Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

Pilot whales are the main attraction here, but the setting does much of the work. You sail beneath Tenerife’s towering Cliffs of Los Gigantes, watch for whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds, then stop at a quieter cove for swimming and snorkeling. It is a calm, personal way to see this dramatic stretch of coast.

I like the maximum of 10 people, which gives you room to move and lets the crew speak with each group. I also like the generous food and drink setup: fresh fruit, made-to-order sandwiches, snacks, water, wine, beer, soft drinks, and cava. The main drawback is simple: wildlife is wild, and some outings see dolphins but no whales. The sea can also be uncomfortable if you are prone to motion sickness.

Key points

• Small sailboat setting: A 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser carries no more than 10 people, with comfortable sunbeds at the bow.
• Wildlife focused: Pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, tuna, seabirds, and even rare Risso’s dolphins have been seen, though sightings are never guaranteed.
• Los Gigantes views: The cliffs are the visual centerpiece, even on a day when marine life stays out of sight.
• Swimming stop included: You get time to swim and snorkel near the cliffs at a less crowded coastal spot.
• Food suits different diets: Sandwiches can be vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, with fruit and snacks included.
• Easy three-hour outing: The boat leaves from Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes and returns to the same place.

Sailing beneath the cliffs of Los Gigantes

The trip begins at Third Element Charters, at Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, in Los Gigantes. You board a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser 45 from 2012, a proper sailing yacht rather than a large sightseeing vessel. With only 10 places available, the boat feels more like a shared private outing than a mass-market cruise.

The first major sight is the coast itself. Los Gigantes means the giants, a fitting name for the dark volcanic cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea. Sailing below them gives you a different view from the roads and walking paths above. From the water, the rock walls feel taller, more immediate, and more connected to the ocean.

The route lasts about three hours, with roughly two hours noted for the Los Gigantes sailing portion. The exact rhythm can vary with sea conditions and wildlife activity. The crew may spend more time watching a pod of whales, or move along the coast before stopping for a swim.

At the front of the boat, comfortable sunbeds give you a good place to stretch out and watch the cliffs pass by. The bow is also a natural spot for photographs, although you should keep your belongings secure when the boat moves. The yacht offers more open space than the large boats you may see offshore, but it is still a boat, so expect shared seating and some movement underfoot.

Whale watching with a small, attentive crew

Pilot whales are the regular star of this coast. Outings have also encountered dolphins, including bottlenose dolphins and several dolphin species on a single trip. Other sightings have included Risso’s dolphins, sea turtles, tuna, seabirds, an osprey, and a brief glimpse of a baby hammerhead shark.

That variety makes the trip worthwhile even if pilot whales do not appear. One outing described a pod of around 15 pilot whales and a family of bottlenose dolphins with a baby. Another saw dolphins and a turtle, while another found dolphins but no pilot whales. You should set your expectations accordingly: this is a search for wild animals, not a scheduled animal show.

The crew’s role adds real value. Jaime, Eileen, David, Mike, and Margaret are among the crew members named in accounts of different outings, so the exact team may depend on the day. They explain the marine life, answer questions, and share information about the cliffs, Tenerife, and the surrounding sea.

That personal contact is easier on a boat with 10 people than on a vessel carrying dozens or hundreds. If you are curious about whale behavior, local species, or the difference between a pilot whale and a dolphin, you can ask without trying to attract a guide’s attention from the back of a crowded deck.

The German guide is not available on Sundays or Mondays. The activity is offered in English, and some outings have included explanations in more than one language. If language support matters to you, check the arrangements when booking rather than assuming a particular guide will be present.

The swimming and snorkeling stop

After the wildlife search and coastal sailing, the boat stops at a swimming area near the cliffs. This is one of the best parts of the outing for people who want more than a viewing trip. You can get into the sea, swim, and snorkel in a quieter spot along the coast.

The stop is described as a little-known place that avoids some of the crowds. That does not mean you should expect a private cove every time. Conditions, timing, and other boats can change, but the small yacht gives the stop a more relaxed feel than a large excursion vessel unloading many people at once.

Several people particularly enjoyed the time in the water, and the cliffs provide a striking backdrop from sea level. You may find that the swimming stop becomes the most memorable part of the day, especially if whale sightings are brief.

Towels are not included. Bring your own if you plan to swim, along with a swimsuit and any personal snorkeling gear you prefer. The supplied information confirms that snorkeling is part of the experience, but it does not specify rental equipment, so ask ahead if you need masks or other gear.

One practical point: the Atlantic can feel cool, and sea conditions can change. A guest who visited in a cooler season chose not to swim because they had not brought suitable gear. You do not need to enter the water, but pack as if you might. A light cover-up is also useful after swimming.

Lunch, fruit, and drinks on board

The food is more substantial than the usual packet of crisps and a small drink. You receive custom-made sandwiches, freshly cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, and complimentary drinks. The drink selection includes cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available. If you have a dietary need, provide the information when booking or contact the operator in advance. The gluten-free provision has been particularly useful for people who cannot simply eat a standard sandwich.

This meal matters because three hours on the water can feel longer when you are hungry or sitting in the sun. The food also means you do not need to organize a separate lunch around the trip. Expect a casual meal on the yacht, not restaurant service. Sandwiches and fruit suit the setting well and keep the outing informal.

Alcohol is included, but use good judgment if you plan to swim. The boat also supplies water, which is important in Tenerife’s strong sun. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are not listed as included, so bring them.

Is $90.70 a fair price?

At about $90.70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Tenerife. Large whale-watching boats may offer lower prices, particularly if you only want a short wildlife trip.

The comparison changes once you consider what is included. You get about three hours on a sailing yacht, a maximum of 10 people, a crew focused on explanations and personal attention, a swimming and snorkeling stop, lunch, fruit, snacks, water, and several alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

I see the price as good value if you care about space and a quieter atmosphere. You are paying less for a checklist of stops and more for the quality of the boat time. With only 10 people, you can sit at the bow, ask questions, and avoid the packed-deck feeling that often comes with cheaper group cruises.

It is less compelling if your only goal is to see a whale at the lowest possible cost. There is no guarantee of a sighting, and the three-hour length may feel short if you want a full-day sailing adventure. Still, the inclusion of food, drinks, and swimming makes the price reasonable for a half-day coastal experience.

The very high overall rating and 100 percent recommendation figure suggest strong satisfaction, but I would base your decision on the format rather than the score. You need to like small boats, open water, and a flexible wildlife search. If that sounds right, the added food and personal service make the fare easier to justify.

Getting to the harbor and preparing for departure

The meeting point is Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, 38683 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity returns to this same meeting point.

Allow time to find parking. One person specifically warned that it is easy to underestimate the time needed, and missing the boat would be an expensive mistake. The harbor area has shops and restaurants, so arriving early gives you a chance to get oriented without rushing down the dock.

Some bookings have included hotel pickup, but the supplied details identify the marina as the official start point. Do not assume a transfer is included unless it appears in your own booking confirmation. The activity is near public transportation, and mobile tickets are accepted.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The tour requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part. You should still think honestly about how you handle boat movement, sun, and access to the water. One person felt seasick but was looked after by the crew, which is reassuring, though prevention is better than relying on help once symptoms begin.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most?

I would choose this outing for couples, families, and small groups who want a personal day on the sea. The boat has worked well for mixed ages, including a group with children from age nine through adults, and the limited capacity leaves more room for everyone.

It also suits people who want their wildlife trip combined with scenery and swimming. You are not simply sitting offshore waiting for a fin. You sail below the cliffs, hear about the local marine life, eat lunch, and get a chance to enter the water.

Families should appreciate the attentive crew and the included snacks. Parents should remember that wildlife sightings and sea conditions are unpredictable. Children who need a highly structured schedule may find the search-and-wait rhythm less exciting if animals do not appear quickly.

This is also a good fit for solo visitors who prefer a social but not crowded setting. With no more than 10 people, conversation is easier, and the crew can include you in explanations. Couples celebrating a special occasion can make use of the sailing setting, the cliffs, and the cava without booking a private charter.

I would be more cautious if you get severe motion sickness, dislike wind and sun, or have no interest in swimming. The boat is comfortable, but comfort on a yacht is not the same as comfort on land. Bring motion-sickness medication only if it is suitable for you, and ask a medical professional if you have any concerns.

What makes it different from a large whale boat?

The biggest difference is scale. A large boat can offer more room in absolute terms, but it also carries many more people. Here, the 10-person limit gives you a better chance of finding a clear viewing position and speaking directly with the crew.

The yacht also changes the mood. Instead of a loud, busy platform built mainly for capacity, you get a more intimate sailing experience with bow sunbeds, food served on board, and time to enjoy the coast between sightings.

That does not automatically make it better for everyone. A larger vessel may feel steadier to some people, and a bigger tour might offer more departure times. The sailing yacht also depends on suitable weather, so flexibility matters.

For me, the strongest reason to choose this boat is the combination of wildlife, cliffs, and swimming. Any one of those could fill a morning, but together they create a varied three hours. Even when pilot whales stay out of sight, dolphins, sea turtles, birds, and the cliffs can still make the trip worthwhile.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing charter?

Book it if you want a small-group yacht trip with a real chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, plus time to swim under the Los Gigantes cliffs. The included lunch and drinks make the $90.70 fare a solid deal for a three-hour outing, especially compared with a crowded boat.

I would book early, since the limited capacity means popular dates can fill ahead of time. Leave room for parking, bring a towel and sun protection, and treat wildlife sightings as a bonus rather than a promise.

Skip it if you want the absolute cheapest whale-watching ticket, cannot tolerate open-water movement, or need a guaranteed animal encounter. For everyone else, Third Element’s sailing format offers a friendly, personal way to experience Tenerife from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the Los Gigantes whale-watching charter start?

It starts at Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, 38683 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at the end of the excursion.

How long does the sailing experience last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours. About two hours are allocated to sailing around the Los Gigantes cliffs, with time also provided for wildlife watching and swimming or snorkeling.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

What food and drinks are included?

The trip includes freshly cut fruit, custom-made sandwiches, snacks, bottled water, cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available.

Are towels included?

No. You should bring your own towel if you plan to swim or snorkel.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.