Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

Pilot whales can glide right beside this small sailing boat, sometimes with calves in the group. That is the great appeal of the Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise: you are looking for marine life from a quiet, intimate boat rather than a packed sightseeing vessel. The trip also brings you below the famous cliffs for a swim and snorkel.

I especially like the maximum group size of 10, which gives you room to move around and a much better chance of finding a calm spot on deck. I also like the crew’s clear care for the sea, along with the fresh sandwiches, fruit, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. The main consideration is simple: wildlife is wild. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or flying fish, but no responsible operator can promise a particular animal.

Key points

• Pilot whales are the main prize: They are regularly seen in the waters off southwest Tenerife, sometimes close to the boat and alongside young calves.
• A genuine small-group outing: The boat carries no more than 10 participants, so it feels personal rather than crowded.
• Los Gigantes looks different from the water: The return journey gives you excellent views of the cliffs rising above the coast.
• Swimming follows the wildlife search: You spend about 30 minutes at a beautiful coastal cove, with snorkeling gear supplied.
• Food and drinks are part of the experience: Fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks are included.
• The crew speaks four languages: Tours are offered in Spanish, English, French, and German.

Setting sail from Los Gigantes

You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters in Los Gigantes, at Pier 1, mooring number 156. The boat leaves from the harbor and heads along Tenerife’s southwest coast, where the huge cliffs give the trip an impressive opening view.

The sailing boat is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It is described as clean, comfortable, and well maintained, with enough space for a small group to spread out. You are not simply sitting in rows while an engine does all the work. If conditions allow, the crew may invite you to help raise the sail and travel under wind power.

That detail matters if you want a boat trip with a slower, more natural pace. The sailing can be peaceful, but it also depends on the weather and sea conditions. One point to keep in mind is that the sail may be raised without being used for the whole journey. If your main aim is serious sailing rather than wildlife watching, this may feel less hands-on than you expect.

The boat’s small size also means you should bring the right mindset. You have more room than on a large group cruise, but the vessel still moves with the sea. A few people have felt seasick, so consider taking your usual motion-sickness medicine before departure if you are prone to it.

Two hours looking for whales and dolphins

The main wildlife section lasts about two hours. The crew takes you into the Atlantic to look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life in their natural environment.

Pilot whales are the most frequently reported highlight. You may see a pod traveling together, a mother with a calf, or whales approaching the sailboat as it rests on the water. Some sightings have been remarkably close, with whales passing beside or beneath the boat. At other times, you may see dolphins playing near the vessel, turtles on the surface, flying fish, seabirds, or other life that appears for only a moment.

That variety is part of the fun. You will need to keep watching rather than assuming the crew will point out every sight in advance. Bring patience and scan the water around the boat. The crew can help you understand what you are seeing, and their talks also cover the local sea, Tenerife, and the Canary Islands.

The guides, including David, Jamie, and Eileen, are often praised for being warm, attentive, and able to explain things clearly in several languages. The exact crew may vary by departure, but the activity offers Spanish, English, French, and German. That is useful in a group of international passengers, especially when the crew is explaining animal behavior or safety instructions.

The wildlife policy is another important part of the experience. The crew is described as respectful of the animals, avoiding aggressive chasing and following the rules for whale watching. They have also been seen removing an old net from the water and helping a protected seabird chick in trouble. Those small actions suggest that the tour is not only about getting the closest possible photograph.

Still, you should keep expectations realistic. One outing may bring several groups of whales and playful dolphins. Another may bring turtles and a good swim but no whales at all. A previous passenger had a wonderful trip with dolphins and a turtle but did not see whales. That is not a failure. It is the honest trade-off of watching animals in the wild.

Why the small group changes the boat ride

The 10-person limit is more than a marketing detail. On a small boat, crowding can quickly spoil wildlife watching. A full vessel makes it harder to move from one side to the other, find a clear view, or hear the guide.

Here, you can spread out and change position when something appears. Solo visitors can also feel more at ease, since the crew has room to include individuals in the conversation. Families with older children have enjoyed the relaxed setup, and children aged 10 and 11 have taken part happily.

The small group also gives the crew more time to answer questions. You are not just part of a large audience receiving a standard speech. The atmosphere is intended to be friendly and unhurried, with time to talk about the animals, Tenerife, and the wider Canary Islands.

There is a practical limit to this comfort. A sailing boat is not designed for people with mobility impairments, and the activity is specifically listed as unsuitable for them. If getting aboard, moving around the deck, or stepping into the water is difficult for you, choose another excursion.

Swimming and snorkeling below the cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat stops for about 30 minutes at a small cove along the coast. This is your chance to swim from the boat or use the included snorkeling equipment.

The setting is a real change of pace. Instead of watching the open sea for a fin, you can look down into clear water near the Los Gigantes cliffs. Fish have been seen around the snorkeling area, and the stop gives you a refreshing break after sitting and scanning the horizon.

You do not have to snorkel. You can simply swim, remain aboard, or enjoy the coastal views. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew. One passenger who felt uneasy in the water said the crew took good care of them, so the staff appears attentive to different comfort levels.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Towels are not included. You should also pack comfortable, breathable clothing, since conditions can change from cool wind on the open water to warm sun in the cove.

The swim stop is shorter than the wildlife portion, so do not book this trip mainly for a long snorkeling session. It is a pleasant part of a whale-watching cruise, not a dedicated snorkeling tour. The focus remains the sea life and the sailing route.

Fresh sandwiches, fruit, and drinks aboard

Food is handled well for a three-hour outing. The crew serves fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches, followed by drinks that include cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks.

The sandwiches are especially useful because the tour spans a good part of the day, and the meal comes after the swim stop. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are available. If you need one of these options, make sure the crew knows when you book or before departure.

The food is not a full restaurant meal, but it is more generous than a packet of snacks. The combination of sandwiches, fruit, and drinks helps make the cruise feel like a complete half-day experience rather than a bare boat transfer.

Alcohol is included, but use common sense. The boat is moving, the sea can be uneven, and you may want to swim. Enjoy a drink if you wish, but stay within your comfort level and listen to the crew’s instructions.

The return past the Los Gigantes cliffs

The trip back to port is deliberately slow, giving you time to look at Los Gigantes from the sea. The cliffs are one of Tenerife’s most striking coastal sights, and the water provides a viewpoint you cannot get from the road.

From the boat, you can appreciate the scale of the rock walls and the way the coast rises behind the harbor. This final stretch is also a chance to relax after the wildlife search and swim. Keep your camera ready, but remember that photos are not included in the price. You need to bring your own camera or phone, and protect it from spray.

The cliffs are a strong reason to choose this departure point. Even if the wildlife is quiet on your particular day, you still get a coastal sailing experience with time in the water and views of one of Tenerife’s best-known natural sights.

Is $88 a fair price?

The price is $88 per person for three hours. That is not the cheapest boat trip you may see in Los Gigantes, but the comparison is not quite like for like.

You are paying for a small group of no more than 10 people, a sailing boat, a live multilingual guide, the wildlife search, snorkeling equipment, a swim stop, sandwiches, fruit, and several types of drinks. The limited capacity is the biggest value point. If other boats in the harbor carry large numbers, the extra cost buys space and a quieter atmosphere.

I would consider the price fair for someone who values comfort, personal attention, and a more careful approach to wildlife. It is less compelling if you only want the lowest-cost way to get on the water, or if you care mainly about spending a long time snorkeling.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before you build the rest of your day around it.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to couples, solo visitors, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a calm boat with room to breathe. It works particularly well if you want several experiences in one outing: wildlife watching, sailing, swimming, snorkeling, cliff views, and a light meal.

It is also a good match for anyone concerned about animal welfare. The crew’s approach centers on observing marine life without reckless pursuit, and their attention to stranded or floating debris adds credibility to their care for the area.

You should think twice if you get severe seasickness, need step-free access, or want guaranteed whale sightings. The boat is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the sea may be unsettled. Wildlife watching always includes uncertainty.

Practical tips before you go

• Arrive at Pier 1, mooring number 156, at Third Element Luxury Charters in Los Gigantes.
• Wear swimwear beneath comfortable, breathable clothes.
• Bring a towel and a dry change of clothes, since towels are not provided.
• Take motion-sickness medicine in advance if you normally need it.
• Keep your phone or camera protected from sea spray.
• Tell the crew about vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free food needs.
• Leave room in your schedule for the full three hours.
• Keep watching the water, even after the main whale search. Dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and seabirds may appear unexpectedly.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want a small, thoughtful wildlife trip rather than a cheap, crowded boat ride. The strongest reasons are the 10-person limit, the friendly multilingual crew, the included food and drinks, and the chance to see pilot whales close to the boat without putting pressure on them.

You should book with realistic expectations. The ocean decides what appears, the sail may not power the boat for the entire trip, and the snorkeling stop lasts only about 30 minutes. But if you can accept those limits, this is a well-rounded way to experience Tenerife from the water. The combination of whales, dolphins, a swim near Los Gigantes, and a relaxed return along the cliffs gives you plenty of value for the three-hour price.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching cruise meet?

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

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts three hours. About two hours are used for sailing and looking for whales and other marine life, followed by around 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

What animals might I see?

You may see dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life. Sightings cannot be guaranteed because the animals are wild.

How many people can join the cruise?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks are included. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, and comfortable, breathable clothing. Towels and photos are not included.