Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

Pilot whales often come close to the boat on this three-hour sail from Los Gigantes, and the dramatic cliffs look even taller from sea level. The outing is more personal than a crowded motorboat trip: the group is capped at 10 people, and you have room to move around and watch.

I like two things in particular: the crew shares practical information about local marine life, and the trip makes time for a swim and snorkel stop instead of treating wildlife spotting as the whole show. Fresh fruit, sandwiches and drinks are included, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.

The trade-off is that wildlife is wild. You may see pilot whales, dolphins or turtles, but no sighting is guaranteed, and sailing depends on the conditions. If you get seasick, plan ahead; one passenger found it worth taking medication beforehand.

At a glance

• A small-group sail: The boat takes no more than 10 participants, so you are not packed into a large viewing vessel.
• Wildlife in open water: The main cruise lasts about two hours and searches for pilot whales, dolphins and other marine life.
• Cliffs from a fresh angle: The return to Los Gigantes brings coastal views from the water.
• A cove stop: There is about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, with equipment provided.
• Food and drinks included: Expect fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches and a choice of alcoholic and soft drinks.
• Bring your own towel: Towels and photos are not included.

A small sailboat changes the feel of whale watching

This outing leaves from Third Element Luxury Charters at Pier 1, mooring number 156, in Los Gigantes. The boat is a sailing yacht, not a large passenger craft, and the group limit of 10 makes a real difference: you can spread out, move around, and keep an eye on the water without jostling for a view.

The pace is intended to be relaxed. When conditions allow, you may help raise the sail and travel under wind power. That is part of the appeal, though you should not book expecting uninterrupted sailing. Wind and sea conditions determine when the sail can be used, and the boat may run under engine power at times.

The crew has included Jamie, Eileen and David, with the exact team varying by trip. They speak Spanish, English, French and German, and make time to explain what you are seeing and answer questions. That is useful on a wildlife trip: a fin at the surface can be easy to miss unless someone helps you know where to look.

Two hours on the Atlantic, searching for marine life

The main stretch of the cruise lasts about two hours. From Los Gigantes, you head into the Atlantic in search of pilot whales and dolphins, with turtles and other sea life possible too. Pilot whales are the species most often spotted on these trips, and they have sometimes approached close to the sailboat.

Still, the sea sets the terms. Animals may surface nearby, remain at a distance or not appear during your outing. A careful operator cannot promise a particular sighting, so it is best to treat the search as part of the day rather than a guaranteed show. Keep watching the water, but give yourself permission to enjoy the open-air ride even when the animals are elusive.

The crew’s interest in marine life is part of what gives this trip its character. They explain the wildlife and local environment, and have been seen removing an old net from the water and helping a protected seabird chick in trouble. You are not signing up for a lecture, but you can expect the trip to include more than pointing at a whale and moving on.

On some outings, dolphins and pilot whales have appeared close to the boat, sometimes alongside it. That can be memorable, but closeness is not something the crew should force. The more responsible approach is to watch without chasing, which is also a better fit for anyone who wants to see animals in their natural surroundings.

Los Gigantes looks different from offshore

The cliffs are a major part of the setting, but the best perspective comes from the water. Their height is easier to appreciate when the boat moves below them, and the coastal return offers time to take in the rock face rather than simply passing it on the way out.

The cruise is not only about looking for whales. Between wildlife sightings, you can watch the coastline, look for birds and other marine life, and take in the changing view from the boat. The small group and unhurried pace make this a good option if you prefer a quieter outing to a high-capacity excursion.

A practical note: bring a light layer or comfortable clothes you can wear on the boat, as well as swimwear for the cove stop. Breathable clothing is recommended. You will want a change of clothes after swimming, and towels are not supplied.

A short swim and snorkel stop at a coastal cove

After the wildlife cruise, the boat anchors at a small cove for about 30 minutes. You can swim or use the provided snorkeling equipment. The water and fish may be a welcome change of pace after time spent watching the horizon, and the stop offers a chance to get into the sea rather than seeing Tenerife only from the deck.

This is a short pause, not a dedicated snorkeling excursion. If snorkeling is your main priority, keep expectations in proportion: the tour gives you time for a swim and a look around, but most of the outing is spent sailing and searching for wildlife. Conditions and the exact stop may shape what you see underwater.

You do not need to bring your own mask or snorkel, but pack swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes. If you would rather stay on board, the stop still gives you a break and a chance to enjoy the cove from the boat.

Fresh sandwiches, fruit and drinks are part of the fare

Food is more than a token snack here. The crew serves fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. Drinks include cava, white and red wine, beer and soft drinks. If you have a dietary requirement, the stated options are helpful, though it is sensible to confirm your needs when booking.

The food is served during the outing, including after the swim stop on the return leg. It makes the three hours feel like a complete half-day activity rather than a quick wildlife run. You do not need to arrange a meal on board, and the range of drinks adds to the leisurely feel.

There is no need to bring photos as part of the package, because photos are not included. If you want your own pictures, bring a camera or phone you can handle safely on a boat, and keep your attention on the sea as well as the screen.

Is $88 fair value for three hours?

At $88 per person, this costs more than a basic, high-capacity boat outing. The value lies in the small group, the sailboat setting, the crew’s attention and the food and drinks included. You also get a swim and snorkel stop, with equipment provided, rather than paying separately for every extra.

The cap of 10 is the clearest reason to choose this trip over a cheaper crowded alternative. You have more room to move and a better chance of hearing the crew’s explanations. The boat is also described as clean and comfortable, details that matter when you are spending three hours aboard.

The price makes most sense if you want the whole combination: wildlife search, sailboat atmosphere, cliff views, a cove stop and food. If your only goal is to find the lowest-cost whale-watching ticket, this may not be the right fit. And if animals do not appear, the value depends on whether you still appreciate the sailing, scenery and time on the water.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would consider this for couples, families with older children, solo visitors and anyone who prefers a smaller group to a packed boat. Children aged 10 and 11 have been on the trip, but no minimum age is specified, so check directly if you are planning to bring younger children.

It is also a strong choice if you value a crew that can explain the local marine life and speak with passengers in several languages. Solo visitors can fit in comfortably, and the small group gives the outing a more social feel without turning it into a party cruise.

This is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You should also be comfortable getting onto a boat and spending time at sea. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking precautions before departure; the water can affect people differently.

The tour lasts three hours, with starting times depending on availability. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately. Those terms are useful if your plans are still taking shape, but the small capacity means it is wise to check availability before you leave it late.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sail?

Book this if you want a small-group outing that balances wildlife watching with a swim, good coastal views and a proper meal on board. The crew’s multilingual explanations, the space on the boat and the chance to see pilot whales in open water are its strongest points.

Skip it if you need guaranteed sightings, a long snorkeling session or a low-cost, bare-bones cruise. For most people seeking a calm, personal way to spend a few hours on Tenerife’s southwest coast, the mix of sailing, wildlife and cliff scenery makes the $88 fare reasonable.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The outing lasts three hours. About two hours are spent sailing and looking for marine life, followed by about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

What animals might I see?

The cruise looks for dolphins and pilot whales, and turtles may also be seen. Sightings are not guaranteed.

How many people are on the boat?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

What food and drinks are included?

Fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches and drinks are included. Drinks include cava, white and red wine, beer and soft drinks. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free sandwich options are available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with time to swim and snorkel.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, comfortable clothes and breathable clothing. Towels are not provided.

Where is the meeting point?

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

Which languages are available, and can I cancel?

The tour is offered in Spanish, English, French and German. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.