Los Gigantes looks huge from the water. On this 3-hour dolphin and whale sailing tour near Tenerife’s Teno Rural Park, you cruise along the dramatic Acantilado de los Gigantes coastline with a small crew hunting for dolphins and pilot whales in the open sea. I especially like the small-group setup (max 10 people), which makes the boat feel calm instead of crowded.

The other big win for me is the mix of wildlife spotting and time in the water. You get a snorkel break in quiet coves with equipment included, plus snacks and drinks served onboard while your skipper shares local info about the marine area. One thing to consider: if you’re very sensitive to onboard noise or you prefer nonstop English-only conversation, do a quick check before booking—language and music volume can matter.

Quick hits before you go

• Small group (up to 10): you get more space to move and actually see what the skipper spots.
• Sailboat pace near Los Gigantes: you trade long bus rides for an up-close view of the cliffs.
• Snorkeling in calm coves: gear is included, and the stops are designed for a swim or a relaxed break.
• Wildlife sightings are the point: reviews mention dolphins, pilot whales, tropical calderones, and even turtles.
• Food and drinks onboard: snacks and beverages are included during the cruise and break.

Los Gigantes and Teno Rural Park: the coast you came for

Los Gigantes is one of those Tenerife places that feels unreal until you see it from a boat. Those towering cliff walls are the show in the background—especially when you’re moving slowly enough to take it in.

This tour runs through one of the protected areas of the archipelago: Teno Rural Park. That matters because it frames what you’re doing. You’re not just driving out and hoping for luck. The whole route is built around searching for cetaceans in waters where marine life is part of the routine.

And yes, the experience is scenic even if the animals are shy that day. The cliffs, the dark-blue water, and the way the shoreline folds in and out along Los Gigantes are a big reason this tour keeps getting high marks.

A real small-group sail on Yate El Mojo Picon

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter on the Yate El Mojo Picon at the Puerto Deportivo in Los Gigantes. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a complicated end-of-day transfer.

What makes this setup feel different is the maximum of 10 travelers. With fewer people aboard, you’re more likely to:

• keep a good view when dolphins pop up close
• hear the skipper’s commentary without shouting over a crowd
• enjoy the swim/snorkel break without feeling rushed

One review also mentions the sailboat as a Bavaria 44, which fits the overall feel people describe: comfortable, not cramped, and “room enough” to shift around.

A quick practical note: one review said the experience wasn’t as sailing-forward on their day and that the engine was used when there wasn’t enough wind. That’s normal in coastal sailing—what matters is that the trip still follows the wildlife-and-coves plan.

From Acantilado de los Gigantes to quiet coves

The tour centers on the Acantilado de los Gigantes cliff area, which is your first big visual payoff. Even when you’re out looking for animals, you’re still cruising with those cliffs alongside you, not as a distant postcard but as something you can really read from the water.

From there, the plan is to search and then settle into a slower rhythm. The description is clear that you’ll stop in quiet coves for snorkeling, with equipment provided. In real life, that kind of cove choice often means fewer swells and calmer water for a swim—exactly what you want after hours of standing on deck looking outward.

What you should expect at the snorkel stop:

• time to swim off the boat or snorkel (you choose)
• clear chances to see colorful fish if conditions are right
• a break that doesn’t feel like a five-minute checklist

Some reviews mention snorkeling with lots of fish and swimming off the back of the boat under the cliffs. Others describe a “relaxed” pace that feels like a nature morning rather than a sprint.

Wildlife odds: dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and calderones

The headline promise is dolphins and whales, and the sightings people report line up with that. Many reviews mention pilot whales and pods of dolphins, plus occasional extras like turtles. The tour also specifically references tropical calderones and other marine species.

A few patterns show up in the reviews:

• You may see whales close enough to feel the excitement without the boat feeling chaotic.
• Dolphins can be playful around the boat—some trips even describe dolphins circling or hanging near the hull.
• It’s possible to have a dolphin-heavy day with fewer whales, or the opposite, depending on the animals’ movement and sea conditions.

One review specifically notes that noise from a big holiday night pushed wildlife farther out. That’s a useful reminder for you: marine animals can be sensitive to sound and boat activity. So keep the music low, listen when the skipper talks, and don’t treat wildlife like a theme-park photo moment. It helps you get a better sighting—and it helps the animals stay comfortable.

Onboard snacks, drinks, and the Canarian feel

This is a 3-hour tour, so you’re not waiting all afternoon for lunch. Instead, you get the right kind of “in-between food”: snacks and drinks onboard during the cruise, and a light spread at the stop.

What people describe as included varies a bit by day, but you’ll commonly see mentions of:

• tapas-style snacks
• light Canarian lunch elements (like melon, hams, tortillas)
• simple drinks, including beer or non-alcoholic options depending on the day

For your comfort, this matters more than you’d think. After a couple hours on open water, even a small snack can make the whole trip feel easier on your body. And it keeps the swim/snorkel break from turning into an empty-stomach rush back to the harbor.

If you have dietary needs, the tour data doesn’t spell out options. I’d plan for a standard light spread, and if you’re strict about food, you should contact the operator ahead of time.

Your skipper matters: Antonio and Francisco show up in reviews

One of the best parts of this tour is the skipper’s role. Many reviews mention captains Antonio and Francisco as friendly and highly engaged. The common thread: they’re out there looking for animals and also giving context about what you’re seeing—marine fauna, geography, and why the coastline and waters matter.

You’ll also notice that the tour leans into practical onboard guidance. People mention the captain helping everyone enjoy the day, including getting you set for swimming/snorkeling and finding good places to observe pods.

There are also a couple of caution flags worth acknowledging. One review was extremely negative about the skipper’s tone and behavior, including claims about language and onboard atmosphere. Another review said the experience was less satisfying for non-Spanish speakers due to how conversation was handled.

I can’t verify either account beyond what’s written, but for you, the takeaway is simple:

• If you rely on English for most of your understanding, consider booking with that expectation clearly in mind.
• If you’re uncomfortable with onboard smoking or music, it’s smart to ask how those situations are handled before you go.

A tour like this is small and personal. That’s part of the charm when it goes well, and it’s the reason a bad vibe can be felt more intensely.

Price and value: $84.69 for 3 hours that do more than watch

At $84.69 per person for about 3 hours, this isn’t the cheapest whale option on Tenerife. But it stacks value in a way that many people notice.

Here’s the value math that matters on a real trip:

• Max 10 people keeps the experience calmer than the big-deck tours.
• You’re not just watching; you get snorkeling with equipment included.
• Snacks and drinks are included, so you’re not trying to find food while you’re floating.
• You’re cruising in a scenic, protected area with a skipper actively searching for marine life.

If you want wildlife, I’d compare this to tours that are longer but crowded or that don’t include any water time. If your goal includes swimming/snorkeling and staying on a smaller boat, this price starts to look fair.

Also, the tour is designed for a morning-style window, which is helpful when you’re balancing day trips around Tenerife’s other sights.

Getting there: where you start in Los Gigantes

The meeting point is MPC Yacht Charter at the Puerto Deportivo area of Los Gigantes, specifically tied to Yate El Mojo Picon at C. Pob. Marinero, 38683. The tour returns you back to the same point.

One review warned that parking in the area can be difficult, so if you’re driving, plan extra time. If you’re using public transportation, it’s described as near public transport, which helps if you want to keep the morning easy.

Weather and what it means for your plans

This experience requires good weather. That means you should expect the possibility of rescheduling if conditions aren’t right.

Practically, that’s a common reality for open-water wildlife tours. When the sea is calm, you’ll usually enjoy the day more—especially for snorkeling. When the weather is rough, they’ll prioritize safety and change plans.

A good strategy: don’t schedule this tour as your last island activity. Keep it for a day where you can shift if the ocean says no.

Should you book this dolphin and whale sailing tour?

Book it if you want a small-group experience with real time on the water, plus a snorkel break and included snacks. If seeing dolphins and pilot whales matters to you and you like the idea of sailing past Los Gigantes cliffs instead of rushing from stop to stop, this tour fits nicely.

Skip it or go in extra cautious mode if you’re very particular about:

• English-only commentary for the whole trip
• onboard noise levels
• comfort with onboard smoking

Either way, treat it as what it is: a nature-focused sail where the animals set the schedule. When the day lines up, people describe it as relaxed, personal, and memorable—exactly what you want from Tenerife’s marine side.

FAQ

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

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

What’s the group size?

It has a maximum of 10 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate.

Where does the tour depart from?

You start at MPC Yacht Charter at the Puerto Deportivo in Los Gigantes, at Yate El Mojo Picon (C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain).

Does the tour include snorkeling?

Yes. You snorkel in quiet coves, and the snorkeling equipment is included.

What’s included for food and drinks?

Snacks and drinks are served onboard during the crossing.

What marine animals might you see?

The tour focuses on dolphins and whales, and it also references tropical calderones and other marine species. Turtles are mentioned in reviews.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Does the tour require good weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather and may be canceled due to poor conditions.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.