Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Tour – Los Gigantes (3H)

Whales meet volcanic cliffs here. This three-hour sailing trip from Los Gigantes combines wildlife watching with a swim stop and food on board. I like the small groups of up to nine people and the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins without the feel of a large excursion boat. I also like the careful wildlife approach, with the engine cut well before the boat gets close. The main drawback is simple: wildlife is wild, and sightings cannot be promised.

The 14-meter sailing yacht El Mojo Picón gives you room to sit, stretch out, and take in the coast. Captain Antonio is often praised for his calm manner, local knowledge, and easy sense of humor. The swim stop can be brief, sometimes around 10 to 30 minutes, so people booking mainly for snorkeling should keep expectations in check.

Key things to know before sailing

• Pilot whales are the main regular sighting: Dolphins, turtles, tuna, and other fish may also appear.
• The cliffs are part of the show: Los Gigantes rises about 600 meters above the sea, and the best views come from the water.
• A small yacht changes the mood: Shared trips usually carry no more than nine or ten people, far fewer than many sightseeing boats.
• The food is light but generous: Expect cold tapas-style snacks such as tortilla, local cheese, cured meats, breadsticks, olives, fruit, and drinks rather than a full restaurant meal.
• Swimming and snorkeling are included: Masks and other snorkeling equipment are available on board.
• Morning departures may suit wildlife watchers: One passenger felt 10 a.m. was especially good for whale sightings, though conditions and animal movements vary.

Setting out from Los Gigantes

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter in the port of Los Gigantes with your confirmation voucher. The boat is the star right away: a clean, attractive sailing yacht with enough space for a small party to spread out without feeling packed in.

The shared option is capped at nine people in the tour description, while some trip details refer to a maximum of ten. Either way, this is a much smaller outing than the common whale-watching boats along Tenerife’s southwest coast. That matters when you want a clear view over the rail, a quieter ride, or a chance to ask the captain questions.

MPC also offers private charters for up to ten people. That makes sense for a family group, a couple marking a special occasion, or anyone who wants control over the tone of the trip. Private outings include a light brunch, while the shared cruise provides appetizers and drinks.

The tour is available with Spanish, English, and French guidance. That language range is useful in a mixed group, and several people have appreciated being included in the explanations even when the group language was not their first choice.

Watching whales and dolphins off Tenerife

Once the yacht leaves port, the focus shifts to the sea. The boat heads through the waters of the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve, an area known for cetaceans and other marine life. The crew watches for movement at the surface, then adjusts the route as needed.

Pilot whales are the sighting most often associated with this trip. You might see a small pod, a family group, or animals traveling close to the boat. Dolphins may appear in groups and sometimes swim alongside the yacht for several minutes. Turtles, tuna, rays, colorful fish, and even rarer sightings such as a shark have also been reported, but those should be treated as fortunate extras rather than promises.

The best part is the scale of the encounter. You are not watching a show or feeding captive animals. You are looking at wild creatures moving through their own home. One particularly reassuring detail is the captain’s practice of shutting off the engine before approaching whales, then keeping a respectful distance. That gives you a better chance of enjoying the moment without adding needless noise.

You should bring a camera, but keep it ready rather than glued to the screen. A whale surfacing can last only a few seconds. A phone with a wrist strap is sensible on a moving boat, and a camera with a zoom lens may help when the animals stay farther away.

There is no guarantee of a sighting. Sea conditions, animal movements, and the time of day all matter. That uncertainty is part of any responsible wildlife outing, so book this for the pleasure of being at sea as well as for the hope of seeing a particular species.

Sailing beneath the Cliffs of the Giants

The cliffs of Los Gigantes are the visual anchor of the outing. Rising roughly 600 meters above the Atlantic, they look especially dramatic from below, where their dark volcanic faces meet the water.

The boat’s position gives you views that are hard to get from the road. You can photograph the full height of the cliffs, the folds in the rock, and the changing light along the coast. The return journey beneath the cliffs is often a quiet highlight, especially after the excitement of the wildlife search.

This part of the trip also gives the captain a chance to point out features of Tenerife’s volcanic coast. The setting is not just a backdrop for whale watching. It gives the trip a clear sense of place and helps connect the marine reserve with the island’s rugged southwest corner.

If photography matters to you, sit where you can turn toward both the open sea and the cliffs. The boat offers plenty of visual variety, but the best angle changes as the yacht moves. Avoid bringing loose items that can blow across the deck.

A swim and snorkel in a natural cove

The yacht anchors at a sheltered cove, often near the base of the cliffs. Here you can swim, snorkel, or simply remain on board and enjoy the view.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. The water is described as clear, and people have seen schools of fish, crabs, and other small marine life near the rocks. Swimming beside the cliffs gives this stop a strong sense of place, even if you do not enter the water.

The timing is the one area to watch. Some outings have allowed about 30 minutes in the water, while another had closer to 10 minutes. The captain needs to keep the three-hour schedule, and the wildlife portion can affect how much time remains. If swimming is your main reason for booking, ask about the expected stop before departure and treat it as an added pleasure rather than the central event.

You should bring a towel and jacket. The jacket matters even on a warm Tenerife day, since the boat can feel breezy once it is moving. Anyone prone to seasickness should consider suitable medication before sailing. One passenger specifically warned that three people became ill, although another family found the ride smooth enough for a child to sleep.

The activity information says the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or heart problems. It also lists the activity as wheelchair accessible, which is a confusing combination. If you have mobility or medical concerns, contact MPC Yacht Charter before booking and ask exactly how boarding, seating, and movement on the yacht work.

Tapas, fruit, and drinks on the way back

Food is served during the stop or on the return leg, depending on the timing of the outing. Expect a light spread rather than a formal lunch: tortilla, local cheese, cured meats, breadsticks, olives, fruit, and similar tapas-style items. Drinks include water and soft drinks, and some departures have included beer or wine.

The portions sound generous enough to refresh you after swimming, but this is not the place to expect a hot three-course meal. One useful review specifically described the lunch as a selection of cold snacks. That is worth knowing if you have a large appetite or dietary needs that require planning.

The food has become part of the pleasure because it fits the setting. Sitting on deck with a piece of tortilla, local cheese, and a cold drink while Los Gigantes rises above you feels more connected to Tenerife than grabbing a generic meal at the port.

Private charters include a light brunch, according to the tour details. For a birthday, anniversary, or family outing, that extra privacy and more tailored meal may make the higher private-charter cost worthwhile.

What the $76 price really buys

At $76 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. The value comes from the combination of several activities in one compact trip: a small-group sailing cruise, wildlife watching, cliff views, snorkeling equipment, a swim stop, snacks, drinks, and a multilingual guide.

The group size is the strongest argument in its favor. A lower-priced boat can still get you to the same stretch of coast, but a small yacht gives you more space and a calmer setting. You are also paying for a captain who actively searches for wildlife instead of simply following a fixed route.

The three-hour length is sensible. It is long enough to reach the whale and dolphin area, spend time along the cliffs, stop for swimming, and return without turning the outing into an exhausting half-day commitment. I would see it as good value if you want variety and atmosphere, particularly if a large motorboat does not appeal.

The value is weaker if you want a long snorkeling session, a substantial meal, or a guaranteed whale sighting. In those cases, the price may feel high for what is essentially a short sailing outing with light food. Its strength is the overall mix, not any single activity.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most

I would recommend it to couples, families, solo visitors who enjoy small groups, and anyone who prefers a quiet yacht to a crowded excursion boat. Children have enjoyed the wildlife, swimming, and relaxed pace, though parents should make sure they are comfortable around open water and follow the crew’s safety instructions.

It also suits people who care about wildlife treatment. The engine-off approach near whales and the emphasis on respectful observation are meaningful details, not just pleasant marketing language.

Photographers should like the range of subjects: dolphins, whales, sea turtles, fish, the cliffs, and the yacht itself. Still, you should be ready to put the camera down. Some of the best moments happen too quickly for a perfect photograph.

I would hesitate if you have serious seasickness, heart problems, or mobility limitations without first speaking with the operator. I would also choose a different outing if your top priority is a long period in the water.

Practical details that matter

Bring a towel, camera, and jacket. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted, and fireworks or explosive substances are prohibited.

You can book a shared or private cruise, and the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Tenerife plans are still shifting.

Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want. A morning departure around 10 a.m. may be worth considering for wildlife watching, but there is no fixed rule that guarantees better sightings.

The meeting point is MPC Yacht Charter in Los Gigantes. Read the directions carefully and look for the yacht and company branding at the pier. One person had trouble finding a traditional office, so do not assume there will be a large street-facing shop.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.7 from 691 ratings, with the strongest praise focused on the captain, the intimate group size, the clean yacht, the food, and the chance to see wild whales close to the coast. Those are the parts I would give the most weight when deciding.

Should you book the Los Gigantes whale-watching tour?

Book it if you want a small, friendly sailing trip that combines wildlife, cliffs, swimming, and simple local food. The captain’s calm handling and respectful approach to whales add real value, while the yacht keeps the mood personal even on a shared departure.

Skip it if you need guaranteed sightings, a long snorkeling session, or a full hot meal. For most people who want a relaxed three-hour introduction to Tenerife’s southwest coast, though, the mix is strong and the $76 price is reasonable. Choose a morning sailing if wildlife is your main goal, bring a jacket and towel, and let the sea set the schedule.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin watching tour?

The sailing trip lasts three hours, including wildlife watching, coastal sailing, the cove stop, swimming or snorkeling, and food and drinks.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at MPC Yacht Charter in the port of Los Gigantes. Bring your confirmation voucher and follow the directions to the yacht.

How many people can join the shared cruise?

The shared experience is described as a small group with a maximum of nine people, while other tour details refer to up to ten. Private charters are available for up to ten people.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, tuna, rays, and various fish. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and safety equipment are included, and the boat stops at a natural cove where you can swim or snorkel.

What food and drinks are provided?

The shared cruise includes appetizers and drinks. Food is generally a light, cold tapas-style selection such as tortilla, local cheese, cured meats, breadsticks, olives, and fruit. Private charters include a light brunch.

What languages does the guide speak?

Live guidance is available in Spanish, English, and French.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, camera, and jacket. Alcohol, drugs, fireworks, and explosive substances are not allowed.