If you love ocean wildlife, this cruise is a smart choice. You’ll head out from Los Gigantes to search for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, then cool off with a swim or snorkel near the Cliffs of the Giants. It also includes lunch and drinks, so you’re not “hangry” while you’re watching spouts and fins.

Two things I really like: the small-group yacht feel (it helps you feel close without feeling crowded), and the stop at the base of the cliffs where the water looks clear enough to make snorkeling worth it. One possible drawback: seeing whales and dolphins isn’t guaranteed every time, and the water time depends on conditions and timing, so don’t plan on long swimming sessions.

Key Highlights You Should Know Before You Go

• Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are the main targets, with the guide scanning for the right activity.
• Cliffs of the Giants are the visual payoff, with a cove stop where you can swim or snorkel.
• Snorkeling gear + safety equipment are included, which makes the “what do I bring?” question easier.
• Lunch on board is served with appetizers, fruit, and drinks, and it’s mostly cold snacks/tapas-style.
• Seasonal wildlife sightings can include loggerhead sea turtles, plus fin or sperm whales depending on the time of year.
• Optional sunset tour changes the light and the mood around Los Gigantes.

From MPC Yacht Charter to Whale Spotting Off Los Gigantes

The tour starts at MPC Yacht Charter, and you’ll meet there with your confirmation voucher before heading out. Once you leave Los Gigantes, you’re on the water for about 3 hours, and you’ll get the sense that the crew runs a focused route rather than a long, slow sightseeing loop.

As you travel, you may catch big island views that set the scene fast. The route can include sights of Teide Volcano (when it’s visible), plus La Gomera and the rural park of Teno. Even before you see marine life, this stretch gives you coastline context—how steep these cliffs really are.

The real point is the search for whales and dolphins. You’ll keep an eye on the water while the guide looks for signs, and the tour is aimed at pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Depending on season, you might also spot other cetaceans, and the area is known for wildlife like loggerhead sea turtles.

What you can realistically expect

You’re not booking a guarantee. Some trips come back with close encounters, and others come back with fewer sightings. The good news is that the guide’s job is to put you in the right places, and the vibe stays relaxed even when the animals are moving.

Also note that the boat portion of the cruise includes a wildlife-watching period before you shift to the cliff stop. That means you’re not forced to switch plans mid-snorkel-search. You get time for both: looking first, then getting in the water.

The Best Part: Cliffs of the Giants and a Cove Swim Stop

The highlight for many people is the Cliffs of the Giants stop. This is where the scenery turns from “pretty coast” into “whoa, that’s huge,” with vertical rock walls rising to around 600 meters.

After the whale and dolphin portion, you move to the cliffs and get a 30-minute stop at the base. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for if you want water time with views. There’s a cove described as a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, and the water is often clear enough to make fish spotting realistic.

Swim vs snorkel time (and why it varies)

Snorkeling gear is included, but the exact time in the water can be shorter than you imagine. Some people report only a brief period in the water (especially if you’re traveling with kids), while others get the full intended slot. The common-sense reason: the crew has to keep the overall timing and return route on track.

If you’re new to snorkeling, this is still a friendly setup. You’re not trying to learn gear handling in an open-ocean situation, and you get a controlled cove where you can focus on seeing fish.

Photo tip that actually helps

Bring your camera for the cliffs and the crossing views. A lot of the best shots come from the return leg under the towering walls, not just from the quick cliff stop. If you’re shooting video, try holding steady and capturing the moment right when you first approach the cove—light on rock faces makes the scene look dramatic even on a phone camera.

Lunch and Drinks on Board: What’s Included and What to Expect

This cruise includes lunch, plus appetizers, fruit, and drinks served during the trip. Think of it as a board-food setup rather than a full sit-down meal. One important detail: lunch is described as a selection of cold snacks in tapas-style, so go in knowing you’re eating something simple and travel-friendly.

From the experience reports, the food often includes items like meats, breadsticks, fruit skewers, olives, and similar snack plates. You might also see a mix of beer, water, and soft drinks depending on what’s served that day. In other words, it’s not gourmet, but it’s satisfying after being out on the water and in the sun.

Why the food format works on this route

When you’re hunting whales and dolphins, your schedule isn’t a museum schedule. You might be late by a few minutes or ahead by a few minutes depending on animal activity. On-board snacks are a practical solution: you stay fueled, and you don’t waste time searching for food once the day is already in motion.

If you’re the type who needs a hot meal to feel fully satisfied, consider eating a proper breakfast or light lunch before you go. That way, the onboard cold snack menu feels like a bonus instead of a compromise.

Watching Marine Life Without Feeling Rushed

One of the best reasons to book this cruise is how it balances excitement with respect. In close sightings, the guide is focused on getting you a good look while not acting like a human distraction. That matters because whales and dolphins aren’t props—they’re living animals doing their own thing.

You’ll likely spend time scanning for visible signs like surfacing and movement patterns. And the most memorable moments are the ones where dolphins or pilot whales come near the boat rather than staying far away. Several sightings reported include dolphins swimming alongside for stretches and pilot whales appearing close to the vessel.

Wildlife that has been reported on these trips includes manta rays, tuna, and even hammerhead shark sightings (not guaranteed, but possible). Loggerhead sea turtles are also mentioned as native to the area, so if you spot a turtle while you’re snorkeling, that’s not random luck.

Seasonal reality check

Some wildlife depends on the season. Fin whales or sperm whales are mentioned as possibilities depending on time of year, while the dolphin and pilot whale focus stays the core target. If seeing a specific rare whale species is your only goal, you should treat that as a bonus rather than a promise.

Sunset Option: Same Route, Different Feeling

There’s an option for a sunset tour, and it’s not just about the clock. Sunset light makes the sea look darker and the cliffs more sculptural, so sightings can feel more cinematic even if the animals show up at similar times.

If you’re deciding between standard and sunset, pick based on your energy. A sunset departure suits you if you like calmer atmospheres and late-day photos. A daytime departure suits you if you want brighter water color for snorkeling and fish spotting.

Either way, you’ll still return along the cliffs, which is a big part of why the scenery sticks with you after the cruise ends.

Boat Size, Group Vibe, and Why It Matters

This experience can be shared or private, and the boat is often described as small. A smaller group usually means less noise and less jostling around for the best viewing angle. It also helps the crew manage spotting without turning the experience into a chaotic scramble.

You’ll relax onboard between sightings and food stops, and the yacht setup gives you space to sit back, watch, and take photos without feeling shoulder-to-shoulder. Some reports mention groups around 6 to 9 passengers, which lines up with that more intimate feel.

Comfort notes you can plan around

Because you’re on the water, motion is possible. One practical tip from the experience: consider travel sickness medicine beforehand, since some people ended up ill on their boat. If you know you’re sensitive to waves, don’t test your luck.

Weather matters too. Bring your jacket for wind and cooler moments, even if you start in warm sun. And don’t forget a towel.

Practical Tips: What to Bring and What to Skip

Here’s what you should plan to bring: towel, camera, and a jacket. Snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t need to pack mask or fins. Also bring your basic comfort items like sunscreen and water shoes if you have them—those aren’t listed as included, and your own gear can make you more comfortable at the cove.

A few rules to keep things smooth: alcohol and drugs are not allowed. So if you’re thinking of bringing anything along to “make it a party,” skip it and enjoy the drinks that are already part of the onboard menu.

Also, bring your expectations to match the format. This is a 3-hour cruise with focused stops, not an all-day swim camp. If you want long water time, you may still enjoy the snorkeling, but plan for a short session rather than a long, drawn-out swim.

Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This is a strong fit if you want an all-in-one outing: whale and dolphin watching + cliffs views + swim/snorkel + lunch. You’ll enjoy it most if you like animals, photos, and being out on the water without a complicated schedule.

It’s also a good choice for people who prefer a calmer boat day. A smaller group and a crew that actively searches for sightings helps the experience feel personal rather than mass-tour-ish.

Consider thinking twice if…

You might reconsider if you have heart problems, since the activity is marked as not suitable for people with heart conditions. Also, mobility planning is a point to clarify: the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, yet it’s also marked not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If that affects you, message the provider before you book so you’re not guessing.

And if you’re expecting a long snorkeling session or a full hot meal, adjust your expectations now. The water stop is time-limited, and lunch is more snack and tapas-style than a sit-down feast.

Should You Book Los Gigantes Whales and Dolphin Watching With Lunch?

I think you should book if you want a practical 3-hour outing that mixes wildlife, scenery, and food without extra planning. The best value is the combination: watching for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, getting a real view of the 600-meter Cliffs of the Giants, and then having gear and snacks ready when it’s time to swim.

Book it especially if you’re traveling with mixed interests. One person can focus on marine life; another can enjoy the cliffs, and everyone gets lunch and drinks onboard. If you’d rather maximize the animal odds, go on a day that matches your comfort with the sea and consider bringing travel-sickness protection.

If your top goal is a very specific whale species or you need long uninterrupted water time, this may not match your expectations. But for most people—this is one of the most efficient ways to experience Los Gigantes from the water.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whales and dolphin cruise?

The duration is 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at MPC Yacht Charter, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What marine animals can you see?

The tour focuses on pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. You may also see loggerhead sea turtles, and fin or sperm whales depending on the season.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included.

What food and drinks are included?

You’ll get lunch, plus appetizers, fruit, and drinks served on board.

Are alcohol or drugs allowed?

No, alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

What should I bring, and do I need a jacket?

Bring a towel, a camera, and a jacket. A jacket is a good idea because conditions on the water can get breezy.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

It is listed as wheelchair accessible, but it is also marked not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If mobility is a concern for you, check with the provider before booking.

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