Los Gigantes feels bigger from the sea. I love the small group setup and the way the captain actively searches Teno Rural Park for dolphins and pilot whales; the one catch is that whale sightings can vary, so some days are dolphins-only.

I also like the simple rhythm: sail along the cliffs, then have a real chance to cool off with snorkeling in calm coves, with snacks and drinks aboard during the 3-hour outing.

Key highlights

• Max 10 travelers keeps the vibe relaxed and lets you hear the skipper’s talk
• Snorkeling gear included plus time to swim from the boat in quiet coves
• Los Gigantes viewing from the water gives you a front-row seat to the cliffs
• Pilot whales and dolphin pods are the main goal, with turtles sometimes spotted too
• On-board snacks and drinks mean you don’t feel rushed or stuck on an empty stomach
• English is available, and the skipper shares marine and geography info as you cruise

Los Gigantes Looks Different From a Sailboat

Los Gigantes is one of those Tenerife places where the view changes your whole sense of scale. From shore the cliffs can look dramatic; from the water they feel close enough to touch, with the sea wrapping around them in a way photos rarely capture.

This tour runs through one of the island’s protected marine areas tied to the Teno Rural Park. That matters because your goal isn’t just sightseeing from a distance. You’re out where marine life feeds and travels, and the captain adjusts the route to where the animals are showing.

The 3-Hour Flow: What Happens Between Cliffs

The outing is about 3 hours, and you’ll start and end back at the meeting point near Los Gigantes. You meet at MPC Yacht Charter at the Yate El Mojo Picon in Puerto Deportivo, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes.

Once you’re aboard, the day usually breaks into three chunks:

First, the cruise along the Los Gigantes coast while the skipper scans for dolphins and whales. Second, you head to calmer waters for a swim or snorkeling stop in quieter coves. Third, you settle back into a relaxed return, with snacks and drinks served during the crossing.

One practical note: even though it’s a sailing tour, on calm days you might use the engine to keep the schedule moving and reach the best spots. That’s not a problem for most people—it mainly affects how “sailing-pure” the experience feels.

How You Get Whale and Dolphin Sightings (Without Chasing)

The whole point is spotting cetaceans in their natural habitat: dolphins, tropical calderones, and (when conditions line up) pilot whales. Turtles have also shown up on some trips, along with schools of colorful fish near the snorkeling area.

The skipper’s job is search and timing. The ocean area is wide, so the captain may communicate with other boats to find where animals are surfacing. That doesn’t mean the day turns into chaos. It usually means the captain is using local know-how and real-time information to guide you toward where the sightings are happening.

Noise can affect where wildlife stays, too. On at least one sailing day, loud holiday noise pushed sightings farther out, so the animals didn’t stay as close. If you want the best chance at close views, you’ll enjoy the trip more if your group stays calm and lets the skipper focus.

Acantilado de los Gigantes: The Main Scenic Stop

Your named stop is the Acantilado de los Gigantes, and the cliffs are the star of the show. Expect a cruise that puts you in a strong position for cliff views—often with a coastline that looks almost sculpted by the sea.

This stop isn’t just about looking. The cliffs are also where you’re likely to find the right mix of currents and calmer pockets for a swim later. That’s why the day feels purposeful instead of purely observational.

If you’re the type who likes a good photo viewpoint, you’ll probably love this part most. The contrast of dark blue water against the rock face is exactly the kind of Tenerife detail that feels better in motion than on a single viewpoint.

Snorkeling in Quiet Coves: Swim Time You’ll Actually Remember

After the coastal cruise, you’ll get a break in quiet coves for a swim and snorkeling. Snorkeling equipment is included, which is a big deal for value. You’re not trying to hunt down gear on the day or figure out what size mask fits your face on a moving boat.

What makes this stop work is the setting. The coves tend to feel calmer and more protected than open water, so even people who aren’t hardcore snorkelers usually have an enjoyable moment. Many people describe clear, vibrant underwater life and a relaxed swim-off-the-boat experience.

If the sea is choppy, snorkeling comfort can go down a notch. But even then, you’re at least getting a proper sea swim break rather than sitting on the deck the whole time. Bring your expectations back to earth: this isn’t a high-adrenaline dive. It’s a nature break that pairs well with the wildlife spotting.

Small-Group Sailing Comfort (and Why It’s Worth It)

The tour caps the group at 10 travelers, and that’s one of the strongest selling points here. On boats that pack in a lot more people, you often end up squeezed for views and you can’t hear the skipper’s explanations. With this one, it’s easier to feel like you’re on a real boat day, not a herd experience.

Many sailing reports highlight a Bavaria 44-style setup with plenty of room for a small group, plus a friendly captain who spends time making sure everyone’s comfortable. You’re also more likely to notice details—like the way dolphins move near the surface, or how birds follow the same water the animals use.

Then there’s the food side. Snacks and drinks are provided, and the tone is Canarian: light snacks, tapas-style bites, and in some cases a more satisfying light lunch. You don’t leave starving, which matters after a few hours on the water.

Snacks, Drinks, and the Real Value at $84.69

At $84.69 per person, the question isn’t whether the price is low. It’s whether you get enough included value to justify it.

Here’s what you’re getting inside the price:

• a small-group boat experience on the Los Gigantes coast
• snacks and drinks aboard during the sailing time
• a swim and snorkeling stop with equipment included
• a skipper who shares information about marine life and the local geography

When you add up the included elements, the price starts to make sense—especially compared with paying separately for boat tours plus snorkeling gear and a meal. Even if you only care about the water time, you’re still getting a guided route and a structured outing instead of a casual hop-on.

Captains You’ll Remember: Antonio and Francisco

A lot of the best feedback points to the skipper as the difference-maker. Names that show up include Antonio and Francisco, both described as friendly and engaging, with a real passion for the sea.

You should expect commentary about what you’re seeing—marine fauna, the way the coast is shaped, and how Teno fits into Tenerife’s broader environment. Even when conditions change and you don’t get the exact sighting you hoped for, the skipper’s explanations keep the trip from feeling like a wasted search.

There’s also a practical side: if you’re trying to capture video, the skipper may give tips for positioning to get better footage. That’s a small touch, but it can turn a good day into a memorable one.

Language, Music, and Passenger Comfort

English is listed as available, and the skipper provides information in the language offered. The goal is that you’re not left guessing what’s happening or why you’ve slowed down near a certain stretch of coastline.

One caution from the data: there is at least one strongly negative outlier report describing an unpleasant onboard interaction and feeling excluded as a non-Spanish speaker. That kind of experience is rare in the overall picture, but it’s worth treating seriously. If language comfort is important to you, choose the trip with your language needs in mind and be ready to set a calm, respectful tone on a moving boat.

On a practical comfort level, you may also notice onboard habits like music volume and onboard smoking. The boat is open-air, but if smoke and strong odors bother you, it’s smart to ask the operator how they manage comfort for children and sensitive passengers before you go. (You can’t control everything at sea, but you can at least plan.)

Meet-Up Details: Getting to Yate El Mojo Picon on Time

The meeting point is clearly set at MPC Yacht Charter, Yate El Mojo Picon at Puerto Deportivo in Los Gigantes. The listing also notes it’s near public transportation.

One tip that matters in real life: parking can be tricky in this area, so arriving early helps. If you’re a few minutes late in a harbor context, it can turn into a stressful start when the group is waiting at the dock.

Once you’re there, the start is straightforward: the activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you don’t have to solve transport at the end of the day.

Weather Is Part of the Deal

This tour requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That’s normal for whale and dolphin sailing—wind, swell, and visibility all change what the captain can safely do and where you can swim.

If you’re traveling in Tenerife with a tight schedule, it helps to treat this like a flexible slot rather than a fixed “must be on this exact day” appointment. When the sea cooperates, you’ll get a smoother sailing day and a better shot at sightings.

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

I think you should book it if you want a small-group boat day with real nature time—cliffs, dolphins, and the chance at pilot whales—plus snorkeling that’s actually included. The value is strong because you’re not just paying for viewing; you’re paying for a guided route, included swim/snorkel gear, and snacks and drinks.

You might skip or pick another option if your top priority is guaranteed whale sightings. The trip’s outcome depends on where animals are that day, and some days deliver dolphins and turtles instead of whales. You’ll still likely enjoy the day if you’re open to wildlife viewing as it comes.

One last check before you commit: if you’re sensitive to onboard comfort issues (noise, smoke, or language), think about your preferences and confirm what to expect in English from the operator. If you match the tour’s relaxed vibe, this is a lovely way to experience Los Gigantes from the sea.

FAQ

What marine life might I see on this tour?

The tour aims to spot dolphins and tropical calderones, and it also has a strong focus on pilot whales. Turtles have been seen on some outings, and snorkeling stops often include colorful fish.

Is snorkeling included, and is equipment provided?

Yes. You’ll snorkel in quiet coves, and snorkeling equipment is included. You also have time to swim from the boat.

How long is the sailing tour?

The duration is about 3 hours (approx.).

How many people are on the boat?

This activity has a maximum of 10 travelers, which keeps the group small.

Where does the tour meet?

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

What happens if the 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.

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