Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes is best seen from the water, where its dark cliffs rise sharply above the sea and the busy resort slips out of sight. This three-hour trip pairs that grand coastal view with chances to spot pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life in the waters near Teno Rural Park. The small group, capped at 10 people, is the main draw.

I like the calm rhythm of the outing: wildlife search, cliff views, a swim or snorkel, then drinks and tapas on board. I also like that captains Antonio and Francisco are named in the experience, with many guests praising their local knowledge and easy manner. The main caution is that sightings are never guaranteed, and the boat may use its engine for the full trip if the wind is weak.

Key points

• Small sailing group: The boat carries no more than 10 people, with some departures having only six or seven passengers.
• Pilot whales are the regular highlight: Dolphins, turtles, and several kinds of fish have also been seen.
• Los Gigantes from the sea: You pass beneath the dramatic cliffs and may continue toward the Masca area.
• Snorkeling is included: Equipment is provided for a swim in a quiet cove, often with fish close to shore.
• Food and drinks are part of the fare: Expect a light Canarian-style spread, snacks, soft drinks, beer, or water.
• A three-hour outing: It is long enough for wildlife, scenery, and swimming without taking up your whole day.

Why Los Gigantes is the right place for a boat trip

The cliffs of Los Gigantes give this outing a clear sense of place. From the marina, the yacht heads along Tenerife’s west coast, where the rock walls rise dramatically from the Atlantic. Seen from land, the cliffs are impressive. Seen from below, with the boat tucked close to the waterline, they feel much larger.

The route takes place near Teno Rural Park, one of the island’s protected areas. That matters because the experience is not just a standard pleasure cruise beside a resort. You are looking toward a rugged coast, open sea, and waters known for resident and passing marine life.

I especially like the way the trip combines two different views of Tenerife. During the first part, you are watching the sea and scanning for animals. Later, you look back at the cliffs, coves, and ravines from the water. It gives you a side of the island that a road trip cannot provide.

A three-hour route with two very different moods

The main stop is the coast around Acantilado de los Gigantes, the great cliff face that gives the area its name. The boat may cruise along the rock walls while the captain points out the geography, the nearby islands, Mount Teide, and features of Teno Rural Park.

The wildlife search is flexible rather than tightly scripted. The captain communicates with other boats to learn where animals have been spotted, then steers toward the area when practical. This is useful in a wide search zone, but it also means the exact route can change from day to day.

The most frequently reported sighting is the short-finned pilot whale, called calderón tropical in Spanish. Pods may surface close to the boat, and some outings have also encountered dolphins swimming alongside the yacht. Turtles, birds, and colorful fish are possible additions.

You should keep your expectations sensible. This is a wildlife trip, not an aquarium with scheduled appearances. One outing may bring several pilot whales and playful dolphins, while another may find dolphins but no whales. Sea conditions, noise, weather, and animal movements all affect the result.

Pilot whales, dolphins, and the value of patience

Pilot whales are the star of this stretch of coast. Seeing a pod surface in open water is very different from watching marine life in captivity. The encounter can be brief, and the animals may move away, but that uncertainty is part of the experience.

Several outings have found large pods close to the boat. Other reports describe dolphins swimming alongside the yacht, sometimes close enough for good photographs and videos. Turtles have also appeared, along with two kinds of dolphins and a wide range of smaller fish.

Your captain’s role matters here. Antonio is repeatedly praised for finding animals and explaining the sea, island, and whales. Francisco is also described as friendly and informative, with a talent for keeping passengers prepared and engaged. The captain may also offer practical advice about where to point an underwater camera.

The wildlife search can involve engine noise and radio or phone communication with other boats. That is a working part of the outing, not necessarily a sign that the captain is distracted. Still, if you want a silent, traditional sailing experience, you should know that the yacht may motor for much of the route.

Snorkeling below the Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat stops in a quieter cove for swimming and snorkeling. Equipment is included, so you do not need to arrange a separate rental. The exact location can vary, but the setting described is calm, clear water near the cliffs and the mouth of a ravine.

This is a welcome change of pace. The first part asks you to watch the horizon. The snorkeling stop lets you get into the water and look down instead. Fish are commonly seen close to the boat, and several outings have included colorful marine life.

You can choose to swim, snorkel, or stay aboard and relax. That choice makes the activity workable for mixed groups, especially when one person wants to get in the water and another would rather enjoy the view from the deck.

The sea can be choppy. One outing had rougher water but still found pilot whales, while others enjoyed calm conditions and clear visibility. If you are prone to seasickness, consider the conditions on the day and bring whatever personal remedy you normally use. The supplied information does not specify whether such medication is available on board.

A light Canarian meal, not a full lunch

The food is best understood as a generous snack or light meal. Descriptions include melon, assorted cured meats, tortilla, fruit, tapas, and other simple items. Drinks may include water, soft drinks, beer, and nonalcoholic options.

After swimming, this small spread is well timed. You are likely ready for something salty, cold, or filling, but this is not a restaurant meal with a choice of courses. If you need a substantial lunch, eat beforehand or plan another meal after returning to the marina.

The strongest food descriptions mention a fresh, tasty Canarian-style spread. One sharply negative account objected to the food and drinks, while the operator stated that fresh products are purchased daily. The fair takeaway is that the meal is simple, and expectations should stay modest.

The Bavaria 44 and the small-group advantage

The yacht used for the trip has been identified as a Bavaria 44, with a maximum capacity of 10 people for this experience. That limit makes a real difference. Some departures have had only six or seven passengers, leaving more space to move around and making it easier to hear the captain.

Compared with large whale-watching boats, a small yacht feels less crowded and more personal. You can usually shift between the seating area, deck, and swim platform without fighting for a position. A smaller group also helps the outing feel less like a scheduled transport service.

There is one important distinction: this is marketed as a sailing trip, but sailing is not guaranteed. If there is little wind, the captain must use the motor to complete the route in the available three hours. One passenger considered this the only major shortcoming, while still praising the boat, scenery, wildlife, and snorkeling.

If your priority is the feel of a yacht, a small group, and a closer view of the coast, the boat works well. If your priority is silent sailing under canvas, choose your expectations carefully.

Captains Antonio and Francisco set the tone

The captain has several jobs at once: handling the boat, locating marine life, explaining the coast, managing safety, and serving food and drinks. Antonio receives particular praise for his knowledge of the area and for offering suggestions about other places to visit on Tenerife. Francisco is also praised for his warmth and for taking extra care of passengers.

The standard explanation is given in both English and Spanish. It covers the three-hour plan, the cliffs, Teno Rural Park, the position of Teide, the island surroundings, and the whales and dolphins. The experience is offered in English, but some onboard conversation may also take place in Spanish.

That language point is worth noting for English-speaking passengers. Most of the available comments describe enough English information to follow the trip, but one passenger felt excluded by jokes and extended Spanish conversation. You should feel comfortable asking the captain to repeat or clarify an explanation if needed.

There are also conflicting accounts about smoking and the handling of seasickness. Most available comments are strongly positive, but one serious complaint described cigarette smoke, loud music, and poor treatment of an ill child. The operator disputed those details and said the captain is careful not to bother passengers. This is the clearest reason to raise any concerns about smoking, music, or motion sickness before departure.

Is $84.69 a fair price?

At $84.69 per person, the fare is not the cheapest way to get onto the water, but the value is reasonable if you use the full package. You are paying for about three hours, a yacht limited to 10 people, a wildlife search, a stop for swimming or snorkeling, equipment, and food and drinks.

The small capacity is the key comparison. A cheaper large boat may offer more seats, but it can feel less personal and give you less room around the rail. Here, the smaller group helps you enjoy both the animal search and the cliff views without a crowd pressing around you.

The price makes the most sense for couples, families who want a quieter boat, and nature lovers who value quality time on the water over a guaranteed sighting. It is less compelling if you only want a short photo stop or if you dislike the possibility of motor travel and uncertain wildlife.

The overall score is 4.8 out of 5 from 274 ratings, with 95 percent recommending the experience. That is a strong record, but the isolated low ratings should still inform your decision, particularly if you are sensitive to smoke, loud music, language differences, or seasickness.

Practical details before you book

The meeting point is MPC Yacht Charter at the marina, at Yate El Mojo Picon on Calle Pueblo Marinero in Acantilados de Los Gigantes. The activity returns to the same place.

Arrive early. Finding a parking space in the marina area can be difficult, and one passenger specifically advised allowing extra time. Being late can delay everyone because the boat is carrying a small group rather than running a flexible private departure.

Confirmation is provided at booking. Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and most people can take part. The maximum group size is 10.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The trip depends on suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

Who will enjoy this Los Gigantes boat trip

I would choose this outing if you want a compact taste of Tenerife’s west coast without giving up half a day. Three hours gives you enough time for wildlife, cliffs, swimming, and food, while leaving room for another activity.

It suits couples who want a peaceful sea outing, families who appreciate a small group, and anyone who would rather watch wildlife from a yacht than from a packed excursion boat. It also works well for people who want snorkeling included instead of booking a separate water activity.

You may want another option if you require a guaranteed whale sighting, a fully silent sail, a large menu, or a smoke-free policy that is clearly stated in advance. The most useful step is to ask about the day’s conditions and onboard arrangements before you set out.

Should you book it?

Book this Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes if you value small numbers, dramatic cliffs, and several kinds of sea time in one outing. The strongest parts are the intimate Bavaria 44 setting, the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins in open water, the included snorkeling, and the relaxed food stop.

Go in knowing that nature controls the wildlife schedule, the yacht may motor without much sailing, and the captain’s style may not suit everyone. With those points in mind, the $84.69 price is fair for a personal three-hour trip along one of Tenerife’s most striking coasts.

FAQ

How long does the sailing tour last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at MPC Yacht Charter, Yate El Mojo Picon, Calle Pueblo Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in the marina.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people. Some departures have had fewer passengers.

Which animals might I see?

Possible sightings include short-finned pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, fish, birds, and other marine species. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The tour stops in a quiet cove where you can swim or snorkel, and snorkeling equipment is included.

Are food and drinks provided?

Yes. The boat provides snacks and drinks, with descriptions including tapas, fruit, cured meats, tortilla, water, soft drinks, beer, and other simple items.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins. If poor weather or an insufficient minimum group causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.