Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

The cliffs are only half the show. This three-hour sailing trip pairs pilot whale and dolphin watching with a swim beneath the dramatic cliffs of Los Gigantes. I like the small group of no more than 10 people, and I like that the crew treats the ocean as a shared home rather than a stage for chasing animals.

I also appreciate the thoughtful food and drink service. Fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, cava, wine, beer and soft drinks make this feel more polished than a basic boat outing. The main consideration is simple: wildlife is wild, so sightings can change, and some people may find the open-water ride uncomfortable.

Key things to know before booking

• Small boat, maximum 10 people: You have room to move around, watch from different sides and ask the crew questions without shouting across a packed deck.
• Pilot whales are the main prize: Dolphins, turtles, flying fish and other sea life are also possible, but no sighting is guaranteed.
• Los Gigantes looks best from the water: The return sail gives you a strong view of the towering coastal cliffs.
• A real swim stop is included: You get about 30 minutes to swim or snorkel at a small cove, with equipment provided.
• Food is part of the experience: Fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches are served, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices available.
• Bring a towel and spare clothes: Towels are not supplied, and you can expect to get wet during the swim stop.

Why this Los Gigantes cruise feels different

Tenerife has no shortage of boat trips, but this one is designed around a quieter experience. The boat leaves from Los Gigantes, on the southwest coast, and heads into the Atlantic in search of marine life. The group limit matters. With only 10 people, you are not fighting for a view or squeezed shoulder to shoulder on a large excursion boat.

The sailing boat also gives the trip a more relaxed rhythm. If the wind is suitable, you can help raise the sail and cross the water under wind power. The crew may also use the boat’s engine, so do not book this expecting uninterrupted sailing from start to finish. One person specifically found it disappointing when the sail was raised but not used, which is a fair warning for sailing purists.

For most people, the charm is not speed. It is the chance to sit on a clean, well-kept boat, watch the sea and cliffs slide past, and wait for animals to appear without the feel of a crowded wildlife bus on water.

The guides are a major part of the appeal. David, Jamie, Eileen and other crew members are praised for being warm, attentive and well informed about Tenerife, the Canary Islands and local marine life. The team speaks Spanish, English, French and German, which is useful when a group includes people from several countries.

Setting off from Pier 1 in Los Gigantes

You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching and Sailing Charters, at Pier 1, mooring number 156. The exact starting time depends on availability, so check the schedule when booking. The excursion lasts three hours in total.

Los Gigantes is a fitting departure point. The town is known for its huge coastal cliffs, and the views begin before you even leave the marina. Once aboard, the crew gets everyone settled and explains what to expect. The boat has enough space for a small group to spread out, which makes a real difference during a three-hour outing.

Wear breathable, comfortable clothes rather than your smartest holiday outfit. Bring swimwear, a towel and a dry change of clothes. Towels are not included, and the combination of sea spray, swimming and snorkeling means a dry layer is useful for the journey back.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The supplied information does not give a specific boarding arrangement, so anyone with access concerns should confirm directly before reserving.

Two hours searching for whales and dolphins

The main wildlife portion lasts about two hours. The crew takes the boat into the Atlantic and watches for dolphins, pilot whales and turtles in their natural setting.

Pilot whales are the most consistent highlight in the available accounts. Groups have included adults and calves, with some animals approaching very close to the sailboat. Dolphins have also been seen swimming beside the boat or playing around it. Turtles, flying fish and seabirds add variety, and one outing included a turtle, pilot whales and dolphins on the same trip.

You should keep your eyes moving. The crew will help spot animals, but wildlife can surface on different sides of the boat. A small group makes this easier because you can shift position without blocking a row of people behind you.

The best part is the respectful approach. The crew is described as careful around the animals, with no chasing or aggressive maneuvering. They have also stopped to remove an old net from the water and helped a protected seabird chick in trouble. Those details matter if you want wildlife viewing that feels responsible, not merely exciting.

Still, you should set realistic expectations. One trip saw dolphins and a turtle but no whales. Another had pilot whales close to the boat. Both outcomes are normal for a wildlife cruise. The crew can improve your chances, but they cannot order nature to appear on schedule.

The Atlantic may also be calm or choppy. One account specifically recommends taking motion sickness medication in advance because some people felt seasick. If you are prone to motion sickness, this is sensible preparation for any open-water trip.

What happens between sightings

Wildlife watching is not a constant show. There may be stretches when the crew scans the water and you simply enjoy the sea air. That is where the small-group format earns its price. You can relax rather than compete for space, and you can talk with the crew about the ocean, Tenerife and the islands.

Drinks are served during the cruise, including cava, red and white wine, beer and soft drinks. Fresh fruit is also provided. The service gives the outing a gentle, almost picnic-like feel, but remember that alcohol is optional and not necessary to enjoy the wildlife.

The crew’s ability to speak several languages is another practical strength. It helps when instructions about movement, swimming or snorkeling need to be clear. It also makes the natural-history explanations easier to follow for an international group.

Some accounts describe the hosts as especially welcoming to solo participants and families. Children aged 10 and 11 were reported to have enjoyed the trip, though the supplied information does not set a minimum age. Families should still consider the three-hour duration, open water and swimming stop when deciding if it fits their children.

The 30-minute swim and snorkeling stop

After the wildlife search, the boat anchors at a small cove along the Tenerife coast, near the Los Gigantes cliffs. You get about 30 minutes to swim or snorkel, and snorkeling equipment is included.

This stop changes the pace nicely. Instead of only looking at the sea from above, you get a chance to enter it. Clear water and colorful fish were reported at the snorkeling spot, though conditions can vary. You should not expect a dedicated reef excursion, but it is a pleasant way to finish the time offshore.

Bring your own towel because none is provided. A change of clothes is also worth packing, even if you plan only a quick swim. Wear comfortable clothing that will not bother you after getting wet.

The stop may appeal to confident swimmers most. The information provided does not describe a formal swimming lesson or specific flotation support, so you should be comfortable in the sea and follow the crew’s instructions. If you prefer to stay aboard, you can still enjoy the cove and the views, but the swim is one of the tour’s main features.

Sandwiches, fruit and drinks on the way back

After swimming, you return to the boat for freshly made sandwiches and fruit. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available, which is a real advantage for a small excursion where food choices can otherwise be limited.

The food receives unusually strong praise. The sandwiches are described as tasty and generous, and one person specifically appreciated receiving a gluten-free option. A vegan participant also found the meal suitable and received useful suggestions for local restaurants from Eileen.

The return trip is intentionally slower. Rather than rushing back, the boat follows the coast and gives you time to look up at Los Gigantes from the water. The cliffs are impressive from land, but their scale makes more sense when you are below them, looking up from the sea.

This final section is also a good time to enjoy a drink and talk with the crew. It turns the trip into more than a wildlife checklist. You get sea views, food, a swim and a chance to learn about the area in one compact outing.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest boat trip around Tenerife. You can find larger excursions and simpler wildlife outings for less. The question is what you are paying for.

Here, the price includes a three-hour cruise, a small group capped at 10, a sailing boat, wildlife watching, a swim and snorkeling stop, equipment, food and several drinks. The crew’s multilingual service and strong focus on responsible wildlife viewing add value that is difficult to measure on a simple price list.

I would consider it good value if you want comfort, personal attention and a calm pace. It is less compelling if your only goal is the lowest-cost way to get offshore, or if you want a fast, high-energy adventure.

The small group is the key difference. With fewer people aboard, you have a better chance of finding a clear viewing spot and speaking directly with the crew. You are also paying for a more personal setting rather than simply a seat on a boat.

Who will enjoy this most?

This cruise suits couples, solo visitors, families with older children and anyone who prefers a quieter boat outing. It is especially good for people who care about animal welfare and want the crew to explain what they are seeing.

It also works well if you want several Tenerife experiences in one morning or afternoon: open-water wildlife watching, a coastal view of Los Gigantes, snorkeling and a light meal.

You may want another type of excursion if you dislike boats, suffer badly from motion sickness or cannot manage boarding and movement on a boat. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the open-water setting is not completely predictable.

It is also not the right choice if you need guaranteed whale sightings. The crew has had excellent encounters with pilot whales, but nature decides the schedule. Dolphins or turtles may become the highlight instead.

Booking and practical details

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option allows you to hold a place without paying immediately. That flexibility is useful when weather or other Tenerife plans are still unsettled.

The meeting point is Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching and Sailing Charters, Pier 1, mooring number 156. Use the exact meeting information when planning your route, since the marina may have several boats and operators.

The excursion is offered with a live guide in Spanish, English, French and German. Snorkeling gear, food and drinks are included, but towels and photos are not.

I would arrive ready for the water rather than treating this as a formal sightseeing cruise. Pack swimwear under your clothes, bring a towel and spare layer, and consider motion sickness medicine if you know you need it.

Should you book the Los Gigantes whale watching cruise?

I would book this trip if you value a small group, respectful wildlife viewing and a comfortable boat with good food. The combination of pilot whale watching, cliff views and snorkeling gives you plenty for three hours, and the crew seems to be the strongest part of the experience.

Book with flexible expectations. You may see pilot whales close to the boat, dolphins, turtles, flying fish or seabirds, but no wildlife encounter is guaranteed. At $88, it makes sense for a more personal and polished outing, not for the cheapest possible boat ride.

If that tradeoff suits you, this is one of the better ways to experience Tenerife’s southwest coast from the water.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching and Sailing Charters at Pier 1, mooring number 156, in Los Gigantes.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts three hours.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

What animals might I see?

You might see dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish and seabirds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Time to swim and snorkel is included, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

How long is the swimming stop?

The swimming and snorkeling stop lasts about 30 minutes.

Is food included?

Yes. Fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches are included.

Are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals available?

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

What drinks are included?

Included drinks include cava, red and white wine, beer and soft drinks.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring one along with swimwear and a change of clothes.