From Los Gigantes: Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise

Pilot whales and dolphins are the stars here, but the real pleasure is the setting: you watch marine life from a quiet 46-foot sailboat with the cliffs of Los Gigantes and Mount Teide in view. This is not a crowded party boat. With a maximum of nine passengers, the outing feels calm, personal, and well suited to anyone who would rather listen to the sea than loud music.

I especially like the small group and the crew’s clear concern for the animals. The boat carries the Blue Boat Flag and follows Tenerife’s responsible whale-watching rules, including keeping a respectful distance and cutting the engines when wildlife is nearby. I also like the simple rhythm of the trip: wildlife watching, sailing, a swim and snorkel near the cliffs, then homemade tapas and drinks.

The main thing to consider is that this is still a wildlife trip. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or other marine life, but no sighting can be promised. The sea can also be rough enough to cause seasickness, and the advertised three to four hours may feel short if you want a longer day on the water.

Key points before you book

• Maximum nine passengers: The small boat leaves room to move around and makes it easier to hear the guide.
• Pilot whales are a local highlight: The waters off Los Gigantes can bring sightings of resident and migratory marine species.
• Responsible whale watching: The crew is part of Tenerife’s Sustainability Charter and carries the Blue Boat Flag.
• A real sailing setting: You get views of the cliffs and Teide from the water, not just a fast ride out and back.
• Swimming by the cliffs: A roughly 15-minute snorkel stop adds a hands-on part to the wildlife outing.
• Tapas finish: Homemade food and drinks are served on board after the swim, with vegetarian choices available.

Setting out from Picarus Sailing Club

Your meeting point is Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. Look for the boat named Aemon or Ayla, depending on the departure. The vessel is a 46-foot, 14-meter sailboat, a useful middle ground between a tiny private craft and a large excursion boat.

The small capacity matters. A full-size whale-watching boat can offer more room and a steadier ride, but it also puts you farther from the guide and can make wildlife viewing feel less personal. Here, a group of seven, eight, or nine passengers still has enough space to move safely around the boat and find a good view.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, and French. You may meet guides such as Sara, Felix, Jakob, Miguel, or Nettie, although the exact team can vary. Their role is not simply to point at an animal. They explain the marine species you see, share information about Tenerife and the island’s past, and answer questions throughout the trip.

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen with high protection, ideally SPF 50 or higher. Life vests and snorkel masks are provided. The tube from the snorkel equipment is not included, so check your own needs before setting out.

Watching whales and dolphins off Los Gigantes

The main wildlife portion lasts about an hour and a half. The boat heads out from Los Gigantes to look for cetaceans in their natural habitat, with pilot whales among the most likely special sightings mentioned by the crew’s recent outings. Dolphins may also appear, and there have been sightings of turtles as well.

A good guide helps you understand what you are seeing rather than turning every fin into a dramatic event. Pilot whales, for example, are not the same as the giant whales many people picture when they hear whale watching. They are social, powerful animals, and seeing a family group moving through the water can be a memorable sight even when the boat keeps its distance.

That distance is part of the value here. Picarus Sailing Club is part of the Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching from Turismo de Tenerife and an active member of the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association. The crew says conservation comes first, and the Blue Boat Flag means the company is authorized by the Tenerife government to carry out whale watching responsibly.

In practical terms, you can expect the skipper to avoid chasing animals. One particularly useful practice is cutting the engine when whales are spotted, even when they are still some distance away. That reduces noise and lets the animals decide how close they want to come. Sometimes curious whales or dolphins approach the boat on their own, but the encounter remains on their terms.

There is no guarantee of a sighting, and that should be clear before you pay. A day without whales can still bring open-water sailing, coastal views, and a swim, but anyone booking mainly for a photograph of a whale should keep expectations realistic. Wildlife is the point, not a scheduled stage show.

Sailing beneath the cliffs with Teide in view

The sailing portion lasts about an hour and gives the trip a slower pace. Instead of spending the whole outing focused on finding animals, you get time to look back at Los Gigantes from the water and appreciate the scale of the cliffs.

The cliffs are one of Tenerife’s most striking coastal sights. From a boat, you see their height in a different way than from shore. The water gives you a clear angle toward the rock walls, while the view toward the island can include Mount Teide. The exact visibility depends on weather and light, but the crew provides context about the island and local walking routes as you sail.

This part suits people who like the journey as much as the destination. You are not packed into a rigid schedule of one photo stop after another. The boat itself becomes the experience: salt air, open water, a small group, and a guide who can explain what lies around you.

There is a tradeoff. A sailboat is more intimate, but it may move and roll more than a large motor vessel. If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously even if you have felt fine on calm ferry rides. One passenger found the motion difficult, while the crew offered help and made the situation easier. Still, prevention is better than relying on assistance after you feel ill.

Swimming and snorkeling near the cliffs

After the wildlife and sailing, the boat stops for about 15 minutes of swimming and snorkeling near the cliffs. This is a short break, not a full snorkeling expedition, but it changes the feel of the day. You move from watching the sea to entering it.

Masks are supplied, along with life vests on board. The snorkel tube is not included, so bring your own if you need one. You will also need to pack a towel, since one is not provided.

The stop is best viewed as a refreshing chance to swim in a scenic bay rather than a promise of a major underwater wildlife encounter. The supplied information does not specify what fish or underwater sights you will see, so I would not book this as a dedicated snorkeling tour. Its appeal is the combination of clear coastal water, the cliffs overhead, and a pleasant pause after the search for whales.

The timing also matters. Fifteen minutes goes quickly, especially if you need time to prepare or you are sharing the water with several people. If swimming is important to you, have your swimwear ready and listen closely when the crew explains the stop. The crew may adjust the plan to conditions, since wildlife watching and sea safety come first.

Homemade tapas after the swim

Food follows the swim, with about 15 minutes set aside for a homemade tapas meal. This is a small but important touch. After several hours at sea, a plate of local-style snacks and a drink makes the outing feel like a complete coastal experience rather than a simple transport trip.

The food has been praised for being fresh and generous, and vegetarian choices are available. Tapas can vary, so do not expect a fixed restaurant menu or a full lunch. If you have a serious allergy or a strict dietary need, ask the crew before booking, since the available information only confirms vegetarian options.

Drinks and snacks are served on board, and the meal is usually placed after the swim. That order makes sense: you can get wet, change your focus, and then settle in with food while the boat heads back or rests in the bay.

I like this part because it supports the relaxed tone of the trip. There is no rush to jump straight off the boat after the snorkel stop. You can talk with the crew, ask more questions about the animals, and take in the cliffs from the deck.

What makes the small boat worth $88

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning around Tenerife. The price makes more sense when you compare the full package rather than just the wildlife time.

You are paying for a three to four-hour outing on a 46-foot sailboat, a maximum group of nine, bilingual or multilingual guiding, whale watching, coastal sailing, a swim stop, snorkel masks, and tapas with drinks. Life vests are also on board. A private option is available if you want the boat for your own group, though the price for that arrangement is not specified.

The strongest value is the small capacity. Nine passengers is enough for a social outing but small enough to hear the guide and avoid the packed feeling common on larger boats. It also gives you a better chance of finding an unobstructed place to watch wildlife.

The price is less convincing if you only want a long swim or a guaranteed whale encounter. The wildlife segment is roughly 90 minutes, the snorkeling stop is about 15 minutes, and the overall duration may be closer to three hours than four. One useful suggestion from the experience is that an extra hour would make the day feel even better, especially for people who want more time in the water.

The included tapas help. So does the conservation work, provided that responsible wildlife practices matter to you. I would see this as a good-value choice for a thoughtful small-boat outing, not a bargain activity for someone chasing the lowest price.

The atmosphere on board

This cruise is a good match for you if you enjoy quiet observation and conversation. The boat does not center the outing around music or entertainment. Instead, the tone is calm, with guides sharing facts about whales, dolphins, the sea, and Tenerife.

The crew’s attitude is one of the most important parts of the experience. Sara, who has guided in Spanish, English, and French, has been singled out for explaining marine life and conservation with real care. Jakob and Miguel have also led departures with a friendly, attentive approach and clear explanations about respectful wildlife viewing.

That does not mean every departure will feel identical. Crews change, and the sea sets the mood. But the format gives the staff room to talk with you, respond to questions, and keep the group comfortable. Curiosity is encouraged, which is useful if you want to learn the difference between the species you see or understand why the boat changes speed and direction.

Families, couples, solo visitors, and small groups can all fit this setting. The boat is especially appealing for couples and friends who want a quieter outing. If you need constant activity, loud music, or a very structured entertainment program, this may feel too restrained.

Timing, comfort, and small practical details

The total time is listed as three to four hours, with starting times varying by date. Check the available departure when you book. Morning trips can offer a relaxed start to the day, while another time may fit better with your plans around Los Gigantes.

Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes and keep your sun protection close. The Canary Islands can feel bright and warm on the water even when the air near shore seems mild. Sunglasses and a hat are practical, not decorative, and biodegradable sunscreen is requested.

The crew provides safety gear and snorkel masks, but not sunscreen, towels, or the snorkel tube. Pack all three if you want a comfortable swim. You should also plan around the possibility of seasickness, since one pair found the motion more challenging than expected.

The boat is described as clean and comfortable, with enough space for a group of eight or nine to move around safely. Still, it remains a sailing boat, not a floating lounge. Keep personal belongings compact and follow the crew’s instructions when the boat is under way.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Private and shared trips are available, so check which format you are selecting before confirming.

Who should book this Los Gigantes cruise

I would choose this trip if you want three things in one outing: a genuine chance to see marine life, a scenic sail beneath Los Gigantes, and a short swim followed by food. The small group and conservation focus give it more character than a standard high-capacity boat ride.

It is particularly suited to you if:

• You prefer a calm boat without loud music.
• You want a guide who explains animal behavior and local places.
• You value a respectful approach to whales and dolphins.
• You are comfortable with the possibility of seasickness.
• You want a short snorkel stop rather than a full day devoted to swimming.
• You like the idea of tapas and drinks included after the water activity.

I would think twice if your main aim is guaranteed wildlife, a long snorkeling session, or a very steady ride. The crew works hard to find whales, but nature decides what appears. The swim is brief, and the boat may move under changing sea conditions.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want an intimate whale-watching trip with a strong conservation message and more than a simple wildlife search. The combination of resident and migratory marine life, Los Gigantes cliffs, Teide views, a small group, and homemade tapas gives the three to four hours a satisfying shape.

Book with realistic expectations. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, or turtles, but you may also spend part of the outing simply sailing and watching the coast. Bring SPF 50 sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, sunglasses, and your own snorkel tube if needed. If the sea makes you uneasy, prepare for motion sickness.

At $88, I consider it a fair choice for the personal scale and the full experience. Pick it for the quiet boat, careful wildlife practice, and attentive crew, not because anyone can promise a perfect whale encounter.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. The boat is named Aemon or Ayla.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is listed as three to four hours. The wildlife viewing portion lasts about one and a half hours, sailing takes about one hour, snorkeling about 15 minutes, and the onboard meal about 15 minutes.

How many people can join the shared cruise?

Shared excursions have a maximum of nine passengers. Private trips are also available.

What marine life might I see?

The trip looks for resident and migratory marine species, including pilot whales and dolphins. Turtles have also been seen on some outings, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling included?

A snorkeling stop near the cliffs is included, and snorkel masks are provided. The snorkel tube is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen with high protection. A snorkel tube is also useful if you want to use one during the swim.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guides provide the tour in Spanish, English, and French.

What is included in the price?

The experience includes safety gear such as life vests, snorkel masks, the boat trip, the swimming stop, and homemade tapas with drinks. Sunscreen, towels, and the snorkel tube are not included.