Whales are the main event off Los Gigantes. This cruise runs on a 46-ft sailboat with a small group, so you get time to watch marine life, then enjoy the cliffs and Teide views from the water. I also like that the crew builds the trip around respect for wildlife, not loud chasing.

What makes it hit so well is the mix. You get whale and dolphin watching, then a chance to slip into the water for snorkeling under the cliffs, followed by homemade tapas onboard.

One thing to think about: if you’re sensitive to motion, a sailing day can be rough. Also, the snorkel window is brief, so you’ll want to be ready the moment they drop the gear.

Key things I’d circle first

• Small group (max 9 passengers) on a cozy sailing boat, not a crowded “tour cattle line.”
• Whale-watching with practical rules like staying at a respectful distance and quieting the engines when animals are near.
• Snorkel time right by Los Gigantes cliffs for a rare, up-close look at the underwater world.
• Homemade tapas onboard paired with drinks, including vegetarian options.
• Sustainability-focused operator tied to Tenerife’s whale-watching sustainability efforts and a local cetacean association.
• Real crew guidance in multiple languages (Spanish, English, French) to help you spot and understand what you’re seeing.

Why a 46-ft sailboat changes whale watching off Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes sits on Tenerife’s west side with those dramatic cliff walls plunging into the Atlantic. From land, it looks huge. From a sailboat, it feels bigger—because you see the cliffs from angles you just don’t get anywhere else.

On a 46-ft boat, you also feel the pacing. The crew can slow down when they spot cetaceans, and you spend more time looking and less time waiting for the next stop. That small-group setup matters too. With room to move around, you’ll actually keep sightlines for whales and dolphins instead of everyone craning their necks in the same spot.

The best part is that this is not just a wildlife detour. It’s a sailing outing with real scenery built in—cliffs, open water, and the long, clear Teide sightlines that show up when the weather plays along.

Picarus Sailing Club and your boat, Aemon or Ayla

You’ll meet at Picarus Sailing Club, where the boat is listed as Aemon or Ayla. That matters because the day runs smoothly when you know what you’re boarding, and you’re not guessing which vessel is yours.

This is offered as private or small-group sailing. In practice, you’re capped at nine passengers, and you may find the boat even lighter on some departures. Either way, the vibe tends to be calm and focused on the sea—no loud onboard distractions.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, and French, so you can follow the science without needing to translate in your head. That helps when you’re trying to tell a dolphin from a pilot whale, or when you’re learning why certain behaviors happen near the cliffs and where food sources might be.

The whale-spotting stretch: quiet rules and patient searching

The wildlife portion runs for about 1.5 hours. You’re out in the area off Los Gigantes, watching for resident and migratory marine species. The key is that the crew aims for observation first, action second.

This is where you’ll feel the difference between respectful whale watching and the kind that turns into frantic speed. From the way the captain operates, the boat slows down and can cut engines when whales are spotted—even at a distance—so the animals don’t get disrupted by noise or vibrations.

You can’t guarantee sightings, because that’s nature. But when the animals are around, you’re positioned to see them well. People have reported pilot whales showing up, along with dolphins and even a turtle in some outings.

What I like as a planning mindset: treat this part like a live lesson in reading the water. The guide explains what you’re seeing and why it matters, and you’ll learn to look for the cues that come before a blow or a sudden turn.

Sailing past the cliffs and toward the Teide: the calm hour

After wildlife viewing, you spend about 1 hour sailing. This section is not filler. It’s the breathing room of the day.

Sailing means you get time to settle in, watch the coastline change shape, and look outward for marine life that may surface farther out. It’s also when the scenery really clicks: those cliff faces shift from looming walls to a series of layers as the boat angles around and you gain perspective.

This “slow hour” is also good if you want a more relaxed tour feel. Even if you already know Tenerife, you haven’t seen Los Gigantes like this—up close, with the sea doing most of the storytelling.

Snorkeling under the cliffs: make it count in 15 minutes

Next comes the water time: around 15 minutes to snorkel next to the cliffs. It’s short by design, which means you should be ready the moment they signal.

Included gear is the snorkel masks, plus safety equipment like life vests. What’s not included is a snorkel tube (the list specifically notes the tuba for snorkel equipment isn’t included), so if you have your own setup, bring it. If not, plan to use what’s provided and listen carefully during the quick safety instructions.

This is one of the most memorable parts because you’re not just looking at the cliffs from above. You’re seeing how the underwater terrain sits against them. In past trips, swimmers have anchored in a beautiful bay near the cliffs, then kicked back with snacks right after.

Practical note: bring your towel, and keep your expectations realistic. Fifteen minutes goes fast once you’re focused on breathing and sighting fish or other small marine life.

Homemade tapas and drinks onboard: the part that extends the trip

After you’re back onboard, you get onboard meal time—about 15 minutes—with homemade tapas. Tapas here aren’t just an afterthought. They’re served as a payoff for the water portion, so you don’t end the day hungry and rushed.

People have mentioned wine and drinks alongside the snacks, and the menu can include vegetarian options. That matters if your group has different eating needs; you won’t feel like you’re pulling teeth to make it work.

The timing is also smart. You swim, you dry off enough to feel comfortable, then you eat while the sea is still in your body. It turns the cruise into a “complete outing,” not a wildlife hunt followed by a quick exit.

Responsible whale watching, not just a marketing phrase

This operator emphasizes responsible whale watching through partnerships and local conservation ties. They’re described as members of the Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching from Turismo de Tenerife. They’re also an active part of Asociacion de Cetaceos del Sur de Tenerife, the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association, and they provide information and support to that group.

On the water, those policies show up as behavior. You’ll see the focus on distance and timing, and the captain’s choice to cut engines when whales are near is a strong signal that wildlife welfare is treated as a real rule, not a polite suggestion.

I like tours that don’t just tell you to be quiet—they operationalize it. When guides explain what they’re doing and why, you leave with more than photos. You leave with understanding.

And that’s where the sustainability angle becomes personal. Once you know what you’re looking for and how the crew tries to protect the animals, you’re less likely to judge a sighting delay or a quieter approach.

Price and value: $88 for whales, sailing, snorkeling, and tapas

At $88 per person for a 3–4 hour outing, this isn’t a cheap add-on. But it also isn’t only a boat ride. You’re paying for a small vessel experience, a wildlife search component, snorkel access, and a meal onboard.

Here’s how I’d frame the value in real terms:

• You get time on the water with a dedicated crew and guidance.
• You get snorkeling gear support (masks and safety gear).
• You get homemade tapas served after swimming.
• You’re in a small group on a 46-ft sailboat, which tends to improve both comfort and viewing.

What can change the true value for you is what you bring. Sunscreen is not provided, and a towel isn’t provided either. Also, if you’re prone to motion sickness, you may want to pack your own remedies. Those small choices can decide whether the trip feels smooth or stressful.

Still, for the combo—whales or dolphins, cliff views, short snorkel time, and tapas—this is priced like an experience, not just transport.

Who this cruise is for (and who should plan around the downsides)

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want small-group whale watching with real guidance
• Like the idea of sailing views, not only scanning the horizon
• Want a short, manageable water moment rather than a full-day snorkel adventure
• Care about wildlife rules and prefer distance-based viewing

You might think twice if:

• You get seasick easily. Sailing can bring motion, and one person specifically noted seasickness and needed help.
• You want a long snorkel session. The water time is only about 15 minutes.
• You’re hoping for a guaranteed whale encounter. Sightings can depend on where the animals are that day.

If you’re traveling as a couple or friends, the small-group vibe is especially nice. You’re close enough to hear the guide and coordinate easily, without feeling like the boat is packed.

Before you go: practical packing that actually matters

Bring what you’ll need for sun and water. The trip listing recommends biodegradable sunscreen with high protection (50+), plus basics like swimwear and a sun hat.

Your practical checklist:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen (50+ recommended)
• Any snorkel tube you prefer, since the tube isn’t listed as included

On the boat, you’ll have life vests for safety and snorkel masks. Still, sunscreen and a towel keep the day from becoming uncomfortable right after swimming.

Should you book this Los Gigantes whale sail?

My take: if you want whale watching that feels calm, respectful, and personal, this is the kind of outing that makes sense. The small-group sailboat format, plus snorkel time by the cliffs and homemade tapas afterward, turns it into a full morning/afternoon experience rather than a quick departure and scramble.

Book it if you:

• Like the idea of pilot whale and dolphin opportunities with a crew that prioritizes distance
• Want both sea views and a water moment
• Appreciate onboard guidance in English, Spanish, or French

Skip it (or plan carefully) if:

• You’re very sensitive to motion
• You need more than 15 minutes in the water
• You only go for guaranteed sightings, because wildlife is always the boss.

If you’re flexible and you want a well-run, small-boat day off Los Gigantes, this one earns serious consideration.

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Los Gigantes?

The duration is listed as 3 to 4 hours.

Where do I meet, and what boat name should I look for?

You meet at Picarus Sailing Club. The boat is listed as Aemon or Ayla.

Is snorkeling included, and what gear is provided?

Snorkeling time is included. Safety gear like life vests and snorkel masks are included, but a snorkel tube is not listed as included.

What’s included in the trip price?

Included items are safety gear on board (life vests) and snorkel masks. Food onboard is described as homemade tapas served during the meal time.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen (high protection 50+ is recommended).

Is the tour private or small-group, and what languages are offered?

It’s offered as private or small groups, with a maximum of nine passengers. The crew provides live guidance in Spanish, English, and French.