Whales in Tenerife waters feel personal fast. This 46 ft sailboat cruise pairs responsible cetacean watching with a swim under the Los Gigantes cliffs.

I like that the crew runs a tight, small-guest format (max 9), so you are not fighting for space when sightings happen. I also love the extra value, the time to snorkel near the cliffs plus homemade tapas on board.

One thing to consider: you are out on the water for 3 to 4 hours, and if you are prone to seasickness, plan ahead.

Key things to know before you go

• Max 9 passengers on a 46 ft sailing boat, which keeps the vibe calm and easy to manage
• Wildlife time first (about 1.5 hours of wildlife viewing), so you are not rushing from one stop to the next
• Short snorkel window (about 15 minutes), best for quick, confident swimmers
• Snacks and drinks on board with a homemade tapas-style menu after the water time
• Conservation-first rules tied to Turismo de Tenerife’s Sustainability Charter, plus the Blue Boat Flag authorization
• Guides in multiple languages (Spanish, English, French), and named crew members in this operation include Sara, Jakob, Miguel, and Felix

Why this Los Gigantes whale cruise works (and what you feel on board)

Los Gigantes is famous for its dramatic cliffs, but the real payoff here is seeing marine life where it actually lives, not in a fenced-in viewing zone. The trip is built around a smaller sailboat setup, 46 ft long, and that matters because wildlife encounters can be unpredictable and the best viewing moments can be brief.

I like how the operation frames the day as learning plus respect. You are told about the history of the island and what the team knows about the marine species you may encounter. The most consistent praise is for how the crew manages distance and lets animals do their own thing.

Another point in your favor is the care and safety focus. You get life vests onboard and snorkel masks are included. Then the crew adds a practical touch that shows up in the way they run sightings: the captain makes sure to cut engines when whales are spotted, even from a distance, to avoid disrupting them. That single detail is a big signal that this is about responsible viewing, not just time on the water.

A quick reality check on sightings

This is a whale and dolphin cruise, but you are still in open water. One review notes there were no whales that day, and it was still described as brilliant thanks to the sailing, the coast views, and the overall experience. I would treat whale sightings as a highlight, not a guaranteed appointment.

The exact flow of your half-day on the water

This cruise runs about 3 to 4 hours, with the trip centered on Los Gigantes. It leaves from Picarus Sailing Club, with the boat name listed as Aemon or Ayla. Knowing that ahead of time saves you stress at the meeting point.

Stop 1: Picarus Sailing Club to wildlife viewing (about 1.5 hours)

Right after departure from Picarus Sailing Club, you move into wildlife viewing time. This is the biggest “search and watch” segment, and it is where you are most likely to get a close, satisfying look if the animals are in the area.

People describe seeing pilot whales and dolphins, and at least one traveler also mentioned a turtle sighting. Even when the big animals do not show up, this portion of the outing often still feels worthwhile because you are scanning, watching behaviors, and learning what you are looking for.

What makes this stop special: the viewing window is long enough that you are not constantly hustling. That gives the crew time to position the boat while keeping distance and letting animals remain comfortable.

Stop 2: Los Gigantes sailing time (about 1 hour)

Next comes sailing time, still anchored to the Los Gigantes area. This is where the day turns from “search mode” into “enjoy mode.” You get the experience of being on a sailboat with real movement, and you get time to take in the coastline from the water.

I like this pacing because it prevents the trip from feeling like a single-chance hunt. Even if you already had a great wildlife moment, sailing time is your chance to enjoy the setting at a slower tempo.

Possible drawback: if the sea is choppy, the sailing portion can be the part that tests your stomach. If you have seasickness issues, consider that the trip can have enough motion that you might want a backup plan.

Stop 3: Snorkeling under the cliffs (about 15 minutes)

Then you get snorkeling time under the cliffs. The time is short, about 15 minutes, but it is purpose-built. This is not a long instructional class, it is a chance to experience the water close to Los Gigantes and see what you can while you are there.

Snorkel masks are included, but the tuba, the snorkel piece itself, is not listed as included. You should also bring your own towel because it is not included.

What to do to get the most out of snorkel time:

• Come ready in swimwear so you are not losing precious minutes changing.
• Use high-protection, biodegradable sunscreen, since you will be in the water.
• If you are a nervous swimmer, treat this as “try it,” not “do it perfectly.” The goal is to enjoy the water close to the cliffs.

Stop 4: Meal onboard, tapas-style (about 15 minutes)

Right after the water time, the trip serves a homemade menu with tapas. Reviews mention food and drinks being part of the experience and specifically call out good options for vegetarians.

This short meal window is timed well. You are back on board, you are warm, and you can relax with food without needing a separate restaurant stop.

Why this matters for value: $88 per person is easiest to justify when the trip includes more than just the boat and the wildlife viewing. Here, you also get the snorkeling opportunity plus a meal onboard, which turns it into a true half-day package.

Return to Picarus Sailing Club

You wrap up back at Picarus Sailing Club. The overall feeling from the feedback is that the trip stays organized and calm, with the crew focused on both safety and the animal experience.

The crew and the conservation details that change the vibe

One of the most praised aspects of this cruise is how the crew behaves when wildlife is near. Named guide moments in the feedback include Sara, Jakob, Miguel, Nettie, and Felix, and multiple people mention that guides explain what you are seeing and how to respect it.

A key operational detail is how the captain handles engine use. Cutting engines during whale sightings is not just a nice touch; it reduces noise and disturbance. It also supports safer viewing because animals are less likely to react unpredictably.

The company also ties itself to formal frameworks. They are members of the Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching from Turismo de Tenerife, and they are active members of Asociacion de Cetáceos del Sur de Tenerife. They carry the Blue Boat Flag, which indicates authorization by the Government to practice whale watching responsibly.

You can feel how that shows up in the day’s tone. The trip is described as calm and relaxing, not like a loud tour stampede. When a small group of about nine people is on board, it becomes easier for the crew to manage attention and behavior around wildlife.

Price and value: what you actually get for $88

At $88 per person for 3 to 4 hours, this is not the cheapest option in the area. But the price starts making sense when you break down what is included:

• A 46 ft sailboat experience from Los Gigantes
• Wildlife viewing time (about 1.5 hours)
• A sailing segment (about 1 hour)
• Snorkeling time under the cliffs (about 15 minutes) with snorkel masks included
• A homemade tapas-style menu plus drinks
• Safety gear onboard (life vests)

Also, small-group sailing is often what drives price up compared with larger boats. Here, that smaller format is part of the value. Reviews repeatedly highlight that the boat does not feel overcrowded, which helps both comfort and the quality of viewing.

What I would compare when choosing a different boat

If you are shopping around, look at three things, not ten:

1. Group size, max 9 is a strong sign of control
2. What is included besides viewing, masks and a meal matter
3. How they handle respect and distance around wildlife, including engine rules

What to bring, and what to double-check

The basics are straightforward, and they line up well with a half-day water activity.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel (not included)
• Biodegradable sunscreen, high protection (50+ recommended)
• Anything you need for comfort during sea motion, if you are prone to it

Included:

• Life vests
• Snorkel masks

Not included:

• Tuba from snorkel equipment (snorkel tube)
• Towel
• Sun protection supplies beyond what you bring yourself

One more practical tip from the way this trip is scheduled: since snorkeling happens after sailing, arrive ready to change quickly. The snorkel window is short, so you will feel every minute.

Who this cruise suits best

This is a good match if you want:

• A small-group whale watching experience with a calmer feel on board
• A mix of wildlife viewing and time in the water under the cliffs
• A trip with food included, not just snacks at some later stop

It is also a solid choice for couples and small groups who like a more personal guide experience. Many praised the intimacy of being around just a handful of people and having space to move safely.

If you are a strong swimmer and comfortable with snorkeling for about 15 minutes, you will likely feel satisfied with the water time. If you are not comfortable in open water, you can still enjoy the sailing and wildlife watching, but your time in the snorkel stop might be more “dip a toe” than an underwater adventure.

Should you book this one?

If you care about responsible wildlife behavior and you want more than a quick sightseeing loop, I think you should book this. The combination of small-group sailing, snorkel time under the cliffs, and onboard homemade tapas gives you a full half-day that feels complete.

Book it with extra caution only if seasickness is a frequent problem for you. The trip is long enough that motion can matter, and at least one review specifically called out an unexpected seasickness challenge. If you handle waves well, or you take precautions, this is a strong value pick for Los Gigantes.

FAQ

Where does the cruise meet?

You meet at Picarus Sailing Club. The boat name is listed as Aemon or Ayla.

How many people are on the sailboat?

The excursions are private or small groups, with a maximum of nine passengers.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkel masks are included, and life vests are provided. The tuba from snorkel equipment is listed as not included.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

Snorkeling time is about 15 minutes.

What food is served on board?

A homemade tapas-style menu is served onboard, along with drinks.

What languages are the guides?

The live guide offers Spanish, English, and French.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen (50+ is recommended).