Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

The best part of this Los Gigantes outing is the combination of small-boat sailing and wildlife watching. You are not packed onto a large vessel. Instead, you spend about three hours aboard a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser with room to stretch out on the bow, watch the cliffs rise from the sea, and look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds.

I like the cap of 10 people, which gives the crew time to answer questions and speak with each group. I also like the practical extras: fresh fruit, custom-made sandwiches, snacks, water, and drinks including cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

The main thing to consider is that wildlife is never guaranteed. You may see pilot whales or dolphins, but one outing included dolphins without pilot whales. The swimming stop is another variable: bring a swimsuit if you want to use it, but remember that towels are not provided.

Key points

• Small group: The boat carries no more than 10 people, a major advantage over large whale-watching vessels.
• Wildlife focus: Pilot whales are often seen, and sightings can also include dolphins, turtles, tuna, seabirds, and other marine life.
• Los Gigantes cliffs: The sailing route gives you a striking view of Tenerife’s giant coastal cliffs from the water.
• Swimming stop: You get time to swim and snorkel near the cliffs, usually at a quieter coastal spot.
• Food and drinks: Sandwiches, fruit, snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are included.
• Simple timing: The trip lasts about three hours and returns to the same marina meeting point.

Why this small sailing charter feels different

Many boat trips around Tenerife focus on fitting as many people as possible onto the water. This one takes the opposite approach. The maximum group size is 10, and that changes the mood from the moment you leave the marina. You have more room to sit, move around, take photographs, and look over the rail without competing for a view.

The boat is a 2012 Bavaria Cruiser measuring 45 feet. That gives you the feel of a proper sailing yacht rather than a basic sightseeing launch. Comfortable sunbeds sit at the bow, while the open deck gives you a good place to watch the coast and scan the water.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Jaime, Eileen, David, Mike, and Margaret are among the crew members associated with different departures, though the exact team can vary. Their role is not limited to pointing out animals. They can explain marine life, the cliffs, the island, and local places worth visiting.

You should also expect a relaxed, social atmosphere. The small size lets the crew speak with people individually, which is useful if you have questions about whales, dolphins, sailing, or Tenerife itself. The tour is offered in English, and the crew has also handled several languages on some departures. The German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays, so keep that in mind if German-language help matters to you.

Sailing beneath the Cliffs of Los Gigantes

The route centers on Los Gigantes, the dramatic coastal cliffs on Tenerife’s west side. From the water, the cliffs feel more imposing than they do from land. You see their full height and rugged faces without buildings or roads interrupting the view.

The itinerary lists about two hours around Los Gigantes, with the full experience lasting roughly three hours. That extra time allows for wildlife watching, a swimming and snorkeling pause, food, and the return to the marina.

I like this pacing. The trip is long enough to feel like a real outing, but not so long that it becomes a full-day commitment. You can fit it into a broader Tenerife schedule, though you should allow extra time to reach the marina and park. One person specifically warned that parking can take time, so do not arrive at the last minute.

The sailing itself is part of the appeal. Even if the sea is quiet and the animals stay out of sight, the view of Los Gigantes gives the trip a strong reason to exist. You are not simply waiting for a whale sighting. You are also moving along one of Tenerife’s most impressive coastal stretches.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins

The marine-life search is handled from the sailboat, with the crew watching the water and explaining what you see. Pilot whales are a regular hope for this route, and sightings have included groups of pilot whales close enough to make the encounter memorable.

Dolphins have also appeared in several forms, including playful pods and more than one species on some trips. Other possible sightings have included Risso’s dolphins, turtles, tuna, sea birds, an osprey, and even a brief glimpse of a baby hammerhead shark. These sightings are possibilities, not promises, so keep your expectations sensible.

That uncertainty is important. One outing produced dolphins but no pilot whales, yet the cliffs and the open-water setting still made the trip worthwhile. A wildlife charter should be judged partly by how it treats the animals and the people on board, not only by whether a particular species appears.

The crew’s explanations add value here. If you are curious about the animals, ask questions. The small group means the captain or guide can usually give you more attention than on a vessel carrying dozens of people. This is especially useful for children, who may want help identifying fins, birds, or movement in the water.

Bring a phone or camera, but do not spend the whole trip looking through it. Wildlife appears quickly, and the best moment may be the one you notice before anyone has time to take a picture.

Swimming and snorkeling below the cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat stops at a swimming and snorkeling place along the coast. The location is presented as a quieter spot, away from the busiest areas. This is a welcome change of pace after watching the sea for animals.

The water portion is optional in practical terms. You can remain on board if you prefer not to swim, but pack a swimsuit if you want to take part. Towels are not included, so bring your own. The boat provides the setting and time, but you should handle the basics of swimming gear and drying off.

Snorkeling here is less about a formal lesson and more about enjoying a coastal pause. You may see marine life in the water, but the dependable attraction is the setting below the cliffs and the chance to cool off in the Atlantic.

Water conditions and weather can affect how enjoyable this stop feels. Some people may find the water cool, and anyone prone to seasickness should remember that the boat remains a moving platform for much of the outing. The crew has helped people who felt unwell, but it is still wise to prepare if you know you are sensitive at sea.

Lunch, fruit, and drinks on board

The included food is more substantial than a token snack. You receive custom-made sandwiches, freshly cut fruit, and additional snacks, along with bottled water and soft drinks. Cava, wine, and beer are also available.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are offered. If you need one of these choices, make sure the operator has the correct information when you book or contact them. One gluten-free diner had that option provided, which is reassuring, but clear communication remains the safest approach.

The meal suits the length of the trip. You are not paying for a restaurant lunch at sea, but you do get enough to make the three-hour outing comfortable. Sandwiches and fruit are easy to eat on a boat, and drinks add a pleasant touch after swimming.

Alcohol is included, but use common sense. The boat may be moving, the sun can be strong, and swimming after drinking is not a good idea. Enjoy a glass of cava or wine if you wish, but keep the water flowing too.

What the $90.70 price gets you

At $90.70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Tenerife. It is also not simply a short boat ride. The price covers about three hours, a small group, a proper sailing yacht, wildlife watching, a coastal swim stop, food, and drinks.

The group limit is the biggest value point. On a large vessel, you may spend much of the trip standing behind other people or waiting for a clear view. Here, a maximum of 10 people gives the outing a more personal feel and lets the crew respond to individual interests.

The included meal and drinks matter too. You do not need to arrange lunch during the excursion, and dietary choices are available. The boat itself is another part of the calculation. If you enjoy the feel of sailing and want space to sit on the bow, the higher price makes more sense.

I would not choose this purely as a guaranteed whale sighting. No responsible wildlife trip can promise that. I would choose it as a small-group coastal sailing experience where whales and dolphins are a major bonus, not the only reason to go.

Meeting point and practical timing

The trip begins and ends at Third Element Charters Whale Watching and Sailing Charters, at Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, 38683, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Since the activity returns to the same meeting point, you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer from the boat.

The marina is near public transportation, and hotel pickup has been arranged for some departures, but you should confirm that option before relying on it. The information supplied for this experience identifies the marina as the official start point.

Plan to arrive early. The marina area can take time to navigate, and parking may not be immediate. Missing a small boat departure would be far more frustrating than arriving with time to spare.

The activity requires suitable weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. Still, this is a marine activity involving movement, sun, swimming, and access to a sailboat. If you have concerns about mobility or seasickness, contact the operator before booking rather than assuming the boat will suit you.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This is a good fit for couples, families, and small groups who prefer a calm boat outing over a crowded excursion. Children can enjoy the wildlife search and swimming stop, while adults get a more polished sailing setting with lunch and drinks.

It also suits anyone who wants to ask questions. The crew has time to talk about the marine life and Tenerife, and the smaller group makes it easier to get personal attention. If you enjoy photography, the low passenger count gives you more freedom to find a clear view.

You may want to choose another type of excursion if your main aim is speed, guaranteed swimming, or a very active water-sports program. This trip is relaxed. The focus is sailing, watching, learning, eating, and taking in the cliffs, with snorkeling added along the way.

Should you book the Los Gigantes charter?

I would book this if you want a well-paced small-group day on the water rather than a crowded whale-watching ride. The strongest reasons are the 10-person limit, the attractive sailing yacht, the striking Los Gigantes cliffs, and the thoughtful food and drink service.

Go with realistic expectations about wildlife. Pilot whales and dolphins are frequently part of the experience, but nature sets the schedule. If the animals stay out of sight, you still have the cliffs, the sailing, the swimming stop, and a well-supported three-hour outing.

Arrive early, bring a towel and swimsuit, allow time for parking, and tell the operator about dietary needs. For the price, this is a particularly good choice for anyone who values space, conversation, and a more personal boat experience.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale-watching charter?

The experience lasts approximately three hours. About two hours are listed for sailing around the Cliffs of Los Gigantes, with time also allowed for wildlife watching, swimming, snorkeling, food, and the return to the marina.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The boat carries a maximum of 10 travelers. This keeps the group small and gives the crew more time to speak with people individually.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, turtles, tuna, seabirds, and an osprey. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The boat stops at a swimming and snorkeling location along the coast near the cliffs. Towels are not included, so bring your own.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive freshly cut fruit, custom-made sandwiches, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, cava, wine, and beer. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available.

Where does the activity start and finish?

The trip starts at Third Element Charters Whale Watching and Sailing Charters, Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, 38683, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, English is offered. The German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.