Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

Whales, cliffs, and a quiet sailing boat. This three-hour outing takes you along Tenerife’s dramatic Los Gigantes coast, where you may spot pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and other marine life from a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser sailboat. I especially like the maximum of 10 people, which gives you room to sit, ask questions, and enjoy the sea without being packed onto a large excursion boat.

I also like the easygoing food and drink setup: fresh fruit, custom sandwiches, snacks, water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava are included. The main consideration is that wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, and some people may feel the motion of the sea. Poor weather can also force a change of date or cancellation.

What makes this sailing trip worth your time

• Small boat, small group: The sailboat carries no more than 10 people, a major advantage over crowded whale-watching boats.
• Los Gigantes from the water: You sail below Tenerife’s immense coastal cliffs, where the views are as important as the wildlife.
• Pilot whales are a real possibility: Sightings have included pilot whales, several dolphin species, Risso’s dolphins, turtles, and seabirds.
• Swimming and snorkeling included: The boat stops at a quieter coastal spot for time in the water.
• Food and drinks are part of the fare: Sandwiches, fruit, snacks, water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava are provided.
• Useful practical detail: Bring a towel, allow time to find parking, and remember that the German guide is not available on Sundays or Mondays.

Setting sail from Los Gigantes

The meeting point is Third Element Charters at Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, in the Los Gigantes marina area. The trip returns to the same place, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point at the end.

Give yourself extra time to get there. One particularly useful tip from the experience is to allow time for parking. Missing a boat departure would be a painful way to begin the morning, especially when the marina area has shops and restaurants that can make arrival a little slower than expected.

The boat is a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser from 2012. That is large enough to feel stable and comfortable, but small enough to retain the character of a private sailing outing. The bow has comfortable sunbeds, which are ideal for stretching out, watching the cliffs pass, or keeping your eyes open for a fin on the water.

The trip is offered in English. Crew members have included Eileen, David, Jaime, Mike, Margaret, and others, depending on the departure. Their role is not just to steer the boat. They explain the marine life, answer questions, talk about the island and its coastline, and help make the trip feel personal.

Sailing beneath the Cliffs of Los Gigantes

The main portion of the outing takes place around Los Gigantes, with about two hours devoted to the coast and open water. From the sea, Tenerife’s cliffs have a different scale than they do from land. You look upward from the boat instead of outward from a viewpoint, which makes the rock walls feel especially imposing.

The coastline is a major reason to book this trip even if wildlife is quiet. You may see dolphins or whales, but the cliffs, ocean air, and broad views still give the outing a clear sense of place. One afternoon on the water can show you a side of Tenerife that a beach day or road trip cannot.

The boat’s size matters here. A smaller group means you can move around to take photographs, find a comfortable seat, or speak directly with the crew. It also avoids the familiar whale-watching problem of having a dozen people crowd one rail whenever something appears.

Keep your expectations sensible. The crew can search for marine life and use local experience to improve your chances, but wild animals follow their own schedule. Sightings have included pods of pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, several dolphin species, Risso’s dolphins, sea turtles, tuna, sea birds, an osprey, and even a glimpse of a young hammerhead shark. You could see several species in one outing, or you could have a quieter trip focused on the cliffs and the sea.

That uncertainty is part of the deal. If you need a guaranteed animal encounter, no boat excursion can honestly offer it. If you enjoy watching the water and letting the day develop, the format works much better.

Pilot whales, dolphins, and responsible expectations

Pilot whales are among the most regularly mentioned highlights of this outing. Several groups have seen pods, sometimes along with dolphins. Their presence can turn an already pleasant sail into a memorable wildlife trip, particularly when the boat can pause and give you time to watch.

The crew’s explanations add value. You are not left to guess whether a fin belongs to a dolphin or a whale, and you can ask about behavior, species, and the local marine environment. Jaime, Eileen, David, and the other crew members have been praised for answering questions carefully and sharing practical suggestions for the rest of a Tenerife visit.

The small group helps here too. With no more than 10 people, the crew can speak to each family or couple rather than making one general announcement to a large crowd. That is especially helpful if you have children, are curious about marine life, or want to understand what you are seeing instead of simply pointing a camera at it.

A wildlife trip is best enjoyed with patience. Put the camera down now and then. Scan the surface. Watch how the crew responds. Sometimes the best part is the quiet stretch before something appears.

A swim and snorkeling stop below the cliffs

After time looking for marine life, the boat stops at a coastal swimming and snorkeling area. This is one of the strongest parts of the outing for anyone who wants more than a sightseeing cruise.

The stop gives you a chance to get into the water, cool off, and see the cliffs from below. The setting is described as a less familiar spot along the coast, rather than a busy public beach. That makes the pause feel like a natural break in the sailing rather than a rushed photo stop.

You should bring your own towel. Towels are not included, and you will want one after swimming. Bring suitable swimwear and snorkeling gear if you have it, since the trip includes time in the water. The available information does not promise specific snorkeling equipment, so check the current arrangements if you need gear supplied.

The water may feel too cool for some people, depending on the season and your comfort level. One family noted that they wished they had brought snorkeling clothing during a cooler period. You can still enjoy the boat and views without swimming, but the stop is a bigger part of the experience if you are ready to get wet.

Sandwiches, fruit, cava, and a relaxed lunch

Food is simple, fresh, and well suited to a boat. The crew provides custom-made sandwiches, freshly cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available, which is useful when several people in a small group have different dietary needs.

The sandwiches are substantial enough for a light lunch, while fruit and snacks fill out the meal. You are not booking a formal restaurant service, and you should not expect one. The appeal is eating casually on deck while the cliffs and ocean provide the setting.

The drinks also help keep the trip relaxed. A glass of cava or local wine can be a pleasant finish after swimming, while soft drinks and water are available for anyone avoiding alcohol. Since this is a sailing and wildlife trip, drink sensibly and keep water in the mix.

Food is more valuable here than it might seem at first. A three-hour boat trip can feel long if you are hungry, especially after swimming. Having lunch included means you do not need to pack a meal or leave the marina searching for food immediately afterward.

What the small group changes

The price is about $90.70 per person. That is not the cheapest way to get onto the water in Tenerife, but the comparison should be with the quality of the outing, not only with the number on the ticket.

You are paying for roughly three hours on a 45-foot sailing boat, a group capped at 10, crew attention, wildlife searching, a swimming stop, food, and drinks. Those inclusions make the fare reasonable for someone who values space and personal service.

A larger boat may cost less per person, but it can also mean more people competing for the best view and less direct contact with the crew. Here, the limited capacity is the main value. Couples, families, and small groups can enjoy the sea without the feel of a mass excursion.

The format also suits mixed-age groups. One outing included children and adults ranging from 9 to 50, with enough space for everyone to settle in. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. Still, the boat is on the sea, so anyone prone to motion sickness should plan carefully. The crew has helped people who felt unwell, but prevention is better than rescue.

Timing, weather, and other practical details

The trip lasts approximately three hours. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, and the activity is commonly reserved about 20 days ahead. If your Tenerife schedule is tight, booking early is sensible.

The trip requires good weather. If conditions make sailing unsafe or unsuitable, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

The boat leaves from and returns to the same marina meeting point. Public transportation is nearby, though you should still allow time to find the exact berth. The location is listed as Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, so have the full address ready rather than relying on a vague marina search.

The tour is offered in English. A German guide is not available on Sundays or Mondays, so German-speaking visitors should keep that in mind when choosing a date. The crew has also handled more than one language on some outings, but English is the stated language for this experience.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this outing if you want a calm, personal day on the water rather than a large party boat. It works especially well for couples, families, and small groups who want wildlife, scenery, swimming, and lunch in one compact experience.

It is also a good choice if you care about asking questions. The crew’s explanations are repeatedly praised, and the small passenger count makes conversation much easier than it would be on a crowded vessel.

You may prefer another option if your main goal is guaranteed swimming time, guaranteed whale sightings, or a very low price. The boat is built around a mix of sailing, wildlife watching, scenery, and snorkeling. Any one part may change with the weather or the animals.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing charter?

I would book it if you want the best balance of wildlife watching and quiet sailing around Los Gigantes. The small group, comfortable bow, thoughtful food service, and friendly crew give it an advantage over larger boat trips.

The key is to arrive early, bring a towel, allow for sea conditions, and treat wildlife sightings as a bonus rather than a promise. If you can accept that flexibility, $90.70 is fair value for three hours of sailing, a chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, a swim below the cliffs, and a lunch with drinks included.

FAQ

How long does the Los Gigantes whale-watching trip last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours. Around two hours are spent sailing around the Cliffs of Los Gigantes, with time also set aside for wildlife watching, swimming, and snorkeling.

How many people can join the sailboat trip?

The maximum group size is 10 people. This keeps the outing more spacious and personal than many larger boat excursions.

What food and drinks are included?

The trip includes freshly cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava. Custom-made sandwiches are available with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim or snorkel.

What animals might I see?

Sightings have included pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, other dolphin species, Risso’s dolphins, sea turtles, tuna, seabirds, and an osprey. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.