Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

Whales off Los Gigantes can feel oddly close. This 3-hour sailing charter is a small-group way to look for pilot whales and dolphins, then cool off with snorkeling near the cliffs of Tenerife. I like the fact that the boat is set up for comfort, and the crew keeps things personal even when marine life is moving fast. One thing to plan for: you need to bring a towel, since towels are not included.

What I really like here is the full package for the price. You get drinks like cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks, plus freshly cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, and made-to-order sandwiches with vegan and gluten-free options. I also like how they cap group size at 10, so you do not feel like one face in a crowd, and you actually get time to ask questions while the captain watches the water.

A good heads-up before you go: this trip is weather-dependent, so if conditions are rough they will adjust plans. If you are hoping for a specific wildlife sighting, know that the ocean decides too, even on a great day.

Key Things I’d Plan Around

• Max 10 on board means more room on deck and less waiting around for attention.
• Sunbeds on the bow are a big deal on a 45-foot sailing boat, especially when the cliffs look best from up high.
• Food is built in: fruit, snacks, sandwiches, and lunch-style grazing with vegan and gluten-free options.
• Snorkeling happens near the cliffs, so you should be ready to swim, not just watch from the rail.
• Bring your own towel since towels are not provided.
• English is the main language, and the German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays.

First Impressions: A Los Gigantes Sail That Feels Human-Scale

Los Gigantes is the kind of place where you expect big tours and big lines. This one is different because you are not packed into a floating crowd. The boat is the Bavaria Cruiser, a 45-foot ship built for comfort, and the crew runs it like they actually want you to enjoy the ride, not just check off a whale box.

You get intimate viewing time as you sail around the cliffs. That matters, because whale watching is not only about spotting animals, it is also about reading the sea. When you are closer and the group is smaller, the captain can steer you into the right viewing angles, and you can hear the explanation without turning your head every five seconds.

The small-group setup also shows in how they handle downtime. When the crew spots activity, you get a chance to look and ask. When there is quieter water, you still feel like something is happening, because the pacing stays relaxed.

The Boat: Where Comfort Actually Changes Your Experience

The Sailboat Bavaria Cruiser is from 2012, and it is used in a way that feels made for this coast. The highlight for me is the comfortable sunbeds on the bow. If the weather is decent, those are prime seats for cliff views and for scanning the water for fins cutting the surface.

On board, you are not stuck indoors. The set-up encourages you to shift positions as the ship moves, and that is helpful when you go from sailing past the sheer cliffs to pausing for wildlife watching. It also makes photos easier, since you can angle yourself toward the water instead of hunching at a railing.

One small practical note: you will want sunscreen and a hat. You are on the water for about three hours, and the sun can hit hard even when the air feels mild.

The Los Gigantes Coast Stop: Timing, Views, and Wildlife Odds

Your time starts with sailing around Los Gigantes, with a dedicated stretch that focuses on cruising the coast and watching for marine life. You get about two hours at this first phase, and the goal is simple: enjoy the cliffs from sea level while the crew keeps an eye on wildlife.

Los Gigantes cliffs are dramatic, but the real magic is how they frame the water. When you look from the right angle, the cliffs turn into a backdrop for dolphins and whales, and the scale becomes obvious. It is not just pretty scenery, it is also a practical vantage point. The captain is positioning the boat along the coast where sightings tend to happen.

On a good day you can expect things like pilot whales and dolphins. The cruise is built for the fact that you might see different species at different times. Even when you miss one type, you usually still leave with a strong wildlife story, since dolphins, sea birds, and other marine life can show up during the same sailing window.

Snorkeling by the Cliffs: The Part You Should Prepare For

After the wildlife watching portion, you get time for snorkeling and swimming near a spot along the coast. The best way to think about this: do not treat it like a bonus activity you can ignore. It is a real swim segment, and it can be the highlight if the water is calm.

You will be in a smaller, controlled group environment. That matters because it is easier for the crew to manage timing and safety when only a few people are in the water. You also tend to spend more time actually in the sea instead of standing around.

Do not show up thinking you can wing it. The big catch is towels are not included. If you do not want to deal with the awkward damp towel situation, bring a small pack towel. Also, if you have a chance, come in with swim-ready gear so you waste less time changing.

Food and Drinks: Strong Value for a 3-Hour Charter

At roughly $90.70 per person for a half-day length experience, the value comes from what they include. You are not paying extra for basics. You get:

• Drinks such as cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Freshly cut fruit
• Snacks and bottled water
• Sandwiches made for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free needs

This is the part I think you should pay attention to. For a lot of whale watching trips, you get a few packaged snacks and a vague drink situation. Here, the food and drink feel like a real part of the plan, not just a side perk.

The sandwiches are custom made, including vegan and gluten-free options. If you eat gluten-free, you often end up negotiating meals on vacation. This format removes that stress. You can focus on the water instead of wondering what you can safely eat.

Alcohol is available, so if you plan to swim, be smart about pacing. Enjoy a drink if that is your style, just keep your head for the snorkel time.

Staff on Board: The Difference Small Groups Make

The crew and captain are a core part of why this works. Names that come up often include Captain Jaime, and hosts such as David and Eileen. The vibe is friendly and upbeat, and the boat never feels rushed.

In practical terms, smaller groups help staff do three things better:

1. They can explain what they are seeing as conditions change.
2. They can talk to individuals, including families and mixed-age groups.
3. They can help when people feel a bit off balance in moving water.

If you get even mild seasickness, you are not just told to tough it out. People describe the staff as attentive when someone feels unwell. That is not something you should assume on every charter, so it is worth noting that they handle it.

Also, there is a specific scheduling detail: a German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays. English is offered, and the English-speaking experience is the default.

Logistics That Matter: Getting to the Boat and Back

The meeting point is at Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, Calle Poblado Marinero, s/n, Pantalán 1 Atraque 156, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you are not dealing with a long transfer or complicated final leg.

This matters more than it sounds. If you are staying somewhere without easy access to transport, the fact that it is near public transportation helps. You also get confirmation after booking within 48 hours, and you receive a mobile ticket, so you are not juggling paper vouchers.

There is also a helpful reality check: the tour is capped at 10 travelers, so if you want a spot for prime dates, booking ahead is sensible. On average, people book about 20 days in advance.

What If You Do Not See Whales?

Whale watching always has an element of luck. Still, the trip design gives you enough to enjoy even if sightings shift.

If you see pilot whales, it feels special because they can be powerful, and when you are watching them with the cliffs in view, it sticks in your memory. But even in cases where pilot whales are not spotted, dolphins, sea birds, and the cliffs themselves often deliver a satisfying experience. The cruise includes real swim and snorkeling time, plus food and drinks, so you still come away feeling you did something meaningful.

In other words, the best part is not only the word whales. It is the whole mix: sailing past Los Gigantes, then snorkeling by the coast, with comfort and good onboard hospitality.

Who This Trip Fits Best

This charter is a strong match if you want:

• A smaller group experience rather than a big-boat crush
• Whale watching paired with snorkeling, not just one or the other
• Included food that respects vegan and gluten-free needs
• Time on a sailing boat with open deck space and a relaxed pace

It is also a good pick for families, since people report mixed ages and a crew that can keep everyone comfortable. If you want a quiet, scenic morning or afternoon where your day does not revolve around long lines, this fits.

If you are someone who wants fully guided in-depth geology or a very structured classroom style of tour, you might want to pair this with another shore-based activity. This trip’s focus is the sea, the animals, and the swim.

Pricing and Value: What You Are Paying For

You are paying about $90.70 per person for a 3-hour experience. On paper, that can look like a lot until you match it to what is included: drinks, fruit, snacks, bottled water, and sandwiches that cover vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

That is the real value equation. You are not needing to budget separately for meals or drinks. And the small group size adds a hidden value too: you spend more time with the staff, and less time trying to see through other people.

For many people, this becomes one of the easiest “best day” choices in Tenerife because it is a single ticket that covers most of the things you would otherwise plan separately.

Tips for a Smoother Trip

A few practical things will help you get the most out of your time on the boat:

• Arrive early and plan extra time to park, since you will want to be settled before boarding.
• Bring your own towel for the swim segment.
• Use sunscreen and sunglasses, then consider a hat if you like bow time.
• If you are gluten-free or vegan, it still helps to confirm any needs with the operator ahead of time when possible.
• If you are sensitive to motion, eat lightly before you go and let the crew know so they can support you.

Small prep steps make a huge difference when you spend the afternoon in and around seawater.

Should You Book Los Gigantes Whale Watching by Sail?

If you like the idea of a small-group sailing trip with real snorkeling time and included meals, this is a smart booking. The mix of comfort, onboard food options, and the focus on the Los Gigantes coast makes it feel like a complete half-day, not a rushed tour.

I would book it if:

• You want pilot whales or dolphins but still want the day to work even if sightings vary.
• You care about vegan and gluten-free options being taken seriously.
• You prefer a calmer boat experience over big crowds.

Skip it if:

• You strongly dislike swimming or snorkeling and do not want any water time at all.
• You are traveling at a time when weather can be rough and you cannot be flexible.

If you want an authentic Tenerife sea day with plenty of time outside and a deck view that does not feel crowded, this one earns a spot on your list.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale watching sailing trip?

It runs for about 3 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes complimentary drinks (cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks), freshly cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, and custom made sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Are towels provided for snorkeling?

No. Towels are not included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people are on board?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, Calle Poblado Marinero, s/n Pantalán 1 Atraque 156, 38683, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

How soon will I receive confirmation after booking?

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a cancellation deadline?

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.