Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

A sailboat whale watch off Tenerife hits different. This 3 hour cruise from Los Gigantes is built around a small group and real time on the water, with your best chances at dolphins, pilot whales, and even turtles. I like that you get the Los Gigantes cliffs from sea level, not just from shore, and the crew keeps things relaxed but focused. One thing to consider: it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and you will be on a boat that involves moving around.

The onboard vibe is part of the value. You leave with drinks and fresh fruit, then come back with freshly made sandwiches plus time to swim and snorkel. Guides such as David and Eileen, with Jamie and Jaime showing up in many trips, set the tone with helpful explanations while still letting wildlife stay in charge. The downside is simple math, you might not see whales every time, even when conditions and sightings are great.

Key highlights before you go

• Los Gigantes cliffs by sail: you see the dramatic coastline from the sea, at a comfortable pace
• Chance of dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles: wildlife spotting is the whole point of the outing
• 30 minutes to swim and snorkel in a small cove along Tenerife
• Raise the sail when conditions allow for a more authentic sailing feel
• Food and drinks included: cava, wine, beer, soft drinks, fruit, and sandwiches (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options)
• Snorkeling equipment provided so you can pack lighter

Los Gigantes cliffs and a 10-person sailboat set-up

Los Gigantes is one of those places where the scenery feels bigger once you leave land. From the water, the sheer cliffs stack up in layers, and you get that slow-motion view as the boat heads out and later returns. I like the way this cruise doesn’t feel like a cattle call. The group limit is 10 participants, which matters for two reasons: you stay comfortable on a sailing boat, and the crew can move people as needed without chaos.

The trip starts with you meeting Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Pier 1, mooring number 156. From there you board a sailing boat and settle in. You will spend about two hours out on the water looking for marine life, then you pause for swimming and snorkel time, and finally you enjoy the return views and included lunch-style snacks.

The sailboat also changes how the day feels. When conditions are right, the crew may raise the sail and ride the wind instead of just running under power. That can translate into a quieter, more “at sea” experience, especially when you are scanning for movement on the horizon.

One practical note: this is a moving boat. Even when the sea is calm, there is walking, turning, and climbing steps. If you are sensitive to motion or have any balance concerns, plan accordingly.

What you’re likely to see in the Atlantic: dolphins, pilot whales, turtles

This cruise is marketed around three stars: dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles. Based on the pattern of sightings described, pilot whales show up often, sometimes very close to the boat. Dolphins also appear frequently, including playful pods that spend time around the sailing area.

The best part is how the crew approaches spotting. This is not about chasing animals at full speed. The style is search and observation, then careful positioning when you find wildlife. That approach also aligns with why the day feels respectful in the moment. One common theme is that the crew follows rules and keeps interaction low pressure, even when whales come near.

You may also spot extra life beyond the big three. Guests mention flying fish and other sea life in addition to birds and colorful fish around the snorkeling stop. If you are the kind of person who loves “bonus sightings,” you will probably enjoy that.

Now, the honest consideration: whale watching is always variable. You can have great luck one day and a slower day the next. Here, the value comes from two things working together: time on the water and a boat set up for finding wildlife without cramming people.

The sailing pace: wind, waves, and why the ride feels calmer

A lot of whale tours feel like a bus ride on water. This one has a different rhythm because it is a sailing cruise. The crew will typically set off from Los Gigantes and then spend time actively looking while traveling across the sea. If the wind cooperates, they may raise the sail, and that usually makes the ride feel less mechanical.

Guests repeatedly describe the trip as comfortable, smooth, and not rushed. That matters. When you are scanning for blow spouts or a dark shape under the surface, you want a crew that keeps the boat steady and gives you time to look. With a small group on a sailboat, it is easier to keep everyone oriented and moving as one unit.

You’ll also notice that the onboard service is timed to keep you relaxed rather than distracted. You get drinks along the way, including cava, wine options (white and red), beer, and soft drinks. Fresh fruit is included too. That means you can be out there for hours and still feel like the day is a treat, not just a waiting game.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take this seriously. One guest noted that some people suffered from sea sickness and suggested taking meds beforehand. If you get even mildly queasy on boats, pack your usual remedy and use it early.

The swim and snorkel stop near the Los Gigantes cliffs

The day has a break built in, and it’s a good one. After the wildlife search phase, you drop anchor for about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel in a small cove along Tenerife’s coast. This is where the cruise shifts from “watching” to “doing.”

The snorkeling equipment is included, which is a huge value add if you do not want to rent gear or carry it from your hotel. The water near the cliffs can be clear, and the fish life can be colorful. Guests specifically mention good snorkeling with clear blue water and a nice mix of marine life around the stop.

You should plan this stop like a mini beach break, not a full-day excursion. Bring swimwear under your clothes, and change after if you can. The tour does not include towels, so pack one or plan to borrow from a hotel. Comfortable, breathable clothing helps too, since you’ll likely spend some time warm in the sun before you get back on the boat.

Also, think about timing and photos. Photos are not included, so if you want underwater shots, bring your own setup. If you are only carrying a phone, you might still get great moments, just remember water and devices do not mix.

If you are worried about getting in the water, the crew is used to helping people feel comfortable. One guest shared that they were not confident in the water, and the team still looked after them well. That kind of care can make a big difference on a short snorkel stop.

Food, drinks, and the diet-friendly sandwich moment

This cruise is not only about whales. It treats you like you’re supposed to enjoy the trip, and the included food makes that real.

On board, you get drinks including cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks. Many people highlight the drinks as a nice touch after spotting wildlife, and it helps the vibe stay social without turning into a party.

Then there is the food you’ll be talking about later: freshly made sandwiches after the swim. Guests mention that the sandwiches are tasty and that vegetarian and vegan options are available, plus gluten-free. If you have dietary needs, this is one of the stronger points of the experience because it removes a common travel hassle.

Fresh fruit is included too, which sounds simple, but it helps when you are out in sun and salt air and you want something light between sightings.

One more detail I like: the service rhythm fits the day. You do not feel like you’re rushing to eat. It tends to happen in a calm window after the water time, and then you can relax and watch the coastline on the way back.

David, Eileen, and Jamie: the crew energy that drives the day

The crew is one of the biggest reasons this sailing cruise gets such strong marks. Names like David, Eileen, Jamie, and Jaime come up across trips, and the consistent theme is warm, practical hospitality paired with real nature information.

The crew also helps you understand what you are seeing. That boosts your odds of appreciating the wildlife, because you know what to look for. You might learn how pilot whales behave, why you notice certain movements, or what the surrounding marine environment means. Even if you are not a marine-life nerd, the way they explain things tends to be easy to follow and grounded.

The tone stays respectful, too. Guests mention moments like the crew helping remove an old net from the water and rescuing a protected seabird chick. Those stories do not change your itinerary, but they do suggest a conservation mindset that shows up in everyday choices, not just in a speech.

Language support is another plus. The cruise runs with a live guide in Spanish, English, French, and German, so you are less likely to miss key info if you are not fluent in the local language.

And for solo travelers, this style helps. A small group on a sailboat can feel friendly fast, and the crew tends to include you rather than letting you hide behind your own curiosity.

Price and value: why $88 can feel fair for what you get

At about $88 per person for a roughly 3 hour outing, the price looks modest for a boat experience. But the real value shows up when you look at the bundle.

You are getting:

• time on a real sailing boat with a small group
• wildlife spotting time off the coast of Tenerife
• a swim and snorkel stop
• snorkeling equipment
• drinks (including wine and cava)
• fresh fruit and freshly made sandwiches
• dietary options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free

If you tried to piece that together yourself, the costs add up fast, especially in a resort area where boat rentals, guide time, and gear are never cheap. Here, you also benefit from the crew’s ability to find wildlife during the two-hour search stretch.

The only “value risk” is the usual one in whale watching. You might not see whales on every sailing. But when you do see pilot whales or dolphins, the experience can feel like the ticket price disappears in the best way, because you get wildlife in their real environment, not behind a glass panel.

So I think the fairness depends on your expectations. If you want guaranteed whales, no operator can promise that. If you want an enjoyable, well-run sailing day with strong odds of dolphins and pilot whales plus snorkel time, this looks like solid value.

Who this cruise fits best, and who should skip it

This is a great fit for:

• people who want a calm small-group boat day rather than a crowded tour
• families with kids who can handle short boat time and a quick swim window (snorkel time is only about 30 minutes)
• nature lovers who care about how wildlife is handled
• anyone who wants both wildlife watching and an active water stop

It may not fit if:

• you have mobility impairments, since it is not suitable for that situation
• you cannot handle boat movement, especially if you get seasick easily
• you hate the idea of changing clothes and getting wet in a short, scheduled water break

If you are mid-range on confidence in the water, that’s often workable. The crew style described in real trips suggests they help people feel secure. Still, you should judge based on your comfort.

Should you book the Tenerife Los Gigantes whale watching sail cruise?

If you like the idea of seeing dramatic cliffs from the sea, want time for snorkeling without extra rental stress, and prefer a 10-person max atmosphere on a sailing boat, I’d book this. The included food and drinks also make it feel like a complete outing, not just a “look and leave” wildlife hunt.

I would book especially if your heart is set on pilot whales, since that is a common highlight from real days on this route. And if you care about respectful wildlife viewing, the crew habits described, like removing an old net and rescuing a seabird chick, point to a team that treats the ocean as more than a backdrop.

I would hesitate only if you have mobility needs that make boat boarding difficult, or if you know you get seriously seasick and don’t plan to use protection. For most people, though, this cruise reads like a well-balanced day: wildlife first, then water time, then a relaxed return with food and sea views.