REVIEW · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes
Book on Viator →Operated by MPC Yacht Charter · Bookable on Viator
A cliff-lined sail off Los Gigantes turns whale watching into a real day on the water. You’re cruising through the protected marine zone around Teno Rural Park with a small crew, then slowing down for a swim or snorkel in quieter coves.
I especially like the small group size (up to 10), which keeps the boat feeling relaxed instead of crowded. I also like the mix of wildlife time with a practical break to snorkel and swim with equipment included.
One thing to weigh: sightings depend on the day. If conditions are choppy or animals move further out (and noise can matter), you might get more dolphins than whales, or spend more time repositioning.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth your attention
- Los Gigantes from the sea: the view is the setup
- The Bavaria 44 vibe: intimate, stable, and practical
- How dolphin and whale sightings usually play out
- Snorkeling in quiet coves: the swim is part of the point
- Acantilado de los Gigantes: the cliffs you came for
- On-board snacks and drinks: small, steady energy
- The skipper factor: spotting plus human warmth
- Timing and getting to the marina: arrive early
- Who this is best for (and who may prefer something else)
- Price and value: what $84.69 buys you in real terms
- Responsible whale watching: what to look for on board
- Should you book this dolphin and whale sailing tour in Los Gigantes?
- FAQ
- How long is the dolphin and whale sailing tour?
- How many people are on the boat?
- What marine animals might you see?
- Is snorkeling included, and do you provide equipment?
- Where does the tour meet, and does it return there?
- Is this tour available in English, and is there free cancellation?
Key highlights worth your attention
- Max 10 people: easier viewing, more personal attention, less boat chaos
- Pilot whales, dolphins, turtles: the trip is designed for multiple marine species
- Quiet-cove snorkeling: gear included, with a real chance to get in the water
- Skipper-led spotting: the captain shares geography and marine-fundamentals while searching
- On-board snacks and drinks: light bites that keep you fueled during the sea time
Los Gigantes from the sea: the view is the setup
Los Gigantes is famous for a reason. From the water, the cliffs feel bigger and more dramatic because you’re seeing them at an angle, not as a backdrop from shore. That matters because the coastline is also tied to where marine life tends to travel and feed—so you’re not just watching from pretty scenery, you’re sailing through the habitat.
This tour is built around sailing along that coastline while keeping you in motion enough to find animals. And because the area is described as a protected zone tied to Teno Rural Park, you’re spending your time in a place that’s meant to be respected—slower approaches, less rushing, and more observation.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Tenerife
The Bavaria 44 vibe: intimate, stable, and practical
Your ride is a sailboat (one review specifically called out a Bavaria 44), and the big deal is the small group. With a maximum of 10 travelers, you get room to shift for views and fewer people crowding the same side of the deck when an animal appears.
A couple of practical realities show up in the feedback and trip notes. When there’s little wind, the skipper may use the engine to keep the schedule moving and to reach the right spots. Also, depending on sea conditions, you’ll likely want to be ready for some motion—one review noted choppy water and still got close to pilot whales.
If you’re sensitive to motion, bring your own remedy. The crew provides a good trip rhythm, but you’re still on open water for about three hours.
How dolphin and whale sightings usually play out
The tour is focused on wildlife sightings: dolphins, tropical calderones (often referenced alongside pilot whales in practice), and other marine species. You may also spot sea turtles, and birds too, depending on the day.
A smart detail here is how spotting is handled. With wide search areas, captains often communicate with other boats to locate pods faster and with less wasted time. That can mean some radio or conversation with other vessels as you’re cruising. The goal is simple: reduce time searching and increase time watching.
One practical takeaway from the experience style: animals can be sensitive to noise. On louder days or when there’s background activity nearby, whales may be harder to approach. That doesn’t mean the trip fails—it just means you should aim for the right mindset: dolphins can be plentiful, and whales may require a bit more patience and repositioning.
Snorkeling in quiet coves: the swim is part of the point
You don’t just sail past the coast and call it done. You stop in quiet coves for a swim or snorkeling break, and the tour includes snorkeling equipment.
Why I like this structure: it turns your wildlife trip into a full sensory experience. You get motion on the sail, then you get stillness in a calm pocket of water long enough to actually enjoy swimming. Multiple accounts also described snorkeling as a highlight, with colorful fish and clear water around the cliffs.
What to pack is simple. Wear swimwear under clothes, bring a towel, and consider reef-safe sunscreen if you’ll be in the water. If you’re new to snorkeling, the calm cove stop is a good place to practice because it’s not a chaotic shoreline.
Acantilado de los Gigantes: the cliffs you came for
Even if wildlife is your primary goal, the cliffs are the second star. The stop associated with Acantilado de los Gigantes sets the mood: you’re sailing in front of one of Tenerife’s most recognizable rock walls, and the water-level perspective is a major upgrade from photos.
When the sea is calm, you can often enjoy a slow cruise past the rock formations with plenty of time to watch marine life and just take in the scale. When it’s rougher, you still get the cliffs, but you’ll feel it more in your body—so hold on, hydrate, and focus on the horizon and the water.
If you’re planning other activities, treat this as the anchor. It’s one of those tours where the scenery and sea life blend into one continuous experience instead of separate halves.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Tenerife
On-board snacks and drinks: small, steady energy
You’re out for about 3 hours, and during that time you’ll get snacks and drinks on board. Several write-ups describe it as more than a token snack—think simple Canarian-style bites and light lunches, not a full meal.
This matters for value and comfort. You’re saving time and money that you’d otherwise spend grabbing something between activities around Los Gigantes. It also helps keep the mood steady during long waits if the animals take a little while to show up.
A practical note: what’s served is light. If you need a heavy meal or have strict dietary requirements, you may want to plan a proper meal before or after.
The skipper factor: spotting plus human warmth
A good captain makes this trip. The feedback pattern is consistent: skippers like Antonio and Francisco are described as friendly, engaged, and able to explain what you’re seeing—marine fauna and the geography of the area.
You’ll typically get commentary on the wildlife and what you’re sailing past. That can turn a random dolphin flash into a real understanding of behavior: why certain animals travel together, what to look for on the surface, and how the coastline connects to their movement.
Here’s the balanced part. On any small boat, personality and boundaries matter. There’s at least one negative account involving harsh tone and discomfort around onboard behavior. Another negative note referenced dissatisfaction for non-Spanish speakers. The lesson for you is to set expectations: confirm what language support you’ll receive (the experience is offered in English) and be ready for a smaller, more personal style of guiding—sometimes that’s wonderful, and sometimes it’s not everyone’s favorite.
Timing and getting to the marina: arrive early
Most tours in this zone are weather-sensitive, and this one is described as requiring good conditions. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
So you should treat your start time seriously. One recurring practical tip in the feedback: parking can be tricky near the marina, so arrive a bit early even if you think you’re on time. If you’re driving, do yourself a favor and build in extra minutes for finding space.
Also, this tour is described as near public transportation, which is useful if you’d rather avoid the parking headache entirely.
Who this is best for (and who may prefer something else)
This is a strong fit for families, couples, and nature lovers who want a calmer pace. The small-group setup means you’re not competing for a window on the rail when dolphins pop up.
If you’re traveling with kids, the calm rhythm and short duration can work well. Still, remember that the sea can be unpredictable, and small boats mean there’s less “indoor safety.” Pack motion solutions and plan for a few minutes of adjustment for little ones if the water is choppy.
If your priority is a guarantee of a whale sighting at all costs, no three-hour tour can promise that. A better way to think about it: you’re booking a day with strong odds for multiple species, plus a swim and snorkeling break. That’s the whole formula.
Price and value: what $84.69 buys you in real terms
At $84.69 per person for about 3 hours, this isn’t a bargain-price “quick ride,” but it also isn’t a premium private yacht situation. The value comes from the combination: small group limit, a sail-based experience, dolphin/whale-focused searching, snorkeling time, and on-board snacks and drinks.
For context, many Tenerife sea tours either focus only on sightseeing (with less time to swim) or run on larger groups (where spotting feels rushed). Here, your money goes toward a more personal viewing setup and a built-in water break.
If you’re comparing options, I’d weigh the total package:
- time on the water
- chance of multiple species
- snorkeling included
- drinks/snacks included
- group size cap
That’s where this tour tends to feel fair.
Responsible whale watching: what to look for on board
Even though the day is about seeing animals, the real sign of a respectful operator is how they behave once they find wildlife: slow approach, minimal disturbance, and enough space so animals can keep doing their thing.
The tour style described here includes using the expertise of the skipper to find the right areas and then spending time observing rather than just passing through. You’ll also get education on the animals and the surrounding geography, which often goes hand-in-hand with a “watch first” mindset.
Your job as a passenger is simple: follow the skipper’s guidance on where to stand, keep noise low when requested, and treat the snorkeling stop as a chance to enjoy the underwater world without kicking up chaos.
Should you book this dolphin and whale sailing tour in Los Gigantes?
Yes—if you want a small-group, skipper-led marine experience with a real swim/snorkel break and you’re comfortable with the reality that wildlife sightings are weather- and animal-dependent.
I’d book it especially if:
- you prefer a calmer boat setting over crowded tours
- you want dolphins and whales as a goal, not a guaranteed checkbox
- you’d like snorkeling time with included equipment
- you’re visiting Los Gigantes and want the cliffs from the water, not just from land
I might look elsewhere if:
- you need a fully quiet, noise-free experience (open boats can include music/snacks conversations, and the sea also amplifies sounds)
- you’re highly sensitive to onboard motion and don’t plan to bring your own comfort solutions
If you go in with flexible expectations, this is exactly the kind of Tenerife day that turns into a lasting memory for the views, the calm sailing, and the moment marine life shows up nearby.
FAQ
How long is the dolphin and whale sailing tour?
It runs for about 3 hours.
How many people are on the boat?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers.
What marine animals might you see?
The experience is designed for sightings of dolphins, tropical calderones, and other marine species. Sea turtles have also been seen.
Is snorkeling included, and do you provide equipment?
Yes. You snorkel in quiet coves, and snorkeling equipment is included.
Where does the tour meet, and does it return there?
The tour starts at MPC YACHT CHARTERPuerto deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picon in Los Gigantes and ends back at the same meeting point.
Is this tour available in English, and is there free cancellation?
It’s offered in English, and you can receive a full refund with free cancellation if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
