3-Hour Private Tour with Whale and Dolphin Watching

The main draw here is simple: you sail from Los Gigantes in search of pilot whales and dolphins, then anchor beneath cliffs that rise about 600 meters from the sea. The setting does much of the work, but Captain Antonio, also called Toni, adds useful explanations about the cetaceans and keeps the outing relaxed.

I like the small private group, which means up to 10 people share a 14-meter Bavaria 44 sailboat rather than a large sightseeing vessel. I also like the 30-minute stop for swimming and snorkeling in a clear-water cove accessible only by boat. The main consideration is that wildlife sightings depend on nature, and the trip requires good weather. Strong wind can affect the sailing plan.

Key points to know before booking

• Private sailing for up to 10 people: Your group has the boat to itself, a good setup for families and friends.
• Pilot whales and dolphins in open water: The aim is to find animals in their natural environment, not in a controlled display.
• Los Gigantes from sea level: The cliffs rise roughly 600 meters above the water and are one of Tenerife’s great coastal sights.
• Thirty minutes to swim and snorkel: The boat stops in a clear-water cove beneath the cliffs.
• Tapas and drinks included: You have time for a snack while anchored or sailing.
• Three-hour outing from Los Gigantes: The tour begins and ends at MPC Yacht Charter in Puerto Deportivo.

Sailing out from Los Gigantes

Your three-hour outing starts at MPC Yacht Charter, at Yate El Mojo Picon in Puerto Deportivo, Los Gigantes. The boat is described as a comfortable 14-meter sailboat with room for 10 people. It is also identified as a Bavaria 44, a sizeable sailing yacht that gives you more room than the usual compact motorboat.

That size matters. You can sit or move around the spacious deck, feel the sea breeze, and get away from the packed feel of a large harbor cruise. A private booking is especially useful if you are traveling with children, relatives, or friends who want a quieter boat day.

The boat has been described as comfortable and safely handled, including during outings with a 10-year-old child. At the same time, one account noted that the older wooden deckhouse could use repainting. I would treat this as a practical point rather than a deal-breaker: expect a well-used sailing boat, not a newly launched luxury yacht.

Captain Antonio, often called Toni, is central to the outing. He sails the boat, explains what you are seeing, and gives information about marine life. The tone appears friendly and personal, which suits a private charter better than a scripted cruise.

Searching for whales and dolphins offshore

Once you leave the port, the focus turns to finding whales and dolphins. These animals live freely in the waters around Tenerife, so the captain must search rather than take you to a fixed viewing point. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, or smaller whales, but no responsible operator can promise a sighting on every departure.

That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but it is also the most important thing to understand before paying for the trip. A boat can be in the right area and still have a quiet wildlife day. The outing is best booked for the overall time at sea, the scenery, and the swimming stop, with marine life as the hoped-for highlight.

The short length helps keep the plan manageable. Three hours is enough time to leave Los Gigantes, search the surrounding waters, enjoy the cliffs and island views, and stop for a swim without turning the day into a full-day commitment. If you have limited time in Tenerife, this fits neatly into a morning or afternoon.

Pilot whales are a particularly realistic possibility for this area, and the available accounts describe sightings of pilot whales close to the boat. Dolphins have also been seen. Keep your camera ready, but remember that wildlife moves quickly and the boat may need to keep a respectful distance.

Seeing the cliffs from the water

Los Gigantes looks impressive from land, but the cliffs make more sense from the sea. Their vertical walls rise around 600 meters, and viewing them from below gives you a better sense of their scale. From the deck, you can photograph the rock faces, the waterline, and the small coves that are difficult to reach on foot.

The boat also provides views toward Mount Teide, La Gomera, and the protected Teno area. Visibility will determine how clearly you see the distant landmarks. On a clear day, the broad view is one of the strongest parts of the trip because you are not only watching the sea. You are also taking in Tenerife’s rugged western edge from a useful angle.

I would bring a camera or phone with a secure grip and a way to protect it from spray. The tour is built around photos, but the boat is moving and the light can change quickly. The best pictures may come during the slower sections, especially near the cliffs and at anchor.

The coastline also gives the three hours a sense of place. This is not simply a wildlife ride that could happen anywhere. The sheer cliffs, volcanic island views, and nearby protected area make the setting distinctly Tenerife.

Thirty minutes in a clear-water cove

The planned swimming stop is one of the most attractive parts of the itinerary. The boat anchors in a natural cove beneath the cliffs, a spot accessible only by sea. You have about 30 minutes to swim, cool off, and snorkel.

That stop breaks up the sailing nicely. After time on deck, getting into the water gives you something active to do instead of spending the entire outing looking over the rail. The cove’s clear water should also make snorkeling enjoyable, although no specific fish, reef, or underwater wildlife is promised.

The stop is weather-dependent, just like the rest of the outing. Wind, sea conditions, or safety concerns can change the plan. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the captain what conditions are like before entering the water and stay within the area he considers safe.

This is not a beach visit. There is no sandy shore involved in the supplied plan, and the boat returns to the same meeting point afterward. Think of it as a short swim from the yacht, with the cliffs rising directly behind you.

Tapas, drinks, and the pace onboard

The tour includes time for a snack with tapas. Accounts of the outing also describe drinks and finger food being offered. This is a welcome touch on a three-hour trip, especially after swimming, though you should think of it as a light snack rather than a full lunch.

The food helps keep the pace easy. You can watch for marine life, take photos, swim, then settle in with something to eat while the boat is anchored or sailing. It also makes the charter feel more personal than a bare-bones transfer to a snorkeling site.

If you have dietary needs, confirm them before booking. The available information does not specify the tapas menu or list special dietary options. It also does not state that a full meal is included, so plan accordingly if you need substantial food.

For families, the snack break may be useful. A three-year-old child has been taken on the boat and enjoyed seeing the whales, but the tour still involves open water, movement, and a swimming stop. Parents should judge the boat setting against their child’s comfort level.

What the private price really buys

The listed cost is $687.84 per group of up to 10 people. At a full group of 10, that works out to about $68.78 per person. For a couple or a small family, the per-person cost is much higher, but you are paying for a private boat rather than individual seats on a shared cruise.

That distinction makes the price easier to judge. If you can fill most of the 10 places, the charter offers good value for a three-hour private sailing trip with wildlife watching, cliff views, a swim, snorkeling, tapas, and drinks. If only two or three people are going, the experience becomes a premium splurge.

I like the price structure for a group of friends because it lets you divide the cost while keeping control of the boat. You are not paying separately for every person, and no unrelated party joins your outing. The value is less clear for solo visitors or couples who do not have anyone with whom to share the booking.

The strongest value comes from the combination of activities. A whale-watching trip alone can be quiet if animals do not appear. Here, you still have the Los Gigantes cliffs, island views, sailing time, and the cove stop. That does not remove the wildlife risk, but it gives the day more substance.

Weather, comfort, and practical limits

Good weather is required for this activity. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The cancellation rule is also straightforward: cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Strong wind deserves special attention. One outing encountered very high winds, reported at 43 knots, and the operator indicated that such conditions can make the planned sailing impossible. This is a reminder to keep your schedule flexible and not place the charter immediately before an important flight or fixed evening plan.

The boat has a spacious deck, but it is still a sailing yacht at sea. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan carefully. The supplied information does not mention medication, shaded seating, or onboard facilities, so ask MPC Yacht Charter any specific comfort questions before booking.

The activity ends back at the Los Gigantes meeting point. It is near public transportation, service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The tour is private, but the information does not give a detailed accessibility assessment, so contact the operator if you have mobility needs or need help boarding.

Who will enjoy the Mojo Picon most

I would choose this for a small group that values privacy and scenery as much as wildlife. A family can enjoy the boat, the cliff views, and the swimming stop without committing to a full day. A group of friends can split the fixed price and make good use of the 10-person capacity.

It also suits you if you prefer a calmer boat outing. The emphasis is on sailing, looking for animals, listening to the captain, and stopping for a swim. This is not presented as a loud party cruise or a fast sightseeing ride.

The trip may be less suitable if you need a guaranteed whale sighting, dislike open water, or want a large organized program with a fixed schedule and extensive facilities. You should also think twice if poor weather would cause major problems for your holiday plan.

The captain’s role is another reason to book. Antonio or Toni handles the boat and explains the cetaceans, so you get more context than you would from simply sitting on a vessel and hoping something surfaces. The best parts of the outing depend on his judgment, the sea conditions, and the animals.

Should you book this Los Gigantes sailing trip?

Book it if you can share the cost with a group and want three varied hours on the water. The private format, clear-water swim, tapas, and close views of Los Gigantes give you plenty to enjoy even if the wildlife keeps its distance.

I would be more cautious if you are booking for only one or two people and are focused solely on whales. The price is harder to justify then, and sightings can never be guaranteed. For a group of up to 10, though, the combination of pilot whales or dolphins, volcanic scenery, a cove stop, and a personal captain makes this a strong choice for a relaxed Tenerife boat day.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The activity lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at MPC Yacht Charter, Puerto Deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picon, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the private tour?

The sailboat has capacity for up to 10 people, and only your group participates in the private activity.

Will I see whales and dolphins?

The tour searches for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Sightings are not guaranteed, although pilot whales and dolphins have been seen during the outing.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. The boat stops for about 30 minutes in a natural cove with clear water beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs, where you can swim and snorkel.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.