Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes

The best part of this Los Gigantes boat trip is the mix of wildlife and scenery. You head out from the marina toward the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes, where pilot whales and dolphins often appear, then stop in a quiet cove for swimming or snorkeling. The small group, capped at 10 people, makes the outing feel calm rather than crowded.

I like the intimate yacht setting and the chance to see Tenerife from the water, with snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear included in the price. The main consideration is that this is not always a true sailing trip: if the wind is weak, the skipper uses the engine for the full route. Smoking and occasional language issues have also been concerns for some passengers, so this may not suit everyone.

At a glance

• Pilot whales are the main wildlife prize: Dolphins, turtles, calderons, fish, and seabirds may also appear.
• The boat carries no more than 10 people: That is a major advantage over large whale-watching vessels.
• Los Gigantes looks different from sea level: The cliffs and nearby barrancos form the backdrop for the whole outing.
• Swimming and snorkeling are built in: Equipment is provided, and the stop takes place in a quiet cove when conditions allow.
• Antonio and Francisco are among the skippers: The experience includes local information about the sea, cliffs, Teno Rural Park, and marine life.
• The price is $84.69 per person: For three hours with wildlife viewing, food, drinks, and gear, it offers fair value if you want a small boat.

Why this three-hour trip feels different

Many boat excursions around Tenerife focus on getting as many people as possible onto the water. This one takes the opposite approach. The maximum of 10 passengers gives you more room to watch the sea, move around the boat, and speak with the skipper without fighting for attention.

That small capacity matters most during wildlife sightings. If dolphins appear beside the yacht or a pod of pilot whales surfaces nearby, you are not looking over rows of heads. You also avoid the party-boat feel that can take over larger excursions.

The yacht used for some outings is a Bavaria 44, and the meeting point is at Puerto Deportivo in Los Gigantes. The boat has been described as comfortable for groups of seven to ten people, though space will naturally feel tighter when everyone is standing on deck or preparing to snorkel.

The experience lasts about three hours. That is long enough to reach the wildlife area, spend time along the cliffs, stop for a swim, and enjoy food before returning to the marina. It is also short enough to fit into a morning or afternoon without taking over your day.

Leaving Los Gigantes for Teno Rural Park

The trip begins at MPC Yacht Charter, at the marina near Yate El Mojo Picon on Calle Pueblo Marinero. You return to this same meeting point at the end.

From the water, Los Gigantes is far more impressive than it can seem from town. The dark volcanic cliffs rise sharply from the ocean, and the view changes as the yacht moves along the coast. You may see the cliffs near Masca and the rugged coast associated with Teno Rural Park, one of the protected areas around Tenerife.

The skipper provides information about the cliffs, the geography of the area, the position and height of Teide, and the surrounding sea. The explanations are given in English and Spanish. If Antonio is at the helm, you can expect a lively host who has been described as especially good at sharing facts about the island and marine life. Francisco has also been praised for finding large pods of pilot whales and keeping passengers informed.

The route is shaped by the sea and by the animals. The boat does not simply follow a fixed sightseeing circuit. The skipper communicates with other boats to locate cetaceans, which means the exact route and timing can change during the outing.

One detail is worth knowing before you book: despite the word sailing in the tour name, the yacht may travel under motor power. A passenger specifically noted that the boat used the engine throughout because there was not enough wind. The operator explained that this is necessary to complete the route when the breeze is too light. If you want a quiet, sail-only outing, this is a possible disappointment.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins

The waters off southwest Tenerife are known here for regular sightings of short-finned pilot whales, called tropical calderons in the tour description. These are usually the main target, and several outings have found large pods close to the yacht.

You may also see bottlenose or other dolphins, sea turtles, fish, and seabirds. Sightings are never guaranteed, and the animals decide where the boat goes. One outing saw plenty of dolphins but no pilot whales, reportedly because loud New Year celebrations had pushed the whales farther offshore. That is a useful reminder that wildlife trips depend on weather, sea conditions, and the animals themselves.

When the skipper spots whales or dolphins, the boat slows and positions itself for viewing. The best moments may be brief: a dorsal fin, a group surfacing together, or dolphins moving alongside the hull. You should bring realistic expectations. A close encounter is possible, but no responsible operator can promise one.

The size of the yacht helps here. You can watch from different parts of the boat and take photographs without being packed tightly against strangers. Still, keep your camera ready. The sightings may last only seconds, and a phone held safely in a waterproof case is more useful than a large camera that takes too long to operate.

The trip is described as respectful of the animals, with the skipper aiming to disturb them as little as possible. That is important. A good wildlife outing is not measured only by how close the boat gets, but also by how calmly it behaves around the animals.

Swimming and snorkeling beneath the cliffs

After the wildlife search, the yacht heads to a quiet cove when sea and weather conditions permit. This is the relaxed middle section of the outing, with time to swim from the back of the boat or use the included snorkeling equipment.

The water has been described as clear and dark blue, with colorful fish visible around the coves. Some outings stopped near the mouth of a barranco, with the Los Gigantes cliffs behind the swimmers. That setting gives the swim a strong sense of place. You are not simply jumping into a generic hotel pool or stopping at a busy beach.

Snorkeling is optional. You can swim, remain on the boat, or simply enjoy the view. That makes the activity workable for mixed groups, including people who want marine life but are not keen swimmers.

Sea conditions can change, and the stop may not feel the same on every departure. Choppy water can make swimming less appealing, while calm conditions produce the serene break described by many passengers. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a secure way to protect your phone. The supplied information confirms that snorkeling equipment is included, but it does not specify whether wetsuits are provided.

Tapas, drinks, and the question of value

The $84.69 price is not the cheapest way to reach the water around Tenerife, but it includes more than a simple boat ride. You get roughly three hours aboard a small yacht, wildlife searching, a snorkeling stop, equipment, snacks, and drinks.

The food is best understood as a light onboard spread rather than a full restaurant meal. Descriptions include tapas, melon, assorted cured meats, tortilla, fruit, and other simple snacks. Nonalcoholic drinks are included, and some outings have also had beer available. The exact selection may vary.

I think the value is strongest for couples, families, and small groups who care about space and atmosphere. A larger boat may cost less per person, but the tradeoff is usually less room and a less personal outing. Here, the smaller capacity is the feature you are paying for.

Food expectations should stay modest. Most passengers found the snacks pleasant, but one strongly negative account described the spread as stale and unappealing. The operator responded that fresh products are bought daily. The sensible approach is to see the food as a welcome snack after swimming, not as the reason to book the trip.

The skipper makes or breaks the day

A small boat puts the skipper at the center of the experience. On the best departures, Antonio has been warm, amusing, and good at explaining the whales, the island, and places to visit after the trip. Francisco has also been praised for his local knowledge and for going far beyond normal service when he retrieved a phone lost in the marina.

The skipper also decides how well the group is handled. He needs to balance wildlife watching, communication with other boats, safety, food service, and the needs of passengers who may feel seasick. Most of the supplied comments describe the captains as friendly and attentive.

There are important caveats. Two negative accounts raised concerns about smoking near children, loud music, poor attention to English-speaking passengers, and an abrupt manner. The operator disputed parts of those accounts, saying explanations are given in both languages, music can be lowered, and smoking takes place in an open-air setting without intending to bother anyone.

I would not ignore this criticism simply because the overall score is high. On an open yacht, personal habits are more noticeable than on land. If you are sensitive to cigarette smoke, traveling with a very young child, or need a fully bilingual and highly structured presentation, ask about the skipper and onboard arrangements before booking.

Who will enjoy this Los Gigantes excursion

This trip is a good match for:

• Couples looking for a peaceful half-day on the water
• Families who prefer a small group to a packed catamaran
• Nature lovers hoping to see pilot whales and dolphins
• Photographers who want the cliffs and wildlife in the same outing
• Swimmers and snorkelers who want a short stop in clear water
• People who want an easy activity lasting about three hours

It may be less suitable for anyone expecting guaranteed whales, a formal marine biology lecture, a full meal, or uninterrupted sailing under canvas. The sea can be choppy, wildlife is unpredictable, and the boat may run its engine when there is not enough wind.

The tour is listed as suitable for most participants. Service animals are allowed, and the marina is near public transportation. Confirmation is received at booking. Parking can be difficult around the port, so arrive early if you are driving.

Booking timing and cancellation

This experience is often booked about 10 days ahead, which is a useful planning guide during busy periods. The maximum group size is 10, so last-minute spaces may be limited.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather prevents the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

My take: should you book it?

I would book this tour if your priority is a small boat, dramatic cliffs, and a real chance of seeing pilot whales without spending a full day at sea. The combination of wildlife watching, a cove swim, snacks, and a maximum of 10 people gives it a strong balance of activity and downtime.

I would choose something else if you want a guaranteed sailing experience, a formal expert-led lecture, or a smoke-free environment with no uncertainty about the skipper. Also remember that no whale tour can promise sightings.

For most visitors staying near Los Gigantes, this is a well-priced way to experience the coast from the sea. Arrive early, protect your phone, bring swimwear, and keep your expectations flexible. The cliffs alone make the trip worthwhile, and a pod of pilot whales or playful dolphins can turn three pleasant hours into the highlight of your Tenerife stay.

FAQ

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

It starts at MPC Yacht Charter, Puerto Deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picon, Calle Pueblo 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 marina.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 10 participants.

What animals might I see?

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

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and a stop in a quiet cove for swimming or snorkeling when conditions allow.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Snacks and drinks are served onboard. The food is described as a light selection of tapas and similar items rather than a full meal.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English, and the skipper provides explanations in English and Spanish.

Is the tour suitable for most participants?

The activity information states that most participants can take part. Service animals are allowed, and the location is near public transportation.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You are offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation. You also receive a different date, another experience, or a full refund if the minimum number of participants is not reached.