Cliffs and whales, all from a sailboat. Off Tenerife’s southwest coast, this Los Gigantes whale-watching cruise gives you a real Atlantic feel, with a chance at dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles plus a swim in a beautiful cove.

What I like most is the vibe: a small group (up to 10) and a crew that works as a team to keep the experience calm, focused, and fun.

I love the on-board value. You get fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and drinks that include cava plus white/red wine, beer, and soft drinks, all during the 3-hour outing.

I also like the practical extras: snorkeling equipment is included, and the boat setup makes it easy to shift from whale-spotting to getting in the water.

One possible drawback: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. If the whales are quiet that day, you can still have a great trip with dolphins/turtles and the swim, but don’t book expecting 100% whale certainty.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Small group (max 10): easier viewing and less noise than big-boat tours.
• Los Gigantes cliffs from the sea: you’ll see the famous rock walls in a way land viewpoints can’t match.
• Guides and multilingual narration: live tour guiding is available in Spanish, English, French, and German.
• Sail handling if conditions allow: you might even help raise the sail when the wind cooperates.
• 30-minute swim and snorkel stop: short and sweet, with equipment provided for you to use.
• Food and drinks included: fruit, sandwiches (with diet options), and drinks including cava and wine.

Why Los Gigantes Whale Watching Feels Different on a Sailboat

Los Gigantes is one of those Tenerife spots that looks dramatic from shore, then turns jaw-dropping once you’re out on the water. The cliffs rise straight up from the Atlantic, and being at sea changes the scale instantly. On this cruise, you’re not just chasing sightings—you’re also taking in the coast at a slower pace, with the boat moving naturally across the waves.

The sailing element matters for comfort and rhythm. Even when the wind isn’t strong enough to do full-on sail time, the boat style keeps things relaxed. You’re not stuck in a cattle-rush line. Instead, you’ve got room to settle in, watch the horizon, and actually enjoy the ride between animal sightings.

And because the group is limited to 10 people, the atmosphere stays friendly and focused. This is the kind of outing where you can ask questions, get quick tips on what you’re looking for, and then still have time to enjoy yourself when the animals show up.

Meeting Third Element at Pier 1 (and Getting On Board Smoothly)

You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, located in Los Gigantes. The directions are on Google Maps at the business pin, and you’ll also want to locate the specific pier area: Pier 1, mooring number 156.

A couple practical points for your day:

• Bring comfortable clothes you can move in, plus swimwear ready to go.
• Plan to do some boarding steps. This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, since it’s a sailing-boat setup rather than a flat, step-free dock-to-seat experience.
• Towels are not included, so pack one if you’ll want it for after your swim.

Once you’re on board, you’ll quickly feel what makes this trip work: the boat is set up for an intimate experience. You’re not just a number on a big deck.

Also, languages matter here. The live guide support runs Spanish, English, French, and German, and the crew you encounter can often match your language needs well. That’s huge for whale-watching, because quick explanations help you spot what’s actually happening out there.

The 2 Hours Out on the Atlantic for Dolphins and Pilot Whales

The main chunk of the cruise is a 2-hour search for marine life. The focus is on seeing:

• dolphins
• pilot whales (a highlight on this route)
• and turtles

This is where the small-group format pays off. When you’re on a smaller boat with fewer people, spotting feels more like sharing a good view with your group rather than competing with everyone’s camera hands and chatter.

What you can do to increase your odds:

• Keep your eyes on the water, not only the horizon. Dolphins can pop up suddenly.
• Stay patient when the sea goes quiet. Whale pods can arrive, pause, and then move on fast.
• Listen when the crew explains what to look for. The difference between seeing a random spout and realizing it’s part of an animal’s behavior is often just knowing the basics.

The cruise also includes the chance to get involved with sailing. If conditions are right, you may help raise the sail. That small role doesn’t take over the trip, but it makes you feel more connected to the boat and the wind rather than just sitting and waiting.

And in practice, this is also when you may notice other Atlantic life. Some days can bring additional sightings like seabirds or small flashes from the water. You won’t be guaranteed a full animal checklist every time, but the route gives you a decent shot at variety.

Seeing Los Gigantes Cliffs From the Sea (and Why That Matters)

The cliffs are the visual signature of Los Gigantes. On land, you see a wall of rock and a viewpoint vibe. At sea, it becomes something else—sheer scale, changing angles, and a sense of being right next to the geology.

The crew navigates back toward port slowly after the swim and snack portion of the outing. That timing is smart: you get a second look at the coast after you’ve already made your main sightings. It’s a built-in “cool down” period where you can sit back, take photos if you want, and enjoy the motion without feeling rushed.

This part also helps if you’re traveling with kids or people who get antsy during long waits. You don’t have to be a strict horizon-watcher the whole time. The cliffs give you something to look at even when the water is calm.

The 30-Minute Swim and Snorkel Stop at a Small Cove

This tour includes a dedicated swim/snorkel break: 30 minutes in a small coastal cove near Los Gigantes. The boat drops anchor, and you’ll get a chance to get into the water while you’re still close to the cliff scenery.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t have to rent or buy anything extra. Just plan ahead with the right clothing flow:

• swimwear on
• breathable clothes ready for after
• change of clothes in a bag you can keep dry-ish if possible

One reality check: 30 minutes is enough time to enjoy the water and see what’s around, but it’s not a long snorkeling session. If you’re a serious snorkeler who wants extended time, you’ll probably still enjoy the stop—but you should know it’s designed as a short highlight, not an all-day water adventure.

Also, the cove can feel cooler if there’s wind. Wear whatever makes you comfortable, and if you’re sensitive to cold water, you might want to bring that into your prep.

Fresh Fruit, Sandwiches, and Drinks That Actually Feel Worth It

For $88 for a 3-hour cruise, the value isn’t only the animals—it’s what’s included while you’re out there. Many tours focus on “watching,” then skimp on the comfort part. Here, you get:

• fresh fruit
• homemade sandwiches (with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available)
• drinks including cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks
• snorkeling equipment

That’s a big deal for real travelers. It means you don’t need to hunt for food in Los Gigantes before or after. It also keeps the mood relaxed during the return leg.

I especially like that the snacks aren’t an afterthought. People often remember what was on board when they think back on a whale-watching day. This one is designed to feel like a proper afternoon out, not just a boat trip with empty hands.

Diet options are handled as options on the day. If you have a gluten-free or vegan need, this is one of the better setups you’ll see in this category because it’s explicitly supported.

One note: towels aren’t included, and photos aren’t included either. So if you want towel convenience or professionally delivered images, you’ll need to plan for that yourself.

Sea Conditions, Sea Sickness, and What to Do If You’re Prone to Motion

Even on smaller boats, the ocean can be unpredictable. If you tend to get motion sick, this is one of those days to take your meds ahead of time rather than trying to “tough it out.” Some people have had issues during similar cruises on this route, and prevention tends to work better than cure.

How to reduce discomfort:

• Stay mid-boat when possible rather than at extreme ends.
• Keep your eyes on the horizon, not your feet or your phone.
• Dress in breathable layers so you don’t overheat when the sun comes out.

Also remember: the sail experience depends on wind. The crew helps raise the sail when conditions are right, but safety and comfort come first. If the wind is calm, you won’t lose the core of the trip—you’re still out there for sightings and for the swim/snorkel stop.

What You’re Most Likely to See (and How to Set Expectations)

Here’s the good news: the cruise is built around a realistic set of marine-life targets. You’re specifically looking for:

• dolphins
• pilot whales
• turtles

And beyond that, some days can bring other sea life, including seabirds and occasional flashes of fish life near the water surface. The point is you’re not stuck waiting for one species only.

Still, set expectations like a sailor, not like a lottery player. Animals decide the schedule. Some outings focus on dolphins and other wildlife; other outings bring pilot whales closer. You get the best experience when you treat this as time on the water first, and the animals as the bonus.

If you’re chasing whales only and the day doesn’t deliver, the swim/snorkel and cliff scenery can soften the disappointment. The tour is designed so you leave with memories even if the wildlife timing isn’t perfect.

Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This is a strong match if you want:

• a small-group cruise limited to 10 people
• a sailing-boat feel rather than a big, noisy vessel
• whale watching plus a real swim/snorkel stop
• included food and drinks (including cava and wine)
• multilingual guidance in Spanish, English, French, and German

It may be a less ideal match if:

• you need step-free access or have mobility limitations, since it’s not listed as suitable for mobility impairments
• you’re uncomfortable getting into open water for snorkeling (even though equipment is provided)

It’s also a nice option for families and mixed-age groups because the pace is human-sized. You’re not doing back-to-back, all-day activities. You get the whale search, then you get into the water, then you cruise back with the cliffs for company.

Price and Value: Is $88 a Fair Deal?

At $88 per person for a 3-hour sailing cruise, the value mostly comes down to what you actually get for that time.

You’re paying for:

• a guided whale-watching cruise focused on dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles
• included drinks (cava, wine, beer, soft drinks)
• included snacks and meal support (fresh fruit + homemade sandwiches, with vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free options available)
• a swim/snorkel stop with snorkeling gear provided
• a small-group setting limited to 10 people

Add it up and the price starts to look less like “just a boat ticket” and more like a guided half-day afloat with real comforts. It’s also consistently rated very highly, with a 4.9 average and thousands of ratings, which usually signals that people aren’t just paying for the animals—they’re also getting a smooth, friendly experience.

The one cost you should plan for is personal items: towels and optional extras like photos aren’t included. If you account for that, the overall spend feels fair.

Should You Book This Tenerife Whale-Watching Sail?

I’d book this if you want a calmer, more personal way to do whale watching in Tenerife. The small-group limit, the included food and drinks, and the swim/snorkel stop make it a good “half-day win” rather than a gamble that depends on one perfect animal moment.

I’d think twice if whales are your only mission and you’re the type who gets upset when nature doesn’t cooperate. The cruise is built around respectful wildlife viewing, not a guarantee. But even then, dolphins, turtles, snorkeling, and the Los Gigantes cliff scenery are strong backups.

If you’re deciding between options, this one is especially appealing when you care about:

• comfort on board
• multilingual guidance
• included drinks and a real snack meal
• getting time in the water, not just staring at the sea

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife Los Gigantes whale watching cruise?

The cruise lasts 3 hours total.

What is the price per person?

The price listed is $88 per person.

How many people are in the group?

It’s a small group limited to 10 participants.

What animals are the crew looking for?

The tour focuses on spotting dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles.

Is there a swimming and snorkeling stop?

Yes. You’ll have time to swim and snorkel for about 30 minutes at a small cove.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

Fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches are included, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. Drinks included can include cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Are towels included?

No, towels are not included.

Are photos included?

No, photos are not included.

What languages does the live guide speak?

The live tour guide is available in Spanish, English, French, and German.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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