Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

One of Tenerife’s best days is on the water. This small-group Los Gigantes whale watching by sail boat pairs cliff scenery with a real time in the water. You get a 3-hour outing from the Third Element Charters marina area, built for comfort and close wildlife viewing.

I especially like two things: the max 10 travelers set-up (space on deck, less crowd pressure) and the onboard “boat day” extras, with lunch, fruit, snacks, and drinks included. It also has a practical food edge, with gluten-free and vegan sandwich options, plus cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

One thing to consider is simple: towels are not included. After snorkeling you’ll want a plan for drying off, and if you’re planning to swim, pack accordingly.

Key highlights worth showing up for

• Max 10 travelers means you actually get breathing room on deck
• Pilot whales and dolphins are common sightings off Los Gigantes
• Bow sunbeds on a Bavaria Cruiser 45 make the sailing portion comfortable
• Snorkeling time at a quieter cove beats the typical crowd vibe
• Lunch, fruit, snacks, and drinks included, with gluten-free and vegan choices
• English offered, with notes that a German guide is not available Sundays and Mondays

A real Los Gigantes sail day, not a cattle-call cruise

This is a sailing experience off the Los Gigantes coast on a Bavaria Cruiser (45 feet, 2012). A sailboat changes the whole feel. You’re lower, closer to the water, and you can hear more of what the crew is doing and saying while they search for wildlife.

The boat can carry up to 10 travelers, which is a big deal here. With smaller groups, you get more room around the bow and on deck, and the crew can keep an eye on everyone during the swim break. Several people specifically praised how much space there was, and that lines up with how a 45-foot sailboat works when it is not stuffed.

The physical details matter too. You have comfortable sunbeds on the bow, so you can watch for whales and dolphins without playing “hide from the crowd” on a big tour ship. For many first-timers in Tenerife, this is the moment when you understand why Los Gigantes is so famous.

What a 3-hour itinerary feels like on the water

The experience runs about 3 hours total, and the schedule is intentionally simple. You’re out long enough to sail, search, watch, and then enjoy a real swim and snorkeling stop, without rushing to satisfy a dozen photo beats.

You start at Third Element Charters at Calle Poblado Marinero, s/n, Pantalán 1 Atraque 156, 38683 Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The route focuses on the Los Gigantes area rather than hopping around the island. That keeps the day calmer and more water-centered.

A smart timing note from people who went: give yourself extra buffer for getting to the marina. One person warned to allow time to park, because you do not want to miss the start. If you’re driving, plan to arrive early, walk in, and settle before the boat leaves.

Cliffs first: sailing around Los Gigantes while wildlife shows up

The core of this outing is the sailing portion along Los Gigantes. Your main water time includes about 2 hours focused around the cliffs, while the crew looks for marine life offshore. This is where you want patience, and also where the small group size helps. Less crowd means it is easier for everyone to get a clear view when something surfaces.

From the wildlife sightings shared on past departures, the most frequently reported species include pilot whales and dolphins. People also mentioned other sea life like sea turtles and dolphins such as bottle-nosed dolphins and Risso’s dolphins. That does not guarantee your exact lineup, but it does tell you what the ecosystem supports regularly.

The crew’s role is practical: they watch conditions and adjust where the boat goes so everyone has a fair chance at seeing animals. Captain Jaime is one of the names that comes up, along with hosts like Eileen and David, and others such as Mike and Margaret. Even when names vary by day, the pattern is the same: friendly people who know how to spot wildlife and explain what you are seeing in plain language.

If you care about photo angles, this is also a good set-up. Small boats move closer to the action when it makes sense, and people highlighted lots of photo opportunities. You are not stuck behind a row of strangers.

The swim and snorkeling break is the best kind of surprise

This trip includes snorkeling and swimming time at a spot along the coast near the cliffs. One of the strongest selling points is that it is positioned as a less-crowded option, so you’re not just wading where everyone else is.

What you should expect: a planned stop where the crew can bring the boat to a suitable area for getting in safely and staying in long enough to actually enjoy it. People repeatedly mentioned loving the swimming time near the cliffs and treating the cove as a highlight.

Here is how to make this work for you:

• Bring the basics for getting wet, since towels are not provided
• If you have your own snorkel mask, consider bringing it, because the trip depends on you being comfortable in the water
• Wear swimwear you’re okay with, plus something easy to change out of afterward

Water temps in Tenerife can feel surprisingly different depending on time of day and season. If you’re the type who cools down fast, plan to warm up quickly once you’re back on board.

Drinks and lunch: simple, filling, and actually included

This is not one of those tours where the “included lunch” is a snack and a polite apology. You get complimentary drinks such as cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks, plus freshly cut fruit, snacks, and bottled water.

Food is a major comfort factor on a 3-hour ocean outing. You also get custom made sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. That’s a big deal if you have dietary needs, because it removes the constant “will I eat?” stress that can take the fun out of a day on the water.

If you’re wondering about the lunch vibe, people described the sandwiches as tasty and “just enough,” which is exactly what you want after swimming and before the return sail. You’re not leaving stuffed. You’re leaving satisfied and ready to enjoy the rest of your Tenerife day.

And yes, alcohol is part of the onboard package. If you plan to snorkel, keep it sensible. A calm swim is the goal, not bravery challenges.

Boat comfort details that matter when you’re watching whales

A lot of whale watching is waiting, then reacting fast. Comfort can be the difference between a good day and an exhausting one.

On this sailboat:

• You have bow sunbeds, which help you relax while scanning the water
• The group size is limited to 10, so you’re not forced into awkward deck packing
• The crew can give attention to individuals during swim time

People also mentioned that the setup feels more personal than large boats. When something shows up, smaller boats tend to distribute attention more evenly. That often means fewer people missing the moment because they were turned the wrong way or blocked by someone else.

One practical note: bring motion-sickness support if you need it. Someone did mention feeling a bit sea sick, but the crew looked after them. Still, it’s smart to be ready rather than hoping the ocean cooperates.

Where to meet, what to bring, and how to not stress at the marina

Your start and end are the same: the activity finishes back at the meeting point near Third Element Charters. That matters because you’re not scrambling at the end to find transport while everyone’s tired from sun and salt water.

The meeting location is a specific marina address in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, at Pantalán 1, Atraque 156. If you’re using navigation, double-check you have the correct pier and dock number.

What to bring:

• Swimwear
• Anything you need to dry off and change (again, no towels)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A light layer if you get chilly after snorkeling
• Your preferred motion-sickness remedy if you’re prone to it

Also, give yourself time to park. One traveler’s advice was to plan for it so you don’t arrive frazzled.

Who this Los Gigantes charter is best for

This is a strong match for people who want a whale watching experience with a personal touch and enough time in the water to feel like you actually did something, not just watched from a distance.

It also fits well if you care about:

• Small-group comfort and better viewing angles
• Clear explanations while you sail and search
• Food that works for different diets, including gluten-free and vegan
• A mix of wildlife watching plus snorkeling, without making the day too long

Families show up for this type of tour, and people reported enjoying it with children. Ages ranged widely on past outings, including kids as young as 9, so it seems to work when the group is respectful and safety-first.

If you want a big “look at the whales” party and nothing else, a larger cruise might feel more your style. But if you want a calmer, more hands-on experience, this sail setup is the better bet.

Should you book this charter for Tenerife?

If you’re heading to Tenerife and want one water-based day that covers whales or dolphins plus snorkeling, I think you should seriously consider booking this Los Gigantes whale watching charter by sail boat. The value is strong for what you get: 3 hours on a quality sailboat, small-group comfort, onboard drinks, snacks, fruit, and lunch with vegan and gluten-free options.

Book it if:

• You want a max 10 experience with space on deck
• You care about meaningful time in the water, not just a quick dip
• Dietary needs matter, and you want them handled on board
• You prefer sailing in a smaller vessel during wildlife watching

Skip it or plan carefully if:

• You do not want to swim or snorkel (this tour is built around that portion)
• You would rather have towels supplied, since towels are not included
• You are arriving with a tight schedule for the marina, because you should build in extra time for parking and check-in

The bottom line: for Los Gigantes, this is the kind of day that combines the drama of the cliffs with the simple fun of being on the water. When wildlife appears, you’ll feel it more on a small sailboat. And when it’s time to get in the water, you’ll be grateful the day is designed for more than just watching.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale watching charter?

The experience is approximately 3 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $90.70 per person.

How many people are on the tour?

This activity has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is the tour in English?

English is offered.

What’s included in the price?

Drinks (cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks), fresh cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, and custom made sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Alcoholic beverages are included.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, Calle Poblado Marinero, s/n Pantalán 1 Atraque 156, 38683 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What happens if the 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.

When will I get confirmation?

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.