Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

Los Gigantes is best seen from the water, where its dark cliffs rise straight from the Atlantic and small boats can pause below them. I especially like the maximum of 10 people, which gives you room to move and lets the crew answer questions without shouting across a crowded deck. The bow has comfortable sunbeds, too, so you can watch the sea in relative peace.

I also like the thoughtful food and drink service: fresh fruit, custom-made sandwiches, snacks, water, and complimentary cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks. The crew, including Jaime, Eileen, David, and Aileen, are praised for explaining the wildlife and helping families enjoy the swim stop. The main consideration is simple: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the Atlantic can make some passengers seasick.

Key points to know before you book

• Small boat, small group: The Bavaria Cruiser 45 carries no more than 10 people, a major advantage over large sightseeing boats.
• Wildlife focus: Pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and other marine life may appear, but sightings depend on nature and conditions.
• Los Gigantes views: About two hours are spent sailing around the spectacular cliffs and nearby coast.
• Swim and snorkel stop: Bring your own towel and be ready for time in the sea near the cliffs.
• Generous refreshments: Enjoy sandwiches, fruit, snacks, bottled water, and cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• Good value at $90.70: For a three-hour private-feeling boat trip with food, drinks, and snorkeling, the price is fair.

Sailing beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

The great attraction here is the setting. Los Gigantes is known for its huge coastal cliffs, and seeing them from a 45-foot sailing boat gives you a better sense of their scale than viewing them from shore. You are not simply looking out at the sea. You are moving along the base of the cliffs, with time to take photographs and watch the changing angle of the rock faces.

The sailing portion lasts about two hours, though the full outing runs roughly three hours. That leaves enough time for wildlife watching, cliff views, refreshments, and a swim without turning the day into a rushed checklist.

The boat is a Bavaria Cruiser 45 from 2012. It has comfortable sunbeds on the bow, useful for relaxing between sightings. You can sit forward for a clear view, move around to take photographs, or settle in with a drink while the crew keeps watch.

I would choose this trip for the atmosphere as much as for the wildlife. A large boat may cover similar water, but a small sailing boat gives you more space per person and a calmer way to appreciate the coast. It also makes it easier to speak with the crew about what you are seeing.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins

The waters around Tenerife are known for marine life, and the sightings reported on this trip include pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, turtles, tuna, and seabirds. Some outings have included several dolphin species, a baby dolphin, or a pod of around 15 pilot whales.

That list should not be read as a promise. You may see pilot whales and dolphins, or you may see only some of them. One outing included dolphins but no pilot whales, yet the cliffs, weather, and sailing still made it worthwhile. That is the honest way to approach any whale-watching trip: you are going out to search for wild animals, not to visit an aquarium.

The crew adds real value here. Jaime, Eileen, David, Aileen, Mike, Margaret, and other members of the team are described as warm, attentive, and well informed about marine life, the water, the cliffs, and local history. They take time to answer questions and explain what you are seeing rather than simply pointing toward a distant fin.

That matters on a short trip. A whale surfacing for a moment can be easy to miss, especially if you do not know where to look. The crew can help you understand the behavior and identify the animals, making even a brief sighting more meaningful.

Bring a camera, but keep it ready. You may have only a short window for a good photograph. The boat’s limited passenger count also helps here, since you are less likely to be fighting for a spot along a packed rail.

Swimming and snorkeling near the cliffs

At some point, the boat stops at a swimming and snorkeling location along the coast. The exact spot can vary, but the purpose is the same: you get time in the sea below the Los Gigantes cliffs, away from the busiest parts of the coast.

The swim stop is one of the strongest parts of the outing. It breaks up the sailing and gives you a chance to experience the water instead of only looking at it. Several outings included snorkeling near the cliffs, and families appreciated the generous amount of time available for swimming.

You should bring a swimsuit and your own towel. Towels are not included, so this is an easy item to forget. Snorkeling equipment is not specifically listed among the included items, so check the arrangements before you go if you need gear.

The water may feel cool, depending on the season and the day. One family noted that they would have brought snorkeling attire during warmer weather, which is a useful reminder to consider the time of year. If you do not want to swim, you can remain on board and enjoy the views, snacks, and sunbeds.

This part of the trip may not suit anyone who wants a purely dry sightseeing cruise. You do not have to enter the water, but the stop is an important part of the schedule, so pack accordingly.

Food, drinks, and the value of $90.70

At $90.70 per person, this is not the cheapest boat ride in Tenerife. But price comparisons can be misleading. You are paying for a three-hour trip on a 45-foot sailing boat with a maximum of 10 people, not a basic ferry ride or a crowded coastal cruise.

The package includes:

• Custom-made sandwiches
• Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options
• Freshly cut fruit
• Snacks
• Bottled water
• Cava
• Wine
• Beer
• Soft drinks

That is a generous spread for a half-day outing. The sandwiches are described as tasty and filling, and one gluten-free passenger confirmed that a suitable option was provided. If you have a dietary need, state it when booking so the crew can prepare for you.

The drinks also help make the trip feel relaxed rather than rushed. You can have a soft drink or water while watching for whales, then enjoy a glass of wine or cava after the swim. Alcohol is included, but use common sense if you plan to snorkel or if the sea feels unsettled.

For me, the price works best for couples, families, and small groups who value space and personal attention. If you only want a quick look at the cliffs, a cheaper boat may be enough. If you want wildlife watching, food, swimming, and a more personal boat setting, the cost is easier to justify.

Why the 10-person limit matters

The small-group design is more than a marketing detail. With no more than 10 people aboard, the crew can speak to each group directly and keep an eye on individual needs. Families with children, mixed-age groups, and passengers who want to ask plenty of questions all benefit.

The boat also feels less crowded. You can spread out on deck, find a place in the sun, or sit back while others take photographs. One group included children from age 9 through adults age 50, and the format worked well for that mix.

The limited number also gives the trip a quieter mood. You are not dealing with a large crowd, amplified announcements, or dozens of people moving at once. The setting remains social, but it is easier to enjoy the sound of the water and the cliffs.

This is a good match if you prefer a personal outing over a party boat. It may be less suitable if you want lots of onboard entertainment or a busy social scene.

Finding the marina and planning your arrival

The meeting point is Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Berth 156, in Los Gigantes. The tour returns to this same point after the sailing.

Allow time to find parking and walk to the boat. Missing the departure would be especially frustrating on a small-group trip, since the boat cannot simply wait for a late arrival without affecting everyone else.

The area around the port has shops and restaurants, making it easy to add a meal or a stroll before or after the outing. The tour is near public transportation, and hotel pickup has been arranged for some bookings, but do not assume pickup is included unless it appears in your reservation.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The activity is offered in English. A German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays, which matters if that language support is important to you.

The operator allows service animals, and most people can take part. Still, the boat is on open water, and passengers prone to seasickness should plan ahead. One passenger felt unwell, but the crew provided help, so tell them early if you need assistance.

Weather, cancellations, and choosing the right day

This trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, 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.

The sea affects more than the cancellation policy. Wind and waves can change how comfortable the sailing feels, how easy wildlife is to spot, and whether the snorkeling stop is pleasant. A calm day can make the trip wonderfully peaceful, while rougher water may be tiring for anyone sensitive to motion.

Wear practical clothing, bring sun protection, and pack your towel. Keep valuables secure and use a waterproof case if you plan to photograph from near the water. Since drinks and food are provided, you do not need to carry a picnic.

The boat’s sunbeds are useful, but do not assume every minute will be spent lying in the sun. You will move around during wildlife watching and may want a light layer if the wind picks up.

Who should book this sailing trip?

I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quieter way to see Tenerife’s west coast. It is particularly well suited to couples, families, honeymooners, and small groups who value attentive service and time on the water.

It also works well for people who want more than whale watching. The cliffs, wildlife, swim stop, food, and drinks create a varied three-hour outing. You can enjoy the day even if the animals remain elusive.

Families should find the boat format appealing, especially if children are happy to sit, watch, and swim. The crew has experience speaking with different age groups and answering questions. Still, parents should consider how their children handle open water and the possibility of seasickness.

This is not the right choice if you need guaranteed whale sightings, dislike boats, or want a large vessel with extensive facilities. It is also not ideal if you want a completely dry excursion, since swimming and snorkeling are central features.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing charter?

Yes, if you want a small, personal boat trip with strong scenery, a real chance of seeing dolphins or pilot whales, and a well-stocked lunch service. The 10-person limit is the key advantage, and the crew’s attention helps turn wildlife sightings into something you can understand rather than simply glimpse.

Book it with realistic expectations. The sea decides what appears, and the water may not suit everyone. Bring a towel, arrive early at the marina, allow time for parking, and tell the operator about dietary needs in advance.

At $90.70, the outing offers solid value for a three-hour trip that includes food, drinks, swimming, snorkeling, and a comfortable sailing boat. For me, it is one of the better choices around Los Gigantes when you want the coast to feel spacious, personal, and unhurried.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale-watching charter?

The trip lasts approximately three hours. About two hours are spent sailing around the Los Gigantes cliffs, with time also set aside for wildlife watching, swimming, snorkeling, food, and drinks.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 10 people. The boat is a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The trip searches for wild marine life, so sightings depend on the animals and sea conditions. Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, tuna, and seabirds.

Is food included?

Yes. The boat provides custom-made sandwiches, fresh fruit, snacks, and bottled water. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks are cava, wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim or snorkel.