From Los Gigantes: Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise

Whales make the outing memorable. This small-boat cruise from Los Gigantes combines pilot whale watching with quiet sailing, cliff views, a short snorkel stop, and homemade tapas. I especially like the limited group size of nine and the crew’s clear respect for marine life. You are not promised a wildlife show on demand, though. Animals are wild, and one outing recorded dolphins but no whales.

I also like the calm tone. There is no need for loud music or a packed deck, and guides such as Sara, Felix, Jakob, Miguel, and Nettie have been praised for explaining both the animals and Tenerife. The main drawback is seasickness, which affected at least one couple, and the three to four hour outing can feel short if you want a long swim or a full day at sea.

Why this small sailing trip is worth your time

• Only up to nine passengers: The 46-foot, 14-meter sailboat feels personal rather than crowded, with room to move around safely.
• Pilot whales are the local star: You may also see dolphins, turtles, and other resident or migratory marine life.
• Wildlife comes first: The crew follows Tenerife’s Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching, carries the Blue Boat Flag, and supports the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association.
• Cliffs and Teide from the sea: Los Gigantes looks different from the water, with the island’s famous cliffs forming the backdrop.
• Tapas after the swim: Homemade food and drinks give the trip a pleasant finish, with vegetarian options reported on board.
• Three languages are available: Tours operate in Spanish, English, and French.

Setting out from Picarus Sailing Club

You meet at Picarus Sailing Club, looking for the boat named Aemon or Ayla. That detail matters because the meeting point is a sailing club, not simply a generic harbor departure. Check the boat name before you arrive so you can find the right crew without a last-minute scavenger hunt.

The cruise uses either a private booking or a small shared group. The maximum is nine passengers, plus the crew. That is the central advantage of this experience. On a large whale-watching boat, you may spend half your time looking around other people. Here, the scale allows for a quieter ride and a better chance of getting a clear view from the deck.

The boat is 46 feet long, or about 14 meters. It is described as comfortable and clean, with enough space for a group of eight or nine to move around safely. You should still remember that this is a sailboat, not a floating terrace. Seating and deck space are limited compared with a large excursion vessel, and the ocean can feel lively even on a pleasant day.

Life vests are carried on board. Snorkel masks are included, but the snorkel tube is not listed as included, so confirm the arrangement before departure. Bring your own towel, swimwear, sunglasses, sun hat, and biodegradable sunscreen with protection of 50 or higher.

The first hour and a half: watching whales and dolphins

The wildlife portion takes about 1.5 hours. The boat heads away from Los Gigantes in search of resident and migratory marine species, with the crew sharing information about what you see and how the animals live.

Pilot whales are the main sighting associated with this stretch of coast. Several outings have seen families of pilot whales, with some animals swimming close to the boat. Dolphins have also appeared, sometimes playfully alongside the vessel. One outing included pilot whales, dolphins, and a turtle, showing the range of wildlife you might encounter.

The crew’s approach is important. They follow the Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching from Turismo de Tenerife and carry the Blue Boat Flag, a government authorization connected with responsible whale watching. The company also works with the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association, supplying information and assistance.

In plain terms, this means the crew’s aim is not simply to get as close as possible. They explain that they keep respectful distances and may cut the engines when animals are spotted, including when the animals are still some distance away. That produces a better kind of wildlife experience. You are watching animals in their own setting, rather than encouraging a noisy chase.

Do not judge the trip only by the number of sightings. Nature does not follow the schedule. One outing had no whales but did see dolphins, and the passengers still enjoyed the sailing, views, and crew. Another group saw a beautiful family of pilot whales. Both outcomes are possible, so book this for a chance to observe marine life, not a guaranteed performance.

Guides add much of the value here. Sara has been praised for explaining marine life and Tenerife in Spanish, English, and French. Felix, Jakob, Miguel, and Nettie have also received warm comments for their friendly manner and clear explanations. You are encouraged to ask questions, which is useful if you want more than a quick photograph.

The wildlife stop can be exciting, but it requires patience. You may spend time scanning the water before a fin appears. Bring sunglasses, use the shaded or protected parts of the boat when needed, and keep your camera ready without letting it take over the experience.

Sailing beneath the cliffs, with Teide in view

After the wildlife search, about an hour is given to sailing around Los Gigantes. From the water, the cliffs become the main event. Their scale is easier to appreciate when you are looking upward from a small boat instead of viewing them from a road or town overlook.

The cruise also gives you views toward Teide. The exact visibility will depend on conditions, but the itinerary specifically includes the volcano and the cliffs as key sights. This part of the trip slows the pace. You are no longer focused only on spotting a whale. You can sit back, watch the coastline, and enjoy the movement of the boat.

Several people have valued this relaxed quality, especially on the morning departure. The boat is not packed, music is not part of the stated experience, and the mood is intended to be calm. That makes this a good choice if you prefer conversation, sea air, and open views over a party cruise.

The sailing section also provides time for the guide to discuss Tenerife’s island history and local hiking routes. Do not expect a full cultural tour, but these details help connect the cliffs and coast to the island beyond the boat.

A 15-minute swim and snorkel stop

The swimming stop lasts about 15 minutes and takes place near the cliffs, usually in a bay or sheltered area described by passengers. It is a short chance to get into the water rather than a long snorkeling session.

That timing is worth noting. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, this may feel brief. If you see it as a refreshing break after whale watching, it fits the trip well. You can swim near the cliffs, use the provided mask, and then return to the boat for food and drinks.

The description does not promise a particular underwater species or reef. You should think of this as a swim beside Los Gigantes, not a dedicated marine biology excursion. The cliffs and the setting are the draw.

Bring a towel. Sunscreen is not provided, and biodegradable high-protection sunscreen is recommended. The supplied information says the snorkel mask is included but does not include the snorkel tube, so clarify that point before you set off. If you are not comfortable in the water, you can still enjoy the sailing and wildlife portions, but the activity is built around a swim stop.

Tapas, drinks, and the ride home

The onboard meal takes about 15 minutes and consists of homemade tapas. This is a welcome touch because it turns the return section into part of the outing rather than a simple trip back to the harbor.

The food has been singled out as excellent, fresh, and suitable for vegetarians. Drinks are also available on board. The exact menu is not specified, so do not book expecting a particular dish. Instead, regard the tapas as a generous, local-style snack that rounds out the cruise.

The timing comes after swimming, which makes practical sense. You can dry off, eat, and settle into the final part of the sail. If you have dietary needs, ask the crew in advance. Vegetarian food has been available, but no wider list of dietary arrangements is provided.

The boat then returns to Picarus Sailing Club. The total outing lasts three to four hours, depending on the scheduled departure and the day’s conditions. One passenger felt that adding another hour would improve the trip. That is useful advice if you prefer a leisurely half-day on the water. At the same time, the current length works well for fitting a boat trip into a wider Los Gigantes itinerary.

What the $88 price really buys you

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water, but the value comes from the format. You are paying for a small group, a proper 46-foot sailboat, a crew focused on marine conservation, wildlife interpretation, sailing time, a cliffside swim, and tapas with drinks.

The nine-person limit is especially important. A smaller boat does not guarantee sightings, but it does improve the feel of the day. You get more space, less waiting for a clear view, and easier access to the crew when you have a question.

The responsible wildlife policy also has practical value. A crew that cuts engines and maintains respectful distances may not produce the closest possible photograph, but it gives you a more responsible way to see whales and dolphins. That matters on a coast where marine animals are part of the natural environment, not an attraction that can be summoned on command.

The price is easier to justify if you value quiet sailing and personal attention. If you only want a quick wildlife ride and do not care about group size, the extra cost may not matter to you. If you want a calm boat, a multilingual guide, and a meal included, $88 is a fair package for three to four hours.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking add flexibility. Keep in mind that you still need to check the available departure time when booking.

The real drawbacks to consider

Seasickness is the clearest concern. One couple found the motion difficult, although the guides helped them through it. The operator does not list seasickness medication or a specific remedy, so bring any personal medication you normally use and consider your comfort on open water.

Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The crew works hard to find whales, but you may see dolphins, turtles, or nothing more than open water and coastline. The responsible approach means the boat will not harass animals to create a better photograph.

The snorkel period is short at about 15 minutes. Also, the inclusion details are slightly uneven: masks and safety gear are supplied, while the snorkel tube is not listed as included. Ask before departure if this equipment matters to you.

Finally, the trip is not designed as a full-day sailing adventure. The itinerary gives about 1.5 hours to wildlife, one hour to sailing, 15 minutes to snorkeling, and 15 minutes for food. That makes a tidy half-day activity, but anyone hoping for a long swim, extended sailing, or a full meal may want something longer.

Who will enjoy Aemon or Ayla most?

I would choose this cruise if you want wildlife viewing without a crowded vessel. It suits couples, families, solo visitors, and small groups who like having room to move and a crew they can actually talk with.

It is also a good fit if conservation matters to you. The Blue Boat Flag, the Sustainability Charter membership, and the association work are not just decorative labels here. The crew’s stated practice of keeping distance and cutting engines reflects a careful approach to the animals.

You should also book it if your ideal day includes several different elements: whales or dolphins, views of Los Gigantes, a glimpse toward Teide, a swim, and tapas. The variety keeps the outing from depending entirely on wildlife sightings.

I would hesitate if you dislike boat motion, need a guaranteed whale encounter, or want a long snorkeling session. I would also check the equipment details if you do not have your own snorkel tube.

Practical tips for a smoother morning or afternoon

Wear swimwear under your clothes so you are ready for the water without changing on a small boat. Pack a towel, sunglasses, and a sun hat, and use biodegradable sunscreen with protection of 50 or higher.

Keep your expectations flexible. The crew can search, explain, and sail responsibly, but it cannot control the animals. A day with dolphins instead of whales can still give you a fine experience, especially when the cliffs and sailing are part of the plan.

Ask questions. The guides welcome them, and the strongest part of this outing is the chance to connect the wildlife with Tenerife’s sea and island setting. If you speak Spanish, English, or French, you can follow the guide’s explanations in one of those languages.

Should you book this Los Gigantes cruise?

Yes, if you want a small, calm, conservation-minded whale-watching trip rather than a crowded boat ride. The strongest reasons are the nine-passenger limit, the excellent crew, respectful wildlife practices, good tapas, and the mix of sailing, cliffs, and swimming.

Book with realistic expectations. Pilot whales and dolphins are possible, not guaranteed. The snorkel is brief, the sea may upset your stomach, and the trip lasts three to four hours rather than a full day. For $88, though, you get a thoughtful package and a much more personal boat experience than the size of the price might suggest.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. The boat is named Aemon or Ayla.

How long does the experience last?

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

How many people can join the boat?

Shared excursions have a maximum of nine passengers. Private and small-group bookings are also available.

What animals might I see?

The cruise looks for resident and migratory marine species, including pilot whales and dolphins. A turtle has also been seen during an outing, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Safety gear, including life vests, is on board, and snorkel masks are included. The snorkel tube is not listed as included, so confirm this detail before departure.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen with protection of 50 or higher. Sunscreen and towels are not provided.

Which languages are available?

The live guides speak Spanish, English, and French.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.