Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

The most memorable part of this three-hour outing is the mix of wildlife and scenery. You sail below Tenerife’s towering Los Gigantes cliffs, look for pilot whales and dolphins, then stop at a quieter place for swimming and snorkeling. The small boat matters here: with a maximum of 10 people, you have room to move and a fair chance to ask the crew questions.

I like the personal attention from the crew, with guides such as Jaime, Eileen, David, Mike, and Margaret praised for explaining marine life and local sights in a friendly way. I also like the food arrangement: fresh fruit, custom-made sandwiches, snacks, and drinks are included, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices available.

The main consideration is that wildlife is never guaranteed, and the Atlantic can be unsettled. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or seabirds, but the cliffs and sailing still make the outing worthwhile if cetaceans stay out of sight. Also, allow time to find parking near the marina, and bring your own towel.

Key points to know before you book

• Small group of up to 10: You avoid the packed feeling of a large excursion boat and get more space on deck.
• Pilot whales are a regular target: Dolphins, turtles, seabirds, tuna, and other marine life may also appear, but sightings cannot be promised.
• Los Gigantes is the main setting: The boat spends time sailing along the dramatic cliffs and viewing them from the water.
• Swimming and snorkeling are included: You stop at a less crowded coastal spot, so pack swimwear and remember that towels are not provided.
• Food and drinks are covered: Expect sandwiches, fruit, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava.
• A three-hour outing with flexible weather plans: Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Sailing beneath the cliffs of Los Gigantes

The trip begins at Third Element Charters, at Calle Poblado Marinero in Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes. The precise berth is Pantalán 1, Atraque 156. Since the marina area can take time to navigate, I would arrive early rather than risk a hurried start.

Your boat is a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser from 2012. It is set up for comfortable sightseeing, with sunbeds at the bow. That gives you a pleasant place to watch the water and cliffs, though you should still expect a working sailboat rather than a luxury yacht with a large enclosed cabin and endless indoor space.

The focus is Los Gigantes itself. The cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, and seeing them from below gives you a different sense of their scale than viewing them from land. The route includes about two hours around the cliffs, within the overall outing of roughly three hours. You get time for sailing, wildlife watching, food, and the swimming stop without spending the entire trip rushing between activities.

I like this balance. The excursion is not only a whale search, so a quiet wildlife day does not leave you with nothing to do. The cliffs provide a strong visual anchor, and the sailing pace lets you enjoy the coast rather than simply speeding to a single viewing point.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins

The waters off Tenerife are known on this excursion for pilot whales, and many departures have also found dolphins. Specific sightings have included bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, several dolphin species, turtles, tuna, seabirds, an osprey, and even a glimpse of a baby hammerhead shark. Those examples show the range of life you might encounter, but they should not be treated as a promise.

Pilot whales are the main attraction for many people. Seeing them from a small sailboat can feel calm and close to the water, with no large crowd pressing along a rail. The crew can explain what you are seeing and answer questions about marine life, the sea, and the island.

This is where the crew earns much of the trip’s value. Jaime, Eileen, David, Mike, and Margaret are among the crew members associated with particularly warm and informative outings. The exact crew may vary, and the German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays. The activity is offered in English, with the crew also described as accommodating different languages on some departures.

You should keep your expectations sensible. A whale-watching trip is partly controlled by nature. One outing may bring pilot whales, dolphins, and a turtle, while another may produce dolphins but no whales. The possibility of a quiet wildlife day is real. The good news is that the boat still takes you along one of Tenerife’s most striking coastal stretches, and you are not trapped on a huge vessel with hundreds of other people.

A swim and snorkel stop away from the main crowds

After sailing and wildlife watching, the boat stops at a coastal swimming spot near the cliffs. It is described as a quieter place for swimming and snorkeling, which adds a welcome change of pace after sitting and scanning the sea.

The stop is useful for two reasons. First, you get into the water instead of spending the full three hours as a spectator. Second, the location gives you another angle on the coast, with the cliffs rising around you. The water conditions and exact timing can vary, so the swimming stop should be understood as part of the plan, not a guarantee that you will spend a fixed amount of time snorkeling.

Bring swimwear and any personal snorkel gear you prefer. Towels are not included, so pack one. Some people have skipped the water because of cooler conditions, particularly outside the warmest part of the year. If swimming is important to you, check the weather and sea conditions before setting out.

This portion may be less suitable if you dislike getting on and off a boat in open water or if you are hoping for a long guided snorkeling session. The information provided describes a swimming and snorkeling stop, not a specialist reef tour. Think of it as a scenic sea break that complements the sailing and wildlife search.

Lunch, fruit, and drinks on board

The included food is more substantial than the usual packet of crisps and a small bottle of water. You receive custom-made sandwiches, freshly cut fruit, snacks, and bottled water. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available, which makes the meal easier for many people with dietary needs.

Drinks include soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava. Alcoholic drinks are included, so you can have a glass while looking back at the cliffs, though you should keep your own comfort and the motion of the boat in mind. This is not a formal restaurant meal. It is a practical lunch served during a relaxed half-day at sea.

The sandwich and fruit service adds real value to the $90.70 price. You are paying for the boat, crew, wildlife search, cliff sailing, swim stop, and food and drinks in one package. If you compare it with a basic boat ride that charges separately for lunch and beverages, the price looks fair, especially for a group capped at 10.

The food also saves you from carrying a full picnic. You may still want a small bag with sunscreen, a towel, and personal medication, but there is no need to plan a separate lunch around the excursion.

Why the 10-person limit changes the experience

The maximum of 10 people is one of the strongest reasons to choose this boat. A small group gives you more room on the bow, less competition for a good view, and a better chance to speak directly with the captain or guide.

It also suits mixed groups. Families with children, couples, and people of different ages can share the outing without being lost in a crowd. The crew can explain wildlife to individual groups and answer questions without turning every exchange into a loud announcement.

There is a trade-off. A small boat has less space than a large catamaran, and the sea may feel more noticeable when conditions change. One person felt seasick on a departure, though the crew provided care. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider preparing in your usual way and choosing a seat or sunbed that feels comfortable.

The boat is also not designed around constant entertainment. You spend much of the time looking, listening, sailing, and talking. That is ideal if you prefer a calm outing with personal service. It may feel slow if you want music, a party atmosphere, or a packed schedule of activities.

What the price includes at $90.70

At $90.70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. It is also not simply a three-hour transport ride. The price includes:

• Sailing on a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser
• A group limited to 10 people
• Wildlife watching near Los Gigantes
• A swimming and snorkeling stop
• Sandwiches, including vegan and gluten-free options
• Fresh fruit and snacks
• Bottled water and soft drinks
• Beer, wine, and cava
• Crew guidance and local information

I see the best value in the combination of boat size and inclusions. A larger, lower-priced excursion may offer more capacity but less quiet space and less direct contact with the crew. Here, you are paying for a slower, more personal outing, not just for the chance to see a whale.

Hotel pickup has been arranged for some departures, but it is not listed as a standard inclusion in the core tour details. Confirm that point before booking if you need transportation from your accommodation. Otherwise, plan to reach the marina meeting point yourself. The activity ends back at the same place.

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Last-minute changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most

I would choose this excursion if you want several Tenerife experiences in one compact outing: dramatic coastal views, a chance to see marine life, a swim, and a simple lunch on the water.

It is especially well suited to:

• Couples seeking a quieter boat trip
• Families who prefer a small group to a large vessel
• People who enjoy wildlife but also want scenery and swimming
• Visitors with vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free food needs
• Anyone who values direct conversation with the crew
• Repeat visitors who want to see Los Gigantes from the sea

You should think twice if you dislike boats, need guaranteed whale sightings, or want a long and highly structured snorkeling session. The ocean sets the schedule, and wildlife watching involves patience.

The activity is listed as suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. It is near public transportation, but the information does not provide detailed mobility guidance for boarding the sailboat. If you have specific access needs, contact the operator before booking.

Practical advice for a smoother morning

Give yourself extra time to park and find Pantalán 1, Atraque 156. Missing the departure would be a painful way to start the day, especially since the boat returns to the same marina and there is no separate end point.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a light layer. Even on a pleasant day in port, the boat can feel cooler once it is moving. Keep valuables secure and use a small bag that will not slide around on deck.

The German guide is unavailable on Sundays and Mondays. English is offered, so this matters mainly if you were hoping for German-language guidance. Since weather can affect the departure, keep some flexibility in your holiday schedule if possible.

The best attitude is to treat the wildlife as a bonus within a well-rounded coastal trip. You might see a pod of pilot whales, playful dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. You might see fewer animals but still enjoy the cliffs, food, and swim stop. That mindset makes the experience less dependent on one lucky sighting.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing charter?

Yes, if you want a small, friendly boat trip with a good mix of wildlife watching, scenery, swimming, and food. The 10-person limit, included drinks, dietary options, and strong crew attention make the $90.70 price reasonable for a three-hour outing.

Book it with realistic expectations about nature. No operator can promise whales, and the sea may bring motion sickness or a shortened swimming stop. If you can accept that uncertainty, this is one of the more appealing ways to experience Los Gigantes from the water without joining a crowded boat.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale-watching charter?

The experience lasts approximately three hours. About two hours are spent sailing around the Los Gigantes cliffs, with time also allowed for wildlife watching, swimming, snorkeling, food, and drinks.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The sailboat accepts a maximum of 10 travelers, creating a small-group setting with more deck space and closer contact with the crew.

What wildlife might I see?

The trip looks for pilot whales and dolphins. Sightings can also include turtles, seabirds, tuna, bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and other marine life, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

Yes. The boat stops at a coastal swimming and snorkeling spot. Towels are not included, so you should bring your own.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive custom-made sandwiches, freshly cut fruit, snacks, and bottled water. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available. Soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava are also included.

Where does the excursion begin and end?

It begins and ends at Third Element Charters Whale Watching and Sailing Charters, Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, 38683, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.