Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

The cliffs are only the beginning. This three-hour Los Gigantes cruise combines ocean wildlife with a relaxed sailboat outing along Tenerife’s southwest coast. I like the limited group of up to 10 people, which gives you room to move around, and I like the crew’s clear care for marine life. The main thing to remember is that whales and dolphins are wild animals, so sightings can never be promised.

I also like that this is more than a quick wildlife search. You get drinks, fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, and time to swim or snorkel in a small coastal cove. The price, about $88 per person, is not the cheapest boat trip from Los Gigantes, but the small group, sailing boat, food, drinks, and attentive crew make it a fair buy for many visitors.

Key Points Before You Book

• Small boat, maximum 10 people: You get a calmer, less crowded experience than on a large sightseeing vessel.
• Pilot whales are the main prize: Dolphins and turtles are also possible, but sightings depend on nature and sea conditions.
• The Los Gigantes cliffs look best from the water: The return trip gives you time to enjoy the towering coastal rock faces.
• Swimming and snorkeling are included: The stop lasts about 30 minutes, with equipment provided.
• Food and drinks are part of the fare: Fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks are included.
• The crew focuses on wildlife welfare: Guides explain the animals and avoid chasing them, an important point for anyone concerned about responsible whale watching.

Setting Out From Pier 1 in Los Gigantes

Your meeting point is Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Los Gigantes port, at Pier 1, mooring number 156. The port is the practical starting point, but the real show begins as the boat leaves shore and the cliffs open up around you.

This is a sailing boat rather than a large whale-watching ship. The small size matters. With no more than 10 participants, you can spread out, change position, and find a useful viewing spot without squeezing past a crowd. Several people found the boat clean, comfortable, and well maintained, and that is exactly what you want when three hours on the Atlantic is part of your day.

The crew may invite you to help raise the sail if the weather and sea conditions allow it. That gives the trip a more hands-on feel. Still, do not assume the whole outing will be powered by wind. One passenger specifically wished the boat had sailed more, even though the sail was raised. Conditions, speed, and the need to reach wildlife areas can affect how much sailing actually takes place.

The crew members named most often are David, Jamie, and Eileen, though the team may vary by departure. They speak Spanish, English, French, and German. That language range is useful on a small boat, where explanations and safety instructions are easier to follow when communication is direct.

Two Hours Searching for Whales and Dolphins

The wildlife portion takes up about two hours of the three-hour outing. The boat heads into the Atlantic near Tenerife’s southwest coast, where you look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life.

Pilot whales are the sighting most often associated with this trip. Several outings have seen family groups, calves, and whales swimming close to the sailboat. One particularly memorable kind of encounter is when a pod approaches on its own, passes beneath the boat, or travels alongside it. That can feel remarkably personal from a small sailing vessel, but it is important not to treat such moments as guaranteed.

Dolphins are also a strong possibility. Sightings have included playful groups and dolphins close to the boat. Some departures have also seen turtles, flying fish, and more than one type of whale. On another outing, the crew helped a protected seabird chick that was struggling in the water, a small detail that shows how closely they watch the sea around them.

The guides explain what you are seeing and share information about Tenerife, the Canary Islands, and the surrounding marine environment. I value that approach because a whale sighting becomes more meaningful when you understand the animal’s behavior and why the boat is keeping a respectful distance.

The crew does not chase animals for a better photograph. They follow wildlife rules and allow the animals to decide how close they come. This may mean your boat moves slowly or waits quietly. That is a positive trade-off, though it also means the pace can feel unhurried if wildlife is not immediately nearby.

Bring patience. You may have a thrilling encounter with pilot whales and dolphins, or you may see fewer animals. The supplied experiences include both whale sightings and a trip where no whales were seen, although dolphins and a turtle still made the outing worthwhile. That is the honest bargain with any wildlife cruise: you are paying for time in the animals’ habitat, not a staged performance.

What the Small Group Changes

The maximum group size of 10 is one of the strongest reasons to choose this excursion. On a crowded boat, the best viewing place can become a competition. Here, you have a better chance of seeing over the side, moving around, and asking questions without shouting.

The atmosphere also appears to be more personal. Solo passengers have felt included, and families with children around 10 and 11 have enjoyed the outing. The crew takes time to help people feel comfortable, including those who are not confident in the water.

The small group does not make the boat private, of course. You will still share the space with other people, and the boat’s movement can be felt. But compared with a large vessel carrying many passengers, this is a quieter and more relaxed way to watch wildlife.

Sea conditions are worth considering. At least one outing included passengers who felt seasick, and the advice was to take suitable medication beforehand. If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare before boarding rather than waiting until the boat is already offshore.

Snorkeling Near the Los Gigantes Cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat stops at a small cove for about 30 minutes. You can swim from the boat or use the provided snorkeling equipment to look beneath the surface.

This is a useful change of pace. You have spent much of the trip watching the sea, and now you can enter it. Clear water and colorful fish have been reported at the snorkeling stop, with the cliffs of Los Gigantes nearby. The setting gives you a different view of Tenerife’s coast, this time from water level.

The stop is not a full snorkeling expedition. Thirty minutes passes quickly, especially if you need time to change, settle into the water, or take turns with children. Still, it adds real value to the trip and prevents the cruise from feeling like two hours of searching followed by a straight ride home.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Towels are not included. Comfortable, breathable clothing is best for the boat, and a dry change of clothes will make the return to port more pleasant.

The excursion is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Boarding a sailboat and getting in and out of the water require a level of physical ability, and the operator does not list this activity as accessible for those with mobility limitations.

Fresh Fruit, Sandwiches, and Drinks on Board

The food service is simple but generous for a three-hour cruise. You receive fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices available. That makes the trip easier to recommend to mixed groups with different diets.

The sandwiches are freshly made rather than just a token snack. Several people particularly enjoyed them, and one vegan passenger appreciated having a proper option. Drinks include cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks. You can enjoy a glass of chilled wine and some fruit while the boat heads back toward Los Gigantes.

The drinks add to the relaxed character of the outing, but remember that you are still on a moving boat. If you are sensitive to motion, eating lightly and limiting alcohol may be sensible. Water is not specifically listed among the included drinks, so confirm details when booking if that matters to you.

The crew’s hospitality is another important part of the value. David, Jamie, and Eileen have been praised for being friendly, attentive, and easy to talk with. Some passengers felt welcomed from the moment they stepped aboard, while others appreciated the crew’s help with swimming and snorkeling.

Returning Beneath the Los Gigantes Cliffs

The final part of the cruise is a slow trip back to the marina. This is when you get a good look at Los Gigantes from the sea, with the tall cliffs rising along the coast.

Seeing the cliffs from a boat changes the scale. From land, you view them from a road, harbor, or lookout. From the water, the rock walls frame the boat and give you a better sense of their height. The return route is also less rushed than the outward search, so you can relax with a drink, finish your sandwich, and take photographs.

Photos are not included in the tour price. You can bring your own phone or camera, but protect it carefully around salt water and while moving around the boat. The crew has sometimes shared photos and videos after the trip, but that should not be treated as a standard inclusion.

Is $88 a Fair Price?

At about $88 per person, this cruise sits above the cheapest whale-watching options around Los Gigantes. I would not choose it solely to save money. I would choose it for the combination of a small group, a sailing boat, food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a crew that explains the wildlife rather than simply pointing at it.

The value improves if you plan to spend the full three hours on board. A cheaper trip may offer a larger boat or fewer included extras. Here, you receive a complete half-day activity with wildlife watching, coastal views, a swim stop, sandwiches, and drinks.

The price is less compelling if your only goal is to see a whale as quickly as possible. Wild sightings are never certain, and the trip follows the animals’ pace. If you want a guaranteed schedule of close encounters, no responsible operator can honestly provide that.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later give you some useful flexibility. Check the available start times before booking, since the departure schedule can vary.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

I would recommend this experience to couples, families with older children, solo passengers, and anyone who prefers a quiet boat to a crowded excursion. It is especially suitable if you care about how wildlife is approached and want guides who can answer questions in several languages.

It also suits people who want more than whale watching. The swim, snorkeling, cliff views, and lunch-like refreshments make the outing feel rounded. You do not need to be an expert sailor, and the crew helps newcomers feel at ease on the boat.

I would think twice if you dislike open water, are highly prone to seasickness, need accessible boarding, or would be disappointed by a trip without whale sightings. You should also be comfortable bringing your own towel and accepting that the sailing element depends on the conditions.

Should You Book Third Element?

Yes, if you want a small, friendly, wildlife-conscious outing rather than the cheapest boat ride. The strongest reasons are the maximum 10-person group, the comfortable sailboat, the crew’s care for marine life, and the thoughtful extras: fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, drinks, and snorkeling equipment.

Book it with realistic expectations. Pilot whales and dolphins are often seen, sometimes very close, but nature sets the schedule. If you can accept that uncertainty, this cruise gives you a calm and well-supported way to experience Tenerife’s southwest coast, with the Los Gigantes cliffs providing a memorable finish.

FAQ

Where does the Los Gigantes whale watching cruise start?

The cruise starts at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters in Los Gigantes port. The meeting point is Pier 1, mooring number 156.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts three hours. About two hours are used for sailing and searching for whales, dolphins, and other marine life, followed by about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

What animals might I see?

You might see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life. Sightings are not guaranteed because the animals are wild.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with time to swim or snorkel at a small coastal cove.

What food and drinks are included?

The boat provides fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. Drinks include cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, and comfortable, breathable clothing. Towels and photos are not included.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.