Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

This Tenerife cruise is interesting because it blends whale watching with real sailing. You leave from Los Gigantes, stare up at those dramatic cliffs from sea level, then head out for marine life viewing on a small boat.

I love two parts in particular: first, the close-up feel of an intimate sailing setup, with guides like David and Jaime (and often Eileen on crew) doing the spot-and-explain work in multiple languages. Second, I like that the trip isn’t only “watch from deck,” you get time to swim and snorkel at a cove by the cliffs, plus fruit and homemade sandwiches onboard.

One drawback to plan for: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and sea conditions can affect comfort. If you get motion sick easily, take precautions before you go.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Small group (up to 10 people) for a calmer ride and less crowding around the action
• Los Gigantes cliffs from the water look bigger and more dramatic when you’re out at sea
• Pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles are all on the radar, with plenty of chances to spot them
• Wind-powered sailing when conditions allow so the day feels more like sailing than engine time
• Onboard snacks and drinks plus vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options
• Snorkeling gear included for a hassle-free swim stop in a beautiful cove

Los Gigantes, a Whale Watching Sail Where the Pace Feels Right

Los Gigantes sits on Tenerife’s southwest coast, known for those steep, dark volcanic cliffs that look like someone took a bite out of the island. This is exactly why I like doing wildlife trips from here: the coastline is already dramatic when you’re still close to land, and it gives you great views all day, not just when you spot animals.

This cruise is built around a sailing boat, not a big mass-market vessel. That matters. With fewer people and a smaller footprint on the water, the whole mood stays relaxed. You’re out there to look, listen, and watch, not to rush from one spot to the next. If you enjoy nature trips that feel personal, this format fits.

And because it’s only about 3 hours total, it works well for Tenerife visitors who want one high-value “big day” without burning the whole afternoon. The sweet spot is that you get sailing time, a dedicated search window, and then an actual swim and snorkeling stop, so the day isn’t only visual.

Meeting at Third Element, Pier 1 Mooring 156

You’ll meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching and Sailing Charters. The directions are available on Google Maps, but the practical detail you should lock in is the mooring info: Pier 1, mooring number 156.

What I recommend is arriving a little early, then doing one quick check:

• comfortable clothes you can move in
• swimwear accessible
• a change of clothes ready for after the water stop
• your towel plan (towels are not included)

Crew roles can vary day to day, but you’ll likely meet a multilingual team. In the reviews, I’ve seen familiar names like David, Jaime, Jamie, and Eileen showing up as hosts and guides. That multi-person crew approach also helps because someone can handle the sail and the boat duties while another guide keeps eyes on wildlife.

A small-group boat like this means the start matters. Once you’re onboard and settled, the rest of the time flows more smoothly. You’re not waiting around forever, and you’re not stuck in a crowded boarding scrum.

Two Hours Out for Pilot Whales, Dolphins, and Turtles

After you leave Los Gigantes, you head out to search for marine life. The core wildlife time is about 2 hours of dolphin and whale watching, with pilot whales and dolphins as the main targets, plus turtles as a possible bonus.

Here’s the honest part: you can have a day with big sightings or a day where you see fewer animals. The cruise is designed for good odds, and the crew puts real effort into finding them, but nature controls the final outcome.

What makes this cruise feel different is how the spot-and-watch approach plays out on a sailboat. From the deck, you’re at water level more often than you’d be on taller, boxy boats. That can make sightings feel more immediate, especially when animals appear near the boat’s path.

You’ll also likely see other sea life beyond the headline species, since the waters around Tenerife attract a mix of birds and fish activity. Even if the whales don’t show close, the ocean won’t feel empty. You’re sailing through an active marine area.

One comfort tip: if the sea gets choppy, keep your eyes on the horizon and take slow breaths. It helps more than you’d expect, and it keeps your head clear for spotting movements.

When the Sail Gets Raised, It Changes the Feeling

One of the most satisfying details here is that you may get a bit of sailing powered by the wind. The plan includes helping raise the sail if conditions allow. That doesn’t mean you’ll be under sail the entire time. Wind changes, and boat handling matters. But when the crew can use the breeze, the day feels more like the Canary Islands should feel: light, breezy, and slower.

This also affects how the ride feels. A sailing boat can be smoother when the wind cooperates, and it can feel calmer compared with some high-speed whale watching setups. That matters for two reasons:

1. You can actually enjoy the search, instead of just trying to survive it.
2. Clear viewing time becomes easier when you’re not constantly bracing.

There’s a practical tradeoff, though. In a few situations, the sail might not be actively used even if it’s ready. Don’t interpret that as anything bad. It’s a safety and sea-condition call. The important thing is that you still get the cruising time to look for wildlife, plus the crew’s focus on respectful viewing.

The Los Gigantes Cliffs Stop for Swimming and Snorkeling

The next phase is the break from wildlife scanning: about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel at a small cove along the coast of Tenerife. The boat drops anchor, and you head into the water where the scenery is close and dramatic.

I like this part because it turns the trip from “spotting” into “participating.” You get to feel the water, see what’s under the surface, and enjoy that moment when the boat is nearby and the cliffs tower above you.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you’re not stuck trying to find gear once you arrive. Still, I’d treat it like a real swim outing. Bring a change of clothes and expect to get damp. The water stop timing is short, so you’ll want to be ready when the anchor goes down.

A couple of practical points:

• Go in calmly. Don’t rush, especially if the water is cold for you.
• If you’re new to snorkeling, ask the crew how to get comfortable. The hosts are used to helping people settle in.
• If you care about photos, know that photos are not included as a paid add-on according to the tour info you have. (That doesn’t stop the crew from capturing their own moments, but don’t count on an official photo package.)

How the Included Food and Drinks Make the Day Better

This is where the $88 price starts to make sense. You’re not only paying for time at sea. You’re also paying for a full onboard service that keeps people comfortable and happy during the search and then after the water stop.

Included treats:

• fresh fruit
• homemade sandwiches
• drinks, including cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks

And there’s real dietary flexibility. The sandwiches can be vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. That’s a big deal when you’re on a boat, because it’s easy for “tour food” to become a compromise. Here, the options matter, and they show up as part of the value.

In reviews, people also mention the boat being clean and the crew handling food and drinks with care. You get to relax between scans, not just stand around holding a paper cup. And because it’s a small group, the vibe stays relaxed instead of chaotic.

A quick “use it” tip: if you drink alcohol, do it slowly. You’re on water, and even calm seas can make you feel it. If you want to keep the day light, go for soft drinks or beer before cava, and pace yourself.

Crew Energy, the Thing That Usually Makes or Breaks a Tour

On small tours, the crew is everything. Here, the reviews underline the same pattern again and again: the hosts are friendly, watchful, and focused on explaining what you’re seeing.

You’ll hear guides like David and Jamie talked about for how they handle questions and point things out. Eileen and Jaime show up in multiple accounts too. The point for you is this: you’re not just along for the ride. You’ll get help spotting animals, and you’ll understand a bit more about what you’re looking at while you look.

What I especially like is the tone around wildlife. Multiple accounts mention a respectful, rule-following approach, meaning it’s not a frantic chase. That’s good for animal welfare and good for your viewing quality. When the crew doesn’t constantly whip around, your eyes can track behavior instead of just reacting to movement.

If you’re lucky, the crew will help you experience close views. People describe pilot whales coming near the boat, including families. But even when sightings are lighter, a good crew makes the trip feel meaningful.

One more detail I’d file under “nice extras”: some guests report that the crew may share photos and videos after the trip. That’s not listed as a core inclusion, but it’s a good reminder that this is a service built around hospitality.

What to Bring (and What to Skip)

This cruise is a simple outing, but you’ll be happier if you show up prepared for water time and sun time.

Bring:

• swimwear
• change of clothes
• towel (towels are not included)
• comfortable clothes
• breathable clothing

If you get motion sick, bring your plan too. It’s not listed as an included item, but it’s a real factor people mention in reviews. If you know you’re sensitive, take medication ahead of time rather than hoping it passes. The boat day can include moments of swell, and being prepared means you can actually enjoy the search.

Also consider a practical layering plan. Even if it’s warm on shore, sea air can feel cooler when you’re moving. Comfortable layers beat bulky jackets.

Finally, wear footwear you can safely use around a boat. You’ll be walking and shifting your balance at points, especially around boarding and water transitions.

Who This Whale Watching Sail Is Best For

This trip fits best if you want a small-group outing with real nature time. Ideal matches:

• couples or solo travelers who don’t want to be packed in
• families with kids who can handle 3 hours on the water
• people who care about respectful viewing and calm pacing
• swimmers who want both a viewing cruise and a snorkel stop

It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, based on the tour information provided. Boat boarding and water access likely make this difficult, and it’s best to look for an alternative format if mobility is a concern.

If you hate boats or feel stressed by sea motion, don’t force it. Even with a relaxed sailing pace, you’re still on the ocean. In that case, choose a shore-based nature option instead.

And if you’re a “just give me the cheapest boat trip” shopper, this might feel expensive at first glance. But if you factor in the food, drinks, fruit, snorkeling equipment, and the small group size, the value becomes clearer.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Day on the Water

Here are the small things that can make a big difference on a sailing whale watching day like this.

First, protect your sea time with basic prep:

• use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy
• bring a hat or cap if you burn easily
• keep your towel dry until it’s needed

Second, for spotting animals, make it easy on your eyes. When someone points something out, don’t immediately look away to find your phone. Give it a few seconds and try to track the direction the guide indicates. The crew’s job is to help you notice patterns, like how movements cut across the water.

Third, when you swim and snorkel, take it slow. The water stop is short, so you want to be ready mentally. Ask for a quick fit check of your snorkeling gear. If you’re unsure, say so early. The crew tends to handle newbies well on trips like this.

And finally, if you’re a nervous swimmer, don’t hide it. You can still enjoy a boat day. You might simply stay closer to the safety zone and enjoy the water from a calmer pace.

So, Should You Book This Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a small-group sailing day with actual time in the water, not just a slow circle offshore. The combination of pilot whale and dolphin searching, the dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs views, and the included snacks and drinks at a price of $88 creates solid value for a 3-hour outing.

I’d think twice if:

• you’re very motion-sensitive and hate feeling tossed around
• you can’t swim or don’t want to get in the water at all
• accessibility is a concern for you, since the tour is not suitable for mobility impairments

If you can handle a short swim stop and you want a calm, respectful wildlife experience with a crew that runs the day like a real hospitality outing, this is the kind of tour that can become a highlight fast.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife Los Gigantes whale watching cruise?

The tour duration is 3 hours.

How much does the cruise cost?

The price is $88 per person.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching and Sailing Charters. The pier details given are Pier 1, mooring number 156.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes the whale watching cruise, time to swim and snorkel, fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available), drinks (including cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks), and snorkeling equipment. It also includes a live tour guide.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, comfortable clothes, and breathable clothing.

Are towels included?

No, towels are not included.

Are photos included?

No, photos are not included.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What languages are the guides?

The live tour guide is offered in Spanish, English, French, and German.