Dolphin Watching from Los Gigantes

Departing from the small harbour nestled at the foot of Tenerife's most dramatic cliffs, this dolphin watching excursion combines world-class cetacean encounters with some of the island's most breathtaking coastal scenery. The Acantilados de Los Gigantes — vertical basalt walls soaring 600 metres from the ocean surface — form the backdrop to your voyage as you head south along the coast.

The deep waters around Los Gigantes are a favourite haunt of bottlenose dolphins, which frequently ride the bow wave of the boat and leap clear of the water in exuberant displays. Short-finned pilot whales are also regularly encountered here, often in mixed pods with dolphins. Your skipper and onboard guide know these waters intimately, having built up years of knowledge about the resident pods' territories and daily routines.

The smaller boat size departing from Los Gigantes — typically 10–20 passengers versus the larger catamarans from Puerto Colón — creates a more intimate and personal experience. The trip includes a stop at the secluded Masca Bay, where you can swim and snorkel in crystal-clear water surrounded by towering cliffs and far from the crowds.

Los Gigantes offers a more rugged and intimate dolphin watching experience compared to the larger operations from Costa Adeje. The harbour sits directly beneath the famous cliffs, so your voyage begins with an immediate "wow" moment as the sheer rock face towers above the boat. The waters here are some of the deepest close to shore anywhere in Tenerife, attracting dolphins and whales into areas easily accessible on a short trip.

This tour is ideal for visitors staying on Tenerife's west coast, including Santiago del Teide, Puerto de Santiago, and Playa de la Arena. It also pairs perfectly with a visit to the clifftop village of Los Gigantes itself, which has excellent restaurants and a natural seawater swimming pool carved into the volcanic rock.