Whales and cliffs, without the crowd. This 3-hour sailing trip out of Los Gigantes focuses on real time on the water, in a protected zone of Tenerife where you can spot dolphins and pilot whales on a small sailboat (up to 10 people).

My favorite parts are practical: you get snorkel stops in quiet coves with equipment included, and the skipper keeps you in the loop with commentary about what you’re seeing around the Teno Rural Park waters.

One thing to keep in mind: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and conditions can affect the sailing feel. Also, a small number of reports mention issues with onboard behavior and noise, so if you’re picky about that, it’s worth going with a clear expectation of a laid-back crew style and respecting marine-life rules.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Max 10 people: more space to watch, less jockeying for whale sighting angles
• Teno Rural Park coastline: the scenery is part of the show, not just the background
• Snorkeling included: you don’t just watch—there’s a swim-and-fish break
• Pilot whales, dolphins, and more: expect frequent dolphins, with whales depending on conditions
• Food and drinks aboard: snacks/tapas/light Canarian-style lunch keep the outing moving
• Local skipper names you’ll hear: Antonio and Francisco are specifically praised in the feedback

Los Gigantes and Teno Rural Park: Why Sailing Works Here

Los Gigantes already has that “you really are in Tenerife” feeling. From the sea, the cliffs feel taller and more dramatic, and you also get access to the quieter water where marine life comes closer.

What I like about doing this by sailboat is that it stays in the environment. Instead of looking over a railing, you’re moving through the search zone. The tour also targets the protected waters connected to the Teno Rural Park, which is where you’re more likely to see dolphins and other cetaceans without disturbing them like a big motorboat parade.

And yes—watching marine life from a small craft changes your whole rhythm. You hear the sea more, the group stays calm, and when something surfaces you feel it instantly.

Your 3-Hour Route: From the Marina to Cliffs and Snorkel Coves

The trip starts at the MPC Yacht Charter meeting point at the Puerto deportivo by Yate El Mojo Picon in Acantilados de Los Gigantes. The activity ends back at the same place, so you’re not planning the rest of your day around “where do we end up?”

Here’s how the time usually plays out:

1) Leaving Los Gigantes and cruising along the cliffs

Early on, you’ll sail or motor out from the marina and spend time near the Acantilado de los Gigantes area. This is where you get those classic views and where the skipper begins scanning for wildlife. One review also mentions sailing along toward La Masca, so the route can lean scenic depending on where animals are.

2) Wildlife searching during the crossing

About halfway, the boat keeps moving through a wide search perimeter—meaning you’re not just waiting in one spot. The skipper’s job is to find the best chances, then position the boat so everyone has a good look without crowding the animals. You’ll also have snacks and drinks on board during the crossing, which makes waiting less annoying and more like “this is part of the trip.”

3) The swim and snorkel break in quieter water

A major highlight is the snorkel stop in quiet coves (with equipment included). Several passengers describe swimming off the back of the boat under the cliffs, plus snorkeling in clear water with fish close by. One review even references snorkeling near the mouth of a barranco in the Los Gigantes cliffs area—so you’re not just stuck in random open water.

4) Final stretch back to port

After the water break, you return to the marina. Many guests describe the snacks as more satisfying than expected—some call it tapas or a light Canarian-style lunch—so you’re not heading straight into “hangry” mode afterward.

A small reality check

The tour is described as a sailing excursion, but the sea and wind decide what’s possible. One review says they used the engine when sailing wasn’t practical. That’s not a dealbreaker—it’s just how ocean time works.

Wildlife Chances: Dolphins, Pilot Whales, Turtles, and Calderones

If you’re booking this for whales, you’re in the right neighborhood. People specifically mention pilot whales and also sightings of turtles and different dolphin types. The tour description also names tropical calderones (in many Tenerife whale-watching contexts, this is commonly tied to certain smaller whale species you might see depending on the season and location).

Here’s the honest way to think about your odds:

• Dolphins are the most consistent: many accounts mention lots of dolphins, sometimes playful and close to the boat.
• Pilot whales depend on the day: most trips mention at least a sighting, but at least a couple of reports say no whales—often tied to conditions like noise or where animals were moving farther offshore.
• Extra species happen when you’re lucky: turtles show up in some experiences, and some trips also include birds.

How the small group helps

A big boat full of people can be chaotic the moment something surfaces. With a small craft (up to 10 people), you can usually spread out and watch without blocking each other. That makes the whale moment feel less like a contest and more like a shared experience.

Snorkeling Off the Back: What the Water Break Really Feels Like

This is not a “quick hop in and swim for your life” situation. The snorkeling and swim stop is built for an easy reset.

From the feedback, the water is often described as clear with lots of fish. And the setting matters: the stop is in quiet coves near the cliffs, so you get that sense of being protected by the scenery.

A few practical notes for your comfort:

• You’ll want swimwear ready to go, since you’re already on the water and you’ll likely jump in once the boat anchors.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, bring whatever helps you normally (your favorite remedy, not a new experiment). One negative comment in the set mentions seasickness in general, and calm breaks are a big part of why this format can work for families.
• Bring a small towel and a dry shirt if you have space. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, but it doesn’t remove the human need for dry clothes afterward.

If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll enjoy it more. But even if you don’t snorkel, being able to float, swim, and watch fish close by is still a win—especially when the boat stops somewhere scenic.

The Skipper and Onboard Style: Antonio and Francisco Set the Tone

In a small-group tour, the skipper matters a lot. And in the positive experiences, you see a pattern: friendly, hands-on hospitality, and a steady stream of facts about marine life and the geography of the area.

Two skipper names show up repeatedly in the feedback:

• Antonio, praised for spotting pilot whales and keeping the day fun
• Francisco, praised for turning a tough situation into excellent customer service, plus doing a great job finding wildlife

What you should take from that, even if the skipper isn’t the same person you get:

• Expect real-time guidance on where the animals are likely to be.
• Expect someone who explains the area—cliffs, Teide in the wider Tenerife picture, altitude and geology references, and the basics of what you’re seeing.

Food and drinks: simple, but not disappointing

Most accounts mention snacks and drinks on board, and several describe them as more than just nibbles:

• Some talk about tapas-style snacks
• Others mention a light Canarian lunch
• A common theme is that the timing feels right—before you get bored, after you’ve earned a break

The vibe here is relaxed. It’s not a fancy restaurant, but it’s a comfortable way to spend 3 hours without needing to plan a separate meal.

One consideration on comfort and expectations

A couple of reports focus on onboard noise, smoking, or the skipper’s manner. That’s a minority, but it’s still worth noting because small boats don’t have the “hide behind the tour group” effect you get on larger tours. If you’re sensitive to cigarette smoke or loud music, it’s smart to ask about onboard approach when you check in and choose flexible expectations.

Price and Value: Why $84.69 Can Make Sense

At $84.69 per person, you’re paying for a bundle: boat time, wildlife searching, small-group access, snorkeling equipment, and food/drink included. If you’ve ever tried to piece this together yourself—boat charter plus guiding plus snorkeling logistics—you quickly see why packaged pricing can be fair.

Where the value really lands:

• You’re buying intimacy: up to 10 travelers means better viewing and a calmer atmosphere.
• You’re buying two experiences: whale/dolphin watching plus a swim/snorkel break.
• You’re not stuck with just sightseeing: the skipper’s commentary and the on-board snacks make the time feel well used.

When value is highest

This tour is strongest if you want:

• a half-day nature outing
• a chance at dolphins almost regardless
• a real shot at whales without doing the big-boat version

When you might adjust expectations

If you’re the type who needs perfect conditions every time, remember sightings vary. Some days are dolphins-heavy, and whales may be farther out. You’re still paying for the chance plus the scenery and the water break—not a 100% guarantee of whales.

Who Should Book (and Who Should Skip)

This tour suits you if you’re:

• traveling as a couple, family, or small group who prefers calm
• keen on seeing Tenerife from the water, not only from viewpoints
• interested in snorkeling in coves with fish, not just standing on a deck

You might hesitate if you:

• strongly dislike seasickness or you’re very sensitive to sea motion
• have strict preferences about onboard behavior (noise, music, smoking)
• need guaranteed whale sightings no matter what (the sea doesn’t work that way)

Still, the overall pattern is positive: people describe relaxing trips, lots of dolphins, and memorable whale encounters on a boat that feels comfortable.

Should You Book This Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes?

I’d book it if your goal is a small, scenic, water-focused Tenerife experience with an actual swim/snorkel break and a legitimate shot at pilot whales. The combination of Los Gigantes views, protected-water searching, and the included snorkeling makes it feel like more than a standard whale-watch.

If you’re worried about missing whales, plan for dolphins and the scenery as your baseline. Then treat whale sightings as the bonus.

Just go in ready to enjoy the day on the water: arrive early, be flexible with wind and sea conditions, and keep the mindset of “watching nature happens in real time.” If that sounds like your kind of vacation afternoon, you’ll likely love this one.

FAQ

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

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

What is the group size?

It has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What wildlife might I see?

You may see dolphins, tropical calderones, pilot whales, and sometimes turtles, along with other marine life.

Is snorkeling included?

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

What food and drinks are provided?

Snacks and drinks are served on board. Some guests describe them as tapas or a light Canarian-style lunch.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at MPC Yacht Charter at the Puerto deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picon in Acantilados de Los Gigantes, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.