Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

The best part of this three-hour cruise is the chance to see pilot whales close to a quiet sailing boat, with Los Gigantes’ huge cliffs rising behind you. I like the limited group of up to 10 people, and I like that the crew, often including David, Jamie, and Eileen, treats the wildlife with care rather than turning the outing into a noisy chase.

You also get a proper break from the boat with a swim and snorkel stop, plus fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, and drinks including cava and wine. The main consideration is that wild animals keep their own schedule. You may see whales, dolphins, turtles, or flying fish, but one trip had no whale sightings, and some people found the sea rough enough to feel seasick.

Quick points to know

• Pilot whales are the main prize: Pods, including calves, have often been seen close to the boat.
• Los Gigantes looks best from the water: The return sail gives you a memorable view of the cliffs from below.
• Only 10 people can join: You get more room to move around and a calmer feel than on a large excursion boat.
• Swimming and snorkeling are included: The boat stops at a small cove for about 30 minutes, with equipment provided.
• Food and drinks are part of the deal: Expect fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed: Book this for the whole outing, not only one animal.

Setting out from Los Gigantes

You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters at Pier 1, mooring number 156, in the port of Los Gigantes. The meeting point is easy to locate with the supplied Google Maps link, but allow a little time to find the correct mooring once you reach the marina.

The boat is a well-kept sailing yacht rather than a large, packed sightseeing vessel. That matters at sea. With no more than 10 participants, you can spread out, change position when looking for wildlife, and find a comfortable place to sit. Solo visitors also get a more personal experience, since the crew has time to talk with everyone.

The staff speaks Spanish, English, French, and German. David, Jamie, and Eileen are names that come up often in connection with the boat, although the exact crew can vary by departure. Their role is not just to steer and point. They explain the marine life, the surrounding ocean, and aspects of Tenerife and the Canary Islands.

If the wind is suitable, you may help raise the sail and travel under wind power. That is a pleasant part of the idea, though you should keep expectations sensible. Sailing conditions change, and one visitor noted that the sail was raised but not used for much of the trip. The boat may need its engine for parts of the route.

Two hours looking for whales and dolphins

The first major part of the trip lasts about two hours. The boat heads out from Los Gigantes into the Atlantic, searching for dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and other marine life.

Pilot whales are the species most often reported on this route. You might see a pod moving together, a mother with a calf, or whales passing beneath and beside the boat. Some sightings have been remarkably close, with animals swimming alongside the yacht. That is exciting, but the crew’s calm approach is just as important. The boat follows the animals rather than forcing an encounter.

Dolphins are also possible, sometimes in lively groups near the boat. Turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other sea life add interest when whales are not nearby. Keep scanning the water instead of watching only one fixed point. The crew can help you understand what you are seeing and may spot movement before you do.

I appreciate the conservation-minded tone here. The crew has been seen removing an old net from the water and helping a protected seabird chick in trouble. Those details suggest an operator that cares about the sea as more than a backdrop for photographs. The crew also explains what you might see while respecting the animals’ space.

Still, this is not an aquarium. Sightings depend on the animals, weather, and sea conditions. A trip can bring pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish, or it can produce fewer sightings. You should choose this cruise because you want a peaceful time on the Atlantic, with wildlife as the hoped-for highlight.

What the boat ride feels like

The small scale changes the mood. You are not packed shoulder to shoulder with a large crowd, and you are not rushed from one sighting to the next. The boat has room to relax, and the pace is generally gentle when conditions allow.

The crew serves fresh fruit and drinks during the outing. Choices include cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks. That makes the cruise feel more like a relaxed half-day on a friend’s boat than a bare-bones wildlife run.

Food is another strong point. Homemade sandwiches are served after the swim stop, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. If you have a dietary preference, the information specifically supports these choices, but it is still sensible to state your needs when booking.

The sea can be smooth, but it can also unsettle your stomach. One visitor advised taking seasickness medicine in advance after seeing other people struggle. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where you can look toward the horizon, dress comfortably, and bring the medication you normally use.

The boat is described as clean, comfortable, and well maintained. Towels are not included, so pack one even though it is not on the included list. You should also bring swimwear, breathable clothes, comfortable clothing, and a change of clothes for the ride back.

Swimming beneath the cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat drops anchor at a small cove for about 30 minutes. This is your chance to swim in the Atlantic or use the supplied snorkeling equipment.

The cove is valuable because it changes the rhythm of the trip. You go from scanning the open sea to seeing the coast at close range, with clear water and fish reported around the snorkeling area. Several visitors found the snorkeling better than expected, while others described it as a simple but enjoyable stop rather than the main event.

You should judge this section by your priorities. If you want a dedicated snorkeling expedition with a long time in the water, 30 minutes will feel short. If you want a refreshing swim after sitting on a boat and a chance to see some fish, it is a well-chosen addition.

The stop also gives you a different view of Los Gigantes. The cliffs are impressive from land, but from the sea they rise directly above the coastline. You can appreciate their scale without having to do anything strenuous. People with mobility impairments should note that this activity is not considered suitable for them, and getting in or out of the water requires confidence and care.

The return to port

After swimming, you return to the boat for freshly made sandwiches and more drinks. This is a useful moment to dry off, eat, and trade stories about what you saw before the boat turns back toward Los Gigantes.

The route back is slower and scenic, with the cliffs in view. If the outward trip focused on wildlife, the return gives you time to enjoy Tenerife’s coast. I would keep a camera ready, but photos are not included in the price, and the operator does not promise a photo package.

The boat returns to the same marina, completing roughly three hours on the water. The schedule is long enough to feel worthwhile without taking up an entire day. That makes it easy to pair with other plans in southwest Tenerife, though you should avoid booking anything immediately afterward if you need extra time for disembarking, changing clothes, or recovering from the sea.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this cruise costs more than a basic large-boat wildlife outing. The comparison is not simply about time on the water. You are paying for a maximum group of 10, a sailing yacht, multilingual guiding, snorkeling equipment, a swim stop, food, wine, beer, cava, and soft drinks.

That package gives the price real value. A cheaper boat may still take you into the same general waters, but it may carry many more people and offer less space. Here, the small group means you can hear the crew, move around the boat, and enjoy sightings without feeling packed in.

The price is easier to justify if you value service and atmosphere as much as wildlife. The food is more substantial than a snack, and the crew’s personal attention is a major part of the outing. It is less compelling if your only goal is to find the lowest-cost way to spend an hour looking for dolphins.

There is one important limit: you cannot buy a guaranteed whale sighting. The price covers the boat, crew, route, hospitality, and chance to see marine life in the wild. That is the honest way to think about the value.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, solo visitors, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a calm boat with room to breathe. Children aged 10 and 11 have enjoyed the experience, and the guides can keep the trip informative without making it feel like a formal classroom.

It also suits people who care about wildlife ethics. The crew’s reported behavior, including giving animals space and removing rubbish from the water, will appeal to you if you worry about boats crowding or chasing whales.

The outing is less suitable if you dislike open water, suffer badly from seasickness, or need a fully accessible boat experience. It is also not the right choice if you expect guaranteed whales, a long snorkeling session, or nonstop sailing under the canvas.

Book the morning or afternoon departure that fits your plans, then bring a towel and spare clothes. Wear breathable clothing, pack swimwear, and consider seasickness medication before you board if you need it. The free cancellation window lasts until 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is available, which helps if your Tenerife schedule is still shifting.

Should you book Third Element’s Los Gigantes cruise?

Yes, if you want a small, friendly boat outing that combines wildlife watching, a swim, good food, and cliff views. The strongest reasons to book are the 10-person limit, the crew’s care for the marine environment, and the generous food and drink service.

I would not book it solely for a promised whale photograph. Nature may give you pilot whales close to the boat, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish, or it may offer a quieter day. If you can accept that uncertainty, this is a well-rounded and unusually personal way to experience Tenerife’s southwest coast for $88.

FAQ

Where does the cruise meet?

Meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters in Los Gigantes, at Pier 1, mooring number 156.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts three hours. About two hours are set aside for sailing and marine-life viewing, followed by about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

What animals might I see?

You may see dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life. Sightings are not guaranteed because the animals are wild.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with time to swim and snorkel at a small coastal cove.

Is food included?

Yes. Fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches are included. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available.

What drinks are included?

Drinks include cava, red and white wine, beer, and soft drinks.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, and comfortable, breathable clothing. Towels and photos are not included.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guiding is available in Spanish, English, French, and German.

How many people can join the boat?

The group is limited to 10 participants, giving the outing a more spacious and personal feel than a large boat cruise.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now-pay-later booking is also available.