From Los Gigantes: Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise

That first glimpse of the sea changes everything. This whale watching cruise from Los Gigantes mixes a calm sail with serious marine spotting, plus a short snorkel right by the cliffs, all in a small-group format aboard a 46-foot boat (Picarus Sailing Club base, boats named Aemon or Ayla). You also get island context as you go, so the trip feels more like a focused experience than a quick stop-and-go tour.

What I like most is the small size, usually max 9 passengers, which keeps the vibe relaxed and makes it easier to actually look for whales. I also like the responsible approach: the crew works with local whale watching conservation groups and even follows rules like shutting down engines when wildlife is spotted, so you get the feeling they are protecting the animals, not just chasing photos.

One thing to consider: you are on the water and a sailboat can move. If you are sensitive to motion, plan for possible seasickness, because the trip includes time on open sea while you search and reposition.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• Max 9 passengers on a 46-foot sailboat keeps whale watching intimate and easy to manage on deck
• Wildlife viewing for about 1.5 hours gives time to actually find whales and dolphins, not just glance and move on
• Snorkeling under the cliffs is short, but it is timed to be next to the dramatic Los Gigantes wall
• Homemade tapas on board comes after your swim, including options for vegetarians
• Responsible whale watching practices include local partnerships and a government authorization signal through the Blue Boat Flag
• Engines can be cut when animals are spotted, which helps keep the approach respectful

Sailing out of Los Gigantes, with whales as the main event

Los Gigantes is built for water lovers. From the cliffs you get those dramatic views over open sea, and once you’re on a sailboat, the coastline feels closer and more real than it does from land. This cruise is designed around one clear goal: see whales and dolphins in the wild, with time for a swim and a meal to close the loop.

The boat itself matters. A 46-foot sailboat is big enough to feel steady and comfortable, but small enough that you do not feel like you are trapped in a crowd. Reviews consistently describe a calm atmosphere on board, with fewer distractions, and you can tell the crew wants you looking outward, not zoning out.

The big win is that you are not just passing through the area. You spend meaningful time on the water to locate wildlife, then you slow down for viewing. And you get to experience the cliffs from sea level, which is its own kind of payoff even on a slower wildlife day.

How the small-group boat experience actually feels

This is the type of tour where the group size changes everything. With a maximum of 9 passengers, you can move around without feeling squeezed, and you are not playing the tower of bodies game when a whale surfaces.

That matters for whale watching because your time is limited. When everyone can see, you are more likely to catch the moments that make the trip. It also helps during the switch between viewing, sailing, and the anchored swim, since you are not constantly stepping around a packed deck.

You’ll also get multilingual guiding: Spanish, English, and French. In a couple of trips, guides like Sara, Jakob, Miguel, Nettie, and Felix are specifically named, and the recurring theme is that the crew takes time to explain what you are seeing. Even if you are not a marine-life nerd, you’ll start recognizing patterns like where pilot whales or dolphins tend to show up and why the approach stays calm.

The wildlife spotting phase off Los Gigantes

The cruise starts by leaving from Picarus Sailing Club, then you head out for wildlife viewing for about 1.5 hours. This is the stretch where the crew searches, repositions, and scans. If you are hoping for that unmistakable moment of seeing a whale at close range, this is where the time is concentrated.

From real experiences, the most common highlights include pilot whales and multiple sightings of dolphins, including playful groups. Some trips also include a sea turtle. You might not see whales every time, because this is the ocean and animals choose where to be. But the guides’ focus shows in the way they adjust the route and keep the boat’s behavior respectful when wildlife appears.

One detail that really signals good practice: the captain is attentive to disruption. One passenger noted the captain cut engines when whales were spotted, even from a distance. That kind of choice tends to reduce stress on animals and improves viewing too, because the crew is not rushing through.

The sailing time, plus Teide and island context

After the initial viewing window, you transition into sailing time, about 1 hour. This is not filler. It gives you a chance to settle, take in the open-water perspective, and get the island story from the crew.

The cliffs of Los Gigantes are the star from the sea, and on a sail you get a smoother sense of how the coastline sits within the larger Tenerife setting. The trip is also described as including history and explanations about marine species you may encounter along the way. I like this approach because it turns whale watching from a random hunt into a guided way of understanding the waters you are in.

If you care about context, this is where you benefit most. The crew is using local knowledge tied to whale watching conservation networks, not just generic facts. Even small bits, like how marine life uses the area or why certain species may appear, make the sightings feel more connected.

Snorkeling under the cliffs: short, practical, and timed

Next comes the anchored swim and snorkeling time, around 15 minutes. It’s brief, which is honestly a smart design choice on a moving sailboat trip. You get a taste of underwater life without turning the day into a long gear and logistics session.

This portion happens next to the cliffs. That is the key. Snorkeling off Los Gigantes is not just about being in the water, it is about being close to the underwater edge of a dramatic vertical wall. The setting can feel surreal, especially right after you’ve been scanning for whales and dolphins from above.

What’s included: snorkel masks and safety gear (life vests). What is not included is the tuba (the snorkel tube piece). So if you like a specific snorkel setup, plan to bring what you need. Also bring your own essentials like a towel, because it is not listed as included.

Tips for your comfort here are simple:

• Put on sunscreen before you go into the water, since you are told to use biodegradable sunscreen with high protection
• Wear swimwear under your clothes, so you can switch quickly
• If you’re sensitive to cooler water, consider a thin rash guard so you can enjoy more time in the water even if the sea feels brisk

Food on board: tapas right after the swim

A lot of boat trips make you choose between a snack and a meal. This one does both, in a tight schedule. After the water time, you get onboard food for about 15 minutes, and it’s described as a homemade tapas menu.

I like this structure because it keeps the day flowing. You swim, you cool off, you eat while you’re still in that post-sightings state of mind. Reviews also mention wine and drinks, which suggests the tapas part is treated as a proper onboard finish, not a sad cookie moment.

Vegetarians are catered for. That is a real quality-of-life detail, especially on tours where food can be an afterthought. If you eat plant-based, this cruise is one of those rare options where you can show up without worrying you will end up with just bread.

Responsible whale watching that isn’t just marketing talk

This is where this operator earns attention. They participate in a Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching through Turismo de Tenerife, and they are active members of the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association. They also state they hold authorization connected to the Blue Boat Flag, which is meant to indicate government authorization to carry out whale watching responsibly.

What that means for you on the water is practical behavior:

• the crew prioritizes conservation and respectful distance
• they adjust actions around sightings, including shutting down engines when animals are spotted
• they share information about the species they encounter, which encourages better understanding rather than just excitement

You can feel that approach from the way the day is paced. The viewing portion is timed, the approach is calm, and the snorkeling is done in an anchored, controlled way rather than treating the sea like a free-for-all.

Price and value: what you actually get for about $88

At $88 per person for a 3 to 4 hour sail, this feels like strong value if you care about both wildlife and a real Tenerife experience. You are paying for a small-group sail, guided interpretation in multiple languages, wildlife spotting time, a snorkeling slot, life vests and masks, and a tapas meal.

If you compare this to doing whale watching as a long day on a large vessel, the benefit is comfort and attention. If you compare it to a snorkeling tour alone, you are getting the extra marine-life searching portion and the sail. For many people, the combo is exactly why they chose Los Gigantes in the first place.

Also, the group size is not just a nice-to-have. With max 9 passengers, you spend less time waiting and more time looking. That boosts the odds you enjoy the trip, even if wildlife is shy that day.

Who should book this sailboat whale watching cruise

This is a great fit if:

• you want whales and dolphins as the main goal, not just a scenic boat ride
• you prefer a smaller group and calmer atmosphere on deck
• you like being guided with real explanations, including named local crew and marine focus
• you want a short snorkeling experience next to the cliffs, without a full day of gear juggling

It may be less ideal if:

• you know you get seasick and do not plan for it
• you expect a long snorkeling session, since the time in the water is about 15 minutes

Booking decision: should you go?

If you’re visiting Tenerife and you want an honest, respectful whale watching experience from Los Gigantes, I think this is an easy yes. The small-group sailboat setup and the inclusion of snorkeling and homemade tapas make it feel like a complete half-day, not a barebones wildlife hunt.

My only caution is seasickness. If that’s you, bring motion-sickness support and be ready for some movement. Otherwise, you’re in good hands with a crew tied to whale watching conservation and a boat style that keeps things calm enough for real spotting.

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Los Gigantes?

The duration is listed as 3 to 4 hours.

Where do I meet, and how do I find the right boat?

You meet at Picarus Sailing Club. The boat names are Aemon or Ayla.

How many people are on board?

The excursion is described as private or shared with a maximum of 9 passengers.

What marine life might I see?

The cruise focuses on whales and other marine fauna. Reviews mention pilot whales, dolphins, and even a turtle on some trips.

Is snorkeling included, and what gear do I get?

Snorkeling time is included, and snorkel masks are provided. Life vests are also provided. The tuba from snorkel equipment is listed as not included, so check what you need to bring.

What food is included on board?

A homemade tapas menu is served onboard after the swimming time. Vegetarian options are mentioned in the experiences provided.

Is this whale watching done responsibly?

The provider states it follows sustainability and conservation commitments, including participation in a whale watching sustainability charter, involvement with the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association, and government authorization indicated by the Blue Boat Flag.

What should I do if I get seasick?

One experience mentions seasickness concerns. If you are sensitive, plan ahead with your own motion-sickness solution, and consider choosing times when conditions feel calmer.

Can I cancel, and is reserve and pay later available?

Free cancellation is listed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also listed as an option.