Los Gigantes Boat Trips: Cliffs, Whales & Masca Bay

What You See on a Los Gigantes Tenerife Boat Trip

Los Gigantes harbour lies on the west coast, about 25 minutes by car from Costa Adeje. The cliffs stretch along several kilometres of coastline, with vertical rock faces that change colour through the day as the sun moves across them. You sail close to the base, where caves and rock formations are visible just above the waterline.

Short-finned pilot whales live year-round in the deep water between Tenerife and La Gomera, often feeding close to the Los Gigantes cliffs. Most operators slow down or stop when they spot a pod, giving you time to watch from the deck. The boats used for these trips tend to be smaller than those departing from larger resorts, so sightings feel more intimate.

Nearly all trips include a swim stop at Masca bay, a small cove beneath the end point of the Masca gorge. The bay has no road access, so the only people there are hikers who walked down the ravine or passengers from boats. The water is clear and deep, and operators provide snorkelling equipment on request.

Some sailboats and catamarans add a stop at smaller bays along the coast, where you can swim in quieter spots away from other vessels. Dolphin sightings—usually bottlenose dolphins—are common on the return leg as you sail back towards the harbour.

Los Gigantes cliffs rising vertically from deep blue ocean water

Types of Boat and Trip Duration

Most operators use small motorboats that carry 10 to 15 passengers, while others offer sailing yachts and catamarans with capacity for 8 to 30 people. Motorboats are faster and allow more time at the cliffs and swim stops, while sailing trips are quieter and better suited if you prefer a slower pace.

Standard trips last around two to three hours, departing mid-morning or early afternoon. Longer excursions of four to five hours include extra swim stops, onboard meals, and more time searching for marine life. Some operators run sunset sailings that return as the light drops behind La Gomera, though these usually skip the swim stop because the water temperature falls in the evening.

Note: Most trips provide drinks and some include a light meal or tapas. Check what's included when you compare options on the booking platform.

Boat Type	Capacity	Typical Duration	Best For
Small motorboat	10–15 passengers	2–3 hours	Quick access to cliffs and Masca bay
Sailing yacht	8–20 passengers	3–4 hours	Quieter, wind-powered experience
Catamaran	20–30 passengers	3–5 hours	Stable platform, more deck space
Private charter	Up to 11 passengers	Flexible	Custom itinerary, family groups

Book Your Los Gigantes Boat Trip

Time of Day for Light and Sea Conditions

Morning trips usually offer calmer sea conditions, especially in summer when afternoon winds pick up along the west coast. The light in the morning illuminates the face of the cliffs from the southeast, bringing out the reds and ochres in the rock.

Afternoon departures face into the sun on the outbound leg, so the cliffs are partly in shadow when you first reach them. However, the return journey offers better light for photographs as you sail back towards the harbour. Pilot whales are active throughout the day, so departure time makes little difference for wildlife sightings.

Winter months—November through March—can bring rougher seas and occasional cancellations, though the cliffs and whales are visible year-round. Operators will contact you if conditions are unsuitable and offer a reschedule or refund.

Sailing yacht with white sails along towering cliffs in golden light

Combining a Boat Trip with the Masca Valley

Some visitors book a Masca tour that includes a boat pickup from the bay at the end of the gorge hike. You drive or are transported to Masca village, walk down the ravine (around 90 minutes on a steep, rocky path), then board a boat at the beach for the return journey to Los Gigantes harbour. This option works well if you want to hike the gorge without retracing your steps uphill.

Standard Los Gigantes boat trips stop at Masca bay for swimming but do not include the gorge hike. Check the current status of the Masca gorge before you plan any hiking component, as access rules and permit requirements can change.

If you're staying in Costa Adeje or further south, Los Gigantes is closer than northern ports and easier to reach for a half-day trip. You can explore the village and have lunch at the harbour before or after your sailing.

What to Bring and Practical Details

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. The sun reflects off the water, so even on cloudy days you can burn quickly. Most boats have some shade, but deck space is limited on smaller vessels. A light windproof layer is useful for the return journey when the boat picks up speed.

Seasickness is uncommon on short trips in calm conditions, but if you're prone to motion sickness, take medication an hour before departure. The stretch of water between Tenerife and La Gomera can be choppy, especially in the afternoon.

Check-in is usually 15 to 20 minutes before departure at the ticket office or directly at the boat in Los Gigantes harbour. The harbour has paid parking nearby, or you can take a bus from Costa Adeje or Puerto de Santiago. Some operators include pickup from hotels in the southwest if you book a longer excursion.

For more options along the west coast, see the full range of boat trips available around Tenerife. If you're comparing activities from your resort, check the excursions from Costa Adeje page for other half-day options.

Motorboat entering coastal cave at cliff base with turquoise water

Booking and Prices

Prices vary by boat type, group size, and trip duration. Budget motorboat trips with a short itinerary fall into the lower range, while private charters and longer catamaran sailings with meals are premium. Check the current price when booking, as operators adjust rates seasonally and offer discounts for children.

Most trips are bookable through GetYourGuide, where you can filter by departure time, boat type, and included services. Cancellation policies are usually flexible—free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure is standard on most tours.

If you're interested in marine life beyond Los Gigantes, whale watching trips from other parts of Tenerife cover similar species but depart from busier harbours. Boats from Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje sail to the same area where pilot whales are regularly seen, though the cliffs are further from those ports.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a boat trip from Los Gigantes harbour usually last?

Most boat trips from Los Gigantes last between two and three hours, though longer excursions of four to five hours are available. Shorter trips focus on the cliffs and a single swim stop at Masca bay, while longer sailings add extra bays, onboard meals, and more time for whale watching.

Can you see whales and dolphins on a Los Gigantes boat trip?

Yes, short-finned pilot whales live year-round in the waters off Los Gigantes and are seen on most trips. Bottlenose dolphins are also common, especially on the return journey towards the harbour. Operators slow down or stop when they spot marine life, and sightings are most frequent in the deep channel between Tenerife and La Gomera.

What is the best time of day to take a boat trip to see the Los Gigantes cliffs?

Morning trips usually offer calmer seas and better light on the cliff faces, as the sun illuminates the rock from the southeast. Afternoon sailings can be choppier due to coastal winds, but the light is better for photographs on the return leg. Pilot whales are active throughout the day, so wildlife sightings are equally likely at any time.

Do boat trips from Los Gigantes include hotel pickup or do I need to get to the harbour myself?

Most standard boat trips require you to make your own way to Los Gigantes harbour, where parking and bus connections are available. Some longer excursions and private charters include pickup from hotels in Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, and other southwest resorts. Check the trip details when booking to see if transfers are included.

Is it possible to combine a Los Gigantes boat trip with hiking the Masca gorge?

Yes, some tours include transport to Masca village, a guided hike down the gorge, and boat pickup from Masca bay at the end. This avoids the steep climb back up and lets you return to Los Gigantes by sea. Check the current status of gorge access before booking, as rules and permit requirements can change.

Are Los Gigantes boat trips suitable for children and non-swimmers?

Most boat trips are family-friendly, and operators provide life jackets for all ages. The swim stop at Masca bay is optional—you can stay on board if you prefer. Smaller motorboats can be bouncy in choppy conditions, so catamarans offer a more stable ride for young children or anyone concerned about seasickness.

What should I bring on a boat trip from Los Gigantes?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a light windproof layer for the return journey. Most operators provide snorkelling equipment if you want to use it at the swim stop. Sunglasses and a waterproof phone case are useful, as spray and glare off the water are common.

How much does a boat trip from Los Gigantes cost?

Prices vary by boat type, duration, and group size. Budget motorboat trips fall into the lower range, while private charters and longer catamaran sailings with meals are premium. Check the current price when booking, as operators adjust rates seasonally and offer discounts for children and early bookings.