Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

The best part of this Los Gigantes outing is its scale. Instead of joining a crowded catamaran, you sail aboard a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser with no more than 10 people. That gives you room to stretch out on the bow, ask questions, and watch for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds without feeling packed in.

I like the personal attention from the crew and the relaxed swim stop beneath the cliffs. I also like that lunch is more than a token snack: you get fresh fruit, custom-made sandwiches, drinks, and options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. The main caution is simple: wildlife is wild. You may see pilot whales and dolphins, but sightings are never guaranteed, and rough weather can cancel the trip.

Key points

• Small boat, maximum 10 people: You get more space and easier contact with the crew than on a large whale-watching vessel.
• Los Gigantes cliffs: The sailing route gives you striking views of Tenerife’s huge coastal cliffs from the water.
• Wildlife focus: Pilot whales are common sightings, with dolphins, turtles, tuna, seabirds, and even rarer Risso’s dolphins possible.
• Swimming and snorkeling stop: The boat pauses at a quieter coastal spot for time in the water near the cliffs.
• Food and drinks included: Expect sandwiches, fresh-cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, wine, beer, and cava.
• Three-hour format: It is long enough for sailing, wildlife watching, lunch, and swimming without taking over your whole day.

Why the small Bavaria Cruiser makes a difference

This excursion begins at Third Element Charters, at Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, in the Poblado Marinero area of Los Gigantes. You return to the same place after roughly three hours.

The boat is a Bavaria Cruiser measuring 45 feet and dating from 2012. The age matters less than the setup: this is a proper sailing boat with comfortable sunbeds on the bow, not a bare-bones fishing boat. You can sit forward for the views, move around when the boat is under sail, or find a quieter place to watch the water.

The maximum group size is 10. That limit is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. The crew can speak to people individually, answer questions, and keep an eye on different needs without making the outing feel like a floating bus tour.

I also like the social balance. A small boat gives you a more intimate setting, but you are still sharing the experience with other people. Several of the crew members named in the feedback include Jaime, Eileen, David, Aileen, Mike, and Margaret. The exact crew can vary, but the consistent feature is a friendly, involved approach rather than a distant commentary from a loudspeaker.

Sailing beneath the cliffs of Los Gigantes

The cliffs are the visual anchor of the trip. From the marina, the boat heads along the coast and spends about two hours around the Los Gigantes area. The rock walls rise dramatically from the sea, and seeing them from below gives you a very different sense of scale than viewing them from land.

This is a good place to take photographs, but do not spend the whole trip looking through your phone. The boat gives you changing angles as it moves along the coast, and the view is best when you simply sit on the bow and watch the cliffs, water, and passing boats.

The route is not just a transfer to the whale-watching area. The cliffs themselves are a major part of the experience. Even when the animals stay out of sight, you still have a scenic sail and time on the water. One important point is that the stated itinerary focuses on Los Gigantes rather than a long list of separate coastal stops, so the trip feels focused instead of rushed.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins

The waters off Tenerife are known for regular cetacean sightings, and pilot whales are the main attraction on this trip. Past outings have also included bottlenose dolphins, several dolphin species, Risso’s dolphins, turtles, tuna, sea birds, an osprey, and a glimpse of a baby hammerhead shark.

That list should be treated as a guide to what might appear, not a promise. A wildlife trip is strongest when you appreciate the search as well as the sighting. You may see a pod of pilot whales close to the boat, or playful dolphins moving through the water. You may also see only some of these animals, or miss the whales altogether.

The crew adds value here. Jaime, Eileen, David, and the other guides are praised for explaining the animals, the sea, and the surrounding coast in a clear, personal way. You can ask about behavior, identification, or the local marine environment instead of simply pointing at a fin and moving on.

I particularly like that the small group makes it easier for the crew to answer questions from families and mixed-age groups. Children can stay involved, while adults can ask more detailed questions. The experience works best for people who want to learn a little while watching, not for anyone expecting a guaranteed close encounter.

A swim and snorkel stop near the cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat stops at a coastal swimming area. The exact conditions depend on the day, but the point is to get you off the boat and into the sea rather than keeping you seated for the full three hours.

This stop is one of the most appealing parts of the trip. You can swim and snorkel near the cliffs, enjoy the water, and see the coastline from a lower angle. The spot is described as quieter and less crowded than the main boating areas, which gives the break a more peaceful feel.

Bring suitable swimwear and remember that towels are not included. The supplied information does not specify snorkeling equipment, so check the current arrangements before you go if having gear is important to you. If you prefer not to swim, you can stay aboard and enjoy the boat, views, food, and drinks.

Water temperature and weather will affect how much you enjoy this part. One family chose not to bring snorkeling attire during a cooler season, while other outings made the swim a major highlight. That is useful practical advice: pack swimwear whenever possible, but do not assume the water will feel warm.

Sandwiches, fruit, and drinks on board

Food is included, and it is handled in a useful way rather than treated as an afterthought. You receive custom-made sandwiches, fresh-cut fruit, and snacks, along with bottled water and soft drinks.

There are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options. If you have a dietary requirement, make sure it is communicated during booking or before departure. The food is served during a day on the water, so it provides a proper pause after sailing and wildlife watching.

The drinks selection includes beer, wine, cava, and other soft drinks. Alcohol is included, but you should pace yourself, particularly if the sea is moving or you are prone to motion sickness. One person felt seasick during a trip and was looked after by the crew, but prevention is still sensible.

The lunch setup adds real value to the price. You are not paying about $90.70 only for a short boat ride. You are also getting a small group, a sailing vessel, a wildlife guide, food, drinks, and time to swim. Compared with a larger excursion that may carry far more people, the price is reasonable for people who value space and personal service.

Timing, meeting point, and planning ahead

The advertised duration is about three hours, and the activity begins and ends at the same marina. It is offered in English. A German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays, so German-speaking visitors should keep that detail in mind when selecting a date.

The meeting point is:

Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters

Calle Poblado Marinero, s/n

Pantalán 1, Atraque 156

38683 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Give yourself time to find the marina and park. Missing the departure would be especially frustrating because the boat does not operate like a hop-on attraction. The surrounding Poblado Marinero area has shops and restaurants, which can make a convenient place to arrive early or linger after returning.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The trip is commonly booked about 20 days ahead, so I would not leave it until the last minute if your Tenerife schedule is tight.

The experience is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but anyone concerned about mobility, swimming, or seasickness should contact the operator before booking. The boat has bow sunbeds, but it is still a sailboat at sea, not a flat, motionless platform.

What happens if the weather changes

This trip requires good weather. If poor conditions lead to cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

That policy is sensible for a small sailing boat. Sea conditions affect comfort, safety, sailing quality, and the chance of enjoying the swim stop. Check your messages before setting out, particularly if the forecast looks uncertain.

For your own booking, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would choose this trip if you want wildlife watching without a crowd. Couples, families, and small groups who enjoy quiet time on the water will get the most from it. The age range in past groups has included children and adults, and the crew can give personal attention to different members of the group.

It also suits people who want several experiences in one short outing: sailing, cliffs, marine life, swimming, lunch, and drinks. You do not need to devote a full day to the coast, which leaves time for other Tenerife plans.

This is less suitable if you need guaranteed whale sightings, dislike boat motion, or want a long, dedicated snorkeling session. It is also not the right choice if you prefer a large vessel with many facilities and lots of room to escape the movement of the sea.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing trip?

Yes, if the combination of small-group sailing and wildlife watching appeals to you. The strongest reasons to book are the 10-person limit, the friendly crew, the striking cliffs, the included food and drinks, and the chance to swim in a quieter coastal spot.

Go with realistic expectations. Pilot whales and dolphins are possible, not guaranteed, and the sea can change the plan. Still, even without a whale sighting, you have a scenic sail around Los Gigantes, a well-equipped boat, lunch, and time in the water.

At $90.70 per person, I consider it good value for a three-hour outing, especially if you would otherwise pay for separate boat sightseeing and lunch. Book ahead, allow time to reach the marina, bring swimwear and a towel, and keep your schedule flexible enough for the weather.

FAQ

How long does the Los Gigantes whale-watching trip last?

The excursion lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

It leaves from Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, in Los Gigantes, Tenerife.

Where does the experience end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

What type of boat is used?

The excursion uses a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser sailboat from 2012.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The trip includes sandwiches, fresh-cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava.

Are dietary options available?

Yes. Custom-made sandwiches are available with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Are towels included?

No. Towels are not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim or snorkel.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English. A German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.