3-Hour Private Tour with Whale and Dolphin Watching

The best part of this three-hour private sail is the mix of wildlife and scenery. You search for pilot whales and dolphins in open water, then turn toward the 600-meter Los Gigantes Cliffs, where the rock walls rise straight from the sea. I like the small capacity of 10 and the chance to sail with captain Antonio, also called Toni, rather than joining a large excursion boat.

I also like the 30-minute cove stop, which gives the trip a proper break for swimming, snorkeling, and tapas. The main consideration is weather: rough conditions can affect the outing, and wildlife sightings are never something any boat can promise. The price is $687.84 per group, so it makes the most sense when your party fills several of the available places.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales and dolphins: The trip searches for cetaceans in their natural environment, with pilot whale sightings reported on several outings.
• Private boat for up to 10: Your group has the sailboat to itself, with more space and a quieter feel than a large shared cruise.
• Los Gigantes views: The 600-meter cliffs provide the tour’s strongest visual moment, with time for photographs from the water.
• A boat-only swimming cove: The itinerary includes about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel beneath the cliffs.
• Tapas and drinks: Expect a snack-style spread rather than a full meal, with finger food and drinks served during the trip.
• Weather-sensitive sailing: Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund, while cancellations made within 24 hours are not refundable.

Leaving Los Gigantes aboard Mojo Picón

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter in the Los Gigantes marina, at Yate El Mojo Picón on Calle Poblado Marinero. The boat is a comfortable 14-meter sailboat with room for a maximum of 10 people. Since the activity is private, only your own group takes part.

That size matters. You are not being moved through the water with a crowd of dozens, and the captain can keep the pace suited to your group. Families, couples, and small groups of friends can enjoy the outing together without sharing the boat with strangers. A three-year-old child was reported to have enjoyed one trip, and another outing included a 10-year-old who felt comfortable aboard.

Captain Antonio, often called Toni, handles the sailing and explains the route and marine life. His manner is described as friendly and attentive, with a strong focus on helping people feel safe. That personal contact is one of the main reasons this tour feels different from a basic boat ride.

The boat itself is identified in one account as a Bavaria 44. That description also noted that the vessel was older and that some exterior woodwork needed repainting. This is worth keeping in mind if you expect a polished luxury yacht. The strongest appeal here is the space, the private setting, and the sailing experience, not a brand-new finish.

Searching for whales and dolphins off Tenerife

After leaving the port, the main aim is to find whales and dolphins in their natural setting. The trip is not a staged wildlife show. You go out, watch the water, and follow the captain’s search for signs of marine life.

Pilot whales have been seen on several outings, and dolphins have also appeared. One account described whales coming quite close to the boat. Another reported seeing both dolphins and pilot whales, while a family with a young child watched small whales from the boat. These sightings give you a fair idea of what can happen, but they should not be treated as a guarantee.

That uncertainty is part of any wildlife trip. You may spend time scanning the sea before anything appears, and the conditions can change quickly. The reward is seeing animals where they live, rather than at a marine park or in a carefully timed display.

Captain Toni’s explanations are another important part of this section. He talks about the cetaceans and the sea life around Tenerife, helping you understand what you are watching instead of simply pointing toward a fin. The experience is best suited to people who enjoy a patient search and do not need constant action.

Keep your camera ready, but do not let photography take over. The boat itself is moving, the animals surface briefly, and the views around you are part of the experience. A phone with a wrist strap or secure case is a sensible choice on any open-water trip, though the tour information does not specify photography equipment or onboard storage.

The Los Gigantes Cliffs from sea level

The cliffs are the great visual reward of the route. Los Gigantes rises about 600 meters above the water in tall volcanic walls. From the marina, you can appreciate their size, but from a sailboat beneath them, the scale becomes much clearer.

The boat gives you changing angles for photographs. You can frame the cliffs with the sea in the foreground, look back toward the harbor, or capture the dark rock walls against the sky. The tour also includes views toward Teide volcano, the island of La Gomera, and the protected Teno area.

Those views give the trip more variety than a wildlife cruise alone. On a quiet stretch of water, the cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop even during a slow period for sightings. If you like taking photographs, this is the point to make room on your phone before departure.

The scenery also explains why a private boat is valuable. A smaller vessel can provide a more relaxed viewing position, and you are not competing with a large group for every good angle. Still, the tour is only about three hours, so the captain must balance wildlife searching, cliff views, swimming, and food. You should expect highlights rather than a long, slow coastal voyage.

A 30-minute stop in a clear-water cove

The boat stops at a natural cove beneath the cliffs, accessible only by boat. The water is described as clear, and you have about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

This break gives the itinerary a welcome change of pace. After watching the water for whales and dolphins, you can get in, cool off, and see the coast from a different position. The setting beneath the cliffs is the kind of place that would be difficult to reach by land.

The 30-minute limit is useful to understand. It is enough for a swim and a short snorkel, but not a full beach day. You should not book this trip expecting a long session in the water. The cove stop is one part of a compact sailing experience that also includes wildlife and sightseeing.

The supplied information does not specify whether snorkeling equipment is provided, so confirm that point before booking if gear matters to you. It also does not give details about changing facilities, shower arrangements, or water temperature. Plan for a practical swim stop, not a fully equipped beach club.

Tapas, drinks, and what counts as lunch

During the outing, you have time for a snack accompanied by tapas. Drinks and finger food have also been served on trips, and the food has received strong praise. This works well with the relaxed character of the boat, especially after swimming.

I would think of the food as a light snack, not lunch. One account specifically referred to tapas and another to finger food, while a separate description noted the absence of sandwiches. If you need a substantial meal, eat beforehand or plan food after returning to Los Gigantes.

The small food service is still useful. It means you can pause between the wildlife search and the cove stop without having to leave the boat. It also adds a local touch that feels more pleasant than a packet of standard packaged snacks.

The tour details do not list the exact menu or drinks. If you have allergies, dietary restrictions, or a strong preference for a full meal, ask MPC Yacht Charter before booking. That is especially important because the activity is private and the food may be prepared for the group.

Why the private price can make sense

The price is $687.84 for the whole group, up to 10 people. At the maximum capacity, that works out to about $68.78 per person. A group of five would pay roughly $137.57 each, and a couple would carry the full cost between two people.

That makes group size the key value question. For eight to 10 people, the cost is easier to justify because you receive a private three-hour boat, a captain, wildlife searching, coastal views, a swim stop, snorkeling time, and tapas. For two people, the price is much harder to call a bargain unless privacy and a small boat are your main priorities.

You are paying for control over the setting as much as for the activity itself. The boat is not shared with a large crowd, and your group can enjoy the outing together. Families also gain privacy, which can make a boat trip less stressful when young children are aboard.

The trip is not the right choice if your only goal is the cheapest possible chance to see whales. A shared excursion may cost less per person. This private charter is better for people who value space, a personal captain, and a mixed itinerary rather than a single-purpose wildlife ride.

Weather, sailing conditions, and practical limits

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. This is sensible for a sailing trip, but it means you should avoid placing the excursion on the final possible day of your Tenerife stay if seeing the wildlife is important.

The cancellation rules are strict close to departure. You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

One account described extremely strong wind at 43 knots and raised concerns about whether the outing could proceed. The provider’s response disputed the idea that the boat would operate in such conditions. The useful takeaway is simple: weather can become a real factor, and the captain’s decision matters more than a fixed plan.

You should also expect normal movement on a sailing boat. The tour information does not state whether the route is suitable for people with specific medical conditions, so ask the operator if anyone in your group is worried about motion or mobility. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate.

The activity begins and ends at the Los Gigantes marina. It is near public transportation, though no exact transport route or parking details are provided. Allow time to find MPC Yacht Charter and the Mojo Picón meeting point before departure.

Who will enjoy this three-hour charter

I would recommend this outing to a small group that wants several Tenerife experiences in one compact trip. You can search for whales and dolphins, photograph Los Gigantes and Teide, look toward La Gomera and Teno, swim beneath the cliffs, and have tapas without changing vehicles or joining separate tours.

It is also a good match for families who prefer a private setting. The available feedback includes both a three-year-old and a 10-year-old enjoying the boat, though every child reacts differently to open water and boat movement.

Couples should consider the price carefully. The private setting is attractive, but two people pay the entire group rate. The value improves sharply when you can share the cost with friends or relatives.

I would be cautious about booking it for someone seeking a guaranteed close encounter with whales. The crew searches for animals, but nature sets the schedule. I would also choose another plan for anyone wanting a full meal, a long snorkeling session, or a luxury yacht with immaculate modern fittings.

Should you book the Mojo Picón tour?

Book it if you want a private, small-group sailing experience with a strong mix of wildlife, cliffs, swimming, and light food. The captain’s friendly explanations, reported pilot whale sightings, and the dramatic Los Gigantes setting give the three hours plenty of substance.

The clearest value comes when you have a larger party. At up to 10 people, the per-person cost is reasonable for a private boat. With only two or three people, compare the price with shared whale-watching cruises before committing.

My practical advice is to confirm the snorkeling equipment, food details, and weather plan before departure. If your group values privacy more than the lowest price, and you are happy to accept the uncertainty of wildlife watching, this is a well-rounded way to experience Tenerife’s southwest coast.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at MPC Yacht Charter, Yate El Mojo Picón, in the Los Gigantes marina at C. Poblado Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour end?

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

How long is the boat trip?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private sailboat has capacity for up to 10 people, and only your group participates.

What animals might I see?

The tour searches for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Pilot whales and dolphins have been seen on outings, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. The boat stops for about 30 minutes at a natural cove with clear water, where you can swim and snorkel.

What scenery can I see?

The route includes views of the Los Gigantes Cliffs, Teide volcano, La Gomera, and the protected Teno area.

Is food included?

A snack with tapas is included. Drinks and finger food have also been served, but the exact menu is not specified.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed on the activity.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund for a personal cancellation.