Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes

The ocean is the main attraction here. This three-hour boat trip from Los Gigantes combines pilot whale and dolphin watching with a swim near Tenerife’s dramatic cliffs. The small group, capped at 10 people, is a major plus. It feels far more personal than a large sightseeing boat, and captains Antonio and Francisco are frequently praised for their local knowledge and friendly manner.

I especially like the chance to snorkel in a quiet cove, with equipment, drinks, and light food included. I also like the setting: the cliffs of Los Gigantes and the protected Teno Rural Park look best from the water. The main consideration is that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the boat may use its engine rather than sail if the wind is weak. A few reports also raise concerns about smoking, music, and communication, so this is not a perfect fit for every family.

Key points to know before booking

• Small Bavaria 44 sailboat: The boat carries no more than 10 people, and some departures have had only six or seven passengers.
• Pilot whales are the main wildlife draw: Dolphins, turtles, fish, seabirds, and other marine life may also appear.
• Snorkeling is part of the outing: You stop in a sheltered spot for swimming and snorkeling, with gear provided.
• Los Gigantes looks different from offshore: The cliffs, ravines, and nearby Teno coast create the visual highlight of the trip.
• Food is simple but more than a token snack: Expect items such as ham, melon, tortilla, dried meats, fruit, tapas, and soft drinks.
• Arrive early: Parking around the marina can be difficult, and a late arrival can delay the whole group.

Setting out from the Los Gigantes marina

Your meeting point is MPC Yacht Charter at the marina, near Yate El Mojo Picon on Calle Poblado Marinero. The boat returns to this same spot after the three-hour outing.

I would arrive early. Parking near Los Gigantes can be tight, and one particularly useful tip from the trip is to allow extra time for road construction or delays. The boat waits for late arrivals only at the cost of everyone else’s time, so punctuality matters here.

The first impression is the scale of the boat. This is not a packed catamaran with dozens of people spread across several decks. The vessel is described as a Bavaria 44, a comfortable sailboat with enough room for a small group of up to 10. That limit makes a real difference when you want to look over the rail, take photos, or move around during the snorkeling stop.

The small format also lets the captain adjust the outing to conditions and wildlife activity. You can sit quietly, ask questions, or simply watch the sea without a crowd pressing around you. For couples, families, and anyone who finds large boat tours tiring, this is one of the strongest reasons to consider the trip.

Los Gigantes cliffs from the water

The boat heads along the coast beside the Acantilado de Los Gigantes, the towering cliff area that gives the town its name. From sea level, the rock walls feel especially imposing. Ravines and coastal folds appear in a way you cannot see from roads or viewpoints above.

The route also takes in the setting around Teno Rural Park, one of Tenerife’s protected areas. The captain may point out the cliffs, the surrounding islands, Mount Teide, and the geography of the coast while the boat moves along.

This is not just a wildlife outing with scenery added on. The cliffs are one of the main reasons the trip feels special even during a quiet stretch with no animals. You get a different view of Tenerife, away from resort streets and roads, with the dark volcanic coast rising behind the boat.

The best photos usually come from combining the two sights: a whale or dolphin in the foreground, and Los Gigantes behind it. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect every sighting to happen right beside the boat. Wildlife moves on its own schedule.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

Pilot whales, called tropical calderones in the description, are the most consistent wildlife focus. Several outings have found large pods, and some have also seen dolphins swimming near the boat. Other sightings have included sea turtles, colorful fish, seabirds, and more than one type of dolphin.

The captain’s role is important here. Antonio is praised for years of experience in the area, while Francisco is described as an attentive guide who explains the animals and the island. Captains may also communicate with other boats to share information about where wildlife has been spotted. That does not mean the boat is following a fixed parade route. It means the search area is broad and conditions change.

You should keep your expectations sensible. One outing saw dolphins but no pilot whales. Another found whales despite choppy water. A separate trip saw many dolphins after loud New Year’s Eve noise had apparently pushed the whales farther offshore. Those examples make the key point clear: the ocean is not a zoo.

The best part is the chance to see animals in their natural setting. You may watch a pod surface, follow a dolphin near the hull, or see a turtle before the boat continues along the coast. The experience is less predictable than a guaranteed attraction, but that uncertainty is part of its appeal.

The captain provides information about marine life in both English and Spanish. The explanations can cover whales, dolphins, the cliffs, Teno Rural Park, the location of Teide, and the surrounding islands. Some people found the commentary engaging and detailed. Others felt the captain spent too much time talking with other boats or with Spanish-speaking passengers. If you need constant narration in English, it is worth keeping that mixed feedback in mind.

A swim and snorkel beneath the cliffs

After the wildlife search and coastal cruise, the boat stops in a quieter cove for swimming and snorkeling. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel.

The location is part of the attraction. Past outings have stopped near the mouth of a ravine, with the cliffs behind the boat and clear, dark-blue water below. The water may reveal colorful fish and other small marine life. Some people simply swim, while others stay aboard and enjoy the view.

This stop gives the three-hour trip a welcome change of pace. Whale watching asks you to remain alert and patient. Snorkeling lets you get in the water and do something active. If you are traveling with mixed interests, that combination works well.

Still, sea conditions matter. One outing took place in choppy water, while another had calm seas. The information provided does not promise a specific snorkeling cove or water temperature, and poor weather can cancel the trip. If you are prone to seasickness, consider bringing whatever personal remedy you normally use and tell the operator about any concerns before departure.

Snacks, drinks, and the pace of the trip

Food is included, but you should think of it as a light snack or simple lunch rather than a full restaurant meal. Descriptions include ham, melon, tortilla, assorted tapas, fruit, dried meats, and soft drinks. Some outings also included beer, while the formal tour details specifically mention snacks and drinks rather than a full meal.

The food seems to be one of the more appreciated parts of the trip. It gives you something pleasant to enjoy after swimming and keeps the outing from feeling like three straight hours of watching the horizon.

The food service has also drawn criticism on at least one outing, with complaints about stale items and lukewarm water. The operator says products are bought fresh each day. My practical advice is simple: treat the refreshments as a bonus, not the main reason to book. If you need a substantial meal, eat before boarding or plan food for afterward.

Smoking is another point to consider. Most descriptions praise the atmosphere, but two negative accounts objected to cigarette smoke near children and people feeling seasick. The operator says the boat is open-air and that the captain tries not to bother anyone. If smoke is a serious problem for you, ask about the current onboard policy before paying.

How the small group changes the experience

The 10-person maximum is the tour’s clearest advantage. Some departures have carried only six or seven people, and one outing had eight. That gives you more room than a packed whale-watching boat and makes it easier to hear the captain.

A small boat also creates a calmer mood. You can stretch out, take photos without fighting for a railing, and ask about the island or animals. Couples get a more peaceful outing, while families can keep children closer and move at their own pace.

The tradeoff is that your comfort depends more on the captain’s habits and the behavior of the group. On a large boat, you can move to another section. On a 44-foot sailboat with a maximum of 10 people, music, smoking, or uneven attention affects everyone.

Most accounts describe Antonio or Francisco as warm, helpful, and good company. One captain even retrieved a passenger’s phone after it fell into the marina. That is an unusual act of service, though you should not test the policy by dropping your own phone.

Is $84.69 good value?

At $84.69 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. It is also not simply a short whale-watching ride. The price covers about three hours, a small group, the coastal cruise, wildlife search, snorkeling equipment, a swimming stop, and food and drinks.

I think the value is strongest if you care about comfort and group size. A larger boat may offer a lower price, but it will not give you the same quiet setting or personal contact with the captain. The price also makes more sense if you plan to swim and snack onboard rather than treating the wildlife search as the only activity.

The value is weaker if your sole goal is guaranteed whale sightings or actual sailing under canvas. One person gave the outing four stars because the boat used its engine throughout. The operator explained that no wind left no practical choice. That is fair, but it means the word sailing describes the boat type and style more than a promise that the sails will be raised.

Who should book this Los Gigantes boat trip?

I would recommend it to couples, small families, photographers, and people who prefer quiet boats to crowded excursions. It works particularly well if you want several experiences in one outing: cliffs, whales, dolphins, swimming, snorkeling, and a light meal.

It is also a good choice for nature lovers who understand that wildlife sightings vary. The strongest outings combine a large pilot whale pod, playful dolphins, and clear water beneath the cliffs. A quieter day can still be worthwhile because the coast itself is impressive.

I would be more cautious if you are very sensitive to smoke, need a fully polished food service, or expect a formal naturalist presentation throughout the trip. The guide may provide useful commentary, but the atmosphere is informal and dependent on the captain and group.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation, though the supplied details do not specify a shuttle from hotels. The tour is offered in English, with explanations also given in Spanish.

Weather, cancellation, and timing details

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, so keep the local Tenerife time in mind.

The advertised duration is approximately three hours. The activity begins and ends at the Los Gigantes marina, making it easy to pair with time in the town or a meal afterward.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a small, personal boat outing rather than a mass-market cruise. The combination of pilot whales, dolphins, Los Gigantes cliffs, a snorkeling stop, and simple refreshments gives you a lot in three hours.

I would book with two expectations: the ocean controls the wildlife, and the experience may be motor-powered. Arrive early, bring sun protection and a camera, and confirm the smoking arrangements if that matters to you. For most people seeking a relaxed look at Tenerife from the sea, the small boat and spectacular coast make the $84.69 fare reasonable.

FAQ

Where does the Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes start?

It starts at MPC Yacht Charter, at Yate El Mojo Picon in the Los Gigantes marina, on C. Poblado 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 Los Gigantes marina.

How long does the boat trip last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English, and the captain also gives explanations in both English and Spanish.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, fish, seabirds, and other marine species. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes equipment for snorkeling during the stop in a quiet cove.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Snacks and drinks are served onboard. Examples include tapas, ham, melon, tortilla, fruit, and soft drinks.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of people may also result in a new date or a full refund.