Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

The best part of this Los Gigantes whale-watching cruise is its small scale. With no more than 10 people aboard, you have room to move around the sailing boat, watch the sea, and enjoy the cliffs without being packed into a large excursion vessel. The crew, including David, Jamie, and Eileen on many departures, combines wildlife information with easygoing hospitality.

I like the respectful approach to marine life, and I like that the trip is more than a search for whales. You also get a swim and snorkel stop, fresh sandwiches, fruit, and drinks. The main consideration is simple: wild animals keep their own schedule, so sightings vary. A few passengers have also found the open-water ride rough enough to cause seasickness.

Key points at a glance

• Small boat, maximum 10 people: You get space to sit, stand, and change sides when wildlife appears.
• Pilot whales are the main possibility: Dolphins, turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life may also appear.
• Two hours are set aside for wildlife: The boat heads into the Atlantic before returning toward the coast.
• Swimming below Los Gigantes: The 30-minute cove stop adds a refreshing break and snorkeling time.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• Multilingual crew: Tours operate in Spanish, English, French, and German.

Setting out from Pier 1 in Los Gigantes

You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, at Pier 1, mooring number 156, in Los Gigantes. Check the location carefully before you go, since the meeting point is at the marina rather than at a general town landmark.

The boat is a sailing boat, not a big sightseeing vessel. That matters here. A small craft gives you a quieter setting and a better chance to spread out, but it also means you feel the motion of the sea more directly. Wear comfortable, breathable clothing, and bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes.

The trip lasts three hours. The schedule generally gives about two hours to sailing and marine-life viewing, followed by roughly 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The remaining time allows for boarding, moving between areas, and the ride back to the harbor.

If the wind cooperates, you may help raise the sail and travel under wind power. The experience is not guaranteed to be a full sailing trip every time. One passenger specifically wished the boat had used its sail more, so think of this as a whale-watching cruise on a sailing boat, not a dedicated sailing lesson.

Two hours in the Atlantic with pilot whales

The boat heads out from Los Gigantes to search for dolphins and pilot whales in their natural surroundings. The southwest coast of Tenerife is known for regular marine activity, but the crew cannot promise a particular species or a close approach.

Pilot whales are the species most often described on this outing. Several departures have found pods with calves, and the whales have sometimes approached the boat closely. Dolphins can be just as exciting, especially when they gather near the vessel or move alongside it. Turtles are another possible sighting, along with flying fish, seabirds, and other sea life.

The crew’s role is important here. David, Jamie, Eileen, and other team members explain what you are seeing, answer questions, and point out details that are easy to miss from the deck. The tour is offered in Spanish, English, French, and German, which helps if your group has different language needs.

I particularly value the reported care around wildlife. The crew does not present the trip as a chase. They follow local rules, keep a respectful distance, and let the animals decide how close they want to come. That can mean you see less action on one departure, but it also makes the experience feel more responsible.

You should set your expectations properly. A whale-watching trip is never a wildlife guarantee. One departure produced dolphins and a turtle but no whales. Another found several groups of pilot whales and dolphins. That natural uncertainty is part of the deal, and it is why a good crew matters more than a promise of a certain animal.

Bring sunglasses and sun protection, though the supplied information specifically emphasizes breathable clothing rather than a strict packing list. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire trip looking through a screen. The best sightings can be brief, and you will want to watch the water with your own eyes.

The boat, group size, and comfort

The maximum group size is 10 participants. In practice, some departures have had fewer people, making the boat feel close to a private charter without the private-charter price.

This is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a cheaper large-boat option. A smaller group gives everyone a fair chance to look over the rail, move to the best viewing side, and speak with the crew. It also keeps the tone quiet and personal.

The boat has been described as clean, comfortable, and well maintained. You can relax between sightings instead of standing for the full three hours. The crew also pays attention to people who are less confident in the water, although the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

The tradeoff is space and motion. A small sailing boat does not have the broad, stable feel of a large excursion vessel. If you are prone to seasickness, take suitable medication before setting out. One passenger specifically advised doing so after seeing several people feel unwell on the water.

Swimming and snorkeling beneath the cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat stops at a small cove along the coast. This is the calmer, more playful half of the trip. You can swim from the boat and use the provided snorkeling equipment to look for fish in clear water.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes, so it is enough for a proper swim but not a long snorkeling session. You will want your swimwear on before boarding and a towel ready for the trip back to the marina. Towels are not supplied.

The setting adds real value. Los Gigantes is best known from land for its huge coastal cliffs, but seeing them from the water changes the scale. You get the cliffs during the return journey and from the swimming area, with the boat giving you a low view across the water.

Snorkeling quality can depend on sea conditions and visibility, but the experience has produced colorful fish on some departures. Do not expect a specialist snorkeling expedition. This is a pleasant coastal stop after the main wildlife outing, with enough time to cool off and see some underwater life.

If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew. The supplied experiences describe attentive support for people who felt unsure in the water, but the activity still requires you to get on and off a boat and take part around the sea. Anyone with mobility limitations should choose another excursion.

Fresh food, fruit, and a generous drinks selection

Food is part of the appeal here, not an afterthought. The crew serves fresh fruit during the cruise and freshly made sandwiches after the swimming stop. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, but make your dietary needs clear when booking or before departure.

The drinks include cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks. The combination gives the cruise a relaxed feel, especially on the return to port. You can enjoy a cold drink, watch the cliffs pass by, and let the busy part of the outing wind down.

The food has received especially strong praise. Sandwiches are described as tasty and freshly prepared, and the vegan and gluten-free choices have been useful for people who often find limited options on boat trips.

This is not a restaurant meal, and you should not book the cruise for the food alone. Still, at $88 per person, the inclusion of food, drinks, snorkeling gear, a three-hour boat trip, and a small group makes the price easier to justify.

The return along the Los Gigantes cliffs

The journey back to Los Gigantes is deliberately slow. After two hours of searching and the swim stop, this quieter stretch gives you time to take in the coastal views.

The cliffs are impressive from land, but from the sea they rise directly above the boat. This is also the part of the trip when you can settle into the rhythm of the return, enjoy the included drinks, and talk with the crew about Tenerife and the Canary Islands.

The guides share information not only about whales and dolphins but also about local nature and the islands. Their enthusiasm for conservation comes through in small actions as well. On one outing, the crew stopped to remove an old net from the water and helped a protected seabird chick in trouble.

Those details matter because they show what sort of outing this is. It is not only a sightseeing ride built around getting a photograph. You are spending time with a team that pays attention to the sea around them.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88, this is not the cheapest whale-watching option in Los Gigantes. You may see larger boats advertising lower prices around the harbor. The comparison, however, is not simply price against price.

Here, the rate includes a maximum group of 10, a sailing boat, about three hours on the water, wildlife viewing, a swim and snorkel stop, equipment, food, fruit, and drinks. You also get a multilingual crew and a less crowded setting.

I would consider it good value if you care about comfort, space, and the way the boat approaches wildlife. The price is harder to justify if your only goal is to get out on the water as cheaply as possible.

Sightings remain uncertain at any price. You may see several pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish, or you may have a quieter outing with only some of those animals. The included swim, food, and coastal scenery reduce the risk of feeling that the day was wasted if the whales stay out of view.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip for couples, solo visitors, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a personal boat experience over a crowded excursion. Children aged 10 and 11 have enjoyed the outing, and the small group makes it easier for the crew to give individual attention.

It also suits solo visitors. The relaxed format and friendly crew make it easy to feel included without needing to arrive with a large group.

This is a good pick for people who care about marine conservation. The crew’s approach is based on watching animals without chasing them, and the guides share information about local wildlife and the sea.

You should think twice if you dislike open-water motion, need step-free access, or want a guaranteed whale sighting. You should also be ready for a flexible day. The boat follows the animals and the conditions, not a fixed wildlife script.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• A change of clothes
• Comfortable, breathable clothing

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack your own gear. Photos are not included, so bring your phone or camera if you want your own record of the trip.

I would keep valuables to a minimum. A sailing boat is a wet environment, especially around the swimming stop, and the supplied information does not mention storage facilities.

My verdict on the Los Gigantes sailing cruise

Book this tour if you want a small, friendly wildlife cruise with a real swim stop and food included. The strongest features are the 10-person limit, the crew’s care around animals, the clear information, and the chance to see pilot whales close to the boat.

The main caution is the sea itself. Sightings can never be guaranteed, and some people may feel motion sickness. But the cruise gives you several ways to enjoy the outing: dolphins and whales if conditions allow, the cliffs, snorkeling, food, drinks, and time under sail when the wind is right.

For me, the best reason to book is the balance. It is not a rushed animal-spotting run, and it is not merely a swim trip. It gives you a thoughtful look at Tenerife’s coast in a small group, with enough comfort to make three hours on the Atlantic feel special.

FAQ

Where does the cruise meet?

Meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Pier 1, mooring number 156, in Los Gigantes.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts three hours. About two hours are used for sailing and marine-life viewing, followed by around 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with time to swim and snorkel at a small coastal cove.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks are included. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available.

How many people are on the boat?

The group is limited to 10 participants. Some departures may have fewer people.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in Spanish, English, French, and German.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, and comfortable, breathable clothing. Towels and photos are not included.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.

Is the activity suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.