3-Hour Private Tour with Whale and Dolphin Watching

The best part of this private whale and dolphin cruise is the mix of open water and dramatic scenery. You leave Los Gigantes aboard the 14-meter Mojo Picón, search for cetaceans in their natural habitat, then anchor below the towering cliffs for a swim and snorkel.

I like the small-group setup, with space for up to 10 people, and the chance to see Tenerife from the sea rather than from another crowded viewpoint. I also like the unhurried 30-minute cove stop, where tapas and drinks turn a wildlife outing into a proper half-day treat. The main consideration is weather: rough or windy conditions can affect the trip, and sightings are never guaranteed.

Key points to know

• Whales and dolphins in open water: The boat searches for pilot whales and dolphins in their natural setting rather than visiting a show or aquarium.
• A private boat for up to 10 people: Your party has the yacht to itself, which makes it easier to spread out and ask Antonio or Toni questions.
• Los Gigantes from sea level: The cliffs rise about 600 meters above the water and are one of Tenerife’s great coastal sights.
• A 30-minute swim stop: The boat anchors in a clear-water cove beneath the cliffs, accessible only by boat.
• Tapas and drinks on board: You get a snack break as part of the three-hour outing, not just a quick wildlife patrol.
• Good value for a full group: At $687.84 for up to 10 people, the cost works out to about $68.78 per person if you fill the boat.

Setting Sail From Los Gigantes

The tour starts at Puerto Deportivo in Los Gigantes, at the Mojo Picón yacht. You return to this same marina after about three hours, so the outing is simple to fit into a day based around western Tenerife.

Los Gigantes is one of the most striking coastal areas on the island. The cliffs form huge dark walls above the Atlantic, reaching roughly 600 meters in places. From the marina, you first see them as a backdrop. Once the boat moves out, their scale becomes clearer. They no longer feel like a distant sightseeing stop. They rise directly from the sea beside you.

The yacht is described as a comfortable 14-meter sailing boat with room for 10 people. That is a useful size for this trip. It is large enough to offer a spacious deck, but still small enough to feel personal. You can sit, stand, take photographs, and move around without the packed feeling common on larger excursion boats.

The boat has also been identified as a Bavaria 44 in one account, with some criticism of the age and paintwork around the wooden deckhouse. That is worth keeping in mind if you expect a polished luxury yacht. The stronger point is the sailing space, the private format, and the captain’s attention to the group.

Searching for Pilot Whales and Dolphins

The first main part of the outing is the search for whales and dolphins. The boat heads into the waters off Tenerife, where you may see pilot whales and dolphins moving through the sea. One particularly successful trip included very close whale sightings, while another spotted pilot whales during the cruise.

You should keep your expectations sensible. This is wildlife watching, not a scheduled performance. No operator can promise an animal will surface beside the boat. What you can count on is time spent looking in a beautiful stretch of ocean, with the captain adjusting the route in search of signs of life.

The experience is strongest when you treat the wildlife as one part of the trip rather than the only reason to book. You get the sea breeze, open views, and the chance to watch animals in their own environment. If the animals remain distant or do not appear, the cliffs and island views still give the cruise plenty of visual interest.

Antonio, also called Toni, is the captain named in the available information. He explains the route and talks about the cetaceans at sea. This matters because a captain who communicates well can make the waiting time feel purposeful. You know what the boat is doing and what to watch for, rather than simply sitting through a quiet stretch of water.

The small scale helps here. With no more than 10 people, you can ask questions and move toward the best viewing side of the boat. A private group can also enjoy the outing at its own pace, within the practical limits of weather, wildlife, and sailing conditions.

Teide, La Gomera, and the Teno Reserve

Wildlife is only half the view. From the water, you can photograph Tenerife’s Teide volcano, the island of La Gomera, and the protected Teno area. These sights give you a wider sense of the western end of Tenerife.

Teide is often experienced from roads and mountain viewpoints. Seeing the volcano from a sailboat offers a different angle, with the Atlantic in the foreground. La Gomera appears offshore, adding another island to the horizon. The Teno reserve brings the rugged western end of Tenerife into the picture.

Bring a camera, but keep it ready before you see the animals. The cliffs, volcano, and island views are more predictable photographic subjects than whales or dolphins. A phone with a wrist strap or secure case is sensible on a moving boat, though the supplied details do not specify any equipment or storage arrangements.

The boat’s open deck is an important part of the experience. You can feel the breeze and take in the coast without a window between you and the sea. The tradeoff is that open water can feel windy or rough. One account described exceptionally strong wind, though the operator disputed whether sailing would be possible under those exact conditions. The practical lesson is simple: conditions matter, and you should be prepared for the possibility of a weather-related change.

Anchoring Beneath the Cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat stops at a natural cove below the Los Gigantes cliffs. The cove is accessible only by boat, which gives this part of the trip a special sense of place. You are not pulling into a busy beach or sharing a standard harbor swimming area.

The planned stop lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough time for a swim, a little snorkeling, and a look at the water around the boat. The water is described as crystal clear, and the setting beneath the rock walls makes the stop feel far removed from the marina.

You should think of this as a refreshing break rather than a full snorkeling excursion. The tour is built around wildlife watching, scenery, and a short swim. The supplied information does not promise equipment details, underwater instruction, or extensive time for marine observation, so bring realistic expectations.

Swimming from a yacht also requires comfort with getting in and out of the water. The information says most people can participate, but it does not specify ladders, flotation gear, or facilities on board. If you have mobility concerns, contact MPC Yacht Charter before booking. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Tapas, Drinks, and the Feel of a Private Charter

The snack stop adds real value. You have time for tapas and drinks rather than rushing straight from whale watching back to port. One account specifically praised the finger food and drinks, while another enjoyed the tapas served during the outing.

The exact menu is not provided, so do not book this as a full lunch. Think of it as a light snack that breaks up the cruise and pairs well with the swim stop. If you have dietary restrictions, ask the operator before departure.

A private charter changes the mood more than the menu does. You are not sharing the boat with a large crowd, and your group can enjoy the deck together. That works especially well for families, couples traveling with friends, or a small celebration.

The trip has also worked well for families with young children. A three-year-old was delighted by the smaller whales on one outing, and a 10-year-old was comfortable on another. Still, the sea can change quickly, and the information does not give a minimum age, child seat policy, or detailed safety equipment list. Ask directly if you are booking with very young children.

Is $687.84 Good Value?

The listed price is $687.84 per group, with up to 10 people. At full capacity, that is about $68.78 per person. For a private three-hour yacht trip that combines wildlife watching, major coastal views, a swim stop, and tapas, that is a reasonable price for a full group.

The value drops if only two or three people are sharing the cost. At two people, the price is about $343.92 each. At five people, it is about $137.57 per person. The best financial case is for a family or group of friends who can fill most of the 10 available places.

You are paying for privacy and space as much as for the animals. A wildlife sighting cannot be guaranteed, but the private boat, cliff views, island scenery, and cove stop remain part of the experience. That makes the price easier to justify than a whale trip built around a single promised sighting.

The published rating is 4.9 from eight reviews, with especially strong praise for the captain’s friendliness, careful handling of the boat, close whale sightings, tapas, and the feeling of safety. The small-group format also receives repeated positive attention. The one clear concern is the boat’s appearance and the question of sailing in very strong wind, so perfection seekers may want to ask about current boat condition before booking.

Timing, Weather, and Practical Details

The cruise lasts about three hours and begins and ends at the Los Gigantes marina. Confirmation is sent at booking, and the activity has a mobile ticket, which keeps entry simple.

Wear clothing suited to sun and wind. You will be outside on the water, and conditions can feel cooler than on shore even on a warm Tenerife day. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a secure way to carry your phone or camera.

The trip requires good weather. If MPC Yacht Charter cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

The meeting point is MPC Yacht Charter, Puerto Deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picón, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes. Since the tour returns to this location, you do not need to arrange a separate end point.

Who Should Book This Boat Trip?

I would choose this outing if you want several Tenerife highlights in one calm, private package. It suits a group that values time on the water, open views, and a personal captain more than a fixed schedule packed with stops.

It is a strong choice for:

• Families who want a private boat and a short swim stop
• Couples or friends who can share the group price
• Anyone keen to see Los Gigantes from below
• People who want whale and dolphin watching without a large boat
• Visitors who enjoy a relaxed mix of scenery, wildlife, food, and swimming

I would pause before booking if you need guaranteed animal sightings, dislike wind or boat movement, or expect a brand-new luxury yacht. The boat has been praised for comfort and safe handling, but its age and cosmetic condition have also been questioned.

Should You Book the Mojo Picón Cruise?

Book it if you can fill much of the boat and want a private morning or afternoon on Tenerife’s western coast. The combination is hard to beat: pilot whales and dolphins, the cliffs of Los Gigantes, views toward Teide and La Gomera, a cove swim, and tapas in three hours.

Keep your expectations honest. Wildlife is unpredictable, the weather can cancel the trip, and the yacht may show some age. If those points are acceptable, this is a well-rounded way to experience the coast with Antonio or Toni at the helm and without a crowded boat around you.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at MPC Yacht Charter in Puerto Deportivo, at the Yate El Mojo Picón, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Los Gigantes.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat can accommodate up to 10 people, and only your group participates in the activity.

What animals might I see?

The tour searches for whales and dolphins in their natural environment. Pilot whales have been seen during the outing.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops for about 30 minutes at a natural cove, where you can swim and snorkel.

Are food and drinks included?

The experience includes a snack with tapas, and drinks have been provided during the cruise. The exact menu is not specified.

What sights can I see from the boat?

You can take photographs of the Los Gigantes cliffs, Teide volcano, La Gomera, and the protected Teno area.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.