Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

Los Gigantes is best appreciated from the water, where its dark cliffs rise above the Atlantic and pilot whales can glide close to a small sailing boat. This three-hour trip combines wildlife watching, a swim and snorkel stop, and a relaxed meal without packing a full day onto the schedule.

I like the small group of up to 10 and the crew’s clear care for marine life. I also like the fresh sandwiches, fruit, drinks, and the chance to help raise the sail when conditions allow. The main consideration is simple: wild animals keep their own timetable, so whale sightings are never guaranteed, and a few people may feel seasick.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: You may also see dolphins, turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life.
• The boat carries no more than 10 participants: You have room to move around and watch from different spots.
• Swimming and snorkeling come at a beautiful coastal cove: Equipment is provided, but bring your own towel.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• The crew speaks four languages: Spanish, English, French, and German are available.
• The cruise takes three hours: About two hours focus on sailing and wildlife, followed by roughly 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

Why the small sailing boat makes a difference

Many whale-watching trips are built around large boats and large crowds. This one uses a sailing boat with space for a maximum of 10 participants, which changes the feel of the outing. You can move around more easily, find a good viewing place, and enjoy the cliffs without feeling packed in.

I like this setup for another reason: it keeps the trip personal. The guides can answer questions, explain what you are seeing, and keep an eye on the group during the swim. Several crew members are mentioned by name in the supplied details, including David, Jamie, and Eileen. The exact crew may vary, but the operation is multilingual in Spanish, English, French, and German.

The boat is described as clean, comfortable, and well maintained. That matters on a three-hour trip. You are not simply sitting through a short ride to a viewing area. You will spend a good part of the time at sea, so a tidy boat, room to spread out, and attentive crew make the experience easier.

There is one detail worth knowing before you book. The sailing element depends on the wind and sea conditions. You may help raise the sail and travel under wind power, but the boat may also use its engine. If you are booking because you want a pure sailing lesson, keep your expectations flexible. This is first a wildlife and coastal cruise, with sailing as part of the experience when conditions suit it.

Leaving Los Gigantes beneath the cliffs

You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, at Pier 1, mooring number 156, in the port of Los Gigantes. The location is easy to identify with the supplied Google Maps link, but allow enough time to reach the marina and find the correct mooring.

The first strong view comes as you leave port. Los Gigantes is known for its huge coastal cliffs, and seeing them from sea level gives you a much better sense of their scale than viewing them from land. The return journey also follows the cliffs, so this is not a one-time glimpse at the start.

The boat heads into the Atlantic to look for marine life. The outing is described as intimate rather than rushed. You can sit and watch the water, move to another side of the boat, or ask the crew about the local sea life and the Canary Islands.

The open water can be calm, but conditions can change. If you are prone to seasickness, take suitable medication before departure. One person specifically advised doing this after seeing some passengers feel unwell. Bring breathable, comfortable clothing, and pack a change of clothes in case spray or swimming leaves you damp.

Looking for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles

The main wildlife period lasts about two hours. Pilot whales are the most frequently mentioned sighting, and the cruise can sometimes find family groups, calves, and whales swimming close to the boat. Dolphins are also regularly reported, sometimes playing near the vessel. Turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life add variety when the larger animals are not nearby.

I appreciate the way the trip is presented as wildlife watching rather than a guaranteed animal show. The crew’s approach is to respect the animals and avoid chasing them. That can mean the boat slows down, waits, or keeps its distance. It may also mean you see less on one outing than on another. That is the honest tradeoff for watching wild creatures on their own terms.

The supplied experiences include sightings of pilot whales with young calves, large groups of dolphins, turtles, and even a protected seabird chick that needed help. Another account describes the crew removing an old net from the water. These details suggest that the crew pays attention to more than the headline animals. You are encouraged to keep looking at the water, not just wait for a whale fin.

You should still be realistic. No responsible operator can promise whales, dolphins, or turtles on every departure. The overall rating is very high, and the wildlife sightings are often excellent, but nature does not follow a booking calendar. I would choose this trip if you value the chance to see animals in the wild and the time on the water itself. I would not book it if a specific species is essential to your holiday plans.

The guide commentary adds value here. David, Jamie, Eileen, and other crew members explain the animals, the sea, and the local area in a friendly, accessible way. You do not need a background in marine biology to enjoy it. The multilingual service is useful for mixed groups and for anyone who prefers to ask questions in Spanish, English, French, or German.

A short swim and snorkel stop by Los Gigantes

After the wildlife search, the boat anchors at a small cove for about 30 minutes. This is a welcome change of pace. Instead of scanning the horizon, you can get into the water, swim, or use the supplied snorkeling equipment.

The cove is described as beautiful, with clear water and colorful fish seen on some outings. The cliffs provide the setting, but the water conditions will decide how much you can see. Snorkeling here is a pleasant extra, not a full reef excursion. You get a short chance to cool off and look below the surface before returning to the boat.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Towels are not included, so this is an easy item to forget. You should also wear comfortable, breathable clothing for the sailing portion and pack anything you need to feel secure in the water.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You need to board the boat, move around it, and get in and out of the water if you choose to swim. If you do not feel confident in the sea, you can remain on board, and the crew’s attentive approach is useful, but the operator does not list the tour as suitable for mobility-impaired participants.

Fresh food, drinks, and an easy return

Once you are back aboard, the crew serves fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, but you should make your needs clear when booking or before departure.

The food is more substantial than the usual packet of snacks. The supplied details describe fresh sandwiches, tasty fillings, and a gluten-free option. Vegan visitors also have a specific choice, which makes this trip more practical for mixed groups.

Drinks include cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks. Some people particularly enjoyed a chilled glass of white wine on the way back. I would treat the alcohol as a pleasant extra rather than the point of the trip. You are still on a moving boat, and moderation makes sense if you plan to swim or if the sea is unsettled.

The return to Los Gigantes is deliberately slow, giving you another chance to see the cliffs from the water. After the wildlife search and swim, this quieter section lets you take photos, eat, and talk with the crew. Photos are not included, so bring a camera or phone if you want your own record. The operator may sometimes share images or videos, but that is not listed as a standard inclusion, so do not count on it.

Is the $88 price fair?

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest boat outing you may see in Tenerife. Los Gigantes has plenty of marine excursions, and some larger boats may advertise lower prices. The useful question is what you receive for the difference.

This trip includes three hours on the water, a small group limited to 10, whale watching, time to swim and snorkel, snorkeling gear, fruit, homemade sandwiches, and a broad range of drinks. You also get a sailing boat rather than a basic transport vessel, plus multilingual guidance and a more personal setting.

For me, the strongest value comes from the group size. A lower-cost cruise can make sense if you only want a quick look at the coast. At this price, you are paying for space, a slower pace, food, and a crew that can spend more time with each person. The value is especially good if you care about responsible wildlife watching and do not want to be packed onto a large boat.

The price is less compelling if you are mainly interested in swimming. The snorkeling stop lasts around 30 minutes, so this is not a dedicated water sports trip. It is also less suitable if you want a guaranteed whale encounter. You are paying for a well-planned chance to see wildlife, not a promise.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to couples, solo visitors, families with older children, and anyone who wants a calm half-day on the sea. Children aged 10 and 11 have enjoyed the combination of animals, swimming, food, and cliffs, according to the supplied experiences. The small group also works well for solo participants, since the crew makes an effort to include people traveling alone.

It suits people who enjoy learning a little as they go. The guides talk about marine life, Tenerife, and the Canary Islands, and the conversation is part of the appeal. You are not left to stare at the water without context.

It is also a good choice for visitors concerned about animal welfare. The crew is described as respectful, avoids chasing wildlife, and pays attention to environmental problems such as discarded nets. You may not get the closest possible approach, but that restraint is a positive part of the experience.

I would think twice if you dislike boats, have serious seasickness concerns, need step-free access, or want a long snorkeling session. I would also avoid booking this as your only wildlife plan if seeing a whale is the main purpose of your holiday. Even strong local conditions cannot control the animals.

The cancellation policy gives you some useful flexibility: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Check the current departure time when choosing a date, since availability and start times vary.

My practical verdict

I like this cruise because it keeps the focus in the right order: wild animals first, scenery second, and food and swimming as well judged extras. The 10-person limit, thoughtful crew, and included meal make it feel more personal than a standard coastal boat ride.

Book it if you want a compact, comfortable experience that combines pilot whale and dolphin watching with Los Gigantes scenery. Bring a towel, prepare for possible seasickness, and accept that sightings depend on nature. At $88, it is worth the money for the small group and full three-hour format, but it is not the right pick for a guaranteed encounter or a serious snorkeling expedition.

FAQ

Where does the Los Gigantes whale-watching cruise begin?

Meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Pier 1, mooring number 156, in the port of Los Gigantes.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts three hours. About two hours are set aside for sailing and marine-life viewing, followed by roughly 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

What animals might I see?

The cruise looks for dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles. You might also see seabirds, flying fish, and other marine life, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with time to swim and snorkel at a small coastal cove.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, and drinks including cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available.

What languages do the guides speak?

Guides are available in Spanish, English, French, and German. The group is limited to 10 participants, and the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.