Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

The ocean does the entertaining here. This three-hour sailing trip pairs Los Gigantes’ towering cliffs with whale watching, snorkeling, fresh food, and an unusually small group of no more than 10 people. I especially like the roomy Bavaria Cruiser 45, the friendly crew, and the chance to ask questions without shouting across a packed boat. The main consideration is simple: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the sea can be rough enough to bother passengers prone to motion sickness.

The trip costs about $90.70 per person, which is fair for a small sailing boat with drinks, fruit, sandwiches, snacks, and time in the water. You meet at Pantalán 1, berth 156, in the Poblado Marinero area of Los Gigantes, and return to the same place. Leave time to park, as missing the departure would be a painful way to start a holiday day.

Key points at a glance

• Maximum 10 people: You get more room, easier conversation, and better access to the crew than on a large catamaran.
• A 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser: Comfortable bow sunbeds give you a good place to watch the coast and scan the water.
• Pilot whales and dolphins: Sightings have included pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, sea turtles, tuna, and seabirds, though nature sets the schedule.
• Snorkeling near the cliffs: The boat stops at a quieter swimming spot where you can swim and snorkel beneath Los Gigantes.
• Food and drinks included: Expect custom sandwiches, fruit, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can cancel the outing, with a choice of another date or a full refund.

Setting sail beneath the Cliffs of Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes is one of Tenerife’s most dramatic coastal areas. The cliffs rise sharply from the sea, and seeing them from a sailboat gives you a far better sense of their scale than viewing them from the harbor or a roadside lookout.

The boat used for this trip is a 2012 Bavaria Cruiser measuring 45 feet. That is a proper sailing yacht, not a small open fishing boat. It has comfortable sunbeds at the bow, giving you space to stretch out, take photographs, and watch the coastline slide past.

The small capacity is a major part of the experience. With no more than 10 people aboard, the crew can speak with each family or couple directly. That matters during wildlife watching, when you may want help identifying a whale’s behavior, a dolphin species, or a bird overhead.

The pace also feels more peaceful than a crowded sightseeing cruise. The boat is designed for sitting, looking, and listening, rather than racing from one point to another. You will have time to enjoy the cliffs even if the animals remain out of sight.

Whale watching around Tenerife

Pilot whales are the most frequently celebrated sighting on this trip. Several outings have also included dolphins, and individual sightings have featured bottlenose dolphins with a young calf, Risso’s dolphins, turtles, tuna, sea birds, and even an osprey.

That variety is worth keeping in mind. You are not buying a guaranteed whale encounter. One outing produced dolphins but no pilot whales, yet the passengers still had a rewarding day because the cliffs, sailing, and swimming stop carried the experience.

The crew’s approach is one of the strongest parts of the trip. Jaime, Eileen, David, Margaret, and other crew members are repeatedly praised for explaining the marine life and answering questions. They also share information about the cliffs, the surrounding coast, and, in some cases, Spanish history and local places worth visiting.

I like that this is not just a quick animal-spotting run. The crew can help you understand what you are seeing instead of pointing toward the water and leaving you to guess. If dolphins appear, they may be playful and fast. Pilot whales can offer a calmer, closer-looking encounter, but the exact experience depends on the animals and the conditions that day.

The boat also gives you a good chance to take photographs. With fewer people competing for one railing or one viewing angle, you can move around more easily. Still, keep your camera ready, since dolphins and whales do not follow a tour timetable.

The swimming and snorkeling stop

After time spent sailing and watching for wildlife, the boat heads to a swimming spot along the coast. The exact cove is not named, but it is described as a quieter place near the cliffs, away from the main crowds.

This stop changes the mood of the outing. Instead of simply looking at the water, you get to enter it. Past passengers have enjoyed swimming beneath the cliffs and snorkeling in the cove, with some calling it one of the best parts of the day.

You should bring your own snorkeling equipment if you want to take part, since towels are not included and no snorkeling gear is listed among the inclusions. The information provided does not confirm that equipment is supplied, so I would ask the operator before departure if you do not have your own.

This is also the part of the tour where conditions matter most. The sea may feel cool, and not everyone will want to swim. You can remain aboard and enjoy the view if you prefer, but bring a swimsuit if you hope to get in the water.

One family wished they had brought snorkeling attire during a cooler season. That is practical advice. Even if you are not sure about swimming, pack the gear so you can decide once you see the cove.

Lunch, fruit, and an open bar of sorts

The food is more substantial than the usual packet of crisps found on a short boat trip. The crew serves custom-made sandwiches, freshly cut fruit, and snacks. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available, which makes the included meal useful for different diets rather than a token extra.

The drink selection includes bottled water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava. Several people particularly enjoyed having a glass of sparkling wine or local wine while sailing past the cliffs.

The timing of lunch is not specified, so do not assume you will eat at a particular minute. The sensible plan is to have a normal meal before departure, especially if you are prone to seasickness. The included food works well as a pleasant lunch or substantial snack, but you should not treat it as a replacement for all food during the day.

For the price, these inclusions add real value. A smaller sailing charter can cost more than a large group cruise simply because there are fewer paying passengers. Here, the meal, snacks, and drinks help close that gap.

What the three-hour outing feels like

The full experience lasts approximately three hours, with around two hours listed for sailing around Los Gigantes. The remaining time allows for boarding, wildlife watching, swimming, snorkeling, and food, though the exact order can change with sea conditions and animal activity.

You will meet at Third Element Charters Whale Watching and Sailing Charters, at Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, 38683, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The activity ends at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer from the harbor.

Some bookings have included hotel pickup, but that is not listed as a standard inclusion in the tour information. Confirm it directly if transportation is important to you rather than assuming it comes with the basic price.

The trip is offered in English. A German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays. If language support matters to you, check the day and guide arrangements before booking.

You receive confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability. The trip normally needs to be booked in advance, with the average booking made about 20 days before departure. That does not mean you must reserve three weeks ahead, but it does suggest that popular dates can fill.

Comfort, space, and motion sickness

The Bavaria Cruiser’s bow sunbeds are a welcome feature. You can sit in the sun, lie back, or find a place to watch the sea without being pressed against a crowd.

The boat’s size and passenger limit make it comfortable, but this remains a sea trip. One passenger felt seasick, and the crew helped. That is encouraging, but you should still take your own precautions if motion sickness is a concern.

A smaller sailboat may feel more affected by waves than a large ferry. If you are sensitive, choose a calm-weather date when possible, eat lightly before departure, and ask the operator about the best place to sit. The supplied information does not give a specific seating recommendation, so the crew is the right source for that advice.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The tour is near public transportation. Details about wheelchair access, child-specific equipment, or facilities aboard are not provided, so ask before booking if you need those arrangements.

Why the small group matters

A maximum of 10 people is not just a number for the booking page. It changes how the outing works.

On a large boat, you may spend much of your time finding a clear view or waiting to ask a question. Here, the crew can explain things to individual families and adjust attention to different ages and interests. A group included children aged nine through adults aged 50, and the crew was able to keep everyone involved.

The boat also has a more personal social feel. You may share the deck with only a few couples or families, sometimes from different countries. One outing included French families, with explanations given in both English and French. The standard offering is English, but the crew appears comfortable helping mixed-language groups when possible.

That intimacy suits you if you prefer a calm, personal excursion. If you want loud music, a busy party deck, or guaranteed constant action, this is probably not the right boat.

Price, value, and the right kind of day

At $90.70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. Large catamarans may offer lower prices or longer schedules. They also usually carry far more people.

The value here comes from the combination: a proper sailing yacht, no more than 10 passengers, time near Los Gigantes, wildlife watching, swimming, food, and drinks. If you would otherwise pay separately for lunch and beverages, the price becomes easier to justify.

The trip is especially good value for couples, families, and small groups who want a quieter day at sea. It also works well for a special occasion. One couple booked it as a honeymoon surprise and described the day as a highlight of the holiday.

The main value warning is that sightings cannot be promised. You should book this for the whole experience, not only for a photograph of a whale. If seeing a particular species is your only goal, no responsible boat operator can guarantee success.

Practical advice before you go

Arrive with enough time to find parking and reach Pantalán 1, berth 156. The harbor area has shops and restaurants, but that does not help if you arrive late and the boat has departed.

Pack a swimsuit, sun protection, and a camera. Bring a towel because towels are not included. Add snorkeling equipment if you have it, or confirm in advance whether the operator supplies any.

If you need vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free food, state it when booking and confirm it with the crew. These choices are available, but clear communication avoids confusion on the day.

Plan around the weather. The outing requires good conditions. If poor weather cancels it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local Tenerife time.

Who should book the Los Gigantes charter?

I would choose this trip if you want a small, friendly sailing day rather than a mass-market cruise. It suits people who enjoy scenery, wildlife, conversation, and a relaxed swim, with lunch already handled.

Families can benefit from the space and personal attention. Couples may like the quiet setting, drinks, and sunset-like romance of being offshore, although the listed trip duration does not promise a sunset departure. Wildlife fans should appreciate the crew’s explanations, while photographers get clear views of the cliffs and open water.

I would think twice if you dislike boats, need guaranteed wildlife sightings, or want a long snorkeling session. The swimming stop is an important feature, but the exact amount of time in the water is not specified.

Final verdict

Yes, I would book this if the date and weather work for you. The strongest reasons are the 10-person limit, the handsome 45-foot yacht, the excellent crew, and the useful food and drink package. Pilot whales and dolphins may be the headline, but the real pleasure is a well-paced morning or afternoon beneath Los Gigantes.

Book it for the sea, cliffs, and personal service first. Treat the whales and dolphins as a wonderful bonus, then bring a swimsuit, arrive early, and leave room in your schedule for a genuinely unhurried three hours.

FAQ

How long does the Los Gigantes whale watching charter last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours. Around two hours are allocated to sailing around the Cliffs of Los Gigantes, with time also available for wildlife watching, swimming, snorkeling, and food.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers. The boat is a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser from 2012 and has sunbeds at the bow.

What food and drinks are included?

The crew provides freshly cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava. Custom-made sandwiches are available with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Are towels included?

No. You need to bring your own towel, especially if you plan to swim or snorkel.

Where does the tour start and finish?

You meet at Third Element Charters Whale Watching and Sailing Charters, Calle Poblado Marinero, Pantalán 1, Atraque 156, 38683, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours before the start time.