Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

Pilot whales often come close to the sailing boat off Tenerife’s southwest coast, sometimes with calves in the group. You also get the grand view most boat trips miss: Los Gigantes’ cliffs from sea level, where the dark rock walls rise behind you as you head back toward port.

I especially like the small group of up to 10 people, which gives you room to move around and a much calmer feel than a crowded excursion boat. I also like the crew’s clear care for marine life, along with the fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

The main consideration is that wildlife is wild. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish, but no one can promise every species on every departure. Some people also get seasick, so bring suitable medication if you know you are prone to it.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the main wildlife sighting: Groups have included adults and calves swimming close to the boat.
• Only 10 participants: You get more space, easier viewing, and more time to speak with the crew.
• Los Gigantes looks best from offshore: The return sail gives you a fine view of the cliffs and coast.
• Swimming and snorkeling are built into the trip: You stop for about 30 minutes at a small coastal cove.
• Food and drinks are part of the price: Expect fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• The crew speaks four languages: Tours are offered in Spanish, English, French, and German.

A small sailing boat, not a floating crowd

The trip begins at Third Element Luxury Charters, at Pier 1, mooring number 156, in the port of Los Gigantes. You board a sailing boat designed for a small party, with space to sit, move about, and watch the water from different angles.

That group limit matters. Whale watching works best when you can look in several directions without standing behind a wall of people. With as many as 10 passengers, you have a reasonable chance of finding a good viewing place when something surfaces.

The crew may invite you to help raise the sail if the wind and sea conditions allow. The boat does not always travel under sail alone, and one past passenger felt the sailing element could have been used more. That is worth knowing if you are booking mainly for a full sailing lesson. This is first a wildlife cruise, with sailing added when conditions are suitable.

David, Eileen, and Jaime are among the crew members named in recent trips. The team speaks Spanish, English, French, and German, and the guiding style is warm and easygoing. You can ask about the animals, Tenerife, the Canary Islands, and the sea around Los Gigantes without feeling that you are interrupting a formal lecture.

Two hours searching the Atlantic for wildlife

The first main part lasts about two hours and takes you offshore from Los Gigantes. The crew looks for dolphins and pilot whales, while keeping an eye out for turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and other sea life.

Pilot whales are the regular star of this stretch of coast. Several groups have included young calves, and whales have sometimes approached within a few meters of the boat. That kind of sighting is thrilling, but you should still keep your expectations sensible. The boat cannot control where the animals go, and a responsible crew will not chase them simply to create a closer encounter.

Dolphins are also possible. Some trips have found playful groups close to the boat, while others have seen fewer species but still enjoyed the time at sea. Turtles and flying fish have appeared too. You may need patience and sharp eyes, since a small fin or brief splash can be easy to miss.

This is a good place to remember that wildlife watching is not a staged show. You could see several pilot whales, dolphins, and a turtle in one outing. You could also spend more time scanning the water before the first sighting. The guides’ role is to help you understand what you are seeing and where to look, not to guarantee a parade of animals.

The crew’s approach to wildlife is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. They are described as careful around the animals, and they have even stopped to remove an old net from the water and help a protected seabird chick in difficulty. Those details suggest a practical concern for the sea, not just a sales pitch.

What the small group changes

A 10-person maximum gives the boat a relaxed feel. You can spread out, change sides, and take a quiet moment without being packed shoulder to shoulder. Solo visitors can also fit in comfortably, since the atmosphere is described as welcoming rather than built only for couples or families.

Families with older children may find this a good match. Children aged 10 and 11 have enjoyed the trip, and the wildlife can hold their attention better than a long sightseeing cruise. Still, it is a three-hour outing on open water, so consider how your children handle boats and waiting.

The small boat also lets you hear the guides more easily. You are not relying only on a loudspeaker or trying to catch a few words from the back deck. David, Eileen, and Jaime have been praised for explaining local sea life clearly and for speaking with passengers in several languages.

There is one tradeoff. A smaller boat can feel more exposed to movement than a large vessel. If you are prone to seasickness, take precautions before departure. One useful tip from a recent trip is simple: do not wait until you feel ill before taking your usual medication.

Food, drinks, and a proper break at sea

The catering is more substantial than the usual packet of crisps and a small bottle of water. Fresh fruit is served during the cruise, followed by homemade sandwiches. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are available, so tell the operator about your needs when booking or before setting out.

Drinks include soft drinks, beer, red and white wine, and cava. A chilled glass of white wine on the way back can be a pleasant touch, especially after time in the water. You should still bring breathable clothing and remember that alcohol and swimming are not a sensible combination for everyone.

The food adds real value to the $88 price. You are paying for a three-hour small-group boat trip, equipment, guiding, a swim stop, and a meal rather than only a short wildlife ride. It is not the cheapest way to get onto the water, but the limited group size and included refreshments make the price easier to justify.

Towels are not included. Bring one, along with swimwear, a change of clothes, comfortable clothing, and something breathable. You also need to manage your own expectations about photographs. Photos are not included, although one group received pictures and videos by email after the trip. That may depend on the day and crew, so do not count on it as part of the package.

Swimming and snorkeling near Los Gigantes

After the wildlife search, the boat stops for around 30 minutes at a small cove along the Tenerife coast. This is your chance to swim from the boat or use the provided snorkeling equipment.

The water around the cliffs can be clear, and several trips have found colorful fish near the snorkeling stop. It is not presented as a specialist snorkeling expedition, so keep the scale of the activity in mind. You get a refreshing break and a look beneath the surface, not an all-day reef tour.

The swim stop also changes the rhythm of the outing. After sitting and scanning the sea, you can get in the water, cool off, and enjoy the setting from a different angle. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew. One passenger who felt uncertain in the water said the team took good care of them.

You will want your towel ready afterward. A change of clothes is useful too, especially if you are returning to a hotel or continuing sightseeing in Los Gigantes. The boat provides snorkeling gear, but not towels.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Boarding, moving around the boat, and getting into the water require a level of physical independence. If you have concerns, contact the operator before booking rather than relying on the general tour description.

The return trip and Los Gigantes from the water

The final part of the cruise is the slow return to port. This is when the cliffs of Los Gigantes become the main attraction.

From the sea, the cliffs have a different scale than they do from roads or viewpoints above town. The rock walls form a strong backdrop as the boat moves along the coast, and the slower pace gives you time to take photographs and enjoy the view without rushing to the next stop.

The return leg is also a good time to finish the sandwiches, fruit, and drinks. After the wildlife search and swim, the atmosphere tends to settle. You can talk with the crew, compare sightings with the other passengers, or simply watch the coast pass by.

If you are hoping for constant sailing action, this portion may feel quiet. If you want a gentle end to a morning or afternoon on the Atlantic, it works well. The combination of cliffs, open water, and a small boat is more personal than a quick coastal photo stop.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this is not a bargain-basement boat ride. You can find less expensive marine excursions around Tenerife, and some may use larger vessels or offer a shorter route.

The comparison changes when you count what is included. You receive roughly three hours on the water, a maximum group size of 10, a wildlife guide, a swim and snorkeling stop, snorkeling equipment, fruit, sandwiches, and a broad choice of drinks. The small number of passengers is the key value point.

I would consider the price fair if you care about space, calmer wildlife watching, and a crew that treats the animals with care. It is less compelling if your only goal is the lowest possible price or a guaranteed whale sighting.

The 4.9 rating from more than 2,000 reviews also gives you useful context, though it cannot remove the basic uncertainty of wildlife trips. The best reason to book is not the rating alone. It is the combination of a well-kept boat, a small group, thoughtful guiding, and a full half-day experience rather than a rushed ride.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip for couples, solo visitors, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a quiet boat to a crowded excursion. It suits people who want wildlife, scenery, swimming, and a meal in one outing.

You should book it if you care about responsible animal encounters. The crew does not present the ocean as a guaranteed show, and their care for marine life is a repeated part of the experience. That matters when you are choosing between several operators in Los Gigantes.

It is also a good choice for multilingual groups. Spanish, English, French, and German are offered, so mixed-language families and friends can follow the explanations more easily.

I would look elsewhere if you need full accessibility, dislike open-water movement, or want a dedicated sailing course. I would also reconsider if you need a guaranteed sighting of a particular species. Nature sets the schedule here.

Cancellation is flexible if your plans change: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, subject to the booking conditions shown at the time you reserve.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a small, friendly wildlife cruise with a real swim stop and a strong view of Los Gigantes. The best features are practical ones: room to move, a crew that explains what you are seeing, food that feels like a proper meal, and enough time to enjoy the water without rushing.

Book with realistic expectations. You might see pilot whales close to the boat, dolphins, turtles, or flying fish, but the sea does not take requests. If you can accept that uncertainty, this is a well-rounded way to spend three hours on Tenerife’s southwest coast.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

Meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching and Sailing Charters in Los Gigantes, at Pier 1, mooring number 156.

How long is the boat trip?

The full experience lasts three hours. About two hours are used for sailing and wildlife watching, followed by around 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, with time also used for the return to port.

How many people are on the boat?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

What animals might I see?

The cruise searches for dolphins and pilot whales, and you might also see turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. The cruise includes time to swim and snorkel at a small coastal cove, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, and drinks are included. Drinks can include cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, comfortable clothing, and breathable clothing. Towels are not provided.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.