Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

The best part of this Los Gigantes outing is the small boat. With no more than 10 people aboard, you get open deck space, a good view of the volcanic cliffs, and a real chance to speak with guides such as Jaime, Eileen, or David. The sailing itself is calm and scenic, but the wildlife can make the day memorable: pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and even rarer dolphins have appeared on different trips.

I like two things in particular. First, the crew takes time to explain what you are seeing instead of treating whale watching as a quick photo stop. Second, the swimming break, fresh fruit, made-to-order sandwiches, and drinks give this three-hour trip the feel of a relaxed day on the water rather than a bare-bones boat ride. The main consideration is simple: wild animals follow their own schedule, so you may see dolphins and beautiful cliffs without seeing whales.

Key details before you book

• Small boat, maximum 10 people: The Bavaria Cruiser is a 45-foot sailing boat with comfortable bow sunbeds and more room than the large excursion boats nearby.
• Whale watching near Los Gigantes: Pilot whales are a regular target, while dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, turtles, tuna, and seabirds are possible sightings.
• Swimming and snorkeling included: The boat stops at a quiet coastal swimming spot, giving you time in the water near the cliffs.
• Food and drinks are part of the price: Expect sandwiches, fruit, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava.
• About three hours: Roughly two hours are spent sailing around the cliffs, with wildlife watching and the swimming stop forming the main part of the outing.
• Bring your own towel: Towels are not included, and weather can affect the sailing schedule.

Why the small boat changes the experience

Los Gigantes is famous for its enormous dark cliffs, which rise dramatically from the sea on Tenerife’s west coast. You can see them from land, but viewing them from a sailing boat gives you a better sense of their scale. The cliffs unfold at water level, with fewer buildings and road distractions in your view.

The boat used here is a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser from 2012. It is not a fast whale-watching launch. That is a plus if you want a quieter outing with time to sit, talk, and watch the coast pass by. The bow has comfortable sunbeds, while the deck gives you several places to look for marine life and take photographs.

The maximum group size matters more than it might sound. Large boats can offer lower prices, but they often mean standing behind other people, waiting for a turn at the rail, or listening to a guide through a speaker. Here, the crew can speak with each family or couple directly. That personal contact is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a larger sailing excursion.

You should still expect a shared outing, not a private charter. The boat may include people of different ages and nationalities, but the limited capacity keeps it from feeling crowded. Several accounts describe groups of only a few couples, with enough deck space for everyone to settle in.

Sailing beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

The trip begins at Third Element Charters, at Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, in the Los Gigantes marina area. The activity returns to this same meeting point. Give yourself time to find the correct berth and park. One missed departure would be especially frustrating here, since the boat cannot simply wait for late arrivals.

Once underway, the cliffs provide the first major attraction. The official sailing portion is listed at about two hours, though the full outing lasts around three hours. The pace leaves room to look out across the water, listen to the guide, and watch for movement on the surface.

The crew discusses the marine life as well as the coast and local history. Jaime, Eileen, David, Mike, and Margaret are among the crew members named in the feedback, though the exact team can vary. The German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays, so keep that in mind if language support matters to you. The activity is offered in English.

I would treat the cliff views as a worthwhile part of the trip even if the wildlife is quiet. This is important because no responsible whale-watching operator can promise a sighting. On one outing, you might see pilot whales and dolphins. On another, you might see dolphins, seabirds, or nothing more dramatic than the cliffs and open water. The scenery gives the trip a solid base either way.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins

The waters near Tenerife are known for regular cetacean sightings, and the boat looks for pilot whales and dolphins during the coastal sail. The most frequently noted whale sighting is the pilot whale, often seen in groups. Bottlenose dolphins and other dolphin species have also appeared.

Risso’s dolphins are a less common possibility. Sightings of turtles, tuna, seabirds, and an osprey have also been reported on different outings. One particularly varied trip included dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, a bird of prey, and a brief glimpse of a baby hammerhead shark. That kind of variety is possible, but it should not be treated as a promise.

The crew’s approach is a major part of the value. You can ask questions about the animals, the water, and the surrounding coast rather than simply watching a captain point toward a distant fin. The guides are described as warm, attentive, and eager to explain what is happening. That works well for families, since children can ask questions without feeling lost in a large crowd.

You will want to bring a camera, but keep your expectations sensible. Marine animals surface when they choose, and a photo may be harder than the sighting itself. Put your phone away from the edge of the boat when the water gets lively, and give yourself time to watch rather than trying to record every second.

Motion sickness is another practical point. One person felt seasick during a trip, but the crew helped and continued to look after the group. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider your usual precautions before boarding and spend time where the movement feels easiest for you.

A quiet swimming and snorkeling stop

After the wildlife search and coastal sailing, the boat stops at a swimming and snorkeling location near the cliffs. The stop is one of the most appealing parts of the day because it breaks up the sightseeing. You can get in the water, cool off, and see the coast from a lower angle.

The exact cove and water conditions can vary. The point is not a formal snorkel site with guaranteed marine life. It is a chance to swim in a less crowded coastal spot reached by boat. Some outings allow generous time in the water, which is especially useful if you want more than a quick dip.

You need to bring your own towel. This is the one clearly stated item missing from the included equipment. The supplied information does not confirm that snorkeling gear is provided, so check the current arrangements before you go and bring any personal mask, snorkel, or swimming clothing you prefer.

The water may feel cool, and weather can change the comfort of the stop. The swimming portion is best for people who are comfortable entering open seawater from a boat. If you would rather stay aboard, you can enjoy the views and refreshments from the deck, but the stop is a central part of the experience.

Sandwiches, fruit, and drinks on board

Food is not an afterthought here. The crew serves custom-made sandwiches, freshly cut fruit, snacks, and bottled water. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available, which makes the meal more useful than the standard cheese-and-ham plate found on many excursions.

The drinks include soft drinks, beer, wine, cava, and other alcoholic beverages. Having a glass of cava or wine after the swim fits the easygoing sailing style, but remember that you are on a boat and still need to move safely around the deck. Water is available, so use it as your main drink in the Tenerife sun.

Portion size is described as enough for lunch, not as a full restaurant meal. The sandwiches and fruit suit a three-hour outing well. If you need a substantial breakfast or have strict dietary needs beyond the listed options, eat beforehand and confirm your requirements when booking.

The catering also helps explain the $90.70 price. You are paying for a small-capacity sailing boat, a crewed wildlife search, time near the cliffs, a swimming stop, and food and drinks. A cheaper large-boat trip may offer the same general route, but it is unlikely to provide the same amount of deck space or direct contact with the crew. A private charter would cost far more. For that middle ground, the price is reasonable.

Who will enjoy this Tenerife excursion

I would choose this trip if you want a relaxed day on the water with a real chance to see marine life, but do not want to spend hours on a packed catamaran. Couples, families, and small groups fit the format well. The crew has handled mixed-age groups, including children and adults together, and the small capacity makes it easier to keep everyone included.

It also suits people who care about the quality of the explanation. If you want to learn about whales, dolphins, and the coast, you will get more from this outing than from a boat ride built around music and drinks. The crew is friendly and willing to answer questions, while the food and swimming keep the pace varied.

This may not be your best choice if you need a guaranteed whale sighting, dislike open-water swimming, or prefer a high-speed adventure. It is also not designed as a full-day sailing charter. Three hours is enough for a taste of the coast, but you will not explore every corner of Tenerife’s west side.

The boat is accessible to most people according to the supplied information, and service animals are allowed. Still, a sailing boat has steps, moving surfaces, and limited facilities compared with a shore-based attraction. Ask the operator about your specific mobility needs before booking.

Timing, meeting point, and cancellation

The meeting point is Third Element Charters Whale Watching and Sailing Charters, at Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, 38683 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The trip ends back there. The marina is near public transportation, but you should still allow extra time for parking and locating the berth.

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The activity is booked about 20 days ahead on average, so reserving early is sensible if your Tenerife dates are fixed. The mobile ticket makes the arrival process simpler.

Some bookings have included an arranged hotel pickup, but this is not listed as a standard inclusion for every booking. Confirm it directly rather than assuming transport from your hotel is included.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted and are not refunded. The trip also depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing trip?

Book it if you value a small group, thoughtful guiding, and time to enjoy the sea. The best parts are the limited capacity, the striking cliff views, the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, and the generous food and drink service. The swimming stop adds a welcome change of pace.

Go in with the right expectation: this is wildlife watching, not a guaranteed whale show. If no whales appear, the cliffs, sailing, drinks, lunch, and swim still give you a worthwhile three hours. Bring a towel, allow time to find the boat, and check the pickup and snorkeling arrangements before departure.

For $90.70, I consider it a strong choice for couples and families who want something more personal than a crowded excursion boat, while still keeping the cost below a private charter.

FAQ

How long does the Los Gigantes whale-watching trip last?

The sailing experience lasts approximately three hours. About two hours are allocated to sailing around the Los Gigantes cliffs, with wildlife watching and a swimming or snorkeling stop included.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 10 people. This keeps the boat less crowded and gives you more direct contact with the crew.

What kind of boat is used?

The trip uses a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser sailing boat built in 2012. It has comfortable sunbeds on the bow.

What marine life might I see?

Pilot whales and dolphins are the main wildlife possibilities. Sightings have also included Risso’s dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, turtles, tuna, seabirds, an osprey, and a brief glimpse of a baby hammerhead shark. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

Yes. The boat stops at a coastal swimming and snorkeling location near the cliffs. Towels are not included.

What food is included?

You receive freshly cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, and custom-made sandwiches. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Complimentary drinks include soft drinks, beer, wine, cava, and other alcoholic beverages.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English. The German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.