Los Gigantes: Whales and Dolphin Watching Cruise with Lunch

A whales and dolphins cruise out of Los Gigantes is interesting because you are searching in the open Atlantic, where marine life shows up when it wants to. I love the chance to see pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins up close, not from a distant viewpoint. A possible drawback, and it matters, is that sightings are never guaranteed every trip.

I also like the visual payoff around the Cliffs of the Giants, with camera-ready views during the sail and then a real swim stop in a calm cove. The crew led by Antonio (and often called Tony) tends to work the area hard and stay respectful of the animals. If you get motion sick easily, plan for that, because the water can be choppy depending on the day.

Key Things You’ll Remember

• Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are the main targets, with season-dependent options like fin or sperm whales
• 600-meter Cliffs of the Giants give you big photo moments, plus a stop at the base for snorkeling
• Swim and snorkel gear included, so you can get in the water without extra rental hassle
• Lunch and drinks on board, with the meal experience leaning toward cold tapas-style snacks
• Antonio/Tony as guide brings route-finding energy and local marine-life info, in English or Spanish
• A shared cruise can still feel calm, especially if you end up with a small group

Getting On Board at MPC Yacht Charter, Los Gigantes

This cruise runs out of Los Gigantes, and you meet at MPC Yacht Charter with your confirmation voucher in advance. The whole experience loops back to the meeting point, so you are not dealing with transfers or complicated end-of-tour logistics.

If you hate vague meeting spots, pay attention to the pier area and look for the boat name on the vessel itself. I’d also arrive early enough to settle in, because once you are moving, the staff is focused on getting you out to the wildlife search area.

Two practical notes from what you can expect on the water:

• The trip is about 3 hours total, so it is not a slow, all-day outing.
• You will want a camera and a jacket, since conditions change fast when you are sailing along the coast.

The Wildlife Search: Pilot Whales, Dolphins, and Other Sea Life

Once you leave port, the crew starts looking for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. You’ll spend the cruise scanning the surface and watching for behavior like coordinated surfacing and groups moving together. When the animals show up, the boat generally positions to give you a good look while keeping a respectful distance.

What you might see depends on season and timing. Along with dolphins and pilot whales, you could also encounter loggerhead sea turtles and, depending on the time of year, other whale species like fin or sperm whales. Reviews and tour experiences also mention occasional other sightings such as tuna and even larger sharks or manta rays, but treat those as bonuses, not expectations.

One thing I really appreciate about this kind of tour is that the guide’s value is not just “pointing.” The whole experience depends on finding where animals are actively feeding or moving, and Antonio’s style is described as focused and confident. You’ll also pick up running commentary about what you’re seeing and what to watch for next.

And yes, it’s still the ocean. Some trips produce a lot of wildlife time, others are quieter. That uncertainty is the tradeoff for doing this in the natural habitat instead of a zoo-like setting.

The Coast Views That You Don’t Want to Miss

While you are searching for whales and dolphins, you are also sailing past some of the classic Tenerife sightlines. The route can include views of Teide Volcano, plus glimpses toward La Gomera and the Teno rural park area.

For me, this matters because it breaks up the cruise into more than just scanning for wildlife. Even if you are not seeing animals every minute, you still get scenery and sea light that makes the trip feel like something special, not just transport to a snorkel stop.

If you’re a photographer, keep your phone or camera ready, but also remember to relax. The best wildlife moments often happen when you are not constantly moving to “catch the shot.”

Cliffs of the Giants: The 30-Minute Swim and Snorkel Stop

After the whale and dolphin portion, the tour shifts to the Cliffs of the Giants, famous for their steep vertical walls and dramatic height (around 600 meters). This is where the trip turns into an active, scenery-and-water experience instead of only wildlife spotting.

You get a stop at the base of the cliffs, in a cove with clear water that is set up for swimming and snorkeling. The tour time here is about 30 minutes, which is great for a refreshing swim and short snorkel session, but it is not enough time to treat this like a long, training-level water activity.

Gear is included, specifically snorkeling gear, plus safety equipment. You still need to bring a towel, and a jacket helps after you get out, since you can cool down quickly once you’re wet.

Two small realities to plan for:

• Swim time can be short, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Some families report that the water time felt brief.
• There is real ocean movement sometimes. If you are not a strong swimmer, stay mindful around the edges of the cove and follow the crew’s guidance.

Lunch and Drinks on Board: What “Included” Really Feels Like

Lunch is part of the package, and it is served on the boat. In practice, the meal experience is more like cold snacks and tapas-style food rather than a hot sit-down lunch. You’ll also get appetizers, fruit, and drinks, especially around the swim stop.

This setup is actually practical for this kind of cruise. You can eat without fuss, you can stay out on the deck, and you do not have to wait for a kitchen window to open. It also pairs well with snorkeling, since you are not trying to digest a heavy warm meal while you are still in the middle of water time.

If you have dietary needs, the data here does not specify meal customization. Bring that up ahead of time with the provider when you book, and if your needs are strict, consider bringing small backup items you can eat comfortably.

How Long Is It, and Will You Feel Rushed?

The cruise duration is listed as 3 hours. That time window is about right for this area because the wildlife search and the swim stop both need momentum. In other words, you’re not going to feel like the day is dragging, but you also won’t have endless time at sea.

On days when wildlife shows up quickly, you may feel you get a strong “main event” and a satisfying break to swim and snack. On slower wildlife days, you may feel the swim stop carries more of the value.

Either way, the structure keeps you moving. If you are the type who gets impatient waiting around, this trip can feel like a good fit.

Who This Cruise Suits Best

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• Real wildlife watching in a working search-style format
• A mix of boat time, sea views, and a swim/snorkel break
• A small-group vibe, since private or small groups are available, and many experiences tend to be calm rather than crowded

It may not suit you if:

• You have heart problems (this is explicitly noted as not suitable)
• You have limited mobility needs (the information is mixed, with “wheelchair accessible” listed, but also “not suitable for people with mobility impairments”). I would contact the provider and ask what on-board movement, steps, and water access look like for your specific situation.

Also, pack for weather swings. A jacket is listed, and I’d treat it as a must on the water. Sun is not your only concern, wind is real.

Practical Tips That Make the Difference

Here’s how you get the best experience, based on the realities of this kind of cruise:

1. Bring a towel and camera

You’re going to want to dry off quickly after snorkeling, and the cliff views are the kind you’ll want to remember.

1. Consider motion sickness help

Some people on these trips report that seasickness can hit, so if you are prone to it, plan ahead with travel-sickness medicine.

1. Pack a simple clothing plan

Wear swim-friendly clothing under a layer you can put on afterward. Wet skin plus wind can cool you down fast.

1. Expect the swim stop to be time-limited

If you’re coming for the water, do not plan your day around a long snorkel session. This is a refreshing break during a short cruise.

1. Bring curiosity, not pressure

The ocean decides. When you get pilot whales or dolphins, lean into it. When you do not, still enjoy the sea views and the water break, because that is built into the tour.

Should You Book This Los Gigantes Whale and Dolphin Cruise?

If your top priority is seeing marine life close to the Los Gigantes cliffs, and you want a cruise that also includes a real swim and snorkeling stop plus lunch on board, I think this is a good value at $74 per person. For the price, you’re not just paying for a boat ride. You’re getting snorkeling gear, food, drinks, and guided wildlife searching in a short, efficient format.

I would book it if you like active nature sightseeing and you’re okay with the “nature is unpredictable” factor. This is exactly the type of trip where the day can become a story, especially if Antonio finds a group and you get extended viewing time.

Skip it or think twice if you cannot handle boat movement, have heart-related concerns, or need strong, guaranteed access to water activities. And if mobility is part of your planning, ask direct questions before you go, because the accessibility notes are not fully consistent.

If that sounds like your situation, you’ll likely end up with a memorable afternoon: whales or dolphins in the open sea, a dramatic cliff backdrop, and then a cool cove moment you can actually feel.

FAQ

What is the duration of the cruise?

The tour duration is listed as 3 hours, with starting times varying by availability.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter in Los Gigantes. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What wildlife are they looking for?

The cruise focuses on spotting pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Other sightings may include sea turtles, and other whale species depending on the season.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and there is a stop at the base of the cliffs where you can swim and snorkel.

What food and drinks are included?

You get lunch plus appetizers, fruit, and drinks served on board.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks Spanish and English.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Yes, there is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is alcohol allowed on the cruise?

Alcohol is listed as not allowed.