Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

Los Gigantes’ great attraction is best seen from the water: towering dark cliffs rise above the southwest coast while pilot whales and dolphins move through the Atlantic nearby. This three-hour cruise keeps the setting personal, with no more than 10 people aboard the sailing boat.

I like the small group and the crew’s clear respect for marine life. I also like the practical extras: fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, drinks, and snorkel gear are included. The main caution is simple: wildlife is wild. You may see whales, dolphins, turtles, or flying fish, but nobody can promise every species on every trip. The open sea can also make some people seasick.

Key points at a glance

• Up to 10 people aboard: You get room to move around the boat rather than sitting shoulder to shoulder on a large vessel.
• Pilot whales are a regular possibility: Dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and other sea life may appear as well.
• Los Gigantes from the ocean: The cliffs provide a striking backdrop on the outbound and return legs.
• Swim and snorkel stop: You have about 30 minutes at a small cove, with equipment supplied.
• Food and drinks included: Expect fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• Four languages available: The crew can guide in Spanish, English, French, and German.

Setting out from Pier 1 in Los Gigantes

You meet Third Element Luxury Charters at Pier 1, mooring number 156, in the port of Los Gigantes. The setting gives you an immediate sense of what this trip is about: cliffs, harbor water, and open Atlantic beyond the marina.

The boat is a sailing vessel, not a large sightseeing ship. That matters. A maximum group of 10 gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable place on deck and moving to the side where the crew spots an animal. It also keeps the mood calm. You are not part of a crowded queue for a quick look over the rail.

The crew may include David, Eileen, and Jaime, depending on the day. They speak Spanish, English, French, and German, and their role goes well beyond pointing at wildlife. They explain what you are seeing, answer questions, and talk about Tenerife, the Canary Islands, and the sea around the island.

If conditions allow, you may help raise the sail. The boat can travel under wind power when the weather and route make that practical. One important point from the available feedback is that the sail is not always used for the whole trip. The crew needs to balance sailing with reaching good wildlife areas and keeping the boat moving safely, so do not book this expecting a full sailing lesson.

Two hours among whales, dolphins, and open water

The main wildlife portion lasts about two hours. The boat heads out from Los Gigantes and searches for marine life in its natural surroundings rather than taking you to a tank or enclosure.

Pilot whales are the main sighting reported on this route. You may see a family group, adults with calves, or animals moving close to the boat. Dolphins are also possible, sometimes in playful groups. Turtles, flying fish, and other birds and sea life can add to the trip, so keep watching even when the crew is not directing your attention to a whale.

The best wildlife moments are not fully predictable. Some boats return without seeing whales, while others find dolphins, turtles, and pilot whales on the same outing. That uncertainty is part of the deal with a responsible wildlife trip. The crew follows the animals rather than chasing them, and sightings can vary with sea conditions, animal movement, and luck.

I appreciate that the trip is built around watching, not forcing an encounter. A boat that slows down and gives animals space may feel less dramatic than one that races toward every splash, but it is a better fit if you care about the quality of the experience and the welfare of the animals.

The crew’s care for the water also shows in small actions. On one outing, the crew stopped to remove an old net from the sea. On another, they helped a protected seabird chick in difficulty. Those details do not guarantee better sightings, but they tell you how the operation treats the place it visits.

What the boat experience feels like

The boat is described as clean, comfortable, and well maintained, with enough room for a small group to spread out. You can settle in during the slower stretches and move around when wildlife appears.

A sailing boat gives you a more open feel than a large motor vessel. You are closer to the water, and the cliffs and coastline look different from deck level. The ride can be smooth when the sea is calm, though the Atlantic is still the Atlantic. If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously and consider medication before departure. One person specifically noted that some passengers felt unwell.

The boat is not presented as fully accessible. This activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, so contact the provider before booking if you have difficulty boarding, standing, or moving around a boat.

The outing is also suitable for families, based on the reported experience of children aged 10 and 11 enjoying the trip. Still, children should be comfortable around open water and able to follow the crew’s safety instructions.

Fresh fruit, sandwiches, and a proper drink service

Food is more substantial than the usual packet of crisps and small bottle of water. The crew serves fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.

That makes the $88 price easier to assess. You are paying for a small-group wildlife cruise, a sailing boat, a swim and snorkel stop, food, drinks, and guiding in several languages. Comparable low-cost boat trips may appear cheaper at the harbor, but they may involve larger groups or fewer included extras. The value here comes from space, personal attention, and the meal service as much as from the chance to see whales.

Drinks include cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks. The relaxed service is part of the appeal, especially on the return leg when the cliffs come back into view. Drink responsibly, of course, and remember that you are still on a moving boat and may want to swim later.

You should bring your own towel. Towels and photos are not included, though the crew may sometimes share photos or videos from the outing. Do not count on that as part of the package.

Swimming and snorkeling beside Los Gigantes

After the wildlife search, the boat drops anchor at a small cove for about 30 minutes. This is your chance to swim, cool off, or use the provided snorkeling equipment.

The cove is described as a beautiful spot near the cliffs, with clear water and colorful fish reported on some trips. It is not a long dedicated snorkeling session, so set your expectations correctly. The main point is to add time in the water to the wildlife cruise, not to replace a full reef excursion.

You do not have to snorkel. You can swim, stay aboard, or simply enjoy the views. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew. One participant who felt unsure in the water said the crew took good care of them, but the activity still requires you to manage a boat and sea setting.

Pack swimwear, breathable clothing, comfortable clothes, and a change of clothes. A towel is essential. Sunscreen is a sensible addition, though it is not listed in the official packing information.

Returning beneath the cliffs

The trip back to port is deliberately slower and gives you time to appreciate Los Gigantes from the sea. From the water, the cliffs feel larger and more imposing than they do from town. This is one of the strongest reasons to choose this particular departure point.

The return is also a useful pause after the more alert wildlife search. You may have spent much of the outward journey scanning the water, asking questions, and moving around the deck. On the way back, you can settle with a drink, finish your sandwich, and enjoy the coastline.

The tour lasts three hours in total. About two hours are devoted to marine life and sailing, with around 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The remaining time covers leaving and returning to the port, along with changes in pace and conditions.

How the $88 price measures up

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Tenerife. If your only aim is to spend a short time at sea, a larger harbor boat may cost less.

The better question is what you receive for the extra money. Here, the group is limited to 10, the boat is described as clean and comfortable, a multilingual crew provides interpretation, snorkel equipment is included, and you receive fruit, sandwiches, and a good range of drinks. You also get a more personal view of Los Gigantes than a crowded vessel usually allows.

The price makes the most sense for someone who values animal welfare, space, food, and a relaxed pace. It is less compelling if you want a guaranteed whale sighting, a long snorkeling session, or a full day on the ocean.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date. The meeting point is Third Element Luxury Charters at Pier 1, mooring 156.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to couples, solo visitors, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a small boat to a packed excursion vessel. Solo passengers should feel comfortable joining the group, since the limited capacity makes the outing feel social without being crowded.

It also suits people who want a little education with their wildlife viewing. The crew discusses marine life, local nature, and the Canary Islands, and they can do so in four languages.

This may not suit you if you dislike open water, struggle with seasickness, need step-free access, or want a guaranteed list of animals. It is also not the right choice if your priority is a long swim, because the water stop is about 30 minutes.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, and breathable clothing. Wear something comfortable for sitting and moving around the boat. If you are sensitive to motion, plan ahead rather than waiting until the boat leaves the harbor.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing cruise?

Book it if you want a small, wildlife-focused boat trip with a humane approach, a swim stop, and food already included. The combination of pilot whales, possible dolphins and turtles, cliff views, and a maximum of 10 people gives the outing a strong sense of place.

I would not book it for a guaranteed animal checklist or a full sailing course. The sea decides what appears, and the sail may not power the boat for the whole journey. At $88, the trip earns its price through the small group, attentive crew, included refreshments, and the chance to see Tenerife’s marine life without the feel of a crowded harbor tour.

FAQ

Where does the whale watching cruise depart from?

It departs from Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching and Sailing Charters at Pier 1, mooring number 156, in the port of Los Gigantes.

How long is the activity?

The cruise lasts three hours. Around two hours are used for sailing and marine-life viewing, followed by about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

How many people can join the boat?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops at a small cove where you can swim and snorkel.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

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 can the guides speak?

Guiding is available in Spanish, English, French, and German.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, and comfortable, breathable clothing. Towels are not provided.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.