From Los Gigantes: Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise

Whale watching in the Canaries is already good. Doing it from a 46-foot sailboat with time to snorkel right by the cliffs turns it into a full ocean outing, not just a quick sighting run. I like the small group setup and the way the crew explains what you are seeing while you are seeing it.

Two things I especially like: you get long time on the water for wildlife viewing, and you also get a real break afterward with snorkeling plus homemade tapas onboard. One drawback to consider is that snorkeling time is short, about 15 minutes, and sea conditions can make motion a factor for people who are sensitive.

Key reasons this trip is worth your time

• Small group max 9 passengers keeps the boat calm and the experience personal
• Long wildlife viewing stretch gives you more chances to spot whales and dolphins
• Snorkeling under the cliffs adds a hands-on marine moment, not just photos
• Tapas onboard means you do not need to hunt for food right after getting wet
• Responsible watching practices are built in, including engine cutoffs when animals are spotted

Whale Watching from Los Gigantes on a 46-foot sailboat: what makes it special

Off the coast of Los Gigantes, the water scene is built for wildlife. You are not tucked away behind a big motor vessel, and you are not stuck staring through glass. The boat is close to the action, and because it is a sailboat, the ride feels more like being out on the sea, not like a theme-park ride.

The small scale matters. A 46 ft craft with a cap around nine passengers means you can move around, feel the space, and actually hear the guide when the talk turns from scenery to marine life. In a place where whales and dolphins can be spread out, having the crew actively searching for a while also helps.

Starting at Picarus Sailing Club, and finding Aemon or Ayla

Your day starts at Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. The specific boat name you will meet by is listed as Aemon or Ayla, so give yourself a little buffer to find the right dock and get settled before departure.

Plan to arrive with the basics ready. This is a cruise where you will go from deck to water quickly, and it is easier if your swimwear is already on and your sunscreen is ready to reapply. Bring sunglasses and a sun hat, because you will get sun exposure while you are spotting wildlife and sailing along the coast.

First stretch: 1.5 hours of wildlife viewing off Los Gigantes

The core of the trip is the wildlife time. You head out from Los Gigantes with a focus on resident and migratory marine species, and you stay out long enough for the search to work. This is not a rushed drive-by.

What makes this section valuable is the way you are meant to look. The crew talks about the marine animals you might encounter and how they behave, so you are not just scanning for a single spout. When you understand what you are watching, it stops being random and turns into a real spotting session, like you are reading the ocean.

One practical note: wildlife viewing often means being patient and standing in changing wind. If you get cold easily, bring a thin layer even in warm weather. If you get hot easily, bring more water than you think you need, and keep your hat handy.

The sailing hour: seeing the cliffs and the view of Teide

After wildlife time, you shift into sailing mode for about an hour. This is when the coast comes into focus, and it is a big part of why this format works for people who like both nature and scenery.

You are cruising with views of Los Gigantes and, on a clear day, the Teide is part of the wider picture. From the water, the cliff face looks different, more dimensional. Instead of reading it from shore, you see scale, depth, and how the coastline shapes the conditions below.

If you like photos, this is often the best stretch. You are moving, but not like you are racing. That balance gives you time for shots and time just to look, without feeling like you are constantly fighting the next stop.

Snorkeling under the cliffs: how to make 15 minutes count

Then comes the water part. You get about 15 minutes of snorkeling in the bay near the cliffs, and the cruise includes snorkel masks and safety gear like life vests.

What you should know is that this is a short window. So do not treat it like an open-ended snorkel session where you slowly explore. Treat it like a quick, focused chance to swim near the rock and observe what is living close to the cliff zone.

Also, the snorkeling equipment note is important: a snorkel tube is listed as not included. That likely means they provide what they list, but you should check your preferences beforehand. If you know you like a specific snorkel setup, bring your own tube.

And yes, you will want a towel ready. Towels are listed as not included, so pack one from your hotel or bring a small quick-dry one.

Homemade tapas onboard: the value of not rushing after

Right after the swim, you get a meal onboard for about 15 minutes. The food is described as a homemade menu served as tapas.

This matters more than it sounds. When you return from a sea outing, you can easily lose time to finding a restaurant, waiting for a table, and dealing with travel hunger. Here, the meal timing is built into the cruise flow, so you leave wet but fed.

Diet options are also worth mentioning. One detail that comes through strongly is that there are vegetarian options, so this is not only a meat-based snack run. If you eat vegetarian, that is a real comfort when you are booking a boat day.

Responsible whale watching: Blue Boat Flag and staying respectful

This company positions responsible whale watching as a priority. They are members of a sustainability charter for whale watching through Turismo de Tenerife and active members of the Asociación de Cetáceos del Sur de Tenerife. They also note a Blue Boat Flag, which means authorization by the government to carry out whale watching in a responsible way.

The practical difference shows up in how the crew handles contact with wildlife. A key example is how the captain cuts engines when whales are spotted, even from a distance. That is the kind of small operational choice that protects animals and also makes the experience better for you, because the animals are more likely to keep behaving normally rather than reacting to noise.

This is also why a sailboat format fits the mission. You are not pushing through the water like a speedboat. With engines managed and attention on distance, you get a calmer scene on deck and a better chance of peaceful sightings.

Group size, guides, and the calm vibe on board

One of the most consistently praised parts is the feel on the boat. With the cap around nine people, it is intimate without being cramped. You can hear the guide and you can ask questions without talking over everyone.

The live guide is listed for Spanish, English, and French, and different guides show up on different days. From the names shared by people who went, you may work with guides such as Sara, Felix, Jakob, Miguel, or Nettie. The consistent theme is that the crew focuses on respectful approach and uses the time to teach you what you are seeing.

A small but real detail: the onboard atmosphere tends to be calm. One person specifically mentioned there was no music, which helps keep your attention on the ocean sounds and the guide’s explanations.

Price and timing: is $88 a fair deal for 3 to 4 hours?

At $88 per person for a 3 to 4 hour cruise, this is not the cheapest option in the area, but it also is not a bargain-bin price. The value comes from the mix of what you get.

You are paying for:

• A small sailboat with a low passenger cap
• A long-ish time window for wildlife searching, roughly 1.5 hours
• Snorkeling support with masks and life vests
• A guided experience with live interpretation in multiple languages
• Onboard tapas after swimming

If you only want the cheapest way to see whales, this may feel pricey. If you want a day that combines whales and dolphins with real water time and food included, the math gets better fast. The other value piece is responsibility. A crew that invests in sustainable practices is often worth a few extra dollars.

Timing-wise, the cruise is designed as a half-day. That is great if you want to keep your Tenerife day flexible for other plans like viewpoints, hikes, or a later meal.

What to bring for a comfortable sea day

The tour info gives a clear packing list, and you will thank yourself for following it.

Bring:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimwear
• A towel, since it is not included
• Biodegradable sunscreen, ideally high protection (50+ is recommended)
• Any personal items you want for dry after the swim

If you forget sunscreen, do not try to improvise with a normal beach lotion. Biodegradable sunscreen is specifically recommended, which matters for the marine environment you are visiting.

Who should book this Los Gigantes whale watch, and who should think twice

This is a strong choice if you want a hands-on whale watching day. You are not only watching animals, you are also getting a snorkel stop, and you are doing it on a boat that is small enough for conversation and learning.

It is also a good fit for people who care about ethics and operations, since responsible practices like engine cutoffs are part of how the trip runs. And because the guide speaks multiple languages, it works for mixed groups.

Think twice if you are very sea-sensitive, because a sailboat day can include motion. Also think twice if you are hoping for a long snorkeling session, since the swim window is brief.

Should you book this tour from Los Gigantes?

I think this is a yes for many people, especially if you want whales and dolphins plus snorkeling, and you prefer a smaller boat over big-group chaos. The combination of long wildlife time, thoughtful viewing practices, and included tapas makes it feel like a complete half-day.

I would book it if:

• You want small-group whale watching
• You like the idea of snorkeling near the cliffs
• You want food handled onboard right after the water time

I would pause if:

• You need a long snorkel session, since it is only about 15 minutes
• You are very strict about your snorkel gear, because a snorkel tube is not listed as included

If you are aiming for one memorable ocean day in Tenerife, this is the kind of trip that checks the boxes.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale watching sailboat cruise?

The cruise lasts about 3 to 4 hours.

How many people are on the sailing boat?

It is described as a small group experience, with excursions capped at a maximum of 9 passengers.

Where do we meet?

Meet at Picarus Sailing Club. The boat name you should look for is Aemon or Ayla.

What wildlife viewing time do you get?

The schedule includes about 1.5 hours of wildlife viewing off Los Gigantes.

Is snorkeling included, and for how long?

Yes. There is a snorkeling stop of about 15 minutes near the cliffs.

What snorkeling gear is included, and what is not?

Life vests and snorkel masks are included. A snorkel tube is listed as not included.

Is food included?

Yes. A homemade tapas menu is served onboard for a short meal time during the trip.

What languages are offered by the live guide?

The live guide provides Spanish, English, and French.

What is the cancellation and booking flexibility?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now, pay later option listed.