From Los Gigantes: Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise

Whales meet cliffs on this small-boat outing. From Los Gigantes, Picarus Sailing Club takes you into the waters around Tenerife on a 46-foot sailboat, with room for no more than nine passengers. You get a far more personal setting than a large sightseeing boat, plus views of the cliffs and Mount Teide from the sea.

I like the small group size and the crew’s clear respect for marine life. I also like the combination of wildlife watching, sailing, a short swim, and homemade tapas, all in one three to four-hour trip. The main consideration is the sea itself: conditions can be choppy, and one passenger found the ride difficult because of seasickness.

Key points at a glance

• Only nine passengers maximum: The small boat keeps the outing calm and gives you room to move around safely.
• Pilot whales are a regular possibility: Dolphins, turtles, and other marine species may also appear, but wildlife sightings can never be promised.
• Responsible whale watching: The boat carries the Blue Boat Flag and follows Tenerife’s sustainability rules for observing cetaceans.
• Snorkeling beneath Los Gigantes: You get about 15 minutes in the water near the cliffs, conditions permitting.
• Tapas are served onboard: Drinks and a homemade selection of snacks follow the swim.
• Spanish, English, and French guides: The crew explains both the animals and the island’s past.

Setting out from Los Gigantes

The trip begins at Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. Look for the boat named Aemon or Ayla, as those names identify the sailing vessel at the meeting point.

Los Gigantes is an especially good departure point because the cliffs make an immediate impression from the water. They rise dramatically along the coast, and the boat gives you a different angle than a road or viewpoint. As you sail away, the crew also points out the island and shares information about Tenerife, including local history and hiking routes.

The boat is 46 feet long, or about 14 meters. That is large enough to feel stable and comfortable, yet small enough to preserve a quiet, personal mood. With a maximum of nine passengers, you are not packed shoulder to shoulder with a crowd competing for the same view.

That small capacity is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. You can move around more easily, ask questions without shouting, and hear the guide’s explanations. Several outings had only seven or eight passengers, which made the boat feel particularly relaxed.

Whale watching in Tenerife’s coastal waters

The main wildlife portion lasts about an hour and a half. The crew searches for resident and migratory marine species, with pilot whales among the most likely highlights. Dolphins are also possible, and sightings have included turtles and other marine life.

Pilot whales are not the giant, towering animals many people picture when they hear the word whale. They are social, intelligent cetaceans often seen in family groups, and watching them travel through the water can be a quiet, moving experience. The boat’s smaller size helps you pay attention to natural behavior instead of simply chasing a distant fin.

You may see whales close to the boat, but you should keep expectations realistic. One outing produced dolphins but no whales, and that was still considered a worthwhile day because the scenery, sailing, and crew made up the experience. Nature sets the schedule here, not the captain.

The strongest part of Picarus’s approach is its conservation policy. The company belongs to Turismo de Tenerife’s Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching, supports the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association, and carries the government-authorized Blue Boat Flag. These credentials matter because responsible wildlife watching means more than getting close enough for a photograph.

The crew explains the animals and the reasons for maintaining a respectful distance. When whales are spotted, the captain may cut the engines so the boat does not disturb them. That creates a better experience for you as well. A quiet boat lets you hear the water, watch the animals’ movements, and avoid the noisy rush common to wildlife excursions.

The guides also make the outing educational without turning it into a classroom lecture. Sara and Felix have received praise for their calm explanations, while Jakob, Miguel, and Nettie were also singled out for making the trip friendly and informative. Sara has explained marine life and island history in Spanish, English, and French, which is useful if your group includes speakers of different languages.

One hour under sail, with Teide in view

After the wildlife search, the boat spends roughly an hour sailing. This part is easy to underestimate. You are not simply being transported from one activity to the next. You get time to sit back, watch Los Gigantes recede, and enjoy Tenerife from the water.

The view toward Mount Teide adds another layer to the trip. The mountain and the cliffs give you two very different parts of Tenerife in one frame: the island’s high volcanic interior and its rugged Atlantic edge.

Sailing also changes the pace. The wildlife search requires attention and a bit of patience, while this hour gives you room to relax. There is no need to fill every moment with conversation or music. One particularly appreciated feature was the quiet atmosphere, with no music playing during the ride.

That peaceful tone will suit you if you want a gentle morning or afternoon on the water. If you are seeking a fast, action-heavy boat trip, the pace may feel too slow. This is a sightseeing cruise with wildlife watching, not a thrill ride.

Snorkeling beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

The swim stop lasts about 15 minutes and takes place near the cliffs. It is a short window, but it gives the trip a welcome change of pace after the wildlife search and sailing.

You can enter the water with a snorkel mask supplied onboard. A life vest is also available as safety equipment. The listing specifies that the snorkel tube is not included, so check your equipment before you go. You will need to bring your own towel and swimwear.

The location is the attraction here. Swimming beside the cliffs lets you appreciate their scale from below, where the rock walls feel even more imposing. You might see marine life in the water, but the guaranteed feature is the setting rather than a particular underwater sighting.

Do not treat this as a long snorkeling session. Fifteen minutes is enough for a refreshing swim and a quick look below the surface, but not enough for an extended snorkeling expedition. If snorkeling is your chief goal, you may find the time brief. If you see it as a pleasant extra on a whale-watching cruise, it fits well.

Bring biodegradable sunscreen with a protection rating of 50 or higher, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Apply sunscreen carefully before boarding, since open water offers little shade and the reflection can be strong.

Tapas, drinks, and a welcome finish

After the swim, the crew serves a homemade menu of tapas onboard. The food is one of the most warmly praised parts of the outing, and it adds genuine value to the price.

The exact dishes are not specified, but the food has included traditional snacks and a good selection for vegetarians. Drinks are also available, and several outings included wine. Serving food after the swim makes practical sense: you can dry off, settle into the boat, and enjoy something substantial before returning to port.

This is not a restaurant meal, and you should not book the cruise expecting a full lunch service. Think of it as a generous boat spread that turns a simple return journey into part of the experience. For a three to four-hour excursion, tapas and drinks help make the $88 price feel more reasonable.

The crew’s hospitality is another strength. They make a point of answering questions, checking that everyone is comfortable, and helping passengers who are uncertain in the water. That personal attention is easier to provide when the boat carries only a handful of people.

What the $88 price includes

At $88 per person, this cruise costs more than a basic large-boat whale-watching outing may cost. The comparison is not quite equal, though. You are paying for a maximum of nine passengers, a 46-foot sailing boat, a three to four-hour outing, marine-life interpretation, a swim stop, and tapas with drinks.

The small group is the biggest value point. You are not paying only for transportation to the whale-watching area. You are buying space, quieter viewing, and a better chance to speak directly with the crew.

Safety equipment and snorkel masks are included. Bring your own towel, swimwear, sunglasses, sun hat, and biodegradable sunscreen. The snorkel tube is not included, so pack one if you want to use a tube rather than simply swim with the mask.

Private excursions are available as well as shared trips. A private booking will likely make sense for families or groups who want the boat to themselves, while the shared option keeps the cost more manageable.

The activity allows cancellation up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when your plans around Tenerife are still changing, though you should always check the available departure time before booking.

The important drawback: motion on the sea

The boat is comfortable, but no vessel can remove the movement of the Atlantic. One passenger specifically found the trip difficult because of seasickness, even though the guides were helpful and accommodating.

If you are prone to motion sickness, plan carefully. Choose the time of day that suits you best, eat lightly before departure, and consider the precautions you normally use for boat trips. The available information does not specify the calmest departure time or sea conditions, so ask the operator before setting out if this is a serious concern.

The trip also depends on weather and wildlife. You might see pilot whales, dolphins, or even a turtle, but there is no guarantee of a particular species. The honest way to book is to view the cruise as a day on the ocean with a strong chance of wildlife, not as a guaranteed whale encounter.

That distinction does not weaken the experience. In fact, the crew’s conservation-minded approach makes it more worthwhile. They are not promising a staged animal performance. They are taking you to a natural habitat and showing you how to observe it responsibly.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this outing if you value calm sailing, personal service, and time with a small group. It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors who enjoy asking questions, and anyone who prefers a boat with room to breathe.

It is also a good choice if you want more than a single-purpose whale trip. You get cliffs, Mount Teide views, wildlife, a short swim, island information, and tapas in one outing.

The cruise may be less suitable if you need guaranteed whale sightings, a long snorkeling session, or a completely stable ride. It is also worth thinking twice if seasickness regularly affects you.

The three to four-hour duration is generally well judged. One passenger wished for a full four hours rather than a shorter outing, which is a fair point if the cruise finishes closer to three hours. Still, the wildlife search, sailing time, swim, and food give the trip a clear shape without taking up an entire day.

Should you book Picarus Sailing Club?

Yes, if you want a small, quiet, conservation-minded whale-watching trip from Los Gigantes. The strongest reasons are the nine-passenger limit, respectful treatment of marine life, capable multilingual guides, and the combination of whale watching with sailing, swimming, and tapas.

Book it with sensible expectations. You may see pilot whales traveling in a family group, dolphins beside the boat, or a turtle in the water. You may also see fewer animals than hoped. Either way, the cliffs, the sailing boat, and the unhurried crew give the outing real value.

For the best fit, bring high-protection biodegradable sunscreen, a towel, and your own snorkel tube if needed. If the sea bothers you, ask about conditions before you go. For everyone else, this is one of the more personal ways to experience the waters around Los Gigantes.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale-watching cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately three to four hours. The schedule includes about one and a half hours of wildlife viewing, one hour of sailing, around 15 minutes of snorkeling, and about 15 minutes for the onboard meal.

How many people can join the shared boat?

The sailing boat carries a maximum of nine passengers on shared excursions. Private trips are also available.

What marine animals might I see?

The trip looks for resident and migratory marine species. Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles, but no particular animal sighting is guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkel masks and life vests are included. The snorkel tube is not included, so bring your own if you want to use one.

What food is served onboard?

The crew serves a homemade tapas menu after the swim. Traditional snacks, drinks, and vegetarian options have been available, though the exact dishes are not specified.

Which languages are spoken by the guides?

Guides can provide the tour in Spanish, English, and French.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen with protection of 50 or higher. If you want a snorkel tube, bring that as well.