Whale & Dolphin Watching

Los Gigantes sits on one of the richest marine corridors in the Atlantic. Resident pods of short-finned pilot whales pass through year-round, and the 600-metre cliffs mean you’re watching from one of Europe’s most dramatic backdrops.

What to expect

Trips depart from the marina most mornings at 10am and afternoons at 2pm. The smaller operators (6–12 people) are worth the extra few euros — you spend more time watching and less time queuing at the boarding gangway.

Bottlenose dolphins show up reliably in the outer bay. Common dolphins are seasonal (spring–autumn). Loggerhead turtles surface to breathe every 20 minutes or so once you’re past the 100m depth line.

Practical tips

• Book the morning trip if the swell is running — afternoons can be choppier
• Bring a light layer even in summer: spray and shade cool things down fast
• Children under 4 are rarely permitted on the larger catamarans

What I’d skip

The glass-bottomed boat tours don’t show you much in these depths. Save the money for a proper whale watch.