Whales and cliffs on a small sailboat. This is a 3-hour sailing charter out of Santa Cruz de Tenerife where you cruise the dramatic Los Gigantes coast, watch for whales and dolphins, and then jump in for snorkeling near the cliffs. What makes it extra appealing is the small-group setup (max 10), plus an onboard crew that keeps the experience personal instead of chaotic.

I especially like two things: the mix of time and calm. You spend about two hours around Los Gigantes, with plenty of chances to see wildlife before you shift to swimming and snorkeling. And I like the food-and-drink value: cava, wine, beer, soft drinks, fresh fruit, and sandwiches built around vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free needs, plus snacks and bottled water.

One thing to plan for: bring your own towels, since they are not included. If you’re hoping to snorkel, also be ready for how the sea feels that day.

Key things I’d bet on with this Los Gigantes charter

• Max 10 travelers: more room to move, and more time for your questions
• Bavaria Cruiser 45 (2012): comfortable boat with sunbeds on the bow
• Whales plus a real swim: sailing views, then time in the water near the cliffs
• Diet-friendly lunch: custom sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
• Snacks and drinks included: cava, wine, beer, soft drinks, fruit, and bottled water
• English available, with German guide limits on Sundays and Mondays

Los Gigantes from the water: the real reason this works

Tenerife’s Los Gigantes cliffs are jaw-dropping from land, but out at sea they hit different. The water puts you at eye level with the coastline, and it’s exactly the kind of place where whales and dolphins show up in the open channel. Add a smaller sailboat instead of a big cattle-car ferry, and the whole outing feels more human.

The best part of this charter is how it balances wildlife time with actual enjoyment. You’re not just staring at the horizon for 45 minutes and calling it a day. You get sailing scenery, a targeted whale-watching stretch off the cliffs, and then a swimming and snorkeling window along the coast.

And yes, it’s priced like a serious excursion, but the inclusions are what make it feel fair. When you’re already getting drinks, lunch-style food, snacks, and bottled water, you’re not constantly re-buying basics.

Your 3-hour timeline off Santa Cruz: what to expect when

This is a 3-hour experience (approx.). Most of what you care about happens right in the Los Gigantes zone, and the schedule is straightforward.

Here’s the rhythm you can count on:

• Stop around Los Gigantes for about 2 hours, focused on sailing near the cliffs and watching for marine life.
• During the outing, you also get your snorkeling and swimming time near the coast at a spot the crew uses for water breaks.
• Food and drinks flow as part of the trip experience, not as a late add-on.

Then you head back to port, ending back at the meeting point at Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters.

One practical note: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. That said, the structure gives you enough time for the odds to work in your favor, and the views keep the trip rewarding even if you miss your first choice.

On board the Bavaria Cruiser 45: space, sunbeds, and a calmer vibe

The boat is a Bavaria Cruiser 45 (2012), sized for comfort and small-group sailing. A lot of people pick this kind of charter because they want space, not shoulder-to-shoulder angles.

Look for the details that matter once you’re aboard:

• Sunbeds on the bow: great for letting the sea breeze do its job
• A deck layout that feels usable instead of crowded (max 10 travelers helps a lot)
• A boat that stays comfortable for the full 3 hours, so you can actually enjoy the coast and not just endure it

If you’re the type who likes taking photos, the smaller group matters. You’re not constantly waiting for the next wave of people to shift positions for the best shot.

Whale watching off Los Gigantes: what you can realistically hope for

Off Los Gigantes, you’re in a region where whales and dolphins can appear during the right conditions. The sightings reported in this charter’s reviews are mostly in the “great day” category: pilot whales show up regularly, and dolphins are very common.

Here’s what you might see, depending on the day:

• Pilot whales (often mentioned)
• Several dolphin species, including pilot whales and different dolphins seen around the area
• Occasional extra wildlife sightings like sea turtles and birds

Even when it’s not a perfect whale day, the cliffs themselves usually do the heavy lifting. The crew also takes time to explain what they’re watching for while you’re out there. People mention that captains and guides answer questions and keep the pacing relaxed, which is exactly what you want when you’re waiting for a blow or a fin.

Two things I’d keep in mind:

• You’re sailing, so conditions can change fast. The tour runs on good weather, and the crew will adjust.
• If you’re even mildly prone to sea sickness, plan ahead. One review noted they felt a bit sick, but the crew looked after them.

Snorkeling and swimming near the cliffs: how to be ready

This charter includes swimming and snorkeling near the coast along the cliffs. One of the smartest parts of this trip is that it’s described as a spot that helps you avoid the most crowded swimming areas, so you spend more time actually in the water and less time stuck in a lineup.

What to expect once the boat stops:

• You get time to swim and snorkel in the cove area near the cliffs.
• The experience is built into the trip flow, so you’re not rushing from gear to lunch to departing.

Your best prep checklist is simple:

• Bring your own towel (not included)
• Wear a swimsuit you’re comfortable leaving on for the day
• If you tend to get cold in the water, you might want to bring what you normally use to stay comfortable

Also, if you don’t plan to snorkel, you’ll still get plenty of value from the sea views and the wildlife watch. The swim section is a bonus, not the only draw.

Food and drinks included: why the $90.70 feels like value

At $90.70 per person for about 3 hours, the question is always: what’s included that saves you money and makes the trip worth it?

Here’s the point-by-point inclusions list that changes the math:

• Complimentary drinks: cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Fruit: freshly cut fruit
• Snacks
• Bottled water
• Lunch-style food: custom sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options

That last part is the big deal. A lot of excursions say they can handle dietary needs but then you end up with something bland or late. Here, the sandwiches are specifically built with vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free options in mind, which means you can focus on the day instead of managing expectations.

If you’re drinking alcohol, keep it light and pace yourself. You’re out on the water, you’ll be sun-exposed, and you still need your energy for the snorkel.

Crew style and language: English on most days, German sometimes missing

This tour is offered in English. One additional detail you should know: a German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays.

Onboard leadership comes through in the reviews with real names you’ll likely hear in conversation:

• Captains/guides mentioned include Jaime, David, Eileen, Mike, and Margaret
• People also note that guides explain marine life and the local area, and that the small-group size makes it easier to talk through questions directly

If you’re traveling as a family, this kind of interaction matters. One review mentioned an age range from about 9 to 50, and the crew reportedly handled that mix well.

Bottom line: plan on English, and if you’re on a Sunday or Monday, just remember the German guide piece may not be there.

Getting to the meeting point at Third Element Charters

You meet at: Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, Calle Poblado Marinero, s/n Pantalán 1 Atraque 156, 38683, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

The area is near public transportation, so you’re not locked into a car. But do give yourself buffer time for parking if you’re driving. One review specifically advised making sure you have time to park, and that’s smart because you don’t want to rush right before boarding.

The good news: you’re also dropped back at the same meeting point at the end of the tour, so you’re not dealing with the headache of transfers after you’re tired and sunburnt.

Who should book this Los Gigantes sail (and who should skip)

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A small-group whale-watching outing (max 10) rather than a big boat
• A trip where snorkeling and swimming are real parts of the schedule
• Included drinks and sandwiches, especially if you need vegan or gluten-free
• A relaxed onboard vibe where the crew can give attention to individuals

It’s also a good choice for mixed groups. Reviews mention families, couples, and even honeymooners. If you want time on the water without feeling like you’re in line all day, this style fits.

You might want to consider alternatives if:

• You hate any chance of rough-ish sea conditions and don’t want to deal with motion at all
• You show up without a towel and didn’t think to bring one
• You’re looking for a giant party atmosphere, since the whole point here is fewer people and more personal attention

Should you book this charter?

Yes, I’d book it if your priority is a real Los Gigantes whale-watching day with sailing scenery and a swim built in. The small-group max 10 is the big differentiator, and the food-and-drink inclusions make it feel like a lot of time on the water for the price.

Also, this one’s popular. On average, it’s booked about 20 days in advance, so if your dates are fixed, don’t wait until the last week.

Just come prepared for the one practical snag: bring a towel. Beyond that, it’s a solid pick for a memorable Tenerife day that mixes wildlife time, cliff views, and time in the water without wasting your day on extras.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale watching charter?

The tour is about 3 hours (approx.).

What group size is this tour?

The experience has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What’s included on the boat?

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

Are towels provided for snorkeling and swimming?

No. Towels are not included.

Where is the meeting point?

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

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English. A German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays.

What happens if weather is bad?

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