Los Gigantes & Whale Watching
The Cliffs of Los Gigantes
The Acantilados de Los Gigantes (Cliffs of the Giants) are Tenerife's most dramatic natural spectacle: Up to 600 meters the basaltic rock walls plunge vertically into the sea. Viewed from a boat, they seem like the end of the world — especially at sunset when they are bathed in golden light.
The small harbor of Los Gigantes is the starting point for boat tours, kayak excursions, and the famous whale-watching trips. The village itself is pleasantly quiet — a contrast to the hustle and bustle of Playa de las Américas.
Whale Watching
In the strait between Tenerife and La Gomera lives one of the world's largest resident populations of short-finned pilot whales. Over 500 pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are here year-round — the sighting rate is over 95%. In addition, over 20 other cetacean species have been spotted, including sperm whales, Blainville's beaked whales, and with luck, even blue whales and orcas.
The tours start from Los Gigantes, Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje), or Los Cristianos. Duration: 2–4 hours. Prices: 40–75€ (catamaran boat) to 200€+ (private sailing tour). Look for the Yellow Flag seal: Only certified boats maintain the required 60-meter distance from the animals.
Achtung
Book only with providers with the official "Barco Amarillo" (Yellow Flag) certification! They adhere to the protection regulations: at least 60 m distance, no chasing of the animals, a maximum of 3 boats simultaneously per whale group. Cheap providers that get too close to the animals harm the whales and violate Canary law.
