Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

The best part of this Los Gigantes sailing trip is the small boat. With a maximum of 10 people, you get room to sit on the bow, ask questions, and watch for pilot whales and dolphins without being packed onto a large excursion vessel. The cliffs are the star even when wildlife stays shy.

I like the relaxed mix of whale watching and swimming, and I like that lunch, fruit, snacks, water, and drinks are included. The main consideration is that wild animals set the schedule. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or seabirds, but no sighting can be promised. Sea conditions can also affect the trip.

Key points to know before booking

• A genuine small-group sail: The boat carries no more than 10 people, leaving space for the bow sunbeds and better access to the crew.
• Los Gigantes from the water: The towering coastal cliffs look especially impressive from sea level, where the scale is hard to grasp from land.
• Wildlife can be varied: Pilot whales are frequently sought, while dolphins, turtles, seabirds, tuna, and even rarer Risso’s dolphins have been seen.
• Swimming is part of the appeal: The trip includes time at a quieter spot near the cliffs for swimming and snorkeling.
• Food and drinks are covered: Expect sandwiches, fresh-cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, wine, beer, and cava, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options.
• Plan extra arrival time: The meeting point is at Pantalán 1, berth 156, and finding parking around the port can take longer than expected.

Setting sail from Puerto de Los Gigantes

You meet Third Element Charters at Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, in the marina at Los Gigantes. The activity returns to this same point after roughly three hours, which makes it easy to combine with time around the port before or after sailing.

The boat is a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser built in 2012. That gives you a proper sailing-boat feel rather than the hard, crowded setup of a large sightseeing craft. Comfortable sunbeds on the bow are especially useful when the boat is underway, though you should still expect some movement and spray at sea.

Give yourself time to find the berth and park. One particularly useful tip is not to arrive at the last minute, since the port area can take a little time to sort out. A missed departure is a poor way to begin a holiday day.

The group limit matters here. Ten people is small enough for the crew to speak with each party, answer individual questions, and keep an eye on everyone during the swimming stop. It also means you are not fighting for a view every time something appears in the water.

The advertised language is English. The crew has included people such as Jaime, Eileen, David, Mike, Margaret, and others at different times, so the exact staff on your sailing may vary. A German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays, a detail worth noting if German-language support matters to you.

Watching for pilot whales off Tenerife

The main sailing area is the water around Los Gigantes. Pilot whales live in the waters around Tenerife, and sightings are one of the main reasons to book this trip. Several outings have also encountered dolphins, including bottlenose dolphins and more than one dolphin species.

You might see a pod of pilot whales traveling together, sometimes alongside dolphins. Other sightings have included Risso’s dolphins, sea turtles, tuna, sea birds, an osprey, and even a brief glimpse of a baby hammerhead shark. Those possibilities add excitement, but they should be treated as luck rather than a promise.

That distinction matters. This is a wildlife outing, not an aquarium visit. The crew can search, explain what you are seeing, and give you a better chance of finding animals, but they cannot control the sea or the animals. One outing saw dolphins but no pilot whales and was still worthwhile because of the cliffs, sailing, and calm time on the water.

The crew’s explanations are a strong part of the experience. Jaime, Eileen, David, and other guides have answered questions about marine life, the water, the cliffs, and local history. This is not simply a boat ride with a quick announcement when a fin appears. You can expect time for questions and a more personal exchange because of the group size.

Keep your expectations sensible. Wildlife may surface briefly, appear at a distance, or remain out of sight. The reward is the whole setting: open water, Tenerife’s dramatic west coast, and the chance to see animals in their natural environment.

The cliffs of Los Gigantes from sea level

Los Gigantes means the giants, and the name fits the cliffs that rise along this coast. From the boat, you see the rock walls from below, with water at their base and no road or building interrupting the view in the same way as from land.

The sailing portion lasts about two hours within the roughly three-hour activity, leaving time for wildlife watching and the swim stop. The exact rhythm depends on conditions and what the crew finds, but the trip is designed to give you both scenery and time on the water rather than rushing from one checkpoint to another.

This is also where the boat itself earns its keep. A sailing boat moves at a slower, quieter pace than a fast motor vessel, and the bow sunbeds give you a comfortable place to watch the cliffs and sea. You can take photographs, stretch out, or simply enjoy a less hurried view.

The downside is that a sailboat may move with the swell. If you are prone to seasickness, prepare carefully and tell the crew if you feel unwell. The crew has helped people who became seasick, but prevention is still better than rescue. Conditions can also change, and the operator requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Swimming and snorkeling near the cliffs

At some point, the boat stops at a quieter swimming and snorkeling spot along the coast. This break is more than a filler between wildlife sightings. It gives you a chance to get into the water, cool off, and see the cliffs from a lower angle.

Snorkeling equipment is not specifically listed among the included items, so check what is available before you go. Towels are not included, and you should bring your own. Several people wished they had brought swimming or snorkeling gear during cooler-season outings, so pack accordingly if you want to take part.

Swimming is optional in practical terms, but the boat’s stop is a major part of the appeal. If you would rather stay dry, you can enjoy the view from the deck. If you want to swim, bring suitable clothing and remember that the sea may feel cool depending on the season and weather.

The crew allows generous time for the water rather than treating it as a quick photo stop. That makes the experience feel less rushed, especially for families or couples who want a break from sightseeing on land.

Lunch, fruit, and drinks on board

Food is included, which improves the value of a three-hour trip. The crew serves custom-made sandwiches, fresh-cut fruit, and snacks, along with bottled water and soft drinks. Alcoholic choices include cava, wine, and beer.

The sandwich options cover vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. If you have a strict allergy or a serious dietary restriction, confirm the arrangements before departure, but the provision of gluten-free and vegan choices is a useful feature rather than an afterthought.

The meal is simple, well suited to a day on the water. You are not stopping at a restaurant, and you should not expect a full hot meal. Instead, you get enough food to make the outing comfortable without interrupting the sailing or swimming.

The drinks also help shape the mood. A glass of cava or local wine can feel fitting while you look back at the cliffs, though you should be sensible if you plan to swim or are affected by motion at sea. Nonalcoholic drinks are included, so you are not pushed toward alcohol.

How much value do you get for $90.70?

At $90.70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the coast. Its value comes from the combination of a small group, a proper 45-foot sailing boat, wildlife watching, swimming, food, and drinks in one outing.

You are paying for space as much as for the boat ride. Large whale-watching vessels can carry many more people, making it harder to move around or speak with the crew. Here, the maximum of 10 people gives you a better chance of getting a clear view and asking questions without waiting.

The included food and drinks also reduce extra costs. You receive sandwiches, fruit, snacks, water, soft drinks, and selected alcoholic drinks. Add the coastal scenery and the chance of seeing pilot whales or dolphins, and the price is reasonable for someone who values comfort and a personal atmosphere.

The calculation changes if you mainly want a quick wildlife sighting. No operator can guarantee whales, and the experience lasts about three hours. If you want certainty or the lowest possible fare, this may not be your best choice. If you want a relaxed half-day on the sea with several different elements, the price makes more sense.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most?

This trip suits couples, families, and small groups who prefer a quieter outing. The boat has accommodated mixed-age groups, including children around nine years old, and the crew gives personal attention to each party.

It is also a good match for anyone who dislikes big excursion boats. The group cap means you can move between the bow and other deck areas without feeling hemmed in. You may still share the boat with people you do not know, but the setting is far more intimate than a large coastal cruise.

Wildlife fans will appreciate the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins in the open sea. Photographers should like the combination of cliffs, wildlife, and a low boat position, though sightings can be brief and unpredictable.

Families should consider the sea conditions and the swimming portion. The crew is attentive, but the outing is still on open water. Anyone with serious mobility or medical concerns should check suitability before booking, even though most people can participate and service animals are allowed.

This is less suitable if you want a guaranteed whale encounter, a completely still boat, or a formal guided tour with a fixed script. The experience has a relaxed, social character, and conditions shape the day.

Booking, cancellation, and practical details

The ticket is mobile, and confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The activity is offered in English, and the operator is located near public transportation.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. Cut-off times use Tenerife local time.

The operator may cancel for poor weather. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund. Since the sea is central to the experience, this policy is sensible, but it is another reason not to schedule the trip on the final few hours of your holiday.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and any personal snorkeling equipment you prefer. Arrive early enough to locate Pantalán 1, berth 156. You return to the marina, so you can plan other time around Los Gigantes afterward.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing charter?

I would book this trip if you want a small, friendly sailing outing rather than a basic boat transfer. The strongest reasons are the 10-person limit, the comfortable bow seating, the attentive crew, and the useful mix of wildlife watching, swimming, lunch, and drinks.

Book it with realistic expectations. Pilot whales and dolphins are possible, not guaranteed. The cliffs alone make the outing worthwhile, but the sea can be choppy and the weather can change.

For a relaxed half-day on Tenerife’s west coast, this is a strong choice. Bring a towel, allow extra time for parking, and choose it because you want the full experience of being at sea, not only a guaranteed animal sighting.

FAQ

Where does the Los Gigantes whale-watching tour start?

It starts at Third Element Charters Whale Watching and Sailing Charters, Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, 38683 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

How long does the sailing excursion last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours. About two hours are devoted to sailing around the Cliffs of Los Gigantes, with time also used for wildlife watching and swimming or snorkeling.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

What food and drinks are included?

The trip includes bottled water, soft drinks, cava, wine, beer, fresh-cut fruit, snacks, and custom-made sandwiches. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available.

Are towels included?

No. Towels are not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim or snorkel.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.