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

Pilot whales and dolphins are the main event here, but the setting gives this three-hour cruise extra punch. You sail from Los Gigantes, pass beneath cliffs rising about 600 meters, and stop in a sheltered cove for swimming and snorkeling. Antonio, the skipper most often named by guests, also points out marine life and volcanic scenery in Spanish, English, or French.

I like the small group size, usually no more than nine people on a shared trip, and the relaxed feel of a proper sailing yacht rather than a crowded sightseeing boat. I also like the simple local food: tortilla, cured meats, cheese, breadsticks, fruit, olives, and drinks served after time in the water.

The main caution is that wildlife is wild. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or fish, but no sighting is guaranteed. The Atlantic can also cause seasickness, and the swimming stop may be shorter than some families expect.

Quick points before you book

• Pilot whales are the most reliable highlight: Dolphins, turtles, tuna, rays, and many fish have also appeared on past outings.
• El Mojo Picón is a 14-meter sailing yacht: It gives a small group room to spread out, sit in the sun, or find shade.
• The cliffs are part of the experience: You get striking views of the 600-meter Cliffs of the Giants from the sea.
• The cove stop is flexible: Swim and snorkel if conditions and timing allow, but this is a wildlife cruise first.
• The food is light tapas, not a full restaurant lunch: Expect cold snacks, fruit, drinks, and, on private charters, a light brunch.
• The $76 price is fair for a small-group cruise: Snorkeling gear, food, drinks, safety equipment, and a multilingual guide are included.

Sailing out of Los Gigantes on El Mojo Picón

The trip begins at MPC Yacht Charter in the port of Los Gigantes. You meet at the boat with your confirmation voucher, and it is sensible to arrive early enough to find the vessel without rushing. One useful point is that the boat may be easier to identify by its brand name on the boom than by looking for a large shore-side office.

The yacht is the 14-meter El Mojo Picón. That matters because the boat is large enough for comfort but small enough to keep the outing personal. Shared tours normally carry up to nine people, while a private charter can take up to 10. A small group gives you more room to move around and makes it easier to ask Antonio questions or get a clear look when wildlife appears.

You are not signing up for a fast, noisy boat ride. This is a sailing experience, with time spent moving along Tenerife’s southwest coast and pausing to watch the water. The pace suits anyone who wants the sea itself to be part of the day, not just a means of reaching a whale-watching spot.

Bring a towel, camera, and jacket. Even in warm Tenerife weather, the breeze on the return trip can feel cool. Comfortable clothes are best, and a jacket is especially useful if you choose a morning departure or spend time sitting still while watching for animals.

Searching the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve

The boat heads into the waters of the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve, an important marine area off Tenerife’s southwest coast. The draw is the chance to see cetaceans in their natural setting rather than in an enclosed attraction. Pilot whales are a recurring sighting, and dolphins may travel beside the boat or remain nearby for several minutes.

The encounters can be wonderfully close, but the crew’s conduct matters. Antonio has been praised for cutting the engine before approaching whales and keeping a respectful distance. That gives you a better kind of wildlife experience: you watch the animals without turning the meeting into a chase.

Past outings have included groups of pilot whales, calves, dolphins, sea turtles, tuna, rays, colorful fish, and even less common sightings such as a hammerhead shark. That variety is part of the appeal, but you should keep your expectations sensible. The ocean does not work on a timetable, and a trip with fewer sightings can still offer fine views, fresh air, and a close look at the coast.

Morning departures may suit you if whale watching is your top priority. One skipper explained that pilot whales can be easier to find earlier in the day, although conditions and animal movements change. The company offers different starting times, so check the available schedule before booking rather than assuming every departure follows the same pattern.

The guide’s role is more than spotting animals. Antonio explains what you are seeing, shares information about the sea and nearby coast, and keeps the mood easygoing. The multilingual service in Spanish, English, and French helps mixed-language groups follow the commentary without feeling left out.

The Cliffs of the Giants from sea level

The cliffs are not a quick background detail. Seen from the water, the Cliffs of the Giants rise sharply from Tenerife’s coast, reaching about 600 meters. Their scale is hard to judge from land, while a boat below gives you a clear sense of how high the rock walls really are.

This is also one of the best parts of the trip for photographs. You can frame the cliffs from the deck, take pictures as the yacht moves along the coast, and capture the contrast between dark volcanic rock, open Atlantic water, and the bright Tenerife sky. Keep your camera secure, especially when the boat is under sail or moving through a swell.

The route may include views toward Masca Beach and a final passage close to the cliffs on the way back. The exact order can change with sea conditions and wildlife sightings. That flexibility is useful because the skipper can spend more time where the animals are active rather than following a rigid sightseeing script.

I would not book this solely as a cliff-viewing cruise, since land-based viewpoints may offer longer time at one spot. The boat adds something different: changing angles, the sound of the sea, and the chance to look straight up from the foot of the cliffs.

Swimming and snorkeling in a clear cove

After the wildlife search, the yacht anchors in a natural cove near the cliffs when conditions permit. This is your chance to swim, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, and see fish in clear water. Several outings have included large numbers of fish, crabs, and other small marine life close to the rocks.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. You should bring a towel, though, and remember that the water stop is not the central purpose of the trip. Time in the cove has ranged from a short swim to roughly 30 minutes, depending on the day and the need to return to port on time.

That limitation is worth noting if you are booking mainly for swimming. Children and strong swimmers may wish for longer in the water, while people who see snorkeling as a pleasant extra will likely find the stop well judged. The cove also gives non-swimmers a quieter period to enjoy the cliffs, take pictures, or relax on deck.

The natural setting makes this stop more memorable than a standard marina swim. You are looking up at the rock walls while floating in clear water, with the yacht nearby and Tenerife’s coast around you. Still, conditions can affect the length and comfort of the swim, so do not treat the stop as guaranteed beach time.

Tapas, fruit, and drinks on the return

The included food is best described as a light tapas-style spread. Expect items such as tortilla, local cheese, cured meats, breadsticks, olives, fruit, and fruit skewers, along with water, soft drinks, and sometimes beer or wine. The food is served on board, often after swimming, when even a modest plate feels welcome.

This is not a full sit-down lunch. One of the useful distinctions in the booking details is that private charters include a light brunch, while the shared trip includes appetizers, fruit, drinks, and a light meal. If you need a substantial lunch, eat beforehand or plan food after returning to Los Gigantes.

I like this arrangement because it fits the outing. You can snack without losing much sailing time, and local foods give the break a Tenerife flavor. The tortilla and cheese have received particular praise, while the fruit adds a fresh finish after time in the sun.

The crew also serves the food in a relaxed way, which suits the yacht better than a formal meal service. You can sit, talk with the other people on board, or keep watching the cliffs while you eat.

What $76 buys you

At $76 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. It can be good value if you compare it with what is included: three hours on a sailing yacht, a small shared group, a multilingual guide, wildlife watching, snorkeling equipment, safety gear, snacks, and drinks.

The price also pays for space. A larger boat may offer a lower fare, but a maximum of nine shared passengers gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable viewing position and hearing the guide. You are paying for a calmer outing, not just transport along the coast.

Private charters cost more, with the exact price depending on the booking. For a family, couple, or small celebration, the private option can make sense because up to 10 people can share the boat and the pace can feel more personal. For solo visitors or couples watching their budget, the shared cruise offers most of the same core experience.

The food should be included in your value calculation, but do not mistake it for a full meal. The wildlife and boat experience are what justify the price. If you want a large lunch, a long snorkeling session, or a guarantee of dolphins, this is not the right comparison.

How comfortable and practical is the trip?

The yacht has enough room for a small group to sit, sunbathe, and move around. Families have used it with children, and one child reportedly slept through much of a smooth sailing. The crew also supplies safety equipment and snorkeling gear.

Seasickness is the biggest practical concern. One outing had several people feeling unwell, even though others found the trip smooth. If you know you are sensitive to motion, speak with a medical professional about suitable travel-sickness medicine before the cruise, and choose a position on the boat that helps you feel steady.

The activity information says the boat is wheelchair accessible, but it also says the experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Those statements do not fully match, so you should contact MPC Yacht Charter before booking if you use a wheelchair or have difficulty boarding, walking on a moving deck, or entering the water.

People with heart problems are advised not to take part. Alcohol and drugs, fireworks, and explosive substances are not allowed. A jacket, towel, and camera are the practical essentials.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the current starting times and terms when you book, since the schedule and conditions matter more than any fixed itinerary.

Who will enjoy this Los Gigantes cruise?

This outing suits you if you want several Tenerife experiences in one manageable block: sailing, wildlife, cliffs, snorkeling, and simple local food. It is especially good for couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a small boat over a large commercial cruise.

It also works well for people who value the skipper’s personality. Antonio is repeatedly praised for his calm manner, humor, sailing skill, and care around whales. He may even let you take part in the sailing when conditions allow, though that should not be treated as a promised feature.

You may want another activity if your priority is a long swim, a full meal, or guaranteed dolphin sightings. The three-hour length is a strength for most people, since it gives enough time for wildlife and the cove without turning into an exhausting all-day outing. But it also means each stop has a limit.

Should you book it?

I would book this tour if you want a personal, well-paced way to see the southwest coast of Tenerife. The strongest reasons are the small group, the comfortable El Mojo Picón, respectful wildlife watching, and the chance to snorkel below the Cliffs of the Giants.

Book with realistic expectations. Pilot whales and dolphins are often seen, but nature makes no promises, and the swimming stop may be brief. At $76, the tour offers solid value for a three-hour yacht trip with food, drinks, gear, and guiding included. Choose a morning departure if whale watching matters most, bring a jacket, and treat the tapas as a welcome snack rather than lunch.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour depart from?

The tour departs from MPC Yacht Charter in the port of Los Gigantes. Meet at the company location with your confirmation voucher.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts three hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How many people can join the shared tour?

Shared excursions have a maximum of nine guests. Private charters can take up to 10 people.

Which languages does the guide speak?

Guiding is available in Spanish, English, and French.

What animals might I see?

You might see pilot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, tuna, rays, and various fish. Sightings depend on natural conditions and are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and safety equipment are included, and the yacht stops at a natural cove for swimming or snorkeling when conditions allow.

What food and drinks are provided?

The shared cruise includes appetizers, fruit, and drinks. The food is generally a light tapas-style selection such as tortilla, cheese, cured meats, breadsticks, and olives. Private charters include a light brunch.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now-and-pay-later option.