From Los Gigantes: Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise

The best part of this Los Gigantes outing is its small 46-foot sailboat, limited to nine passengers. You get open views of the cliffs and Teide without being packed onto a large sightseeing boat, and guides such as Sara, Felix, Jakob, and Miguel bring real care to the wildlife watching. I especially like the quiet approach to the animals and the chance to swim beneath the cliffs afterward.

I also like the homemade tapas, which turn a simple whale-watching trip into a pleasant half-day on the water. The main caution is seasickness. One passenger found the rolling sea difficult, and the trip can run from three to four hours, so bring the right medication if you are prone to it.

Key points at a glance

• Only nine passengers: Shared trips keep the boat personal, while private departures are also available.
• Pilot whales are the regular prize: Dolphins, turtles, and other marine life may also appear, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• Respectful wildlife watching: The crew follows Tenerife’s Blue Boat Flag rules and supports the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association.
• Cliffside swim: Set aside about 15 minutes for snorkeling and swimming below the dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs.
• Tapas at sea: A homemade spread is served after the swim, with drinks available onboard.
• Three languages: The guides can lead the trip in Spanish, English, or French.

Setting out from Los Gigantes on Aemon or Ayla

Your meeting point is the Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. Look for the boat named Aemon or Ayla. The sailing boat is 46 feet long, or about 14 meters, and shared trips carry no more than nine passengers. That number matters. You have room to move safely, find a good viewing spot, and speak with the crew without shouting across a crowded deck.

The trip lasts three to four hours. The timing can change with the sea, the wildlife, and the exact departure schedule, so check the available start times when booking. Private trips are offered too, which makes this a useful choice for a family group or a small party that wants the boat to itself.

From the start, the attraction is the view. Los Gigantes is known for its tall coastal cliffs, and the water gives you a different angle on them than you get from town or a road. On a clear day, you can also look inland toward Mount Teide. The view is not just a backdrop for photographs. It gives you a sense of how steep and exposed this part of Tenerife really is.

Watching whales without chasing them

The wildlife portion takes about an hour and a half. The waters off Los Gigantes are home to resident and migratory marine species, with pilot whales appearing often in the accounts of this trip. Dolphins are also possible, and one outing included a turtle.

You should set your expectations properly. This is a wildlife trip, not a performance with a guaranteed appearance. Some departures have found pilot whales and dolphins close to the boat. Another saw dolphins but no whales. That uncertainty is part of the deal, and the crew presents it honestly.

The strongest feature is the way the boat approaches the animals. Picarus Sailing Club is part of Turismo de Tenerife’s Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching, belongs to the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association, and carries the Blue Boat Flag authorization from the Government of the Canary Islands. The crew provides sightings and assistance to the local cetacean association, and conservation is central to the operation.

In practical terms, that means you are not signing up for a high-speed chase. The captain cuts the engine when animals are spotted, and the crew keeps a respectful distance. This creates a calmer experience for you and reduces pressure on the whales and dolphins. It also gives you a better chance to watch natural behavior rather than a frantic burst of movement caused by boats crowding around them.

Guides explain the species you see, the marine environment, and the rules used to protect the animals. Sara has led trips in Spanish, English, and French, while Jakob, Miguel, Felix, and Nettie have also received praise for their clear explanations and friendly manner. You can ask questions throughout the cruise. If you are curious about pilot whales, dolphin behavior, or the island itself, this is the time to speak up.

Sailing beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

About an hour is given to sailing and enjoying the coastline. This section slows the pace down after the wildlife search. You can watch the cliffs change shape from the water, take photographs, and enjoy the simple pleasure of moving under sail rather than sitting in a noisy motorboat.

The experience is especially appealing if you prefer a quiet boat trip. One morning departure was praised for its calm atmosphere and lack of music. That detail may sound small, but it changes the mood. You hear the wind, water, and conversation instead of a constant soundtrack.

The boat has enough room for a small group to spread out, although space is not unlimited. If you want the best view of an animal or a clear place for photographs, you may need to move when the crew spots something. The small passenger limit makes this much easier than on a large catamaran.

Sailing time also gives the guides room to explain the island’s past and local walking routes. Their talks cover more than marine life. You may hear about Los Gigantes, Tenerife, the cliffs, and nearby hiking tracks. The result is a broader understanding of the place, not just a list of animal names.

A 15-minute swim beside the cliffs

After the wildlife watching and sailing, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling. The water time lasts about 15 minutes and takes place next to the cliffs, giving you a memorable setting for a short swim.

Masks are included, but snorkel tubes are not. Bring your own tube if you want to spend time looking below the surface. Life vests are available onboard, and you should bring swimwear and a towel.

This is not a long snorkeling expedition. Think of it as a refreshing break and a chance to see the coast from the water. The short duration works well for people who want a swim but do not want the day built around snorkeling. If you are hoping for a full reef session, you may find this portion brief.

Sea conditions can affect comfort. The same open water that makes whale watching possible can also produce motion. If you are sensitive to seasickness, take precautions before boarding, choose a steady position, and tell the crew if you feel unwell. The crew has helped passengers through this before, but prevention is still your best friend.

Tapas, drinks, and a welcome pause

The homemade tapas are served onboard, usually after the swim. This is a smart point in the schedule. You can dry off, settle back into the boat, and eat while taking in the cliffs and sea.

The food has been a major part of the experience for many passengers. Vegetarian options are available, and the spread has included fresh food and traditional snacks. Drinks are also served onboard. If you have dietary needs beyond vegetarian food, ask the crew ahead of time rather than assuming they can cover every request.

At $88 per person, the tapas help the trip feel like more than a basic transport-and-sighting excursion. Your price covers a three to four-hour sailing trip, wildlife interpretation, cliff views, safety gear, snorkeling masks, the swim stop, and food. For a small boat with no more than nine passengers, that is a fair value, especially if you care about a quieter outing and responsible wildlife rules.

The price is less compelling if your only goal is to find a whale as quickly as possible. Sightings cannot be promised, and the trip spends real time sailing, explaining the local area, swimming, and eating. I see that as a strength, but a traveler wanting a short, single-purpose wildlife search should know what they are booking.

What to bring for a comfortable trip

Pack lightly, but bring the things that make a boat day easier:

• High-protection biodegradable sunscreen, ideally SPF 50 or higher
• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• Swimwear
• A towel
• Your own snorkel tube if you want more than a mask
• Motion-sickness medication if you need it

Sunscreen is not included, so do not leave it until the last minute. Use biodegradable sunscreen to fit the operator’s conservation approach. A hat and sunglasses matter too, since the water reflects strong sunlight even when the air feels mild.

Wear something comfortable for a small sailing boat. You will move between wildlife watching, sailing, swimming, and eating, so practical clothing is more useful than dressing for a formal cruise.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this excursion for anyone who values a quiet, small-group outing over a large commercial cruise. Couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends should find the setup comfortable. The private option is worth considering if you want more control over the pace or prefer not to share the boat.

It is also a strong fit for people who want context. The guides do not simply point toward a fin and name a species. They explain the marine life, the island, and the reason for keeping a respectful distance. That makes the outing more meaningful, especially if you are interested in conservation.

The trip may not suit you if you dislike open water, cannot tolerate boat motion, or want a guaranteed whale sighting. The short snorkeling period may also feel limited to experienced snorkelers. For most people, though, the swim works nicely as one part of a broader day at sea.

The multilingual guiding is another useful advantage. Spanish, English, and French are available, which helps mixed-language groups enjoy the explanations together. The crew’s warm, attentive style has also been a consistent strength, with names such as Sara, Felix, Jakob, Miguel, and Nettie associated with particularly good outings.

Timing, cancellations, and the small practical details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful when your Tenerife plans are still shifting.

Shared and private departures are both available, and the maximum shared group size is nine passengers. Check the start time for your date, since departures vary. The stated duration is three to four hours, but allow enough of your day for the full range rather than planning a tight connection afterward.

The boat carries life vests, and snorkeling masks are included. Snorkel tubes, sunscreen, and towels are not. The meeting information identifies Aemon or Ayla as the boat names, with Picarus Sailing Club as the departure and return point.

Should you book the Picarus Sailing Club cruise?

I would book this trip if you want a personal day on the water that combines responsible whale watching, dramatic cliffs, a swim, and tapas. The small passenger limit is the key advantage. You are not just buying a chance to see a whale. You are buying time on a comfortable sailboat with guides who care about the animals and can explain what you are seeing.

Book with realistic expectations. Wildlife can stay hidden, the sea can be choppy, and 15 minutes of snorkeling will not satisfy someone seeking a full underwater session. But if you accept those limits, this is a well-rounded Los Gigantes outing and a strong value for $88, especially for a couple or small group that wants a calmer alternative to a crowded boat.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale-watching cruise?

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

Where does the cruise begin and end?

The trip starts and returns at Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. The boats are named Aemon or Ayla.

How many people can join a shared trip?

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

What marine life might I see?

The area has resident and migratory marine species. Pilot whales and dolphins are commonly seen on successful outings, and a turtle has also been spotted. Wildlife sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The boat stops for about 15 minutes of swimming and snorkeling beside the cliffs. Masks and life vests are included, but snorkel tubes are not.

Is food served onboard?

Yes. A homemade tapas menu is served during the trip, generally after the swim. Vegetarian food has been available, and drinks are served onboard.

Which languages are available?

Guiding is available in Spanish, English, and French.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable high-protection sunscreen. You should also bring a snorkel tube if you want one, since only masks are included.