Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Tour – Los Gigantes (3H)

Whales and dolphins are the main event here, but the setting gives this three-hour sailing trip its real charm. From Los Gigantes, you head into the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve, where pilot whales are often seen close to shore. The boat then turns toward the enormous cliffs, ending with time for swimming, snorkeling, and a spread of local snacks.

I like the small group size, capped at nine on shared trips, because you get room to move around the yacht without the feel of a crowded excursion boat. I also like the careful wildlife approach: the boat cuts its engines before getting too close to whales, allowing you to watch without chasing them.

The main thing to weigh is the sea itself. Several people have felt queasy, and the swim stop can be shorter than expected when the schedule is tight. The included lunch is also more accurately described as cold tapas and snacks than a full meal.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the most regular sighting: Dolphins, turtles, and other fish are also possible, but no wildlife sighting can be guaranteed.
• El Mojo Picón carries small groups: The 14-meter sailing yacht has space for up to nine people on shared trips, or up to 10 on a private charter.
• The cliffs are part of the show: Los Gigantes rises about 600 meters above the sea and makes a superb photo backdrop.
• Swimming and snorkeling are included: Equipment is supplied, though the time in the water depends on sea and schedule conditions.
• Captain Antonio receives particular praise: His calm manner, local knowledge, and love of sailing add much to the outing.
• Bring a jacket and towel: The boat can feel cool when moving, even on a warm Tenerife day.

Setting out from Los Gigantes on El Mojo Picón

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter in the port of Los Gigantes, bringing your confirmation voucher. The boat is the 14-meter sailing yacht El Mojo Picón, a comfortable vessel with enough space to sit, stretch out, and look for wildlife without being packed shoulder to shoulder.

The shared version is limited to nine people. That matters here. Whale watching requires patience and a good view, and a small group gives you a better chance of moving from one side of the boat to the other when something surfaces. You can also choose a private charter for up to 10 people, useful for a family group, couples, or a special occasion.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, and French. Antonio is the captain most often singled out for his friendly and relaxed manner, though the exact guide may vary. Expect explanations about the marine life, the volcanic coast, and the places you pass rather than a nonstop scripted commentary.

The departure point can take a little care to find. The meeting instructions lead you to the pier, where you look for the yacht and its brand name on the boom. Arrive in advance rather than trying to locate the boat at the last minute.

Searching for whales and dolphins in the marine reserve

The first part of the outing is spent sailing along the coast and looking for cetaceans. The Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve is a productive area for marine life, and the regular sightings include pilot whales and several types of dolphins. Turtles, tuna, colorful fish, manta rays, and other species have also appeared on different trips.

Pilot whales are the standout possibility. They are often seen in family groups, and some outings have included very young animals. You may see them close to the yacht, but the crew’s approach is deliberately restrained. The engines are shut down before the boat gets too close, which helps keep the experience calm and avoids turning the encounter into a chase.

Dolphins can be just as memorable. They may swim beside the boat for several minutes or leap clear of the water. Their behavior is unpredictable, so keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole trip staring at a screen. The best moments can last only a few seconds.

Wildlife watching is never a guaranteed performance. Some outings have seen both dolphins and whales, while another has had whales but no dolphins. The responsible way to view this trip is as time on the Atlantic in a productive marine area, with the chance of remarkable sightings rather than a promise of a particular animal.

The morning departure may suit people hoping to focus on whales. One experienced guide has noted that whales can be more active earlier in the day, while afternoon sightings may require more patience. This is useful advice, not a guarantee, since sea conditions and animal movements change.

Sailing beneath the 600-meter Cliffs of the Giants

Even if the sea remains quiet, the coast supplies a powerful second act. Los Gigantes, known as the Cliffs of the Giants, rises roughly 600 meters above the water in dark volcanic walls. Seeing these formations from sea level gives you a scale that is hard to grasp from land.

The boat sails along the cliffs, giving you time to photograph the rock faces, coves, and open Atlantic. This is one of the strongest reasons to choose a sailing yacht instead of a faster, larger vessel. The pace is gentler, and the boat itself becomes part of the experience rather than just transport to a viewing spot.

The cliffs also make the return leg especially scenic. The yacht can drift beneath them while you eat, take photos, or simply watch the rock walls change in the light. A camera is worth bringing, but keep it secure and bring a waterproof case if you have one.

The sea can be bright and exposed around Los Gigantes. A jacket is useful even in warm weather, and a towel is needed if you plan to swim. You should also consider motion sickness medication if you are prone to queasiness. At least one outing had several sick people aboard, and a calm day cannot be assumed.

Swimming and snorkeling in a clear coastal cove

After the wildlife search, the boat anchors in a sheltered cove. This is your chance to swim or snorkel in clear water, with the cliffs close by. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins.

The cove adds welcome variety to the trip. You move from scanning the horizon to looking below the surface, where fish and smaller marine life may be visible. Some outings have found large numbers of colorful fish, and turtles have also been seen during the wider trip.

Keep your expectations realistic about the length of the stop. The stated itinerary includes time for swimming, but reports of actual water time range from about 10 minutes to around 30 minutes. The captain must balance the cove stop with the wildlife search and the return to port.

If you are booking mainly for snorkeling, ask about the expected timing before departure. If you see the swim as a pleasant extra after whale watching, the stop should fit nicely. Non-swimmers can remain aboard and enjoy the cliffs, drinks, and food.

The activity is not suitable for people with heart problems, according to the safety information. The booking details also list wheelchair access but separately say the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. That is a point worth confirming directly before you reserve, since boarding a sailing yacht and moving around a wet deck may present practical limits.

Cold tapas, fruit, and drinks on the way back

Food is served during the stop or on the return journey. Expect a light selection of cold items such as tortilla, local cheese, cured meats, breadsticks, olives, fruit, and fruit skewers. Drinks include water, soft drinks, and, where offered, beer or wine.

This is a generous snack spread, but it is not a restaurant lunch. One person specifically described it as cold snacks, and that is the fairest way to picture it. You should eat something before boarding if you need a substantial meal, especially if you plan to swim.

The food works well with the setting. After time in the water, a plate of tortilla, cheese, and fruit feels just right, and the relaxed service adds to the unhurried mood. Private charters include a light brunch, while the shared trip includes appetizers and drinks.

The crew may also play music, and the atmosphere tends to be social without being forced. Since the boat carries a mix of nationalities, English, Spanish, and French may be used during the trip. Antonio’s humor and easy manner are often part of the appeal, but the tone remains low-key rather than party focused.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed as personal items, and fireworks and explosive substances are prohibited. That fits the character of the trip: this is a peaceful wildlife outing, not a booze cruise.

What the $76 price delivers

At $76 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but the price includes more than a basic boat ride. You receive a three-hour cruise, a small shared group, a sailing yacht, a live multilingual guide, snorkeling equipment, safety equipment, snacks, and drinks.

The value is strongest if you care about the quality of the boat and the size of the group. A larger excursion may offer more seats at a lower price, but it will not give you the same quiet feel or the same chance to move around when whales appear. Here, the small scale is the main reason to pay a little more.

The price also covers two different experiences: wildlife watching offshore and a scenic coastal stop beneath Los Gigantes. Even if the animals keep their distance, you still receive a proper sail along one of Tenerife’s most striking coasts.

Private groups can make the price worthwhile for a family or celebration, though the total cost depends on the booking arrangement. For most couples and small parties, the shared option offers the better balance of price and space.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing your date.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most

I would choose this excursion if you want a quiet, personal whale-watching experience rather than a large commercial cruise. It suits couples, families with older children, photographers, and anyone who enjoys a few hours on the sea even when wildlife takes time to appear.

It is also a good match for people who want to combine several Tenerife sights in one outing. You get marine life, the cliffs, snorkeling, local food, and a sailing experience without committing to a full day.

Families should consider the age and swimming plans of their children. Children have enjoyed the trip, but one family found the water stop shorter than expected. If your children need a long swim session, this may not satisfy them.

People sensitive to motion should prepare carefully. Bring a jacket, use a towel, and consider seasickness medicine before departure. The boat is comfortable, but no yacht can remove the movement of the Atlantic.

This is not the right pick if you want a guaranteed dolphin encounter, a full hot lunch, or hours of swimming. It is also not the best fit for anyone with heart problems or mobility needs that make boarding and moving around a yacht difficult.

Should you book the Los Gigantes whale-watching tour?

Book it if you want small-group sailing, responsible wildlife watching, and dramatic coastal scenery in one compact outing. The strongest parts are the limited number of people, the comfortable yacht, the chance to see pilot whales close by, and the stop beneath Los Gigantes for snorkeling and tapas.

Go in with sensible expectations. Wildlife is wild, the sea may cause motion sickness, and the food is a cold snack spread rather than a full lunch. If those limits suit you, $76 is a fair price for three relaxed hours with a skilled captain and a real chance of seeing whales and dolphins in their natural setting.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale-watching tour?

The cruise lasts three hours, including wildlife watching, coastal sailing, the cove stop, and the return to Los Gigantes.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at MPC Yacht Charter in the port of Los Gigantes. Bring your confirmation voucher and arrive in advance so you have time to find the yacht at the pier.

How many people can join the shared cruise?

The shared cruise has a maximum of nine people. A private charter is available for up to 10 people.

Which languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in Spanish, English, and French.

What marine life might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, tuna, fish, manta rays, and other marine species. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and safety equipment are included, and the boat stops in a cove where you can swim or snorkel.

What food and drinks are provided?

The shared cruise includes appetizers, fruit, and drinks. Food can include tortilla, cheese, cured meats, breadsticks, olives, and fruit. Private charters include a light brunch.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, camera, and jacket. A jacket is useful because the boat can feel cool while sailing.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reservation option also allows you to book now and pay later.