Whales, cliffs, and a swim in one short trip. This cruise out of Playa de San Juan mixes a serious marine-life search in a whale sanctuary with that huge, jaw-dropping Los Gigantes coastline view from the water. I also like that you get real time in Masca cove for a calm swim or snorkeling, plus an onboard Canarian-style lunch and drinks. The one thing to plan around: the whole experience is only 4 hours, so you’ll need to be okay with a tight schedule and being at the mercy of sea conditions.

What makes it feel like more than just sightseeing is the guided, scientific explanation about cetaceans while you’re on the water. You’ll sail in search of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, then the captain and local guide keep the talk going with info that connects the animals to the ocean around Tenerife.

You also get the kind of setup that helps with photos: small-group boat time, open viewing spots, and steady cruising along the coast so you’re not staring at the same view the whole ride. Bring a camera and a towel, because Masca is where this tour turns from watching to doing.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• A true whale-sanctuary search near La Gomera: you head south and look in deeper waters for cetaceans
• Los Gigantes cliffs from the sea: photo time and sightseeing as the 600-meter wall of rock dominates the view
• Masca cove swimming and snorkeling: calm-bay water time built into the route
• Scientific explanations, not just spotting: a guided approach to understanding what you’re seeing
• Small-group feel: it can run around 9 people, which makes the boat feel personal and easy to move around on
• Photo-friendly moments: flying fish and close marine-life sightings are the kind of scenes you’ll want on video

Setting Off From Playa de San Juan (Sea Passion Charter)

Most people in Tenerife do one of two things: they either chase the ocean from a busier marina, or they settle for coastal views from land. This one starts in a practical middle ground—out of Playa de San Juan—and the whole day is built around getting you onto the water early and keeping you there long enough to actually enjoy it.

You board at Sea Passion Charter, and before the route gets going you’ll do a safety briefing. The boat is described as comfortable and quality, and that matters, because a 4-hour cruise can either feel relaxing or tiring depending on how stable and comfortable you are.

Language-wise, you’re not stuck with only one option. You’ll have a live tour guide speaking English and Spanish, which is a big deal when the guide is explaining marine life and what the captain is looking for.

The Whale Sanctuary Search Near La Gomera

The core of the trip is the hunt for whales and dolphins. After boarding, you head into a conservation area commonly called a Whale Sanctuary. From there the route takes you south toward La Gomera, about a few miles off the coast, and into deeper water (around 1,000 meters) where cetaceans are likely to be found.

This is not a vague “maybe you’ll see something” plan. The tour sets expectations clearly: you’re looking for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. And the search can bring other marine life along with them, including turtles, flying fish, sardines, schools of tuna, and sharks (plus more, depending on what’s happening that day).

What to do while you’re searching

Even without being a marine biologist, you can make the experience better with a few simple habits:

• Stay flexible about where you stand or sit. The captain’s positioning is part of the “show.”
• Keep your eyes up and forward. Flying fish can pop up fast.
• When the guide points out behavior, listen. It turns a quick sighting into something you understand.

One review described seeing flying fish almost right away, then a Grindwal family (a type of whale) reported by the captain. Another highlighted pilot whales very early in the trip, plus turtles that came close to the boat. That’s the kind of variety this tour can deliver when the captain finds the right patches of ocean.

Whale and Dolphin Sightings: Pilot Whales, Dolphins, and Close Encounters

This cruise is built for real viewing time, not just passing by. When pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins show up, you’re close enough to watch how they move and surface, and the guide adds context so you’re not only reacting with surprise.

A couple of details stand out from the way this sailing is run:

• The group size can be small. In at least one sailing, the boat carried only about 9 people, and that made it feel personal rather than crowded.
• The captain may take you to quieter spots compared to busier boats, which can make the experience calmer and easier for spotting.
• If conditions align, you might even notice that the ocean is loud in a way that makes whale surfacing feel audible, not just visible.

Photo and video strategy that actually helps

You’ll likely be filming or photographing the moment the animals appear. For that, your best move is to choose a spot where you can keep watching without constantly shifting seats or getting in someone else’s way.

Also, because the guide and captain are actively working the route, be ready for quick changes. One moment you’re scanning for movement near the surface; the next you’re turning to follow a pod or a cluster of dolphins.

Los Gigantes Cliffs: Seeing 600-Meter Rock Walls From the Ocean

After the whale-and-dolphin search, the tour shifts gears to one of Tenerife’s most dramatic coastlines: Los Gigantes. You’ll enjoy views from the water and there’s a combination of photo stopping, guided tour elements, and free time for sightseeing.

The cliffs here are described as rising from the ocean roughly 600 meters—a near-vertical wall that makes the coastline feel bigger than it looks from shore. That’s the big payoff of doing it by boat: you’re not guessing how tall it is. You see the scale instantly.

Why this stop matters on a whale tour

Los Gigantes works as more than scenery filler. It breaks up the ocean search so you can reset, take photos with different angles, and appreciate the geology. While you’re cruising, the captain and local guide provide explanations tied to volcanology and meteorology alongside the cetacean science.

Practical note

Expect sun and wind, and be prepared for ocean spray. The tour asks for comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes—the shoes part matters because there’s also walking time during this portion.

Masca Cove Swim and Snorkel With Lunch on Board

Then comes the part that changes the feel of the tour: the chance to swim or snorkel in Masca cove. This is where you stop being a spectator and become part of the water scene.

The cove stop is built as a relaxing break. The plan includes time for a bath or snorkeling, plus snacks and lunch onboard. The food is described as typical Canarian products of the day, including:

• Canarian mojo
• Fresh cheese
• Sandwich
• Drinks (soft drinks, and red and white wine are included)
• Fruits

This is a great structure for value. You’re not paying extra for a separate lunch stop, and you’re not stuck eating quickly and leaving the water behind. You get to eat while still in a coastal setting that feels close to the action.

What to bring for Masca

You’ll want:

• A towel (explicitly recommended)
• A camera (you’ll have photo chances before and after the swim)
• Comfortable clothes that work for getting in and out of the water

Snorkel time also means you should plan to keep your camera protected. The tour provides safety equipment, but it’s still smart to handle electronics carefully around water.

The Captain’s Science Talk (And Why It Makes the Trip Better)

A lot of whale tours tell you what you saw. This one tries to help you understand what you’re looking at.

During the cruise, the guide provides a scientific explanation of cetaceans. That’s not just trivia. It changes how you watch. Instead of only waiting for a splash, you start noticing behavior, movement patterns, and how the boat’s route relates to where the animals might be.

The captain also adds information connected to volcanology and meteorology, which ties Tenerife’s dramatic coastline to the ocean and weather that shape marine life. If you enjoy learning while you travel, this is the part that turns a fun outing into a more satisfying one.

How the 4 Hours Flow (and What It Feels Like)

A 4-hour format is ideal for people who want ocean time without committing to a half-day of travel logistics. Here’s the rhythm:

• Board at Sea Passion Charter in Playa de San Juan
• Cruise into the whale sanctuary search zone near La Gomera
• Spot cetaceans and other marine life if conditions allow
• Head to Los Gigantes for views, photos, and sightseeing time
• Continue to Masca cove for swim/snorkel and lunch
• Return along the coast with more commentary and viewpoints

The tight timing is the trade-off. You’ll get highlights, but you won’t have hours of underwater time or multiple long stops. For most people, that’s a good compromise. It’s also why this tour works well for first-timers to Tenerife who want a “great hits” ocean day.

Price and Value: Is $94 Reasonable for This Route?

At $94 per person for a 4-hour small-group cruise, the value comes from three places:

1. The core experience is included: whale sanctuary search, Los Gigantes viewing, and Masca cove swim/snorkel are all part of the same outing.
2. Food and drinks are included: sandwiches, Canarian-style items, fruits, soft drinks, plus red and white wine.
3. You get explanation, not just motion: the guided scientific talk on cetaceans adds meaning to the sightings.

If you’re comparing in your head to tours that skip a real meal or charge extra for snacks, this one looks better on “what you actually get” per hour.

The main consideration is that no tour can guarantee whales. What you can count on is the structured search plus the scenic and swimming components, so even a lighter animal day still includes Los Gigantes and Masca.

What to Bring (and What’s Not Allowed)

This tour is straightforward about what you should pack. Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Towel
• Camera
• Comfortable clothes

And don’t bring or wear:

• Boots
• Bikes (not relevant for most people, but it’s listed)

The “no boots” detail matters if you’re used to rugged footwear. You’ll want shoes that are comfortable for walking and manageable for getting near water.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want a small-group ocean outing instead of a cattle-car boat day
• Care about both wildlife and scenery (whales plus Los Gigantes plus Masca)
• Like tours that explain what you’re seeing, with English/Spanish guidance
• Want a built-in meal and drinks, not just a snack

It’s also a good option for families who want a compact schedule—one sailing included a child who sat up top near the captain, shaded and comfortable. That kind of “more personal” boat vibe is often the reason people prefer smaller operations.

If you hate boats entirely or you’re extremely sensitive to motion, you might want to think carefully. This is still an ocean cruise, and the experience depends on sea conditions.

Should You Book Sea Passion Tenerife for Whales, Gigantes, and Masca?

I’d book it if you want a Tenerife day that hits the big reasons people come here: marine life, volcanic coastline, and a real swimming stop. The combination of whale sanctuary searching, the 600-meter drama of Los Gigantes, and the Masca cove swim (plus included lunch and drinks) makes the 4 hours feel like a complete plan instead of a half-finished adventure.

I’d skip it if you’re looking for an all-day, slow-paced exploration with lots of long ground time. This trip is about focused highlights on the water—and then back.

If you can go on a day with calmer seas and clear skies, your odds of enjoying the trip fully jump, because you’ll be spending a lot of time watching the ocean surface and moving through the cove stop.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The tour lasts 4 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at the Sea Passion Charter location in Playa de San Juan and returns to Sea Passion Charter.

What’s included with the ticket?

The ticket includes a 4-hour boat cruise, safety equipment, and sandwiches and drinks (soft drinks, red wine, and white wine).

Do you have an English or Spanish guide?

Yes. The tour includes a live guide available in English and Spanish.

What marine animals are you looking for?

The tour searches for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, and it may also include other marine life such as turtles, flying fish, sardines, tuna schools, and sharks.

Is there time to swim or snorkel?

Yes. There is time to relax in the Masca cove for swimming and snorkeling.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a towel, a camera, and comfortable clothes.

What’s not allowed during the tour?

Bikes and boots are not allowed.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is pay later available?

Yes. You can reserve now and pay later.