Los Gigantes: Whales and Dolphin Watching Cruise with Lunch

The striking feature of this cruise is the contrast: one moment you’re watching for pilot whales in open water, the next you’re floating below the towering Cliffs of the Giants. You may also see bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, or other cetaceans, but wildlife sightings can’t be promised.

I like two things in particular: the route combines wildlife watching with time to swim, and the small-group feel can make a shared outing relaxed rather than crowded. The crew, often led by Antonio, also gets high marks for a friendly welcome and careful approach to marine life. One thing to know before booking: the included lunch is generally light, cold tapas, not a full hot meal, and the swim stop may feel brief if you’d hoped for a long time in the water.

• Pilot whales are a key target: Bottlenose dolphins are also common possibilities, with other species depending on the season.
• The cliffs rise about 600 meters: The boat pauses below them at a cove for a swim or snorkel.
• Lunch is tapas-style: Expect snacks, fresh fruit, and drinks served aboard after the water stop.
• The trip lasts three hours: Wildlife watching, coastal views, and the cove stop all fit into one outing.
• Antonio is a name to know: He is often praised for his seamanship, warm hosting, and respect for wildlife.
• Choose shared, private, or sunset: Check the available departure times and trip type before you book.

From Los Gigantes into whale country

The cruise starts at MPC Yacht Charter in Los Gigantes and returns to the same meeting point. You’ll head out by boat to search for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, keeping watch for other marine life along the way. Sea turtles are native to the area, and fin or sperm whales may be seen depending on the season.

That variety makes the trip more than a simple point-to-point sail, but it also means the wildlife part is unpredictable. You may spot several species, or you may see fewer animals than you hoped. One outing might bring dolphins swimming alongside the boat; another may be remembered for pilot whales close to the surface. Go for the chance to see wildlife in its natural setting, not for a guaranteed checklist.

The route also gives you wide views of Tenerife and its neighbors. The Teide Volcano can be seen on the journey, along with La Gomera and the rural park of Teno. Keep your camera handy, but remember to look up from the screen now and then. The coastline and changing views are part of the trip, not just a backdrop for photos.

Watching wildlife with room to breathe

The boat heads out to look for cetaceans, a term that includes whales and dolphins. Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are the main species named for this area. If conditions and season line up, you might also see fin or sperm whales, loggerhead turtles, tuna, or other fish.

The best moments are often the ones you can’t schedule: a whale surfacing near the boat or dolphins staying alongside for a while. A captain who knows the water can help you spot what’s there, but sightings remain a matter of luck. Antonio is often singled out for his ability to find wildlife and share useful information about the sea and local area. Other outings may have a different guide, so don’t treat one captain’s style as a guarantee.

You can also feel good about the care taken around the animals. The trip is described as keeping a respectful distance, and one small-group outing had very few other boats nearby. That is worth valuing. A close view can be thrilling, but the best wildlife encounter is one that doesn’t need to chase or crowd the animals.

Bring a camera if you want photos, but don’t expect every sighting to be easy to capture. The boat may move, the animals may surface briefly, and the most memorable moment might happen while you’re watching rather than filming. A jacket is also on the suggested packing list, a sensible extra for time on the water.

The 600-meter cliffs and cove stop

After the wildlife search, the boat continues toward the Cliffs of the Giants, dramatic rock walls rising around 600 meters above the sea. The scale is best appreciated from the water, where you can take in the full height and see how the cliffs meet the coast. The route back to port also follows the cliffs, giving you another chance to enjoy the view.

The planned stop is about 30 minutes at a cove beneath the cliffs. You can swim or use the included snorkeling gear, and the clear water offers a chance to see fish. Some outings have also brought sightings of crabs and other sea life in the water. You’ll need to be comfortable getting in and out of the sea, and the stop is not designed as a long beach stay.

Timing can be a trade-off. The cruise has to fit wildlife watching, the coast, swimming, and the return to port into three hours. Some families would have liked more time in the water, while others found the short swim a welcome break. If swimming is your main priority, this may not give you as much time as a dedicated snorkeling trip. If it’s one part of a varied outing, the balance makes sense.

What lunch means on this boat

After swimming, you’ll return aboard for appetizers, fresh fruit, and drinks. The meal is commonly a cold, tapas-style spread: think small bites such as meats, olives, breadsticks, and fruit, with soft drinks and sometimes beer mentioned on outings. The exact selection may vary.

The word lunch can suggest a sit-down meal, so set your expectations accordingly. This is a generous-feeling snack break after time in the water, not a full hot meal. If you’re hungry or have dietary needs, plan ahead rather than counting on the onboard food to cover every requirement. The information provided does not specify dietary accommodations.

For me, the food works well in context. You’re on a three-hour boat trip, and a simple spread with drinks is a pleasant way to rest before heading back. You can sit, chat with the group, and enjoy the coastline without needing to return to shore for a meal.

A small-group feel, with a friendly captain

The cruise can be booked as a shared or private outing, and small groups are available. Shared trips described by passengers have included groups of around six to nine people, though the actual number can vary. That scale can make a real difference: you have more room to settle in, and the outing can feel personal without paying for a private charter.

Antonio, also referred to as Tony, is the captain most often praised by name. He is described as an experienced sailor who explains local marine life and the area, offers snacks and drinks, and keeps the mood relaxed. A few people mention that he let passengers try steering the boat, but don’t book expecting that to be part of every trip. His approach, rather than a scripted show, seems to be a large part of the outing’s appeal.

The boat itself is described as clean and pleasant, with room to relax, sunbathe, and move around. Still, this is a boat, not a large sightseeing vessel with lots of separate facilities. If you’re choosing a private trip for a special occasion, it offers a more personal way to share the time on the water. For a shared outing, the modest group size can bring much of that same easy atmosphere.

Is $74 good value for three hours?

At $74 per person, you’re paying for more than a short wildlife search. The price includes the cruise, snorkeling equipment, safety equipment, drinks, appetizers, and lunch. The outing also combines open-water wildlife watching with coastal sailing and a stop beneath the cliffs, so you get several kinds of experience in one half-day.

The value depends on what matters most to you. If you want a long swim or a substantial meal, the trip may feel less complete: the water stop is limited, and lunch is light. If you want a manageable boat outing with a chance of seeing whales and dolphins, striking views, and a swim, the package is more compelling. It also avoids the feel of an activity that is only about circling wildlife and heading straight back.

Shared and private options give you some flexibility, but the price information provided is $74 per person and does not break out a separate private rate. Check the current options and starting times before choosing. A sunset version is available, which may suit you if you want the return journey in softer evening light. The main itinerary remains focused on wildlife, the cliffs, and the cove.

Practical details before you go

Meet at MPC Yacht Charter in Los Gigantes and have your confirmation voucher ready. The trip ends back at the same meeting point. It lasts three hours, but starting times depend on availability.

Spanish and English are the listed tour languages. Bring a towel for the swim, a camera for the scenery, and a jacket for the boat. Snorkeling gear and safety equipment are included, so you don’t need to bring your own mask and snorkel.

There are a few important limits. Alcohol and drugs, fireworks, and explosive substances are not allowed. The activity is not suitable for people with heart problems or mobility impairments. Although it is also marked wheelchair accessible, that conflicts with the mobility warning, so contact the provider to confirm what access is possible for your specific needs before booking.

The cruise offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful if you’re planning around changing weather or a busy holiday schedule, though it doesn’t change the fact that the sea and wildlife are beyond anyone’s control.

Who should book this cruise?

I’d choose this trip if you want a relaxed outing with more variety than wildlife watching alone. The combination of whales or dolphins, views of the cliffs, a swim, and simple food makes good use of three hours. It is especially suited to people who enjoy being on the water and are happy to treat animal sightings as a bonus rather than a promise.

Families and couples can both find something here, as can anyone who wants a small-group boat trip rather than a large excursion. If your top priorities are a long swim, a substantial lunch, or guaranteed sightings, look for an activity built specifically around those needs. For a balanced taste of the sea around Los Gigantes, this one is a sound choice at $74.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours and begins and ends at the meeting point in Los Gigantes.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at MPC Yacht Charter in Los Gigantes with your confirmation voucher.

Which whales and dolphins might I see?

Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are the main species named. Depending on the season, you might also see fin or sperm whales, as well as sea turtles and other marine life.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No. The cruise searches for whales and dolphins, but sightings can vary. Some outings see both, while others may see whales without dolphins.

Is there time to swim or snorkel?

Yes. The boat stops at a cove beneath the cliffs for swimming or snorkeling. The planned stop is about 30 minutes, though the time in the water may feel shorter on some outings.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and safety equipment are included.

What food and drinks are provided?

Appetizers, fresh fruit, drinks, and lunch are included. Expect a light, tapas-style meal rather than a full hot lunch.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, camera, and jacket.

Is there a sunset option?

Yes. A sunset tour option is available. Check availability for departure times.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

The activity is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments, although it is also marked wheelchair accessible. Contact the provider before booking to clarify access for your needs.