Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

Los Gigantes is best seen from the water, where its dark volcanic cliffs rise directly from the sea. This three-hour sailing trip pairs that dramatic view with a chance to spot pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds before stopping for a swim and snorkel.

I especially like the 10-person limit, which gives you room to stretch out on the bow sunbeds and lets the crew talk with each group. The included sandwiches, fruit, drinks, and vegan or gluten-free options also make the price feel fair. The main consideration is simple: wildlife is wild, and even a beautiful trip may not include whales.

• Small Bavaria Cruiser 45: A comfortable 45-foot sailing boat with bow sunbeds and room to move.
• Wildlife search off Los Gigantes: Pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, tuna, and seabirds may appear, depending on the day.
• Swimming and snorkeling stop: The crew takes you to a quieter spot near the cliffs rather than keeping you aboard the whole time.
• Food and drinks included: Expect custom-made sandwiches, fruit, snacks, water, soft drinks, wine, beer, and cava.
• Maximum of 10 people: A far more personal setup than a large sightseeing boat.
• Simple planning: Meet at Pantalán 1, berth 156, and return to the same marina after the sail.

Why Los Gigantes looks best from a sailboat

The cliffs of Los Gigantes are the visual centerpiece of this outing. From the marina, you head along the coast and view the rock walls from below, where their scale is easier to appreciate than from land.

The itinerary allows about two hours around Los Gigantes, within a total experience of roughly three hours. That leaves enough time for sailing, wildlife watching, a stop for swimming and snorkeling, and food on board without making the trip feel rushed.

I like that the cliffs are not treated as a quick photo stop. You get time to sit, watch the water, and listen as the crew explains the area and its marine life. Guides such as Jaime, Eileen, David, Mike, and Margaret have received especially warm praise for answering questions and giving practical suggestions for the rest of your visit.

The boat itself is a 2012 Bavaria Cruiser 45. That is a useful detail because it tells you this is a proper sailing yacht rather than a basic open tour boat. You can sit on the comfortable bow sunbeds, find a place in the cockpit, or move around for photographs.

A small group changes the whole mood

The boat carries no more than 10 people. For me, that is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a larger whale-watching vessel.

A small group means fewer people competing for the best view and less noise while the crew points out wildlife. It also gives the guides time to speak with individual families and answer questions without rushing from one side of the boat to the other.

The group size suits couples, families, and friends who want a calm outing. One group included children and adults ranging from 9 to 50, and the boat had enough space for everyone. That does not mean the trip is private, but it should feel personal rather than crowded.

You should still expect shared space. If you want complete control of the route, departure time, or music, book a private charter instead. This experience is about sharing a comfortable boat with a handful of other people.

Watching whales and dolphins off Tenerife

The waters around Los Gigantes are used for whale and dolphin watching, but no responsible operator can promise a sighting. On different outings, people have seen pods of pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, several dolphin species, Risso’s dolphins, turtles, tuna, and sea birds.

Pilot whales are the most frequently mentioned sighting connected with this trip. The descriptions include pods of around 15 animals and close, peaceful observations from the boat. Dolphins have also appeared in groups, sometimes with young animals.

Other sightings have included an osprey and even a brief glimpse of a baby hammerhead shark. Treat these as lucky extras, not part of the fixed schedule. On another outing, dolphins appeared but pilot whales did not. The cliffs and the sailing still made the time worthwhile, but you should set your expectations properly.

I appreciate that the crew focuses on explanation rather than simply racing from one animal to the next. Jaime, David, Eileen, and the other guides answer questions about marine life, the water, and the surrounding coast. That makes quiet stretches more interesting.

Bring a phone or camera, but keep it ready and protected from spray. Wildlife can appear suddenly, and a long lens is not required for enjoying the experience. The main reward is watching animals behave naturally from a small boat, not collecting a guaranteed photograph.

Swimming and snorkeling beneath the cliffs

The swim stop adds a welcome change of pace. After sailing and searching for wildlife, you can enter the water near the cliffs for swimming and snorkeling.

The stop is described as a less familiar spot along the coast, which helps explain why it feels different from a busy beach. You get to see the rock walls from the water and enjoy a quieter break away from the marina.

Pack swimwear if you want to get in. You need to bring your own towel because towels are not included. Snorkeling gear is not specified in the supplied information, so confirm the current arrangement before departure if equipment matters to you.

The water can feel cool, especially outside the warmest months. One family skipped snorkeling because they had not brought suitable clothing during a cooler season. You can still enjoy the views from the deck, but do not assume the swim stop will suit everyone in your group.

The crew gives you generous time at the swimming spot, according to the experience details. That matters because a quick dip would not justify carrying swimwear and changing clothes. This is meant to be a real part of the outing.

Lunch, fruit, and drinks on board

The food is more substantial than a token snack. You receive custom-made sandwiches, freshly cut fruit, and additional snacks. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available, which is helpful when several people in one group have different dietary needs.

Drinks include bottled water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava. You can have a glass while taking in the cliffs, though sensible moderation matters when you are also swimming and spending time in the sun.

The sandwiches have been described as delicious and the portions as just enough for a midday meal. I would still eat a light breakfast before boarding if you tend to get hungry on active outings or feel uneasy at sea.

Food is served on a moving sailboat, so this is not restaurant dining. The benefit is convenience. You do not need to leave the coast, search for a café, or interrupt the wildlife watch to find lunch.

Tell the provider about dietary needs when booking or messaging. The stated options are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, but advance notice is the safest way to make sure the right sandwich is ready.

What the three hours feel like

The pace is relaxed rather than packed with scheduled stops. You meet at the marina, board the yacht, and sail along the Los Gigantes coast while the crew searches for marine life and explains what you are seeing.

The exact order can vary with weather, wildlife, and sea conditions. You may spend time watching whales or dolphins before stopping to swim, then eat while returning toward the marina. The boat comes back to the same meeting point.

That flexible rhythm is part of the appeal. You are not being pushed through a list of attractions every 20 minutes. The trade-off is that the day may feel less predictable than a land tour.

This is a weather-dependent activity. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Meeting at Pantalán 1 in Los Gigantes

The starting point is Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, at Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, berth 156, in Los Gigantes. The trip ends back there.

Give yourself time to find the marina and park. Missing the boat would be a painful way to start a holiday morning, and parking can take longer than expected. Some bookings have included hotel pickup, but pickup is not listed as a standard inclusion here, so confirm it directly rather than relying on it.

The marina is near public transportation. The boat accepts service animals, and most people can take part. Still, you should consider your own comfort with steps, moving decks, sun, and boat motion before booking.

One useful practical note: the German guide is not available on Sundays or Mondays. English is offered, and the crew has handled groups speaking different languages, but check the language arrangement if a particular guide is important to you.

Is $90.70 good value?

At $90.70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. Large boats may offer a lower headline price, but they usually cannot match a 10-person maximum, personal attention, bow seating, a swim stop, lunch, and a full drinks selection.

I see the value in the combination. You are paying for a sailing boat, not only a whale search. Even if wildlife stays out of sight, you still receive a coast sail, views of Los Gigantes, food, drinks, and time in the water when conditions allow.

The price makes the most sense for someone who values space and a quiet setting. It is less compelling if your only goal is a guaranteed whale sighting or the lowest possible fare.

A three-hour trip also fits neatly into a day in Tenerife. You can schedule it without giving up an entire day, though you should avoid placing another fixed activity too close afterward because weather and sea conditions can affect the return time.

Who should book this sailing trip?

I would choose this outing for couples, families, and small groups who want a gentler boat experience. It works particularly well for people who enjoy a mix of wildlife, scenery, swimming, and conversation rather than a single-purpose excursion.

Families should like the open space and the chance to swim, but parents need to judge their children’s comfort around open water and a moving deck. The food choices also make it easier for mixed-diet groups.

It is a good pick for anyone who dislikes crowded catamarans or large whale-watching boats. The small capacity is the key feature, not a minor extra.

I would think twice if you are very prone to seasickness. One outing included people who felt unwell, and the crew helped them, but no boat can remove the motion of the sea. If you do get seasick, take your usual precautions before departure and sit where you feel most stable.

Should you book the Los Gigantes charter?

Yes, if you want a relaxed, small-group day on the water with a real sailing boat, good food, and time to swim. The crew’s warmth and clear interest in marine life add a human touch, while the 10-person limit keeps the boat comfortable.

Book it with realistic wildlife expectations. Pilot whales and dolphins are frequent possibilities, not promises. If you can accept that, the combination of Los Gigantes cliffs, sailing, snacks, drinks, and a quiet swim stop gives you good value for the price.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale-watching trip?

The experience lasts approximately three hours. The coastal portion around the Cliffs of Los Gigantes is listed as about two hours, with the remaining time used for sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and returning to the marina.

Where does the boat leave from?

You meet at Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, berth 156, Los Gigantes, Tenerife. The activity ends at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The sailboat carries a maximum of 10 participants. This gives you more room and more direct contact with the crew than a large group boat.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, other dolphin species, Risso’s dolphins, turtles, tuna, and seabirds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is food included?

Yes. The trip includes custom-made sandwiches, freshly cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, wine, beer, and cava. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring one if you plan to swim or snorkel.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If bad weather cancels the trip, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.