Los Gigantes whale watching can feel personal when the boat is small. This 3-hour sailing charter mixes whale spotting with a snorkel swim off Tenerife’s coast, plus lunch-style food, and a maximum group size of 10.

I love the intimate setup, with enough room to actually enjoy the views instead of getting shoulder-to-shoulder. I also love that the food is handled with real options, including gluten-free and vegan choices.

One thing to plan for: towels are not included, and the trip runs only when conditions are good.

Key reasons this charter gets such strong marks

• Max 10 travelers on a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser means you can hear the crew and move around comfortably.
• Whale watching plus snorkeling in the same outing keeps the pace fun without feeling rushed.
• Drinks and food included, including cava, wine, beer, fruit, snacks, and custom sandwiches.
• A German guide isn’t available Sundays and Mondays, so check language expectations if that matters to you.
• You’ll sail directly off Los Gigantes, with lots of photo chances against the cliffs.
• The crew’s wildlife spotting effort is a big part of the experience, not just a quick drive-by.

A small 45-foot sailboat that makes Los Gigantes feel close

Los Gigantes is famous for those dramatic cliff walls, but the way you experience them matters. On a larger tour, you often feel like you’re watching from behind glass and crowd noise. On this charter, you’re on a 45-foot sailing boat (a Bavaria Cruiser, 2012) with a small guest count, so the trip has a calmer rhythm.

The boat layout helps. You get comfortable sunbeds on the bow, which is where people naturally end up when the water is right and the coastline looks their best. And since the group is capped at 10 travelers, you’re less likely to feel boxed in when you want to check for spouts or grab a few photos.

The best part is that the crew can actually interact with everyone. With a small group, explanations land better, questions get answered in time, and you’re not stuck waiting for the “next stop” beat.

The 3-hour flow: cliffs first, then whale time, then snorkel swim

This outing is about 3 hours total. One major chunk is spent sailing around Los Gigantes, roughly two hours dedicated to cruising along the cliffs and searching the nearby waters.

In practice, that translates to a simple flow:

• You start with sailing and coastline viewing from the water.
• Then you shift attention to wildlife spotting when the crew finds signs of activity.
• Finally, you get your snorkeling/swimming window at a spot along the coast.

That structure is smart for two reasons. First, you get the cliffs while the sea state is usually easiest to handle. Second, the snorkeling happens while you still have daylight and energy, so you’re not doing it at the very end after everyone’s tired.

The only real caution is that the sea can change quickly around volcanic coasts. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing whatever you usually use before you go. Some people feel fine; others don’t. The crew can help you ride it out, but prep is still worth it.

Los Gigantes from the water: why the cliffs look different up close

Seeing Los Gigantes from the highway is impressive, but it’s not the same as being offshore. From the water, the cliffs feel taller, sharper, and more textured. You also get angles you can’t get on land.

Sailing along the coast does a few useful things:

• It makes whale watching easier because the crew can reposition as they search.
• It gives you time to settle in, rather than doing one quick “look and go.”
• It sets you up for the swim stop, since the snorkeling area is right along this same section of coastline.

In the best case, you’re watching wildlife while the coastline frames the scene. In a slightly less perfect case (weather, fewer sightings), the cliffs still deliver. Multiple sightings in this area are possible, but the cliffs themselves are the constant.

Whale watching odds, and what to do when sightings slow down

The headline is whale watching, and it’s not a guarantee. You might see pilot whales, and you might also spot dolphins and other marine life. From the range of experiences described, pilot whales are a common highlight, with dolphins showing up frequently too. Some trips also include sea turtles and even other wildlife sightings like sea birds.

Here’s the practical mindset that works best:

• When the crew spots signs, stay patient and give them time to set the boat position safely.
• If the action slows, don’t panic. Keep watching the water surface and horizon. Wildlife can surface when conditions align.
• Bring your phone/camera strap or keep gear secure. On deck, a hand-held scramble is easy during quick repositioning.

Because the group is small, the crew can adjust faster and communicate what’s happening without confusion. That matters when you’re trying to catch the short window when an animal surfaces.

Snorkeling near the cliffs: a great bonus, with one missing item

Snorkeling is part of the plan, and many people love the “this is right off the cliffs” feeling. The swim time is often described as a highlight because it adds variety to what could otherwise be a purely on-water spotting trip.

Two things to plan for:

• You’ll want swim-ready clothes. Even if you don’t plan to snorkel, you’re near enough to the water that people tend to hop in.
• Bring towels. Towels are explicitly not included.

Snorkeling gear (mask/fins) isn’t stated in the details you provided, so I can’t claim it’s provided. If you’re picky about fit or you travel with your own mask, bring it. If not, at least come with proper swimwear and water shoes if you’re used to them.

Also, remember that Tenerife’s coastal water can feel chilly compared with beach swimming days. It’s manageable for many people, but if you’re sensitive to cold water, consider that before you book.

Food and drinks are not an afterthought here

A lot of boat trips claim food is included, then deliver something small and boring. This one is different in the way it supports different eating styles.

Included onboard:

• Drinks: cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Fresh fruit
• Snacks and bottled water
• Custom sandwiches with vegetarian options, plus vegan and gluten-free choices

That matters because snorkeling and sailing build appetite. You don’t want to ration snacks while you’re still out on the water waiting for something to happen. Here, the food is timed to the outing so you can eat without leaving the experience.

If you have dietary needs, this is the deciding factor for many people. You can relax and enjoy the boat instead of worrying whether you’ll find something safe to eat once you’re wet and sun-exposed.

What it feels like on board: space, sunbeds, and a calmer pace

Let’s talk comfort, because it affects how much you enjoy whale watching. This trip is capped at 10 travelers, and the boat is set up for that kind of group size. Reviews repeatedly point out that there’s enough room for people to move and look without feeling crowded.

A few practical comfort notes:

• The sunbeds on the bow are great when conditions are calm enough to enjoy deck time.
• You’ll likely spend time changing viewpoints between coastline, horizon, and water surface.
• Since you’re on a sailboat (not just an engine-driven cruiser), the motion can feel different. For some people that’s part of the charm; for others it’s something to plan for.

The small-group format also changes how the trip is led. With fewer people aboard, the crew can explain what you’re seeing and answer questions without rushing.

Language and guide setup: English is offered, with one caveat

The tour is offered in English. There’s also a note that a German guide isn’t available on Sundays and Mondays. If language is a big part of your experience, plan your date around that.

If you’re traveling as a mixed-language group, the English option is a strong baseline, and the small-group size tends to make communication easier even when people are asking different questions at once.

Where the tour starts and ends (and how not to waste time)

The meeting point is Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Calle Poblado Marinero, s/n Pantalán 1 Atraque 156, 38683 Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Two practical tips:

• Give yourself extra time to park or get to the marina area. Some people specifically advise not cutting it too close.
• Arrive early enough to get settled before you’re pushed into standing out on deck for departure.

Since it’s a maritime outing, being early isn’t about being fussy. It’s about avoiding last-minute stress when you’re about to head offshore.

Price and value: is $90.70 worth it?

At about $90.70 per person, this charter isn’t the cheapest way to see the water from Tenerife. But it compares well to many whale watching options when you look at what you actually get.

You’re paying for three things:

• A small boat experience (maximum 10) with room to enjoy viewing.
• Time on the water around Los Gigantes plus an included swim/snorkel stop.
• Real onboard inclusion: drinks (including wine/beer/cava), fruit, snacks, bottled water, and custom sandwiches with dietary options.

If you’ve ever done a “cheap” boat tour that ends up being crowded, short, and light on food, you understand why the total experience matters more than the ticket price. Here, the structure is set up so you aren’t constantly waiting for food, searching for a safe snack, or counting on luck alone for entertainment.

The one factor that can affect value is wildlife spotting. You might get pilot whales and dolphins, and you might get a trip where the cliffs carry the day. Either way, the trip still includes the sailing and the water time.

Who should book this Tenerife charter

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want small-group whale watching rather than a big-boat cattle-car feeling
• Care about getting food that matches dietary needs (vegan or gluten-free)
• Like active days: sailing, then snorkeling/swimming, then relaxing with drinks and snacks
• Prefer a calmer, more conversational guide style, since small groups make it easier to ask questions

It may not be your best choice if:

• You expect guaranteed whale sightings every time
• You want to pack towels and go without bringing any swim essentials (because towels aren’t included)
• You’re booking at a time you can’t be flexible with weather, since the experience requires good conditions

Quick FAQ-style practical checklist

Before you go, think like this:

• Bring a towel for the swim stop.
• Wear or pack swimwear and something light for the boat.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, prep ahead.
• Arrive early to avoid stress near the marina area.

And as with any whale watching trip, keep expectations realistic: sightings can be amazing, or they can be fewer. The difference is that with a small boat and a strong coastline component, you’re still getting a good Tenerife day.

Should you book Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat?

I’d book it if you want your Tenerife whale watching to feel human-scale: a small 10-person sailing trip, with actual included food and drink, and a snorkeling swim that makes the day more than just watching from deck.

Skip it only if you’re towel-less and unwilling to bring one, or if you need a guaranteed whale sighting no matter the day. For most people, though, the combination of Los Gigantes sailing, wildlife search, and included dining makes the price feel reasonable.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale watching charter?

The experience lasts about 3 hours.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is $90.70 per person.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is included onboard?

Included items are complimentary drinks (cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks), freshly cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, and custom sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Are towels provided?

No, towels are not included.

What type of boat is used?

It’s operated on a Sailboat Bavaria Cruiser, 45 feet (2012).

Where do I meet the boat, and where does it end?

You meet at Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Calle Poblado Marinero, s/n Pantalán 1 Atraque 156). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How many travelers are on board?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.