3-Hour Private Tour with Whale and Dolphin Watching

The best part of this private Tenerife sailing trip is the mix of wildlife and scenery. You are not simply watching for cetaceans offshore, you are also sailing beneath the 600-meter walls of Los Gigantes, with views toward Teide, La Gomera, and the Teno reserve.

I like the small scale, with space for up to 10 people, and the chance to stop for a swim in a cove reachable only by boat. I also like that captain Antonio, known as Toni, explains the sea life and keeps the outing personal.

The main consideration is the price: $687.84 per group is reasonable for 8 to 10 people, but costly for a smaller party. Sightings are never guaranteed, and the boat and sea conditions can affect comfort.

Key points to know before booking

• Private 14-meter sailboat: Your group has the boat to itself, with a maximum capacity of 10 people.
• Wildlife in natural surroundings: The route searches for whales and dolphins rather than visiting a captive-animal attraction.
• Thirty-minute swim stop: You can swim and snorkel in a clear natural cove below the cliffs.
• Captain Antonio at the helm: He explains the route and cetaceans while handling the sailing.
• Views beyond the wildlife: Los Gigantes, Teide, La Gomera, and Teno all feature in the outing.
• Food and drinks included in the experience: Tapas, finger food, and a range of drinks are offered during the cruise.

Why this three-hour cruise works so well

Tenerife has many ways to get onto the water, but this one combines several strong ideas in a compact package. You get a private boat, open-sea wildlife watching, a dramatic coastal sail, a swim stop, and something to eat, all within about three hours.

That timing matters. A three-hour trip is long enough to feel like a proper outing, yet short enough to fit into a busy holiday schedule. You can spend the morning or afternoon on the water without giving up an entire day of sightseeing.

The boat is described as a comfortable 14-meter sailboat with room for 10 people. The experience is operated by MPC Yacht Charter, departing from the marina at Los Gigantes. The boat used is referred to as Mojo Picón, and some trip information also identifies it as a Bavaria 44.

Because the charter is private, you are not sharing the trip with a large crowd. That changes the mood. You can settle on the deck, take photos without fighting for space, and ask Antonio questions as the route unfolds.

Leaving Los Gigantes beneath the cliffs

The trip begins at Puerto Deportivo in Los Gigantes, at the MPC Yacht Charter berth on C. Pob. Marinero. The marina puts you close to the main attraction from the start: the enormous cliffs that give Acantilados de Los Gigantes its name.

These rock walls rise about 600 meters above the sea. Seen from shore, they are impressive. Seen from a sailboat, they become more imposing because you can judge their height against the waterline and the boat moving below them.

Keep your camera ready as you leave the harbor. The views change quickly, and the cliffs provide the first major photo opportunity. You may also see Teide, Tenerife’s volcano, rising inland, along with the island of La Gomera across the water.

The route also offers views toward the protected Teno area. The exact order of the sights depends on the sailing conditions and the search for wildlife, so do not expect a rigid sightseeing circuit. This is a sea outing first, with the scenery woven into the route.

Searching for whales and dolphins in open water

The wildlife portion is the heart of the trip. The crew searches for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, not at a fixed display or enclosed facility.

Pilot whales have been seen on this outing, and dolphins have also appeared close to the boat. One particularly strong sighting involved two whales, while another trip included small whales that delighted a three-year-old child. These encounters can be memorable, but you should keep your expectations sensible.

No responsible whale-watching operator can promise a sighting on every departure. Animals move, weather changes, and visibility varies. The appeal here is the search itself, followed by the chance to watch marine life behaving in the open sea.

Captain Antonio’s role matters. He explains what you are seeing and gives context about cetaceans in the area. That is useful for children, first-time whale watchers, and anyone who wants more than a quick glimpse before the boat turns around.

The sea can be calm, but it can also be windy. One account describes very strong wind, reported as 43 knots, although the captain disputed whether the boat could operate in conditions that severe. The practical lesson is simple: weather affects the experience, and you should be prepared for movement, wind, and a possible change of plans.

The 30-minute swim stop below Los Gigantes

After the wildlife search and coastal sailing, the boat stops at a natural cove with clear water beneath the cliffs. The cove can only be reached by boat, which gives the stop a quiet, away-from-the-road feel.

You have about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel. That is enough time for a refreshing dip, though it is not a full beach afternoon. Bring your swimwear under your clothes and have a towel ready if the operator’s arrangements require you to bring one.

This stop adds variety to the trip. Whale watching asks you to sit, watch, and wait. Swimming gives you a chance to move around and cool off. The cliffs overhead make the setting more memorable than a standard marina swim.

Water clarity can vary with conditions, and the presence of fish or other sea life is not specified, so do not book this as a dedicated snorkeling excursion. Think of snorkeling as a pleasant part of a wider sailing trip.

The cove may also feel less convenient than a public beach. You cannot simply walk away for a break, and the schedule is set by the boat. For most people, that is part of the fun. For anyone who dislikes boat access or changing on board, it is worth considering before booking.

Tapas, drinks, and a relaxed deck

Food is kept simple and social. Tapas, finger food, and a range of drinks are offered during the outing. One account specifically praised the tapas, while another noted sandwiches were not provided, so treat this as a snack service rather than a full lunch.

That distinction is important. If you need a substantial meal, eat beforehand or plan one afterward. The food is there to accompany the sailing, not replace a restaurant meal.

The spacious deck is a strong feature for a private charter. You can relax in the sun, feel the sea breeze, and take pictures of the cliffs and islands. The open deck is also where you will notice the weather most, so bring sensible sun and wind protection.

The boat has been described as beautiful and expertly handled, but one account found the wooden deckhouse in need of repainting. That is a fair reminder not to expect a brand-new luxury yacht. The value lies more in the private setting, sailing experience, captain, and access to the coast than in perfect cosmetic condition.

What the private format means for your group

The boat carries up to 10 people, and the activity is reserved for your group alone. This suits families, couples traveling with friends, or a small group celebrating a special occasion.

A private boat gives you more control over the mood, but it does not mean you control every part of the route. The captain still needs to make safe decisions based on wind, sea conditions, and wildlife. You also share the same three-hour schedule as any other departure.

The small capacity is especially helpful for wildlife watching. A crowded deck can make quiet observation harder, and large groups often split attention between competing conversations. With up to 10 people, you have a better chance of hearing the captain and finding a good viewing spot.

Families should note that most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. A child as young as three has taken part, but the sea can be unpredictable, so parents should think carefully about their child’s comfort around wind, boat movement, and swimming.

Is $687.84 a fair price?

The listed price is $687.84 per group, up to 10 people. At full capacity, that works out to about $68.78 per person. For eight people, it is about $85.98 each. For four people, the cost rises to about $171.96 each.

That makes the group size the key value question. Ten friends or relatives can get a private three-hour sailing trip at a fairly sensible per-person rate. A couple paying the full group price is buying privacy and flexibility, but the cost is much harder to justify if the main goal is simply to see whales.

You are paying for more than a wildlife search. The price includes a private sailboat, a captain, the coastal route, a swim and snorkel stop, views of several major Tenerife sights, and tapas with drinks. If you would otherwise book separate boat and sightseeing activities, the package becomes more appealing.

Still, the three-hour duration limits what can happen. You may see whales and dolphins, swim, eat, and photograph the cliffs, but none of these sections can be especially long. If you want a full day at sea, this is not that product.

Who will enjoy it most

I would choose this trip for a small group that values privacy and wants a mix of activities. It is particularly well suited to:

• Families wanting a manageable three-hour outing
• Couples or friends splitting the group price
• People who prefer a sailboat to a large tour boat
• First-time whale watchers who want explanations from the captain
• Photographers looking for cliffs, ocean, volcano, and island views
• Swimmers who like adding a short cove stop to a wildlife trip

It may be less suitable if you need guaranteed animal sightings, dislike wind and boat movement, or want a long snorkeling session. It is also not the best value for one or two people unless having a private boat is a major priority.

Practical details for a smoother outing

The meeting point is MPC Yacht Charter at Puerto Deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picón, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return from the coast.

A mobile ticket is provided, and confirmation arrives when you book. The marina is near public transportation. Since this is a private activity, only your group participates.

Wear clothing that can handle spray and wind, even if the day begins warm. Bring swimwear for the cove stop and a secure way to carry your phone or camera. The tour includes snacks, but the information does not promise a full meal, so eat before departure if you tend to get hungry on the water.

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Inside that 24-hour window, cancellations and changes are not accepted and no refund is provided.

The final call: book it for the boat, not only the whales

I would book this private charter if your group can share the cost and you want a relaxed half-day-style outing without committing an entire day. The strongest combination is the small boat, Antonio’s attentive guiding, the dramatic Los Gigantes setting, and the swim stop below the cliffs.

I would not book it on the assumption that whales and dolphins are guaranteed. Wildlife is the bonus, while the sailing, scenery, and cove stop are the parts that remain even when sightings are limited.

For a group of eight to 10, the price makes good sense. For a couple, compare it with shared boat trips before committing. If privacy, a quieter deck, and a personal captain matter to you, the higher cost may be worthwhile. If your budget is tight, choose this only when the full mix of wildlife, cliffs, swimming, and private sailing matches what you want from Tenerife.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at MPC Yacht Charter in Puerto Deportivo, at Yate El Mojo Picón, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the activity end?

The tour ends back at the meeting point in Los Gigantes.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat has a capacity of up to 10 people, and only your group participates.

Will the tour include swimming and snorkeling?

Yes. The boat stops for about 30 minutes at a natural cove with clear water, where you can swim and snorkel.

Are food and drinks provided?

Tapas, finger food, and a range of drinks are offered during the trip. A full meal is not specified.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the start time.