Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

Cliff views and whales, all in one sail. You set off from Los Gigantes on a small sailing boat, looking for dolphins, pilot whales, and sea turtles, with a swim and snorkel stop along Tenerife’s southwest coast.

What I like most is the small group feel, capped at 10 people, so you can move around and enjoy the trip without feeling herded. I also love the onboard touches, like fresh fruit, drinks, and homemade sandwiches (with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options).

One thing to plan around: this is wildlife time. Sightings vary by day, and while the chance is good, you should expect the ocean to call the shots.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small group sailing (up to 10), which keeps the experience calm and personal
• Real search time for dolphins, pilot whales, and sea turtles in the Atlantic
• Los Gigantes from the water, with dramatic sea cliffs as your backdrop
• Swim and snorkel stop in a small cove with snorkeling equipment provided
• Food and drinks included, including cava plus a mix of wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Crew care for wildlife, including stories of removing a net and rescues at sea

Setting sail from Los Gigantes, and why that matters

Los Gigantes is the kind of place where the cliffs do the talking. From the water, those steep rock walls look bigger and older than they do from land, and they make the whole cruise feel more like sightseeing than just waiting offshore.

This trip runs out of a proper marina setup, with your group meeting at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Pier 1, mooring number 156. Once you’re aboard, the pace stays relaxed. You’ll cruise out, scan the water, and let the guides work the area instead of rushing you from one spot to the next.

The sailing angle is part of the charm. When conditions are right, you may even help raise the sail. Even if the boat sometimes shifts to engine power for timing or comfort, the overall vibe is still “sailboat outing,” not a high-speed chase.

The 2 hours of whale watching: what you’re really looking for

The main stretch is built around spotting marine life in their natural environment, usually with a focus on dolphins and pilot whales, plus the possibility of sea turtles.

Here’s the practical way to think about it: you’re not just standing still. You’re on the water with an attentive crew that’s actively scanning and repositioning as opportunities appear. That matters because dolphins and pilot whales can surface unpredictably, and sea turtles are just as much about being in the right place at the right moment.

You also get a strong “less is more” setup. The boat is an intimate one, limited to 10 passengers. Smaller groups often make it easier to keep distance and avoid crowding, and you’ll feel that difference when you’re trying to watch without constant shifting around.

In real life, the big win is how often the encounter can turn into “close viewing,” especially with pilot whales. Some days they stay near the boat long enough that you get a good look at their movement and behavior, not just a quick, distant glimpse. If you’re someone who loves watching patterns, the longer you’re out there, the better the odds.

How the crew’s approach adds value beyond sightings

Your chances improve when a team understands local waters and works with the animals instead of against them. The crew on this cruise has a reputation for caring about marine wildlife, and you can feel that in how the trip is run.

A couple of stories stand out in the details you’ll hear onboard: one crew member pulled an old net out of the water, and on another trip they handled a protected seabird chick that was struggling. These aren’t the kind of add-ons you see on a rushed tourist operation. They signal that someone is paying attention to more than just checkboxes.

Also, language support is a real plus. The live guide setup includes Spanish, English, French, and German, and that helps because when you can understand the explanations clearly, you notice more on the water. Some onboard hosts you may meet include David, Jamie, Eileen, and Jaime, depending on the day and crew rotation.

Los Gigantes cliffs during the cruise: the best “free” attraction

Even when marine life is quiet, you’re still going somewhere scenic. A big part of this trip is how it treats the cliffs as an experience.

From the sea, you’ll see Los Gigantes from angles land tours can’t match. The boat gives you a rolling view as you move along the coast, with changing light on the rock walls and the coastline. It’s not just pretty, it’s grounding. You’re out on the Atlantic with the geography right in front of you, and it makes the waiting feel like part of the adventure.

This matters because whale watching can be unpredictable. If you end up doing extra scanning time, the cliffs keep the cruise visually engaging, so you’re not bored while the crew looks.

The swim and snorkel stop: short, sweet, and practical

After the wildlife search, you’ll stop for a swim and snorkel in a small cove off Tenerife. You get about 30 minutes for the water time, and snorkeling equipment is included.

Thirty minutes is exactly the right length for most people. You have enough time to put on a mask, swim a little, and enjoy fish and underwater life if conditions cooperate. At the same time, it doesn’t turn into a long stretch where you’re waiting around in wet gear.

One practical note: the cove is part of the appeal, but you’ll still want to plan for getting in and out of the water comfortably. Bring a change of clothes, and be ready to dry off as best you can. Towels are not included, so you’ll need to bring your own.

If you’re a snorkel first-timer, you’ll likely appreciate how the cruise keeps things simple. You’re not managing a complex course or renting extra gear at the last minute. You show up, gear up, then enjoy the sea life.

What’s included onboard: food, drinks, and that small-boat comfort

This is a cruise where the included items feel like part of the day, not a token snack.

On the sailing portion, you’ll get drinks and fresh fruit. When you return, you’ll enjoy freshly made sandwiches. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, so it’s a good match if your group has different dietary needs.

Drink-wise, the list is properly generous: cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks are included. If you’re the type who thinks, I want a nice glass while I watch the ocean, you’ll like this setup.

Snorkeling gear is included too. That reduces hassle and lets you pack smarter, especially if you’re already carrying beach items.

And because it’s a smaller boat, there’s more room to relax. People often comment on the comfort and cleanliness of the vessel, and that lines up with what you want for a 3 hour outing where you might be in and out of the shade depending on the sun.

Group size, timing, and how to plan your day

The total duration is 3 hours, split into about 2 hours for whale watching and marine life viewing, plus about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The remaining time goes toward boarding, sailing, and getting back while enjoying cliff views.

That timing makes it easy to fit into Tenerife without losing your whole day. It works well if you want an ocean highlight but still want time for lunch and a later drive or evening plans.

The trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If that’s relevant for you, double-check before you book. The format includes getting around onboard and using water access, and that can be a deal-breaker on smaller boats.

Also, it’s wise to pack sea-sickness support if you’re prone to it. One recurring practical tip is that some people experience motion discomfort, so taking your preferred meds beforehand can make the difference between enjoying the cruise and white-knuckling it.

What to bring so you’re actually comfortable

You’ll be much happier if you pack with the swim and deck time in mind. Bring swimwear, comfortable clothes, breathable layers, and a change of clothes. You should also bring a towel, since none are provided.

For footwear, stick to something easy to manage onboard and around the pier. Keep it simple and comfortable, because you’ll be moving, boarding, and then stepping into and out of the water.

Breathable clothing matters because you can be in sun and wind during the sailing portion. Even if the water feels cool, it can still be warm up on the deck.

Price and value: does $88 make sense?

At about $88 per person for a 3 hour sailboat experience, the value comes from the mix, not from any single item.

You’re getting:

• A small-group sailing format (limited to 10 people)
• A focused 2-hour marine life search off Tenerife’s southwest coast
• A swim and snorkel stop with equipment included
• Food and drinks included, with multiple wine options plus cava
• Homemade sandwiches, including multiple dietary accommodations

If you’ve ever paid for a boat tour where you get snacks that feel like they came from a vending machine, this is the opposite. The onboard meal and drink setup is more generous than you’d expect for the time length.

Is it guaranteed that you’ll see whales? No, it’s wildlife and the ocean is random. But when sightings line up, this format gives you the best chance to enjoy them without crowding or rushing, and that combination is what makes the price feel fair.

Should you book this Los Gigantes whale watching cruise?

Book it if you want a calm, small-group sailboat outing from Los Gigantes, with a real chance at dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles, plus a swim and snorkel stop. You’ll also like it if you care about onboard comfort and you want drinks and sandwiches included, with vegan and gluten-free options available.

Skip it or rethink if mobility is an issue for you, or if you need a long swim session. The water time is about 30 minutes, and towels are not provided, so you’ll need to bring what you need.

If you’re willing to let the day unfold with the sea, this is the kind of cruise that turns Tenerife’s coastline into a hands-on, on-the-water memory.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching and sailing cruise?

It lasts 3 hours total, with about 2 hours for dolphin and whale watching and marine life viewing, plus about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters. The meeting point is Pier 1, mooring number 156.

What’s included in the price?

The cruise includes whale watching, time to swim and snorkel, fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches (with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available), drinks (including cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks), and snorkeling equipment.

Do you offer dietary options like vegan or gluten-free?

Yes. Homemade sandwiches are available with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so plan to bring one.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. This activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.