Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Tour – Los Gigantes (3H)

The best part of this Los Gigantes whale-watching tour is the combination of wildlife and scenery. You are not simply taken out to sea and brought back. The three-hour sailing includes time near Tenerife’s 600-meter cliffs, a swim or snorkel stop, and a relaxed spread of local snacks and drinks.

I like the small group size, usually no more than nine people, and I like the calm, respectful approach to pilot whales and dolphins. Captain Antonio is often praised for his easy manner and strong knowledge of the sea. The main thing to consider is that wildlife is never guaranteed, and the Atlantic can be rough enough to cause seasickness.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the most regular sighting: Dolphins, turtles, tuna, and other fish may also appear.
• The boat is a 14-meter sailing yacht: El Mojo Picón gives you more room and a quieter feel than a crowded sightseeing boat.
• Swimming happens beside Los Gigantes: Snorkeling gear is supplied, though the time in the water can vary.
• Food is a cold tapas-style spread: Expect items such as tortilla, local cheese, cured meats, breadsticks, olives, and fruit rather than a full cooked lunch.
• Choose shared or private sailing: Shared trips take up to nine people, while private charters take up to 10.
• Bring a jacket and motion-sickness medicine: The sea may feel calm near shore and choppier farther out.

Sailing from Los Gigantes on El Mojo Picón

Your outing begins at MPC Yacht Charter in the port of Los Gigantes. Check your confirmation carefully and arrive in advance, as the boat itself is the meeting point. One useful detail is that the operator may not have an obvious street-facing booth. Look for the yacht and the company name on the boom if the meeting point is not immediately clear.

The boat is El Mojo Picón, a 14-meter sailboat. That size matters. It is large enough for a small group to spread out, sit comfortably, and find a good view, yet small enough to feel personal rather than industrial. Some departures have carried only five or six people, while the shared option can reach nine.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, and French. Antonio is the captain most often named in the feedback, and his relaxed style seems to shape the trip. He explains what you are seeing, points out features along the coast, and keeps the pace unhurried. On some outings, visitors have even been allowed to take a turn at the helm, though you should treat that as a possible extra, not a promised part of the tour.

I would choose this trip if you want time on the water without committing to a full-day cruise. Three hours is long enough to reach the whale-watching area, stop for swimming, and enjoy the cliffs without making the day revolve around one activity.

Whale and dolphin watching in the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve

The main sailing section takes place in the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve, an important marine area off southwestern Tenerife. The boat searches for cetaceans in their natural setting rather than bringing you to an attraction with captive animals.

Pilot whales are a frequent highlight. Several outings have seen groups close to the boat, sometimes including young whales. Dolphins may travel beside the yacht for several minutes, and some sightings involve groups leaping near the surface. Turtles, tuna, colorful fish, manta rays, and even a reported hammerhead shark have also appeared on different trips.

That variety is part of the appeal, but you should keep expectations sensible. This is wildlife watching, not a guaranteed show. One family saw pilot whales but no dolphins, while other departures saw both species in the same morning. The captain can search likely areas, but the animals choose the schedule.

The boat’s sailing format also changes the mood. When the crew cuts the engine before approaching whales, the encounter feels quieter and less intrusive. You may get close enough for excellent views, but responsible observation means the skipper does not simply chase the animals or crowd them. Bring a camera, but keep it ready rather than spending the whole trip looking through a screen.

Morning departures can be a smart choice. One report suggested that whales may be easier to see earlier in the day, before they spend more time below the surface. This is not a promise, but a 10 a.m. sailing gives you a good balance of morning light and a full day still available afterward.

You may also find that the wildlife section is not constant action. There can be stretches of open water while the captain watches for movement. I consider that part of the experience. Keep your eyes moving, listen to the guide, and enjoy the sound of the boat instead of expecting an animal to appear on demand.

Swimming and snorkeling beneath the 600-meter cliffs

After the wildlife search, the yacht anchors at a natural cove. The setting is the real star here: clear water, dark volcanic rock, and the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes rising above the coast.

You can swim or use the supplied snorkeling equipment. Fish and crabs have been spotted in the cove, and several outings have found plenty of colorful marine life close to the rocks. Even if you prefer not to enter the water, the stop gives you time to take photographs from the boat and see the cliffs from a completely different angle.

The swimming time is not fixed. Some groups had around 30 minutes in the water, while others described a shorter stop of about 10 minutes. The captain needs to keep the three-hour schedule, and conditions at sea can affect how long the boat remains anchored. If swimming is your main reason for booking, this is worth noting. The tour is centered on sailing and wildlife, with snorkeling as an added pleasure, not the entire purpose.

The cliffs deserve your attention even if the water is too cool or the sea is unsettled. At roughly 600 meters high, they create one of Tenerife’s most striking coastal views. The return route beneath the cliffs is especially good for photos, so keep your camera accessible and bring a protective case if you have one.

A towel is essential. You should also bring a jacket, even on a warm day, because the wind can feel cool once the boat is moving. The company supplies safety equipment and snorkeling gear, so you do not need to pack fins or a mask unless you prefer using your own.

Cold tapas, fruit, and drinks on the return sail

Food is served during the stop or on the way back, depending on the timing of the outing. Think of it as a generous cold snack buffet rather than a restaurant lunch. Typical items described include Spanish tortilla, cured meats, local cheese, breadsticks, olives, fruit skewers, and other simple tapas-style portions.

Drinks are included. The information provided for the cruise mentions water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks such as beer or wine, though you should not bring extra alcohol. Private charters include a light brunch, while shared trips provide appetizers, fruit, and drinks.

This meal works well after swimming. It is casual, easy to eat aboard, and better suited to a moving boat than a hot plated meal. I would not book this expecting a full three-course lunch. If you enjoy local bites and a relaxed snack while looking back at the coast, the food adds real value.

The captain’s hospitality is one of the strongest parts of the outing. Antonio is frequently described as friendly, funny, and happy to explain the sea and the island. That personal attention matters on a small boat, where the captain is also the guide and the person setting the tone for the day.

What the $76 price includes

At $76 per person, the tour sits above a basic mass-market boat ride, but the comparison is not quite like for like. You are paying for three hours aboard a sailing yacht, a limited group, a multilingual guide, snorkeling equipment, safety gear, wildlife searching, and food and drinks.

The small capacity is the clearest value. A shared trip with up to nine people can still feel almost private, with room to sit around the boat rather than standing shoulder to shoulder at a crowded rail. If you are marking a birthday, traveling as a family, or want control over the pace, a private charter for up to 10 people may make more sense.

The cost is less attractive if your only goal is a guaranteed whale sighting or a long swim. No wildlife outing can promise either, and the water stop may be brief. Still, the combination of whales or dolphins, the cliffs, snorkeling, and food gives you several worthwhile parts in one short outing.

The high overall score of 4.7 from 691 ratings fits the pattern of the feedback: people value the boat, the captain, the small groups, and the personal atmosphere most. The praise is not just about spotting animals. It is about feeling comfortable and well looked after while doing so.

Who will enjoy this sailing tour most

This is a strong choice for couples, families, and small groups who want a gentle introduction to Tenerife’s southwest coast. Children have enjoyed the wildlife and the boat, and one family reported that the smooth sailing helped a young child sleep through much of the trip.

It also suits photographers. You get several subjects in one outing: whales and dolphins offshore, fish in the cove, volcanic cliffs, the yacht itself, and changing coastal views. Morning light is useful for wildlife and cliff photos, while the separate sunset sailing option may appeal if warm evening color matters more to you than the daytime swim.

The trip is less suitable for anyone who needs a fully predictable schedule or has serious motion sensitivity. One outing had several people feeling ill, even though the boat itself was comfortable. Consider taking appropriate motion-sickness medicine before sailing if you are prone to seasickness.

There is mixed information about accessibility. The activity details describe the experience as wheelchair accessible, but they also say it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Since boarding a sailboat, moving around the deck, swimming, and using a snorkel may require physical ability, contact MPC Yacht Charter before booking if access is important to you.

People with heart problems are also listed as unsuitable for the activity. The provider does not permit alcohol and drugs, fireworks, or explosive substances aboard.

Practical tips for a better three hours

Bring a towel, jacket, camera, and sun protection. Keep your jacket close rather than buried in a bag, since the ride can feel windy even when the port is warm.

Wear swimwear beneath comfortable clothing if you plan to enter the water. Snorkeling equipment is included, but you may prefer to bring a personal mask if you already have one.

Arrive early at MPC Yacht Charter and use the confirmation voucher to check the exact meeting details. The boat may be easier to identify by its company branding than by a traditional ticket office.

Do not measure success only by the number of animals seen. A quiet approach to one family of pilot whales, followed by fish in the cove and the cliffs overhead, can be more memorable than a rushed list of sightings.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps if your Tenerife plans are still shifting. Check the available start times before choosing your day.

Should you book the Los Gigantes whale tour?

I would book this tour if you want a small, personal sailing experience that combines wildlife with scenery, swimming, and local food. The yacht, the limited group size, and Antonio’s warm guiding style give it more character than a standard coastal cruise.

Book it with realistic expectations. Dolphins and whales are wild animals, the sea may be choppy, and the snorkeling stop may last only 10 to 30 minutes. If that sounds fair, $76 buys a well-rounded half-day experience in one of Tenerife’s most dramatic coastal areas.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin tour?

The sailing tour lasts three hours, including wildlife watching, coastal sailing, the cove stop, swimming or snorkeling, and food and drinks.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at MPC Yacht Charter in the port of Los Gigantes. You should arrive in advance with your confirmation voucher and look for the El Mojo Picón sailing yacht and company branding.

How many people can join the shared cruise?

The shared cruise has a maximum of nine guests. A private charter is available for up to 10 people.

What animals might I see?

You may see pilot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, tuna, colorful fish, crabs, and other marine life. Sightings are not guaranteed because the animals are wild.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and safety equipment are included. The boat stops at a natural cove where you can swim or snorkel if conditions and timing allow.

What food and drinks are included?

Shared trips include appetizers, fruit, and drinks. Food is generally a cold tapas-style spread with items such as tortilla, local cheese, cured meats, breadsticks, olives, and fruit. Private charters include a light brunch.

Which languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in Spanish, English, and French. Antonio is frequently the captain on these outings.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, camera, and jacket. Motion-sickness medicine may also be useful if you are sensitive to boat movement.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.