Whales off Los Gigantes, minus the chaos. This 3-hour sailing charter mixes whale watching with time to snorkel near the cliffs, aboard a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser. I like that it runs as a true small-group outing, capped at 10 people, so you can actually hear what is going on. I also like that food and drinks are part of the price, including lunch snacks plus options for vegan and gluten-free diets.

You also get a crew that keeps things personal. On board, Captain Jaime is often paired with hosts such as Eileen and David, and the vibe stays warm, attentive, and easy going. Between the sailing views, the stop for swimming near the cliffs, and the included fruit, sandwiches, and drinks (yes, alcoholic options too), the whole trip feels like time well spent.

One heads-up: towels are not included, so pack a quick beach towel if you want to be fully comfortable. And like most whale-sail days in Tenerife, the trip needs good weather to run smoothly.

Quick take: what you really get on this Los Gigantes sail

• Small group on a Bavaria Cruiser (maximum 10 people), which means more space on deck and more chance to ask questions.
• Whale watching off Los Gigantes with a focus on the local cetaceans in the area.
• Cliff snorkeling and swimming time near the coastline, with plenty of time to actually enjoy the water.
• Food and drinks included: cava, wine, beer, soft drinks, fruit, snacks, bottled water, and custom sandwiches (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free).
• Easy language option: the tour is offered in English.
• Bring your own towel since towels are not part of the package.

Los Gigantes on a sailboat: why this route feels special

Los Gigantes is one of those Tenerife spots that looks unreal from land: dramatic cliffs, deep water near shore, and a coastline that feels built for a boat day. On this charter, you do not just pass by the viewpoint. You spend time out on the water, where the cliffs rise straight up from the sea and where wildlife is more likely to show up.

This is also the kind of coastline where small details matter. You are close enough to the cliffs to understand why birds and marine life use this area, and you are not stuck staring at a screen or standing shoulder-to-shoulder. A small group changes the feel fast: you hear the guidance, you get clear instructions before you swim, and the captain can spend time finding the best moments.

A good part of the value here is the pacing. The whole outing is about 3 hours, so it does not drag like some half-day tours. You get whale watching time plus a real swim/snorkel window and then a relaxing onboard finish with food and drinks.

Whale watching: what to expect off the cliffs

The whale watching part is built around being out in the Los Gigantes area long enough to get chances at sightings. I like that the crew’s job is not only to keep the boat moving, but to actively explain what is happening and what you are looking at.

In terms of what you might spot, the most commonly reported wildlife includes pilot whales and dolphins. Some trips also mention other sea life such as sea turtles, different dolphin species, and even occasional birds. Of course, wildlife is wildlife: some days are quiet, and other days feel like a wildlife documentary.

What matters for your expectations is this: the captain has time to search rather than rushing straight back to port. And when something appears, the boat’s size and the small group make it easier to position so everyone can see without straining.

If whales are your top goal, this is one of the better formats on Tenerife because you are not packed into a massive crowd. You still get that outdoors feeling, and the boat stays relaxed enough that you can focus on the water.

The Bavaria Cruiser experience: space, comfort, and deck time

The boat here is a Bavaria Cruiser, 45 feet and from 2012. That matters because you tend to get stable, comfortable sailing compared with smaller dayboats, and the deck layout is made for people to move and see.

Sun time is part of the setup. There are comfortable sunbeds on the bow, and that is where you will likely end up for the best views as the boat sails along the cliffs. If you want photos, this is a big advantage: you can get into position and keep watching instead of constantly shifting around.

Also, the max 10-person limit is not just a number on paper. It affects everything:

• Less jostling means calmer whale watching.
• Better flow means easier swimming and returning to the boat.
• More room means people can spread out and still stay together.

This is the kind of boat day where the “in-between” moments count too—like the first time you round the cliffs and realize how steep and close everything is to the water.

Snorkeling and swimming by the cliffs: the part that surprises people

The tour includes time for snorkeling and swimming near the cliffs. This is not a long lecture segment. You actually get set up at a swim spot and given time in the water.

One detail you should plan for: the swim time works best when you arrive ready. You will want to have your swim gear accessible and be ready to jump in when they tell you it is go time. And since towels are not included, bring one if you want something dry and comfortable afterward.

Where it helps your day: the cove-style water near steep coastal walls can feel calm and close. Even if you are not a seasoned snorkeler, the chance to float over clear water with cliffs overhead is usually the moment people remember most.

If you do your own snorkeling, consider bringing your own mask. The data you provided does not state that snorkeling gear is included, so I would not assume you will be set up with equipment onboard. If you have gear you like, bring it along for comfort.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks: included value that actually matters

At $90.70 per person, the real question is not just the price tag. It is what you get for that time: food, drinks, and a complete water-based experience.

Here, you get:

• Complimentary drinks like cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Freshly cut fruit
• Custom made sandwiches (including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options)
• Snacks and bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages are included (if you choose them)

This is where the trip delivers for real-world comfort. You are out for about 3 hours at sea, plus swim time. Being hungry or thirsty would ruin the vibe fast. Instead, you get an easy lunch rhythm onboard, and the menu adapts for dietary needs.

I also like that the food is not an afterthought. Many boat tours treat food as a token snack. Here, sandwiches plus fruit and snacks are part of the flow, and the included options make it easier for people with dietary restrictions to enjoy the same day.

If you like to have a drink with sea air, this is also the kind of tour where that feels natural, not awkward.

Meeting point and timing: make parking your first mission

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, so you are not dealing with a late-day maze of drop-offs.

One practical tip from what you shared: make sure you have time to park. Ports can be tight, and arriving with time to spare keeps everything stress-free. When you are on a schedule for water activities, calm arrival matters.

You also get a mobile ticket, which is convenient. Still, I suggest making sure the ticket is accessible before you reach the dock area, since ports and piers can have spotty phone signals.

Who this excursion fits best (and who may want to skip it)

This trip fits best if you want:

• A small-group sailing day instead of a huge crowd
• Whale watching with a relaxed pace
• Real swimming/snorkeling time near the cliffs
• Included lunch snacks and drinks, including vegan and gluten-free options

It is especially good for couples and mixed-age groups. A smaller boat tends to keep everyone included without turning the trip into a series of bottlenecks.

It may not be the best match if you hate weather variability. This experience requires good weather, and if conditions do not cooperate you will be offered a different date or a full refund. If you are traveling on a tight schedule with no backup day, plan carefully.

And remember the towel detail. If you show up without one, you can still enjoy the swim, but you will feel that small inconvenience afterward.

Language on board: English most days, with one catch

The tour is offered in English. If you speak German, there is one note: a German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays. If your travel dates land on those days and German support matters to you, it is worth checking before you commit.

On the English side, the vibe is clear and friendly. The captain and hosts like Captain Jaime and guides such as Eileen and David are part of the on-board communication, and people consistently describe the trip as easy to follow.

What it is like onboard day-to-day: the vibe you want

The best whale watching trips tend to feel calm, not chaotic. This one seems to deliver that through its format: a small group, a crew that stays engaged, and a schedule that gives you time to enjoy rather than rush.

Expect a mix of:

• Sailing along the cliffs for big views
• Whale watching time with guidance from the captain/crew
• A set swim/snorkel slot near the coastline
• A relaxed onboard finish with fruit, sandwiches, snacks, and drinks

People also mention the boat itself as clean and well set up, and the deck space as a real plus. On a small sailboat, you can actually feel like you are part of the day instead of just waiting your turn.

Value check: is $90.70 actually fair?

For Tenerife, whale watching can swing wildly in price depending on boat size, what is included, and how long you are on the water. Here, the value is in the package:

• You get a full water experience for about 3 hours
• Food and drinks are included, including wine/beer/cava
• Dietary options are built in (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free)
• You also get swimming/snorkeling time, not just a passive viewing session
• Small group size (max 10) keeps the experience from feeling rushed

So yes, you are paying for comfort and for the fact that you are not stuck in a giant crowd. If you prefer a more personal sailing day with real breaks and included meals, it is money well used.

If you are strictly budget-minded and just want wildlife from land, you could spend less elsewhere. But for a 3-hour sail with food and drink, this is priced in a way that makes sense.

Should you book this Los Gigantes whale watching charter?

I would book this if your perfect Tenerife day includes sailing past the cliffs, chances at pilot whales and dolphins, and time to swim near shore. The small group cap at 10 people plus the included lunch and drinks (with vegan and gluten-free options) makes it a good pick for both value and comfort.

I would think twice if:

• Your travel schedule has no flexibility and you cannot handle weather delays
• You forgot essentials like a towel
• You want a long, multi-stop day. This is a tight, focused 3-hour outing.

If you want one simple decision rule: book it if you want the water time to be the main event, not just a short stop. This charter is built for exactly that.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The sailing excursion runs for about 3 hours.

What is included in the price?

Included are complimentary drinks (cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks), freshly cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, and custom sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Is there vegan and gluten-free food available?

Yes. The sandwiches are available with vegan and gluten-free options.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included.

How many people are on the boat?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

Is the tour in English?

English is offered. A German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, 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 happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

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

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