Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes

Pilot whales and dolphins are the stars of this three-hour Los Gigantes boat trip, but the cliffs make an equally strong impression. You cruise from Puerto Deportivo along Tenerife’s west coast, with the walls of Los Gigantes and the Teno Rural Park rising above the water. I like the small maximum of 10 people, and I like that the outing includes time to swim and snorkel rather than chasing wildlife for the whole morning.

The main thing to consider is that this is not always a pure sailing trip. If the wind is light, the engine does the work, and the sea can be choppy. Smoking and communication styles may also affect your comfort, so this is best for people who want a simple, informal boat outing rather than polished luxury service.

Quick take: what makes this boat trip worth considering

• Pilot whales are the main wildlife draw: Sightings often focus on tropical pilot whales, with dolphins, turtles, fish, and seabirds also possible.
• The group stays small: The boat carries no more than 10 people, and some departures have had only six or seven passengers.
• Los Gigantes looks different from the sea: The cliffs and nearby Masca area form the dramatic backdrop for the wildlife search and swim stop.
• Snorkeling equipment is included: You can swim, snorkel, or remain aboard while the boat pauses in a quiet cove.
• Antonio and Francisco are named skippers: Several outings are led by Antonio, while Francisco is also praised for his local knowledge and friendly approach.
• Food is better than bare-bones boat fare: Expect snacks or a light Canarian-style spread, plus drinks, rather than a full restaurant meal.

Setting out from Puerto Deportivo in Los Gigantes

Your meeting point is MPC Yacht Charter at Puerto Deportivo, beside the yacht Mojo Picon on C. Pob. Marinero in Acantilados de Los Gigantes. The tour returns to this same point, which keeps the logistics simple. You do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

Allow extra time to reach the marina. Finding a parking place in the area can be difficult, and one particularly useful tip from the trip details is to arrive early. This also protects you against the classic port problem: a narrow road, a busy waterfront, and a boat that cannot wait forever.

The excursion is offered in English. The skipper also gives information about the area and sea life, and some departures include explanations in both English and Spanish. If you are joining a mixed-language group, do not expect a formal lecture with a microphone. The tone is more personal and conversational.

The boat is identified as a Bavaria 44, a proper sailing yacht rather than a large whale-watching catamaran. That matters. You get a more intimate feel, more open views, and less crowding around the rail. The tradeoff is that a smaller yacht moves more with the sea, so anyone prone to seasickness should prepare carefully.

Along the Acantilados de Los Gigantes

The official route centers on Acantilados de Los Gigantes, the huge sea cliffs that define this corner of Tenerife. From the water, the cliffs are not just a backdrop for photographs. They give you a clear sense of scale that is harder to get from shore.

The boat follows the coast while the skipper watches for marine life. You might see pilot whales traveling in groups, dolphins moving near the boat, sea turtles, colorful fish, and birds. The exact sightings cannot be promised, and one outing recorded dolphins but no pilot whales after loud New Year celebrations apparently pushed the animals farther offshore.

That uncertainty is part of any wildlife trip. A good day may bring a large pod of pilot whales close to the boat. Another may produce dolphins, turtles, or no major sighting at all. The skipper stays in contact with other boats to help locate animals across the wide search area, so some radio or phone conversation is part of the working day.

Antonio is named repeatedly as a skipper, while Francisco also leads departures. The strongest part of their role is not just spotting animals. You can expect practical information about the whales, dolphins, Tenerife’s coast, the Teno Rural Park, the height of the cliffs, the location of Mount Teide, and nearby parts of the island. Francisco is also described as helping passengers get ready for sightings and offering local suggestions beyond the boat trip.

Looking for pilot whales in Teno Rural Park

The waters near Los Gigantes sit beside Teno Rural Park, one of Tenerife’s protected areas. The setting gives this trip more substance than a simple ride offshore. You are seeing the island’s volcanic west coast from a marine viewpoint while searching for animals in their natural surroundings.

Pilot whales, also called calderones in Spanish, are the main target. You may see them surfacing in a pod, sometimes close enough for clear photographs and video. Some outings have also found dolphins swimming alongside the boat, and one especially productive trip included two kinds of dolphins, whales, a turtle, and many fish.

The skipper’s experience helps, but wildlife remains wildlife. You should book this because the sea, cliffs, and chance of sightings appeal to you, not because you require a guaranteed animal encounter. If whales are your only reason for going, keep your expectations sensible.

The small boat has another benefit here. With no more than 10 people, you are not fighting for a view among dozens of passengers. You can move between the seating area and the rail more easily, and the skipper can answer questions without turning the outing into a large-group production.

There is also an environmental point worth keeping in mind. The operator describes an effort to observe animals respectfully and disturb them as little as possible. The trip uses communication with other boats to locate wildlife, but the stated aim is to watch rather than pursue aggressively. That makes the outing a better fit for you if responsible wildlife viewing matters.

Swimming and snorkeling below the cliffs

After the wildlife search and coastal cruise, the boat stops in a quiet cove for a swim or snorkel. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel. You can also simply enjoy the water from the yacht if swimming is not your thing.

The stop is one of the best reasons to choose this outing over a basic whale-watching cruise. Several accounts describe clear, dark-blue water, fish near the boat, and a striking view of the cliffs while swimming. One stop took place near the mouth of a ravine, with the rock walls rising behind the snorkeling area.

You should remember that sea conditions can change. One departure had choppy water even though the skipper still found pilot whales, while another enjoyed calm water and easy snorkeling. The experience is outdoors and weather-dependent, not a controlled pool session.

Families can take part, and service animals are allowed. The description says most people can participate, but the operator does not provide a detailed accessibility breakdown. If you have limited mobility, a serious medical condition, or a need for special boarding help, confirm the practical arrangements before paying.

Snacks, drinks, and the yacht atmosphere

Food is included in the form of snacks and drinks. The descriptions vary from tapas and simple snacks to a light Canarian-style lunch with melon, assorted cured meats, tortilla, fruit, beer, and soft drinks. Expect a pleasant spread that breaks up the trip, not a full catered meal.

This is useful after time in the water, but you should not book the boat for its menu. The food may be simple, and one very negative account described it as stale and unappealing. The operator disputed that description and said fresh products are purchased daily. The fair takeaway is that the meal is a welcome extra, but individual expectations may differ.

The boat atmosphere is casual. You may hear music, and the skipper may communicate with other boats while searching for whales. One passenger objected to cigarette smoke and loud music, while the operator said the boat is open-air and that the captain tries not to bother anyone. If you are traveling with young children, are sensitive to smoke, or need a quiet setting, ask about the smoking and music policy before booking.

Most accounts describe the skippers as friendly and attentive, especially Antonio. A memorable example involved Francisco recovering a passenger’s phone from the marina before the trip began. That is not a standard feature, of course, but it shows the hands-on, owner-operated feel of this experience.

What the $84.69 price buys you

At $84.69 per person, the price is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. It is easier to judge the value by looking at what is bundled together: roughly three hours aboard a Bavaria 44, a maximum of 10 people, a coastal cruise, wildlife spotting, a swimming and snorkeling stop, equipment, snacks, drinks, and a skipper who provides local commentary.

The group limit is the key value point. A large boat may offer a lower price, but you are likely to get a less personal setting. Here, six to nine passengers can make the yacht feel spacious, and even a full group of 10 remains small compared with mass-market whale boats.

The price makes the most sense if you want several experiences in one outing. You get the cliffs, marine wildlife, a swim, a snack, and time aboard a yacht. If you only want a short look at dolphins, or if sailing itself is your priority, you may find the cost harder to justify.

Also note the wording around sailing. The boat is a sailing yacht, but it may run under engine for the full trip when there is not enough wind. One passenger considered this a reason to deduct a star. If you need the romance of sails filling above you, ask about typical conditions for your date.

Who will enjoy the Mojo Picon most

I would recommend this trip for couples, families, and nature-minded people who prefer a quiet boat to a crowded excursion vessel. It works especially well for you if the idea of watching pilot whales, then swimming below the Los Gigantes cliffs, sounds better than spending three hours focused on wildlife alone.

The small size suits people who enjoy a personal exchange with the skipper. Antonio and Francisco are both associated with the trip, and their local knowledge can add useful context about the island, coast, whales, and places to visit afterward.

You may want to think twice if you are highly sensitive to motion, expect guaranteed whales, dislike informal service, or want a fully silent and smoke-free boat. The supplied information confirms that most people can participate, but it does not promise calm seas or a specific set of wildlife.

This is also not an ideal choice if you need a strict timetable after the trip. The tour lasts about three hours, yet wildlife spotting depends on conditions and animal movements. Leave room in your day rather than booking a tight connection or fixed lunch reservation immediately afterward.

Practical details before you book

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the experience is available near public transportation. It begins and ends at the Puerto Deportivo meeting point in Los Gigantes. The maximum group size is 10 people, though smaller departures are possible.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local Tenerife time.

Bring practical beach-day clothing, though the supplied information does not specify a packing list. You will be around open water, with a swim stop and possible spray, so keep valuables secure and protect anything you do not want wet. Arrive early, especially if you are driving, since parking near the marina can take time.

My verdict on this Los Gigantes whale tour

I would book the Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes if you want a small, flexible outing that combines wildlife, scenery, and swimming. The strongest reasons are the 10-person limit, the Bavaria 44 yacht, the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, and the excellent setting below the cliffs.

I would not book it expecting a luxury yacht service or guaranteed sailing under canvas. The food is a light snack service, the sea may be rough, and the onboard atmosphere can depend heavily on the skipper and group. Ask about smoking, music, and sailing conditions if those details matter to you.

For most people seeking an intimate way to experience Tenerife from the sea, the $84.69 fare offers solid value. Arrive early, keep your wildlife expectations realistic, and treat the snorkeling stop and Los Gigantes views as equal parts of the experience.

FAQ

Where does the Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes start?

The tour starts at MPC Yacht Charter, Puerto Deportivo, beside the yacht Mojo Picon on C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Deportivo, Los Gigantes.

How long does the boat trip last?

The excursion lasts approximately three hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $84.69 per person.

How many people can join the tour?

The boat accepts a maximum of 10 participants.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English, and explanations may also be given in Spanish on some departures.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. The boat stops in quiet coves where you can swim or snorkel, and snorkeling equipment is included.

Are food and drinks provided?

Yes. Snacks and drinks are offered during the crossing. Descriptions include tapas or a light Canarian-style spread, along with drinks.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather or an unmet minimum number of participants cancels the trip, you can receive a full refund or choose another option.