Whales feel closer from a small sailboat. This private 3-hour Tenerife outing cruises in search of whales and dolphins, with time for photos and a relaxed pace that avoids the packed-boat vibe. You’ll be on a comfortable 14-meter sailboat designed for up to 10 people.

I especially like how the trip ties wildlife spotting to real island scenery. You’ll get views of the Los Gigantes Cliffs (up to 600 meters high), plus sightlines toward Teide volcano and La Gomera, with plenty of chances to stop, look, and shoot photos while you’re underway.

One thing to consider: this experience depends on good weather, and the sea can be windy out there. You should also expect a short swim window (about 30 minutes), not a long beach-style hangout.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Private group up to 10: more quiet, easier conversation, and less time waiting.
• 14-meter sailboat comfort: spacious deck time to relax between dolphin sightings.
• Wildlife search for whales and dolphins: expect time on the water, not a quick drive-and-hope.
• Los Gigantes views from the sea: cliffs up to 600 meters, plus Teide and La Gomera angles.
• 30-minute natural cove stop: crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkel time under the cliffs.
• Snack with tapas (plus drinks): fuel for the trip without turning it into a meal cruise.

A Private 3-Hour Sailboat Tour from Los Gigantes That Feels Like Your Own Day on the Water

Tenerife has a lot of ways to do whale watching. What I like about this one is how it keeps things simple: you’re on a small sailboat, you’re out for a real stretch of time, and you’re not stuck in a crowded line of engines. With up to 10 people onboard, the experience feels more personal and less hectic.

You also get a smart mix of goals. Yes, you’re there for whales and dolphins. But you’re also there for scenery you can’t really appreciate from land: the Los Gigantes cliffs rising like a wall, the shapes of the coastline as you move along, and the way the islands of Tenerife and La Gomera show up across the water. That balance matters because it gives the trip extra value even if wildlife sightings are slower than you’d hoped.

Meeting at MPC Yacht Charter: Where the Trip Starts

The tour meets at MPC YACHT CHARTER, at Puerto deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picon, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. It runs back to the same meeting point when you’re done.

This matters for planning. You can focus on enjoying the sea time rather than figuring out transfers across the island. The area is also described as near public transportation, so if you’re not driving, getting to the port is usually straightforward.

You’ll receive a mobile ticket and get confirmation at the time of booking. That’s useful if you like to keep everything in one place on your phone—no hunting for paper.

What You Actually Do in 3 Hours: From Port Out to Open Water

The core experience is a 3-hour cruise departing Los Gigantes with a dedicated search for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. This isn’t positioned as a one-and-done stop. It’s time on the water, letting the boat move through productive areas while you scan the horizon.

Small sailboats change the feel of sea days. You get deck time and sea breeze while you look around, and the pace is calmer than a high-speed run. It’s the kind of setup where you can settle into the rhythm: look, talk, take photos, then look again.

If you want context about what you’re seeing, the onboard guidance from the skipper is part of the value. In past trips, the captain’s explanations about cetaceans at sea helped people understand what they were watching and what to look for next—especially when you spot dolphins first and then wait for bigger sightings.

Los Gigantes Cliffs, Teide, La Gomera, and the Teno Reserve: Why the Scenery Isn’t a Bonus

A lot of whale tours toss in views as a background. Here, the scenery is woven into the experience.

You’ll spend time around and near the Los Gigantes Cliffs—the towering vertical walls that reach around 600 meters. From the sea, the scale is harder to ignore. You can also capture standout photos more easily because the boat gives you a vantage point that land viewpoints can’t fully replicate.

The route includes sightlines toward Teide volcano and Isla Gomera (La Gomera), and you’ll also cruise in the direction of the protected reserve of Teno. Even when you’re focused on wildlife, these visual anchors make the cruise feel like more than just chasing animals.

Practical note: because you’re moving, the best photos often come in brief windows when the boat lines up with the cliffs. I’d treat it like a photo walk, not a single perfect shot. Keep your camera ready, and don’t wait until you see something—get set while you still have good light and stable footing.

The Dolphin and Whale Spotting Part: What to Expect on the Water

This tour is designed around finding whales and dolphins. In real-world terms, that means you should be ready for moments where dolphins show up quickly, followed by stretches of scanning while you wait for the next sign of life.

A highlight from prior trips has included close dolphin encounters and sightings of pilot whales. The fact that the boat carries only up to 10 people helps here. You’re less likely to have awkward sightlines, and you’re more likely to feel like you can move your attention—someone points, you look, and you don’t have to fight for space.

Also, the smaller group size makes onboard instruction more useful. When the skipper explains what’s happening at sea, it’s easier to ask a question or understand what you’re looking at. And that makes sightings feel more meaningful, even if you’re not a marine-life expert.

Natural Cove Stop for Swimming and Snorkeling (About 30 Minutes)

Here’s one of the biggest reasons this cruise feels like a full experience rather than a pure viewing trip.

You’ll stop at a natural cove with crystal-clear water under the cliffs. The location is described as accessible only by boat, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to avoid crowded swimming spots.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes, and you’ll have time to swim and snorkel. Because it’s a short window, come ready to act: change at the start if you can, put your snorkel gear on quickly if you’re using it, and focus on getting a good swim before the boat has to move on.

What you’ll remember most is the setting. Swimming with the cliffs above you changes the whole mood. It feels less like a beach stop and more like a secret sea pocket.

Snacks, Tapas, and Drinks: A Simple Onboard Break That Adds Value

You’ll have time to eat a snack accompanied by tapas, plus there’s mention of a range of drinks and finger food during similar trips. The point isn’t a full lunch. It’s a mid-cruise reset.

That matters for comfort. After time scanning the water and shooting photos, a small food break helps you stay relaxed instead of getting hungry and impatient. It also turns the cruise into something you can enjoy with kids or people who want a mix of fun and rest.

If you’re picky about timing, just remember the swim stop is the main physical activity. Plan your snacks around that rhythm—enjoy them, but don’t stuff yourself right before getting in the water.

Boat Comfort and the Small-Group Vibe: Why People Like This One

The boat is described as a very comfortable 14-meter sailboat (capacity for 10). In practice, that translates to a deck where you can move, breathe, and watch without constantly bumping into people.

You’ll also feel the sea breeze and be able to relax on the spacious deck—one of the repeated themes from how people talk about this type of outing. Small crews make it easier to settle in.

One possible drawback to keep in mind: sea conditions can be strong on open water, and you might feel real wind on deck. There’s also a review concern about the boat’s exterior condition (older deckhouse paint). The key takeaway for you is to go in expecting a working sailing vessel experience, not a hotel spa finish. If you’re the kind of person who focuses on the actual sailing and the wildlife, you’ll probably be happy.

Price Check: Is $687.84 Per Group Good Value?

The price is $687.84 per group (up to 10) for about 3 hours. That’s the big detail here: it’s priced for the group, not per person.

If you fill the boat closer to 10 people, the math works out to roughly $69 per person. Even if you’re not at full capacity, private tours still often compare favorably to crowded excursions because you’re buying:

• time on a smaller boat
• better chance of enjoying the deck space
• a more flexible feel while you’re out searching for cetaceans
• a swim stop in a boat-only cove

So yes, it’s not cheap, but it can feel like good value if you’re traveling with friends, family, or a couple who wants the calmer experience. If you’re a solo traveler, it may be less appealing unless you’re joining a shared group or you don’t mind paying a premium for privacy.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Option)

This is a great match if you want:

• private group time without crowds
• a sailboat setting rather than a big motor catamaran feel
• wildlife spotting plus a real swimming moment
• a scenic route with Los Gigantes cliffs and Teide/La Gomera viewpoints

It’s especially family-friendly in spirit because the onboard experience can be comfortable and the captain’s explanations help everyone understand what they’re seeing. That said, if you get seasick easily, you should plan carefully. You’ll be on open water for a few hours, so pack whatever helps you personally.

Tips That Actually Help You Enjoy This Cruise

• Bring layers. Even in warm weather, sea breeze can cool you off fast.
• Have your camera ready before the boat lines up with the cliffs. Some of the best shots happen during brief alignment.
• If you plan to snorkel, think about speed: the swim window is short, so be ready to get in and make the most of it.
• Expect real ocean motion. The whole joy of a sailboat is that it feels like sailing, not a flat ride.

Should You Book This 3-Hour Whale and Dolphin Private Tour?

If your goal is to see whales and dolphins from a small, comfortable sailboat and also spend real time in a boat-only cove for swimming and snorkel, I think this is a strong pick. The Los Gigantes cliffs angle is a big part of the payoff, and the food break with tapas makes it feel like a full morning or afternoon at sea rather than a half-service wildlife viewing slot.

I’d personally be a little cautious if you know you react badly to wind or choppy water, because this experience still relies on being out on open water. And if your top priority is a long beach-style swim, this one gives you about 30 minutes, not an extended stay.

FAQ

How long is the private whale and dolphin watching tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

What boat size and group size should I expect?

It’s a private tour on a 14-meter sailboat with capacity for 10 people.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at MPC YACHT CHARTER at Puerto deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picon, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and ends back at the meeting point.

Is this a private tour or shared with other groups?

This is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

Will we stop for swimming and snorkeling?

Yes. You’ll stop in a natural cove for about 30 minutes, with time to swim and snorkel.

What food and drinks are included?

There is time for a snack accompanied by tapas, and drinks are mentioned as part of the onboard offering.

What marine life are you looking for?

The tour is for whale and dolphin watching in their natural habitat.

What views are included during the cruise?

You’ll enjoy views connected to the Los Gigantes Cliffs, the Teide volcano, Isla Gomera (La Gomera), and the protected reserve of Teno.

What’s the weather requirement?

The experience requires good weather.

Is the tour accessible and are service animals allowed?

Service animals are allowed. The experience notes that most travelers can participate, and the meeting area is near public transportation.