Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

Pilot whales glide close to the hull, dolphins play in the wake, and Tenerife’s huge Los Gigantes cliffs rise behind you. This is a small-group sailing trip, limited to 10 people, so you get room to move about and a far calmer setting than the big boats in the harbor.

I like the warm, multilingual crew, often including David, Jamie, and Eileen, and I like the thoughtful food and drink service, with fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks. The main consideration is simple: wild animals set the schedule, and the sail may be raised without always being used if conditions or the route call for the engine.

Key points

• Pilot whales are the main attraction, with dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and seabirds also possible.
• The boat carries no more than 10 participants, giving the cruise a quiet, personal feel.
• Los Gigantes looks best from the water, where the cliffs form a dramatic backdrop to the return trip.
• Swimming and snorkeling last about 30 minutes at a small coastal cove.
• Food suits several diets, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
• The crew takes wildlife seriously, avoiding a rushed approach and sharing useful information in Spanish, English, French, and German.

A quiet start from Pier 1 in Los Gigantes

Your meeting point is Third Element Luxury Charters at Pier 1, mooring number 156, in the port of Los Gigantes. Check the exact departure time when you book, since the three-hour trip runs at different times depending on availability.

The sailing boat is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It is clean, well maintained, and roomy enough for a small group to spread out. With a maximum of 10 people, you are not packed shoulder to shoulder or trying to see wildlife over a crowd of raised phones.

That smaller size matters at sea. You can move around the boat to find a good viewing position, ask questions without shouting, and settle into the ride between sightings. Solo visitors also get a more social setting without the noise and scale of a large excursion boat.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, French, and German. David, Jamie, and Eileen are among the crew members associated with this trip, though the exact team can vary. Their role is more than pointing toward a fin. They explain the marine life, the local waters, and the natural setting around Tenerife in a friendly, easygoing way.

Bring swimwear, comfortable breathable clothes, and a change of clothes. You need a towel, since towels are not supplied. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Two hours searching the Atlantic for whales and dolphins

The first main section lasts about two hours and takes you out from Los Gigantes in search of marine life. Pilot whales are a regular focus of the trip, and you may also see dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and seabirds.

The important word is wild. There is no aquarium-style guarantee, and the boat cannot promise a particular animal on a particular departure. Some outings bring close views of pilot whales and their calves. Others may produce dolphins, a turtle, or several types of wildlife without a whale sighting.

That uncertainty is part of the value, but it is also the one point you should accept before booking. If you need a guaranteed performance, this is not the right kind of activity. If you like the idea of watching free-moving animals without a staged show, the waiting becomes part of the experience.

The crew’s approach is careful. They do not describe the outing as a chase, and their handling of wildlife is a major reason this feels more responsible than a crowded boat racing between sightings. The small boat can remain calm around the animals, and the crew can explain what you are seeing without turning the moment into a noisy spectacle.

Pilot whales are especially rewarding here. They often move in family groups, and several outings have brought views of adults and calves close to the boat. You might see them glide beside the hull, pass underneath, or surface near enough for everyone to watch without scrambling for position.

Dolphins can be less predictable but more energetic. They may appear in groups, play near the boat, or disappear as quickly as they arrive. Turtles tend to be a quieter sighting, so keep watching the water even after the main excitement has passed.

I would keep your phone ready, but do not spend the entire trip staring through a screen. The crew may share photos and videos after the outing, and the best sightings can happen on either side of the boat.

Raising the sail when conditions allow

The boat is a sailing boat, and you may help raise the sail when the conditions are right. Traveling under wind power gives the ride a pleasant, gentle rhythm, especially after the excitement of a whale or dolphin sighting.

Still, do not book this expecting a full three-hour sailing lesson. The route is built around wildlife watching, safety, and the conditions at sea. One person noted that the sail was raised but not always used, which is a fair reminder that the engine may be needed.

That is not a flaw in itself. Wind direction, speed, the need to reach a sighting area, and the safety of the group all matter. Think of the sail as an appealing part of the experience, not the sole purpose of the trip.

The pace is generally relaxed. The crew gives you time to look, asks you to keep watch, and fills the quiet stretches with information about the ocean and the Canary Islands. If the sea becomes choppy, a few people may feel seasick. If you know you are prone to it, consider taking suitable medication before departure and choose a spot on the boat where you feel steady.

A swim and snorkel beside Los Gigantes

After the wildlife search, the boat heads to a small cove for about 30 minutes of swimming and snorkeling. This is a useful change of pace. You have spent time scanning the open sea, and now you can get into the water and look at the coast from a closer angle.

The snorkeling equipment is included. The water at the stop may offer clear views and colorful fish, although the exact conditions vary. Several outings have had good visibility and enjoyable snorkeling near the cliffs.

You can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard. That choice makes the stop suitable for mixed groups, including people who enjoy the sea but are not confident swimmers. One crew member can help you feel more comfortable on the boat and around the water, but this is not presented as a dedicated swimming lesson.

The cove is also where the scale of Los Gigantes becomes clear. From sea level, the cliffs feel much bigger than they do from a road or a viewpoint. Their dark, steep faces rise around the coastline, creating a memorable setting for the swim stop.

Allow enough time to dry off before the return trip. A change of clothes is useful, and you should bring your own towel. The operator supplies snorkeling gear but not towels or personal photographs.

Homemade sandwiches, fruit, and a glass of cava

Food service is unusually generous for a three-hour boat trip. The crew serves fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches, followed by drinks that can include cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks.

The sandwiches are made with dietary needs in mind. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, which is worth noting when comparing this with simpler boat trips that offer only a standard snack.

The food arrives after the water stop, when you are likely to appreciate something more filling than fruit. You can sit back, eat, and watch the coast slide past as the boat begins its slow return to port.

The drinks add to the relaxed mood, but remember that you are still on a moving boat. If you are sensitive to motion, go easy on alcohol until you know how the sea feels. Water and soft drinks are also available.

The crew’s hospitality is one of the best parts of the outing. They take time to answer questions, help people settle in, and make solo visitors feel included. Families with older children have also found the trip comfortable, with the caveat that children should be happy spending several hours on a boat and following water-safety instructions.

Returning beneath the cliffs

The final section is not a rushed dash back to the marina. The boat slowly navigates toward Los Gigantes, giving you another chance to enjoy the cliffs from the water.

This is a good time to put the camera away for a few minutes. The light can change across the cliff faces, and the view shifts as the boat turns toward the harbor. You also get a chance to chat with the crew about the wildlife you saw and the wider marine life around Tenerife.

The port is easy to recognize once you return, and the tour ends back at the same Third Element Luxury Charters meeting point. Since the boat has a small capacity, spaces can fill up, especially during busy periods.

What the $88 price really covers

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Tenerife. You can find larger and simpler boat trips for less. The useful comparison is not just the number of hours, but what you receive for the price.

You get three hours on a clean sailing boat with no more than 10 participants. The cost includes the wildlife cruise, the swim and snorkel stop, snorkeling equipment, fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, and a broad selection of drinks.

You are also paying for space and attention. A larger vessel may offer more seats, but it can feel less personal when everyone is trying to watch the same whale. Here, the crew can speak with you directly, and you can move around the boat rather than remain fixed in one crowded area.

The value is strongest if you care about responsible wildlife watching, a peaceful atmosphere, and a more personal boat ride. It is less compelling if your only goal is the lowest possible fare or if you want a guaranteed whale sighting.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so check your own needs before booking.

Who should book this sailing trip?

I would choose this for someone who wants several experiences in one outing: open-sea wildlife watching, a small-group sail, a swim, snorkeling, coastal scenery, and a proper snack with drinks.

It suits couples, solo visitors, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a quiet boat to a crowded excursion. It is also a good fit for people who care about animal welfare and want a crew that explains its approach rather than treating wildlife as a guaranteed show.

I would think twice if you dislike boats, are highly prone to seasickness, need step-free access, or want a predictable itinerary with guaranteed animals. The trip is also not ideal if you are booking purely for sailing time, since the boat may use the engine even when the sail is raised.

The strongest sightings have included pilot whales with calves, large groups of dolphins, turtles, and flying fish. None of those can be promised, but the crew gives you a fair chance by spending substantial time looking and by keeping the group small.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you value a calm, personal day on the water more than the lowest price. The combination of a 10-person boat, respectful wildlife watching, good food, multilingual crew, and a swim beneath Los Gigantes gives this trip real substance.

Book it with sensible expectations. You are buying a chance to see wild animals, not a guaranteed dolphin performance. Bring a towel, a change of clothes, sun protection, and an open mind. If the sea cooperates, you may watch a family of pilot whales slide past the boat, then swim beneath Tenerife’s cliffs with a plate of fresh sandwiches waiting afterward.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale watching cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours. About two hours are used for sailing and searching for marine life, followed by roughly 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling before the return to port.

Where does the cruise depart?

You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching and Sailing Charters at Pier 1, mooring number 156, in Los Gigantes.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The group is limited to 10 participants. This gives you more room to move around and a quieter setting than a large boat excursion.

What animals might I see?

The cruise looks for dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles. You may also see flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. The cruise includes time to swim and snorkel at a small cove on Tenerife’s coast, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is food included?

Yes. Fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches are included. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

What drinks are included?

Drinks can include cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks.

What should I bring?

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

What languages does the crew speak?

The live guide service is available in Spanish, English, French, and German.