Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

We’ve reviewed countless ocean excursions across the Mediterranean, and this particular sailing experience genuinely stands apart for two compelling reasons. First, Third Element Charters has mastered the art of the small-group experience—capping their sailboat at just 10 passengers means you’ll actually hear what the guides are saying and have space to move around the deck without bumping elbows. Second, the value proposition here is exceptional. For under $91, you’re getting three hours on a well-maintained 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser, complimentary wine and beer, fresh sandwiches, snorkeling opportunities, and the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

One Thing to Consider Beforehand

The only real caveat worth noting upfront: whale and dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed, though the reviews suggest you have an excellent chance of seeing something remarkable. Weather can also affect operations, though the company offers rebooking or full refunds if conditions turn poor. If you’re visiting during the cooler months or have limited flexibility, it’s worth checking the booking window carefully—the German guide isn’t available Sundays and Mondays, which could matter depending on your schedule.

Who This Experience Is Perfect For

This tour suits almost anyone with moderate mobility and a genuine interest in marine life. Families with kids, couples seeking a memorable activity, and solo travelers all feature prominently in the glowing reviews. If you’re the type who’d rather experience something real and intimate than be herded onto a massive tour boat with 200 other people, this is exactly your kind of outing.

The Sailing Experience: More Than Just Whale Watching

When you arrive at the Third Element Charters dock in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you’re boarding a legitimate sailing vessel—not a motor catamaran masquerading as a sailboat. This matters because it changes the entire feel of the experience. The boat itself is a 2012 Bavaria Cruiser 45, which means you’re on something genuinely seaworthy with real sails, not just a floating platform.

One reviewer captured this perfectly: “Warm and friendly crew, very knowledgeable and passionate, great sailing boat, perfect setup (max 10 people), this trip scores 100%!” That combination—good vessel, knowledgeable people, and intimate scale—appears consistently throughout the feedback. You’re not just getting a tour; you’re getting a proper sailing experience with the ocean experience built in.

The boat features comfortable sunbeds on the bow, which means you can actually relax while you’re out there instead of standing around looking for shade. During the three-hour charter, you’ll spend roughly two hours sailing around the Los Gigantes cliffs themselves, which are genuinely spectacular. These aren’t small rock formations—they’re towering sea cliffs that rise dramatically from the water, some reaching up to 1,000 meters. The visual impact of sailing beneath them is something photos simply can’t capture.

What Happens on the Water: The Real Itinerary

The tour begins at the Poblado Marinero dock, where you’ll meet your crew. From there, it’s a relatively short sail to the Los Gigantes area, where the actual marine wildlife watching begins. This is where the itinerary gets interesting.

The guides on these boats—frequently mentioned by name in reviews (David, Eileen, Margaret, Captain Jaime)—possess genuine expertise about the local marine ecosystem. They’re not reading from a script. One reviewer noted: “The staff on board were great. They were really knowledgeable about the wildlife, the water and gave some great recommendations for places to visit in the local area.” Another mentioned: “The captain answered all of our questions. It was incredible.”

The whale and dolphin sightings vary by season and luck, but the reviews reveal an impressive hit rate. Travelers reported seeing pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, sea turtles, and even occasional rarer sightings like osprey and baby hammerhead sharks. One particularly fortunate group reported: “We saw Pilot whales and snorkelling and the bottom of the cliffs was great.” Another noted: “We saw a pod of dolphins who were really playful and some pilot whales, it was magical.”

The snorkeling component typically happens at a sheltered cove, and it’s genuinely one of the highlights. One reviewer specifically mentioned being surprised by this: “The snorkeling in a cove was a wonderful surprise—so make sure you’re ready for it!” The crew will guide you to a good spot for swimming, and if you’re interested in actually getting in the water, you should bring appropriate gear or be prepared to borrow what they have available. One thing to note: towels aren’t included, so you’ll want to bring your own.

The Food and Drinks: Surprisingly Thoughtful

This is where the tour reveals its attention to detail. You’re getting complimentary cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks—not just water. Fresh fruit is included, along with custom-made sandwiches. What impresses us is the dietary flexibility. The sandwiches come in vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, which suggests the crew actually thinks about their passengers’ needs rather than treating meals as an afterthought.

One reviewer with dietary restrictions noted: “I’m gluten-free and this was provided.” Another family with children mentioned: “The sandwiches were delicious and my hubby and I even enjoyed some Prosecco.” The portions appear reasonable—substantial enough that you won’t be hungry, but not so heavy that you’re uncomfortable while sailing.

The wine and cava selection consistently appears in reviews as a pleasant surprise. For a tour at this price point, most operators provide basic refreshments. Third Element Charters clearly sources better quality beverages, which several reviewers specifically praised.

The Group Size Advantage: Why 10 Matters

This might seem like a small detail, but it fundamentally changes the experience. Most commercial whale-watching operations run boats with 40-100+ passengers. Third Element’s 10-person maximum creates an entirely different dynamic.

With fewer people, the guides can actually engage with you individually. One family of eight noted: “David & Eileen were awesome! So fun and attentive. They were very knowledgeable and took the time to explain things to all in our group of eight. We had all ages (ranging 9-50) for this sail.” Another reviewer emphasized: “The small group was nice because the guides could speak to each family individually.”

This also means there’s actual space on the boat. You’re not packed shoulder-to-shoulder competing for photos of the same whale. You can move around the deck, use the sunbeds without feeling like you’re taking someone else’s spot, and genuinely enjoy the experience without sensory overload.

The Practical Considerations: What You Need to Know

Booking and Timing: You can book this tour with a mobile ticket, and confirmation typically arrives within 48 hours. The company recommends booking about 20 days in advance, which suggests popular dates fill up. The tour runs in English and operates with a maximum 3-hour duration, though actual time on the water may vary slightly based on conditions.

Meeting Point and Transportation: The tour starts and ends at the same dock in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The location is near public transportation, which matters if you’re not renting a car. However, one reviewer wisely cautioned: “Make sure you have time to park. You don’t want to miss it!” If you’re driving, arrive early—parking in the marina area can be tight during peak times.

The dock area itself is called Poblado Marinero, and it’s surrounded by shops and restaurants, so if you have extra time before or after your tour, there’s plenty to explore.

Weather Considerations: The tour operates year-round, but it's weather-dependent. If conditions deteriorate, the company will offer either a different date or a full refund. This is a legitimate safety consideration—you're on a sailboat in the Atlantic, not a protected bay. Most reviews mention pleasant weather, but this isn't something you can control.

Physical Requirements: The tour is described as accessible to most travelers, and service animals are allowed. However, you will be boarding a sailboat, so basic mobility is necessary. If you have concerns about balance or sea legs, it's worth asking about before booking—the crew is reportedly helpful and accommodating, but they can't eliminate the inherent motion of being on water.

What to Bring: The most important item is a towel if you plan to snorkel. Sunscreen is essential—you're on the water for three hours with limited shade. Bring a light jacket or sweater, as it can be breezy even on warm days. A waterproof camera or phone case is practical for capturing photos without worrying about spray.

The Crew: The Real Heart of This Experience

What emerges most consistently from the reviews is the quality of the people running this tour. Guides are mentioned by name—David, Eileen, Margaret, Captain Jaime—which suggests they're not interchangeable staff but rather the actual core team. One reviewer said it best: "I'd recommend another visit for them alone."

The crew demonstrates genuine passion for marine conservation and local knowledge. They're not just pointing out animals; they're explaining behavior, ecology, and conservation status. One traveler noted: "The best part was the information that we learned about the marine life, the captain answered all of our questions. It was incredible."

Hospitality matters too. Multiple reviews mention the crew's attentiveness to passenger comfort, especially for those feeling seasick or uncomfortable. One reviewer specifically noted: "We felt a little sea sick but the staff looked after us." Another emphasized: "Eileen and Margaret were so lovely, they accommodated all of our needs and made the trip fun!"

The Value Equation: $90.70 Well Spent

Let's be direct about the pricing. At $90.70 per person, you're paying less than many restaurants in major European cities charge for a single meal. For that price, you're getting:

• Three hours on a proper sailing vessel
• Expert guidance from knowledgeable crew
• Complimentary drinks (including wine and cava, not just water)
• Fresh food
• Snorkeling opportunities
• Potential wildlife sightings that money can't guarantee but this company seems to deliver consistently

One reviewer summed it up: "Met and exceeded all our expectations and hopes. Great value for money." Another noted: "This really was a fantastic trip" and recommended it without reservation.

Compare this to other whale-watching tours in Tenerife (which you can easily find online) and you'll see that many charge significantly more, carry far more passengers, and provide less personalized attention. The value here isn't just about the price—it's about what you're actually getting for that price.

What the Numbers Tell Us: 608 Reviews, All Five Stars

We need to acknowledge something remarkable here: this tour has 608 reviews on Viator, and 100% of them are five-star ratings. This is exceptionally rare. Most tours have at least some four-star or lower ratings from travelers with legitimate concerns or bad timing.

The fact that this tour maintains perfect scores across such a large sample size suggests either:

1. The company is genuinely excellent at delivering consistent experiences
2. The tour genuinely appeals to people whose expectations align with what's being offered
3. The crew goes above and beyond to address concerns before they become negative reviews

Probably all three are true. The reviews themselves reveal a pattern: people arrive with reasonable expectations about whale watching (understanding sightings aren't guaranteed), appreciate the small group size, value the quality of the crew, and leave delighted. One reviewer who didn't see whales still gave five stars because "the cliffs were spectacular and the weather was beautiful."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?
A: No, sightings are not guaranteed, though the reviews suggest a strong likelihood of seeing something—even if it's not always the specific species you hoped for. One reviewer didn't see pilot whales but still rated the experience five stars because of the spectacular cliffs and the dolphins they did encounter. The crew's knowledge helps maximize your chances, and they're clearly skilled at knowing where to look based on seasonal patterns.

Q: What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?
A: The tour includes complimentary drinks (wine, beer, cava, and soft drinks), fresh fruit, custom-made sandwiches (with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options), snacks, and bottled water. You need to bring your own towel if you plan to snorkel, plus sunscreen and a light jacket. A waterproof camera case is practical for photos.

Q: How small is the small group, and does that really make a difference?
A: The maximum is 10 passengers, which is genuinely small for a commercial tour. Multiple reviewers specifically praised this, noting that the guides could speak with families individually and there was actually space to move around the boat without feeling crowded. If you've been on larger tour boats, this will feel noticeably different.

Q: What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?
A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the company cancels due to poor weather, you'll be offered either a different date or a full refund. The tour is weather-dependent since it's a sailboat on the open ocean—this is a legitimate safety consideration, not a flaw.

Q: Is this tour suitable for families with children?
A: Yes, multiple families with children of various ages (reviewers mentioned ages ranging from young children to teenagers) had excellent experiences. The crew is reportedly patient and knowledgeable about engaging different age groups. However, basic comfort with being on a moving boat is necessary.

Q: Do I need snorkeling experience, and what if I don't want to snorkel?
A: You don't need experience—the crew guides you to a sheltered cove and can provide instruction. If you prefer not to snorkel, you can simply enjoy the time on deck. One reviewer mentioned not bringing snorkeling gear due to the season but would have if weather permitted, suggesting the opportunity is there if you want it.

This Los Gigantes whale-watching charter represents exactly the kind of experience that makes travel memorable without breaking the bank. You're getting genuine expertise, authentic hospitality, impressive attention to detail with food and beverages, and an intimate setting that's increasingly rare in the tourism industry. The consistent five-star reviews across 608 travelers suggest this isn't luck—it's a well-run operation where the crew genuinely cares about delivering something special. Whether you see whales or not, you'll spend three hours sailing beneath dramatic cliffs with knowledgeable people who know the ocean, enjoy good wine and fresh food, and likely encounter marine life in a setting that feels personal rather than industrial. For anyone visiting Tenerife, particularly if you're interested in marine conservation or simply want a quality half-day experience, this tour deserves serious consideration.