Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes

Pilot whales often make the day here, but the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes are a show in their own right. I like this trip for two reasons: the small group keeps the boat from feeling crowded, and the swim or snorkel stop gives you time to enjoy the sea rather than just scan for fins.

The main consideration is that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and a sailboat does not always sail under wind power. The outing is captain-led, so the tone and amount of commentary can vary. There have also been complaints about smoking and poor handling of seasickness or English-speaking passengers, so ask the operator about its current onboard practices if those are important to you.

• A maximum of 10 people makes this a more personal outing than a large excursion boat.
• Pilot whales are a frequent sighting, with dolphins also seen and turtles or other marine life possible.
• Los Gigantes looks different from the sea, where the high cliffs rise directly above the route.
• Swimming and snorkeling are part of the plan, with equipment provided for the stop.
• Snacks and drinks are included, though the exact spread can vary.
• The boat returns to its marina meeting point after about three hours.

Setting out beneath the cliffs of Los Gigantes

The meeting point is MPC Yacht Charter at Puerto Deportivo, beside the Yate El Mojo Picon in the marina at Acantilados de Los Gigantes. From there, the boat heads along the coast, with the cliffs and the protected Teno Rural Park forming the setting for the trip.

Los Gigantes is not just a backdrop for whale watching. Its steep rock walls are most impressive from the water, where you can take in their height and scale without buildings or roads in the foreground. The view is a strong part of the outing even if the wildlife is keeping its distance.

The outing lasts about three hours, a useful length for a boat trip that combines looking for animals with time for a swim. It is long enough to get beyond the marina and enjoy the coast, but short enough to fit into a day with other plans.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins

The main wildlife focus is the resident marine life around Tenerife, especially pilot whales, also called tropical calderones, and dolphins. Past outings have also included sightings of turtles, fish, and birds. The sea is their home, not an aquarium, so no captain can promise what you will see or how close the animals will come.

Skippers such as Antonio and Francisco are named in accounts of past trips. The captain shares information about local marine life and the geography of the coast, and may communicate with other boats to help locate animals across a wide search area. That can make the search more productive, but it also means the captain may be focused on navigation and coordination at times rather than delivering a running commentary.

If seeing whales is your main reason for booking, keep expectations flexible. One outing may find a large pod of pilot whales, while another may see dolphins but no whales. Noise can also affect where animals are found, and wildlife can move beyond the search area.

The responsible approach is to observe without treating the animals as a guaranteed close-up photo opportunity. The operator describes the trip as respectful of marine life. If you value a quieter, smaller boat setting, this format may suit you better than a crowded vessel, while still leaving the animals space to move freely.

A swim stop in a quiet cove

After time along the coast and a search for marine life, the boat stops in a sheltered cove for swimming or snorkeling. Equipment is included, and the water can offer a welcome change of pace after watching the horizon from the deck.

The stop is not a full snorkeling excursion with a guided route or a long underwater session. Think of it as a chance to get in the water, look for fish, or simply swim before heading back. Reports from outings describe clear water, colorful fish, and a striking view of the cliffs from the sea.

You can also choose to stay aboard and relax. That matters if you are not a confident swimmer, do not want to get wet, or find the sea conditions uncomfortable. The tour’s appeal is that you are not forced to snorkel to enjoy the break.

Sea conditions can change, and the captain decides what is practical and safe. If swimming is essential to your plans, check conditions on the day and be prepared for the possibility that the stop may be affected by weather or water conditions.

Snacks, drinks, and the small-boat trade-off

Snacks and drinks are included, with past outings describing light tapas or a simple Canarian-style spread. Food has included melon, cured meats, tortilla, and drinks such as water or canned beverages. It is best to think of this as a light onboard refreshment, not a full meal.

The snack stop can make the return leg feel leisurely, especially after swimming. But don’t book this as a food tour. The offering is simple, and the contents may vary. If you have dietary needs, confirm them with the operator before booking rather than assuming there will be suitable options aboard.

A boat capped at 10 people is a practical advantage. You are less likely to feel packed in, and the captain can address a smaller group more easily. The trade-off is that the captain is also the person responsible for operating the boat, so the level of personal attention may shift during the trip.

What the captain-led format means

A captain-led sail is more informal than a large, staffed cruise. The best version of this outing is personal: the skipper explains what you are seeing, answers questions, and helps the group settle into the rhythm of the sea. Some past trips have been led by Antonio or Francisco, both named for their explanations and friendly hosting.

But the captain sets the tone, and experiences have not been uniform. Complaints have included smoking aboard, dismissive responses to passengers who felt seasick, and limited engagement with people who did not speak Spanish. If smoke, seasickness support, or clear English commentary is a deciding factor for you, contact MPC Yacht Charter before booking and ask directly about current practices and the skipper on your date.

This is a useful point to weigh against the small-group appeal. A small boat can feel calm and intimate when the skipper is attentive, but there is less separation between the person in charge and the person responsible for passenger comfort. If you prefer a more formal service style, a larger operator may be a better fit.

The tour is offered in English, but that does not necessarily mean every exchange throughout the trip will be in English. Ask whether the captain will provide the wildlife and location explanations in English on your departure, especially if you want more than a brief introduction.

Is $84.69 good value for three hours?

At $84.69 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. The price covers roughly three hours on a small sailboat, a wildlife search, a stop for swimming or snorkeling, equipment, snacks, drinks, and the skipper’s local knowledge. You are paying for a more intimate setting and a combined coast-and-wildlife outing, not simply a ride from the marina.

The value looks strongest if you will make use of several parts of the trip: the view of Los Gigantes, time searching for whales and dolphins, and the swim stop. If you only want a guaranteed whale sighting, no boat trip can offer that assurance, so the price may feel harder to justify on a day when the animals stay away.

Compared with a large, crowded boat, the cap of 10 people can be worth paying for if you prefer space and a quieter atmosphere. Still, do not assume that small automatically means luxury. The boat is a working sailboat, and the snacks are light. The value depends on whether the intimate scale and access to the coast matter more to you than a polished, full-service cruise.

Getting to the marina and planning your day

The tour starts and ends at the marina in Los Gigantes. The meeting point is MPC Yacht Charter, Puerto Deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picon, C. Poblado Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes. Public transportation is nearby, but parking in the area can be difficult, so allow extra time if you are driving.

The activity is generally open to most people, and service animals are allowed. The supplied details do not specify facilities aboard or swimming requirements, so contact the operator if you have mobility, medical, or other practical concerns.

Booking is typically made around 10 days ahead on average. The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or a low number of bookings cancels the outing, you are offered another date or a refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Who should book this Los Gigantes boat trip?

I would put this trip high on the list for couples, families with older children, and nature lovers who want a small boat and a mix of wildlife watching and swimming. It is especially appealing if you want to see the cliffs from the sea and are happy to treat whale sightings as a possibility rather than a promise.

Families should consider the realities of a three-hour boat trip. Seasickness has been an issue on some outings, and the captain-led format may not offer the same level of support as a larger crew. If someone in your group is prone to feeling unwell, ask the operator about conditions and practical arrangements before committing.

If you want a quiet, personal outing, do not need a guaranteed wildlife encounter, and like the idea of a swim stop beneath the cliffs, the price can represent fair value. If you expect a formal guide, a full meal, or a carefully managed service experience, ask questions first or consider another boat trip.

FAQ

How long is the Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour?

The outing lasts about three hours, then returns to the marina where it began.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at MPC Yacht Charter in Puerto Deportivo, beside Yate El Mojo Picon, in Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Tenerife.

Does the tour return to the same place?

Yes. The activity ends back at its meeting point.

How many people can join?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Which animals might I see?

The outing looks for dolphins, pilot whales, also called tropical calderones, and other marine species. Past sightings have also included turtles, fish, and birds, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the stop in a quiet cove.

Are snacks and drinks provided?

Yes. Snacks and drinks are offered aboard. They are described as light refreshments, and the exact items can vary.

Is the tour offered in English?

English is listed as an offered language. Contact the operator if you want to confirm the captain’s commentary for your departure.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.