3-Hour Private Tour with Whale and Dolphin Watching

Wildlife meets volcanic scenery. This private three-hour cruise from Los Gigantes combines whale and dolphin watching with a swim beneath the cliffs, plus views of Teide, La Gomera, and Teno. I like the small maximum group of 10, which gives you more room than a large sightseeing boat. I also like the mix of nature and free time: you are not only searching for cetaceans, you also stop to swim, snorkel, and eat tapas.

The main consideration is the price: $687.84 per group, which can be fair for 8 to 10 people but costly for a couple. You should also keep your expectations sensible. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the boat has received both praise for its comfort and one comment noting that an older Bavaria 44 could use cosmetic maintenance.

Antonio, also called Toni, is the captain associated with the trip, and his friendly manner receives repeated praise. The outing is best for families, couples, or friends who want a private morning on the water rather than a crowded cruise with a fixed script.

Key Points to Know Before You Book

• Departing from Los Gigantes: You leave from MPC Yacht Charter at the marina in Acantilados de Los Gigantes and return to the same place.
• Wildlife in open water: The crew searches for whales and dolphins in their natural setting, with pilot whales seen on several outings.
• Fourteen-meter sailboat: The boat, named El Mojo Picón, carries up to 10 people and offers a spacious deck.
• Thirty-minute cove stop: You have time to swim and snorkel in clear water beneath the cliffs, at a place reachable only by boat.
• Private group format: Your party has the boat to itself, useful for families and small groups who value space and flexibility.
• Weather matters: The cruise requires good conditions. Poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund.

Leaving Los Gigantes on El Mojo Picón

The tour begins at the marina in Los Gigantes, on Tenerife’s west coast. Look for MPC Yacht Charter, with the yacht El Mojo Picón at C. Pob. Marinero. The cruise ends back at this same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup location.

The boat is described as a comfortable 14-meter sailboat with room for 10 people. That capacity matters. Even with a full private group, you are not packed into a large vessel with dozens of other passengers. You can find a place on the deck, move around more easily, and keep the outing focused on your own group.

Several outings have been praised for a safe, comfortable feel, including one with a 10-year-old child. Another family outing included a three-year-old who enjoyed seeing small whales. That does not mean every child will handle three hours at sea equally well, but the private setting gives families more control than a large shared excursion.

There is one honest caveat about the boat. The Bavaria 44 has been described as older, with some cosmetic wear on the wooden deckhouse. If you are expecting a freshly polished luxury yacht, you may find the vessel less glossy than the promotional wording suggests. The stronger point is its size, sailing character, and space, not showroom finish.

Searching for Pilot Whales and Dolphins

The first main part of the cruise is the search for whales and dolphins. You head out from Los Gigantes and look for animals in their natural environment rather than visiting a captive attraction. That makes sightings exciting, but it also means the captain cannot promise a particular species or a close approach.

Pilot whales have been seen on the trip, and dolphins have also been spotted. A close view of two whales was described as a high point on one outing. Still, you should treat those sightings as a fortunate result of time spent on the water, not as a scheduled performance.

The captain’s role is important here. Antonio and Toni are names used for the skipper, and the strongest praise centers on his calm, friendly approach and explanations about cetaceans. You can expect commentary about the animals and the route, rather than simply being left to scan the horizon alone.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole cruise staring through a screen. Wildlife appears suddenly, and the wider setting is part of the appeal. The sea breeze, sailboat, volcanic coast, and open views give this trip a more personal feel than a quick motorboat transfer.

The sea can also change the mood of the outing. One account described very strong wind, reported as 43 knots, though the captain disputed whether the boat could operate in those conditions. The useful lesson is simple: ask about conditions if the forecast looks rough, and remember that a sailing trip can feel lively when the water is not calm.

The Los Gigantes Cliffs From the Water

The cliffs are the visual centerpiece of the route. Los Gigantes rises in tall volcanic walls, described here as reaching about 600 meters. From the water, you see the rock faces from below, where their height is easier to appreciate than from a road or viewpoint.

This is a strong reason to choose the cruise even if wildlife is quiet. The cliffs provide a steady subject for photographs, while whales and dolphins remain a welcome bonus. You will have time to look toward the rock walls, take pictures, and enjoy the scale of Tenerife’s western coast.

The route also gives you views of Teide volcano, La Gomera, and the protected Teno area. Visibility will affect what you can see, so do not assume every landmark will be perfectly clear on every departure. On a bright day, though, the combination of volcanic peaks, neighboring island views, and sheer coastal walls gives the three-hour trip plenty of variety.

The small group setting helps here. You are less likely to spend the entire cruise fighting for a place at a crowded rail. If you want a photograph, you can usually shift position without disrupting a large boatload of people.

A Swim Beneath the Cliffs

After the wildlife search and coastal sightseeing, the boat stops at a natural cove with clear water. The cove sits under the cliffs and is accessible only by boat, which gives the stop a secluded feel without requiring a difficult walk or hike.

You have about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel. This is enough time for a refreshing dip and a look beneath the surface, though it is not a full snorkeling excursion. The listing does not promise specialist snorkeling equipment or a guided marine-life session, so think of this as a relaxed swim stop.

The cove adds a welcome change of pace. Three hours of scanning for wildlife can feel repetitive if the sea stays quiet. A swim gives you something active to do, and the cliffs create a memorable setting for it.

If you do not want to swim, you can stay aboard and enjoy the view. The available information does not specify special seating or a separate program for non-swimmers, but the spacious deck should give you a place to relax. Ask the crew about the plan if anyone in your group prefers not to enter the water.

The water stop depends on sea and weather conditions. Good weather is required for the experience, and the exact comfort of the cove will vary with wind and swell. This is another reason to keep your schedule flexible.

Tapas, Snacks, and the Pace of the Cruise

Food is simple but useful on a three-hour outing. The tour includes a snack accompanied by tapas, and reports from the boat also describe finger food and a range of drinks. You should not book this as a full meal, but the food gives you something to enjoy after swimming and helps break up the time at sea.

The pace sounds unhurried. You sail out, search for wildlife, photograph the coast, stop for swimming, and return to the marina. It is not designed as a high-speed thrill ride or a nonstop sightseeing checklist.

That makes the experience a good match for you if you prefer time to sit, talk, and watch the water. It may be less suitable if you want guaranteed action every few minutes. The best moments may be a whale surfacing, the cliffs appearing around the bow, or a quiet swim in the cove.

The captain’s service also shapes the outing. Antonio has been praised for explaining the tour clearly, keeping people informed, and making passengers feel safe. Friendly hosting matters more on a private boat because you spend the full three hours with the skipper and your own group.

Is $687.84 Good Value?

The listed price is $687.84 for a private group of up to 10 people. At full capacity, that works out to about $68.78 per person. For eight people, it is about $85.98 each. For four, it rises to about $171.96 each, and for two people it becomes a very expensive private cruise.

The value is strongest when you can fill most of the boat. A group of family or friends gets a private sailboat, a captain, wildlife viewing, a coastal route, a swim stop, and food. You also avoid sharing the day with strangers and gain more room than a standard group cruise.

For a couple, the price needs more thought. You are paying for privacy and the boat itself, not only for the chance to see whales. If your main goal is simply to spot dolphins at the lowest possible price, a shared excursion may make more financial sense, though it would not offer the same private setting.

The three-hour length is well judged for many people. It is long enough to reach the wildlife areas and enjoy the cove, but short enough to fit into a day of sightseeing in Tenerife. Since the trip returns to Los Gigantes, you can combine it with other plans nearby, provided you leave yourself enough time.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Trip Most?

I would choose this cruise for a small group that wants nature, scenery, and a relaxed boat day in one package. It suits:

• Families who want a private setting and a chance for children to see whales or dolphins.
• Couples who value privacy and do not mind paying for a boat reserved for their party.
• Friends splitting the cost across eight to 10 people.
• Visitors who want photographs of Los Gigantes from the sea.
• Swimmers who like the idea of a 30-minute stop in a natural cove.
• Anyone who prefers a personal captain-led outing to a large cruise.

You should think twice if you dislike open-water conditions, need guaranteed wildlife sightings, or expect a luxury yacht in immaculate condition. The boat has been praised as comfortable and safe, but one detailed account found the older vessel in need of repainting. That is a minor issue for some people and a dealbreaker for others.

Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can participate. The available information does not provide detailed rules about mobility equipment, so contact the operator if your group has specific access needs.

Weather, Cancellation, and Practical Planning

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted. Cutoff times follow local Tenerife time, so check the clock carefully if you are arranging plans from another time zone.

Because the boat returns to the same marina, the logistics are straightforward. You need to reach MPC Yacht Charter at the Los Gigantes marina and return there at the end. Confirmation is provided when you book.

Bring the right attitude as much as the right clothing. You are going onto the sea, not entering a theater with a fixed show. Good conditions can produce whales, dolphins, clear views, and a memorable swim. Rough conditions or quiet wildlife may make the trip feel calmer and less dramatic.

Should You Book the El Mojo Picón Cruise?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a private day on Tenerife’s west coast. The strongest reasons are the small boat, Antonio’s friendly hosting, the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, and the swim stop beneath Los Gigantes.

For two people, compare the price with shared cruises before committing. For eight to 10 people, the value becomes much easier to justify. Either way, book with realistic expectations about wildlife and boat condition. If you accept those limits, this is a well-rounded outing that pairs Tenerife’s most striking coastal views with time on the water, a swim, and a simple snack.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at MPC Yacht Charter, Puerto deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picon, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour end?

The tour returns to the same meeting point at the Los Gigantes marina.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The sailboat has a capacity of up to 10 people, and only your group participates.

What animals might I see?

The cruise searches for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Pilot whales and dolphins have been seen on previous outings, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. The boat stops for about 30 minutes at a natural cove where you can swim and snorkel.

Is food included?

A snack accompanied by tapas is included. Information from the outing also refers to finger food and drinks.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.