Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

Off Tenerife’s southwest coast, pilot whales often come close to the boat, sometimes swimming alongside the hull or passing below it. The three-hour cruise combines wildlife watching with a swim near the Los Gigantes cliffs, so you get more than a quick look at the ocean from a crowded tour boat.

I like the small group of up to 10 people, which gives you room to move around and makes the trip feel personal. I also like the care shown toward marine life: the crew follows the animals rather than chasing them, and guides such as David, Eileen, and Jamie explain what you are seeing in several languages.

The main drawback is simple: wild animals set the schedule. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and seabirds, but sightings are never guaranteed. The Atlantic can also be choppy, and some people have felt seasick, so take sensible precautions before sailing.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: You may see family groups, calves, and animals swimming close to the sailboat.
• The boat carries only up to 10 people: That means more space, less crowding, and better viewing from different parts of the deck.
• Los Gigantes looks different from the water: The tall cliffs form a dramatic backdrop during the cruise and the swimming stop.
• Swimming and snorkeling are built into the trip: You get about 30 minutes at a small coastal cove, with equipment provided.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava.
• Wildlife comes first: The crew’s approach is calm and respectful, with no promise of forced close encounters.

Sailing out from Los Gigantes

You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters, at Pier 1, mooring number 156, in the port of Los Gigantes. The boat is a sailing boat rather than a large whale-watching vessel, and the limited capacity makes a real difference once you are on the water.

With no more than 10 participants, you can spread out and find a good viewing position. You are not packed shoulder to shoulder with a large crowd, and the guides have time to answer questions. Solo visitors, couples, and families with older children should find this setup easy to enjoy.

The crew may include David, Eileen, or Jamie, depending on the departure. The guides speak Spanish, English, French, and German. Their role is not only to point out animals. They also explain local sea life, the coast, and the wider Canary Islands, which gives the outing more substance than a simple boat ride.

If conditions allow, you can help raise the sail. The boat may then travel partly under wind power, though the amount of sailing depends on the weather and sea conditions. One practical point is worth noting: putting the sail up does not guarantee that you will spend the whole trip moving under sail alone.

As you leave the marina, the cliffs of Los Gigantes begin to frame the coastline. From the water, their scale is easier to appreciate than from land. The rock walls rise above the coast and provide a memorable setting as the boat heads toward open water.

Two hours looking for whales and dolphins

The wildlife portion takes up about two hours. The usual focus is on dolphins and pilot whales, with turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life possible along the way.

Pilot whales are especially associated with the experience. Several sightings have involved groups with young calves, and the animals have sometimes approached within a short distance of the sailboat. That can make for a remarkable view, but you should treat close encounters as luck, not a promise.

Dolphins can be more active and playful. They may appear near the boat, and some outings have included large groups moving around the vessel. You might also spot a turtle at the surface or see flying fish skimming over the water. Keep your eyes moving, since smaller animals and birds are easy to miss while everyone is watching one section of the sea.

The best part of the wildlife watching is the unhurried pace. The crew allows time to observe instead of trying to squeeze several boats into a short viewing window. This matters for photography, but it also makes the experience calmer. You can watch how a pod moves, notice the adults and young animals, and listen to the guides explain their behavior.

The crew’s attitude toward wildlife is another strong point. The guides have been seen removing an old net from the water and helping a protected seabird chick in difficulty. Those details suggest an operation that treats the sea as more than a stage for tourists. You should still remember that responsible watching means the animals may remain at a distance.

No whale-watching tour can control nature. On one outing, you could see whales and dolphins together. On another, you might see dolphins and a turtle but no whales. The cruise is best booked by people who value being on the sea and observing wildlife, not by anyone demanding a particular animal.

A swim and snorkel near the cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat anchors at a small cove for about 30 minutes. This is a welcome change of pace. You have time to get into the water, swim from the boat, or use the supplied snorkeling equipment.

The stop is near the Los Gigantes cliffs, so the setting matters as much as the water. The coast gives you a strong view of Tenerife’s rock walls while you float and look below the surface. Clear water and colorful fish have been seen here, although conditions can vary.

You do not need to snorkel to enjoy the stop. If you are not a confident swimmer, you can remain aboard and enjoy the views, but the information provided does not describe specific flotation support or a dedicated swimming instructor. The trip is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so consider the steps and movement required to board and use a sailing boat.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Towels are not included, and you will be grateful for dry clothing after sitting in the breeze on the return journey. Comfortable, breathable clothing is best, since the boat combines sun, wind, and sea spray.

Fresh food, fruit, and drinks on board

The catering is better than the bare-bones snacks often found on short boat trips. The crew serves fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches, followed by drinks that can include cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available. If you have a dietary requirement, make sure it is arranged as part of your booking or confirmed before departure. The food is useful here because the cruise lasts three hours and includes time in the open sea, where a small snack may not be enough.

The drinks add a relaxed touch on the way back to port. A chilled glass of wine or cava fits the slow coastal return, but drink sensibly, especially if the sea is moving. Alcohol and motion sickness are not a friendly combination.

The meal is served after the swim and snorkel stop, then the boat makes its way back toward Los Gigantes. You can settle in with food while watching the cliffs from a different angle. This final stretch is less about searching and more about enjoying the boat, the coast, and the easy rhythm of the afternoon.

Why the small boat matters

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water around Tenerife. You can find larger and less expensive boat trips in the area. The value here comes from the combination of a small group, a sailing boat, wildlife guidance, a swim stop, snorkeling gear, and food and drinks.

The group size is the key comparison. A boat limited to 10 people gives you more room and a better chance to hear the guide without competing with a crowd. It also creates a quieter setting around the animals, which fits the crew’s stated respect for wildlife.

You are also paying for a full three hours rather than a short look around the harbor. The trip gives you roughly two hours for marine-life watching and 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, with the remaining time used for sailing out, serving food, and returning to port.

I would consider the price fair if you care about comfort and a personal atmosphere. It is less compelling if your only goal is to find the lowest-cost whale-watching ticket, or if you want a guaranteed sighting of a certain species. The cruise offers a better overall outing, but nature remains unpredictable.

Sea conditions and the practical side

The boat is described as clean, comfortable, and well maintained. There is space to move around, which helps you change positions while looking for animals and reduces the boxed-in feeling common on busy vessels.

The sea can still be rough. One useful warning from the experience is that some people have suffered from seasickness, so consider taking motion-sickness medicine before departure if you are prone to it. Do not wait until you feel unwell, since it is harder to recover once you are already on the water.

Wear clothing that handles wind and spray. Breathable layers are more useful than a single heavy item, and a change of clothes belongs in your day bag. Bring sunscreen and any personal medication you need, although only swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothing, breathable clothing, and a change of clothes are specifically listed as recommended items.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The meeting point is Pier 1, mooring number 156, at Third Element Luxury Charters. Use the supplied Google Maps directions when planning your route to the port.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife plans are still shifting. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Who will enjoy this Los Gigantes cruise?

I would choose this for anyone who wants a quiet, wildlife-focused boat trip rather than a party cruise. The small capacity suits couples, solo visitors, and families who want room to relax. Children aged 10 and 11 have enjoyed the outing, though every family should decide how comfortable their children are with open water and boat movement.

It also suits people who care about how animals are treated. The crew’s calm approach and conservation-minded behavior are important if you feel uneasy about boats chasing whales and dolphins. You may not get the closest possible sighting, but you get a more respectful experience.

This is a good fit for visitors who enjoy a mix of activities. You are not spending all three hours scanning the horizon. You get sailing, wildlife watching, a coastal swim, snorkeling, food, drinks, and cliff views in one half-day outing.

I would think twice if you dislike boats, are highly prone to seasickness, need step-free access, or want a guaranteed whale sighting. The activity is also less suitable if you prefer a fast, action-heavy excursion. Its appeal is the relaxed pace.

My verdict: worth booking?

I would book this cruise if you can spare three hours in southwest Tenerife and value a small group. The combination of pilot whales, dolphins, possible turtles, a swim near Los Gigantes, and generous food and drinks makes the $88 price easier to justify than a basic boat ticket.

Book it for the quality of the outing, not for a promise of perfect wildlife conditions. If the sea cooperates, you could watch a family group of pilot whales with calves glide close to the boat. If it does not, you still have a comfortable sail, dramatic cliffs, a snorkel stop, and guides who can make the coast and its sea life more understandable.

The strongest reason to choose Third Element is the human touch. David, Eileen, Jamie, and the wider crew are described as warm, attentive, multilingual, and deeply concerned with the ocean. That matters when you are sharing the water with wild animals.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale-watching cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours. About two hours are devoted to looking for dolphins, pilot whales, and other marine life, followed by around 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

Where does the boat depart from?

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

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the boat stops at a small cove where you can swim and snorkel.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The experience includes fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, and drinks such as cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available.

Which languages do the guides speak?

The live guides speak Spanish, English, French, and German. Guide names may vary, but David, Eileen, and Jamie have led departures.

What should I bring, and is the activity accessible?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, and comfortable, breathable clothing. Towels are not included. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.