The Flipper Uno is a good choice if you are looking for classic whale and dolphin watching on a large wooden boat along the spectacular cliffs of Los Gigantes. This is not a fast boat or sporty experience, but a charming, more traditional boat programme where whale and dolphin watching, Masca Bay, swimming, lunch and onboard drinks together create the full ocean experience.
What makes the Flipper Uno special is already the boat itself. It was made from African and Brazilian mulberry wood and was the first handmade wooden boat of this size in Tenerife. Part of the hull was made in a carpentry workshop in southern Alcalá, then completed at the shipyard in Playa de San Juan, also in the south. The work was carried out by four master carpenter brothers from Alcalá, and the construction of the boat took 18 months. The wooden dolphin on the bow was also carved by hand.
The boat’s name refers to Flipper, the dolphin from the famous television series. The Flipper Uno was launched in Playa de San Juan in July 1996, then sailed to the port of Los Gigantes, which has been its home ever since. It made its first trip with guests on 24 December 1996.
The programme departs from the port of Los Gigantes. The boat first heads out onto the ocean in search of whales or dolphins, then continues along the giant cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca. These cliffs are among the highest oceanfront cliffs in the world, reaching almost 600 metres in some places.
The boat then anchors in a bay with crystal-clear water, where there is an opportunity to swim. You can enter the water using the ladder, or, if you are looking for a more spectacular experience, slide into the ocean on the onboard zip line.
After swimming, lunch is served: chicken paella, vegetables and fruit. Drinks are also included throughout the programme: red wine, beer, soft drinks and water are available on board.
On every trip, guests are accompanied by an official whale watching guide, who provides information about dolphins, whales, the cliffs of Los Gigantes and the surrounding area. The programme takes place on a larger boat, with a maximum of 91 passengers, so it is recommended for those looking for a more stable, comfortable, classic boat experience.
WHERE AND WHEN?
Puerto de Los Gigantes, Los Gigantes
Daily
You’ll find the available start times in the booking section, making it easy to choose the one that best fits your plans for the day.
The programme may be started on the date and at the exact time specified in the booking.
PARKING (if you are not staying in or around the port)
PARKING (Google Maps) (the port car park, paid)
⚠️ do not leave valuables in the car
LOCATION (on foot)
ENTRANCE (Google Maps)
Check-in is at the "Flipper Uno" stand in the port, then you should wait for boarding on the pier marked above.
PROGRAMME TYPE
Outdoor
PREGNANCY
Participation in the programme is not permitted during pregnancy.
ACCESSIBLE
/wheelchair or stroller/
No
PETS
Pets are not allowed on the programme.
ARRIVAL ORDER
Arrival order matters.
TOILET FACILITIES
There are toilets in the port,
HERE - and also on the boat.
SMOKING
Not during the programme.
Before and after the programme, smoking is possible in the port.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAMME WORK?
(example for an afternoon time slot)
13:30 (1:30 PM): arrival by car (toilet facilities available)
13:40 (1:40 PM): check-in at the stand
13:50 (1:50 PM): queueing on the pier
14:15 (2:15 PM): boarding the boat
14:30 (2:30 PM): departure (whale and dolphin watching)
15:30 (3:30 PM): Masca Bay (sunbathing - optional: swimming, snorkelling)
16:15 (4:15 PM): food service
17:30 (5:30 PM): return to the port
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Although there is no zero-tolerance alcohol policy in Tenerife, we still recommend that the driver does not consume alcohol.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Low - the programme is easy to complete
AVAILABLE LANGUAGES
Staff: Spanish, English
Participation does not require language knowledge.
DETAILS REQUIRED FOR BOOKING
From the person making the booking:
• name as shown on official documents
• email address
• phone number
• billing address
From each participant:
• food allergy or food intolerance - if any (for the 3-hour tour)
RECOMMENDED BOOKING PERIOD
2 months - 14 days in advance
BOOKING DEADLINE
3 days in advance
RECOMMENDED BOOKING PERIOD
2 months - 14 days in advance
BOOKING DEADLINE
3 days in advance
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• children aged 0-1 can attend the programme free of charge
• children aged 0-17 may only take part in the programme when accompanied by an adult
• you should only attend with a young child if they are expected to remain calm during the boat trip
• you may only take part in the programme on the exact date and at the exact time stated in the booking
• arrival 45 minutes before the start of the programme is recommended
• no language skills are required to take part in the programme
• taking photos and videos during the programme is permitted
• 2-hour programme: the price includes drinks but not food
• 3-hour programme: the price includes both food and drinks
• the driver should avoid consuming alcohol whenever possible
• the programme will also take place in higher waves - provided that it is completely safe
• in extreme weather conditions, the programme may be modified or cancelled (details: FAQ)
HEALTH INFORMATION
• the programme is not accessible
• pregnant women cannot take part in the programme
• participation should be carefully considered if you are prone to seasickness - prepare in advance with a seasickness remedy
HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE?
• layered, comfortable clothing
• headwear (a cap or hat - one that the wind will not blow off your head)
• high-quality polarised sunglasses
• sun cream (if you are prone to sunburn)
OPTIONAL
• swimwear and a beach towel
• water shoes (also available for purchase at the harbour)
• snorkelling equipment (also available for purchase at the harbour)
PARKING | the marina car park (paid)
BOARDING POINT
en 
Los Gigantes
2 / 3 hours
4.6 (2.3 K)
