Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

Whales, cliffs, and a quiet sail make a fine day. This three-hour cruise leaves Los Gigantes on a sailing boat, giving you a chance to see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other sea life in the Atlantic. I like the small group of no more than 10 people, which gives everyone room to watch from the deck instead of peering over a crowd. I also like the thoughtful food and drink service, including fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, wine, beer, cava, and choices for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.

The main consideration is that wildlife is wild. You may see several pilot whales and playful dolphins, or you may see less. The crew follows respectful viewing practices rather than chasing animals, so sightings cannot be promised. Sea conditions can also affect comfort, and one review specifically warns that some people felt seasick.

What makes this cruise worth considering

• Pilot whales are a regular highlight: Sightings have included family groups, calves, and whales swimming close to the boat.
• Los Gigantes looks different from the water: The towering cliffs become the backdrop for the return sail and the swimming stop.
• The boat carries only up to 10 people: You get more space, easier views, and a calmer feel than on a large excursion vessel.
• The crew speaks four languages: Tours are offered in Spanish, English, French, and German.
• Food is part of the outing: Fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, and a broad drinks selection are included.
• You get more than whale watching: The trip includes about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling at a small coastal cove.

Leaving Los Gigantes with room to breathe

You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters, at Pier 1, mooring number 156, in the port of Los Gigantes. The boat is described repeatedly as clean, well maintained, and comfortable. With a maximum of 10 participants, you are not packed shoulder to shoulder, and solo visitors can feel part of the outing without needing to arrive with a group.

That small size is the heart of the experience. You can move around the boat, change your viewing position, and ask questions without competing with a busload of people. It also gives the crew a better chance to keep an eye on everyone during the sailing and swimming portions.

The listed price is $88 per person. That is not the cheapest way to get onto the water around Tenerife, but the price includes more than a basic wildlife ride. You receive a three-hour outing, a small boat, a live guide, snorkeling equipment, drinks, fruit, and a freshly made sandwich. For you, the value depends on what you want. If you only want a quick boat ride, cheaper options may exist. If you want personal space, food, and a less crowded boat, the price is easier to justify.

The crew has included David, Jamie, and Eileen, although the staff may vary by departure. Their warm service is one of the strongest parts of the experience. David is often praised for his understanding of the sea and local wildlife, while Jamie and Eileen are described as friendly, attentive, and good at explaining what you are seeing. The crew also speaks Spanish, English, French, and German.

Two hours searching the Atlantic for wildlife

The main wildlife portion lasts about two hours. The boat heads away from Los Gigantes and searches the waters for dolphins and pilot whales. Turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life may also appear. Some outings have included large pods of dolphins, close pilot whale sightings, young calves, and turtles near the boat.

Pilot whales are the most consistent success story in the feedback. They are not the giant whales many people picture, but seeing a family group move through the water is still a powerful experience. You might see a pod traveling together, a calf beside an adult, or whales approaching the sailboat rather than being pursued by it.

Dolphins can add a more playful moment. One outing found a large group playing around the boat, while another saw bottlenose dolphins putting on a lively display. Other sightings have included turtles, flying fish, and a dolphin fish jumping from the water.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. No responsible whale watching company can guarantee a particular species. One outing did not find whales but did see dolphins and a turtle, followed by a swim. The crew’s approach appears to be to respect the animals and follow the rules, rather than chase them for a closer photograph. That may mean less predictable viewing, but it is the better trade for anyone concerned about wildlife welfare.

Bring patience and keep your eyes moving. You are not only scanning for a whale’s back. Watch for splashes, birds, floating objects, and changes in the water around the boat. The crew can point out what you might otherwise miss and explain local marine life and the wider Canary Islands area.

Sailing power, or mostly engine time?

The experience is sold as a sailing boat cruise, and the crew may raise the sail when conditions allow. There is something special about moving across the Atlantic under wind power, with the cliffs behind you and open water ahead.

The practical detail is that sailing may not be the main form of propulsion for the whole trip. One visitor specifically wished the crew had made more use of the sail, even though it was raised. If the sailing itself is your top reason for booking, treat this as a wildlife cruise on a sailing boat, not a guaranteed wind-powered sailing lesson.

That distinction matters. The crew needs to reach wildlife areas, adjust position, and return on schedule. Wind, sea conditions, and animal locations all affect how the boat is operated. I would book this for the combination of a comfortable sailboat, wildlife viewing, and time in the water, rather than expecting hours of silent sailing.

Swimming beneath the cliffs of Los Gigantes

After the wildlife search, the boat stops for roughly 30 minutes at a small cove along the coast. This is your chance to swim or snorkel, with equipment supplied. The water has been described as clear, and sightings during the swim have included colorful fish.

This stop breaks up the wildlife watching nicely. You move from scanning the horizon to getting into the sea, and the cliffs of Los Gigantes give the setting a strong sense of place. From the boat, the cliffs look imposing and much more dramatic than they do from land.

You need to bring swimwear and a change of clothes. A towel is not included, so pack one even though the official meeting information lists it as something to bring. Comfortable, breathable clothing is sensible for the boat, and a change of clothes will make the return trip more pleasant if you get wet.

The swim may not suit everyone. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and you should be comfortable with the basic demands of boarding a boat and taking part around the water. One review also noted that the crew looked after a less confident swimmer, but you should still tell the crew if you feel nervous.

Fruit, sandwiches, and a glass of cava

Food is a real part of the outing, not an afterthought. Fresh fruit is served during the cruise, followed by homemade sandwiches. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are available, which makes the $88 price more useful for people with dietary needs.

Drinks include cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks. This gives the trip a relaxed, almost picnic-like feel after the wildlife search and swim. Several accounts praise both the drinks and the sandwiches, and one person specifically appreciated receiving a gluten-free option.

The meal is simple rather than a full restaurant service, but that is all you need on a three-hour boat trip. You can eat, talk with the crew, and watch the cliffs as the boat heads back to port. If you prefer not to drink alcohol, soft drinks are included too.

Photos are not included. Bring a phone or camera if you want your own record, but keep it secure on deck and do not let the search for a perfect picture take your attention away from the animals.

The return journey is part of the show

The boat returns slowly toward Los Gigantes, giving you time to enjoy the cliffs from the sea. This is a quieter part of the outing, but it should not feel like dead time. You have already had the wildlife search and swim, and the return gives you a chance to dry off, eat, and take in the coastline.

The slow pace also suits the character of the boat. This is not a loud party cruise. The strongest reports describe a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, with the crew answering questions and sharing information about the ocean, Tenerife, and the Canary Islands.

The small boat can also make the return feel personal. You are likely to have space to sit or stand where you can see the cliffs, rather than being confined to one crowded viewing area. If the sea is calm, this final stretch may be the most peaceful part of the day.

The crew’s approach to animals matters

A whale watching trip should be judged by more than how many animals appear. The crew’s attitude toward wildlife matters, and this company receives repeated praise for respecting the animals and avoiding aggressive pursuit.

That care has shown up in small actions as well as wildlife explanations. During one outing, the crew stopped to remove an old net from the water. On another, they helped a protected seabird chick that was struggling. Those moments suggest that the crew sees the ocean as more than a stage for tourists.

You may also hear about conservation, local marine life, and the natural setting around Tenerife. The guides are not just looking for a fin on the horizon. They can help you understand what you are seeing and why responsible viewing matters.

This is especially valuable if you are traveling with children. Young people can enjoy the excitement of whales and dolphins while also learning how to watch wildlife without treating it like a performance. The activity has been enjoyed by families with children aged 10 and 11, though every child should be comfortable around boats and the sea.

Who will enjoy this three-hour outing?

I would recommend this cruise most strongly to you if you want a calm, small-scale day on the water. It suits couples, solo visitors, families with older children, and anyone who prefers conversation and personal service over a large excursion boat.

It is also a good match if you want several experiences in one booking:

• Wildlife watching in the Atlantic
• Views of Los Gigantes from the sea
• A short swim and snorkeling stop
• Food and drinks on board
• A multilingual crew
• A small group with no more than 10 participants

You should think twice if you are looking for a guaranteed whale encounter, a long snorkeling session, or a full sailing lesson. The wildlife can vary, the swim lasts about 30 minutes, and the sail may not be used for the entire trip.

Sea sickness is another practical concern. One person reported that several passengers felt unwell, so you may want to plan ahead if you are prone to motion sickness. The boat is comfortable, but comfort on the Atlantic still depends on the conditions that day.

The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You should also bring swimwear, breathable clothes, comfortable clothing, a change of clothes, and a towel. Snorkeling gear is provided, but towels and photos are not.

Booking flexibility and language support

The cruise lasts three hours, with departure times depending on availability. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve now, pay later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

The live guide service is available in Spanish, English, French, and German. That is useful on a small boat, where clear instructions matter during wildlife viewing and the swim stop. It also means you can ask questions in a language you are comfortable using.

The boat leaves from Third Element Luxury Charters at Pier 1, mooring number 156, in Los Gigantes. Check the exact meeting directions before you set out, especially if you are unfamiliar with the port.

Should you book the Los Gigantes whale watching cruise?

Yes, if you want a small and friendly wildlife trip with good food, a swim, and strong views of Los Gigantes. The combination is well judged: two hours searching for sea life, around 30 minutes snorkeling or swimming, and a relaxed return with sandwiches and drinks.

The best reason to book is the balance of comfort and care. You get a clean sailing boat, space to move, a multilingual crew, and a genuine effort to treat the wildlife responsibly. The 4.9 rating from more than 2,000 bookings reflects how consistently people praise the crew, boat, food, and animal sightings.

Just book with realistic expectations. You are paying for the chance to see wildlife, not a guarantee. If you can accept that, and if a small boat sounds better than a crowded one, this is a strong choice for a memorable half-day on Tenerife’s southwest coast.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale watching cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours. About two hours are set aside for sailing and looking for dolphins, pilot whales, and other marine life, followed by about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

Where does the cruise leave from?

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

What wildlife might I see?

You might see dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life. Sightings vary because the animals are wild and cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with time to swim and snorkel at a small cove on the coast of Tenerife.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, and drinks. Available drinks include cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available.

What should I bring?

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