A pirate boat whale hunt feels different in Los Gigantes. This trip mixes wildlife searching with killer coastal views, a fun crew, and time to cool off in the Atlantic.

I especially like the mix of dolphins and whales plus the onboard energy. The swim stop with stairs or trapeze is a big part of why people rave about this tour, not just the animal sightings. One thing to plan for: marine sightings depend on sea conditions, so you may end up with dolphins only, or even fewer animals than hoped.

Key reasons to pick Flipper Uno from Los Gigantes

• Pirate-boat theme on the water, with a crew that keeps things lively and welcoming
• Dolphin and whale watching built into the route, with wildlife explanations from a live guide
• Masca and Los Gigantes cliff views from the sea, including cliffs around 600 meters high
• Real swim time in a calm bay, plus the trapeze for jumping in (if you want it)
• Drinks on board throughout the trip, including beer, red wine, soft drinks, water, and Canarian schnapps
• Paella with chicken and vegetables on the 3-hour option, plus fruit for dessert

Pirate-boat energy and the view you can’t replicate from shore

The whole experience starts with the setting: Los Gigantes harbor, watching the boats come and go as the cliffs rise above you. Then there’s the theme. Getting on a pirate-style vessel, with staff in yellow uniforms, changes the mood fast. It turns a basic boat excursion into something that feels like a proper day out.

What you’ll notice right away is how the crew builds the pace. This isn’t a quiet nature cruise where everyone whispers. It’s more like a guided outing with games, jokes, and constant motion—while still keeping an eye out for marine life.

You’re also close to some of the most photogenic coastline in the area. Expect Los Gigantes and Masca cliff scenery to show up during the cruise, not just as a distant backdrop.

How the dolphin and whale watching part works in real life

Your basic “mission” is simple: search for dolphins or whales, then reposition toward the best scenery and swim options. The tour includes dolphin and whale watching depending on sea conditions, and that matters. You’re not buying a guarantee; you’re buying time on the water plus a guide paying attention.

In practice, the most common win is seeing dolphins, including pods that come close enough to feel truly exciting. For many people, pilot whales are the headline moment, and they’re often seen clearly when conditions line up. Even when the whale highlight doesn’t happen, the cruise itself still delivers with the cliff views and the fun onboard activities.

You’ll get onboard commentary in Spanish, English, French, and German, with a guide explaining marine life as you go. One small practical note: if you’re sitting higher up, it can be harder to hear some commentary. If you care a lot about the facts, try to position yourself where you can follow the guide.

The Masca and Los Gigantes cliffs cruise: why this leg matters

Once the wildlife search happens, the route shifts toward the coastline. You’ll head toward the cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes, some of the tallest in the world, reaching nearly 600 meters. From the water, these cliffs don’t just look tall—they look sheer. It’s the kind of coastline you understand in 10 minutes that takes an hour or more from land.

This part is also what makes the tour worth it even when sightings are lighter than you hoped. You’re not stuck staring at nothing. You’re seeing a dramatic vertical wall of rock, plus bays and coastal angles that you can’t safely reach by foot.

If you like photography, you’ll also find it easier to catch variety. The boat angle changes as you move along the coast, so you don’t get the same view over and over.

The Atlantic swim stop: stairs, trapeze, and how to be comfortable

This is one of the most hands-on parts of the tour. After cruising, the boat drops anchor in a clear bay, and you get free time to swim. Entry is available two ways: using the stairs or jumping from the trapeze.

Even if you don’t swim, watching others swing off the trapeze is half the fun. For non-swimmers, some people mention getting foam to use in the water, which can help you cool off without feeling like you need to swim the whole time.

Now the practical reality: the Atlantic can feel colder than you expect, even on sunny days. I’d treat warm layers like smart luggage. A quick jacket or hoodie helps once you’re on deck, because the sea breeze can cut through.

Also plan for basic comfort. A few people note that seating can feel hard, so bringing a small towel or seat cushion makes a difference. If you’re sensitive to rough seating, that’s an easy upgrade.

Paella lunch and drinks: value, but know what to expect

The trip is set up to be enjoyable on a full stomach. On the 3-hour option, you get paella with chicken and vegetables, plus a piece of fruit for dessert. Drinks are included during the tour: beer, red wine, cola, Fanta, water, and Canarian schnapps.

This is where value shows up. You’re paying for boat time, a guide, wildlife searching, a swim stop, and food plus drinks—all bundled. If you’re comparing it to piecing together separate activities, this style usually wins.

That said, the paella gets mixed impressions. Some people call it tasty and filling; others say the food wasn’t their favorite. If you’re picky about rice dishes, you might prefer the shorter 2-hour version that focuses more tightly on the water time and wildlife.

For drinks, the included variety helps keep the mood relaxed, especially during longer waits while the crew scans the horizon. Just keep in mind the trip rules: you’re not allowed to be intoxicated, and you shouldn’t bring things like glass items.

Timing, sea conditions, and what to do if it feels crowded

This is a 2–3 hour outing, and timing affects everything. You’ll want to be at the meeting point 30 minutes early. Arriving late means no refund and no rescheduling, so don’t treat this like a casual walk-up.

Also plan your travel to the harbor. Parking can be tricky and traffic can be heavy around Los Gigantes. If you’re driving or arriving by public transport, arriving about an hour early gives you breathing room.

Sea conditions drive both comfort and sightings. If it’s choppy, you might feel more motion. Some people also mention the pace can become more bumpy on certain days, even when the experience is still worth it.

Crowding can be another factor. A few people say the boat can feel full, which can mean tighter seating and a less relaxed experience if you like personal space. If you’re traveling with a family, that crowd energy can also feel fun, but if you’re an adult who prefers quiet, you’ll want to manage expectations.

What to bring (and what to skip) for a smooth day on board

You’ll be on the water, then in the water. Pack for both.

Bring:

• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Camera (the cliffs and wildlife can be great photo moments)
• Cash (it’s listed as recommended, likely for small extras)
• Beachwear as needed

You’ll also want to dress smart for deck time. Even in warm months, the breeze can be chilly, so bring a light layer.

Don’t bring:

• Weapons or sharp objects
• Oversize luggage
• Drones
• Anything glass you’d hate to break
• Smoking (and vaping) onboard
• Anything that interferes with safety or rules, like fishing, feeding marine life, or touching animals

A key safety reminder from the tour rules: no touching marine life, no feeding animals, and follow crew instructions during swim time.

Getting there: meeting point and getting seated fast

Meet at the Flipper Uno office at the entrance of Los Gigantes Harbor, on the right-hand side. Staff wear yellow uniforms, so they’re easy to spot once you’re there.

Give yourself time to park and walk if needed. A late arrival is the fastest way to ruin the day. The tour is strict about being on time because the boat schedule depends on everyone lining up.

Once you’re onboard, think about where you sit. If you care about hearing the guide, choose your spot accordingly.

Who this tour is best for (and who might want a different style)

This works especially well for people who want an all-in-one outing: wildlife + views + swim + food and drinks. It’s also a strong pick if you like a bit of fun built into the day, since the pirate theme and crew style are part of the appeal.

It’s also family-friendly based on what people describe—kids often love the trapeze moment. If your group includes both swimmers and non-swimmers, the setup is helpful because you can still participate by watching, cooling off, or using stairs.

If you’re a serious whale watcher chasing maximum probability of a whale sighting, you should understand that sightings are not guaranteed and conditions matter. In that case, you’d want to be flexible about outcomes and focus on the overall experience rather than one single animal moment.

Should you book Flipper Uno’s dolphin and whale tour?

Book it if you want a fun pirate-boat day with real wildlife searching, dramatic Los Gigantes/Masca cliff views, and time to swim in a calm bay. The price is easier to justify because you get the guide, drinks, and (on the 3-hour option) paella, not just a ride.

Skip or adjust expectations if:

• you need guaranteed dolphin or whale sightings (the sea decides)
• you’re sensitive to boat motion
• you hate cold sea breezes and don’t want to bring a layer
• you’re very picky about food, since the paella can be hit or miss

If you can handle some variability and you’re excited by the idea of jumping in—or at least swinging past the edge to watch others—it’s a solid pick for your time in the Canary Islands.

FAQ

What’s included in the dolphin and whale watching tour?

You get the boat trip, a live guide, dolphin and whale watching depending on sea conditions, free time to swim, a trapeze, drinks (including cola, Fanta, water, beer, red wine), paella with chicken and vegetables if you choose the 3-hour option, Canarian schnapps, and toilets onboard.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 2 to 3 hours, depending on the option you select.

Is the tour guaranteed to see dolphins or whales?

No. Dolphins and/or whales can’t be guaranteed, since it depends on the sea conditions.

Where do I meet the tour?

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

What should I bring for the swim stop?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, and beachwear.

Are there restrictions on what I can bring or do?

Yes. You can’t bring weapons or sharp objects, oversized luggage, drones, glass objects, or anything that breaks safety rules like smoking or vaping onboard. Also no feeding or touching marine life, and no fishing.