Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes

The ocean puts Tenerife in perspective. This three-hour sailing trip pairs small-group comfort with a close look at pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other sea life along the cliffs of Los Gigantes. I especially like the maximum of 10 people and the chance to stop for swimming and snorkeling in a quiet cove.

I also like the setting: Teno Rural Park, the dark volcanic cliffs, and the view of Los Gigantes from offshore. The main consideration is that this is not guaranteed to be a full sailing trip. When the wind drops, the captain may use the engine, and a small number of passengers have raised concerns about smoking, music, or communication on board.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: Sightings often include tropical pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and several types of marine life, but no wildlife tour can promise a sighting.
• Only 10 people maximum: The Bavaria 44 sailboat feels far less crowded than the large whale-watching boats leaving Tenerife’s ports.
• Snorkeling is built into the outing: You can swim or snorkel from the boat in a sheltered cove, with equipment supplied.
• The cliffs are part of the show: Los Gigantes looks especially dramatic from sea level, with views toward ravines and the Teno Rural Park coast.
• Snacks and drinks are included: Expect a light spread that may include tapas, melon, ham, tortilla, fruit, soft drinks, beer, or water.
• Arrive early: The marina can be difficult for parking, and the boat leaves from Puerto Deportivo in Los Gigantes.

Setting out from Puerto Deportivo in Los Gigantes

The tour begins at MPC Yacht Charter, at the marina in Los Gigantes. The listed meeting point is the yacht El Mojo Picon, on C. Poblado Marinero in Acantilados de Los Gigantes. The trip returns to this same spot after roughly three hours.

You should allow extra time to find the marina and parking. One passenger specifically found parking difficult, so arriving early is sensible. That also gives you time to locate the boat without turning the first five minutes into a sprint along the waterfront.

This is a mobile-ticket experience offered in English. The operator also provides explanations in Spanish, and the captain may speak with other boats during the outing. That radio contact is part of locating marine life across a wide search area, though it can make the experience feel less personal if you are hoping for nonstop narration.

The boat is described in several accounts as a Bavaria 44. It is a proper sailing yacht rather than a large excursion catamaran. With groups often ranging from six to ten people, you get room to move and a better chance of finding a comfortable spot at the rail.

Los Gigantes from the water

The first major part of the route follows the Acantilados de Los Gigantes, the enormous cliffs that give this part of Tenerife its name. From land, the cliffs already make a strong impression. From the water, you see their height differently, because the dark rock rises straight from the sea and fills your view.

The boat may also pass near the area around La Masca and the mouths of ravines along the coast. The route is not simply a ride out to search for whales. The cliffs, headlands, and protected coastline give the trip visual interest even during a quiet wildlife period.

The captain may point out the position of Mount Teide, discuss the height of the cliffs, and explain the geography of Teno Rural Park. The quality of this commentary appears to depend heavily on the captain and the mood on board. Antonio receives frequent praise for explaining the island, sea, and animals in an engaging way. Francisco is also described as friendly and informative.

This is a scenic outing first, not a formal geology lesson. Still, a few details about the cliffs help you understand what you are seeing instead of simply photographing a wall of rock.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins

The waters off southwest Tenerife are known on this excursion for sightings of tropical pilot whales, dolphins, and other marine species. The most frequently reported highlight is a pod of pilot whales, sometimes large and close enough for clear photographs and video.

Dolphins may also appear near the boat. Some outings include two types of dolphins, with one account describing dolphins swimming close to the yacht in a playful mood. Turtles, birds, and fish have also been seen.

You should keep expectations realistic. One successful trip included dolphins but no pilot whales because loud New Year’s Eve celebrations had apparently pushed the whales farther offshore. Another outing saw several dolphins but no pilot whales. The boat is searching for wild animals, not visiting an aquarium, so the exact result changes from day to day.

That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but it matters when you compare this trip with a standard sightseeing cruise. You are paying for a well-run search in a beautiful marine area, not a guaranteed checklist of species.

The captain’s communication with other boats can help locate the animals. Several accounts describe the skipper steering toward a large pod after receiving information about sightings. Antonio is often singled out for his experience and ability to find good viewing spots. Francisco is praised for preparing people for what they might see and explaining the animals and island.

If you want photographs, bring a camera that handles glare and movement well. One captain even suggested where to place an underwater camera for better footage. That kind of small practical help can make a difference, especially when dolphins or whales surface only briefly.

A quiet swim beneath the cliffs

After the wildlife search and coastal cruise, the boat usually stops in a calm cove for swimming and snorkeling. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel.

The setting is a major part of this stop. You may swim in clear, dark-blue water with the Los Gigantes cliffs behind you. Accounts describe colorful fish and other marine life in the snorkeling area, and one outing stopped near the mouth of a ravine.

You can choose to swim, snorkel, or remain on board. That flexibility makes the trip easier for mixed groups, since not everyone wants to enter the water. It also gives you a break after the wildlife search, when the boat may have been moving around in open water.

The sea can be choppy. One group still had a successful whale sighting despite rough conditions, but the movement may be uncomfortable if you are prone to seasickness. A family also reported that a child became very ill on board. The tour information does not describe a formal seasickness policy, so bring whatever remedy you normally use and consider your comfort before booking.

The snorkeling stop is not presented as a specialist snorkeling trip. It is a pleasant add-on to a whale and dolphin excursion. If your priority is coral, extensive underwater time, or a dedicated marine biology session, this is probably not the right format. If you want a swim in a striking coastal setting after watching whales, it fits well.

Tapas, drinks, and the small-boat feel

Food is served during the crossing or after the swim. The exact offering can vary, but descriptions include melon, assorted ham, tortilla, dried meats, fruit, tapas, and a light Canarian-style lunch. Drinks may include water, soft drinks, beer, and other simple refreshments.

I would think of this as a light boat lunch, not a restaurant meal. Several people found the food delicious and generous for a three-hour trip, while one highly critical account described it as stale and unappealing. That sharp difference suggests you should keep expectations modest and practical. The food is there to refresh you, not to make the excursion a culinary event.

The small group is more important than the menu. A maximum of 10 people gives you better access to the rail, less crowding around the viewing areas, and a quieter feel than the packed boats commonly seen along Tenerife’s coast.

It also lets the captain respond to the group. You can ask about the animals, the cliffs, or places to visit elsewhere on the island. Antonio is praised for offering local suggestions, and some people appreciated his restaurant recommendations after the trip.

How the captains shape the experience

The operator uses several captains, and the tone of the trip may vary with who is at the helm. Antonio is mentioned often and is described as friendly, experienced, entertaining, and good at finding pilot whales. Francisco is praised for his care and personal help, including recovering a phone that fell into the marina before departure.

That personal service is a real strength of a small charter. You are not one face in a crowd of dozens. A captain can suggest where to sit, explain what is happening, and help you get better photographs.

There is also a clear caution. Two low-scoring accounts describe problems with smoking near children, loud music, limited attention to English-speaking passengers, and a harsh response to a late arrival or seasickness. The operator disputes parts of those accounts and says the captain gives information in both English and Spanish, tries to lower the music, and respects passengers.

I would not ignore this inconsistency. Most available feedback is strongly positive, with a 4.8 rating and recommendation from 95 percent of customers, but the negative accounts raise reasonable questions about onboard style. If you are especially sensitive to cigarette smoke, loud music, or uneven commentary, contact MPC Yacht Charter before booking and ask about the captain and conditions for your departure.

Is $84.69 a fair price?

At $84.69 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the water. It is also not simply a three-hour boat ride. The price covers a small group, a sailing yacht, wildlife searching, the Los Gigantes coastline, snorkeling equipment, and food and drinks.

The value is strongest if you care about space and a calmer atmosphere. A larger boat may cost less, but the limited capacity here can make the experience feel more like a private outing. In several accounts, groups of six, seven, eight, or nine people found the boat comfortable, with enough room for everyone.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a guaranteed whale sighting or a long sailing session under canvas. One passenger gave four stars because the boat used the engine throughout rather than sailing. The operator explained that there was not enough wind to complete the route under sail.

That is a fair practical point. The boat must cover its route, search for animals, reach a snorkeling cove, and return on time. In calm conditions, engine use may be necessary. If the phrase sailing tour is your main reason for booking, ask about wind expectations, but remember that nobody can control the breeze.

Who will enjoy this Los Gigantes boat trip?

I think this outing suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a small group to a crowded excursion boat. It also works well for nature lovers who want several elements in one morning or afternoon: cliffs, marine life, swimming, snacks, and a short time commitment.

It is a good choice for a mixed group because you do not have to snorkel. You can stay aboard while others swim, then enjoy the views and refreshments together.

You should think twice if you dislike open-water movement, have serious seasickness concerns, or expect a polished, formal presentation. The trip is run by a skipper rather than a large crew, and the experience appears to be informal. Smoking and music may also matter to families with young children, so ask before paying.

The three-hour length is well judged. It is long enough to reach the wildlife area and enjoy a swim, but short enough to fit around other plans in Tenerife. The return to the same marina also keeps the logistics simple.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

Your booking is confirmed at the time of purchase, and the ticket is mobile. Most people book about 10 days ahead, which gives you a useful planning guide during busy holiday periods.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted and are not refunded.

The trip depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low numbers cancel the outing, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund. Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and the activity says most people can participate.

Should you book it?

I would book this tour if you want a personal wildlife outing rather than a large cruise. The best reasons are the 10-person limit, the striking Los Gigantes coast, the regular reports of pilot whales and dolphins, and the chance to snorkel from a yacht.

I would not book it solely for guaranteed sightings or pure sailing. Wildlife is unpredictable, and calm weather may mean engine travel. Also, clarify smoking, music, and the language of the commentary if those details are important to you.

For the right passenger, $84.69 buys a well-sized experience with several memorable parts. You may see pilot whales, swim beneath volcanic cliffs, eat a simple Canarian lunch, and return before the outing takes over your whole day. That is a sensible slice of Tenerife from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes start?

It starts at MPC Yacht Charter, at Puerto Deportivo, aboard the yacht El Mojo Picon, on C. Poblado Marinero in Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour finish?

The experience ends back at the same meeting point at the marina.

How long does the excursion last?

The excursion lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include dolphins, tropical pilot whales, turtles, birds, fish, and other marine species. Sightings are not guaranteed because the animals are wild.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The boat stops in a quiet cove where you can swim or snorkel, and snorkeling equipment is included.

Are food and drinks provided?

Yes. Snacks and drinks are served on board. Offerings described for the trip include tapas, fruit, ham, tortilla, water, soft drinks, and beer.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English. The captain also provides explanations in Spanish.

Is the boat always powered by sail?

No. The boat may use the engine if there is not enough wind to complete the excursion under sail.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.