From Los Gigantes: Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise

Pilot whales and dolphins are the stars of this small-boat trip from Los Gigantes, but the 46-foot sailboat with no more than nine passengers is what makes the outing feel special. You get room to move, clear views from the water, and a calmer ride than the packed motorboats that fill this coast.

I like the careful approach to wildlife, including stopping the engine when animals are nearby, and I like the mix of whale watching, cliff views, swimming, and homemade tapas. The main drawback is simple: nature sets the schedule. You may see several pilot whales, dolphins, or even a turtle, but no sighting can be promised. Seasickness is also possible, even on a comfortable boat.

Key points to know before booking

• Small group size: Shared trips carry a maximum of nine passengers, creating a quiet, personal feel.
• Wildlife time: The main search for whales and dolphins lasts about 1.5 hours.
• Cliffside swim: You get roughly 15 minutes to snorkel near the Los Gigantes cliffs.
• Food on board: Homemade tapas and drinks follow the swim, with vegetarian food available.
• Conservation focus: The boat carries the Blue Boat Flag and follows Tenerife’s responsible whale-watching standards.
• Flexible booking: The trip lasts three to four hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

A quiet sail from Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes is one of Tenerife’s most dramatic coastal settings, with huge cliffs rising from the sea and Mount Teide visible inland when conditions are clear. Seeing this part of the island from a sailboat changes the scale of it. From the water, the cliffs seem to rise directly beside you, while the harbor and resort buildings quickly fade into the background.

You meet at Picarus Sailing Club and look for the boat named Aemon or Ayla. The sailing boat measures 46 feet, or 14 meters, and shared departures are limited to nine passengers. That number matters. You are not competing with a crowd for the best rail position, and the crew can answer questions without turning the trip into a loud group presentation.

The atmosphere is generally calm and relaxed. One particularly useful detail is that the boat does not rely on loud music, which leaves you able to hear the crew, the water, and the people around you. If you prefer a party boat with blasting music and a packed deck, this is not that kind of outing.

The crew speaks English, Spanish, and French. Guides named Sara, Felix, Jakob, Miguel, and Nettie have led recent trips, though the exact team depends on the departure. Their role is not limited to pointing out animals. They explain what you are seeing, discuss marine protection, and add stories about Tenerife and the area around Los Gigantes.

The first 90 minutes: searching for whales and dolphins

The wildlife portion takes about an hour and a half, usually the longest single part of the trip. The boat heads from Los Gigantes into the waters where resident and migratory marine species may be found. Pilot whales are the most frequently noted sighting, while dolphins are also common possibilities.

The best part of this format is the respectful pace. Picarus Sailing Club is part of the Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching from Turismo de Tenerife, belongs to the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association, and operates under the Blue Boat Flag. In practical terms, that means the crew is authorized to whale watch under rules intended to limit disturbance.

The crew explains how the animals are approached and keeps a respectful distance. When whales are spotted farther away, the captain may cut the engines rather than chase them. That choice can make the animals harder to reach, but it gives you a better kind of encounter: you are watching wildlife behaving naturally instead of watching a boat push into the middle of a group.

Several pilot whales may appear close to the boat, and dolphins can be playful beside the hull. Turtles have also been seen. On another day, you may see only distant animals or no whales at all. That is not a flaw in the trip. It is the honest limit of any wildlife outing, and the crew makes clear that the sea is not a zoo.

Bring patience. Keep your eyes moving across the water, listen for directions, and avoid expecting a guaranteed close-up photograph. A calm day can reward you with wonderful views, but even a successful sighting may last only a few moments.

Sailing beneath the cliffs and toward Teide views

After the wildlife search, the boat spends about an hour sailing around the Los Gigantes area. This is more than transport between activities. It gives you time to appreciate Tenerife’s western coast without an engine-driven rush from one stop to the next.

The cliffs are the main visual feature. Their height is easier to understand from sea level, especially when the sailboat moves close enough for you to look up rather than across. Teide may also be visible from the boat, adding a second layer to the scenery: steep volcanic coast in front of you and Tenerife’s great volcanic peak farther inland.

The crew also talks about the island’s past and local hiking routes. That information helps connect the coastal view with what you may see on land later. If you are staying around Los Gigantes, this is a useful orientation to the cliffs and the coast.

Sailing conditions affect the feel of the trip. Most people describe the boat as comfortable, clean, and spacious enough for eight or nine passengers to move around safely. Still, the sea can be unsettled, and one passenger specifically found the trip difficult because of seasickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the crew suggests, keep your eyes on the horizon when possible, and consider taking your usual precaution before boarding. The supplied information does not state that medication is available on board, so plan ahead.

A 15-minute swim beside Los Gigantes

The swim stop takes around 15 minutes and happens near the cliffs, in a bay or sheltered area. You can use the snorkel masks provided and spend time in the water looking around below the boat.

Life vests are available on board, and masks are included. The snorkel tube itself is not included, so check your equipment before you leave the harbor. You should bring your own towel, swimwear, sunglasses, sun hat, and biodegradable sunscreen with protection of 50 or higher.

This is a short swim, not a full snorkeling expedition. Its value is the setting. After watching marine life in open water, you get to enter the sea with the cliffs above you. The water may be inviting, but conditions can change, so follow the crew’s instructions and do not treat this as an unstructured beach stop.

The swim also gives the crew time to anchor and prepare the food. If you would rather remain on board, the information provided does not specify a separate non-swimming activity, so ask the crew about the plan when you arrive.

Tapas, drinks, and a welcome finish

After swimming, the crew serves a homemade tapas menu on board. The food has received repeated praise, and vegetarian choices are available. Drinks are also served, with wine mentioned as part of the experience.

The meal lasts about 15 minutes in the stated schedule, though the overall pace can vary. It is not a long restaurant lunch. Think of it as a fresh, easy snack after the water, enjoyed while the boat is anchored or preparing to return.

This small meal adds real value to the $88 price. You are paying for a three to four-hour outing, a small group, a sailboat rather than a large vessel, wildlife interpretation, swimming, and food. Comparable boat trips may offer a lower starting price, but a crowded deck can change the experience. Here, the limited passenger count and personal attention are the strongest reasons the cost feels fair.

Food is also one area where the crew has shown care. Vegetarian tapas have been available, but you should still tell the provider about dietary needs when booking or at the meeting point. The supplied details do not list every ingredient or promise accommodations for all allergies.

Why the conservation rules matter

Whale watching can be a fine way to learn about marine life, but only if the boat gives animals space. This operator makes conservation part of the outing rather than treating it as a footnote.

The crew discusses local marine species and the respectful way to approach them. Cutting the engine when animals are seen in the distance may seem slower, yet it avoids turning a sighting into a chase. The Blue Boat Flag, membership in the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association, and participation in the Turismo de Tenerife Sustainability Charter provide useful signs that the company takes its stated policy seriously.

I also like that the crew invites questions. You can ask about pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, the coast, or the history of Tenerife. The aim is not only to show you an animal, but to help you understand why responsible conduct matters.

That makes this a good choice for families and curious adults who want more than a quick photograph. It also suits people who prefer a low-key boat ride. The lack of loud music and the small number of passengers allow the natural setting to do most of the work.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this cruise if you want several experiences in one outing without spending the whole day at sea. You get wildlife watching, open-water sailing, cliff scenery, a short swim, and tapas in three to four hours.

It is especially well suited to:

• Couples looking for a quiet coastal outing
• Families who prefer a small group to a large excursion boat
• Visitors interested in animal welfare and marine conservation
• People staying in or near Los Gigantes
• Anyone who wants a personal guide in English, Spanish, or French
• Vegetarians who appreciate having food options on board

It may be less suitable if you need a guaranteed whale sighting, dislike boats, or want a long snorkeling session. The swimming stop is brief, and the route depends on sea and wildlife conditions.

Private departures are available as well as shared small-group trips. A private option may be worth considering for a family or special occasion, but the standard shared boat is already limited to nine passengers, so it should not feel like a mass excursion.

Price, timing, and practical details

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the coast, but it offers more than a basic wildlife ride. The boat is a proper 46-foot sailing vessel, the passenger number is capped at nine, and the trip includes guiding, wildlife watching, sailing time, snorkeling masks, a swim stop, tapas, and drinks.

The listed duration is three to four hours. The detailed schedule adds up to about three hours: 1.5 hours watching wildlife, one hour sailing, 15 minutes snorkeling, and 15 minutes for the meal. Allow up to four hours because departure times, animal sightings, sailing conditions, and the return to the harbor may vary.

Wear a swimsuit under light clothing and bring a towel. Sun protection matters even when the air feels cool on the water. Use biodegradable sunscreen, and pack sunglasses and a hat that will stay secure in the breeze.

The boat name is Aemon or Ayla, and the meeting point is Picarus Sailing Club. Confirm the exact departure time and boat name when you book. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and reserve now while paying later, which helps if your Tenerife plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Picarus Sailing Club cruise?

Book it if you value small groups, calm sailing, and responsible wildlife watching more than a guaranteed close encounter. Pilot whales and dolphins are strong possibilities, but the real strength of the trip is the way the crew combines animal education with time on the water.

The tapas, friendly multilingual crew, cliffside swim, and views toward Teide round out the experience. Just bring realistic expectations, prepare for possible seasickness, and remember that whales are wild animals. If that sounds like your kind of morning or afternoon, Picarus Sailing Club offers very good value for a thoughtful half-day on Tenerife’s west coast.

FAQ

How long does the whale-watching cruise last?

The cruise lasts three to four hours. The planned activities include about 1.5 hours of wildlife watching, one hour of sailing, 15 minutes of snorkeling, and 15 minutes for the onboard meal.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. Look for the sailboat named Aemon or Ayla.

How many passengers are on the shared boat?

Shared excursions have a maximum of nine passengers.

Which animals might I see?

The cruise looks for resident and migratory marine life, including pilot whales and dolphins. Turtles have also been seen, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling time near the Los Gigantes cliffs is included. Masks are provided, but the snorkel tube is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen with protection of 50 or higher.

Is food served on board?

Yes. The crew serves a homemade tapas menu and drinks after the swimming stop. Vegetarian food is available.

Which languages are spoken?

The live guides speak English, Spanish, and French.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The booking option also allows you to reserve your place and pay later.