Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

Los Gigantes is at its best from the water, where its huge cliffs rise behind you as the boat heads into the Atlantic. This three-hour trip combines wildlife watching with a swim stop, rather than treating whale spotting as the whole show. You might see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, or seabirds, but wild animals set the schedule.

I like the small group of no more than 10, which gives you room to move around the sailing boat and a fair view from the rails. I also like the care taken with the sea life, along with the thoughtful food and drinks: fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, and options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. The main thing to consider is that sightings are never guaranteed, and some passengers have felt seasick in rougher conditions.

Key points at a glance

• Small sailing boat: Limited to 10 people, with more space and a quieter feel than a large sightseeing vessel.
• Wildlife in the open sea: Look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and birds without chasing the animals.
• Los Gigantes from the water: The return journey gives you striking views of Tenerife’s tall coastal cliffs.
• Swim and snorkel stop: Spend about 30 minutes in a sheltered cove, with snorkeling gear supplied.
• Good onboard spread: Fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks are included.
• Multilingual crew: Guides speak Spanish, English, French, and German.

Why this Los Gigantes cruise feels different

Many boat trips from Tenerife put you on a large vessel with a crowd gathered at the rail. This one is built around a sailing boat and a maximum of 10 participants. That number matters. You can sit or stand without fighting for a view, and the crew has more time to explain what you are seeing.

The boat leaves from Pier 1, mooring 156, at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters in Los Gigantes. The marina setting is easy to identify through the supplied Google Maps location, but check the mooring number before you arrive so you do not wander along the port looking for the right boat.

The crew may include David, Jamie, and Eileen. Names can vary by departure, but the pattern is clear: expect a friendly, multilingual team with strong knowledge of local marine life and the Canary Islands. You can ask questions in Spanish, English, French, or German.

I like that the trip does not promise a fixed animal show. The crew looks for wildlife in the animals’ natural setting, and several outings have included pilot whale families, dolphins close to the boat, turtles, and even flying fish. A sighting can be brief or spectacular, and that uncertainty is part of the deal.

Sailing beneath the cliffs of Los Gigantes

The first part of the trip takes you away from the harbor and toward the open Atlantic. If wind and conditions allow, you can help raise the sail and travel under wind power. It is a small but pleasing touch, especially if you want more than a standard motorboat ride.

One point is worth stating clearly: the boat may carry its raised sail without relying on it for the whole route. One passenger found this disappointing, so do not book expecting a full sailing lesson or a nonstop sail. The core experience is wildlife watching from a comfortable sailing boat, with sailing included when conditions suit.

As you leave Los Gigantes, the cliffs give you an immediate sense of scale. From the water, the rock walls look much larger than they do from shore, and the view changes as the boat turns toward the whale watching area. Keep your phone or camera ready, but do not spend the entire outing staring through a screen. Animal sightings may last only a few seconds.

The crew’s approach to wildlife is one of the best reasons to choose this operator. The guides explain what is happening and avoid treating the animals like performers. That makes the trip feel calmer and more responsible. The crew has also been seen removing old netting from the water and helping a protected seabird chick, details that show practical care for the place rather than just talk about conservation.

Looking for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles

The wildlife section lasts about two hours, including the time spent sailing and searching. Pilot whales are the most frequently reported highlight, with groups ranging from a few animals to large pods that include calves. Some have approached the boat closely and swum alongside it, while other outings have focused on dolphins or turtles instead.

Pilot whales are often a good match for a trip like this because they live in the waters around Tenerife. Still, you should not treat a high sighting rate as a promise. The ocean is not a zoo, and the crew cannot control the weather, visibility, or animal movements.

Dolphins may appear in playful groups around the boat. You might also spot turtles, flying fish, and seabirds if you keep scanning the water and sky. The range of possible wildlife gives the trip more depth than a single-species search.

The guides add useful context as they go. They explain the marine life, point out details you might miss, and answer questions in several languages. That matters when you are watching a dark shape surface far away. Without some guidance, you may mistake a whale’s back for a wave or miss a turtle entirely.

I also appreciate the relaxed pace. The crew does not appear to rush from one sighting to the next or pack the boat with extra passengers. A small boat can also be less disruptive than a larger vessel, though you should still follow the crew’s instructions and keep your distance from the animals.

Food, drinks, and the easy pace onboard

This is not a bare-bones wildlife trip where you receive a bottle of water and a biscuit. The crew serves fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. Drinks include cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks.

The food matters because three hours on the water can feel long if you are hungry. It also turns the trip into a social outing rather than a silent search from start to finish. You can have a drink while looking back toward the cliffs, though sensible moderation is wise if you plan to swim later.

The boat is described as clean, comfortable, and well maintained. With up to 10 people aboard, you can spread out more easily than on a packed excursion boat. Solo visitors can also fit into the group without feeling stranded, since the crew makes an effort to include people and answer questions.

Bring breathable, comfortable clothing and swimwear. A change of clothes is useful after the water stop. Towels are not included, so pack one. Photos are also not included as a standard item, although the crew has sometimes emailed photos and videos after the trip. Treat that as a possible courtesy, not something to count on.

Swimming and snorkeling beside the Tenerife coast

After the wildlife search, the boat anchors at a small cove for about 30 minutes. This is where you can swim or use the supplied snorkeling equipment. The stop is a welcome change of pace after watching the horizon, and the clear water can reveal colorful fish close to the cliffs.

The crew does not force you into the water. If you prefer to stay aboard, you can enjoy the cove and the surrounding views. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew before getting in. One passenger specifically appreciated the care shown to people who felt unsure in the water.

The snorkeling stop is not a full reef excursion, and the available time is limited. Think of it as a pleasant coastal swim with a chance to see fish, not a specialist snorkeling expedition. The water can also feel cool or choppy depending on conditions, so bring realistic expectations.

You should be comfortable climbing aboard and moving around a boat. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the operator does not include towels. Wear swimwear under your clothes if that makes changing easier, though no changing arrangements are specified.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest boat trip you will see advertised around Los Gigantes. You may find larger boats selling whale watching seats for less. The fair comparison is not just the animal list. Look at the group size, boat space, food, drinks, multilingual guiding, and the included swim and snorkeling stop.

For me, the price makes sense if you value a quieter trip with no more than 10 people. Homemade sandwiches, fruit, wine, beer, cava, soft drinks, and snorkeling equipment reduce the extra costs once you are onboard. The crew’s attention also has real value when you want help identifying wildlife or need support in the water.

The value is weaker if your only goal is the lowest possible fare or if you expect a guaranteed whale encounter. Sightings depend on nature, and the sailing element may be limited by wind and the practical needs of the route.

The very high rating of 4.9 from 2,040 reviews suggests strong consistency, but I would still read the offer carefully before booking. You are paying for a small, hosted experience, not a guaranteed wildlife performance.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this cruise if you want a mix of nature, sea views, swimming, and good onboard hospitality. It suits couples, solo visitors, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a small group over a crowded boat.

The trip also suits people who care about how wildlife is treated. The crew’s calm approach and interest in conservation are a major part of the appeal. You can watch animals without the feeling that the boat is trying to turn every sighting into a chase.

Families should note that children aged 10 and 11 have enjoyed the outing, but the supplied information does not state a minimum age. Ask the operator before booking for younger children. Anyone prone to seasickness should consider taking suitable medication in advance, since at least one outing included passengers who felt unwell.

This is less suitable if you need step-free access, dislike open-water movement, or want a full-day sailing course. It is also not the right pick if you require a guaranteed dolphin or whale sighting.

Practical details before you book

The cruise lasts three hours, with roughly two hours devoted to sailing and marine-life viewing and about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, Pier 1, mooring number 156, in Los Gigantes. Use the provided map directions and allow enough time to find the exact mooring.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, French, and German. The group is limited to 10 participants. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Pack swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, and light, breathable clothing. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, but towels and photos are not.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing cruise?

Yes, if you want a small-scale whale watching trip with a swim stop, proper food, and a crew that treats the ocean with care. The combination of pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, cliffs, and a relaxed boat makes this a strong use of three hours in Tenerife.

Book it with sensible expectations. Wild animals may not appear, the sail may be limited, and the Atlantic can make some passengers seasick. If those points do not bother you, the $88 price is reasonable for the space, personal service, food, drinks, and multilingual guidance included.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale watching cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours. About two hours are used for sailing and looking for marine life, followed by around 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $88 per person.

Where does the boat depart from?

Meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Pier 1, mooring number 156, in Los Gigantes.

How many people can join the cruise?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

Which animals might I see?

You may see dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, and seabirds. Sightings are not guaranteed because the animals are wild.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. The cruise includes time to swim and snorkel, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks are included. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available.

Which languages does the crew speak?

The live guides speak Spanish, English, French, and German.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Towels are also not included, so bring your own.