Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Tour – Los Gigantes (3H)

The best part of this three-hour sailing tour is the mix: you are not simply watching wildlife from a crowded motorboat. You spend time under sail, cruise beneath the 600-meter Cliffs of the Giants, stop for a swim, and eat simple local snacks aboard a 14-meter yacht. Skipper Antonio is often the friendly face at the helm, sharing facts about the sea and volcanic coast in English, Spanish, or French.

I like the small groups, capped at nine people on shared trips, and the respectful approach to whales and dolphins. I also like that snorkeling gear, food, drinks, and safety equipment are included, so the $76 price covers more than a quick wildlife outing. The main caution is that wildlife is wild: you may see pilot whales and dolphins, but no sighting can be promised. The Atlantic can also be choppy, so bring a jacket and consider motion-sickness medicine.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the main wildlife highlight: Dolphins, turtles, tuna, colorful fish, and other cetaceans may also appear.
• El Mojo Picón is a 14-meter sailing yacht: It offers more room and a quieter feel than a large excursion boat.
• The group stays small: Shared trips take up to nine people, while private charters hold up to 10.
• Snorkeling follows the wildlife search: You stop in a clear-water cove near the cliffs, with equipment supplied.
• The food is light, not a full restaurant meal: Expect tapas-style snacks such as tortilla, local cheese, cured meats, breadsticks, fruit, olives, and drinks.
• The 10 a.m. departure is worth considering: Several outings at that time found whales and dolphins, though conditions and sightings vary.

Sailing from Los Gigantes on El Mojo Picón

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter in the port of Los Gigantes, arriving with your confirmation voucher. The boat is El Mojo Picón, a 14-meter sailboat set up for either a shared outing or a private cruise for up to 10 people.

That size matters. The boat is large enough for people to spread out, sit comfortably, take photos, and find a quiet corner, yet small enough to avoid the feel of a mass excursion. A shared trip can still feel fairly personal when there are only six to nine people aboard.

The tour is led by a multilingual crew, with Antonio frequently serving as skipper and guide. He is described as relaxed, friendly, and highly experienced at sea. His role is more than steering. He points out marine life, explains the coast, and helps you understand why the boat keeps its distance from whales.

The yacht itself is a major part of the appeal. You get the gentle motion and open-air feel of sailing, along with the chance to sit back beneath the cliffs on the return route. If you have always wanted to spend time on a proper sailing yacht but do not want a full-day charter, this is a useful middle ground.

Looking for whales and dolphins in the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve

The first major part of the outing is the search for marine life off Tenerife’s west coast. The boat operates in the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve, an area known for regular cetacean activity.

Pilot whales are the most consistently reported sighting on this trip. You may see a group moving near the boat, sometimes with young animals among them. Dolphins can also appear in groups, swim alongside the yacht, or leap through the water. Turtles, tuna, and smaller fish are other possible sightings.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole time looking through a screen. Wildlife appears without much warning, and the best moments can last only seconds. A phone with a secure grip or a camera strap is more useful than an elaborate setup that keeps you focused on the equipment.

The skipper’s handling is important here. The boat may approach a group, but the engine is cut well before getting too close, allowing the whales to continue without being chased. That is a worthwhile part of the experience. You are not being promised a staged show. You are watching animals in their own environment, and their behavior sets the pace.

There is no guarantee of seeing every species listed. One outing may produce many pilot whales and dolphins, while another may bring whales but no dolphins. One trip saw no dolphins but still had memorable views of pilot whales close to the boat. That uncertainty is part of any responsible wildlife excursion, and you should book this for the sea experience as much as for a particular animal.

The 10 a.m. departure is a sensible option if your schedule allows it. Several trips around that time produced sightings, and the supplied information suggests whales may be easier to find earlier in the day. This is not a guarantee, but an early start gives you a good chance to enjoy the water before the afternoon.

The Cliffs of the Giants from sea level

Los Gigantes is named for its enormous volcanic cliffs, which rise about 600 meters above the Atlantic. From land, the cliffs are impressive. From the water, they feel even more dramatic because the yacht lets you see their full height from below.

This is one of the strongest reasons to bring a camera. The cliffs create a natural backdrop for photos of the boat, the coast, and the open sea. You also get views that are hard to match from a roadside lookout or town promenade.

The route takes you along the coast and later brings you close to the base of the cliffs. The scale changes as you approach. Instead of seeing a distant wall of rock, you notice the vertical faces, dark volcanic colors, and small coves tucked along the shoreline.

The return toward Los Gigantes is especially scenic when the boat passes beneath the cliffs. Depending on the departure time, the light can change considerably during the three-hour outing. A sunset sailing option is also available for people who care more about warm evening light than the best chance of seeing wildlife.

Swimming and snorkeling in a quiet cove

After the wildlife search, the boat anchors in a natural cove with clear water. This is your chance to swim or snorkel, with masks and other snorkeling equipment supplied on board.

The cove adds welcome variety to the trip. You are not sitting in the same position for three hours, and the water stop gives you time to cool off after being in the sun. Snorkeling near the cliffs can reveal colorful fish, crabs, and other small marine life.

The amount of time in the water can vary. Some outings allowed roughly 30 minutes for snorkeling, while others had a shorter swim of around 10 minutes. The crew must balance swimming time with the wildlife search and the need to return to port on schedule, so do not book this as a dedicated snorkeling tour.

Bring your own towel. You will also want a secure bag for your phone and camera, since the most memorable photos may come before or after the swim, when the boat is close to the cliffs.

People who do not want to swim can remain aboard and enjoy the view. The stop is optional in practice, and some passengers simply choose to relax while others use the snorkeling gear.

Tapas, fruit, and drinks aboard the yacht

Food is included, but it is best understood as a generous snack spread rather than a formal lunch. The exact offering can vary, yet typical items include Spanish tortilla, local cheese, cured meats, breadsticks, olives, fruit, and fruit skewers. Drinks include water, soft drinks, and, where offered, beer or wine.

That distinction matters because the activity description uses the word lunch, while the actual meal is generally cold tapas-style food. It is enough to refresh you after swimming and makes the trip feel more complete, but do not expect a hot three-course meal.

I like this part because it connects the outing to local food without taking too much time away from the sea. You can eat while drifting in the cove or on the return journey, with the cliffs still in view. Private charters include a light brunch, while shared trips provide appetizers and drinks.

If you have dietary restrictions, check with MPC Yacht Charter before departure. The supplied details do not specify special menus.

Is $76 good value for three hours?

At $76 per person, this is not the cheapest boat trip around Tenerife. It offers better value if you want several experiences in one booking: sailing, wildlife watching, a swim, snorkeling gear, coastal views, food, drinks, and a small group.

The group size is the key value point. Larger whale-watching boats may offer more deck space, but they can feel busy when everyone moves to one side for a sighting. Here, a maximum of nine people on a shared tour gives you a better chance of finding a clear viewing spot and asking the skipper questions.

You are also paying for the yacht itself and the captain’s time, not just a ride to a known whale area. Antonio’s ability to explain the sea, point out wildlife, and handle the boat carefully adds real value, especially for first-time whale watchers.

The price is less attractive if your only goal is a long swim or a full meal. The swimming stop may be brief, and the food is simple. It works best for people who want a relaxed coastal outing with wildlife at its center.

Who will enjoy this sailing tour most?

This is a strong choice for couples, families, and small groups who prefer a calm boat rather than a large party vessel. Children can enjoy the wildlife, the cliffs, and the chance to swim, although parents should remember that the Atlantic is open water and conditions can change.

It also suits people who care about responsible wildlife viewing. The boat keeps a respectful distance, cuts the engine before approaching whales, and avoids turning the animals into a chase scene.

The tour is less suitable for anyone with serious mobility problems or heart problems, as stated in the activity information. There is also a practical mismatch in the accessibility details: the experience is marked wheelchair accessible, but it is also listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. Contact the operator directly if access is important to you.

Anyone prone to seasickness should prepare. One outing had several people feeling ill, even though other trips were smooth. A jacket is useful because the sea breeze can feel cool, and motion-sickness medicine may make the three hours much more comfortable.

Booking details that affect your day

The standard trip lasts three hours, with departure times depending on availability. Shared and private options are offered, and private charters can take up to 10 people.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, and French. That is helpful on a mixed-language boat, particularly during wildlife sightings when clear instructions matter.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. The meeting point is MPC Yacht Charter in the port of Los Gigantes. Arrive with your confirmation voucher and allow enough time to find the boat.

Bring:

• A towel
• A camera or phone
• A light jacket
• Motion-sickness medicine if you need it

Do not bring alcohol, drugs, fireworks, or explosive materials. The operator supplies safety equipment and snorkeling gear.

Should you book the Los Gigantes whale tour?

I would book this if you want a small-scale sea outing that combines wildlife, sailing, cliffs, food, and a short swim. The strongest features are the small group, the comfortable El Mojo Picón, the careful approach to whales, and Antonio’s warm, informative style.

I would skip it only if you need guaranteed sightings, a long snorkeling session, or a substantial cooked meal. No responsible wildlife operator can promise animals on a particular day, and the swim may be shorter than you expect.

For most visitors staying in western Tenerife, the $76 price is fair for the range of activities included. Choose a morning departure if possible, bring a jacket and towel, and treat the wildlife as a privilege rather than a scheduled performance.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin watching tour?

The sailing tour lasts three hours, including wildlife watching, coastal sailing, the cove stop, and time for swimming or snorkeling.

How many people can join the shared sailing trip?

Shared excursions have a maximum of nine guests. Private charters are available for groups of up to 10 people.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, tuna, and other fish. The tour takes place in the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and safety equipment are included, and the boat stops in a natural cove where you can swim or snorkel.

What food and drinks are provided?

The tour includes appetizers and drinks. Food is generally a light tapas-style spread, with items such as tortilla, local cheese, cured meats, breadsticks, olives, and fruit. Private charters include a light brunch.

What languages does the guide speak?

The crew offers tours in Spanish, English, and French.