From Los Gigantes: Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise

Pilot whales and dolphins are the stars here, but the small 46-foot sailboat may be the real reason this cruise feels different. With no more than nine passengers, you have room to move, ask questions, and watch the sea without being packed onto a large tour boat. The crew may include guides such as Sara, Felix, Jakob, or Miguel, all praised for explaining marine life and Tenerife in clear, friendly terms.

I like two things in particular: the crew’s strict distance from the animals, and the quiet, relaxed feel of sailing beneath the cliffs. The swim stop and homemade tapas add real value to a three to four hour outing. One caution: seasickness is possible, and wildlife can never be promised. Some departures see whales and dolphins close by; others may bring dolphins but no whales.

Key points at a glance

• Small boat, maximum nine passengers: Aemon or Ayla gives you a more personal outing than a packed sightseeing vessel.
• Pilot whales are the main local draw: Dolphins, turtles, and other marine life may also appear.
• Responsible whale watching: The operator follows Tenerife’s sustainability rules and carries the Blue Boat Flag.
• Views from sea level: You’ll see the Los Gigantes cliffs and Teide from a fresh angle.
• Swim and snorkel stop: Spend about 15 minutes in the water near the cliffs, conditions allowing.
• Tapas on board: Homemade food and drinks follow the swim, with vegetarian choices available.

Why this Los Gigantes cruise feels personal

Los Gigantes is famous for its tall volcanic cliffs, but the best way to understand their scale is from the water. On this cruise, you leave the harbor aboard a 46-foot, 14-meter sailboat and watch the cliffs rise beside you. Teide may also appear inland, giving you two of Tenerife’s defining sights in one view.

The boat carries up to nine passengers on shared departures, and private trips are also available. That limit matters. You can shift around safely, find a good viewing place, and hear the guide without competing with a crowd or loud onboard entertainment. One departure had only seven passengers, while others carried eight or nine.

The mood is calm rather than party-like. There is no promise of music, dancing, or a bar-style crowd. That suits you if you want sea air, conversation, and time to watch animals without a noisy soundtrack. The crew speaks Spanish, English, and French, so you can ask about whale behavior, local geography, or the island’s past.

Finding whales off Tenerife

The wildlife portion lasts about an hour and a half, though the exact timing depends on conditions and sightings. The waters south of Tenerife are home to resident and migratory marine species. Pilot whales are the most regularly mentioned sighting on this outing, with dolphins also appearing often in the trip accounts.

You might see several pilot whales traveling together, dolphins playing beside the boat, or a turtle in the water. One particularly fortunate outing included pilot whales, dolphins, and a turtle. Other departures saw dolphins but no whales. That difference is not a flaw in the cruise. It is the basic truth of watching wild animals.

The crew’s approach is one of the strongest reasons to choose this boat. The company belongs to the Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching from Turismo de Tenerife, works with the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association, and holds the Blue Boat Flag from the Government of the Canary Islands. In practical terms, the crew aims to approach carefully, keep a respectful distance, and reduce disturbance.

You may see the captain cut the engines when animals are spotted, even when they are some distance away. That makes the boat quieter and gives you a better chance to observe natural behavior. It also means you should not expect a high-speed chase if whales change direction. The point is to watch animals in their own setting, not force an encounter.

Your guide will explain what you are seeing and share information about the sea, Tenerife, and the history of the island. Sara has been praised for speaking Spanish, English, and French during explanations, while Jakob and Miguel were singled out for their warm manner and clear facts about wildlife. Crew names can change, but the educational part is central to the trip.

Bring patience. Whales may surface briefly, dolphins may disappear as quickly as they arrive, and the crew may spend time searching rather than racing from one spot to the next. If you need a guaranteed close-up encounter, no whale-watching trip can provide that. If you value a respectful outing and accept nature’s schedule, this is a much better fit.

Sailing beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

The cruise includes about an hour of sailing, and this is more than transport between stops. From the deck, you get a broad view of the cliffs that is hard to appreciate from the town. Their height and dark volcanic face become easier to judge when you are looking up from the water.

The boat also gives you time to enjoy Tenerife without a packed schedule. You can sit, talk with the crew, watch for wildlife, and take photos of the coastline and Teide. The ride has been described as comfortable, with enough space for passengers to move around safely.

The sailboat is a good middle ground. It is more intimate than a large catamaran but more stable and spacious than a tiny rigid boat. You should still expect movement on the sea. If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously. One couple found the trip difficult for this reason, even though the crew helped them and the rest of the outing went well.

A high-protection sunscreen is essential, ideally SPF 50 or higher. You’ll be exposed to sun and reflected light for much of the trip, and the breeze can make the heat feel less intense than it is. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. Biodegradable sunscreen is specifically recommended.

The swim and snorkel stop near the cliffs

After the wildlife and sailing portions, the boat anchors for roughly 15 minutes of swimming and snorkeling. The stop is set near the cliffs, so you get a short water break with dramatic surroundings rather than a generic pool-like swim.

Masks are included, but the snorkel tube is not. That detail is easy to miss. If you want to snorkel rather than simply swim, bring your own tube or confirm what you need before setting out. Life vests are available on board, and the crew can guide you through the water stop.

Fifteen minutes is enough for a refreshing dip and a look beneath the surface, but it is not a long snorkeling session. You should choose this cruise for the complete mix of wildlife, sailing, views, food, and swimming. If snorkeling is your main goal, the short stop may feel limited.

The sea conditions and crew’s judgment will shape the stop. You may find the water calm and inviting, but you should be ready for the swimming portion to change if conditions are unsuitable. Keep your towel handy for the return to the boat.

Tapas, drinks, and a welcome finish

After swimming, the crew serves homemade tapas and drinks on board. This is one of the details that helps the $88 price feel reasonable. You are not simply paying for a short boat ride and hoping to spot an animal. The outing also includes a meal, a swim stop, guiding, safety equipment, and a small group setting.

The food has received especially strong praise. Vegetarian options have been available, and several passengers described the tapas as fresh, traditional, or excellent. One departure included enough vegetarian food to make the meal feel properly planned rather than an afterthought.

The meal lasts about 15 minutes in the stated schedule, though the relaxed atmosphere may make it feel less rushed. Drinks and snacks are served after the swim, which is sensible timing. You can warm up, dry off, and talk through what you saw while eating.

Do not expect a full restaurant meal. This is tapas served on a moving or anchored sailboat, so keep your expectations practical. The appeal is the setting and the care put into the food, not a formal dining service.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this cruise sits above a basic large-boat whale-watching trip, but it offers more than wildlife viewing. You get a maximum group size of nine, a 46-foot sailboat, a multilingual guide, a sailing section, a swim stop, homemade tapas, and drinks.

The small group is the main value. On a large boat, you may spend much of the trip looking over other people’s shoulders. Here, you have a better chance of hearing the explanation, moving to the rail, and enjoying the cliffs without feeling crowded. The boat can also create a quieter setting for wildlife observation.

The price makes the most sense if you want a half-day experience rather than a single-purpose whale search. It is also a good choice for couples, families with older children, and small groups who prefer a personal outing. Private departures are available if you want the boat arranged around your own party.

The value is less certain if you only care about seeing whales and want the cheapest possible option. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and the snorkeling period is brief. You are paying for the quality of the whole experience, not a guaranteed animal count.

Practical details before you go

The meeting point is Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. Look for the boat named Aemon or Ayla. The cruise lasts three to four hours, and starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Safety equipment includes life vests, and snorkel masks are provided. Bring your own towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hat. Use biodegradable sunscreen, and apply it before boarding so you are protected from the start.

The boat accepts shared groups of up to nine passengers and private bookings. The guides operate in Spanish, English, and French. If you have a food preference, especially vegetarian food, it is sensible to raise it when booking or before departure, even though vegetarian tapas have been served.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Tenerife plans may shift.

The cruise is not presented as an accessibility-focused activity, so anyone with mobility, balance, or water-related concerns should ask the operator for current details before booking. The boat moves at sea, and boarding, sitting, and swimming all require comfort around water.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this cruise if you want a quiet, small-group day on the water with wildlife, scenery, and food all included. It suits you especially well if you like asking questions and learning why the crew behaves in a certain way around whales and dolphins.

It is a strong choice for couples and families who want something more personal than a large excursion boat. It also works well for anyone who values conservation and would rather watch animals from a respectful distance than chase them for a photograph.

You may want to think twice if you get seasick, dislike boat movement, or need a long snorkeling session. The crew is attentive, but kindness cannot remove the motion of the sea. Bring protection from the sun, accept that sightings are uncertain, and keep your expectations flexible.

Should you book the Picarus sailing cruise?

Yes, if you want more than a quick whale-spotting run. The combination of a nine-passenger limit, responsible wildlife practice, Los Gigantes cliff views, a short swim, and homemade tapas gives this cruise a well-rounded shape.

Book it for the small boat and the crew’s care, not because anyone can promise whales on a particular day. If you can accept nature’s timetable and prepare for possible seasickness, this is one of the better ways to experience the coast from Los Gigantes. The best departure will be the one that leaves you enjoying the sea even before the first pilot whale appears.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. The boat is named Aemon or Ayla.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts about three to four hours. The schedule includes roughly 1.5 hours of wildlife viewing, one hour of sailing, around 15 minutes of snorkeling, and about 15 minutes for the onboard meal.

How many passengers can join the shared cruise?

Shared departures have a maximum of nine passengers. Private excursions are also available.

What marine animals might I see?

You may see resident and migratory marine species, including pilot whales, dolphins, and possibly turtles. Sightings depend on wild animals and cannot be guaranteed.

Is the whale watching conducted responsibly?

The operator follows the Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching from Turismo de Tenerife, works with the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association, and carries the Blue Boat Flag. The crew aims to keep a respectful distance from marine life.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The cruise includes a swimming and snorkeling stop near the cliffs. Snorkel masks and safety equipment are included, but the snorkel tube is not.

What food is served?

Homemade tapas and drinks are served on board after the swim. Vegetarian options have been available.

What languages do the guides speak?

The live guides speak Spanish, English, and French.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen with high protection, preferably SPF 50 or higher.