Los Gigantes from the sea is special. This 3-hour sailing tour mixes wildlife spotting with real time to swim and snorkel in calm coves. I especially like the small group limit of up to 10 people, which helps you feel less like a number and more like you’re along for the skipper’s search. I also like that you get a relaxed onboard rhythm, with snacks and drinks, not just a drive-by whale-watching session.

One thing to consider: wildlife sightings depend on sea conditions and where animals are cruising, so you’re not guaranteed whales every single trip. If you’re sensitive to motion or noise, plan ahead and choose your comfort priorities early.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Small group sailing with a max of 10 travelers for a more personal vibe
• Teno Rural Park coastline view, framed by the dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs
• Snorkeling in quiet coves with equipment included, plus time to swim
• Onboard snacks and drinks during the crossing, not just at the end
• Skipper-led wildlife search, often including pilot whales and dolphins, plus turtles and calderones in some outings

Los Gigantes, Viewed the Way It Was Meant to Be Seen

Los Gigantes is the kind of place that looks impressive from shore. From the water, it hits harder. You sail along a protected stretch of Tenerife’s Atlantic coast, with big cliff walls dropping into darker water, and you’re moving through the scene instead of just looking at it.

What makes this outing stand out is the combo: wildlife spotting plus actual water time. You’re not stuck on deck for the full 3 hours. You get to cool off in quiet coves and see fish up close, which turns it from a “see it, then go” activity into something that feels like a mini sea day.

The Boat and Group Size That Make It Relaxed

This is a small-group sail. Maximum capacity is 10 travelers, and many departures run even smaller than that. In practical terms, that means more room to shift your view when dolphins appear close or when the skipper spots a pod and changes direction.

The boat is described by guests as comfortable and roomy enough for real conversation and photos. One review specifically calls out a Bavaria 44, which is a solid mid-size sailing yacht style, built for comfort rather than cramped seating. That helps on the “choppy but we’re still sailing” kind of day too.

The skipper matters here. Multiple guests highlight captains named Antonio and Francisco as friendly, warm, and focused on keeping the trip moving at a good pace. You also get onboard commentary about marine life and geography as you travel along the coast.

Wildlife You Can Expect, and What Actually Affects Sightings

This tour is aimed at dolphins and whales, with sightings sometimes including tropical calderones and other marine species. Guests report pilot whales, dolphins of different types, and occasional additions like a sea turtle.

Still, here’s the honest part: nature doesn’t sign up for a schedule. Where animals are cruising changes with weather, currents, and noise in the area. One guest notes that during a holiday period with lots of party noise, whales were found farther out and dolphins were the main highlight closer to the route. Translation for you: if the sea is noisy or busy, sightings can shift.

The good news is that the skipper is out there actively searching. Guests also mention that the crew communicates with other boats to find animals, which can widen the odds when the search area is large.

What to watch for

• Dolphins often appear suddenly near the boat, then move away fast
• Pilot whales may take more patience, then show in a focused window
• Turtles and other marine life can pop up when you’re stopped for snorkeling

The 3-Hour Flow: Cliffs First, Then Quiet Water Time

You start near the harbor at MPC Yacht Charter, at Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes, Yate El Mojo Picon, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

A key detail: it’s designed to feel balanced. You get a good chunk of time sailing and scanning for marine life, then a planned stop for snorkeling or swimming in a calm cove.

Stop 1: Acantilado de los Gigantes

This is your big visual payoff. The Los Gigantes cliffs are the headline, and seeing them from sea level gives you scale you can’t get from the road. You sail along the coast and absorb the views while the skipper keeps an eye out for whales and dolphins in the surrounding protected area.

If you’re the type who loves photos, this is the part to prioritize. The cliffs create strong shadows and deep color in the water, and your camera angle changes constantly as the boat tracks along the coastline. One guest even mentions additional scenery like the La Masca area when the route allows, which is the kind of bonus that can make the trip feel more like an exploration than a single-purpose outing.

The swim and snorkel break

Next is the downtime that many people remember most. You snorkel in quiet coves, and the tour includes equipment. Guests mention clear water and lots of fish, plus the pleasure of floating under a cliff backdrop.

You also have options. Some guests focus on swimming, others on snorkeling, and some simply relax on the boat between sightings. If you’re traveling with kids, this flexible structure is a big win, because not everyone has to snorkel to enjoy the stop.

One practical note: you’ll likely step into real Atlantic water, so bring swim gear you can rely on, and consider a rash guard if you burn easily.

Snacks, Drinks, and a Light Canarian Break

The trip includes snacks and drinks onboard during the crossing, not just at the end. Many guests describe the onboard food as satisfying, with some saying it’s more like a light Canarian lunch than a token snack.

So what does that mean for you? It means you can enjoy the wildlife search without feeling hungry, and you can stay comfortable during the swim window. If you’ve ever done a short boat outing where you’re starving by hour two, you’ll appreciate this pacing.

Guests mention beers and tapas, plus light spreads such as melon, hams, and tortilla. The specific menu can vary day to day, but the overall idea stays the same: enough food to settle in and keep energy up while the skipper works on the wildlife search.

How to Choose the Right Day for Chances at Dolphins and Whales

Because sightings are natural and not guaranteed, you should think like the skipper: the goal is to be out when the sea is friendly and the animals are nearby.

This is a tour that requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the trip may be rescheduled or you may receive a full refund. That matters because choppy water can reduce comfort, and it can also change how you move around in search of animals.

Also consider the noise factor. One guest notes that during New Year’s Eve, whales were pushed farther out due to party noise. That doesn’t mean you should avoid holidays, but it’s a reason to be mentally flexible about what you might see on a given day.

Comfort Tips That Actually Help on a 3-Hour Sail

Here are the practical things that can make or break your comfort.

Arrive early if you can. One guest warns that parking near the area can be difficult, so arriving with a buffer helps you board calmly and without stress.

If you get motion sick, plan ahead. Nothing in the tour description says there’s medical support on board, and a sail can feel different depending on wind. If you know you’re sensitive, pack what you typically use, and consider sitting where you feel the least rocking.

Bring a camera strategy. One guest thanks the skipper for tips on where to place an underwater camera for better results. That’s the kind of small coaching that can level up your photos, so ask the skipper what position works best when you’re getting ready to snorkel.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This is a strong match for families, couples, and nature lovers who want a sea-based Tenerife experience that feels authentic and sustainable. The small group keeps it from becoming a loud cattle-boat situation, and the wildlife focus is paired with genuine downtime in the water.

It’s also a good option if you like flexibility. You might spend more time scanning when dolphins are active, then shift into swim mode when the cove stop happens. That keeps the day from feeling like a rigid checklist.

If you’re the type who needs guaranteed whales at all costs, treat this like wildlife watching, not a zoo appointment. The skipper will work hard, but the ocean decides what you get.

One more personal fit note: if you are very sensitive to smells or smoke, there is at least one negative account about smoking onboard. Other accounts disagree and say the captain is respectful. If you’re sensitive, choose a spot away from the skipper and bring a mask or lip balm just in case you’re reactive.

Price and Value: Is $84.69 Worth It?

At $84.69 per person for about 3 hours, this is not the cheapest thing you can do in Tenerife. But it can be good value for the mix you get.

Here’s why the price can feel fair:

• You’re paying for a small-group sail (up to 10 people), not a large crowded boat
• You get snorkeling equipment and time in the water, which many wildlife tours skip
• You get snacks and drinks included, plus a light meal-style spread on many departures
• The skipper actively looks for marine life in a protected coastal area near Los Gigantes

If you compare this to a “boat ride only” tour, the snorkeling stop and onboard food are often the deciding factor. If you’re on a tight schedule and want one high-impact nature activity that doesn’t require a full day, this format fits well.

Where You’ll Start and How to Make Boarding Easy

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter in the Los Gigantes marina area, aboard the Yate El Mojo Picon. Since the tour ends back at the same meeting point, you don’t have to plan a complicated return.

Practical advice: check your exact departure time the day of. If you arrive late due to traffic or parking, you can miss the calm start that makes boarding easy. Since parking can be tricky, give yourself extra time.

Should You Book This Los Gigantes Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour?

I’d book it if you want a small-group sailing outing that combines real marine life chances with time to snorkel and relax. The Los Gigantes cliffs are worth seeing from the water, and the tour’s structure makes it more than just waiting for a whale spout in the distance.

Skip it or consider a different option if you need guaranteed whales, or if seasickness is a major issue for you and you can’t manage it. Also think about comfort preferences if you are very sensitive to smoke or noise, since those factors come up in mixed accounts.

If you do book, pack your swimsuit, bring a towel, and plan to arrive with breathing room. That’s how you get the best version of this day at sea: wildlife spotting when it happens, snorkeling when it’s your turn, and a calm ride along one of Tenerife’s most dramatic coasts.

FAQ

How long is the dolphin and whale sailing tour from Los Gigantes?

It runs for about 3 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is listed as $84.69 per person.

How many people are on the boat?

The group size has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, English is offered.

Is snorkeling included, and is equipment provided?

Yes. You snorkel in quiet coves, and snorkeling equipment is included.

What animals might you see?

You may see dolphins, whales (including pilot whales in some outings), tropical calderones, turtles, and other marine species.

Are snacks and drinks included?

Yes. Snacks and drinks are provided onboard during the crossing.

What if weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Where is the meeting point and where does the tour end?

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter at the Los Gigantes marina area on Yate El Mojo Picon (C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.