Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes

Pilot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and towering volcanic cliffs make this three-hour boat trip from Los Gigantes one of Tenerife’s most appealing sea excursions. You sail along the coast near Teno Rural Park, look for marine life in its natural setting, and stop in a quiet cove for swimming or snorkeling.

I like the small maximum group of 10, which gives you more room than the packed catamarans common around Tenerife. I also like the simple rhythm of the trip: wildlife first, a swim beneath the cliffs, then drinks and tapas-style snacks on the way back. The main caution is that this is a wildlife search, not a guaranteed whale show, and the boat may use its engine for much of the route when the wind is weak.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: The waters off Los Gigantes are particularly associated with tropical pilot whales, though dolphins, turtles, and other species may also appear.
• Small boat, small group: The sailboat carries no more than 10 people, with some departures operating with only six to nine passengers.
• Snorkeling is built into the outing: Equipment is included, and the stop may bring clear water, colorful fish, and views of the cliffs from sea level.
• Antonio and Francisco are named skippers: Both are described as experienced local captains who share information about marine life, Tenerife, and the coast.
• Snacks and drinks are included: Expect light food such as tapas, fruit, cured meats, tortilla, and nonalcoholic drinks, with some departures also offering beer.
• The experience is not always under sail: When there is little wind, the captain uses the motor to keep to the planned route.

Setting out from Los Gigantes Marina

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter in the Puerto Deportivo at Los Gigantes. The exact meeting point is listed as the yacht El Mojo Picon, on Calle Pueblo Marinero in Acantilados de Los Gigantes. The trip returns to the same place, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point.

Give yourself extra time to reach the marina. Parking can be difficult in the area, and arriving early is sensible. A late arrival can delay the whole boat, especially when the group is waiting and the captain has a fixed wildlife route to cover.

The small scale matters as soon as you board. A Bavaria 44 sailboat has been used for this outing, and a group of seven or eight leaves enough space for everyone to sit, move around, and watch the water. That is a very different feel from a large sightseeing vessel where you may need to compete for a view.

The boat is charming rather than luxurious. You should think of it as a comfortable sailing platform for a small party, not a polished yacht with extensive facilities. The open-air design gives you wide views, but it also means you are exposed to sun, wind, and spray. Bring sun protection and wear something suitable for getting wet during the snorkeling stop.

Along the cliffs of Los Gigantes

The first major part of the route follows the cliffs of Los Gigantes, where dark volcanic walls rise sharply from the sea. From the water, the cliffs look even more dramatic than they do from land. You see their height without buildings or roads getting in the way, and the boat offers a low, quiet viewpoint that is hard to match from shore.

The route can include the area around La Masca and the mouth of a barranco, or ravine, where the cliffs meet the sea. This is more than a backdrop for photographs. It helps you understand the shape of Tenerife’s west coast, where steep volcanic terrain drops directly into deep Atlantic water.

The captain shares information about the geography, the location of Mount Teide, the height of the cliffs, and Teno Rural Park. Antonio is often singled out as an engaging guide, while Francisco is praised for explaining the island and its marine life clearly. The quality of the commentary may depend on the captain and the mood of the group, but the intended experience is not simply a ride with no context.

One practical point is worth keeping in mind: the boat may motor along instead of sailing. If you are booking mainly for the feeling of gliding under canvas, this could disappoint you. When the wind is calm, using the engine is the only practical way to complete the wildlife search and still return on time. The trip is best understood as a small sailing-boat wildlife excursion, not a guaranteed hands-off sailing experience.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The waters off Tenerife are known for regular sightings of short-finned pilot whales, called calderones in Spanish. These are not huge blue whales, but they are large, social animals that often move in pods. Seeing a pod surface close to the boat can be the central moment of the outing.

Dolphins are also possible, and the wildlife can vary from day to day. You might see several dolphins playing near the boat, pilot whales traveling in a large group, sea turtles, or smaller marine species. Some outings have produced both whales and two kinds of dolphins. Other departures have seen dolphins but no pilot whales.

That unpredictability is part of the bargain. No responsible operator can promise a particular animal on a particular morning. One account describes dolphins being found but pilot whales remaining farther offshore after loud New Year’s Eve noise disturbed them. The lesson is simple: book this for the chance to observe wild animals, not for a staged performance.

The captain communicates with other boats in the area to learn where animals have been spotted. That radio contact can sound like ordinary chatter, but it serves a useful purpose because the search area is broad. A skilled captain also has to balance finding wildlife with keeping a respectful distance.

The provider says the animals are approached with care and as little disturbance as possible. You should still expect the boat to slow down, change direction, and wait while the captain watches for surfacing animals. Sightings may be brief, so keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire encounter looking through a screen.

The best wildlife moments described on this trip involve pilot whales swimming near the boat, sometimes in large pods. Dolphins may be more active, with quick movements and playful passes. Turtles are less predictable, but they have also been seen. Birds and colorful fish add to the feeling that you are observing a living stretch of ocean rather than checking off a single species.

Swimming and snorkeling below the cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat stops in a quiet cove for a swim or snorkel. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel. If you prefer not to enter the water, you can stay aboard and enjoy the view.

The snorkeling stop is one of the strongest parts of the trip for anyone who wants more than whale watching. The water has been described as clear and deep blue, with colorful fish visible near the rocky coast. At some stops, the cliffs form a dramatic wall behind you while you swim, giving the experience a real sense of place.

Conditions can change with the weather and sea state. One outing had choppy water but still found a good snorkeling location. Another had calm water and easy swimming. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the captain before entering the water and take a conservative approach. The boat’s stop is for a swim in the sea, not a supervised pool session.

This break also gives the trip a welcome change of pace. Wildlife watching requires patience and concentration. Swimming lets you cool off, stretch your legs, and experience the water directly. You can snorkel, float, or simply sit on deck while the boat rests in the cove.

Tapas, fruit, and drinks on the return trip

Food is included, but you should expect a light spread rather than a full restaurant meal. Descriptions of the offering include melon, assorted cured meats, tortilla, fruit, tapas, and other simple snacks. Drinks may include water, soft drinks, and beer on some departures.

For a three-hour outing, this is enough to take the edge off hunger. It also fits the relaxed mood of the trip better than a formal meal would. The quality and freshness should be reasonable, but do not book this as a food tour. If you have dietary needs, confirm them before departure rather than assuming the snack selection will suit you.

One negative account raised concerns about the food, drinks, music, and smoking aboard the boat. The operator disputed those details and said fresh products are bought daily, while also explaining that the captain is careful about smoking around passengers. Still, the conflicting experience is worth noting. If you are highly sensitive to cigarette smoke, loud music, or shared snacks, ask about the current onboard arrangements before booking.

Most accounts describe the captain as friendly and attentive. Antonio is praised for helping passengers find good camera angles and for suggesting other places to visit on Tenerife. Francisco is remembered for going underwater to retrieve a passenger’s phone from the marina before the trip, then providing a well-organized wildlife outing. These details suggest a personal style of service, but they also mean the atmosphere may depend heavily on the individual captain on your departure.

How the small group changes the experience

The maximum of 10 people is the clearest advantage over larger whale-watching boats. You have a better chance of seeing the animals, asking questions, and moving to a useful viewing position without a crowd blocking the rail.

A small group also makes the snorkeling stop easier. You are not entering the water with dozens of people, and the boat feels calmer when everyone is sharing the same limited space. Couples, families, and solo visitors can all fit into the format, though a family with very young children should consider how the child handles open water and possible seasickness.

The tradeoff is that there is less anonymity. On a big catamaran, you can disappear into the crowd. Here, everyone shares the same deck, food, and conversation for three hours. If the captain’s style or the group mood does not suit you, there is no separate quiet lounge.

English is offered, and the operator says the captain explains the trip in both English and Spanish. Still, some onboard conversation may take place in Spanish, particularly when the captain communicates with other boats. If detailed English commentary is essential to you, confirm it at booking.

Price, timing, and practical value

At $84.69 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. It is also not an unreasonable price for a three-hour outing that includes a small group, a skipper, wildlife searching, snorkeling equipment, snacks, and drinks.

I see the value mainly in the limited passenger count. You are paying for space and a more personal setting, not simply transportation around the coast. The cliff views alone are impressive, but the package becomes stronger when you add the possibility of pilot whales, dolphins, and a swim beneath Los Gigantes.

The trip is around three hours, which is a useful length for most schedules. You get enough time to reach the wildlife area, follow the cliffs, stop to snorkel, eat, and return without giving up a full day of sightseeing. If the sea is choppy, three hours can feel long for anyone prone to motion sickness, so consider taking suitable precautions.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded. The trip can also be canceled because of poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not reached, in which case you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Who should book this Los Gigantes boat trip?

I would choose this excursion if you want a small, personal boat outing rather than a large marine safari. It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants to combine wildlife watching with a swim and a view of Tenerife’s west coast.

It is particularly good for people who value the setting as much as the animals. Even if the pilot whales stay away, you still have Los Gigantes, Teno Rural Park, the cliffs, and a snorkeling stop. That makes the trip less dependent on one lucky sighting.

I would hesitate if you need a guaranteed whale encounter, dislike open boats, or want a quiet trip free from any possibility of engine noise, cigarette smoke, or mixed-language conversation. You should also avoid treating the food as a substantial lunch. Bring your own backup snack if you have a large appetite or strict dietary requirements.

Should you book the Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour?

Book it if you want a relaxed three-hour outing with a real chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins, plus snorkeling in a striking coastal setting. The maximum group of 10, experienced captains such as Antonio and Francisco, and included snacks make the price reasonable for a small-boat experience.

Set your expectations correctly. Wildlife is never guaranteed, sailing may involve motor power, and the onboard atmosphere can vary. Arrive early because parking is difficult, allow time to find the marina, and choose this trip for the whole mix of cliffs, sea life, swimming, and personal attention. If that sounds like your kind of Tenerife morning, it is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour depart from?

It departs from MPC Yacht Charter at Puerto Deportivo, aboard the yacht El Mojo Picon, in Calle Pueblo Marinero, Acantilados de Los Gigantes.

How long does the excursion last?

The trip lasts approximately three hours and returns to the same meeting point at the marina.

What animals might I see?

The trip focuses on tropical pilot whales, also called calderones, and dolphins. Sea turtles, colorful fish, birds, and other marine species may also appear, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a stop in a quiet cove where you can swim or snorkel, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

What food and drinks are included?

The boat provides light snacks and drinks. Food can include fruit, cured meats, tortilla, and tapas-style items. Water, soft drinks, and sometimes beer are available.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires suitable weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you are offered another date or a full refund.