From Los Gigantes: Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise

A day on the water, with whales in mind. This half-day sailing from Los Gigantes pairs wildlife watching with a relaxed 46 ft sailboat experience, plus time to swim near the cliffs. What makes it especially appealing is the responsible approach the crew follows, backed by local conservation groups and government authorization.

I love the small group size. Most trips cap at just nine passengers, so the boat feels calm, not crowded, and the crew can explain what you’re seeing without shouting over other people.

One thing to consider is that sailing can mean motion. If you’re prone to seasickness, plan accordingly, since one reviewer called out that they did not expect it and needed help getting through it.

Key Highlights You Should Care About

• Small group sailing (max 9 passengers) keeps the vibe personal and the boat easy to move around.
• Responsible whale watching practices include members of local cetacean associations and a government authorized activity.
• Snorkel time near the Los Gigantes cliffs is short but memorable, with masks and safety gear included.
• Homemade tapas onboard add real value, so you’re not hungry after the water time.
• A quiet boat experience shows up in reviews, including mention of no music on board.
• Crew-led education in multiple languages shows up again and again, with guide names like Sara, Jakob, Miguel, and Nettie.

Meeting at Picarus Sailing Club, Finding the Aemon or Ayla

Your trip starts at Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. The boat you’ll board may be named Aemon or Ayla, so it helps to arrive on time and look for your specific vessel.

From there, you’re heading straight out to the same waters that draw dolphins and whales in this part of Tenerife. The timing matters because the most rewarding sightings often happen when the crew is actively scanning and positioning the boat for respectful viewing.

The 46 ft Sailboat Experience: Why the Boat Size Matters

This cruise runs on a 46 ft (14 m) sailing boat, and the size is a big part of why people love it. A smaller sailboat changes the whole feel, from how quickly you can get to the best viewing angles to how relaxed the conversation stays.

You also get life vests and snorkel masks included, which means you don’t have to track down gear before you go. Reviews repeatedly highlight that the boat feels clean and well cared for, and that the crew takes safety seriously.

The practical upside for you: with fewer people aboard, you’re less likely to get stuck behind someone every time you want a photo or want to watch the water for spouts and fins. It’s also easier for the crew to give short, clear briefings about what to do when whales are spotted.

Wildlife Viewing Off Los Gigantes: What “Up Close” Really Means

The first on-water block is about 1.5 hours of wildlife viewing off Los Gigantes. This is the part of the trip where you’re most focused on spotting marine life, and where the crew’s technique really matters.

In the best cases, you can see whales and dolphins in the same session. Reviews mention pilot whales, playful dolphins swimming close by, and at least one turtle sighting. Even when whales are not right in your view, the time on the water still pays off because you’re out in real habitat, not just parked at a distant point.

Here’s the practical part: the crew makes a point of doing things that reduce disturbance. One review specifically mentioned that the captain cuts engines when whales are spotted, even at distance. That’s the kind of detail you can feel good about, because it’s about keeping the animals’ behavior as natural as possible.

Sailing Time and Island Views: More Than Just Transport

After the wildlife watching, you get about 1 hour of sailing. This isn’t dead time. You’re moving along the coast while continuing to scan the water, and the sails add a slower, more scenic rhythm than a straight motor cruise.

For many people, this hour is when the trip turns into a full “Tenerife from the sea” experience. You’re out there with the coast of Los Gigantes around you and you get views that are hard to replicate from land. One reviewer even noted that even if whales were not found, it would still have been a brilliant morning out on the waves.

The drawback is also simple: sailing days depend on conditions. If you’re sensitive to motion, sailing time can feel more noticeable than you expect, and one guest flagged that they got seasick.

Snorkeling Under the Cliffs: Short, Safe, and Worth It

Next comes snorkeling for a short window, listed as 15 minutes. Another review described it as roughly 20 minutes, so you can think of it as a brief but real chance to get into the water near the cliffs rather than a quick dip and get out.

What you’ll have:

• Snorkel masks included
• Life vests on board
• Time to swim in a bay near the Los Gigantes cliffs

What you should bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen (high protection is recommended)
• A sun hat and sunglasses for before and after you get wet
• A snorkel tube is not included, so if you use one, bring it (the info notes that a “tuba” from snorkel equipment is not included)

Is 15 minutes enough? If you’re expecting a long beach snorkel session, you may feel it’s brief. If you want a taste of snorkeling in a dramatic setting with the rest of the day focused on wildlife, it’s a good balance. The crew also tends to create a calm atmosphere so you’re not juggling chaos while you’re suited up and waiting your turn.

Tapas Onboard: The Meal That Turns It From a Trip Into a Day

After snorkeling, there’s time for a meal onboard, listed as 15 minutes. This is where the cruise offers real value: you’re not left hungry on the return trip.

The meal is homemade tapas, and you can expect drinks as well. Reviews mention tapas being delicious and note that vegetarian options are available. One guest even said the food was fresh and catered for vegetarians.

This is also the moment when the boat vibe shifts from active scanning to relaxed conversation. On smaller boats, you often end up chatting with other people and sharing what you saw, and a short onboard meal helps keep that flow easy.

If you’re the type who hates stopping at a random tourist restaurant later, this onboard food is a smart way to keep your day compact and satisfying.

Guides, Education, and Conservation, With Real Names Behind It

A major reason this tour earns such high marks is the crew’s communication. The trip includes a live guide in Spanish, English, and French.

In reviews, guide names show up clearly, including Sara, Felix, Jakob, Miguel, and Nettie. The consistent theme is that the crew explains what you’re likely seeing and why they approach wildlife the way they do.

This matters because whale and dolphin watching is not just about spotting animals. It’s also about understanding behavior and habitat. The operator notes they’re:

• Members of a Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching from Turismo de Tenerife
• Active members of Asociacion de Cetáceos del Sur de Tenerife (South Tenerife Cetaceans Association)
• Proud holders of the Blue Boat Flag, meaning authorization by the government to practice whale watching responsibly

From your perspective, this translates into more than a feel-good policy statement. You get practical behaviors like reducing disruption around sightings, and you get context for what you’re observing during the trip.

Who This Sailboat Cruise Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This cruise is a strong match if you want:

• Small group wildlife watching rather than a big catamaran crowd
• A sailboat over a motor-only cruise
• A mix of whales or dolphins, short snorkeling, and onboard food
• A guide who can explain wildlife and local context in multiple languages

It may not be the best fit if you:

• Expect long snorkeling time
• Are very sensitive to waves and motion, and you have not prepared for seasickness
• Prefer nonstop sightseeing without stopping for swim and meal breaks

One more practical note that shows up in the reviews: the trip can be calm. Multiple guests described the atmosphere as relaxed, including mentions of no music. If you like a quieter outing where you can actually hear the guide, this fits.

Price and Value: Is $88 a Fair Deal?

At $88 per person for a 3 to 4 hour experience, the value depends on what you compare it to.

Here’s what you’re getting for the money, based on the provided details:

• Max 9 passengers, which is a real quality upgrade for wildlife viewing
• A 46 ft sailboat experience with views you can’t get on land
• Snorkel masks and safety gear included
• Homemade tapas onboard
• Guide interpretation in Spanish, English, French
• A conservation-focused operating approach, backed by local groups and authorization

In other words, you’re not just paying to see animals. You’re paying for a smaller, more controlled experience that includes both time on the water and time in it, plus food that reduces your need for a separate meal.

The only value question for you is whether snorkeling time works for your style. If you really want extended time in the water, you might feel the snorkel window is short. If you’re happy with a quick, guided water moment next to the cliffs, the included snacks and sailing make the price feel easier to justify.

Quick Practical Tips Before You Go

Based on what’s listed for what to bring, and what tends to matter on boats like this, I’d plan around these basics:

• High-protection sunscreen that’s biodegradable
• A towel (not included)
• Swimwear ready to go so you don’t waste time changing at the dock
• Sunglasses and a sun hat for deck time
• If you use one, bring your snorkel tube, since it’s not included
• Consider seasickness support if you’re prone, because even short sail days can feel different on open water

Also, bring a relaxed mindset. Whale watching has an element of nature. The best tours do their part by searching effectively and staying respectful, and you do your part by staying patient and watching from where the crew positions you.

Should You Book This Los Gigantes Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise?

If you want a wildlife-focused half-day that stays intimate, this one is easy to recommend. The combination of a small group sailboat, a crew-led conservation approach, snorkeling near the cliffs, and homemade tapas onboard makes it feel like more than a standard excursion.

Book it if:

• You’d rather be on a smaller boat than a big crowd
• You like learning while you watch, and you want the guide to explain species and responsible behavior
• You want food included so your day stays simple

Skip it if:

• You need long snorkeling time
• You have strong motion sensitivity and you haven’t prepared

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale watching sailboat cruise?

The cruise lasts about 3 to 4 hours.

What group size is this cruise?

It runs as either private or shared excursions, with a maximum of 9 passengers on the sailing boat.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkel time is part of the trip, and snorkel masks are included. A snorkel tube is not included.

What’s included in the price?

You get safety gear (life vests), snorkel masks, a homemade tapas meal onboard, and a live guide. Drinks are also mentioned with the onboard food.

What languages do the guides speak?

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

Where does the trip depart from?

It departs from Picarus Sailing Club, and you’ll board the boat named Aemon or Ayla.