Los Gigantes: Whales and Dolphin Watching Cruise with Lunch

Pilot whales and dolphins are the main event here, but the setting gives this three-hour cruise extra weight. You sail out from Los Gigantes, look for cetaceans in open water, then return along cliffs that rise about 600 meters from the sea. Captain Antonio, also called Tony, is a relaxed, attentive host who shares information about the sea and the coast without turning the trip into a lecture.

I especially like the small-group feel and the careful approach to wildlife. I also like that the cruise is more than a quick animal-spotting run: you get time to swim or snorkel, eat cold tapas-style food, and take in views of Teide, La Gomera, and Teno Rural Park. The main caution is that sightings cannot be guaranteed, and the swim may last closer to 10 minutes on a tight schedule rather than the advertised 30.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the most likely highlight: Bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead turtles, tuna, and other cetaceans may also appear.
• The cliffs are enormous: Los Gigantes rises roughly 600 meters above the water and makes the return sail especially scenic.
• Lunch means cold tapas: Expect meats, breadsticks, olives, fruit skewers, snacks, and drinks rather than a cooked meal.
• Small groups feel personal: Shared trips have been run with roughly six to nine passengers, while private bookings are also available.
• The swim is weather and timing dependent: Plan for a refreshing stop, but do not book this mainly as a long snorkeling session.
• Bring a jacket and towel: The sea can feel cool, and the boat ride produces wind even on a pleasant day.

Sailing out from MPC Yacht Charter in Los Gigantes

Your meeting point is MPC Yacht Charter in Los Gigantes. Follow the confirmation instructions carefully: the boat may be easier to find by looking for the MPC branding on the boom than by searching for a large, obvious ticket office.

Once aboard, the trip begins with a cruise away from port and a search for marine life. This is a shared or private sailing experience, with Spanish and English spoken on board. The smaller boat creates a quieter atmosphere than a large sightseeing vessel, and the open layout gives you a good chance to sit, relax, and watch the water.

The boat has been used for groups of about six to nine people, though the exact size depends on the booking. That matters. A small group makes it easier to move around, ask questions, and get a clear view when dolphins or whales surface.

The boat ride itself is part of the appeal. As you leave the harbor, look back toward the volcanic coast and keep your camera ready for views of Teide Volcano, the island of La Gomera, and Teno Rural Park. The scenery changes as you move from the busy port area into wider ocean and steep coastal rock.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The crew searches for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins in their natural setting. Pilot whales are a frequent focus of this route, and you may see them close to the boat, sometimes moving in groups beneath the cliffs or alongside the hull.

Dolphin sightings can be just as memorable. Bottlenose dolphins are among the species you might find, and other dolphins may appear as well. One particularly strong possibility is seeing a group travel beside the boat for several minutes, with younger animals sometimes visible among the adults.

The experience is not a show, and that is important. The captain’s job is to find wildlife while keeping a respectful distance. You will need patience, a sharp eye, and a willingness to accept that nature sets the schedule.

Other possible sightings include loggerhead sea turtles, tuna, colorful fish, and rays. Fin whales and sperm whales may be present depending on the season, but these are possibilities rather than promises. Even a trip with only pilot whales can be excellent, while a cruise with no major sighting will naturally feel less satisfying.

I recommend taking motion-sickness medicine if you are prone to seasickness. The boat is described as smooth and comfortable by some passengers, but open water can still be rough enough to affect part of the group. Sit where you can see the horizon, keep your camera ready, and avoid making the wildlife search your only reason for booking.

The 600-meter cliffs of Los Gigantes

After the whale and dolphin search, the boat heads toward the Cliffs of the Giants. These near-vertical rock walls rise about 600 meters and are most impressive when viewed from sea level.

From the water, the scale is difficult to judge in a single photograph. Take wide shots that include the boat, the cove, or people on deck. Those details help show how high the cliffs really are.

The return route along the cliffs is one of the most relaxing parts of the outing. You can settle in after the wildlife search, enjoy a drink, and watch the rocky coast pass slowly by. If you choose the sunset option, the cliffs and sea take on softer light during the final portion of the cruise, though starting times vary and need to be checked when booking.

The coast is not just a backdrop here. It gives the trip a clear sense of place. You are not simply out on a generic boat ride, you are seeing Tenerife from the water, with La Gomera and Teno adding to the wide volcanic panorama.

Swimming and snorkeling in a sheltered cove

The boat stops for a swim at the base of the cliffs, in a cove with clear water. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins.

This is a pleasant change of pace after the wildlife search. You can cool off, look for fish, and see the cliffs from a lower angle. The water may reveal colorful fish, crabs, and other small marine life, depending on conditions and visibility.

Allow about 30 minutes in the planned schedule, but keep your expectations flexible. Some trips have had only around 10 minutes in the water because the boat needed to return on time. If you have children who want a long swim, explain that the whale watching remains the main purpose of the cruise.

The stop may not suit everyone. People with heart problems are advised not to take the activity, and the sea presents the usual challenges for anyone who is not comfortable swimming. The supplied safety equipment is useful, but you should still bring a towel and follow the captain’s instructions.

Cold tapas, fruit, and drinks on the way back

Food is served on board after the swim. The meal is best understood as a generous snack or cold tapas spread, not a restaurant-style lunch.

Expect items such as sliced meats, breadsticks, olives, fruit skewers, and other small snacks. Drinks are included, with water, soft drinks, and beer mentioned in the experience details and passenger accounts. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed as personal items, so rely on the drinks provided.

I like this format for a boat trip. A cold meal is practical, easy to serve, and welcome after swimming. It also lets you keep eating at your own pace while the boat moves along the cliffs.

If you need a substantial hot lunch, this may disappoint you. The food has been described as simple, tasty, and prepared with care, but it is still a tapas-style spread. Travelers with dietary restrictions should ask the provider before booking, since no special-menu information is provided.

Why the small boat makes a difference

The biggest advantage over a large cruise is the sense of space and calm. With fewer people aboard, you can usually find a comfortable place to sit and do not have to compete with a crowd every time an animal surfaces.

A smaller boat also helps the captain keep the trip personal. Antonio or Tony is praised for being friendly, funny, and willing to explain both marine life and the local coast. He has also allowed some passengers to take a turn at the helm, though that should be treated as a captain’s choice rather than a promised feature.

There is a tradeoff. A small vessel can feel more exposed to wind and waves than a larger boat, which is why motion sickness is worth considering. If you prefer a very stable ride or need extensive onboard facilities, check the boat details before paying.

The private option makes sense for a birthday, family group, or friends who want more control over the pace. The shared trip can still feel intimate when the group is small, and it costs less than reserving the whole boat.

Is $74 a fair price?

At $74 per person, the value depends on what you want from a boat outing. You are paying for three hours on the water, a live guide, safety equipment, snorkeling gear, wildlife searching, a swim stop, drinks, and a cold lunch.

That is a solid package if you value variety. A whale-watching trip alone can feel short when sightings are slow, but this outing fills the time with coastal views, snorkeling, food, and the return sail beneath Los Gigantes.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a long swim or a guaranteed close dolphin encounter. Wildlife remains unpredictable, and the water stop can be shortened to keep the boat on schedule.

The strongest value comes from the small-group format. You get a more personal trip than a large harbor cruise without having to pay for a fully private charter. The reserve-now, pay-later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead also make it easier to protect your plans, provided you follow the booking conditions.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this for couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants several Tenerife experiences in one outing. It works particularly well if you want marine life, swimming, food, and the Los Gigantes cliffs without giving up a full day.

It is also a good pick for a special occasion. The private option gives a birthday or anniversary group more privacy, while the shared cruise can still feel relaxed when only a handful of people are aboard.

Families should think about the swim time and sea conditions. One child may be perfectly happy with a brief dip, while another may expect a long snorkeling session. The boat has been described as comfortable for children, but the activity is not suited to people with mobility impairments or heart problems.

Photographers should bring a camera and a jacket. The cliffs are easy to photograph, while wildlife shots require patience, fast reactions, and realistic expectations. A phone can capture the broad coastal views, but keep it secure near the water.

Practical details that matter

The cruise lasts three hours, with starting times shown during the availability search. A sunset version is offered, giving you the chance to watch the coast and marine life in later light.

Meet at MPC Yacht Charter with your confirmation voucher, and the tour ends back at the same point. Spanish and English are available, and shared, private, and small-group formats are offered.

Bring:

• A towel for the swim stop
• A camera or phone for wildlife and cliff views
• A jacket for wind and cooler conditions

Wheelchair access is listed, but the activity is also marked as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. That combination needs clarification before you book, especially if you need help boarding, moving around the deck, or entering the water.

Cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund under the stated policy. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife schedule is still changing.

Should you book Los Gigantes whale watching?

Book it if you want a well-rounded three-hour sea trip rather than a single-purpose wildlife search. The combination of pilot whales, possible dolphins, a swim beneath the cliffs, simple tapas, and views of Teide and La Gomera gives the outing plenty of substance for the price.

I would be comfortable choosing the shared option first, especially if the group is small. Pick private if privacy matters more than saving money, and choose the sunset departure if light and atmosphere appeal to you.

Do not book expecting guaranteed dolphins, a hot lunch, or a long snorkeling session. Book it for the chance to see wild animals respectfully, enjoy one of Tenerife’s finest coastal views, and spend an easy half-day with a captain who keeps the mood friendly and personal.

FAQ

How long does the Los Gigantes cruise last?

The cruise lasts three hours. Starting times depend on availability, so check the available departures before booking.

Where does the activity start and finish?

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter in Los Gigantes with your confirmation voucher. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.

What marine life might I see?

The main possibilities are pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. You might also see loggerhead turtles, tuna, rays, colorful fish, and other cetacean species. Fin whales and sperm whales may appear depending on the season.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and safety equipment are included, along with a swimming stop at a cove beneath the cliffs.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes appetizers, fruit, drinks, and lunch. The meal is a cold tapas-style spread, with examples including meats, breadsticks, olives, and fruit skewers.

Is the cruise available as a private booking?

Yes. You can choose a shared cruise or a private or small-group option, subject to availability.

What should I bring, and are there restrictions?

Bring a towel, camera, and jacket. Alcohol and drugs, fireworks, and explosive substances are not allowed. The activity is not suitable for people with heart problems or mobility impairments.