Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Tour – Los Gigantes (3H)

Los Gigantes shows up in every frame. I love the small-group vibe on the 14-meter sailboat El Mojo Picón, and I love that the crew searches for pilot whales and dolphins with calm, respectful watching in the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve.

One thing to plan for is motion, since the Atlantic can get choppy and a few people recommend taking seasickness help before you go.

You also get the best of Tenerife in three hours, a cove stop for swimming or snorkeling in clear water, then appetizers, fruit, and drinks with the towering Cliffs of the Giants in front of you.

Key points worth knowing before you book

• Small-group sailing (max 9 shared, up to 10 private) keeps the experience relaxed and lets you actually enjoy the water.
• Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve wildlife spotting means you’re not just cruising, you’re hunting for whales, dolphins, and turtles in the right area.
• Snorkeling gear is included, so you can jump in without extra planning.
• Los Gigantes cliffs are the star view, with a stop at the base where photos come easily.
• Food and drinks are built in (appetizers, fruit, and lunch style snacks), so you stay focused on the sea.
• Captains like Antonio and Francesco run the trip with a friendly, professional tone that feels personal on a small boat.

Why Los Gigantes is perfect for whales and dolphins in 3 hours

Los Gigantes is one of those places where the scenery already feels like a movie. The cliffs rise straight from the Atlantic, and the coastline funnels you into prime viewpoints for wildlife watching from a moving sailboat.

What makes this tour work especially well is the pacing. In a short 3-hour window, you’re not stuck watching from one random spot. You sail out looking for cetaceans, then you get a swim or snorkel break in clear water near the cliffs, then you finish with that close look at the rock wall that defines Los Gigantes. That combo is hard to beat for first-timers.

You’ll also likely see more than just one kind of animal. The tour is set up for whales and dolphins, and there’s also a chance for turtles and lots of fish around the snorkeling cove. Even when sighting odds vary day to day, you still get a real ocean experience, not just a quick pass-by.

Your sailboat setup: MPC Yacht Charter and the El Mojo Picón feel

This is sailing on a 14-meter boat called El Mojo Picón. That size matters because it keeps you close to the sea and gives you better sightlines than you’d get on bigger tours.

MPC Yacht Charter runs shared tours with a maximum of 9 people, and private charters can take up to 10. Translation for you: there’s space to breathe. On calmer days, it feels like a small day sail that happens to include wildlife spotting.

You’ll likely notice the tone right away. Captains such as Antonio and Francesco are repeatedly mentioned for being professional, relaxed, and genuinely invested in the marine life and the local coastline. The crew also communicates in Spanish, English, and French, which helps when you’re trying to understand what you’re seeing and where they’re steering next.

And yes, the boat is set up for comfort while still keeping it simple. You spend the trip outdoors, watching and taking photos, then you switch modes during the swim and snack stop.

How the wildlife search works in the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve

The heart of this experience is the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The tour focuses on the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve, which is the right kind of area to look for cetaceans along Tenerife’s west coast.

What I like about this approach is the combination of sailing and observation. A sailboat makes you feel the movement of the ocean, and that often means you’re reading the water with the crew instead of just chasing a dot on the horizon.

You might see pilot whales and dolphins, and the tour is also designed with the possibility of sea turtles. People on board describe sightings that can come surprisingly close, and the captains are careful about how they approach. One recurring theme is a respectful distance, with engines reduced or stopped well before getting too near, so the animals don’t get stressed by the noise and wake.

One practical tip for you: give the crew a moment to position the boat before you rush for your camera. When you know what they’re looking for, you’ll frame better and catch more action, like animals surfacing and moving alongside the boat.

Los Gigantes cliffs: the 600-meter photo stop and why it matters

The Cliffs of the Giants are the big visual payoff. You’re not just sailing past them, you get real time with the cliffs dominating the view, including a stop at the base with appetizers, fruit, and drinks.

This part is valuable because it gives your eyes a break. Wildlife spotting is unpredictable and can involve waiting, scanning, and adjusting. The cliff stop is a change of scenery that still feels tied to the same experience, since the cliffs shape the water and the marine activity in the area.

Photos here tend to come out well because the cliffs are tall and dramatic, and you get both angles: looking back at Los Gigantes from the water, and looking up toward the rock face from closer range. People also mention that the sailing route under the cliffs at the end feels especially memorable, like you’re being gently guided along the coastline.

A good consideration: if it’s windy or cool, this stop will be where you’ll want your jacket. The tour includes drinks, but weather can still affect how comfortable you feel outdoors.

The snorkeling and swim cove: clear water, gear provided, short and sweet

After wildlife watching, the tour anchors in a secluded cove with clear water. You’ll have the option to swim or snorkel, and snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t need to bring your own kit.

This is the part I think most people look forward to, because it turns the day from sight-only to something hands-on. Reviews describe snorkeling with lots of fish, and you’re right near the rock and coastal zone that makes this coastline so interesting.

One thing to set expectations: the water time is not an all-day beach session. It’s a timed break inside a 3-hour tour, so you’ll likely get a shorter window to get in, float, and explore. People mention windows around 10 minutes for swimming or closer to 30 minutes for snorkel time, depending on the day and schedule.

If you get even a little motion sickness, do yourself a favor and be ready before you get in the water. You can bring a towel as requested, but you should also plan for comfort after snorkeling, since you’ll still be sailing back.

If you’re a confident swimmer, snorkel is great. If you’re not, swimming is still worthwhile because the water tends to look good and the cove setting makes it feel calm.

Food and drinks: what the lunch actually feels like at sea

One reason this tour feels better than many “see animals then rush back” options is that it feeds you. Snacks and drinks are provided on board, and there’s also a lunch element during the trip.

You can expect appetizers plus fruit and drinks at the cliff stop. Several people describe a tapas-style lunch, with items like tortilla, local cheese, cured meats, olives, breadsticks, and fruit skewers. Some mention beer and wine with lunch, but the safe way to think about it is: drinks plus a laid-back, cold-snack style meal.

This kind of meal works well on a boat because it doesn’t require a full kitchen setup. It also helps you stay focused. When you’re out on the Atlantic, hunger can sneak up fast, and then your attention shifts from wildlife and views to your stomach.

A smaller detail that people seem to appreciate: the onboard atmosphere. Some trips include music in the background, and the overall vibe is calm and inclusive, especially on the smaller boats.

One note for your planning: lunch is described as snack style rather than a full hot meal. If you need a big meal to feel settled, you might want to eat lightly before you arrive.

Meeting, timing, and what the 3 hours feels like on the water

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter in Los Gigantes. Bring your confirmation voucher, and arrive in enough time to check in and get settled before departure.

Duration is 3 hours. In that short window, the tour has to balance sailing time, wildlife searching, the anchored cove stop, and the return ride under the cliffs. That pacing is exactly why this works for many people. It’s long enough to feel like a real half-day memory, but short enough that it doesn’t crowd your Tenerife schedule.

Timing can matter for sightings. Some people mention that morning departures can be a good bet because whales may be more visible at that time, with different behavior later in the day. I wouldn’t treat that as a guarantee, but it’s still a smart reason to consider an earlier slot if you’re trying to maximize your chances.

Also, check sea conditions when you plan your day. If it’s windy or the water is rough, your focus shifts more toward staying comfortable and enjoying what you can see. That’s still a win here, because even on less active days, the cliffs and the sailing itself are worth it.

What to bring and what to avoid so the day stays smooth

The tour suggests you bring a towel, a camera, and a jacket. That trio covers most comfort needs, especially the jacket for wind at sea.

If you tend to get motion sickness, I strongly recommend bringing seasickness help before the boat leaves the harbor. People specifically mention needing it, and the sailing does involve real ocean movement.

Other practical items that you should consider even though they are not listed: sunscreen and water-friendly footwear if you plan to swim. You can keep it simple, but you’ll be happier if you’re not rushing in flip-flops when it’s time to board or move around the deck.

On what’s not allowed: alcohol and drugs are not permitted, and fireworks or explosive substances are also not allowed. That doesn’t mean you get nothing to drink, because drinks are provided, but it does mean you should not bring your own alcohol onboard.

Who should book this Los Gigantes whale and dolphin sailing tour

This tour is a great fit if you want a genuine nature outing without the chaos. The small-group size is a big reason. You can hear the crew, ask questions, and focus on what’s happening on the water instead of shouting over a crowd.

It’s also ideal for couples, families, and anyone who wants to combine wildlife watching with a swim or snorkel break. People mention that the boat can feel like a private experience even when it’s shared, because the boat is small and seating is spread out.

If you have heart problems, the tour is listed as not suitable. Also, there’s a mixed message in the details: wheelchair accessible is listed, but it is also marked as not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If you need mobility support, your best move is to contact the provider ahead of time and confirm what access really looks like on the day.

For animal lovers, one more reason to book: you’re not just looking for a postcard sighting. The crew aims for respectful wildlife observation and uses positioning to help you see what’s around without forcing the animals to change their behavior.

Should you book it? My honest take for most people

Book it if you want a balanced 3-hour mix of whale and dolphin watching, a real swim or snorkel stop, and a close, memorable view of Los Gigantes cliffs. The best value here is that you’re not paying just for movement, you’re paying for the full package: wildlife search in the right waters, gear included, and snacks plus drinks so you can relax.

Skip it or think twice if you know you’re very sensitive to motion. The snorkeling cove is optional, but the boat ride itself is part of the experience, so comfort matters.

If you’re aiming for the best chance at cetaceans, consider an earlier departure and bring your camera ready. And regardless of sightings, you’ll still come back with clear-water snorkeling memories and cliff views that are hard to replicate any other way.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin watching sailing tour from Los Gigantes?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and you can swim or snorkel in a natural cove during the tour.

What animals might you see on this sailing tour?

You can expect the chance to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, plus other wildlife such as sea turtles and fish.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at MPC Yacht Charter. Your confirmation voucher tells you what to do in advance.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed on the boat?

Bring a towel, a camera, and a jacket. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and fireworks or explosive substances are also not allowed.

Is there free cancellation and is pay later available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later to keep plans flexible.