Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

The best part of this Los Gigantes boat trip is its small size. With a maximum of 10 people aboard a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser, you can watch for pilot whales and dolphins without being packed onto a large excursion boat. The cliffs, viewed from sea level, are the star even when the animals keep their distance.

I like the mix of wildlife watching and swimming. I also like the thoughtful food choices: fresh fruit, snacks, and custom-made sandwiches, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The main consideration is simple: wildlife is wild, and sightings cannot be promised. Some departures see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or several species of marine life, while others may see only dolphins or seabirds.

• Pilot whales are a regular highlight: You may also spot dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, turtles, tuna, or sea birds.
• The 10-person limit matters: You get more space, quieter viewing, and easier conversation with the crew.
• The swim stop is a real part of the trip: Plan to get wet near the foot of the Los Gigantes cliffs.
• The 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser has bow sunbeds: There is room to sit back rather than stand around a crowded deck.
• Food suits different diets: Sandwiches can be prepared as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, with fruit and snacks included.
• Parking deserves extra time: The boat leaves from Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, in the Los Gigantes marina area.

Sailing beneath the cliffs of Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes is best understood from the water. The dark, towering cliffs rise sharply from Tenerife’s western coast, and sailing below them gives you a view that is quite different from a roadside lookout or harbor promenade.

The boat spends much of the outing cruising around this stretch of coast. The listed sailing portion is about two hours, while the full experience lasts roughly three hours. That leaves time for wildlife watching, refreshments, and a stop for swimming and snorkeling.

I like this pace. You are not rushed from one photo stop to the next. The boat can move quietly along the coast while you watch the water, then pause when conditions and wildlife make it worthwhile. The result feels more like a relaxed morning or afternoon at sea than a rigid sightseeing circuit.

The scenery also gives the trip value when animal sightings are modest. Several departures have seen pilot whales and dolphins, but one of the strongest reasons to book is simply the chance to view Los Gigantes from below. The cliffs remain impressive even on a day when the whales stay out of sight.

What the wildlife watching is really like

The waters off Tenerife are known for cetacean sightings, and pilot whales are a frequent highlight on this outing. You might also see bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, sea turtles, tuna, and different sea birds. One particularly successful outing included three types of dolphins, pilot whales, and other marine life.

That variety is exciting, but you should set your expectations properly. This is not a wildlife park, and the crew cannot control where animals travel. One outing may produce a pod of around 15 pilot whales and a family of bottlenose dolphins with a young calf. Another may bring dolphins but no whales at all.

The crew’s approach is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Jaime, Eileen, David, Mike, and other crew members are described as able to explain the marine life, the sea, and the local area in clear, friendly terms. The small group gives you a better chance to ask questions instead of simply listening to a general speech from a distance.

I also appreciate that the crew does not treat whale watching as a race. The boat is intended for a calm look at the animals, not a frantic chase from one sighting to another. If you care about learning what you are seeing, the personal attention here is more useful than having a bigger boat with louder commentary.

A Bavaria Cruiser with room to breathe

The boat is a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser from 2012. It has comfortable sunbeds on the bow, which are useful for relaxing during the sail and for getting a clear view forward. With only 10 people maximum, you should have more room to move around and take photographs.

That limit is a major advantage. Larger whale-watching boats can offer lower prices, but they often mean more people competing for the same rail space. Here, the guide can speak to individual families and answer questions without having to address a crowd.

The boat is also part of the experience, not just transportation. The sailing format makes the outing feel quieter and more personal than a standard motorboat trip. You may spend part of the journey reclining in the sun, then move to a better viewing position when wildlife appears.

There are a few practical limits. Towels are not included, so bring your own. The information supplied does not confirm that snorkeling equipment is provided, so check the current arrangements before departure and bring suitable gear if you have it. You should also be comfortable spending several hours on a boat, with the possibility of sea sickness. The crew has helped people who felt unwell, but prevention is still wise if you know you are sensitive.

Swimming and snorkeling below the cliffs

The swim stop is near the cliffs, in a quieter spot along the coast. This is where the trip shifts from sightseeing to participation. You can swim, snorkel, and see the rock walls from the water rather than from the deck.

Several people describe this stop as one of the best parts of the outing. It adds a welcome change after the wildlife search, and the location makes the swim feel special. You are not simply jumping into the sea beside a busy harbor. You are stopping in a scenic coastal setting with the cliffs above you.

The water may feel cool, and the excursion does not promise a particular sea temperature or snorkeling conditions. If you are visiting in a cooler season, you may prefer to enjoy the stop from the boat rather than swim. One family noted that they wished they had brought snorkeling attire during a less suitable season, so pack accordingly if swimming is important to you.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes. Since towels are specifically excluded, that small item is easy to forget. The crew gives generous time for swimming when conditions allow, but the exact length of the stop can depend on weather and sea conditions.

Sandwiches, fruit, and drinks on board

Food is included, and it is more substantial than a token packet of biscuits. You receive fresh-cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, and custom-made sandwiches. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, which is useful if you need to plan meals carefully while sightseeing.

The sandwiches make sense for this kind of trip. You can eat without leaving the boat, and the meal is easy to manage after swimming. Fruit adds something light and refreshing, while the snacks help bridge the gap if you are hungry after several hours outside.

Drinks include soft drinks, water, beer, wine, and cava. Alcoholic drinks are included, but you can also stick to nonalcoholic choices. I would keep the timing in mind: a glass of cava may be pleasant during the sail, but drinking heavily before swimming or if you are prone to sea sickness is not a smart plan.

If you have dietary needs, state them when booking and confirm them before sailing. The available choices are a real benefit, but the crew needs accurate information in advance to prepare the right food.

Meeting at Pantalán 1 in Los Gigantes

The meeting point is Third Element Charters Whale Watching and Sailing Charters, at Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, 38683, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The trip returns to this same point.

Give yourself time to find the marina and park. This is one of the few practical warnings worth taking seriously. The meeting point is in a port area with shops and restaurants, but harbor layouts can take longer to navigate than expected, especially if you are unfamiliar with Los Gigantes.

Hotel pickup has been arranged for some bookings, but it is not listed as a standard inclusion in the tour details. Do not assume transport from your hotel unless it is specifically confirmed with your reservation.

The activity is offered in English. A German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays, so German-speaking visitors should take that schedule into account. The crew has also handled more than one language on board, but English is the stated language for this booking.

Mobile tickets make the process easier, and confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. Since the trip averages about 20 days of advance booking, reserve earlier if your Tenerife schedule is tight.

Is $90.70 a fair price?

At $90.70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. The price makes more sense when you compare what is included: about three hours aboard a well-sized sailing boat, a maximum of 10 people, wildlife watching, a swim and snorkeling stop, lunch, snacks, fruit, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.

You are also paying for space. A large boat may charge less, but the experience can feel more like a mass outing. Here, you get bow sunbeds, easier access to the crew, and a better chance to ask questions while sailing along the cliffs.

The price is especially reasonable if you value a relaxed setting and intend to use the full experience. If you only want a quick photograph of Los Gigantes, a harbor walk or lookout will cost less. If you want a small boat, food, drinks, wildlife watching, and time in the sea, the package is stronger.

I would also consider the cost of a missed opportunity. If you are staying near Los Gigantes and have only one day available for a boat trip, the combination of scenery and wildlife makes this a practical use of your time. The only part you cannot purchase in advance is a guaranteed whale sighting.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most

This outing suits couples, families, and small groups who prefer a calm boat with room to sit. The boat has carried mixed-age groups, including children and adults, and the crew can give personal attention to different families on board.

It is also a good match for anyone who wants more than a wildlife checklist. You can learn about marine life, ask about the coast, enjoy lunch, and swim near the cliffs. The setting feels social without requiring you to join a large crowd.

You may want to choose another activity if you dislike boats, cannot tolerate possible motion, or need a guaranteed animal encounter. It may also be less suitable if your main goal is a long snorkeling session, since the trip divides its time between sailing, wildlife watching, food, and swimming.

People who care about food choices will appreciate the vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free sandwich options. People who care about photography will like the open deck and the chance to see dolphins, whales, turtles, and the cliffs from several angles. Bring your own towel and allow extra time to find the marina.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

The trip requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local Tenerife time.

The experience ends where it begins, at the Los Gigantes marina. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. If you have a particular mobility, medical, or dietary concern, contact the operator before booking rather than relying on assumptions.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing charter?

I would book this if you want a small, personal day on the water rather than the lowest-priced whale-watching ticket. The strongest combination is the 10-person limit, the sailing boat, the dramatic cliffs, and the chance to finish with a swim and a proper sandwich.

Go in with realistic wildlife expectations. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or several species in one outing, but you may also see only some of them. The scenery, crew attention, food, and peaceful sailing keep the experience worthwhile even when nature does not follow the schedule.

Reserve ahead, allow time for parking, bring a towel and swimwear, and confirm any dietary or language needs. If that sounds like your kind of Tenerife day, $90.70 is a fair price for the space, care, and range of activities included.

FAQ

How long does the Los Gigantes sailing trip last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours. The listed coastal sailing section is about two hours, with additional time for wildlife watching, refreshments, swimming, and snorkeling.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum is 10 travelers. The boat is a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser, which gives the group more room than a large excursion vessel.

What wildlife might I see?

Sightings can include pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, turtles, tuna, and sea birds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is food included?

Yes. The trip includes fresh-cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, and custom-made sandwiches. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Complimentary drinks include soft drinks, water, beer, wine, and cava.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, since towels are not included. Swimwear is useful for the swimming and snorkeling stop. You should also allow extra time to reach the marina and park.