Pilot whales in Los Gigantes are the real highlight. This 3-hour cruise from MPC Yacht Charter blends whale spotting with a swim stop at the Cliffs of the Giants, then tops it off with lunch onboard. I like the small-group feel guided by captain Antonio, and I like that snorkeling gear and food are included. The main tradeoff is that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so you are booking the whole experience, not one animal.

You also get big Canaries scenery without rushing. Expect views that can include Teide Volcano, La Gomera, and the Teno area, plus a sunset option on select departures. If you get seasick, plan ahead, because even a smooth sailing trip can still feel a bit bouncy.

Key things to know before you go

• Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are the targets, and the captain will search actively around Los Gigantes.
• Cliffs of the Giants photo stop happens right after the whale watching portion, with a scenic base-of-cliffs cove.
• You swim or snorkel in a natural cove, with snorkeling gear provided on board.
• Lunch and drinks are part of the cruise, served onboard after your water time.
• Small group comfort is a big theme, with the boat often feeling relaxed instead of crowded.

A Los Gigantes Cruise Built Around Real Wildlife Time

Los Gigantes is one of the Canaries spots where the ocean feels alive. The whole plan is designed around finding marine life first, then spending the downtime doing something fun and scenic, instead of just touring the coastline from a distance. I like that the itinerary respects the main reason you came: spotting whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

The best moments tend to be the in-between scenes. You might see pilot whales cruising close to the route, and bottlenose dolphins that hop, slice through the water, and hang around long enough for you to actually register what you are seeing. One of the reasons the reviews sound so happy is simple: when animals show up, the crew knows where to put you for good viewing without turning the experience into chaos.

And you’re not stuck on the boat the entire time. After the whale and dolphin watching portion, there’s a stop by the Cliffs of the Giants with a cove that’s made for swimming or snorkeling. That means your ticket isn’t just about watching through glass or binoculars. You get to feel part of the scene, in clear water, near dramatic vertical rock walls.

Meeting at MPC Yacht Charter, Then Out to Los Gigantes

Your tour starts at MPC Yacht Charter. You meet in advance with your confirmation voucher, then head out from Los Gigantes to begin the search for marine life. This is the kind of half-day plan that stays straightforward: you show up, get your snorkeling gear and safety briefing, then the crew handles the rest.

One small detail that matters: the cruise is 3 hours total. That short duration is why the itinerary stays purposeful. There’s just enough time to watch for cetaceans, take in the coastline, and still enjoy a swim stop with food afterward. If you want a more drawn-out full day on the water, this one might feel compact. If you want value and variety in a manageable time window, it fits nicely.

Captain Antonio is often singled out in feedback for two reasons: he’s friendly and he puts effort into finding the best viewing areas. I also like that the vibe described is relaxed. When the crew stays calm and respectful, wildlife watching usually feels better, because you are not getting yanked around every minute.

Coast Views While the Crew Searches for Pilot Whales and Dolphins

Once you leave the port of Los Gigantes, the cruise becomes a moving search. The focus is pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, with the captain keeping an eye out for other marine life too. Depending on the season, you might also see species like fin whales or sperm whales, and the area is known for loggerhead sea turtles. That means you are not only hunting for one jackpot animal.

You can also expect good scenery while the search happens. The route can include views of Teide Volcano and you may spot La Gomera in the distance, plus the rural park of Teno. Even if a whale or dolphin decides to stay out of view that day, the coastline scenery is a real part of the payoff.

I also think the “shared or private” setup is worth considering. Shared cruises can still feel intimate, especially when the boat is small and the group stays low. The reviews frequently mention small numbers, like around 6 to 9 passengers, and that makes a difference for comfort and sound level. On a crowded boat, everyone ends up leaning on the same rail. On a small group, you can spread out, relax, and actually watch.

The Cliffs of the Giants Stop: Photos First, Then Water Time

After the whale and dolphin watching portion, the cruise shifts to the cliffs. The Cliffs of the Giants are around 600 meters high, and they are the kind of scenery that instantly makes your camera feel inadequate. You are not just looking at a wall of rock. You are seeing a whole vertical world, with the sea carving its way along the base.

Then comes the best “do something” moment. The plan includes a 30-minute stop at the base of the cliffs, in a cove that’s set up for swimming or snorkeling. This is where the cruise turns from sightseeing into activity. The water is described as clear in this area, and snorkeling gear is included.

What I like about the cove stop is that it adds variety without inflating the tour length. You get a break from scanning the horizon, then you switch gears completely and look underwater. Many people report lots of fish in the snorkeling area, and that’s the kind of payoff that feels immediate, because you do not have to wait for a whale to rise for you to see something.

A note on expectations: some cove stops feel different day to day depending on water conditions and timing. Even when the stop is scheduled as 30 minutes, your actual time in the water can be shorter if you have to climb in, adjust your gear, or deal with wind and swells. If your top priority is a long swim, this won’t feel like a beach day. If your priority is a quick, scenic, memorable water moment in between wildlife viewing, it’s a good fit.

Lunch and Drinks Onboard: Simple, Filling, and Timed Well

This is the part many people underestimate until they do the cruise: lunch is included, plus appetizers and drinks. You’re not paying extra to eat, and the food is timed so you don’t feel wrecked after snorkeling.

Based on how the meals are described, it’s more tapas-style than a formal hot lunch. Expect cold snacks, fruit, and drinks, with lunch served onboard. After time in the water, that style works well. You’re not trying to eat something heavy and hot while you are still getting your bearings on a rocking boat.

I also like that the crew handles the whole “fuel you up” step. On tours where you bring your own food, people end up hungry, cranky, or forgetting sunscreen because they were too busy thinking about snacks. Here, you can just focus on the ride and the sea.

If you are picky about hot meals, keep it in mind. One drawback that comes up is that the lunch is not described as a full sit-down hot-course meal. But the tradeoff is that the food is easy to enjoy in a marine setting, and it seems to hit the “satisfying after snorkeling” target for most people.

Sunset Option: When the Cliffs Turn Cinematic

Some departures include a sunset option, which changes the mood of the cruise. Instead of watching wildlife under flat daylight, you get the chance to see whales and dolphins with the light shifting behind you. That can mean moodier photos and a calmer, golden-hour feeling while you’re on the water.

I’d treat sunset departures as the “views and atmosphere” choice. If your goal is maximum daylight time for spotting animals and snorkeling, a regular departure can feel more straightforward. If you want the romance of golden light and dramatic cliff shadows, sunset is the reason to pick one of those times.

Either way, you still get the same core structure: whale and dolphin searching first, then the cliffs stop and a cove swim or snorkel portion, then you head back toward port.

What You Might See, and How to Watch Better

The whole point of this tour is marine life. The main species to watch for are pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Other sightings depend on season and luck, but the area’s wildlife list can include loggerhead sea turtles and other cetaceans like fin or sperm whales.

The reviews add extra detail on what people have seen at different times, like tuna fish and various other marine life glimpses while snorkeling. That’s why I think it’s useful to keep your eyes active in two ways:

• Look outward first, especially during the whale and dolphin searching portion.
• Then switch to underwater curiosity once you reach the cove and snorkeling time.

One smart viewing habit is to give the captain your full attention during the animal spotting windows. When whales surface, it is usually quick, and the captain often positions the boat to maximize your sightline. When the boat is moving steadily and the group is not panicking, you actually get time to watch properly.

Also, a lot of the best moments described involve animals staying around for a while. If you see dolphins or whales repeatedly over several minutes, you’re usually in the sweet spot. Stay patient and keep filming, but avoid yelling or standing too chaotically along the rails.

Who This 3-Hour Whale and Dolphin Cruise Works Best For

This tour works especially well if you want a condensed day with multiple highlights. You get wildlife watching, cliffs scenery, and a real swim or snorkel stop, plus lunch and drinks. It’s a great option for first-time visitors to Tenerife who want the iconic Los Gigantes look and the chance to see cetaceans without committing to a full-day boat expedition.

It can also suit couples and friends because small group size is part of the appeal. If you dislike big crowds on boats, you’ll likely appreciate the calmer feel that often comes with these smaller departures.

There are also a couple of clear “read the fine print” situations. The activity is listed as not suitable for people with heart problems. It also says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, even though it is marked wheelchair accessible. If you fall into either category, I’d treat this as a “confirm with the provider before you book” situation, since boats and boarding steps can vary.

If you get motion sickness easily, plan ahead. One review advice stands out: take travel sickness medicine beforehand. The boat ride is not described as a wrecking-ball experience, and people do mention smooth sailing, but the ocean still has sway. Bringing a jacket helps too, because sea air can cool you off fast.

Practical Tips: What to Bring and How to Get Better Photos

The basics are simple. Bring a towel, a camera, and a jacket. You’ll also want to dress for changing conditions because it can feel warm in port, then cooler once you’re out on the water. If you plan to snorkel, do not forget that you may want to rinse off later, so having your towel is genuinely useful.

For photos and video, consider how you will shoot:

• Keep your camera ready during the whale and dolphin portion, because surface appearances can be sudden.
• During the snorkeling stop, be prepared for quick moments underwater. Even with good visibility, you are not standing still like in a pool.

If you get cold easily, a jacket is the smart move. If you are prone to seasickness, bring whatever works best for you, and take it before you feel off.

One more practical point: alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That’s actually a good thing on the water. It keeps the trip safer and helps everyone stay alert for spotting wildlife.

Should You Book the Los Gigantes Whale and Dolphin Cruise?

I’d book this cruise if you want a smart 3-hour plan that mixes whale and dolphin watching with scenery and a hands-on swim or snorkeling stop. For $74 per person, the value is the combo: cruise time, snorkeling gear, lunch, appetizers, and drinks, all wrapped into one departure from Los Gigantes. The experience is not only about waiting for whales, it also gives you a real activity at the Cliffs of the Giants.

I would hesitate only if your priority is guaranteed sightings, long swimming time, or you need a fully accessible setup without any walking or boarding considerations. Wildlife sightings are always weather and season dependent, and while the cove stop is scheduled, your actual time in the water can vary.

If you like the idea of captain Antonio steering you toward the best chance of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, then enjoying a cove by the Cliffs of the Giants with snacks and lunch onboard, this is one of the better “do it once, do it right” tours from Tenerife’s southwest.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale and dolphin cruise?

It lasts 3 hours total.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at MPC Yacht Charter. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What marine animals does the tour look for?

The cruise searches for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Depending on season and conditions, you might also see other cetaceans and sea turtles, such as loggerhead sea turtles.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, along with safety equipment.

Is lunch and drinks included?

Yes. The cruise includes lunch, plus appetizers and drinks served onboard.

Are there different group options and languages?

The cruise can be shared or private, with private or small groups available. The live tour guide speaks Spanish and English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.