Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes is best seen from the water, where its dark cliffs rise straight from the sea and pilot whales often move through the channel. This three-hour trip combines wildlife watching, a stop for swimming and snorkeling, and a light meal aboard the yacht.

I like the small group of up to 10 and the chance to see marine life without sitting on a crowded excursion boat. I also like the personal touch from skippers such as Antonio and Francisco, who share facts about the whales, Tenerife, and the coast.

The main consideration is that wildlife is never guaranteed, and the boat may use its engine for much of the outing if the wind is weak. A few passengers also raised concerns about smoking, music, and uneven attention from the captain, so this is not the right choice if you need a strictly smoke-free or highly formal setting.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: Tropical pilot whales are frequently spotted, along with dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and other marine life.
• The boat stays personal: The maximum group size is 10, with some departures carrying fewer people.
• Snorkeling is built into the trip: You stop in a quiet cove for a swim or a short snorkel, with equipment supplied.
• Los Gigantes looks different from sea level: The cliffs and nearby ravines make the coastal views a major part of the outing.
• Food is simple but useful: Expect drinks and a light spread of snacks or Canarian-style lunch items.
• Allow extra time to park: Finding a space near the marina can be difficult, so arrive early.

Why the Los Gigantes coast is the real star

The wildlife matters, but the setting gives this trip its character. Los Gigantes is famous for its steep coastal cliffs, and from the water you get a clean view of their height and shape. The route also reaches the area around Teno Rural Park, one of the protected parts of Tenerife’s coast.

From the marina, the boat heads along the cliffs before searching the open water for cetaceans. The view changes as you leave the harbor. Boats and buildings fall behind, while the rock walls become the main feature around you.

I like this angle because it gives you two worthwhile experiences in one outing. You are not simply waiting for a whale to appear. Even on a day when sightings are limited, the coastal ride and the view back toward Los Gigantes give the trip a clear purpose.

The water can also change the mood of the excursion. Several accounts describe calm, dark-blue water and a peaceful ride, while another notes that the sea was choppy. You should be ready for both conditions. A calm morning can feel very gentle, but an unsettled sea may make the boat less comfortable for anyone prone to motion sickness.

Pilot whales, dolphins, and realistic wildlife watching

Tropical pilot whales are the species most often seen on this route. The boat may encounter a large pod, and some outings have also included dolphins swimming close to the yacht. Turtles, colorful fish, and seabirds have appeared as well.

The skipper communicates with other boats while searching the broad area. That may mean brief radio conversations or changes in direction as crews share information about animal locations. It is a practical part of whale watching, not wasted time, though it can make the outing feel less like a quiet sail at certain moments.

Antonio is repeatedly praised for his ability to find pilot whales and explain what you are seeing. Francisco is also named as a friendly and attentive skipper who gives information about the marine life and the island. The operator says explanations are given in both English and Spanish, including details about the cliffs, Teide, Teno Rural Park, and the whales.

Still, keep expectations sensible. You may see dolphins but not whales, or whales but no dolphins. One outing saw dolphins after noise from a New Year celebration had apparently pushed the whales farther offshore. The sea is not an aquarium, and a good captain cannot order wildlife into view.

The best approach is to treat the animals as the bonus and the coast as part of the main event. If a pod surfaces near the boat, it can be an extraordinary moment. If sightings are distant or brief, you will still have a three-hour trip through one of Tenerife’s most dramatic coastal areas.

A small yacht instead of a packed excursion boat

The tour uses the Bavaria 44 yacht Mojo Picon, departing from MPC Yacht Charter at Puerto Deportivo in Los Gigantes. The small passenger limit makes a real difference. With seven, eight, or nine people aboard, you have more room to sit, look out, and move around than you would on a large sightseeing vessel.

A smaller boat also makes the wildlife search feel more personal. You can ask questions without having to compete with a crowd, and the skipper can speak to the group directly. This suits couples, families, and anyone who prefers a quiet outing over a loud party boat.

The word sailing needs a small footnote. The experience is sold as a sailing trip, but at least one outing used the engine throughout because there was not enough wind. That is normal for a timed wildlife trip, since the boat must reach the search area and return to port. If sailing under canvas is your main goal, ask about expected wind conditions before booking.

The boat is comfortable enough for the group sizes reported, but this remains an active sea outing, not a luxury cruise. You should be comfortable boarding a yacht and spending several hours outdoors.

The swim and snorkel stop

After the wildlife search and the run along the cliffs, the boat stops in a quiet cove. You can swim, snorkel with the supplied equipment, or remain aboard and enjoy the view.

The snorkeling is a useful part of the trip because it changes the pace. Instead of watching the water from above, you get a chance to see small fish in the clear water around the coast. Several outings describe colorful fish and a pleasant swim beneath or near the Los Gigantes cliffs.

The stop may be especially appealing to families and couples who want more than whale watching. It also gives you something to do if the animals stay farther away. That said, swimming depends on sea and weather conditions, so it should not be treated as a guaranteed activity in every kind of weather.

You may want to bring a swimsuit and a towel, although the supplied information confirms the snorkeling equipment but does not specify whether towels are provided. If you do not want to swim, you can relax on the yacht while others use the water.

Snacks, drinks, and the pace of the afternoon

Food is included, but think light and informal rather than a full restaurant meal. The offering has been described as snacks, tapas, or a Canarian-style spread, including items such as melon, assorted ham, tortilla, dried meats, fruit, and drinks.

Several outings received warm praise for the food, while one passenger found the selection stale and unappealing. The safest expectation is a simple snack service that breaks up the trip, not a meal chosen for dietary needs. If you have special food requirements, check before booking because the available information does not list substitutions.

Drinks are provided, including water, soft drinks, beer, and other non-alcoholic options according to the descriptions. The exact selection may vary. This is useful on a warm day, but you should still consider bringing anything essential for your own comfort if the operator permits it.

The three-hour length feels well judged. It is long enough for the wildlife search, the coastal run, and the swim stop without turning into an all-day commitment. You return to the same marina where you started.

The captain makes the biggest difference

The strongest part of this trip is the captain when the match is right. Antonio is praised for his local knowledge, friendly manner, and skill at locating pilot whales. He has also suggested other places to visit on Tenerife, which can be helpful if you are still planning the rest of your stay.

Francisco received special praise for helping retrieve a phone that had fallen into the marina before departure. That kind of practical help says something about the personal nature of a small operation, even though you should not count on needing such a rescue.

The experience is less polished than a large commercial cruise. One complaint described loud music, cigarette smoke, limited attention to a seasick child, and little spoken commentary. The operator disputed parts of that account and said the captain reduces the music when asked, avoids bothering passengers with smoke, and provides explanations in English and Spanish.

Because of this mixed picture, I would speak up early if music, smoke, or motion sickness is affecting you. The boat is open to the air, but smoking can still bother people nearby, especially children or anyone feeling ill. If your group includes someone with serious sensitivity to smoke, ask the operator about the current onboard policy before paying.

Price, timing, and practical value

At $84.69 per person, the trip is not the cheapest way to reach the water, but the price covers more than a short wildlife look. You get about three hours aboard a yacht, a small group, a coastal ride, a swim and snorkel stop, equipment, drinks, and food.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for a whale-watching cruise and a snorkeling outing. The limited group size also matters. You are paying for space and a more personal atmosphere, not just transportation from the marina and back.

The meeting point is MPC Yacht Charter at Puerto Deportivo, at Yate El Mojo Picon on Calle Pueblo Marinero in Acantilados de Los Gigantes. Parking can be difficult in the area. I would arrive early rather than cut it close, especially since the boat waits for the full group and a late arrival can affect everyone.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the operator says most people can participate. The trip requires suitable weather and a minimum number of passengers. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum is not met, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this Los Gigantes boat trip?

I would choose this excursion if you want wildlife, cliffs, and swimming in one compact outing. It suits couples, families with older children, and nature-minded visitors who prefer a small yacht to a large boat.

It is also a good fit if you value local contact. Antonio and Francisco are named as the main skippers in the feedback, and the best outings clearly benefit from their ability to find animals and explain the coast.

I would think twice if you need a fully predictable wildlife encounter, a guaranteed sail under wind power, or a strictly smoke-free boat. You should also reconsider if anyone in your group becomes very seasick, since conditions can be choppy and the boat is on open water for three hours.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a personal coastal trip with a strong chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins, plus a swim and light food afterward. The small group and excellent setting give it better value than a crowded boat ride, and the 4.8 rating from 274 reviews, with 95 percent recommending it, supports that choice.

Book it with realistic expectations. Wildlife is unpredictable, the engine may run much of the time, and the onboard style can depend heavily on the captain and the day. Arrive early, ask about smoking if it matters to you, and reserve this one for a calm-weather day when the sea and cliffs can do their best work.

FAQ

Where does the dolphin and whale tour depart from?

It departs from MPC Yacht Charter at Puerto Deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picon, Calle Pueblo Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour finish?

The experience ends back at the same meeting point in Los Gigantes.

How long does the boat trip last?

The excursion lasts about three hours.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 passengers.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, tropical calderones, fish, seabirds, and other marine life. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The boat stops in a quiet cove for swimming or snorkeling, and snorkeling equipment is included.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Snacks and drinks are served during the trip. Descriptions include tapas or a light Canarian-style spread with items such as melon, ham, and tortilla.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English, and the operator says explanations are given in both English and Spanish.

Is the tour suitable for most people?

The operator says most passengers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The activity takes place on a boat and requires suitable weather.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.