3-Hour Private Tour with Whale and Dolphin Watching

The best part of this trip is the combination of wildlife watching and Los Gigantes scenery. You are not simply motoring out to look for fins. You sail from the harbor beneath cliffs rising about 600 meters, with views toward Teide, La Gomera, and the protected Teno area.

I like the small private group, limited to 10 people, and the 30-minute stop for swimming and snorkeling in a cove reached only by boat. The main consideration is weather: rough seas or strong wind can change the feel of the outing, and whales and dolphins remain wild animals, not scheduled performers.

• Private 14-meter sailboat: Your group has the boat to itself, with room for up to 10 people.
• Pilot whales and dolphins: The crew searches for cetaceans in their natural setting.
• Los Gigantes from the water: The cliffs rise dramatically beside the route.
• Swimming at a boat-only cove: You get about 30 minutes for a swim and snorkel.
• Tapas and drinks included: The meal is simple, social, and suited to a short morning or afternoon cruise.
• Antonio or Toni at the helm: The captain explains the route and marine life while keeping the outing relaxed.

Sailing out from Los Gigantes

The tour begins at MPC Yacht Charter in the Los Gigantes marina, at Yate El Mojo Picon on C. Pueblo Marinero. The activity returns to this same meeting point after about three hours, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point.

The boat is a 14-meter sailing yacht with capacity for 10 people. That number matters. A private group of four, six, or 10 has more room to spread out than it would on a large excursion boat, and you can spend time on deck without fighting for a railing or a clear view.

The boat is called Mojo Picon, a name that nods to the spicy Canarian sauce. The yacht has been described as a Bavaria 44 in one account, with a comfortable sailing setup and a spacious deck. One critical account raised concerns about an older appearance and a wooden deckhouse in need of repainting. I would set expectations accordingly: this is a private sailing outing focused on the sea, wildlife, and scenery, not a polished luxury yacht charter.

That said, the captain’s handling and the space on board matter more than fresh paint for many people. Antonio, also called Toni, is repeatedly identified as the skipper. His role goes beyond steering. He explains what you are seeing, discusses cetaceans, and keeps an eye on comfort and safety, including when children are aboard.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

Once the yacht leaves the harbor, the main goal is to find whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Pilot whales have been seen on this trip, along with dolphins, sometimes at close range. The crew does not take you to a marine park or an enclosed viewing area. You are watching animals in open water, where sightings depend on movement, weather, and luck.

That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but it deserves an honest note. The tour is called whale and dolphin watching because the crew goes looking for them, not because a sighting can be promised. You may see pilot whales or dolphins, and the reported encounters have included animals near the boat, but no responsible wildlife trip can guarantee a particular species.

The three-hour length gives the captain time to search without turning the whole day into a boat excursion. You still have time for the cliffs, the cove, food, and photographs. I like this balance. A shorter trip might feel rushed, while a much longer one could be tiring for anyone prone to seasickness.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend every minute staring through a screen. The best moments may be brief, especially when a group of dolphins surfaces or a pilot whale appears beside the boat. The yacht’s limited size also helps create a quieter setting than a large sightseeing vessel, although the sea itself can never be fully quiet.

Los Gigantes cliffs from the water

The cliffs are the visual centerpiece of the route. Los Gigantes rises in near-vertical walls to about 600 meters, and seeing them from below gives you a far better sense of scale than looking from a road or viewpoint.

The boat allows you to photograph the cliffs as part of a wider scene. Depending on conditions, you can also frame the volcanic bulk of Teide, the island of La Gomera, and the Teno reserve. These views give the trip more substance than a wildlife search alone. Even if the animals stay elusive, you still have a strong coastal outing.

The angle changes as the yacht moves. From the harbor, the cliffs form a wall ahead and around you. From the water, they appear more remote and imposing, with the yacht providing a useful sense of scale in your photographs.

Strong wind can make this stretch exciting, but it can also make the boat move sharply. A particularly windy outing was described with gusts as high as 43 knots, an extreme condition that raises obvious questions about comfort and whether a trip should run at all. The operator’s response indicated that sailing in such conditions would not be possible. The practical lesson is simple: pay attention to the weather forecast, and understand that the operator may need to alter or cancel the trip when conditions are poor.

A 30-minute swim beneath the cliffs

The planned stop is a natural cove with clear water, accessible only by boat. You get roughly 30 minutes to swim, cool off, and snorkel beneath the cliffs.

This is a welcome change of pace. After watching the sea and scanning for animals, you can get in the water instead of remaining on deck for the entire trip. The cove also adds a more personal feel to the outing. You are not just passing the coast. You are stopping in it.

The information provided does not specify the exact snorkeling equipment, so you should confirm what is supplied before departure if that detail matters to you. The tour does specifically state that snorkeling is part of the stop, but conditions in the cove can affect visibility and swimming comfort.

Children can participate, and a three-year-old was able to enjoy the outing according to one account. Still, every child handles boats and open water differently. Families should consider the boat movement, the length of the wildlife search, and the fact that swimming takes place from the yacht rather than at a developed beach.

Tapas, drinks, and the social side of the cruise

Food is simple but useful on a three-hour trip. The tour includes a snack with tapas, and drinks are offered on board. One account specifically praised the finger food and drinks, while another noted that there were no sandwiches. That distinction helps set the right expectation.

Think of the food as a light onboard snack, not a full lunch. It should take the edge off hunger while you sit beneath the cliffs or travel between wildlife areas. If you need a substantial meal, eat before departure or plan one after returning to the marina.

The private format makes the tapas more enjoyable for groups who want a relaxed outing together. You can share food, talk with the captain, and move between viewing the scenery and sitting down. It is a good fit for families, couples, and small groups marking a special day without committing to a full-day charter.

What Antonio and Toni add to the trip

The captain’s presence is a major part of the experience. Antonio is also referred to as Toni, so you may see either name used. He explains the route and the marine life rather than leaving you to guess what appears in the distance.

That guidance is especially useful for first-time whale watchers. A dark shape on the surface can be difficult to identify, and timing a photograph is not easy. A captain who watches the water closely and tells you what to expect helps you stay engaged without turning the trip into a formal lecture.

The crew’s attention to safety also comes through in the accounts of families with children. One family described feeling secure with a 10-year-old on board, while another account praised the captain’s friendly and attentive manner. I would still ask about conditions on the day if anyone in your group is nervous about sailing.

The operator allows service animals, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the available information does not give detailed mobility information for boarding, deck access, or restroom facilities. If you need those details, contact MPC Yacht Charter before booking.

Is $687.84 good value for a private boat?

The price is $687.84 per group of up to 10 people. At the full capacity, that works out to about $68.78 per person. For a group of four, it is about $171.96 each, and for two people, the private format becomes a much more expensive choice.

The value is strongest when you can fill most of the boat. Ten people receive a private yacht, a captain, wildlife searching, cliff views, a swimming stop, snorkeling time, drinks, tapas, and a three-hour route. A smaller group pays more per person, but gains privacy and control over the social setting.

I would compare this with the price of a shared whale-watching cruise, but the appeal here is not just the number on the ticket. You are paying for the boat to yourself and for a more personal pace. If privacy matters, or if your group includes children and you want to avoid a crowded deck, the premium can make sense.

If your main goal is the lowest possible cost per person, this is probably not the right choice for a couple. If you have a family group, reunion, or party of friends, the math improves quickly.

Who should book the Mojo Picon?

This tour suits you best if you want several experiences in one short outing:

• A private boat rather than a large shared vessel
• A serious attempt to find whales and dolphins
• A close view of the Los Gigantes cliffs
• Time to swim and snorkel
• Light food and drinks without spending a full day at sea

It is also a good option for families, provided everyone is comfortable on a sailing boat. The outing has been suitable for children as young as three and for a 10-year-old, but the captain cannot remove the normal movement of the sea.

You may prefer another activity if you dislike uncertain wildlife sightings, need a full meal, or want guaranteed calm water. You should also think carefully about the forecast. This is a sea trip, and strong wind can affect comfort and the planned route.

The 4.9 rating from eight published ratings suggests a very positive overall response, but the small number means I would not treat it as the final word. The useful pattern is clear: the strongest points are the captain, the close wildlife sightings, the private scale, the cliff scenery, and the swim stop. The main caution concerns weather and the boat’s presentation, not the basic idea of the trip.

Booking details worth knowing

You receive confirmation when you book, and the activity ends where it begins, at MPC Yacht Charter in Los Gigantes. The tour lasts approximately three hours and is private, meaning only your own group participates.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.

I would arrive with enough time to find the marina and locate the Mojo Picon berth. Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a camera, but confirm equipment details before departure if snorkeling gear is important to you. Since the food is tapas and snacks rather than a full lunch, plan around that.

Should you book this private whale-watching cruise?

Book it if you can share the cost with a group and want a personal three-hour sailing trip that mixes wildlife, dramatic cliffs, swimming, and light food. The private boat and the captain’s hands-on explanations are the strongest reasons to choose it.

For a couple on a tight budget, the price may be hard to justify. For a family or group of friends, it becomes much better value, especially if seeing pilot whales or dolphins, swimming beneath Los Gigantes, and avoiding a crowded excursion boat are high priorities.

Go with realistic expectations. You are searching for wild animals in open water, and the sea may be lively. If that sounds like part of the fun, the Mojo Picon offers a compact, scenic, and personal way to experience Tenerife’s southwest coast.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at MPC Yacht Charter in Puerto Deportivo, at Yate El Mojo Picon, C. Pueblo Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends back at the same meeting point in Los Gigantes.

How long is the activity?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The 14-meter sailboat can carry up to 10 people, and only your group participates.

What wildlife does the tour search for?

The crew searches for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Pilot whales have been seen during the trip.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops for about 30 minutes at a natural cove where you can swim and snorkel.

What scenery can I see?

The route includes views of the Los Gigantes cliffs, Teide volcano, La Gomera, and the protected Teno area.

Is food provided?

Yes. The tour includes a snack with tapas, and drinks are offered on board. The information does not describe it as a full meal.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you receive a different date or a full refund.