One of the best places to spot wildlife is outside town. This Los Gigantes sailing cruise off Tenerife blends whale watching with a real wind-powered boat ride, plus a short stop to swim and snorkel in a beautiful cove.

What I like most is the small group setup. With a maximum of 10 people, you get room to move around the boat instead of feeling packed in, and the crew can focus on spotting and explaining what’s out there. A big plus is the onboard hospitality too: fruit, drinks (including cava and wine), and fresh sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

The main thing to consider: this activity isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments. You’ll need to get around the boat safely and handle the water time, including changing clothes.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Small group (up to 10) for a calmer, more personal cruise
• Los Gigantes cliffs viewed from the sea, not from a viewpoint
• Chances to see dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles in their natural habitat
• Sailing moments and help raising the sail when conditions allow
• 30 minutes swim and snorkel in a small cove with snorkeling gear provided
• Food and drinks included, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options

Tenerife’s Los Gigantes sailboat cruise: the vibe and the payoff

Los Gigantes is famous for its sheer cliff walls, but the real wow-factor is seeing them rise up from the water. This cruise starts right in that scenery, then turns into an active wildlife hunt on a sailing boat—meaning you’re not just staring at the horizon from a motor-only vessel.

The format is refreshingly simple: about two hours of cruising and wildlife searching, then 30 minutes to swim and snorkel, and finally the slow return to port with cliff views again. It’s short enough to fit into a day, but long enough that you actually get time for sightings—and time for a swim that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

Also, the crew is a major part of the experience. Names like David, Eileen, and Jamie/Jaime come up often in the feedback, and the tone is consistent: friendly, attentive, and focused on sharing what they see and how the area works.

Where you meet: Los Gigantes port and the easy start

You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Pier 1, mooring number 156. If you want this to be smooth, get there a little early so you can settle in, find your spot on the boat, and be ready when lines are untied.

This matters because once you’re out on the water, the whole experience becomes about timing—watching, scanning, and being in the right place when animals surface. A relaxed start helps you enjoy that hunt rather than rushing into it.

Cruising out: pilot whales and dolphins in a small-group setting

The main sailing time is roughly two hours focused on dolphin and whale watching, with a good chance of seeing pilot whales, plus dolphins and turtles. The “good chance” wording is important: you’re in the Atlantic, and wildlife movement isn’t scheduled. But the tour’s setup gives you the best odds because the group stays small and the crew can adjust based on what they find.

Here’s why the small group matters in real life: with only up to 10 participants, you’re less likely to get shoulder-to-shoulder near the rail. You’ll also be able to watch from different angles as animals appear and disappear. That flexibility is handy, especially for pilot whales, which can travel in groups and surface in different patterns.

You may also be invited to help raise the sail if the conditions are right. Even when the wind doesn’t allow full sailing, the experience still feels like a sailing cruise, not a sightseeing bus out at sea. And one practical note from feedback: occasionally, people notice when the sail is up but not always used. That’s usually about wind and safety conditions, so don’t treat it like a problem—just expect the crew to prioritize good sailing decisions.

Seeing Los Gigantes from the sea: the scenery stop you’ll remember

Even if your number-one goal is whales, you’ll want to look around during the cruising. Los Gigantes cliffs are dramatic up close, and being out on the water changes the scale completely. From the boat, you get changing angles as you move along the coastline, not one static view.

This is especially nice because the cruise doesn’t just run out and back. You’ll return at a slower pace with more cliff views, so you get a second round of that “how is this so tall” feeling without needing to squeeze into any viewpoint.

The 30-minute swim and snorkel cove: quick, refreshing, and well timed

After the wildlife searching, the cruise anchors at a small cove along Tenerife’s coast. Then you get about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

This part works because it’s not overlong. If you’re on a three-hour trip, a short water stop keeps the day from turning into a logistics marathon. It also fits with the reality that visibility and sea conditions can vary, and the crew can choose a spot that’s suitable at that moment.

Snorkeling gear is provided, so you don’t need to pack equipment. What you should bring is the human stuff: swimwear and a change of clothes. Many people underestimate how cold wind and spray can feel when you climb back aboard. A dry layer makes the second half of the cruise feel pleasant instead of chilly.

One more practical advantage: since the swim stop is in a cove near the cliffs, the experience feels sheltered compared to open-ocean swimming. You’re still in the Atlantic, of course, but the setting makes it feel approachable for most people who are comfortable in the water.

Food and drinks onboard: included comfort, not just a snack

A big part of this cruise’s value is that the “we found whales, now here’s nothing” style doesn’t happen. You’re served fresh fruit, and then you get homemade sandwiches after the swim. The sandwich options include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.

On top of that, drinks are included: cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks. That combination matters because it turns the ride into a proper small outing, not a half-day expedition where you’re hungry the whole time.

From the feedback, the vibe is that the snacks and drinks are generous enough that you can relax once the action settles down. There’s time to sit, talk, and process what you’re seeing out on the water.

Also worth noting: photos aren’t included. So if you care about memory-capturing, plan to use your own phone/camera.

Crew care and wildlife respect: what to look for on board

This cruise is consistently described as caring and respectful toward marine life. You’ll see that in how the crew talks about animals and what they focus on. In some cases, the team is also praised for active environmental help—like pulling an old net out of the water or rescuing a protected seabird chick when it was struggling.

Now, don’t assume every trip has those exact moments. But the bigger point is that the crew’s attitude comes through: they’re not running a loud, chase-every-surface operation. That makes the experience feel more like responsible wildlife watching and less like a scoreboard.

What to bring for a smooth ride from Los Gigantes

Here’s your practical packing list based on what you’ll actually do on this cruise:

Bring

• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Towel (not provided)
• Comfortable clothes for the boat (and breathable layers)
• Anything you need to feel steady in moving conditions (you’ll be on a sailing boat)

Expect

• Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you don’t need to buy gear ahead of time.

One small gear caution: the tour isn’t suitable for mobility impairments, so if you have balance or movement challenges, plan carefully. The best time to ask questions is before you book.

Price and value: is $88 fair for a 3-hour cruise?

At around $88 per person for a 3-hour sailing-and-snorkel outing, this can actually feel like good value—mostly because it includes more than whale watching.

You’re paying for:

• A small-group wildlife cruise off Tenerife’s southwest coast
• Drinks including cava and wine
• Fruit and fresh sandwiches (with multiple dietary options)
• Snorkeling gear
• Time to swim and snorkel at a real cove

If you only wanted an hour of boat time and a quick scan for animals, you’d likely pay less elsewhere. But this isn’t just a quick tour. It’s structured like a complete short outing: scenery, wildlife time, water time, and onboard comfort.

One budget tip: if you compare prices, check what’s included. Here, towels and photos cost extra, but food, drinks, and gear are built in.

Who should book this Tenerife cruise?

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A hands-on feeling cruise (sailing vibes, help raising the sail if conditions allow)
• A more relaxed boat experience thanks to the up-to-10 group limit
• A day plan that includes both wildlife watching and time in the water

It’s also a great choice for couples and solo travelers who like meeting a small group without feeling stuck. Families may enjoy it too, as long as kids can handle the boat movement and water time.

If you need step-free access or have mobility limitations, I’d skip this one because it’s not suitable for mobility impairments.

Should you book this Los Gigantes whale watching sailboat?

Book it if you’re aiming for a classic Tenerife nature experience: pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, dramatic cliff scenery, and a real swim stop—on a small-group sailing boat with food and drinks included.

Skip it if mobility is a concern for you, or if you’re the type who needs guaranteed whale sightings (no sea tour can promise that). The upside is that you’re still guaranteed a beautiful sailing day on Tenerife’s coast, plus snorkeling time and a comfortable onboard setup.

If you’re choosing one cruise in the Los Gigantes area, I’d place this near the top of your list—mainly because the format is balanced. You get time to look for animals, time to enjoy the water, and the onboard extras are substantial enough that $88 doesn’t feel like just paying for a horizon scan.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale watching cruise?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the cruise depart from?

You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, at Pier 1, mooring number 156.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

What marine animals might you see?

You’ll look for dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles in their natural environment.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. There is time to swim and snorkel at a small cove for about 30 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included on board?

You get fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches (with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options), and drinks including cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel, plus comfortable breathable clothing for the boat ride.

Are towels and photos included?

No. Towels and photos are not included.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

You Might Also Enjoy

Tenerife: Fun Yacht Trip with Water Activities and ToysTenerife: Quad Adventure Tour in Teide National ParkParagliding Tandem Flight over Costa Adeje with FREE pick up!!!Jet Ski Experience in Tenerife, Las Galletas with Flash Jet Ski