stairs or by swinging off the trapeze—an activity rave-reviewed by families and adventure seekers alike. Guests report that the water is refreshing and inviting, and the swing adds a playful touch.

If you’re not a confident swimmer, don’t worry. Many reviews mention the crew’s reassuring attitude and the availability of floaties. As one reviewer shared, “The guys kept me safe and I enjoyed my dip in paradise.” The chance to cool off in such a picturesque setting is a highlight that makes the trip stand out.

Food and Drinks

A significant perk of this tour is the paella lunch, featuring chicken and vegetables, served when the boat is anchored. Many travelers praise the quality and flavor—some, like Ioana, say it was “absolutely delicious.” For dessert, there’s a piece of fruit, making for a satisfying meal after time in the water.

The drinks flow freely throughout the trip, including beer, red wine, Fanta, cola, and water. Several reviews mention the generous pouring of drinks and the friendly atmosphere it creates. The inclusion of Canarian schnapps is a fun local touch, and many guests appreciate the value of all these amenities bundled into the ticket price.

Guides and Service

The guides are often praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and multilingual abilities. Reviewers mention guides joking around, making everyone feel comfortable, and sharing interesting facts about marine life and local scenery. This adds a layer of enjoyment and education, making the experience more meaningful.

Overall Value

Considering the price point, the tour offers excellent value—combining wildlife encounters, scenic views, food, drinks, and activities all in one trip. Some reviews highlight that despite not always seeing whales, the overall experience remains highly enjoyable because of the crew’s hospitality and the stunning scenery.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re traveling with family or kids, the pirate theme, trapeze, and swimming options make this trip especially appealing. Wildlife lovers will appreciate the chance to see dolphins and whales in their natural home, though patience is needed. For those seeking photo opportunities and scenic vistas, the cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes deliver spectacular backdrops.

While this tour is lively and fun, it’s also practical for those who want a short, engaging trip without extensive planning. Be prepared for the possibility of seasickness and crowded boat conditions, particularly during peak seasons. If your main goal is wildlife viewing, and you’re flexible about the animal sightings, this tour offers a lot of value and entertainment.

Practical Details

• Duration: 2 to 3 hours, with specific times depending on availability
• Meeting Point: Flipper Uno office at Los Gigantes Harbor, right side, yellow-uniform staff
• Inclusions: Boat trip, guide, dolphin/whale spotting, swimming, trapeze, drinks, paella, toilets
• Exclusions: Pickup/drop-off
• Languages: Spanish, English, French, German
• Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours before
• What to Bring: Sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, cash
• Restrictions: No weapons, large luggage, smoking, drones, fishing, glass objects, littering, minors alone, feeding marine life, or nudity

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see dolphins and whales on this trip?
Yes, many reviewers report sightings of dolphins and pilot whales. However, as marine life is unpredictable, sightings depend on sea conditions and are not guaranteed.

How long is the tour?
The trip lasts between 2 to 3 hours. You should check specific starting times when booking.

Is food included?
Yes, if you select the 3-hour option, you’ll enjoy a paella lunch with chicken and vegetables, plus a piece of fruit for dessert.

Are drinks included?
Absolutely. The tour features unlimited drinks, including beer, red wine, Fanta, cola, and water, served throughout the trip.

Is swimming safe?
For most, yes. The water is clear and inviting. The crew provides floaties for less confident swimmers, and you can choose to swim, use the stairs, or swing into the water via the trapeze.

Can I join if I don’t speak English?
Yes, the guides speak multiple languages, including Spanish, French, and German, ensuring everyone can follow along comfortably.

Is parking difficult at Los Gigantes Harbor?
Parking can be challenging, especially during busy times. Arriving at least an hour early is recommended.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, swimwear, towel, camera, and cash are advisable to enjoy the trip comfortably.

What about accessibility?
While the review mentions safety and reassurance from the crew, specific accessibility details aren’t provided. Prepare for a boat trip with some stairs and potential movement.

The Bottom Line

This pirate-themed dolphin and whale-watching tour from Los Gigantes offers a lively, family-friendly way to explore the ocean’s creatures and scenery. The friendly guides, stunning cliffs, and delicious paella make it a memorable choice, especially if you’re looking for a mix of wildlife, adventure, and local flavor. Its value is evident in the all-inclusive drinks, activities, and scenic stops, making it a well-rounded outing for all ages.

While sightings can never be guaranteed, many travelers leave with stories of dolphins playing nearby or whales glimpsed in the distance, along with beautiful photos and happy memories. Ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a fun day on the water, this tour delivers entertainment, education, and adventure all in one simple package.

Enjoy the ocean, the views, and the fun—because on this pirate boat, every trip is a little bit of an adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: