Los Gigantes & Whale Watching

The Acantilados de los Gigantes — the "Cliffs of the Giants" — are one of the most spectacular coastal formations in the Canaries: vertical basalt cliffs rising up to 600 meters from the Atlantic. The indigenous people (Guanches) called the cliffs Tenegüide — "Devil's Wall." They are most impressively experienced from the water, on a boat tour.

Whale and dolphin watching: The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are home to a resident population of about 500 short-finned pilot whales and numerous bottlenose dolphins. The animals live here year-round in sea depths of up to 2,000 meters — the sighting rate is over 90%. With a bit of luck, you might also see sperm whales, Blainville's beaked whales, or even blue whales (rare, most likely in spring).

Tours: Whale-watching boats depart from Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje) and Los Gigantes. There are three categories:

• Catamarans (2–3 hours) — From 25 €, large groups (up to 60 people), good for families. Often with swimming stop and drinks.
• Sailboats (3–4 hours) — From 45 €, smaller groups (10–15 people), quieter experience, often with lunch.
• Zodiac boats (2 hours) — From 35 €, small groups (8–10), closest to the animals, action-packed.

The town of Los Gigantes itself is a quiet, somewhat aged resort with a small marina, a black volcanic beach (Playa de los Guíos, right at the foot of the cliffs — fantastic backdrop!), and several good fish restaurants. The natural swimming pool Piscinas Naturales El Caletón in the neighboring community of Garachico is also worth a visit: natural, sea-fed lava pools, free entry.