From Los Gigantes: Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise

Whales, cliffs, and tapas make a fine morning. This small-group cruise from Los Gigantes combines wildlife watching with quiet sailing, views of Tenerife’s giant sea cliffs, and a short swim beneath the rocks. I especially like the maximum of nine passengers, which keeps the 46-foot sailboat calm and personal, and the crew’s clear commitment to respectful whale watching. The homemade tapas are another welcome touch, particularly after time in the water.

The main consideration is that wildlife is never guaranteed. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or other marine life, but nature sets the schedule. The sea can also be rough enough to cause motion sickness, so this is not the best choice if you are very sensitive to boat movement.

Key points to know before booking

• Small boat, maximum nine passengers: You get room to move around and a quieter experience than a large sightseeing vessel.
• Pilot whales are a regular possibility: Dolphins, turtles, and other marine species may also appear, but sightings cannot be promised.
• Responsible wildlife viewing: The crew follows Tenerife’s sustainability rules, carries the Blue Boat Flag, and works with the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association.
• Cliffside swim included: You have about 15 minutes for swimming or snorkeling beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs.
• Tapas served onboard: Food and drinks follow the swim, with vegetarian options available according to the experience details.
• Three languages available: Guides speak Spanish, English, and French. Past guides have included Sara, Felix, Jakob, Miguel, and Nettie.

Setting out from Los Gigantes on a 46-foot sailboat

You meet at Picarus Sailing Club and look for the boat named Aemon or Ayla. The sailboat measures 46 feet, or 14 meters, and carries no more than nine passengers on shared departures. Private trips are also available.

That size matters. A small boat can feel far more peaceful than a crowded whale-watching vessel, especially when the crew cuts the engine near animals. You can move around safely, ask questions without shouting, and take in the cliffs without a soundtrack of loud music. One especially appealing detail is that the boat is often operated with only seven or eight passengers, though nine is the stated limit.

The cruise usually lasts between three and four hours. The published activity plan allows about an hour and a half for wildlife viewing, an hour of sailing, 15 minutes for snorkeling, and 15 minutes for food. The timing can shift with the sea and the animals, so you should not expect a rigid minute-by-minute schedule.

The boat offers safety equipment, including life vests, and snorkel masks. You need to bring your own towel, swimwear, sunglasses, sun hat, and high-protection biodegradable sunscreen. A snorkel tube is not included, so bring one if you want to use a full set rather than a mask alone.

Watching whales without turning the ocean into a circus

The main purpose of the cruise is to look for resident and migratory marine species off Los Gigantes. Pilot whales are the most frequently mentioned sighting in the available experience details, with dolphins also appearing on several trips. Turtles have been seen as well.

A good wildlife cruise is not only about getting close. It is also about how the boat behaves when animals appear. Picarus Sailing Club says conservation comes first, and the crew follows Tenerife’s Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching. The company also works with the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association and holds the Blue Boat Flag, which authorizes responsible whale-watching activity.

In practical terms, this means you can expect explanations about the animals and an effort to avoid disturbing them. The captain has cut the engine when whales were spotted, even at a distance, and the crew maintains a respectful approach. That may mean the boat does not chase every fin or rush toward every splash. For me, that is a strength, not a weakness.

You may see whales swimming near the boat, as happened on several departures, but you should keep your expectations sensible. One trip produced a beautiful family of pilot whales. Another had dolphins but no whales. That is the honest tradeoff with any wildlife outing: a respectful crew cannot order animals to appear.

The guides add real value here. Sara has been praised for explaining marine life in Spanish, English, and French, while Felix, Jakob, Miguel, and Nettie have also been singled out for friendly and attentive service. You are encouraged to ask questions, and the crew can discuss both the species you see and the wider story of Tenerife’s coast.

Seeing Los Gigantes and Teide from the water

Los Gigantes is best understood from the sea. The cliffs rise dramatically from the coast, and the sailboat gives you a different angle from the roads and walking routes above. You also get views toward Mount Teide, Tenerife’s famous volcanic peak, when conditions allow.

The hour of sailing is not just filler between wildlife stops. It gives you time to enjoy the coastline at a slower pace. The boat’s sails, when conditions suit them, make the journey feel more relaxed than a fast motorboat ride. The crew also shares information about the island’s history and nearby hiking routes, giving the scenery more context.

This is a particularly good part of the trip for anyone who wants more than a single wildlife sighting. Even if whales remain out of view, you still have a boat ride along one of Tenerife’s most striking coastal areas. The sailboat itself is comfortable, with enough space for a small group to sit, stand, and change position while looking for animals.

There is one limitation. The scenery can be distracting, but the boat is still at sea, and conditions can be unsettled. If you suffer from seasickness, take that seriously. One passenger found the experience difficult for this reason, even though the crew helped make things more comfortable. The trip is not a guaranteed smooth-water outing.

A short swim beneath the cliffs

After wildlife watching and sailing, the boat stops for about 15 minutes of swimming or snorkeling near the cliffs. The setting is a strong part of the experience. You are not simply jumping into the water at a generic marina. You are looking up at Los Gigantes while floating beneath the rock walls.

Fifteen minutes is enough for a refreshing swim, but it is not a long snorkeling session. Think of this as a chance to cool off and see the coast from the water, not as a dedicated underwater tour. The provided snorkel masks are useful, but you need to bring your own tube if you want one.

You should pack your swimsuit and towel in an easy-to-reach place. Biodegradable sunscreen is requested, and high protection, SPF 50 or higher, is recommended. The combination of bright sun, open water, and reflected light can catch you out even on a mild day.

The swim also gives the crew a natural pause before food is served. If you prefer staying dry, you can simply remain onboard, but the experience is built around having time in the water.

Homemade tapas and a relaxed finish

Tapas are served onboard after the swim, with drinks included as part of the food service described in the experience details. The menu has been praised for being fresh and generous, and vegetarian choices are available. Traditional snacks and homemade food have been a repeated highlight.

This matters because food on boat trips can be an afterthought. Here, it forms part of the social rhythm of the outing. After looking for whales and swimming near the cliffs, you can sit back with something to eat while the coastline passes by.

You should not book this as a full meal tour. The food service lasts about 15 minutes in the stated schedule, so it is best viewed as a generous snack or light meal rather than a long lunch. Still, tapas, drinks, and a small group add real value to the $88 price.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Tenerife. You are paying for more than transportation, though. The price covers a three to four-hour outing, a 46-foot sailboat, a maximum of nine passengers, wildlife interpretation, sailing time, a swim stop, and tapas with drinks.

The small group is the main reason the price makes sense. A large boat may offer a lower rate, but it can feel crowded when everyone moves to one side to watch a whale. Here, the crew can speak with you directly, and you do not spend the entire trip looking over rows of heads.

The conservation approach also adds value, especially if you care about responsible wildlife viewing. The crew’s role is not only to find animals but to explain them and limit disturbance. That produces a more thoughtful experience than a simple race toward the nearest sighting.

Still, value depends on what you want. If your only aim is the lowest possible price or the longest snorkeling session, this may not be the right fit. If you want a quiet boat, personal guidance, coastal views, and a meal in a single half-day outing, the cost is easier to justify.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and anyone who prefers a small boat to a busy excursion vessel. The multilingual guides make it practical for English, Spanish, and French speakers.

It also suits people who want wildlife education rather than a simple photo opportunity. The crew explains the animals, the island, and the reasons for keeping a respectful distance. You can ask questions throughout the trip.

The outing is less suitable for anyone who is highly prone to seasickness. It is also not ideal if you need a long swim session or a full underwater wildlife tour. The snorkeling stop is short, and the central aim remains whale watching and sailing.

Private departures are available if you want more control over the group. Shared trips are already limited to nine passengers, so you still get an intimate feel without paying for a full private charter.

Practical details that make the day easier

The meeting point is Picarus Sailing Club, and you should identify the boat by the name Aemon or Ayla. Bring a towel because one is not provided. You should also bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, biodegradable sunscreen, and a snorkel tube if you want one.

Life vests are available onboard, and snorkel masks are provided. The crew speaks Spanish, English, and French. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available.

The best attitude is to allow the trip to unfold. Wildlife sightings may happen early, late, or not at all. The boat may spend time waiting, sailing, or turning off the engine. That slower pace is part of responsible whale watching, even if it requires patience.

Should you book the Los Gigantes whale cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want a calm, personal outing with strong wildlife ethics, striking coastal views, a short swim, and good food. The small passenger limit, helpful multilingual crew, and repeated praise for the tapas make it a well-rounded choice.

Book with realistic expectations. You may see pilot whales close to the boat, playful dolphins, or even a turtle, but no wildlife company can promise that. If the sea is rough, motion sickness can take the shine off the day.

For most people who value quality over the lowest price, $88 is a fair charge for the combination of whale watching, sailing, cliffside swimming, and tapas. The best reason to choose it is not simply the chance of seeing a whale. It is the chance to spend several quiet hours learning about Tenerife’s marine life without treating the ocean like a theme park.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes.

How do I identify the boat?

Look for the sailboat named Aemon or Ayla.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately three to four hours.

How many passengers can join a shared cruise?

Shared excursions have a maximum of nine passengers.

Is a private cruise available?

Yes. Private and small-group options are available.

Which languages do the guides speak?

The guides speak Spanish, English, and French.

What marine life might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other resident or migratory marine species. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The cruise includes about 15 minutes of swimming or snorkeling near the cliffs. Snorkel masks are provided, but a snorkel tube is not included.

Is food served on the boat?

Yes. Homemade tapas and drinks are served onboard after the swim. Vegetarian food is available.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen. You should also bring a snorkel tube if you want to use one.