Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

Wildlife meets a beautiful coastal sail. This three-hour cruise from Los Gigantes gives you two excellent reasons to go: a small group capped at 10 people and a real chance to see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other sea life in open water. I also like the relaxed food and drink service, with fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks included.

The main consideration is that wild animals keep their own schedule. You may see pilot whales and dolphins close to the boat, as many people do, but sightings are never promised. The boat may raise its sail when conditions allow, yet one past participant noted that the engine was sometimes still used, so this is best viewed as a wildlife cruise on a sailboat, not a pure sailing lesson.

At a glance: what makes this cruise special

• Only 10 participants: You have room to move around the boat and a better chance of seeing the water from the rail.
• Pilot whales are the main attraction: The southwest coast is a strong place to look for them, and sightings have included pods with calves.
• Los Gigantes looks different from sea level: The cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop, especially on the return to port.
• Swimming and snorkeling are built in: You stop for about 30 minutes at a small coastal cove.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• Wildlife is treated with care: The crew follows a calm, respectful approach rather than chasing animals for close photographs.

Setting out from Pier 1 in Los Gigantes

You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, at Pier 1, mooring number 156, in the port of Los Gigantes. The meeting point is easy to locate with the supplied Google Maps link, but give yourself enough time to find the correct mooring. A marina can feel confusing when several boats are preparing to leave.

The vessel is a proper sailing boat rather than a large excursion catamaran. That difference matters. With no more than 10 people, the cruise feels personal and unhurried. You are not packed shoulder to shoulder with a crowd, and the crew can answer questions without shouting across a full deck.

The boat has received repeated praise for being clean, comfortable, and well maintained. You can spread out, change position as the boat moves, and look for animals from different sides. If you are traveling alone, the small group also makes it easier to feel included. One solo passenger particularly appreciated the warm welcome and personal attention.

The crew may include David, Jamie, or Eileen, depending on the departure. Their role goes beyond steering the boat. They explain the marine life, point out birds and other creatures, and share information about Tenerife and the Canary Islands. Spanish, English, French, and German are spoken, which is helpful if your group includes people with different language needs.

Two hours looking for whales and dolphins

The main wildlife portion lasts about two hours. The boat heads from Los Gigantes into the Atlantic, where the crew searches for dolphins and pilot whales in their natural surroundings.

Pilot whales are the most dependable highlight mentioned in the trip details and many individual accounts. You may see a whole pod, sometimes with young calves. Several sightings have involved whales approaching the sailboat, swimming beside it, or passing beneath it at very close range. That kind of encounter is special because you are watching normal behavior, not a staged show.

Dolphins also appear regularly in the accounts of this cruise. Some people have seen large groups playing around the boat, while others have watched bottlenose dolphins nearby. Turtles, flying fish, and other seabirds have also been spotted. You should keep your eyes moving instead of staring only at the horizon. A turtle may surface quietly, and a bird or fish can be easy to miss.

The guides add real value here. They do not simply point and shout there they are. They explain what you are seeing and discuss local marine life and the ocean around Tenerife. Past trips have included sightings of protected birds and even a seabird chick in trouble, with the crew stopping to help. Another group saw the crew remove an old net from the water. These moments suggest a practical concern for the sea, not just a sales pitch about wildlife.

There is an important tradeoff. A crew that respects the animals will not chase them aggressively or guarantee a close approach. That can mean a quieter trip if sightings are distant, but it is the right approach for a wildlife experience. You should book with the attitude that the boat is taking you to a good viewing area, not delivering a guaranteed animal performance.

Raising the sail, with a small caveat

If the wind and sea conditions are suitable, you may help raise the sail. It is a pleasant hands-on touch, especially if you have never been on a sailing boat before.

Do not expect the entire outing to run under sail power. The captain may use the engine when needed for speed, direction, safety, or wildlife viewing. One person specifically wished the boat made more use of the sail even when it was raised. If your main goal is to learn sailing techniques or spend three hours silently powered by wind, this cruise may not satisfy you.

For most people, the sailing boat is valuable for the space, atmosphere, and gentle connection to the sea. You get the pleasure of being on a smaller vessel without turning the trip into a technical sailing course.

Swimming and snorkeling near the cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat drops anchor at a small cove for about 30 minutes. This is your chance to swim from the boat or use the supplied snorkeling equipment.

The cove is described as especially beautiful, with clear water and fish visible below the surface. Several people enjoyed snorkeling near the Los Gigantes cliffs and saw colorful fish. It is a good change of pace after sitting and scanning the sea for whales. You can cool off, look beneath the surface, or simply stay aboard and enjoy the setting.

The snorkeling is a bonus, not a full reef excursion. The information provided does not promise a certain species list or a long snorkeling session. Conditions can affect visibility and comfort. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew. One participant who felt uneasy in the water said the crew looked after them carefully, but you should still bring sensible expectations and follow the crew’s instructions.

You need to bring your own towel. Swimwear, breathable clothing, comfortable clothes, and a change of clothes are recommended. A change of clothes is particularly useful after a saltwater swim, since towels are not included.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Boarding a sailing boat, moving around the deck, and getting into the water require a reasonable level of mobility.

Fresh fruit, sandwiches, and a glass of cava

Food service is one of the strongest practical advantages of this cruise. Fresh fruit and drinks are served during the outing, followed by freshly made sandwiches. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, so tell the operator about your needs when booking or before departure.

The drink selection includes cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks. This gives the return journey a relaxed feel, particularly after swimming. Several people singled out the tasty sandwiches and generous drinks, while one person was especially pleased to receive a vegan option.

I like that the food is more substantial than a packet of crisps and a small bottle of water. At $88 per person, meals and drinks help explain the price. You are paying for a three-hour small-group outing, a dedicated crew, wildlife searching, snorkeling equipment, and refreshments rather than just a seat on a boat.

Still, food should not be your only reason to book. The real value comes from the combination of the intimate boat, the wildlife work, the coastal views, and the crew’s attention. If you only want a quick look at the cliffs, a cheaper sightseeing boat may be enough.

Returning beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

The boat slowly makes its way back to port after the stop. This is when you get some of the best views of the Los Gigantes cliffs from the water.

Seen from below, the cliffs give the ride a strong sense of place. You are not simply crossing open water in search of animals. The return route ties the cruise to Tenerife’s southwest coast and gives you a chance to enjoy the rock walls without rushing to the next sighting.

The slower pace is welcome. The wildlife search can involve stretches of waiting and scanning, so the return becomes a calm final chapter rather than another race around the sea. Keep your camera ready, but remember that photos are not included. Some people have received photographs or videos afterward, but that should be treated as a possible courtesy, not part of the guaranteed package.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88, this is not the cheapest boat trip in Los Gigantes. You may see larger vessels advertising whale watching for less, and that can make this cruise seem expensive at first.

I think the price is fair if you value comfort and a quiet group. Ten people or fewer means more open space, fewer people competing for the best view, and more direct contact with the crew. You also receive fresh fruit, a made sandwich, several drink choices, snorkeling equipment, and time to swim.

The price is less compelling if you only care about seeing whales and are comfortable with a crowded boat. No operator can control wildlife, so the higher cost does not buy a guarantee. It buys a better setting for the search and a more personal service.

The strongest value comes from the full three-hour package. You get two hours devoted to marine life, a half-hour swim and snorkel, and a scenic return beside the cliffs. It feels like a small coastal outing rather than a quick animal-spotting run.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this cruise for couples, solo visitors, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a smaller boat. Children aged 10 and 11 enjoyed the trip on one outing, though every family should consider how comfortable their children are with open water and boat movement.

It also suits people who care about the way wildlife is handled. The crew’s reported behavior is calm and respectful, with no promise of forced close encounters. That makes the experience more satisfying for anyone who wants to observe animals without feeling part of a chase.

The multilingual crew is useful for international groups. The boat’s relaxed layout also helps if you want time to talk, ask questions, or simply sit quietly and watch the ocean.

I would think twice if you have limited mobility, strongly dislike open-water boat trips, or need a guaranteed whale sighting. Sea conditions can change, and some people have experienced seasickness. Taking appropriate motion sickness medicine beforehand is a sensible tip if you are prone to it, though the supplied information does not specify a particular medication.

For flexibility, you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailboat cruise?

Yes, if you want a personal wildlife trip rather than the cheapest boat ride. The small group, caring crew, good food, and chance to see pilot whales close to the boat make this a strong choice. Add the swim, snorkeling, and cliff views, and you have a well-rounded half-day activity.

Go with realistic expectations. You might see dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, and seabirds, but nature does not follow a timetable. Bring swimwear, a towel, dry clothes, and patience. If that sounds appealing, $88 is a reasonable price for a comfortable, respectful outing on Tenerife’s southwest coast.

FAQ

Where does the Los Gigantes whale watching cruise depart?

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

How long does the experience last?

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

How many people can join the boat?

The group is limited to 10 participants, making this a small-group experience.

Which animals might I see?

You may see dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. The cruise includes time to swim and snorkel, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is food included?

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

Which drinks are included?

The included drinks include cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks.

What should I bring?

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