From Los Gigantes: Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise

Los Gigantes gives this small-boat cruise a fine setting: towering cliffs, open sea, and a real chance of seeing pilot whales close to shore. You may also spot dolphins or turtles, while the crew explains the animals and Tenerife’s coast. The sailboat and nine-person limit keep the trip calm and personal, rather than turning it into a crowded wildlife hunt.

I like the careful approach to the animals, with the crew cutting the engine when whales appear in the distance. I also like the simple finish: a swim beneath the cliffs, followed by homemade tapas and drinks on board. The main caution is seasickness. One passenger found the sea rougher than expected, and whale sightings can never be promised.

Key points to know before you book

• Small sailboat setting: The 46-foot, 14-meter boat carries no more than nine passengers on shared trips.
• Strong wildlife focus: Pilot whales are the main local sighting, with dolphins, turtles, and migratory species also possible.
• Three languages: Guides speak Spanish, English, and French.
• Swimming under the cliffs: The cruise includes about 15 minutes for snorkeling in a bay near Los Gigantes.
• Tapas are included: Homemade food and drinks follow the swim, with vegetarian options available.
• Responsible watching: Picarus Sailing Club carries the Blue Boat Flag and belongs to Tenerife’s sustainability whale-watching program.

A small sailboat beneath the cliffs of Los Gigantes

The first thing you notice is the scale of the outing. This is not a large catamaran with rows of seats and a loud entertainment program. You board Aemon or Ayla, a 46-foot sailboat, at Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. Shared departures are limited to nine passengers, and private trips are also available.

That size makes a practical difference. You can move around safely, find a good view, and hear the guide without straining. The boat still has enough room to sit comfortably, but it feels like a proper sailing trip rather than a floating sightseeing platform.

The cliffs are the visual star at the start and end of the cruise. From the water, Los Gigantes feels more dramatic than it does from town. You see the dark volcanic walls from a low angle, with Mount Teide visible inland when conditions allow. The crew also explains parts of Tenerife’s island story and points out coastal features.

The atmosphere is deliberately quiet. One particularly calm departure had no music, which suits wildlife watching far better than a party soundtrack. You can listen for the crew’s explanations, watch the horizon, and enjoy the movement of the boat.

Watching pilot whales without chasing them

The wildlife portion takes about an hour and a half, though the exact timing depends on conditions and where animals are found. Pilot whales are the signature sighting in these waters. Dolphins are also possible, and passengers have seen turtles and other marine life on some departures.

I appreciate the crew’s conservation-first method. Picarus Sailing Club is part of Turismo de Tenerife’s Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching, belongs to the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association, and holds the Blue Boat Flag from the regional government. These labels matter because they indicate that the operator is authorized to conduct whale watching under responsible-practice rules.

In practical terms, the crew keeps a respectful distance and turns off the engine when whales are spotted, even if the animals are still far away. That gives the wildlife space and lets you watch natural behavior rather than a forced encounter. Sometimes the whales may still approach out of curiosity, but that is their choice.

You should set your expectations correctly. This is a wildlife outing, not a guaranteed performance. A few passengers have seen large family groups of pilot whales, dolphins beside the boat, or several species in one trip. Another departure saw dolphins but no whales. That is not a failure. It is the honest trade-off for observing animals in the sea rather than at a show.

The guide’s role adds real value here. Crew members explain the differences between the animals, describe their habits, and answer questions about the sea. Sara has led trips in Spanish, English, and French, while Jakob, Miguel, Felix, and Nettie have also been praised for their warm, clear approach on different departures. The specific crew can vary, but you can expect the tour to be guided in Spanish, English, or French.

Bring patience. Whale watching requires scanning the water and waiting for a fin, back, or blow. If you want constant action, this may feel slow. If you like learning how marine animals live and seeing them on their own terms, the quiet stretches are part of the experience.

One hour of sailing with room to breathe

The cruise includes about an hour of sailing around Los Gigantes. This is not just transport between the wildlife area and the swimming stop. It gives you time to enjoy the coast without having to watch the water every second.

The sailboat provides a more relaxed view than a fast motorboat. You can look back at the cliffs, watch the coastline recede, and see Tenerife from an angle that you cannot get on land. The crew shares information about the island, walking routes, and the surrounding sea, so this part works well for anyone who wants more context than a quick photo stop.

The boat’s smaller capacity also helps here. With seven, eight, or nine passengers, the deck does not feel packed, and you have a fair chance of finding a comfortable viewing spot. The exact feel depends on the group and the sea, but the limit is much more appealing than a full-size excursion boat.

There is one practical point to remember: a sailboat moves with the water. If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously. The trip lasts three to four hours, and the open-water sections may feel uncomfortable even if the day looks calm from the harbor. The crew can help you if you feel unwell, but you should bring your own usual remedy if you use one.

Snorkeling below the Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife and sailing portions, the boat stops for about 15 minutes of swimming and snorkeling in a bay near the cliffs. This is short, but it breaks up the cruise nicely and gives you a chance to get into the water rather than simply look at it.

Snorkel masks are supplied, along with life vests for safety. You need to bring your own snorkel tube, as well as swimwear and a towel. The operator recommends biodegradable sunscreen with protection of 50 or higher. Apply it before boarding if possible, and remember that ordinary sunscreen can be harmful to marine areas.

Do not expect a long reef expedition. The snorkeling stop is best understood as a refreshing swim beneath a huge volcanic setting. You get a little time in the water, a change of pace, and a memorable view back toward the cliffs.

The timing can feel brief if you love snorkeling. Fifteen minutes is enough for a swim and a look around, but not enough for a long exploration session. The stop works best for people who want a quick sea break as part of a wider cruise.

Tapas, drinks, and a simple finish on board

After the swim, the crew serves a homemade menu of tapas. Vegetarian food is available, and the meal has been singled out as one of the most pleasant surprises of the trip. Drinks accompany the food, giving you a chance to warm up, dry off, and talk about the wildlife sightings.

This is not a formal restaurant meal. It is a casual spread on a moving sailboat, so keep your expectations sensible. Still, food included at the end makes the $88 price easier to justify, especially when you add the small group, the guide, the sailing time, and the wildlife search.

The timing also makes sense. You have done the active part first, then eat once the boat is anchored or moving more gently. If you have dietary needs beyond vegetarian food, ask the crew before booking, since only vegetarian catering is specifically confirmed.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this sits above the cheapest large-boat whale-watching trips, but the comparison is not quite equal. You are paying for a maximum of nine passengers, a 46-foot sailboat, a multilingual guide, a wildlife-focused approach, a swimming stop, and tapas with drinks.

I see the value most clearly if you care about atmosphere and personal attention. A small boat gives you less of a cattle-call feel and more space to ask questions. The crew can explain what you are seeing instead of simply pointing toward a distant fin.

The price is less compelling if your only goal is to see a whale at the lowest possible cost. No wildlife cruise can guarantee sightings, and the snorkeling portion is short. A larger boat may offer a cheaper ticket, though it will not provide the same small-group setting.

Private trips are available if you want the boat for your own party. For most people, the shared option already offers a good balance of cost and space, particularly when the group is seven to nine passengers rather than a full boat.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip for couples, families with older children, small groups of friends, and anyone who prefers a quiet day on the water. It suits people who want several experiences in one outing: wildlife watching, sailing, a swim, coastal scenery, and lunch.

It is also a good fit if responsible animal encounters matter to you. The crew’s support for local cetacean conservation is not just a slogan. Their engine-off approach and attention to distance shape the way the outing works.

You should think twice if you dislike open water, suffer badly from seasickness, or need a long snorkeling session. The boat moves with the sea, and the wildlife portion involves waiting. You also need to bring several basics yourself: sunglasses, a sun hat, high-protection biodegradable sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel.

The language setup is useful for mixed groups. Tours operate in Spanish, English, and French, so you can ask questions in one of those languages. The crew is happy to explain the animals, the island, and the conservation rules, which makes the trip more than a silent boat ride.

Timing, meeting point, and cancellation

You meet at Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes and look for Aemon or Ayla, the names of the boats. The total outing lasts three to four hours, with starting times varying by date and availability.

Life vests are on board, and masks are supplied for snorkeling. A snorkel tube is not included. You also need to bring your own towel and sunscreen.

Booking remains fairly flexible: you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Those terms are helpful when your plans depend on weather or changing holiday schedules, though the wildlife itself remains unpredictable.

Should you book the Picarus Sailing Club cruise?

Book it if you want a small, thoughtful wildlife trip rather than the cheapest possible boat ticket. The strongest reasons are the nine-passenger limit, the careful treatment of whales, the multilingual crew, and the pleasant combination of sailing, swimming, and tapas.

Go in with realistic expectations. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or several species, but nature may offer fewer sightings on your day. You may also feel the sea more than expected, particularly if you are prone to motion sickness.

For many people, this is a very good use of half a day in Los Gigantes. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, and biodegradable SPF 50 sunscreen. Then allow the crew to do the searching while you enjoy the cliffs, the sea, and the rare privilege of watching marine life without turning it into a spectacle.

FAQ

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

The cruise lasts three to four hours. The schedule includes about 1.5 hours of wildlife watching, one hour of sailing, around 15 minutes of snorkeling, and about 15 minutes for the onboard meal.

How many people can join the shared sailboat cruise?

Shared excursions have a maximum of nine passengers. Private trips are also available.

What animals might I see?

You may see resident and migratory marine species, including pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles. Sightings are not guaranteed because the animals remain in their natural habitat.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Safety gear and snorkel masks are included. You need to bring your own snorkel tube, towel, swimwear, and biodegradable sunscreen.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is available in Spanish, English, and French. The crew explains the marine life, the island, and the responsible whale-watching approach.

What is included in the $88 price?

The price includes the sailboat cruise, wildlife watching, life vests, snorkel masks, the swimming stop, and a homemade tapas meal with drinks. The listed price is $88 per person.