From Los Gigantes: Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise

Whales are only part of the reward. This small-boat cruise from Los Gigantes combines respectful wildlife watching with a relaxed sail beneath the cliffs, and I especially like the maximum of nine passengers and the homemade tapas served after swimming. I also like that the crew explains marine life and local history rather than treating the trip as a quick photo stop.

The main catch is simple: nature sets the schedule. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, or turtles, but sightings are never guaranteed, and the Atlantic can make some people seasick. The snorkeling stop is short, too, so this works best as a scenic wildlife cruise with a swim, not as a full snorkeling day.

Key points to know before booking

• Small group sailing: The 46-foot, 14-meter boat carries no more than nine passengers, creating a quieter setting than a large excursion vessel.
• Wildlife-first approach: The operator follows Tenerife’s Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching, carries the Blue Boat Flag, and supports the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association.
• Pilot whales are a strong possibility: Several trips have seen pilot whales, dolphins, and even a turtle, though sightings remain dependent on conditions.
• Cliffside swim included: You get about 15 minutes to swim or snorkel near the Los Gigantes cliffs.
• Food is part of the experience: Homemade tapas and drinks are served after the swim, with vegetarian food available.
• Allow three to four hours: The outing includes around 90 minutes of wildlife viewing, an hour of sailing, and short swim and meal stops.

Why this Los Gigantes cruise feels different

Los Gigantes is one of Tenerife’s best places to get on the water. The cliffs rise dramatically along the coast, and a sailboat gives you a calm view of them from below. On a clear day, you can also see Mount Teide from the sea, adding a memorable inland reference point to the outing.

I like the scale of this cruise. A 46-foot sailboat is large enough to feel stable and comfortable, but small enough that the crew can speak with everyone. With a maximum of nine passengers, you are not fighting for a railing or trying to hear a guide over a crowd. Previous outings have had as few as seven or eight people aboard.

The crew also keeps the mood quiet. One highly praised morning trip had no music, which suited the purpose perfectly. You hear the water, the wind, and the guide explaining what you are seeing. That makes the cruise feel less like a floating party and more like a thoughtful day on the Atlantic.

The guides speak Spanish, English, and French. Names associated with the crew include Sara, Felix, Jakob, Miguel, Nettie, and Sarah. Sara, in particular, has been praised for explaining both marine life and the islands in several languages. The exact crew can vary, but you can expect a multilingual team.

Leaving Picarus Sailing Club

The meeting point is Picarus Sailing Club, and the boats are named Aemon or Ayla. Confirm the boat name when you arrive so you know you are in the right place.

The outing begins with safety information and a chance to settle aboard. Life vests are available, and snorkel masks are included. Bring your own towel, swimwear, sunglasses, sun hat, and biodegradable sunscreen with protection of 50 or higher. The snorkel equipment does not include a tube, so pack one if you want to use a traditional mask-and-tube setup.

The first minutes on the water are valuable even before wildlife appears. Los Gigantes looks different from the sea than it does from land. You get a broad view of the cliffs, the coves, and the coastline, while the crew gives background on the island and points out features along the shore.

The boat is described as comfortable and clean, with enough room to move around safely. That matters on a small vessel. You can shift position to look for animals, find shade or sun, and enjoy the views without feeling packed in.

About 90 minutes searching for whales and dolphins

Wildlife viewing is the central part of the trip, lasting roughly an hour and a half. The waters near Los Gigantes are known for resident and migratory marine species, with pilot whales appearing often in the accounts of this cruise. Dolphins are also a regular possibility, and one outing included a turtle.

The crew does not promise a sighting, and that honesty is important. One trip produced dolphins but no whales, while others encountered several pilot whales and playful dolphins. The best approach is to treat the search as part of the experience. You are spending time at sea in a beautiful setting, with the chance to see animals living freely rather than performing on a schedule.

The boat’s small size helps here. The crew can explain animal behavior directly and answer questions as you go. You are not left guessing at a distant fin. Guides describe the species encountered, discuss the local marine environment, and explain why the boat keeps its distance.

That conservation policy is one of the strongest reasons to choose this company. Picarus Sailing Club is part of Tenerife’s Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching and is active with the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association. The Blue Boat Flag means the company is authorized by the Government of the Canary Islands to conduct whale watching under responsible practices.

The crew has also been praised for cutting the engines when animals are spotted, including when whales are still some distance away. The purpose is to avoid disturbing them. In some cases, the animals may approach the boat out of curiosity, but the crew does not chase them or force a close encounter.

This is especially meaningful with pilot whales. You might see a family group moving together, surfacing, or passing near the boat. The experience is strongest when the animals remain in control of the meeting. You get to watch their natural behavior instead of turning the sighting into a race for the closest photograph.

Bring patience. Wildlife watching involves pauses, scanning the water, and waiting for the crew to identify movement. If you need constant action, this may feel slow. If you enjoy learning and observation, the quiet stretches become part of the charm.

One hour of sailing beneath the cliffs

The itinerary includes about an hour of sailing around Los Gigantes. This is not filler between wildlife stops. It gives you time to appreciate the coast without constantly looking for fins.

The cliffs are impressive from a boat because you see their full height and texture from water level. The perspective changes as the sailboat moves along the coast, and the view toward Teide adds another layer to the scenery. You can take photographs, listen to the guide’s explanation of the island, or simply sit back and watch the shore pass.

Sailing also gives the outing its relaxed character. Several people have praised the calm atmosphere and the chance to move around the boat safely. The crew aims to make the trip feel personal, and that is easier with nine passengers than with a full-size tour vessel.

Still, remember that this is a boat trip. Even on a comfortable sailboat, the motion of the sea can affect you. One couple found the experience difficult because of seasickness, although the crew helped them through it. If you are prone to motion sickness, take that possibility seriously and consider the conditions before booking.

A short swim beside the Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife portion and sailing, the boat stops for about 15 minutes of swimming and snorkeling. The location is next to the cliffs, giving you a striking setting for a quick dip.

The stop is best understood as a refreshing break, not a major underwater session. Fifteen minutes passes quickly, especially once you account for getting ready and getting back aboard. You receive snorkel masks, but not snorkel tubes, and a towel is not supplied.

The water stop has been praised as one of the most memorable parts of the outing. Swimming near the cliffs gives you a different feel for the coast, and it breaks up the time spent seated or standing on the boat. If you prefer not to swim, you can enjoy the boat and scenery instead, though the information provided does not promise a separate land-based alternative.

Use biodegradable sunscreen, and apply it before boarding if possible. You will want sun protection for the sailing and wildlife portions, not just for the swim. A hat and sunglasses are also practical, since much of the outing takes place in open air.

Tapas and drinks after the water stop

The meal is simple but adds real value. Homemade tapas and drinks are served aboard, usually after the swim. The food has received repeated praise, including fresh options for vegetarians and plenty of traditional snacks.

This timing makes sense. You have had time on the water, and the food becomes a pleasant pause before returning to the marina. The meal is not presented as a formal lunch, so do not book this expecting a large restaurant-style spread. Think of it as a generous snack with drinks in a beautiful setting.

Food can make or break a short cruise. Here, it helps the trip feel complete rather than abruptly ending after the wildlife search. You get time to talk with the crew, ask more questions, and enjoy the views without rushing from one activity to the next.

Is the $88 price good value?

At $88 per person, this cruise costs more than a basic large-boat whale-watching outing, but the comparison is not quite fair. You are paying for a maximum group of nine, a 46-foot sailboat, a multilingual crew, a wildlife-first operating policy, a swim stop, and tapas with drinks.

The small group is the biggest value point. If you want a quiet boat with room to move and direct contact with the crew, the price is reasonable. It is also a better fit for couples, families, or small groups that care about atmosphere and responsible wildlife watching.

The value is less clear if your only goal is to see a whale as cheaply as possible. Sightings are not guaranteed, and the tour can last closer to three hours than four. The snorkeling period is brief, so people mainly interested in swimming may prefer a longer water activity.

The excellent 4.9 rating from 215 reviews supports the company’s strengths, especially its crew, food, boat size, and care around animals. Still, I would not treat the rating as a promise of a particular sighting. Nature remains the deciding factor.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you value the following:

• A small, quiet group rather than a crowded boat
• Responsible whale and dolphin watching
• Explanations about marine life and Tenerife
• Scenic sailing beneath Los Gigantes
• A short swim followed by tapas
• The chance to speak directly with the crew
• English, Spanish, or French guiding

Families may enjoy the personal attention, provided everyone is comfortable on a moving boat. Couples and solo visitors may especially appreciate the calm setting. It also suits anyone who wants a gentler alternative to a loud party cruise.

You should think twice if you are highly prone to seasickness, want a long snorkeling session, or need a guaranteed whale sighting. The boat is intimate, but the ocean is still the ocean. Conditions and animal behavior control the day.

The trip is also a good choice for people who care about conservation. The crew’s approach is not just a marketing detail. Keeping distance, reducing engine disturbance, and supporting local cetacean research can change the tone of the whole experience.

Practical details that make the day easier

The listed duration is three to four hours. The rough timing is 90 minutes of wildlife watching, one hour of sailing, 15 minutes of snorkeling, and 15 minutes for the onboard meal. Allow flexibility because time on the water can shift with wildlife and conditions.

You can choose a private or shared outing, although the shared boat still has a maximum of nine passengers. The guide service is available in Spanish, English, and French.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife plans are still changing. Check the available starting times before committing, since the exact departure schedule is not fixed in the information provided.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• Swimwear
• A towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen rated 50 or higher
• A snorkel tube if you want one, since only masks are included

The meeting point uses the Picarus Sailing Club, with Aemon or Ayla as the boat names. Checking that detail in advance prevents an unnecessary scramble at the marina.

Should you book the Picarus Sailing Club cruise?

Yes, if you want a small, thoughtful whale-watching trip rather than a crowded boat ride. The strongest reasons are the nine-person limit, the calm sailing atmosphere, the skilled multilingual crew, and the clear care shown toward whales and dolphins. The tapas and cliffside swim make the three to four hours feel nicely rounded.

I would book it for the overall time at sea, not only for the promise of whales. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, or other marine life, but you may also have a day when sightings are limited. If that sounds acceptable, $88 is a fair price for the boat, personal attention, views, conservation standards, and food.

If you are sensitive to seasickness, prepare carefully or choose another activity. Otherwise, this is one of the better options from Los Gigantes for seeing Tenerife from the water without losing the quiet, personal feel that makes a small sailing trip special.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. The boat name is Aemon or Ayla.

How long does the cruise last?

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

How many people can join the shared boat?

The sailboat carries a maximum of nine passengers. Private and small-group options are available.

What animals might I see?

You might see resident and migratory marine species, including pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles. Sightings are not guaranteed because the animals are wild.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The cruise includes time to swim and snorkel near the cliffs, and snorkel masks are provided. A snorkel tube is not included.

What food is served?

Homemade tapas and drinks are served aboard, generally after the swimming stop. Vegetarian food is available.

What languages are spoken by the guides?

Guiding is available in Spanish, English, and French.