Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

This Los Gigantes whale watching charter is interesting because you get big scenery right from the start, the kind where the cliffs feel like they are leaning in to say hello. I especially like the small-group limit of up to 10 people (it stays personal) and the mix of whale watching with time to swim and snorkel away from the biggest crowds. One thing to plan around: towels are not provided, and the trip depends on good weather.

You’ll sail on a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser (2012), with comfy sunbeds on the bow, and the whole outing runs about 3 hours. It’s offered in English, and if you were hoping for a German guide, that role is not available on Sundays and Mondays.

Key things I’d clock before you go

• Up to 10 travelers keeps the trip calm and helps you actually hear the wildlife explanations
• Sailing around Los Gigantes cliffs gives you the iconic views while you’re still moving
• Whale watching plus snorkeling means you get both wildlife and water time
• Food and drinks included: cava, wine, beer, soft drinks, fruit, snacks, and custom sandwiches
• Vegan and gluten-free options are built into the meal plan
• Mobile ticket makes check-in straightforward

Why Los Gigantes by sail feels more personal than the big-boat hunt

Los Gigantes is famous for a reason. The cliffs are dramatic, and from the water they look even more sheer than they do from land. What makes this charter stand out is how you experience all that while staying in a small group, capped at a maximum of 10 travelers.

That small size matters. On bigger boats, whale spotting can turn into a lot of craning necks and waiting your turn to see. Here, the crew can spend real attention on your group, and you’re not packed in like a floating bus stop. It also tends to make the timing feel smoother, because the captain and crew can react to what the water is doing without herding everyone at once.

Value check: at about $90.70 per person for roughly 3 hours, you’re not just paying for a ticket to sit on a boat. You’re paying for the whole package, including drinks and a lunch-style meal with dietary options. That’s the kind of deal that makes sense on an island vacation where food and transport add up fast.

The boat and comfort details that actually affect your enjoyment

This outing runs on a Bavaria Cruiser, 45 feet, built in 2012. Translation: it’s the kind of sailboat where you can enjoy the day without feeling trapped below deck all morning. The key comfort detail is the sunbeds on the bow, so you can settle in for sailing time and scan for surface action without constantly changing your position.

You’ll also have a lot of small onboard “friction reducers.” Bottled water is included, and the trip includes soft drinks plus alcoholic drinks (cava, wine, and beer). Freshly cut fruit and snacks are part of the deal, and sandwiches are served in addition to fruit, so you’re not stuck thinking about lunch prices the whole trip.

If you’re the type who wants to take photos, this boat setup helps because there are multiple angles for viewing the coastline while you’re sailing. And since this is a small-group charter, you’re less likely to spend the trip fighting for a spot at the rail.

Practical note: towels are not included, so you’ll want to plan to dry off yourself after snorkeling.

Los Gigantes cliffs: the first “wow” moment is built into the sailing

The trip starts with sailing around Los Gigantes. The itinerary lists Los Gigantes for about 2 hours, so you get a long stretch of coastline time before the day breaks into wildlife spotting and the water stop.

This part is more than a scenic lead-in. When you’re on a moving sailboat, the cliffs keep changing shape as the boat angles around them. You’re not staring at the same view from a single spot. The coastline is also the natural theater for marine life, because it creates a food and shelter zone where animals move through.

In other words, the sailing time is doing two jobs:

1. It gives you the views without rushing.
2. It positions you along the coast for the whale watching.

If the day starts windy or slow, at least you’re still doing something worthwhile. You’re not paying for a waiting game while everyone hopes the water will cooperate.

Whale watching off Tenerife: what you’re really buying with this charter

This is whale watching on the water off the Los Gigantes coast, with the goal of spotting cetaceans as you sail. The experience is built to give you an up-close feel, and the crew plays a major role in how successful the hunt is.

The strongest pattern in the feedback is not just that whales appear, but that the crew knows what to look for and helps you connect it to what you’re seeing. Names that come up include captains and hosts like Jaime, and guides such as David and Eileen. You might also see other crew members, but the consistent theme is that the onboard team keeps the day moving and answers questions while you’re watching.

Here’s what you should take with you as a realistic expectation:

• You are not guaranteed whales every time.
• You are, however, set up for a genuine viewing session, because the group is small and the crew is actively searching.
• When wildlife does show up, you have more time to enjoy it instead of racing from one viewpoint to another.

If you’re visiting Tenerife and you want one “big” nature activity that isn’t just another bus tour, this format fits that goal well. It’s also a great choice if you like learning while you watch, because the captain and crew are present and engaged, not just steering in the background.

The snorkeling and swimming stop: the secret sauce for many first-timers

The highlights promise a little-known swimming and snorkeling spot along the coast of Tenerife, which is exactly what I’d want if I were trying to avoid a circus. Even though the itinerary lists the sailing around Los Gigantes as the formal first stop, the day includes a dedicated water moment for swimming and snorkeling.

Why this matters: whale watching is wonderful, but it can be frustrating if you only stare at the horizon and never get a close view. The snorkeling part gives you a second chance at a memorable moment, in your own senses, not just through binoculars.

A few practical tips based on how these trips tend to work:

• Arrive ready to get wet. If you’re unsure how long the water time lasts, plan to treat it like a real swim, not a quick dip.
• Bring your own towel since towels aren’t included.
• If you don’t want to snorkel, you can often still swim, but you’ll want to follow the crew’s instructions on where it’s safe to enter.

Also, if the season is cooler or you run cold easily, you might find the water time more comfortable in the warmer months. The charter doesn’t claim to be a warm-water spa, it’s open-sea snorkeling, so dress and mindset accordingly.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks: included, and built for different diets

Food is where a lot of tours either win you over or disappoint. This one is set up to win you over. Included are custom made sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, plus freshly cut fruit, snacks, and bottled water. Drinks are also included: cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

That matters for two reasons:

1. You don’t spend your vacation budget on midday meals.
2. You don’t have to “hope” someone can accommodate your needs.

In my book, custom sandwiches plus fruit is a better setup than generic boxed snacks, because it actually feels like a proper lunch you can look forward to during the day. Even better, the tour is set to handle different diets without making you feel like a special case.

One more subtle point: having drinks and food onboard can make the sailing time feel relaxed rather than rushed. When you’re out watching for whales, it’s easy to get cold or thirsty. Here, the included refreshment plan helps you stay comfortable so you can focus on the water.

Timing and meeting point: how to avoid the most common day-trip mistake

This tour runs about 3 hours, with confirmation received within 48 hours of booking, depending on availability. You’ll meet at Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Calle Poblado Marinero, s/n, Pantalán 1 Atraque 156, 38683 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

The single best logistical tip I can give you is to plan for a calm arrival buffer. One practical warning that keeps showing up is to make sure you have time to park so you don’t risk missing the start. If you’re driving or picking up someone else, give yourself extra minutes. Ports can be confusing, and the boat doesn’t wait for your last-minute parking tango.

If you prefer public transit, it’s described as near public transportation, which helps.

What you should pack (and what you’ll wish you had)

Here’s the short, real-world packing list that fits this charter’s included items and what’s not provided.

Bring:

• Your own towel (not included)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen), especially if you’ll spend time up on deck
• Swimwear and something you can change into after snorkeling
• A light layer if you get cool on the water

Optional but smart:

• A motion-sickness plan if you tend to get queasy on boats. Some people feel it on sea days, even when the day is smooth.
• A small bag you don’t mind getting damp for your wet items

Also keep in mind: this experience requires good weather. If conditions are rough, plans can change, and you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Price and value: is $90.70 a fair deal in Tenerife?

At $90.70 per person for about 3 hours, the price is only “good” if the included items are actually meaningful. In this case, they are.

You get:

• The sailing experience off Los Gigantes
• Whale watching time
• Snorkeling and swimming time
• Drinks including cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Fruit, snacks, bottled water
• Lunch-style sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options

That package makes this feel like a complete half-day activity rather than a barebones boat ride. The small group cap of 10 also improves value in a less obvious way: you get better access to crew attention and more comfortable deck space, which changes how the day feels.

On top of that, the charter is rated 5 stars with 608 reviews, and it’s recommended by 100% of travelers. Those numbers don’t guarantee your exact whale sightings, but they do point to consistently smooth operation and high satisfaction with the overall experience.

Who this charter suits best, and who might want to adjust expectations

This is a great fit if you:

• Want intimate whale watching instead of a crowd scene
• Like the idea of combining wildlife viewing with water time
• Need vegan or gluten-free food handled without drama
• Appreciate a crew that stays present and makes the day feel cared for

It’s also a solid choice for mixed ages, since the overall structure is relaxed. Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.

If you’re someone who hates the idea of snorkeling (or can’t swim), you might consider whether the water stop still appeals. The trip does include snorkeling and swimming time, even though your comfort level with the water will be the deciding factor.

Should you book this Los Gigantes sailing whale watching charter?

Book it if you want a Tenerife highlight that feels personal, not crowded, and you care about getting more than one kind of memory. The small-group format, the onboard food and drinks, and the included snorkeling stop are the combo that makes this feel like a smart use of your time.

Don’t book if:

• You hate being out on the water for a few hours and need guaranteed predictability for wildlife.
• You don’t plan to bring your own towel and you’d rather avoid any last-minute shopping.

My practical recommendation: if you’re aiming for the best chance at availability, start early. This type of outing is often booked about 20 days in advance, and confirmations can depend on availability.

If you want, tell me your travel month and how many people are going, and I’ll suggest the best way to time it for weather and comfort on the water.

FAQ

What time does the Los Gigantes whale watching charter run?

The duration is about 3 hours.

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

How many people are on the boat?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

What is included in the price?

Drinks (cava, wine, beer, soft drinks), fresh fruit, snacks, bottled water, and custom sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are included.

Are towels provided for the snorkeling and swimming?

No. Towels are not included.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Calle Poblado Marinero, s/n, Pantalán 1 Atraque 156, 38683, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Do I get a ticket on my phone?

Yes, it’s a mobile ticket.

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes, free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.