Sail past Los Gigantes for real Atlantic encounters. This small-group sailing cruise leaves from Los Gigantes and heads out for dolphins and pilot whales, with a solid chance of turtles along the way. You also get drinks and fruit while you watch the water do its thing.

I like the way the trip mixes wildlife spotting with a real break to swim and snorkel in a pretty cove near the cliffs. The boat time stays relaxed, with hosts such as captain David and Eileen (often with Jamie/Jaime) sharing what they’re seeing, and you’ll finish with fresh sandwiches. One possible drawback: this is still time on open water, and some riders mention sea-sickness, so if you’re prone, plan ahead.

Why this Los Gigantes sailing cruise is worth your time

• Small group of up to 10: more elbow room and a calmer vibe for scanning the sea.
• Cliffs from the water: you see Los Gigantes’ famous walls from a perspective you can’t get from shore.
• Dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles: the focus stays on the animals you actually came for.
• Swim and snorkel stop: time to get in the water, with snorkeling equipment provided.
• Food and drinks included: fruit, cava, wine, beer, and homemade sandwiches with dietary options.

Los Gigantes whale watching by sailboat: what you’re actually signing up for

This is a 3-hour sailing cruise off Tenerife’s southwest coast that’s built around one idea: slow down and watch marine life where it lives.

You’re not stuck inside a big crowd-control machine. Instead, you’re out on the Atlantic from Los Gigantes, cruising while you look for dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles—and you get a turn at the water yourself with a swim and snorkel stop.

That mix matters. Whale watching can be pure waiting. Here, you get time for both spotting and swimming, so the day feels full even if the sea is quiet for a stretch.

Meeting at Third Element in Los Gigantes: Pier 1, mooring 156

You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Pier 1, mooring number 156. It’s the kind of setup where you’ll want to arrive a few minutes early, since boarding on a small boat is quicker than you expect.

On a practical level, confirm what “Pier 1” looks like on your phone map before you show up. Los Gigantes is compact, but details like mooring numbers can turn into a tiny hassle if you’re rushing.

Once you’re aboard, you’ll be guided live in multiple languages: Spanish, English, French, and German. That’s a big deal on a marine-life cruise, because knowing what you’re looking at makes the whole experience click faster.

Out on the Atlantic for dolphins and pilot whales (about two hours)

The core of the trip happens during the first part when you’re sailing out from Los Gigantes and scanning the water.

The crew keeps the search focused, and if conditions allow, you may even help with sail handling—hands-on fun without turning it into a circus. Either way, the point is the same: use the time efficiently to look for pilot whales (often the main target) and dolphins.

What I’d watch for, beyond the headline species, is how the crew reads the sea. When you see birds shift direction or the water change texture, it often clues you into where life is feeding. The better the “sea reading,” the better your odds of a good sighting.

Also remember: wildlife timing isn’t a schedule. You’re doing your best to share the ocean with the animals, so the experience is about the effort and the sightings, not a guaranteed checklist.

The Los Gigantes swim and snorkel stop: 30 minutes, no wasted motion

After the open-water search, you anchor off a small cove along Tenerife’s coast near the Los Gigantes cliffs.

This is the part where the cruise turns from watch-and-wait to get-in-the-water. You’ll have about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel, and snorkeling equipment is included.

Bring what you need for a quick change-over: swimwear, breathable clothes, and a plan for getting back warm afterward. You’ll also want your towel, since towels are not included.

The cove setting is a big part of why this stop works. Instead of snorkeling from somewhere dull, you’re right by the dramatic Los Gigantes coastline, which makes the whole “in the water” moment feel like part of the scenery, not an add-on.

Food and drinks onboard: snacks that don’t feel like a consolation prize

One of the easiest wins on this cruise is the onboard food and drink.

You get fresh fruit plus drinks including cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks. Then there are homemade sandwiches served after the swimming/snorkeling portion. The cruise also offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options, which is a real quality-of-life upgrade on day tours.

A calm pace helps here too. You don’t gulp lunch on a crowded deck. You eat and drink as you relax, then head back while taking in the views of the cliffs again from the sea.

Two small notes:

• Towels are not included, so don’t pack “just in case.”
• Photos are not included as an official add-on. Still, some crews have shared photos or video after the trip, but it isn’t presented as a paid photo package you should budget for.

Crew vibes on a small boat: David, Eileen, and Jamie/Jaime

On a whale watching sailboat, the crew can make or break your day. Here, the standout is how friendly and attentive the hosts are while keeping the experience grounded in the ocean itself.

You’ll commonly hear names like captain David and Eileen, and often Jamie/Jaime in the mix. Even when there’s more than one host, the pattern is consistent: clear explanations, a relaxed tone, and a focus on what’s happening out on the water.

It also helps that the group is capped at 10 participants. That small number lets you move around the boat more easily to look out for spouts, fins, and anything else breaking the surface.

One detail I appreciated from the stories shared by riders: this crew seems to take wildlife care seriously. On at least one outing, they’ve handled a situation involving a protected seabird chick, and there are mentions of them acting responsibly if they find something like an old net in the water. That’s the kind of practical care that makes the trip feel respectful rather than extractive.

Value check: is an $88 Tenerife whale watching sail cruise a smart buy?

At $88 per person for about 3 hours, this isn’t the cheapest way to do marine life around Tenerife. But it also isn’t priced like a bare-bones group boat.

Here’s what you’re paying for, in plain terms:

• A sailing boat experience with an intimate group size (up to 10).
• A structured route that includes both open-water searching and a snorkel/swim stop.
• Food and drinks included: fruit, wine/beer/soft drinks, and homemade sandwiches.
• Snorkeling equipment provided.

If you’re comparing value, don’t just compare the ticket price. Compare what you’d otherwise have to pay for: a separate snorkeling guide, a day meal, and transport. When you add those basics up, the cruise starts to look like a bundled day out.

The biggest “value signal” is that the food and service don’t feel like filler. A lot of tours give snacks that are technically included. This one treats the meal and drink plan like part of the experience.

Sea conditions and your comfort: the real-life factor

Even on a sailing cruise with a relaxed pace, you’re still on the ocean.

A few riders mention that sea-sickness happened for some people. So if you’re sensitive, take precautions before you arrive—think motion meds, or at least plan to sit where the boat feels most stable.

Also, sail handling depends on conditions. The trip is set up for sailing when the wind cooperates, but the comfort goal is what matters most. Your job is to be ready to enjoy the day even if the sea is a little moody.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should skip it)

This fits best if you:

• Want a small-group dolphin and whale watching experience from Los Gigantes.
• Enjoy being outside—scanning for wildlife and then changing into swim gear.
• Are comfortable with a short swim/snorkel session.

It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so if that’s a factor for you or someone in your party, skip this specific option.

It can also work well for families with older kids—at least, riders have shared that children enjoyed the experience. If you’re bringing kids, set expectations: you’re on a marine-life cruise, so you may see action fast, or you may have to stay patient for the right moment.

Should you book this Tenerife whale watching cruise?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a more personal Los Gigantes experience than the big-boat approach. The combination of small group size, chances for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles, plus a real swim/snorkel stop makes it feel like a full 3-hour ocean outing.

You might choose another option instead if you:

• Know you’re highly prone to motion sickness and can’t manage it.
• Need an itinerary that doesn’t include swimming/snorkeling.
• Are looking for an adults-only, completely predictable “see whales guaranteed” format.

If flexibility matters, this one offers free cancellation up to 24 hours and a reserve-and-pay-later option. That makes it easier to book while you’re still figuring out your day on Tenerife.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife Los Gigantes whale watching cruise?

The cruise runs for 3 hours.

How many people are in the group?

It’s a small group limited to 10 participants.

What marine animals are you looking for?

The experience focuses on seeing dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles in their natural environment.

What is included in the price?

Included are the whale watching cruise, time to swim and snorkel, fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches (with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options), drinks (including cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks), and snorkeling equipment.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own. You should also bring swimwear, a change of clothes, and comfortable breathable clothing.

Where do we meet?

Meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, Pier 1 mooring number 156.