Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

The cliffs are only half the story. This three-hour sailing trip combines pilot whale watching, coastal views, swimming, snorkeling, and a relaxed lunch aboard a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser. With a maximum of 10 people, it feels far more personal than the large catamarans that often crowd the waters off Tenerife.

I like the small group and the generous food and drink service. Eileen, David, Jaime, and other crew members are praised for explaining the marine life clearly while still giving people space to enjoy the sea. The main consideration is simple: wildlife is wild, so whales and dolphins cannot be promised. You should also leave time to find parking and bring your own towel.

Quick points about this Los Gigantes sailing trip

• Pilot whales are a regular highlight: Sightings have included pilot whales, dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, turtles, tuna, seabirds, and even an osprey.
• Only 10 people maximum: The small boat gives you room to sit, take photos, and speak with the crew without shouting across a packed deck.
• Swimming happens near the cliffs: The trip includes time for swimming and snorkeling at a quieter coastal spot.
• Lunch is included: You receive freshly cut fruit, snacks, drinks, and custom-made sandwiches, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
• The boat is a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser: Comfortable bow sunbeds make the sailing itself part of the experience.
• English is offered: A German guide is not available on Sundays or Mondays, so check the language arrangements if that matters to you.

Why the small boat changes the experience

Los Gigantes is one of Tenerife’s most dramatic coastal areas. The cliffs rise sharply from the water, and seeing them from a low sailing boat gives you a different view than a road stop or harbor lookout.

The boat used here is a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser from 2012. It has comfortable sunbeds at the bow, which gives you a good place to stretch out while the boat moves along the coast. With no more than 10 people aboard, the deck does not feel packed. You can usually find a clear angle for photographs, and the crew can answer questions without turning the trip into a formal lecture.

That group size is one of the strongest reasons to consider this outing. Large boats may offer lower prices, but they can make swimming, wildlife watching, and simple conversation feel less personal. Here, the crew can speak with each family or couple individually. That is especially useful if you have children with questions, need help getting ready to swim, or want more information about the animals you see.

The atmosphere also suits a mixed-age group. People ranging from children around age nine to adults in their fifties have enjoyed the outing together. You can take part as much or as little as you like. Sit on the bow, watch the cliffs, ask about marine life, or get in the water when the boat stops.

Sailing beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

The main coastal portion lasts about two hours, within a total experience of roughly three hours. The route centers on Los Gigantes, where the cliffs are the star attraction even if the ocean is quiet.

I would keep your expectations focused on the setting rather than on a guaranteed animal encounter. The crew has found pilot whales, dolphins, and other sea life on many outings, but no responsible operator can promise a particular species on a particular morning or afternoon.

The most frequently noted sightings include pilot whales and dolphins. Some trips have included playful dolphins, a family of bottlenose dolphins with a baby, pods of around 15 pilot whales, and rarer Risso’s dolphins. Other sightings have included turtles, tuna, sea birds, an osprey, and a glimpse of a baby hammerhead shark.

That range tells you something useful. Even when pilot whales do not appear, the outing can still offer a good look at the coast and other marine life. One especially calm day produced dolphins but no pilot whales, and the cliffs and open water still made the trip worthwhile.

The crew is another important part of this section. Jaime, Eileen, David, Mike, and other crew members have been praised for explaining the animals, the sea, the cliffs, and even parts of Spanish history. You are not simply pointed toward a fin and left to guess what you saw. The explanations help you notice behavior and identify species.

Still, this is not a museum exhibit with a fixed schedule. The boat may spend more time watching wildlife when conditions allow, while the exact sequence can change with weather and sea conditions. That flexibility is normal for a wildlife trip.

Swimming and snorkeling near the cliffs

The stop for swimming and snorkeling adds welcome variety to the day. Instead of spending the full three hours seated and scanning the water, you get a chance to cool off and see the coastline from sea level.

The swimming area is described as a quieter spot near the cliffs. The location gives you a strong visual payoff: dark rock walls above, clear open water around you, and the boat waiting nearby. Several people particularly enjoyed the swim and snorkeling portion, and one family called the water at the base of the cliffs a highlight of the day.

You should bring your own towel because towels are not included. You also need to be ready for the possibility of getting in the sea, even if you ultimately choose not to swim. Some people arrived without snorkeling gear and wished they had packed it, especially during a warmer period.

The tour information does not specify all snorkeling equipment provided, so I would confirm that point before setting out if equipment is important to you. What is clear is that swimming and snorkeling are part of the planned experience, not an accidental extra.

This stop may be less appealing if you dislike open-water swimming or feel uneasy around a boat. On the other hand, you can enjoy the views and remain aboard if you prefer. The small group helps here because the crew can give more direct attention to people taking part in the water activities.

Lunch, fruit, and drinks aboard

The food service is more substantial than the usual packet of crackers found on a short boat ride. You receive custom-made sandwiches, fresh fruit, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.

The sandwich options include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. That is a real advantage for a short excursion, especially when you do not want to spend part of the morning searching for food at the harbor. One person with a gluten-free diet specifically received a suitable sandwich.

Drinks include cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks. Having a glass of cava or local wine while looking back toward the cliffs can make the sailing feel pleasantly unhurried. Use common sense with alcohol, particularly if you plan to swim or if the sea is moving.

The meal is described as tasty and filling without being excessive. It is best viewed as a good onboard lunch rather than a restaurant meal. The sandwiches and fruit keep the day easy, and the crew continues offering snacks and drinks during the outing.

If you have a serious allergy, contact the operator before departure. The stated options cover vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free needs, but no detailed allergen information is provided.

What the crew adds to the trip

The repeated praise for the crew is not just about being friendly. The strongest comments point to three practical qualities: clear explanations, careful attention, and a willingness to answer questions.

Jaime has been singled out as an excellent captain, while Eileen and David are often praised for creating a warm atmosphere and explaining the wildlife in more than one language. The crew has also offered useful suggestions for places to visit elsewhere in Tenerife, which can help you get more from your stay.

The language setup deserves a quick note. English is offered, but the German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays. If German support matters to you, avoid those days or confirm the arrangements before booking.

A small boat also means the crew is close at hand if you feel seasick. One person became uncomfortable on the water and was looked after by the staff. That does not remove the chance of motion sickness, but it is reassuring to know the crew pays attention.

If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking standard precautions before sailing. The experience takes place on the open sea, and conditions can change. The operator may cancel if the weather is poor, which is a sensible safety measure.

Price, timing, and practical value

At $90.70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the coast. It is also not simply a three-hour transport ride. The price includes the boat, crew, wildlife viewing, swimming and snorkeling time, lunch, fruit, snacks, bottled water, and several drink choices.

The small group is the key value. You are paying for space, direct contact with the crew, and a calmer setting than a large shared vessel. If you mainly want the lowest possible fare and do not care how many people are aboard, another boat may suit you better. If you want room to move and a more personal day, this price is easier to justify.

The meeting point is Third Element Charters at Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, in Los Gigantes. The trip returns to the same place. Some bookings have included hotel pickup, but that is not presented as a standard inclusion for every booking, so confirm it before relying on a transfer.

Give yourself extra time to park and reach the marina. Missing the departure would be a costly mistake, especially since people have specifically warned that parking can take longer than expected.

Mobile tickets are accepted, and confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The activity is near public transportation, service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. It is not described as wheelchair accessible, so anyone needing specific mobility arrangements should check directly before reserving.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Since the experience depends on good weather, a weather cancellation leads to either another date or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and small groups who want several activities in one outing. You get wildlife watching, sailing, coastal scenery, food, and time in the water without having to organize separate bookings.

It is also a good fit if you prefer a quiet boat with personal service. The limited number of people makes it easier to take photographs, lie on the bow, and speak with the crew. Families benefit from the flexible pace and the chance to see animals in the open sea rather than in an aquarium.

People seeking a guaranteed whale encounter should be more cautious. Pilot whales have been seen often, but nature does not follow the timetable. The scenery, dolphins, seabirds, and other sea life help make the outing worthwhile when the main target species stays out of sight.

You should also think about the sea itself. If you do not like boats, open water, or swimming from a vessel, this may not be your best Tenerife excursion. Pack a towel, sun protection, and anything you need for the water. Keep your schedule flexible enough to arrive early at the marina.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing charter?

I would book this trip if you value a small group, good crew interaction, and a well-rounded morning or afternoon on the water. The strongest features are the maximum of 10 people, the attractive Bavaria Cruiser, the time near the cliffs, and the included food and drinks.

Book with realistic expectations about wildlife. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, or something rarer, but the cliffs and the sailing remain worthwhile even without a perfect sighting. For many people, that mix of scenery, sea time, swimming, and personal service makes $90.70 a fair price.

FAQ

Where does the Los Gigantes whale watching trip start?

It starts at Third Element Charters Whale Watching and Sailing Charters, Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, 38683, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the boat trip finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately three hours. The time around Los Gigantes is listed as about two hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What type of boat is used?

The boat is a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser from 2012, with comfortable sunbeds at the bow.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Included items are cava, wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, fresh fruit, snacks, and custom-made sandwiches.

Are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim or snorkel.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.