Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

This Tenerife whale-watching sail cruise runs about 3 hours out of Los Gigantes, with a real shot at seeing dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles in the Atlantic. You’re also treated to classic Canarian scenery from the water: those dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs rising straight up.

What I like most is the human side. Guides like David and Jamie/Eileen (varies by day) explain what you’re seeing in plain, useful terms, and they keep the vibe calm rather than frantic. I also like the onboard value: cava and wine plus fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches, served while you cruise.

One drawback to plan around: it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, since there’s deck time and getting in and out for swimming.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (10 max) keeps the boat from feeling packed, which often makes wildlife watching easier and more relaxed.
• Multilingual crew (Spanish, English, French, German) means you won’t miss the good explanations.
• Onboard drinks and food are real: cava, white and red wine, beer, soft drinks, plus fresh fruit and made-to-order sandwiches.
• Snorkeling equipment is included, and you get time to swim at a cove near the cliffs.
• What you see can vary (that’s nature), but pilot whales and turtles are common targets on this route.
• Towels and photos aren’t included, so you’ll want to bring your own and plan for memory-building the old-fashioned way.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Los Gigantes: the view that starts the trip

Los Gigantes is one of those places where you stop talking and just watch. Those steep black cliffs make a dramatic backdrop for the whole cruise, and being out on the water changes the scale completely. From the boat, the coastline feels more like a wall you’re cruising alongside than a shoreline you’re passing.

This tour leans into that. Even if wildlife sightings take their time, you’re still doing the fun part: sea views, sailing vibes, and a scenic return as you head back toward the marina. It’s not just about ticking off animals. It’s about the whole experience of being on the Atlantic around Tenerife’s southwest coast.

Meeting point and how to find the boat fast

You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, Pier 1, Mooring number 156. If you’re arriving late or the harbor looks confusing, use Google Maps for the exact pin—this meeting point is specific, and you don’t want to be the person searching while others are already stepping aboard.

Practically speaking: arrive early enough to park, walk to the pier, and get your swim gear squared away. The tour is short (just 3 hours), so you’ll feel every minute you lose.

The 3-hour flow: sailing, spotting, then water time

This cruise is structured so you don’t feel rushed. You’ll spend roughly 2 hours focused on whale and marine life viewing, then you get about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. Between those blocks, there’s cruising time—partly to move to good viewing areas, partly to enjoy the cliffs from different angles.

A sailing boat also changes the pace. Even when you’re traveling under motor at times, you’re still on a smaller craft than the big-group boats. In the best moments, you’ll feel the wind-powered sailing too—when conditions allow, the crew will raise the sail and you’ll move across the waves with that classic quiet, rhythmic feel.

Dolphins, pilot whales, turtles: what to expect in the Atlantic

This is a wildlife-focused trip with three named targets: dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles. The reality of marine life is simple: sightings depend on where the animals are, how the sea is acting, and what the crew finds during the outing. Some days are whale-heavy, other days give you dolphins and other sea life, and occasionally you might be unlucky.

That said, guests consistently mention pilot whales and turtles, and dolphins are often part of the mix. It’s also common to see other marine life like birds and small fish around the route. The crew helps you interpret what you’re seeing—what to watch for, where to focus your eyes, and how to tell the difference between common sightings—so your time on the water feels productive rather than random.

Tip: bring patience. Wildlife watching isn’t a movie scene on command. But on this kind of route, when the animals show up, it can happen fast.

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The sailing moments: when wind and cliffs meet

One fun detail here is the way sailing fits into the experience. If conditions are right, the crew raises the sail, and you get a more authentic sailing feel rather than a purely motorized cruise. Even when the sail doesn’t come up, the boat still runs like a sailboat—smaller, slower to maneuver, and generally more comfortable for watching.

There’s also a practical upside: being on a sailing boat with a small group makes it easier to find a good viewing angle. You can step around a bit without feeling like you’re threading through a crowd. That matters for spotting quick surface activity like dolphins and the occasional blow of a whale.

What’s included on board: wine, cava, fruit, and sandwiches

If you care about value, this is where the tour does well. For the price point (listed at $88 per person) you’re not just paying for a seat. You’re getting a full onboard hospitality package:

• Drinks: cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Food: fresh fruit and freshly made sandwiches
• Dietary options: vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwiches are available
• Snorkeling gear: included

In plain terms, you’ll be able to enjoy the ride without pulling yourself into the habit of finding snacks later. Guests also praise the drink selection—especially the cava—and the sandwiches are repeatedly described as tasty rather than token.

And since this is a small group, the service doesn’t feel like an assembly line. You’re more likely to relax, sip a glass, and actually enjoy the scenery between sightings.

Swim and snorkel near the cliffs: a real break, not a token dip

After the whale watching time, the boat anchors at a small coastal cove for swimming and snorkeling. You’ll typically get about 30 minutes in the water. The crew supplies snorkeling equipment, so you’re not stuck hauling your own mask and fins for just one stop.

What makes this portion worth it is the setting. You’re near the cliffs of Los Gigantes, and guests mention clear, pretty snorkeling conditions with colorful fish. Even if you don’t snorkel, the swim part can be refreshing—more like a break than a chore.

Practical note: towels aren’t included. And you’ll want a change of clothes ready, since you’ll be damp by the time you’re back on board.

Who the guides are and what that adds to your trip

This isn’t the kind of tour where someone points and hopes. Many guests specifically mention knowledgeable, friendly hosts, and a pattern shows up: multilingual crews who explain marine life in a way that helps you spot it yourself.

Names mentioned by guests include David, Jamie, Eileen, and Jaime (crew can vary by day). You’ll also hear stories of the crew taking wildlife seriously. One guest noted the crew helped rescue a protected seabird chick when it was struggling—an example of the care and responsibility people talk about.

That matters because respect for wildlife usually leads to better behavior around animals: fewer sudden moves, better distance control, and less “rush.” It also makes your trip more educational, not just scenic.

Small group sailing: comfort you feel right away

Capacity is capped at 10 participants, and several guests explicitly mention how that changes the vibe. On a smaller boat you can spread out, choose where you stand for viewing, and relax between sightings.

It also helps with sound and comfort. You’re not constantly fighting for space or repeating questions over engine noise and crowd chatter. And since the guides can interact with a smaller group, you’re more likely to understand what you’re seeing instead of just seeing it.

Sea sickness: plan for it if you’re sensitive

A few guests mention that some people felt sea sick, even though the ride is described as smooth on calmer days. If you’re someone who gets queasy on boats, it’s smart to take your usual prevention meds ahead of time, and avoid going into the trip hungry or overly full.

If you’re sensitive, sit where the motion feels least (often mid-boat, depending on the craft and conditions). And be ready to keep your eyes on the horizon rather than your phone. That’s not a magic trick. It just helps your body make sense of movement.

What to bring: the simple packing list that saves you

The tour provides snorkeling equipment, but you still need to show up ready for a sea-and-snorkel outing.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Comfortable breathable clothing
• Anything you need for sun protection (especially if you run hot)

Also, consider bringing a small waterproof bag for valuables so you don’t end up stressing about where your phone is during the swim portion.

Accessibility and limits: who should skip this one

This cruise isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments. There’s deck movement, and there’s water time. If your mobility needs include step-free access or assistance levels the tour can’t provide, it’s safer to look for an alternative experience on Tenerife that’s designed for accessibility.

If you’re otherwise healthy and comfortable around boats, this tour is generally described as relaxed and friendly.

Price and value: why $88 can feel fair here

At $88 per person, the cost sounds straightforward. The reason it earns strong praise is what’s included.

Many Tenerife tours charge for the boat and then nickel-and-dime you for basic comfort. Here you get:

• a small-group sailing experience
• wildlife viewing time
• drinks (including wine and cava)
• fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches
• snorkeling time and snorkeling gear

So you’re paying for the full half-day package, not just the ride. And on a small boat, the guide-to-guest relationship tends to be better. That’s the kind of detail that affects how much you remember the day—not just whether you saw an animal for 10 seconds.

One more value angle: some guests say they initially thought they paid more compared with other boats in the harbor, then felt it was worth it for the smaller group, calmer approach, and better overall service. That “feel” matters.

Photos and post-trip memories

Photos aren’t included. If you want photos taken by someone else, you’ll need to plan to do it yourself during the moments you get. That’s also why you should bring a phone case or keep devices protected near water.

That said, at least one guest mentioned the crew emailed photos and videos after the trip. Since that isn’t stated as a standard included item, treat it as a possible extra rather than a guarantee.

Should you book this Tenerife whale-watching sail cruise?

I’d book it if you want a small-group whale-watching experience with real onboard hospitality, plus a genuine swim and snorkel stop near the cliffs of Los Gigantes. If you care about guidance—knowing what you’re seeing and not just staring at the horizon—this is exactly the right style of tour.

I’d think twice if mobility is an issue, if you hate being on boats in moving water, or if you’re expecting guaranteed whale sightings. Nature runs the schedule. Your best strategy is to show up ready, stay patient, and let the crew guide you toward the animals when they’re there.

If that sounds like your kind of Tenerife day, this cruise is a strong choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: