Whales, but make it calm. From Los Gigantes, this 46-foot sailing cruise is built for spotting cetaceans in their own world, then relaxing with time under the cliffs. You get a real mix: search for whales and dolphins, sail along the coast, and finish with a snack-and-drink break that feels more like a charter than a cattle call.

What I love most is the small-group feel (up to 9 passengers) and the way the crew keeps the experience respectful and educational at the same time. I also like the homemade tapas onboard, which turn the day from just wildlife-watching into a full outing.

The main consideration: the boat can move. One review specifically flagged seasickness as a surprise, so if you’re prone to it, plan accordingly.

Key moments you’ll actually remember

• Up-close rules, not up-close behavior: the crew cuts engines when whales are spotted and keeps distance a priority
• Small-group comfort: typically just nine people, so you can move around and hear the guide
• Snorkeling under Los Gigantes’ cliffs: masks are included, and you’ll get a short swim time by the rock walls
• Homemade tapas onboard: a real meal/snack finish, including vegetarian options mentioned in reviews
• Sustainability credentials that aren’t just marketing: part of Turismo de Tenerife’s Sustainability Charter, plus local cetacean association support

Where You Meet: Picarus Sailing Club and the Aemon or Ayla

Your day starts at Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. You’ll board one of their boats—often listed with names like Aemon or Ayla—and you’ll feel the difference right away: this isn’t a big party boat setup.

You’ll get on-board life vests and snorkel masks (tucked in so you don’t have to hunt for gear). Reviews mention the boats feel clean and well cared for, which matters when you’re spending a good chunk of time out on open water. And because the group is capped at around nine, you’re not fighting for space at the rail.

Practical tip: go in with swimwear ready under your clothes. You’ll still have time to change, but you’ll enjoy the sea minutes more if you’re already set for the water part.

Wildlife Viewing Near Los Gigantes: The 1.5-Hour Whale Search

The cruise’s first big block is wildlife viewing for about 1.5 hours off the Los Gigantes coast. This is the heart of the experience. The crew looks for resident and migratory marine life, and you’ll often hear facts as you go—species basics, local behavior, and what they’re watching for.

What stands out in the reviews is how hard the crew works to make sightings happen. People came home thrilled with pilot whales (including a family sighting), dolphins, and even a turtle. But the important reality: the ocean decides. If whales aren’t there that day, you still get a guided time on the water in the right area.

Even better, the approach sounds consistent and careful:

• when whales appear, the captain makes adjustments to reduce disruption (including cutting engines during sightings, as mentioned in reviews)
• the crew emphasizes staying respectful rather than chasing

Those details change the vibe. It’s not frantic, it’s focused—watching first, then reacting.

Sailing Time for Coast Views and Teide Sightlines

After the wildlife block, you get about 1 hour of sailing. This is when the day shifts from “spot and search” to “relax and watch the coastline slide by.” On calm days, this part can feel like the real reward: the cliffs of Los Gigantes from water level are dramatic, and you also get sea-level perspectives that you simply can’t get on foot.

The tour info also points to viewing the Teide, which is one of the reasons this area feels extra special from the water. Reviews mention the coastline views as stunning and part of why the trip works even when sightings are limited.

If you’re the type who likes photos, this is your window. Try not to only shoot wide angles—also grab small moments: the sailcraft moving slowly, the water texture around the boat, and the cliffs’ shape from different angles as the boat repositions.

Snorkeling Under the Cliffs: 15 Minutes That Add Real Wow

Then comes snorkeling under the cliffs. It’s short—about 15 minutes—so think of it as a taste, not a long swim session. Still, it’s a big deal because you’re not snorkeling in some generic spot. You’re in the Los Gigantes cliff zone, anchored for a swim that’s directly tied to what you’ve been seeing.

Included gear:

• snorkel masks
• safety gear on board (life vests)

Not included (so bring or borrow):

• a tubing/snorkel piece: the info says the tube from snorkel equipment is not included
• a towel
• sunscreen (recommended high protection 50+, and you’ll want biodegradable)

That snorkeling limit is also why this tour works for many people. You don’t have to be a strong swimmer or a dedicated snorkeler. You just need swimwear, a willingness to get in briefly, and to follow the crew’s instructions.

Comfort note from a review: one person flagged seasickness, and if you feel even a little off on the water, the snorkel stop can feel harder. If you’re worried, take slow breaths, go in only if you’re steady, and don’t push past discomfort.

Tapas and Drinks Onboard: The Homemade Finish

Right after the water time, you’ll have a brief onboard meal: tapas onboard for about 15 minutes. It’s not a long sit-down lunch, but it’s timed in a way that makes sense—warm up, snack, and regroup before heading back.

What I like about this structure is that it turns the day into a loop:

1) sail and watch wildlife

2) float and swim near the cliffs

3) eat while you’re still in “vacation mode”

Reviews repeatedly call the food delicious, and vegetarian options are specifically mentioned. So if you’re eating with plant-forward preferences, this isn’t just a token plate.

Also, one of the more charming details in reviews: the atmosphere is described as calm, with no big onboard party energy. Some tours blast music; this one reads more like conversation and sea air.

The Sustainability Story You Can See in Their Behavior

This is not just a checkbox tour. The operator is tied to responsible whale watching through local programs:

• members of the Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching from Turismo de Tenerife
• active members of the Asociacion de Cetáceos del Sur de Tenerife (South Tenerife Cetaceans Association)
• they carry a Blue Boat Flag, indicating authorization to practice whale watching responsibly

In practical terms, that means the crew’s knowledge shows up in what they do on the water. Reviews mention the captain cutting engines when whales are spotted and maintaining a respectful distance, which is exactly how you avoid turning wildlife watching into wildlife stress.

You’ll also hear educational info during the trip. In reviews, guide names show up like Sara/Sarah, Jakob, Miguel, Nettie, and Felix, and guests describe them as friendly, attentive, and focused on correct approach—not just “look there!”

If you care about conservation because you want to do more than take pictures, this tour is built around the idea that learning should change behavior.

Price and Value: Is $88 Worth It?

At $88 per person for about 3–4 hours, you’re paying for several things that usually cost extra on more basic boat trips:

• a 46 ft sailboat, which feels roomier and more “real sailing” than tiny vessels
• a small group (up to nine), which improves both comfort and the quality of interaction with the crew
• snorkel time with masks included
• a guided experience in multiple languages (Spanish, English, French)
• homemade tapas onboard after you swim

I also think the whale-watching value here is in the effort level. Reviews highlight that the team actively works to find whales/dolphins, and then handles sightings carefully. If a tour simply cruises and calls it whale watching, you feel it immediately. Here, the day feels managed and thoughtful.

The tradeoff is time: snorkeling is brief, and the whole outing is only a half-day. If you’re looking for an all-day ocean hangout, this won’t be it. But for a Tenerife trip day, it’s a solid hit of sea and wildlife without burning your whole schedule.

Who This Sailboat Cruise Fits Best

This cruise is ideal if you want:

• intimate whale and dolphin watching from a sailing boat, not a crowded deck
• a crew that focuses on respectful viewing and explains what you’re seeing
• a mix of activities: sea spotting, sailing, and a short snorkel near the cliffs
• a comfortable duration (3–4 hours) that works well with other Tenerife plans

It may be less ideal if:

• you’re very sensitive to boat motion (one review mentioned unexpected seasickness)
• you want long snorkeling time (this is a short swim slot)
• you prefer a big “tour show” vibe; this one feels quieter and more conversational

Should You Book This Los Gigantes Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise?

If your goal is responsible, small-group whale watching with real time on the water—and you want snorkeling and tapas without turning it into a long day—then yes, I’d book it. The biggest reason is the combination: a sailboat setting + respectful wildlife behavior + a short, satisfying swim + homemade food.

Before you go, be honest about two things: your comfort with the sea, and your expectations for snorkeling time. Bring your essentials (especially towel and biodegradable SPF 50+), and you’ll get a straightforward half-day that feels like an actual charter.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’ve dealt with seasickness before. I can suggest what timing tends to feel calmer and how to pack for the snorkel stop.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale watching sailboat cruise?

It runs about 3 to 4 hours.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes, and you return there.

Is this a private or shared tour?

It’s offered as private or small groups available, and the group size is capped at a maximum of 9 passengers.

What marine life might you see?

The trip is for resident and migratory marine species, and reviews specifically mention pilot whales and dolphins (and one mention of a turtle).

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. There is a snorkeling stop under the cliffs, and the schedule includes snorkel time.

What snorkel gear is included?

You’re provided snorkel masks. The tube from snorkel equipment is not listed as included.

What food is provided onboard?

A homemade tapas menu is served onboard after the swim.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen. The info specifically recommends high protection SPF 50+.

What languages are the guides?

The tour guide works in Spanish, English, and French.

Is cancellation free?

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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