Los Gigantes pulls you in fast. This 3-hour sailing charter pairs whale watching with a swim and snorkeling stop along the cliffs, with a calm, personal vibe instead of the usual big-boat crowd. You’ll sail around the dramatic coast of Tenerife, then head for a quieter water spot for time in the sea.

What I like most is the small-group setup. The tour caps at 10 people, so the crew can actually check in and answer questions as you go, and you get more time looking out at the water for dolphins and whales. Names that pop up again and again in the on-board teams include Captain Jaime, plus guides like David and Eileen.

One thing to plan for: towels aren’t included. Also, like any sea trip, weather and sea conditions matter, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, bring your usual trick and expect some pitching on choppy days.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Max 10 people on a Bavaria Cruiser 45 for easier viewing and less jostling
• Whale watching near Los Gigantes with the chance to spot pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles
• Snorkeling time at a quieter cove with comfortable bow sunbeds during sailing
• All the food is on board, including fruit, sandwiches, snacks, and lunch style bites
• Diet options are real, with gluten-free and vegan (plus vegetarian) sandwich choices

Los Gigantes sailing, whales, and that cliff view people remember

Los Gigantes is one of those Tenerife coasts that looks unreal from shore, and even better from the water. On this charter, you’ll spend your sailing time circling the cliffs, which gives you angles you don’t get from the promenade. Expect long stretches of watching the surface and listening for the crew’s guidance as they scan for wildlife.

The whale watching part is the main event. In the experience, you’re not just thrown onto a boat and told to look. The crew spends time explaining what they’re seeing and where they expect animals to surface, which helps you spot things faster. Based on the sightings people report, the most common standouts include pilot whales and multiple dolphin types, with occasional surprises like sea turtles.

If you’re the kind of person who likes your photos to feel “close,” this is a good match. A smaller group plus a sailing setup tends to keep the boat in a watch-friendly position longer than mass tours.

What the Los Gigantes stop feels like in real time

You’ll start with the coast-focused sailing time around Los Gigantes. The highlight is the combination of dramatic scenery and “rolling search,” meaning you’ll often be switching between scenic sailing and short bursts of focused watching. One practical tip from the vibe of the day, people get stressed if they arrive late, so I’d treat timing as serious and give yourself extra buffer at the port.

A 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser, plus sunbeds that actually get used

This tour runs on a Bavaria Cruiser, a 45-foot sailboat (2012). The big win here is comfort and space. The boat has sunbeds on the bow, so when conditions are calm, you can settle in and watch the cliffs and the open water without constantly changing positions.

The max of 10 travelers also changes the mood. You’re not packed shoulder to shoulder, and the crew can move around and help people with questions, spotting tips, or getting set up for snorkeling. Several people specifically call out that the smaller size makes it easier to speak with the guide team, even in mixed-age groups.

Another plus is that the tour’s attention to the “small things” shows up in how the day flows. There are drinks and snacks built into the experience, and it feels more like a planned outing than a rushed checklist.

Snorkeling and swimming near the cliffs, with food waiting on board

After whale watching, the day shifts to water time. The tour includes a swim and snorkeling opportunity at a spot along the coast that’s described as less crowded than the typical main-stream swimming areas. From what you can expect on the day, the crew sets you up with a safe, clear plan, then gives you time to actually enjoy the water.

I like that this isn’t a “60 seconds and out” moment. People mention enjoying the swimming time by the cliffs, and the cove-style location makes the water feel more contained than open-ocean spots.

What you eat while the sea trip happens

Food is included, and it matters because it keeps the day from getting dragged out by hunger. You’ll have freshly cut fruit, custom sandwiches (with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options), plus snacks and bottled water. Drinks are also included, including cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Lunch is described as part of the on-board experience, and the overall pattern is: sail and watch, pause for the swim or snorkeling, then enjoy the included food while you’re still on the boat. That’s a great setup if you want your holiday to feel like a full day in miniature, not an activity that steals hours and sends you looking for food afterward.

Practical note on snorkeling stuff

Towels are not included. If you want to stay comfortable after getting out of the water, bring your own small towel or plan to dry off using what you have available. Also, you’ll likely be happiest if you arrive ready to change into swimwear or comfortable quick-dry layers.

What’s included, what’s not, and how the diet options work

Let’s break it down clearly.

Included on board

• Complimentary drinks: cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Freshly cut fruit
• Custom-made sandwiches, including vegan and gluten-free options
• Snacks
• Bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages (included with the drink offering)

Not included

• Towels

If you follow a gluten-free or vegan diet, this charter is a strong fit because the sandwich options are explicitly catered. That sounds small, but on a sea trip it makes a real difference. Instead of eating a boring fallback, you get a meal that fits your routine.

Meeting point in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and how to avoid last-minute stress

The meeting point is at Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, Calle Poblado Marinero, s/n Pantalán 1 Atraque 156, 38683, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stuck arranging transport afterward.

Two practical points I’d plan for:

• Show up early enough to park and get to the boat without rushing. People specifically warn that you do not want to miss departure time.
• Since it’s near public transportation, you can also plan a low-stress route if you don’t want to hunt for parking.

Tour timing and day pacing

The total duration is about 3 hours. The main sail time and Los Gigantes focus is about 2 hours, with the rest of the day built around searching for wildlife and the swim or snorkeling stop, then eating while you’re still on board.

Because it’s a small-group sailing trip, the crew can keep the schedule flexible based on what the sea gives them that day. That’s another reason this style can feel better than fixed, high-volume tours.

Language, crew style, and the Sunday and Monday wrinkle

The tour is offered in English. Also, there’s a note that the German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays. If you’re traveling on one of those days and you were hoping for a German-speaking guide, double-check what language support will be available when you book.

On the boat, the crew style is a big part of why people rate this so highly. You’ll often hear how the captain and guide team explain local wildlife and what they’re watching for as you go. Names that come up frequently in the on-board team include Captain Jaime, plus guides like David and Eileen (and other crew members in the same team), and people describe them as warm and engaging.

Weather matters, and that’s not a deal-breaker

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

In practice, that means you should have realistic expectations. You can absolutely go planning for whale watching, but you’re also borrowing the ocean’s mood for the day. If it turns choppy, you may feel it more than you would on a large motor vessel, since it’s a sailing-focused trip.

One more comfort tip: bring your usual sea-sickness prevention if you’re sensitive. A few people mention feeling a bit sea sick, and the crew helps, but prevention is still the easiest route.

Who should book this Los Gigantes whale watching charter

This is a great choice if you want:

• Small-group whale watching with more attention from the crew
• A sail-first day that includes real time for snorkeling, not just a quick stop
• Included food and drinks, especially if you need vegan or gluten-free options
• A boat experience with a relaxed pace and space to move and watch

It may be less ideal if you want a super long day, a fixed sightseeing schedule, or if you refuse to be on the water in anything but calm seas.

It also fits well for families and mixed-age groups. People specifically mention the crew pacing and attention working nicely across ages.

Should you book? My honest take

If you’re choosing between a big, crowded whale tour and a calmer sailing charter, I’d lean toward this one for the value math alone. For roughly $90.70 per person and about 3 hours on the water, you get the full package: whale watching time, a swim or snorkeling stop, and a genuinely useful meal setup (fruit, sandwiches, snacks) plus drinks.

My main decision point is your comfort with sea conditions and your prep. Bring a towel, and if you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. If you do that, you’ll likely appreciate the small-group feel and the crew’s hands-on style more than you would on a larger boat.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale watching charter?

It’s about 3 hours in duration.

How much does the tour cost?

The price listed is $90.70 per person.

Is whale watching and snorkeling included?

Yes. The experience includes whale watching plus snorkeling and time to swim.

What food and drinks are included?

You get complimentary drinks (cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks), fresh fruit, snacks, bottled water, and custom sandwiches (with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options). Alcoholic beverages are also included with the drink offering.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in English. There is also a note that the German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays.

Where do I meet, and where do we end?

The meeting point is Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Calle Poblado Marinero, s/n Pantalán 1 Atraque 156, 38683, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

When do I receive confirmation after booking?

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.