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

If you want wild ocean, this is the way. This whale and dolphin sailing trip from Los Gigantes pairs real wildlife time with a swim in clear water and unbeatable cliff views. I like the small-group feel on a 14-meter sailboat, and I also love the way the day balances action (spotting cetaceans) with pure relax time (snorkel, snacks, photos). One thing to consider: you are on the water for three hours, so if you get seasick easily, plan for it.

This is not a big “look at animals from a distance” cruise. The operators aim for respectful watching inside the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve, then they anchor in a secluded cove so you can cool off. The main drawback is simple: wildlife is wildlife. Some trips are loaded with dolphins and whales, and some are lighter, but you still get the cliffs, the sail, and the swim stop.

Key highlights you will actually care about

• Small shared groups (max 9), or private for up to 10, so you are not packed in like a bus tour
• Sailing boat comfort on the 14-meter El Mojo Picón, with space to lounge and take photos
• Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve wildlife time, with real chances for dolphins, whales, and turtles
• Snorkeling gear included, plus time to swim from a calm cove with clear water
• Food and drinks on board, usually tapas-style snacks like tortilla and local cheese
• Los Gigantes cliffs from the water, including photo time near the iconic 600-meter-high formations

Los Gigantes from the water: why the cliffs matter

Los Gigantes is famous for those dramatic walls dropping straight into the Atlantic. On land, the views can be impressive, but you miss the scale and the motion. From the sea, you see the cliffs in context, how the coastline curves, how the shadows move, and how the marine reserve area sits right offshore.

The best part is that the cliffs do not feel like a quick “photo stop” and then you’re gone. The tour builds in time to watch for wildlife while sailing, then it gives you a base-of-the-cliffs moment where you can eat and drink, with the scenery acting like a giant backdrop.

A small practical tip: bring your camera and keep it ready during the approach. A lot of the best sightings happen while you are still moving, and a sailing boat lets you watch from multiple angles.

On the El Mojo Picón: comfort that helps you enjoy the hunt

This is a sailing experience, not a speed-boat sprint. You go out on El Mojo Picón, a 14-meter sailboat, and the operator focuses on keeping the ride comfortable and the group size reasonable.

That small-group setup is a big deal for value. At about $76 per person for 3 hours, you want more than “a seat.” When there are fewer people aboard, you get more room to move, better sightlines for dolphins, and a calmer vibe while you wait for whales to surface.

You will also appreciate the crew style. Multiple guides are described as relaxed, friendly, and good at explaining what is happening, with languages including Spanish, English, and French. Skippers like Antonio and Francesco come up often in the comments, and the common thread is that they keep the day paced, not frantic.

One more comfort note from the real-world feedback: the boat is described as clean and ready, and some passengers even mention getting the chance to helm the boat. That is not guaranteed, but it signals the overall tone: you are on a working sailing craft where the crew still makes time for people.

What you are really watching for in Teno-Rasca

The trip runs through the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve, which matters because this is not random coastline touring. You are in a protected area where cetaceans and sea life are part of the normal rhythm of the ocean.

Here is what you should keep in mind:

• Dolphins: often seen leaping or swimming alongside, especially when conditions line up
• Whales: reports often mention pilot whales, with some very close, respectful encounters
• Sea turtles: they show up on some trips, and it is a lovely surprise when it happens
• Other fish life: snorkeling in the cove is where you can go from “look” to “see up close”

A key detail for expectations: sightings are not fully under anyone’s control. You can do everything right and still have a quiet day. The good news is that this tour does not leave you empty-handed if the cetaceans are shy. You still sail the Los Gigantes coast, you get anchored time for photos, and you get a real swim stop with gear included.

The 3-hour rhythm: sailing, wildlife spotting, then the cove swim

This tour is built like a simple sequence: set out from Los Gigantes, spend time scanning and sailing where wildlife is likely, then anchor so you can get in the water.

Starting point and departure energy

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter with your confirmation voucher. The vibe starts quickly, but it is never chaotic. You settle in, get oriented, and then the crew starts guiding your attention: where to look, what might surface, and how the coastline is setting up your best viewing angles.

If you are prone to motion sickness, this is where you want to be ready. Several people recommend taking travel sickness medication beforehand, not during. Sailing can be smooth, but the Atlantic always has its own opinion.

Sailing time near the cliffs and marine reserve

Once you are underway, you spend the bulk of the experience on the water watching for cetaceans. This is not only about spotting a single animal. The best moments come when dolphins swim alongside and whales are actively feeding or traveling.

There is also a thoughtful wildlife approach described in the feedback. Some passengers specifically note that engines were cut well before approaching whales closely, so the animals are not startled. That is the kind of detail that tells you the crew cares about how they observe, not just how fast they can get a photo.

The anchor stop: base of the cliffs with food and drinks

Midway through the experience, you get a break that is both practical and scenic. The boat anchors near the base of the cliffs, and you have appetizers, fruit, and drinks. This is also when the day shifts into relaxed mode: you snack, you look up at those vertical walls, and you reset your camera batteries.

From the comments, the food is often described as generous and genuinely enjoyable rather than an afterthought. People mention tortilla and local cheese, plus drinks served onboard. In some cases, lunch style is described as Spanish tapas or cold snacks rather than a hot meal. Either way, it is designed to keep you comfortable while you keep watching the sea.

Swim or snorkel in the clear cove

Then comes the part you will remember in a different way: the water stop. The boat anchors in a natural cove with clear waters, and you can swim or snorkel. Snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to pack a mask.

How long you get in the water can vary. Some passengers mention a shorter swim window, especially when traveling with kids, so do not book this expecting a full-hour beach session. Think of it as a focused cool-off and a chance to see fish up close while the cliffs surround you.

You might also spot more marine life during the swim. Snorkelers often talk about colorful fish and lots of movement, which makes the cove stop feel like the highlight for families and non-divers alike.

Food and photo time: snacks, drinks, and 600-meter views

The cliff views are a major selling point, but what makes it feel like value is that you do not rush the scenery. You get time to take photos of the iconic formations, including the 600-meter-high Cliffs of the Giants, while you are not stuck standing shoulder-to-shoulder.

Food and drinks add comfort in two ways. First, you have energy so the day feels easy, not like an endurance test. Second, it breaks up the wildlife scanning so you stay relaxed instead of constantly staring at the horizon.

Based on passenger descriptions, the snacks can include local flavors like tortilla and local cheese, and the lunch portion often feels tapas-style with meats, breads, olives, fruit skewers, and similar items. Drinks are included too, with reports ranging from chilled soft drinks to iced beer, and some lunches include wine depending on the day.

One smart move: eat your snacks slowly and keep one hand free for your phone or camera. Wildlife sightings and dolphin moments can line up unexpectedly with your boarding schedule.

Who this suits best, and what to think about first

This is a strong match if you want:

• A relaxed sea day with real wildlife time, not an all-day bus parade
• A chance to snorkel with gear provided
• Enough time to enjoy the cliffs from the water while still moving through the marine reserve area

It is especially good for families who want kids to experience the sea without a technical diving setup. It is also great for couples and smaller groups who want a calmer, intimate feel.

Here is where you should be careful:

• The activity is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Even though wheelchair accessibility is mentioned in the activity details, you should confirm your specific needs directly with the operator before booking.
• It is also listed as not suitable for people with heart problems. This is likely about the overall safety and time at sea, so do not treat it as a gentle stroll.
• If you get motion sick, plan ahead. Even on a comfortable sailing boat, the Atlantic can sway.

Also, if you care deeply about being in the water for a long stretch, set expectations that the swim time is generally a portion of the three hours, not an extended beach day.

Price and value: why this is about more than $76

At $76 per person for 3 hours, the real question is what you get for your money: time at sea, included snorkeling gear, food and drinks, and guided wildlife observation in a protected area.

What you are paying for here is access and experience design. A smaller boat and a protected marine route mean you are not just paying for transport, you are paying for the conditions that help spotting happen and that make the swim stop worth it.

Also, you get a package feel. You are not adding costs for a snorkel kit, a snack break, or a separate cliff tour. The included appetizers, fruit, and drinks keep the day self-contained.

Is it worth it compared to a large-group whale tour? In my view, it usually depends on what you want most. If you value quiet, comfort, and flexibility in where the crew positions the boat, then this style is often better value. If you only care about seeing an animal, and you do not care about food or a swim, you might compare prices with larger operators. But if you want a sea day with multiple parts, this price feels fair.

Wildlife respect and sustainable sailing habits

The tour emphasizes responsible wildlife observation and sustainable tourism. That matters because whale and dolphin watching is not a spectator sport where you “force” encounters.

The best signs in the descriptions are the small operational choices: keeping distance, adjusting approach, and cutting engines before coming close. Those details help animals behave naturally instead of spending the time stressed and avoiding your boat.

It also adds to the overall quality of the experience. When the crew is calm and deliberate, the whole trip feels calm too. That is why so many passengers call it relaxed, peaceful, and personal even when sailing is involved.

Should you book the Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Tour from Los Gigantes?

Book it if you want a 3-hour Tenerife sea day that mixes wildlife watching, a real cove swim, and Los Gigantes cliffs with food and drinks included. The small-group format and included snorkeling gear are the big value drivers, and the respectful wildlife approach is a plus if you care about how your tourism affects animals.

Skip or at least confirm details carefully if you have mobility limits or heart conditions, or if motion sickness is a big issue for you. And go in with the right mindset on whales and dolphins: you are not guaranteed every species, but you are set up for the best odds, and the rest of the trip still delivers.

If you are choosing between half-day activities in Tenerife and you want something that feels closer to the ocean than to a checklist, this is one of the more satisfying options from Los Gigantes.

FAQ

How long is the Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Tour from Los Gigantes?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at MPC Yacht Charter in advance with your confirmation voucher.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and the tour includes time to swim or snorkel in a natural cove with clear waters.

What food and drinks are provided?

You get appetizers and fruit, plus drinks served on board. Lunch is included, and private charters include a light brunch.

What wildlife can I see?

You can look for whales, dolphins, and turtles in their natural habitat, and you may also spot other sea life such as fish.

What languages are spoken by the crew?

The live guide and crew speak Spanish, English, and French.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchair accessibility is listed, but the activity is also listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You should confirm your specific needs with the operator.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, a camera, and a jacket.

What is not allowed on board?

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Fireworks and explosive substances are also not allowed.

What if my plans change?

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.