Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes

The best part of this Los Gigantes boat trip is the combination of wildlife and cliffs. You are not simply taken offshore to scan the water. The route also follows the towering coast, with time to stop in a quiet cove for swimming and snorkeling. Pilot whales are the main prize, though dolphins, turtles and other sea life are possible.

I like the small maximum group of 10, which gives you room to move around a Bavaria 44 sailing yacht instead of being packed onto a large excursion boat. I also like the relaxed three-hour shape: wildlife first, a swim break later, then drinks and a light spread of Canarian-style snacks.

The main thing to consider is that this is called a sailing tour, but the boat may use its engine for much or all of the trip when the wind is weak. A few comments also raise concerns about smoking, music and uneven attention from the captain, so this is best for flexible passengers who care more about the sea setting than polished, formal service.

Key points before you book

• Pilot whales are the most likely headline sighting, with dolphins, turtles, calderons and seabirds also possible.
• The boat holds no more than 10 people, and some departures have been smaller, with only six to nine passengers.
• Swimming and snorkeling are built into the outing, with masks and other equipment supplied.
• Los Gigantes looks best from the water, especially the cliffs near the mouth of a barranco.
• Antonio and Francisco are named captains, and the quality of the trip depends heavily on the skipper working that day.
• Parking near Puerto Deportivo can be difficult, so arrive early and allow time to find the meeting point.

Setting out from Puerto Deportivo in Los Gigantes

Your meeting point is MPC Yacht Charter at Puerto Deportivo, beside the yacht El Mojo Picon on C. Poblado Marinero in Acantilados de Los Gigantes. The tour returns to this same spot, which keeps the logistics simple. You do not need to arrange a separate return transfer or worry about being dropped in another part of Tenerife.

Give yourself extra time before departure. The marina area can be awkward for parking, and one useful tip from the trip experience is to arrive early rather than hunt for a space at the last minute. If you are driving, this matters more than the three-hour duration suggests.

The boat is described as a Bavaria 44, a proper sailing yacht rather than a basic open launch. That gives the outing a more private feel, especially when the group is six, seven, eight or nine people rather than the full limit of 10. You should still expect a working boat, not a luxury yacht with hotel-style service.

The English-language offering is useful for international visitors. Captains have also explained the route, local geography and wildlife in both English and Spanish. The amount of commentary may vary with the captain and conditions, but the intended experience is more informative than a simple boat transfer.

Following the cliffs of Los Gigantes

The first major part of the outing takes you along the Acantilados de Los Gigantes, the immense cliffs that give this coast its name. From the water, the rock walls feel far larger than they do from town. You see their height from a low, open viewpoint, with the sea directly between you and the cliffs.

This is one of the strongest reasons to choose a boat trip here. A walk or road excursion can show you the cliffs from land, but a yacht lets you appreciate how the rock drops straight toward the ocean. Some routes continue toward the Los Gigantes and La Masca area, depending on the conditions and the captain’s plan.

The setting also gives the wildlife search some context. You are traveling through the waters off Teno Rural Park, a protected part of the archipelago. The captain may point out the geography, the position of Teide, the height of the cliffs and the wider Teno area while the boat moves along the coast.

One practical point: calm water makes the cliffs and photographs easier to enjoy, but the sea is not always smooth. A comment describes choppy water even on a successful trip. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a light meal beforehand, sit where you can see the horizon and bring any medicine you normally use.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The wildlife search is the heart of the three hours. Tropical pilot whales, also called calderons in the description, are the most frequently noted sighting. Pods have been seen close to the boat, sometimes in large numbers. Dolphins are also regularly reported, including playful animals swimming near the yacht.

You may also see turtles, different kinds of fish and seabirds. One outing produced pilot whales, two types of dolphins and colorful fish. Another included a sea turtle along with whales, fish and birds. Still, nature sets the schedule. One successful trip saw dolphins but no pilot whales, while another found several dolphins without the expected whales.

That uncertainty is worth accepting before you pay. This is not a zoo visit, and a sighting cannot be guaranteed. Noise, weather and the animals’ movements affect the search. One trip took place after New Year celebrations, when noise had apparently pushed the whales farther offshore. The boat crew may communicate with other boats to learn where animals are, but that is part of finding wildlife in a wide area, not a promise of a particular encounter.

The skipper’s role matters here. Antonio is repeatedly singled out for finding pilot whales, sharing facts about the animals and suggesting good spots around the island. Francisco is also praised for locating a large pod and explaining the sea life and geography. The exact captain can affect how much commentary you receive and how actively the group is guided.

Expect the captain to balance watching with safe boat handling. You may see the boat slow down, change direction or use the engine to reach the animals. The boat is not necessarily under sail for the full trip. One passenger found the lack of sailing disappointing, and the operator explained that the engine is needed when there is not enough wind to complete the route.

A swim and snorkel stop beneath the cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat usually stops in a quiet cove or sheltered area for a swim and snorkel. This change of pace is welcome. You have spent time watching the surface, and now you can get into the clear, dark-blue water rather than simply look at it.

Snorkeling equipment is included. The reported marine life includes many fish and colorful fish around the coves. The exact underwater view depends on the water, light and location, but this is more than a token swim stop. Several outings describe snorkeling as a highlight, with one stop near the mouth of a barranco and the cliffs forming the backdrop.

You can swim, snorkel or remain on the yacht. That choice helps families and mixed-age groups. A strong swimmer can spend the full break in the water, while someone less comfortable can stay aboard and enjoy the view. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not provide details about ramps, lifts or specific mobility arrangements. If you need those, contact MPC Yacht Charter before booking.

The swim stop is also weather dependent. The tour requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. Even when the trip goes ahead, wind and sea conditions can affect how long the boat remains in one cove.

Snacks, drinks and the small-group feel

Food is included, but think light boat fare rather than a full restaurant meal. Descriptions include tapas, melon, assorted ham, tortilla, dried meats, fruit, snacks and nonalcoholic drinks. Some passengers found the spread delicious and generous enough for a light lunch, while one negative account described the food as stale and unappealing.

That difference suggests a sensible expectation: the food is a pleasant extra, not the reason to book. You may receive a simple Canarian-style selection after the swim, along with water, soda or other drinks. If you have allergies, strict dietary needs or a strong preference for a substantial meal, ask ahead and bring a backup snack.

The group size is more important than the menu. Ten people is the maximum, and several departures have been much smaller. That means you can move around the yacht, ask questions and take photographs without competing with a crowd. It also gives the captain a better chance to notice if someone is uncomfortable or needs help.

There are tradeoffs. A small boat means the captain’s habits are impossible to ignore. Two lower-rated accounts raise concerns about smoking near children, loud music, poor attention to non-Spanish speakers and a lack of sensitivity when passengers felt unwell. The operator disputes parts of those accounts and says the captain tries not to bother anyone. Still, if you are especially sensitive to cigarette smoke or need a quiet, highly polished service, ask about the smoking and music policy before booking.

What the captain adds to the outing

This experience is shaped by the person at the helm. Antonio is praised for local knowledge, facts about whales and advice on other places to visit in Tenerife. He is also credited with helping passengers frame underwater-camera shots and finding good snorkel locations.

Francisco receives similar praise for his explanations and friendly manner. In one unusual incident, he recovered a passenger’s phone after it fell several meters into the marina. That says something about personal service, though you should not plan on testing the captain’s swimming skills before departure.

The intended commentary covers the marine species, the cliffs, Teno Rural Park, Teide and the surrounding islands. The operator says explanations are given in English and Spanish. In practice, the experience can feel more conversational than scripted. Some people like that informal approach. Others may prefer a guide who gives a steady, structured talk from start to finish.

Communication between boats is normal during the wildlife search. Captains use one another to locate animals across a wide search area. If you hear the captain speaking to another boat, that does not necessarily mean you are being ignored. At the same time, the smaller boat makes it fair to expect basic attention to passenger comfort.

Is $84.69 a fair price?

At $84.69 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water in Tenerife. The price includes roughly three hours aboard a proper sailing yacht, a group of up to 10, wildlife searching, a swim and snorkel stop, equipment, drinks and snacks.

I consider that fair value if you want a small-group outing rather than a large whale-watching boat. The price becomes more attractive when the group is six to eight people, since you get a roomy boat and personal access to the captain without paying for a private charter. Several trips have produced both wildlife and snorkeling, which makes the three-hour format feel full without becoming an all-day commitment.

Value depends on your priorities. If your main goal is to sail under canvas, the price may disappoint when the engine runs most of the route. If your goal is to see pilot whales, dolphins and the Los Gigantes cliffs from the sea, the combination is stronger.

The wildlife is never guaranteed, so do not judge the price only by the number of animals you hope to see. Even a trip with dolphins but no whales can still include the cliffs, swimming, snorkeling and food. For the best chance of a satisfying day, treat the animals as the bonus and the whole sea outing as the product.

Who will enjoy this Los Gigantes boat trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to couples, families with older children and people who prefer a quiet boat to a crowded excursion. The small group works well when you want time at the rail, easy photographs and a chance to speak with the skipper.

It also suits anyone who wants several Tenerife experiences in one short outing: dramatic cliffs, marine wildlife, swimming and a light meal. The three-hour length fits neatly into a day based around Los Gigantes and does not consume the whole afternoon.

Families should think about seasickness, swimming ability and the open-air setting. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate, but the supplied details do not explain specific accessibility equipment. Ask before booking if anyone in your party needs step-free boarding or other assistance.

I would be more cautious if you need guaranteed whale sightings, dislike engine noise or smoke, or expect a formal naturalist program. The captain may be excellent, but the tone can be informal and the standard of service appears to depend on who is operating the boat that day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. Bad weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants can cancel the outing, in which case you should be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a genuinely small boat experience with strong chances of seeing pilot whales, a good view of Los Gigantes from the water and time to snorkel. The best reports describe an easygoing, personal outing with captains such as Antonio or Francisco, good local explanations and a tasty light spread.

Do not book it expecting a guaranteed wildlife show, a full sail under wind power or luxury-level service. Arrive early for parking, allow for changing sea conditions and confirm any concerns about food, smoking, language or accessibility before you pay.

For the right kind of visitor, $84.69 buys a well-shaped half day on the water, with enough variety to feel worthwhile even when the whales choose another route.

FAQ

How long does the Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes last?

The outing lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at MPC Yacht Charter, Puerto Deportivo, beside Yate El Mojo Picon on C. Poblado Marinero in Acantilados de Los Gigantes. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 10 people. Some departures have fewer passengers.

Which animals might I see?

Possible sightings include tropical pilot whales, also called calderons, dolphins, turtles, fish, seabirds and other marine species. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes equipment for snorkeling during the stop in a quiet cove.

Can I swim without snorkeling?

Yes. You can swim, snorkel or remain on the boat during the water stop.

Are snacks and drinks included?

Yes. Snacks and drinks are provided on board. Food described for the trip includes light tapas or a Canarian-style spread such as melon, ham and tortilla.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English, and the captain gives information in English and Spanish.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you should be offered another date or a full refund.