Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes

Pilot whales often steal the show on this three-hour cruise from Los Gigantes, but the setting is just as strong. You sail beneath the towering cliffs, search for dolphins and tropical pilot whales, then stop in a quiet cove for swimming and snorkeling. The boat returns to the same marina, so the outing fits neatly into a Tenerife morning or afternoon.

I like the small maximum of 10 people, which gives you room to move and makes it easier to ask Captain Antonio or Francisco questions. I also like the simple mix of wildlife watching, cliff views, a swim, and snacks rather than a long boat ride devoted to only one activity.

The main caution is that sailing is not guaranteed. If the wind is light, the captain may use the engine for the whole trip. You should also consider the open-air boat setting if you are sensitive to cigarette smoke or prone to seasickness.

Quick reasons to consider this boat trip

• Pilot whales in their natural habitat: The area is known for sightings of tropical pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life.
• Bavaria 44 sailing yacht: The Mojo Picon is a comfortable boat with space for a small group, though conditions and wind determine how much actual sailing takes place.
• Only 10 people maximum: The limited capacity keeps the outing quieter than large whale-watching boats.
• Snorkeling beneath Los Gigantes: You can swim from the boat and use the included snorkeling equipment in a sheltered cove.
• Local guidance from Antonio or Francisco: The skipper explains the animals, cliffs, Teno Rural Park, Teide, and the geography around the coast.
• A light Canarian spread: Drinks and snacks may include melon, cured meats, tortilla, fruit, tapas, and other simple provisions.

Leaving the marina beneath Los Gigantes

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter in the Puerto Deportivo, near Yate El Mojo Picon on Calle Poblado Marinero in Acantilados de Los Gigantes. The activity ends back at this same meeting point.

Arrive early. Parking near the marina can be difficult, and the meeting point is in a harbor area with several boats and businesses. Giving yourself extra time is a sensible move, especially if you are driving from another part of Tenerife or dealing with road construction.

Once aboard, you settle into a very different scale of excursion from the big catamarans that leave the southwest coast. With no more than 10 people, you are not simply one face in a crowd. The skipper can keep an eye on the group, answer questions, and point out wildlife without shouting across a packed deck.

The boat used for this trip is a Bavaria 44, identified by several passengers as a comfortable sailing yacht. That gives the outing a more personal feel, but remember what the boat is designed for. It is a yacht, not a purpose-built viewing platform. Seating and sightlines can change as the boat moves, and the sea may be choppy.

The service is offered in English. The captain also gives explanations in Spanish, and the operator says the main information covers both languages. English-speaking passengers have described the guides as friendly and informative, but one important point is that the captain may need to speak with other boats while searching for animals. That radio communication is part of finding whales across a wide area, though it can make the experience feel less focused for a short time.

Watching pilot whales along the Tenerife coast

The boat heads out toward the waters around Los Gigantes and Teno Rural Park. The goal is to find marine life in the animals’ natural surroundings, not to visit a show or aquarium. Sightings are never fully predictable, so you should book this for the chance to see wildlife rather than a guaranteed animal encounter.

Pilot whales are the most commonly reported highlight. Several outings have found large pods, sometimes close enough for clear photographs and videos. Dolphins also appear regularly in the accounts of the trip, with some sightings involving playful groups moving near the boat. Turtles, birds, fish, and more than one kind of dolphin have also been seen.

This is where a good skipper matters. Antonio is repeatedly identified as an experienced captain who knows the area and has worked on the water for decades. Francisco is also praised for keeping people informed and locating a large pod of pilot whales. The captain watches the sea, communicates with other boats, and adjusts the route when animals are spotted.

Keep your expectations realistic. One outing saw dolphins but no pilot whales, while another found whales and dolphins in large numbers. Noise can affect sightings too. One account describes New Year’s Eve boat noise pushing the whales farther offshore, leaving the group with dolphins instead. That is a useful reminder that nature sets the schedule.

The best approach is to keep your eyes moving and your camera ready, but do not spend the whole ride staring at a screen. The cliffs, open water, and changing view of Tenerife are part of the experience. If you see pilot whales, the sight can be brief and quiet, which makes the small boat especially useful.

The cliffs of Los Gigantes from the water

The cliffs are the visual anchor of the outing. From the marina, they rise dramatically from the coast, and the view changes as the boat travels along their base. Seeing them from the water gives you an angle that you cannot get from a road or viewpoint.

The route can include views toward La Masca and the coastline around Teno Rural Park. The captain may explain the height of the cliffs, the position of Mount Teide, and the geography of the islands. This adds context without turning the trip into a formal sightseeing lecture.

For me, this part gives the excursion value even on a day when wildlife is scarce. You still get a close coastal view, time on the water, and a look at the cliffs from below. Several outings have stopped beneath the rock walls for swimming, creating a striking backdrop for a quick snorkel.

There is one detail to understand before booking: the boat may not sail under its sails. One person rated the experience highly but noted that the engine ran throughout the trip because there was not enough wind. The operator explained that using the motor was necessary to complete the route. If your main goal is a quiet, wind-powered sailing lesson, this may disappoint you. If you mainly want a small yacht, marine wildlife, and cliff views, the engine issue matters less.

Swimming and snorkeling in a quiet cove

After the wildlife search and coastal cruise, the boat stops in a calmer spot for swimming or snorkeling. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring a mask and fins unless you prefer your own.

The water has been described as clear and dark blue, with colorful fish visible around the swimming area. Turtles have also been seen during some outings, although you should not expect them at the snorkeling stop every time. The captain may suggest where to place an underwater camera, which can help if you want photographs rather than only memories.

This break works well because it changes the pace. Wildlife watching asks you to stay alert and patient. Swimming lets you relax, cool off, and enjoy the water beneath the cliffs. You can also remain on the boat if you do not want to swim.

Families, couples, and people who enjoy nature without a hard physical challenge should find the format appealing. Still, sea conditions can be choppy, and anyone with motion sickness should plan carefully. A three-hour trip is manageable for many people, but the boat is still at sea for much of that time.

One caution comes from the open design of the yacht. A complaint described cigarette smoke near children and passengers who felt unwell. The operator responded that the boat is open to the air and that the captain tries not to bother anyone. If smoke is a serious concern for you, ask about the current onboard policy before paying.

Snacks, drinks, and the pace of the return trip

The food is described as a light snack service, though the exact spread can vary. Examples include melon, cured meats, fruit, tortilla, tapas, and simple drinks. Several outings describe the food as a tasty light Canarian lunch rather than a full meal.

That distinction is useful. You are not booking a restaurant cruise, so eat beforehand if you need a substantial meal. The snacks are best viewed as a pleasant extra after swimming and wildlife watching. Beer and soft drinks have been mentioned, while the general tour information promises snacks and drinks on board.

The return to the marina completes the three-hour outing. The length is one of the tour’s strengths. It is long enough to reach the whale-watching area, cruise beside Los Gigantes, stop for snorkeling, and serve refreshments, but short enough to combine with another Tenerife activity.

Because the boat carries a small group, the return ride should feel more relaxed than the outward search. You can use this time for photos, conversation, and more views of the cliffs. The captain may also offer suggestions for places to visit elsewhere on Tenerife.

Is $84.69 a fair price?

At $84.69 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but the price makes more sense when you compare the format rather than just the duration. You are paying for a three-hour outing with a maximum of 10 people, a sailing yacht, a skipper, whale and dolphin searching, snorkeling equipment, swimming time, and food and drinks.

The small group is the key value. A large boat may offer more deck space, but it can also mean more people competing for the best view and less direct contact with the captain. Here, the guide can point out a whale, suggest a snorkeling location, or help with a camera without dealing with a large crowd.

The price is easiest to justify if you care about the overall coastal experience, not only the animals. You receive the view of Los Gigantes, time in the water, and a relaxed boat setting even if sightings vary. It is less attractive if you want guaranteed whales, a full meal, or uninterrupted sailing under canvas.

The tour is booked, on average, about 10 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve before your Tenerife holiday is fully planned if the small-group format matters to you. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before departure. Poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings can also lead to cancellation, with a different date or a full refund offered.

Who will enjoy this experience most?

I would choose this trip for a couple wanting a quiet half-day on the water, a family that prefers a small group, or anyone who wants wildlife watching without a crowded vessel. The combination of cliffs, marine animals, swimming, and snacks gives you several ways to enjoy the outing.

It also suits photographers and nature lovers. Pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and fish may all appear, and the captain can help you position a camera. The changing view of the cliffs is another reason to bring a camera, though you should protect it carefully around the water.

You should think twice if you need a fully smoke-free boat, dislike the possibility of choppy conditions, or expect a formal naturalist presentation in English from start to finish. The captain’s attention can shift toward radio communication with other boats, and the quality of the commentary may depend on the day and the guide.

I would also avoid arriving at the last minute. The marina can be hard for parking, and a delay can hold up the whole group. The operator and one unhappy party gave different accounts of one late arrival, so the practical lesson is simple: arrive early and call if traffic causes trouble.

My verdict on the Los Gigantes whale tour

I would book this if you want a personal boat outing rather than a standard mass-market cruise. The strongest reasons are the small group, the impressive view from beneath Los Gigantes, the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, and the option to snorkel in clear water.

The trip is not controlled like a theme-park attraction. Wildlife may stay offshore, wind may fail, and the captain may use the engine. The onboard style can also vary, so passengers with strong needs around language, smoking, or quiet should confirm those points before booking.

For most people, the $84.69 price is reasonable because the experience includes more than whale watching. You get a compact coastal adventure with a real sense of place. Book early, arrive well before departure, bring sun protection and a camera, and treat the animals as the bonus rather than the promise.

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 Poblado Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same marina meeting point.

How long does the excursion last?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The excursion includes snorkeling equipment, and you can swim or snorkel in a quiet cove during the trip.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.