From Los Gigantes: Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise

The best part of this Los Gigantes outing is its small scale. You sail on a 46-foot boat with no more than nine passengers, so wildlife watching feels calm and personal rather than like a race between packed tour boats. Pilot whales and dolphins are the main targets, with turtles and other marine life possible too.

I like the respectful approach to the animals, including stopping the engines when whales are seen nearby. I also like the way the trip combines wildlife with time under the cliffs, a swim, and homemade tapas. The tradeoff is simple: this is a boat trip, and seasickness can spoil the day for some people. Sightings are never guaranteed, either.

Key points to know before booking

• Only nine passengers: The small group leaves room to move around and makes it easier to hear guides such as Sara, Felix, Jakob, Miguel, and Nettie.
• Pilot whales are a local highlight: The area can also produce dolphins, turtles, and other marine life, but nature sets the schedule.
• A conservation-first trip: The operator carries Tenerife’s Blue Boat Flag and follows the island’s sustainability rules for whale watching.
• Swimming beneath Los Gigantes: The boat anchors for about 15 minutes of swimming and snorkeling beside the cliffs.
• Tapas are included: Homemade snacks and drinks follow the swim, with vegetarian food available.
• Plan for strong sun and possible motion: Bring a towel, swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, and biodegradable SPF 50 or higher.

A small sailboat, not a crowded whale-watching platform

This trip leaves from Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. Look for the boat named Aemon or Ayla at the meeting point. The sailboat measures 46 feet, or 14 meters, and carries a maximum of nine passengers on shared departures. Private trips are also available.

That passenger limit matters. You can move around more safely, find a decent viewing spot, and hear the guide without a loudspeaker battle. The setting also feels quieter than a large motorboat excursion. One previous morning trip had only seven passengers, while other departures carried eight or nine.

The crew has included guides named Sara, Felix, Jakob, Miguel, Sarah, and Nettie. The exact crew depends on the departure, but the trip is offered in Spanish, English, and French. The guiding is not limited to pointing at fins. You hear about the marine species, the sea, the island, Los Gigantes, and the cliffs around Tenerife.

I especially like that the crew invites questions. If you want to know how pilot whales live, why the boat changes course, or how the cliffs were formed, this is the sort of small-group outing where you can ask without feeling lost in a crowd.

The first 90 minutes: searching for whales and dolphins

The wildlife portion lasts about an hour and a half. You head out from Los Gigantes and watch the water for signs of marine life. Pilot whales are the area’s best-known regular sighting, while dolphins may appear close to the boat. One outing also produced a turtle.

Do not treat this as a guaranteed animal show. Some trips have produced several pilot whales and playful dolphins, while another reported dolphins but no whales. That is not a flaw in the operation. These are wild animals, and the crew cannot schedule their appearance.

What the crew can control is its conduct. Picarus Sailing Club belongs to the Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching from Turismo de Tenerife and is active with the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association. The Blue Boat Flag means the company is authorized by the Government of the Canary Islands to carry out whale watching under responsible operating standards.

The practical result is a more thoughtful way of watching. The crew explains the animals and keeps a respectful distance. When whales are seen even at a distance, the captain may cut the engines so the boat does not add noise or pressure. Sometimes the animals approach on their own, which can give you a close view without the boat chasing them.

This matters to me. The point is not simply to collect a photograph. You get a better sense of the animals when the boat is quiet and the crew explains what you are seeing. It also means you should be ready for patience. The boat may slow down, stop, or wait while the crew scans the water.

Bring sunglasses and a hat because much of this section is spent outside in full sun. Apply biodegradable sunscreen before departure, and use a high protection factor of 50 or above. Sunscreen is not supplied.

Sailing below the cliffs and toward Teide

The trip is not only about animals. Around an hour is set aside for sailing and taking in the coast from the water. Los Gigantes is famous for its towering cliffs, and their scale makes more sense when you see them from below rather than from a road or lookout.

The views also include Teide, Tenerife’s enormous volcanic peak, when conditions allow. From a sailboat, you get a different angle on the island. The cliffs rise above you, while the open water gives you room to appreciate the shape of the coast.

This is one reason I would choose this trip even on a day with limited wildlife. The boat ride still gives you a pleasant way to see Los Gigantes, and the crew talks about the island and local surroundings along the way. One particularly useful detail from the guiding is that information may include nearby hiking routes, so you can connect the boat trip with later time on land.

The sailing section also gives the outing a slower rhythm. You are not rushing from one sight to the next. You can sit, watch the coastline, and enjoy the boat itself. The sailboat has enough room for a small party to move around, though it is still a boat, not a broad deck with unlimited space.

If you need a short, tightly timed attraction, note that the total outing can run from three to four hours. The published schedule includes about 90 minutes of wildlife watching, an hour of sailing, 15 minutes of snorkeling, and 15 minutes for food. Exact timing can shift with sea conditions and wildlife.

A 15-minute swim beside Los Gigantes

The boat stops for about 15 minutes of swimming and snorkeling beneath the cliffs. This is a short break, not a full snorkeling excursion with a long session or a separate reef visit.

Snorkel masks are supplied, but the tube is not. Bring your own snorkel tube if you want to use one. You also need to bring swimwear and a towel. Life vests are available on board, and you can ask the crew about the safety equipment before getting into the water.

The stop gives the trip a welcome change of pace. After sitting and watching the sea, you can cool off and see the cliffs from the waterline. The setting is one of the strongest parts of the experience, though you should not book this solely for underwater wildlife. The provided details promise a swim and snorkel stop, but they do not guarantee a particular species or underwater visibility.

Some passengers have found the swim especially memorable after seeing the pilot whales. I can understand why: the day moves from watching marine life in open water to being part of the sea for a few minutes yourself. Still, if you dislike cold water, rough water, or getting back onto a boat, treat this as an optional-feeling part of the program and ask the crew for guidance.

Tapas, drinks, and a quiet finish

After the swim, the crew serves homemade tapas and drinks on board. The food is not an afterthought. It helps turn a basic wildlife cruise into a half-day outing with a social, local feel.

The menu has worked well for vegetarians, and several departures have included fresh snacks and traditional tapas. You can expect the meal to take about 15 minutes in the stated schedule. Drinks are also available, giving you time to dry off and talk about what you saw.

I like that the food comes after the water stop. You can swim first, then settle down with something to eat rather than trying to balance a plate while the boat is moving. The boat’s limited passenger count also makes this part more relaxed.

Do not expect a long restaurant meal. This is a compact snack service during a boat excursion. If you need a large meal, eat beforehand or plan something after returning to Los Gigantes. For most people, the tapas should be a pleasant extra, particularly because they are included in the experience.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Tenerife. The price makes more sense if you value a small group, a proper sailboat, wildlife education, and the added swim and tapas.

You are paying for three to four hours rather than a quick harbor ride. The outing includes life vests, snorkel masks, wildlife guiding, coastal sailing, the swim stop, food, and drinks. The boat carries up to nine passengers, which is a major difference from a large group cruise where you may spend much of the trip looking around other people.

The conservation work also adds value. The company’s Blue Boat Flag and involvement with local cetacean groups show that responsible wildlife watching is part of the operation, not just a marketing line. You still cannot buy a whale sighting, but you can choose a crew that treats the animals with care.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and small groups who want a quieter outing. It is less compelling if you only want a quick, inexpensive chance to see dolphins or if you are mainly interested in a long snorkeling session. One passenger thought an additional hour would improve the trip, so people who prefer a leisurely four-hour outing should check the exact duration available for their date.

The seasickness question

At least one couple found the motion harder than expected, despite enjoying the wildlife and the crew’s help. That is the main practical warning here.

A 46-foot sailboat can feel more personal and pleasant than a large vessel, but a smaller boat may also move more noticeably in the water. If you are prone to seasickness, prepare before departure according to your usual medical routine, eat sensibly, and tell the crew early if you feel unwell. The crew has experience helping passengers, but it cannot remove the motion entirely.

The trip may suit you less if you know you struggle on boats. The same open-water conditions that make wildlife watching possible can also make the ride uncomfortable. Your decision should depend on your tolerance for that risk.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack lightly, but do not forget the items that make a sunny boat trip easier:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen, ideally SPF 50 or higher
• Your own snorkel tube if you want one

Snorkel masks and life vests are included. A towel and sunscreen are not. The meeting point is Picarus Sailing Club, and the boat name is Aemon or Ayla, so confirm the correct name for your departure.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Starting times vary, so check availability before arranging transport or other activities around it.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this excursion if you want several experiences in one morning or afternoon: wildlife watching, a scenic boat ride, a short swim, and tapas. The small group makes it a good fit for anyone who dislikes packed excursions or wants time to speak with the crew.

It also suits curious visitors. The best part is not only seeing a whale surface. You learn about the marine species, the island, and the rules that help protect them. Children may enjoy the animals and the swim, but parents should decide based on the child’s comfort with open water and boat motion.

Couples and friends will appreciate the calm setting. A private trip is available if you want the boat for your own group, while a shared trip keeps the cost at $88 per person and still limits the party to nine passengers.

You should think twice if you need guaranteed whales, dislike the sun, or want a long snorkel session. Nature controls the sightings, and the water stop lasts only about 15 minutes.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailboat trip?

I would book it if you want responsible whale watching in a small group, with the cliffs and Teide adding a strong sense of place. The combination of quiet wildlife viewing, a swim beneath Los Gigantes, and homemade tapas gives you more than a standard boat ride.

Book with realistic expectations. You may see a family of pilot whales, dolphins close to the boat, or even a turtle, but you may also have a day with fewer sightings. The crew’s careful approach is part of the value, not a promise of constant action.

For a relaxed and personal half-day on the water, this is a strong choice. If seasickness is a serious concern or you want guaranteed wildlife, spend your $88 elsewhere. For everyone else, the small boat and conservation-minded crew make this one of the better ways to experience Los Gigantes from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes.

How do I identify the boat?

The boat is named Aemon or Ayla. Check the departure information to confirm which boat you should meet.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately three to four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

How many passengers are on the boat?

Shared excursions carry a maximum of nine passengers. Private trips are also available.

What marine life might I see?

The area has resident and migratory marine species. Pilot whales and dolphins are key possibilities, and turtles have also been seen. Sightings are not guaranteed because the animals are wild.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkel masks and life vests are provided. A snorkel tube is not included, so bring your own if you want to use one.

Is food included?

Yes. Homemade tapas and drinks are served on board after the swimming stop. Vegetarian food is available.

What languages are offered?

The live guide service is available in Spanish, English, and French.