Whales plus Los Gigantes cliffs, on one sail. This cruise is built for close watching and calm sailing off Tenerife’s southwest coast, with a good chance of pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles. The small group setup (max 10) also makes it feel like a real boat day, not a cattle-call hunt.

I also like the way the trip feels cared for: you get fruit and homemade sandwiches plus drinks on board, and the crew, including David and Eileen, keeps things friendly and clear in multiple languages. One drawback to note up front, the swim and snorkel stop is only about 30 minutes, so it is best if you see snorkeling as part of the experience, not a long session.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Max 10 people on board means easier viewing and more space to move around
• Los Gigantes cliffs from the sea give you the best angle, no driving needed
• Pilot whale sightings can be up close when the pod is in the area
• Swim and snorkel at a small cove with snorkeling gear provided
• Food and drinks are part of the value (fruit, sandwiches, cava, wine, beer, soft drinks)
• Marine-respecting crew behavior shows up in small conservation-minded actions

Setting Sail From Los Gigantes: Why This Part Changes Everything

Los Gigantes is one of those rare places where the scenery is the main character, and you only get the full effect from the water. From the port, the cliffs rise hard and dramatic along Tenerife’s southwest coast, and you’ll see them as you sail out and later on the way back. Even if you do whale watching all over the Canaries, this coastline angle is special.

I like that you’re not starting the day with a bus ride and a lecture that goes on forever. You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Pier 1, mooring number 156, then you’re on a sailboat with an intimate group. The focus stays on being outside, looking around, and letting the ocean deliver the moments.

The “sailing” part is also worth taking seriously. If the conditions are right, the crew helps raise the sail. When the wind works, the whole trip feels lighter and slower, and that helps you scan the horizon without rushing.

The 3-Hour Plan, with Realistic Expectations for Animals

This is a 3-hour outing, so it is short enough to feel energetic and long enough to matter. You spend about 2 hours cruising out for wildlife, then you get a 30-minute swim and snorkel stop, and finish with a relaxed return to port.

Here is the key thing you should plan for: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. But this route is set up specifically for Atlantic species in the area, and the cruise aims for chances at:

• dolphins
• pilot whales
• turtles

You’ll also often see other sea life while you’re out there, like seabirds and jumping fish. From what I’ve learned watching how the crew describes what they’re looking at, they do not just point and hope. They keep looking, adjust where they travel, and try to keep the boat behavior respectful so the animals stay calm around you.

The Wildlife Hunt: Dolphins, Pilot Whales, and Turtles in Their World

The cruise runs on active scanning. You’ll cruise out into open water and look for surface blows, movement patterns, and the kind of splashes that usually mean animals are feeding or traveling.

What makes this tour feel different in practice is the “intimate” part. With 10 people maximum, it is easier to stay alert, stay comfortable, and avoid turning the boat into a crowded platform. That matters because the more chaotic the vibe, the more likely animals move away. When the group stays calm and the crew follows the same respectful pace, you often get better viewing.

Pilot whales seem to be a frequent highlight here. You might see a pod, and if conditions line up, you may even get close pass-by moments. Dolphins can show up too, sometimes playful and clearly interested in the boat’s wake. Turtles are also on the potential list, and when they appear, it usually happens in that quiet window where everyone goes still and watches.

Also, I love the conservation-minded details that show up in real behavior on board. Examples from past trips include things like the crew helping remove an old net from the water and rescuing a protected seabird chick when one was struggling. You do not have to assume you’ll see these moments, but it tells you the team is paying attention beyond just the checklist of sightings.

Up Close in Real Life: What the Boat Experience Feels Like

This is not a big fast-ferry tour. It’s a sailing boat day with a small group, and that changes your experience immediately.

First, you get space to spread out. People repeatedly mention how comfortable and clean the boat feels. That’s not a small thing on a sea day. If the deck and seating are maintained well, you spend less time bracing yourself and more time scanning for blows and spouts.

Second, service is part of the comfort. You get:

• drinks throughout
• fresh fruit
• freshly made homemade sandwiches
• snorkeling equipment for the stop

The crew runs it like a relaxed afternoon. From experience with small-boat tours elsewhere, I’ve learned that the best ones treat food and drinks as fuel for enjoying the water, not as a last-minute snack. This one is paced so you can actually enjoy it between wildlife spotting and the swim stop.

And language access is genuinely helpful. The tour guide is live, and languages include Spanish, English, French, and German. That means you can ask what you’re seeing without feeling stuck guessing.

The Swim and Snorkel Stop: Short Time, Good Payoff

After the cruising portion, you’ll drop anchor at a small cove for swimming and snorkeling. The time is about 30 minutes, which is short, but that’s exactly why it can work well on this kind of tour. You get a chance to get in the water and enjoy the marine life without turning the day into a half-day snorkeling grind.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to carry gear. Just bring:

• swimwear
• comfortable clothes you can wear after
• a change of clothes
• a towel (not included)
• breathable layers, if you get chilly

The crew also provides what you need to make the water portion easy, and you’ll likely see colorful fish and the kind of clear coastal-water view that makes the Canaries famous. If you are a first-time snorkeler, this style of short stop is often easier to manage than long sessions. You get a taste, then you’re back on the boat while everyone’s still energized.

One practical note: boats can move, and water time is quick. If you get sea-sick, I’d plan ahead. A few people have warned that motion affects some folks, so bring sea-sickness meds if you need them.

Food, Drinks, and the Value Moment at Sea

For $88 per person and a 3-hour duration, what stands out is what’s included. You’re not paying extra for:

• drinks (including cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks)
• fruit
• homemade sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
• snorkeling equipment

That is where the value comes in. Many whale watching tours sell a ticket and then charge you for basic comfort, but this one includes a full “boat day” setup. You leave with the feeling that food and drinks were part of the plan, not an add-on.

If you eat differently, you’ll be glad to see options noted in advance, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwiches. From what I’ve seen on small-group boats, that can make the day smoother because everyone is served together and the crew can focus on the water.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This is a great match if you want:

• a small-group ocean experience
• a chance at dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles
• real time outdoors with a sailing vibe
• included snacks and drinks
• short snorkeling plus great coastal views

It can also work for families. Some past trips included kids around 10 and 11 who enjoyed the experience, likely because the pacing is not rushed and you get multiple moments to look around.

If you have mobility impairments, this tour may not be the right choice since it is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Also, if you hate time in the water, the swim and snorkeling stop could feel optional in theory but not in practice, since it is part of the schedule.

Practical Tips So You Get the Most From the Day

A few things that will help you enjoy this cruise more:

• Bring a towel. It is not included, and you’ll want one after the water stop.
• Pack a change of clothes. Even short swims get you wet, and you’ll feel better once you’re warm and dry.
• Wear breathable layers. It’s a sailboat, and coastal breezes can cool you off.
• Expect wildlife variation. Some days bring whales close up, other days bring dolphins, turtles, and other sea life. The experience still holds because the scenery and sailing are real.
• Go with a calm mindset. The best sightings happen when everyone stays steady and the crew can position the boat safely.

If you’re the type who loves asking questions, you’ll probably enjoy the guide interaction. Past trip notes highlight how the crew explains what you might see and answers questions in multiple languages.

Final Call: Should You Book This Tenerife Whale Watching Cruise?

If your goal is a small-group sailing day off Tenerife with the best shot at pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles, this is an easy yes. The price makes sense because the trip includes drinks, fruit, homemade sandwiches with multiple dietary options, snorkeling equipment, and a meaningful water stop. You also get Los Gigantes cliffs from the sea, which alone is worth building into your itinerary.

I’d say book it if you’re comfortable with a short swim and you can handle being out on the water for a few hours. If you need long snorkeling time or you have mobility limitations, you may want to look for a different style of tour.

If you’re choosing just one whale watching experience in Tenerife’s southwest area, I’d put this one near the top for the combination of intimate boat size, included comfort, and the strong track record of wildlife sightings paired with respectful crew behavior.