Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes looks better from the water. On this 3-hour small-group sailing tour in Tenerife, you get a real shot at dolphins, pilot whales, and other sea life in the protected waters of Teno Rural Park, plus snorkeling in quiet coves with equipment included. The ride stays personal, and the skipper shares what you’re looking at, from the cliffs of Los Gigantes to the animals offshore.

One thing to keep in mind: this is wildlife watching, so sightings and how much “sailing” you get can shift with the day’s sea and animal activity, and the tour requires good weather to run.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Maximum 10 people means you can actually hear the skipper and move around comfortably on a Bavaria-style sailboat.
• Teno Rural Park waters are the focus, with frequent chances at dolphins and pilot whales (plus turtles and other species).
• Snorkeling is built in at calm coves, and gear is included, not just “maybe you can swim.”
• Light snacks and drinks on board keep the trip easy, whether you’re a family or a couple looking for a relaxed outing.
• Skippers Antonio and Francisco are named often in past feedback, both for spotting wildlife and sharing local info.
• Seas can be choppy sometimes, and one downside you might feel is motion, so it helps to be prepared if you get seasick.

Entering The World of Los Gigantes by Sailboat

Los Gigantes is famous for those towering black cliffs dropping into the sea. From land, they look dramatic. From the water, they become a living backdrop, with caves, barrancos, and angles that are hard to appreciate any other way.

What makes this tour a smart pick is the mix of three things that usually don’t come together nicely: a smaller 10-person maximum, a real marine-spotting mission, and a swim or snorkeling break. You’re not stuck watching from one spot in a big crowd, and you also get to switch modes from “watching” to “in the water.”

And you’re in a setting that’s meant to protect marine life. The tour runs along the Los Gigantes coast within Teno Rural Park, so the whole day feels like it has purpose, not just a scenic cruise.

The 3-Hour Route and What Each Moment Really Gives You

This is a straightforward half-day outing: you meet at MPC Yacht Charter, head out along the Los Gigantes coastline, and you return to the same meeting point at the end. There’s no frantic schedule. Instead, the day is paced around finding wildlife and then enjoying time at the snorkel stop.

Stop 1: Acantilado de los Gigantes

Your main “anchor” point is the Acantilado de los Gigantes area, where the cliffs and the offshore waters create the kind of habitat that marine animals travel through. Expect the skipper to take you along the coastline and into the areas where they’re likely to surface and socialize.

In past feedback, pilot whales show up often, with dolphins also common. Some days also bring turtles and other marine species, and the sightings can be close enough that you can clearly enjoy what’s happening around the boat rather than seeing distant shapes only.

A useful way to think about the experience is this: the scenery is great, but the route is built for animal spotting first. That’s why it matters that the group stays small and the skipper can reposition when the right activity shows up.

The “snorkel in a quiet cove” moment

A big reason people keep recommending this tour is the swim break. The plan includes snorkeling in quieter coves, where you can actually relax and enjoy the water rather than fighting crowds or busy surf.

Equipment is included, which matters because it removes the guesswork. You can pack lighter and spend your time on the activity itself. And even if snorkeling isn’t your thing, you still get a chance to bathe or just enjoy the sea from the boat.

One practical note: if the sea state is lively, it can be a more active swim. If you’re traveling with kids or you get uneasy on boats, it’s still a short enough stop that you can choose your comfort level.

The On-Board Setup: Small Group Comfort Without the Big-Ship Hassle

This tour caps the group at 10 travelers. That’s not just a nice-to-have. In the real world, it affects everything: how easily you find space at the railing, how personal the skipper’s attention feels, and how workable the swim/snorkel transition becomes.

Several past experiences describe the boat as comfortable and not overcrowded. One guest specifically mentioned a Bavaria 44 feel, which fits the idea that you’re on a proper sailing craft rather than a transport boat with a “watching platform” vibe.

You’ll also get snacks and drinks on board during the crossing. People often describe it as a light, Canarian-style spread rather than a heavy meal, which fits the 3-hour timing. You’re not stuck waiting for a late lunch, and you can keep your energy up for the swim stop and the ride back.

If you’re sensitive to noise or distractions: there’s at least one very critical account where onboard music and smoking were mentioned as problems. Most other feedback is positive, but if this matters to you, ask ahead about onboard expectations for music volume and where smoking is allowed. That one step can help protect your day.

What You Might See: Dolphins, Pilot Whales, Turtles, and More

The core promise is marine life sightings in their natural habitat. In plain terms, you should go with the right expectations:

• Dolphins are common, and you can often see them playing around the boat.
• Pilot whales are a frequent highlight in past feedback, sometimes in larger pods.
• Tropical calderones and other species can also appear depending on conditions.
• Turtles show up at least occasionally in reported sightings.
• You may also notice seabirds as you pass under and along the cliff formations.

Because this is open-water wildlife watching, the day can change. One guest even noted that on a noisy holiday period, whales were farther out to sea. That’s a useful reminder that animal movement can respond to sound and activity levels.

So I recommend you treat the day like a nature outing, not a movie you’re guaranteed to get on schedule. If you stay flexible and keep your eyes up, the payoff can be excellent.

Snorkeling Gear, Cove Selection, and How to Make the Most of the Swim Stop

The swim and snorkeling break is one of the strongest “value boosters” in this tour. Many whale-watching trips either skip swimming entirely or make it a rushed, optional add-on. Here, snorkeling is part of the planned experience and uses quiet coves.

You’ll get equipment included. That’s helpful if you don’t want to buy or carry your own gear. It also means you can focus on technique and comfort once you’re in the water.

What makes the cove stop valuable beyond the fish is the contrast. First you’re scanning the horizon for whales and dolphins. Then you shift to a calmer, smaller-world experience underwater. Even if you don’t see something dramatic instantly, you can still enjoy the clear water and marine life activity.

Quick prep ideas:

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen if you use it and a towel you don’t mind getting damp.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing what helps you most. Seasickness came up in a negative account, and choppy water can happen in this region.
• Pack your phone or camera in a way you can access quickly once you’re settled.

Meeting Point and Getting There Smoothly

The tour starts and ends at the MPC Yacht Charter meeting area at Puerto deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picon, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

A practical tip from the way this works on the water: arrive early. One critical account complained about boarding delays related to road construction. Whether you’re delayed or not, early arrival reduces stress and helps your skipper keep the schedule for everyone.

The listing also notes the meeting point is near public transportation, which is useful if you’re not renting a car or you prefer not to hunt for parking at the last minute.

Price and Value: Why $84.69 Can Be a Fair Deal

At $84.69 per person for about 3 hours, you’re paying for three things at once:

1. A small sailing platform and active animal searching along the coast.
2. A built-in swim/snorkel break with equipment included.
3. Snacks and drinks during the crossing.

Big-group cruises often look cheaper, but the value can disappear fast when you cannot hear the guide, you spend time squeezing for a view, or the swim stop is limited. Here, the cap of 10 travelers helps justify the price by keeping the experience flexible and more comfortable.

Also, the tour targets a protected area setting, and you’re getting commentary on the marine fauna and geography. When wildlife watching is done well, that local context changes how you “read” what you see.

So yes, it costs money. But in exchange, you get a real half-day on the water, with both surface watching and time in the water.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a great match for:

• Families who want a shorter outing with a swim break.
• Couples looking for a calmer, more intimate boating day.
• Nature lovers who enjoy learning as they watch.
• People who prefer small groups over big-boat crowds.

It might be less ideal if:

• You need guaranteed whale sightings no matter what.
• You are very sensitive to onboard conditions like music volume or smoking proximity (because one negative account raised those exact issues).
• You expect the boat to sail the whole time regardless of wind. One account noted the engine was used when sailing wasn’t possible, which is normal for safe operations.

If your priority is a relaxed, scenic nature outing with a good chance at dolphins and pilot whales, this tour lines up well with that goal.

Should You Book This Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes?

I’d book it if you want a small-group Tenerife sailing experience that mixes wildlife spotting with a proper swim or snorkeling stop. The repeated highlights are exactly the right kind of details: dolphins near the boat, pilot whales in pods, turtles on occasion, and a cove snorkeling break where you can actually enjoy the water.

Before you go, do two simple things to protect your day:

• Choose an earlier arrival window at the marina so boarding is calm.
• If you care about quiet or you prefer no smoking nearby, message the provider ahead and confirm expectations for onboard comfort.

If those are taken care of, this is the kind of half-day excursion that can give you both photos and a real memory of time spent on Tenerife’s sea, not just time spent in transit.

FAQ

How long is the Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes?

The tour is about 3 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $84.69 per person.

What group size should I expect?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Do I get snorkeling time and equipment?

Yes. You snorkel in quiet coves, and snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included on board?

Snacks and drinks are provided during the crossing, and the tour includes a snack or light food break on board.

What wildlife might I see?

You may see dolphins, pilot whales or tropical calderones, and other marine species such as turtles.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at MPC Yacht Charter, Puerto deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picon, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.