Whales off Tenerife feel personal. This 3-hour Los Gigantes cruise is built around pilot whale and bottlenose dolphin spotting, then it swaps the search lights for snorkeling time in a clear cove. You also get a front-row view of the dramatic Cliffs of the Giants, plus the chance to see Tenerife’s Teide Volcano, the island of La Gomera, and the Teno area as you sail out.

Two things I really like here are the way the experience stays human-scale and the way it moves from wildlife watching to swimming in one smooth flow. The onboard crew and guides (often Antonio, with English and Spanish) focus on finding the animals and sharing local sea info, so the trip feels less like a checklist and more like you’re learning as you go.

One drawback to think about: lunch is served as an easy onboard spread, more tapas-style than a full sit-down meal, and your water time is limited to a short stop at the cliff base. If you want hours in the water or a hot meal, you may feel a little shortchanged.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat: the core goal of the cruise, with the captain actively searching
• Cliffs of the Giants photo stops: vertical 600-meter walls and a coastal backdrop that looks unreal on camera
• 30 minutes to swim or snorkel: clear cove time right at the base of Los Gigantes
• Onboard lunch, snacks, and drinks: included food and beverages without needing to hunt down a restaurant
• Small-boat feel: shared but not overcrowded, with room to relax and watch the sea

Meeting MPC Yacht Charter: where your cruise life starts

You’ll meet at MPC Yacht Charter in Los Gigantes, then you head out from the port. The meeting spot matters because you’re not just walking onto a big public dock. Have your confirmation handy, show up a bit early, and take a minute to get your bearings.

This trip is exactly the kind of outing where arriving on time helps your whole experience. If you’re late, you lose the early part of the sail, and that’s where you start stacking up views: Tenerife’s coastline, La Gomera across the water, and the Teide Volcano if visibility is good.

One practical note: the cruise includes snorkeling gear and safety equipment, so you don’t need to pack specialty gear. Still, bring what the day asks for: a towel, a camera, and a jacket. Even in warm months, the breeze can hit hard once you’re out past the harbor.

The sail out of Los Gigantes: Teide, La Gomera, and Teno views

Before you even reach the best marine-life zone, the cruise gives you a coastal “warm-up” ride. As you leave Los Gigantes, you can look toward Tenerife’s Teide Volcano, then over to La Gomera. The sail also passes by the rural park area of Teno, which is one of those places you’ll appreciate more when you see it from sea level.

This matters because wildlife watching is partly timing and luck. If you’re unlucky on the first sightings, you still don’t feel like you spent 3 hours staring at empty water. Instead, you’re watching cliffs and islands glide by while the captain scans for signs of cetaceans.

If you’re a photo person, this is when you’ll get the easiest wide shots. Later, during animal sightings, the vibe becomes more “track the movement” than “compose the postcard.” Get a few scenic frames early, then switch to video when the sea life shows up.

Whale and dolphin spotting: how the search feels (and why it works)

The main game is searching for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins off Los Gigantes. The cruise runs as a shared outing or can be private/small-group depending on what you book. Either way, the feel is intimate enough that you actually notice patterns: how the water changes when the captain slows, how people lean forward when everyone sees the same fin break the surface.

Depending on the season and conditions, you might also spot other marine life. The cruise can include sightings of loggerhead sea turtles, and there’s also a chance of fin or sperm whales depending on the time of year. You may even see fish species close by when you’re near the areas where animals are feeding.

A big plus here is that the crew keeps the boat respectful. You’re not blasting around like it’s a theme park ride. When animals are swimming near the surface, the goal is to watch without disrupting them, which also makes the experience feel more like nature viewing and less like animal chasing.

There’s also a sunset option. That’s the same format, but the lighting changes everything. If you’re choosing between standard and sunset, go sunset if your priority is atmosphere and photos, and standard if you want a slightly calmer feel earlier in the day.

The Cliffs of the Giants base stop: snorkeling in a natural cove

After the whale/dolphin portion, you move to the Cliffs of the Giants. These cliffs rise to around 600 meters, and from the water they look huge in a way that’s hard to understand from shore.

Then comes the most active part of the tour: a stop at the cliff base for about 30 minutes. You’ll be in a cove that’s set up for swimming and snorkeling, with clear water conditions when the sea is behaving. This is the moment when the cruise shifts from spotting to joining the scenery.

What to expect during the water time:

• You use the snorkeling gear provided.
• You swim in the cove, typically staying close to where the crew positions the boat.
• You’ll see fish and underwater life while you’re near the rocky walls.

One honest consideration: reviews and real-world expectations point to a short time in the water. It’s enough to feel satisfied, but not enough to treat it like a half-day snorkeling excursion. If you’re traveling with kids or you just want a quick dip between sightseeing, it’s perfect. If you’re chasing long snorkeling time, you’ll likely want a longer dedicated swim plan after this.

Lunch and drinks onboard: tapas-style, not a formal feast

You get food onboard, including lunch, plus appetizers, fruit, and drinks. The vibe is simple and practical: you’ll eat without leaving the boat, with snacks timed around the swimming stop.

Here’s the key thing to know about the lunch: it’s described as a cold snacks / tapas-style spread rather than a hot plated meal. You might find items like meats, breadsticks, fruit skewers, olives, and other easy-to-grab bites. There are also drinks included, and the snack selection is there to keep your energy steady once you’ve been in the water.

That can actually be a plus. On a wildlife cruise, hot food can feel like extra baggage. Cold tapas means you can eat, relax, and focus back on the cliffs as you sail out. Just set your expectations so you don’t show up craving a full hot-course lunch.

If you’re sensitive to motion, this is also where planning helps. One helpful tip from experience: if you get seasick easily, consider taking travel sickness medicine beforehand. It can make the difference between enjoying the whole trip and spending it wishing you were still on land.

Timing, comfort, and photos: making the most of the 3 hours

Three hours passes fast, so it helps to know what you’re actually getting time for. You’re dividing your focus between:

• search time on the open water for whales and dolphins
• scenic sailing past Tenerife and neighboring islands
• a focused stop under the cliffs for swimming/snorkeling
• a relaxed food and drinks period before heading back

For photos, keep your camera ready during the animal-search segments. When wildlife appears, it can happen quickly, and you don’t want to be digging for your gear. For video, hold steady and aim for behavior shots, not just the first fin. Often, the more memorable footage is when the animals move alongside the boat.

Comfort-wise, the boat is designed for relaxed viewing rather than standing in one place for hours. Still, pack a jacket. The wind out on the water can cool you down faster than you expect. Also bring a towel so you can dry off after the swim stop without improvising.

Value check: is $74 worth it?

At $74 per person, you’re paying for more than “a boat ride.” You’re buying:

• a guided cruise experience focused on cetaceans
• snorkeling gear
• appetizers, fruit, drinks
• lunch onboard
• a scenic route that includes the iconic Los Gigantes cliffs and viewpoints toward Teide and La Gomera

Where this becomes good value is the combination. You’re not only watching marine life; you’re also doing a short snorkeling break in a scenic cove, with food handled for you. That’s the real cost-saving part. Staying dry and fed on a small boat can be annoying if you tried to DIY it.

The other value angle is the small-boat feel. If you’ve ever done a crowded tour where you can’t see past shoulders, you’ll appreciate a setup that keeps the sea view clear and the group manageable. Smaller group dynamics also makes it easier to hear the guide and follow what the captain is pointing out.

One caution on value: whales and dolphins aren’t guaranteed every outing. Your money pays for a strong effort and a structured plan, but marine life is still wildlife. If you go with the mindset of learning and enjoying the day no matter what you see, you’ll get better value from the experience.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it?

This cruise fits best if you want:

• a nature-forward whales and dolphins outing from Los Gigantes
• a swim/snorkel stop with included gear
• a guided experience where you learn what you’re seeing
• a small-group feel without feeling like you’re in a crowd

It’s also a smart pick for couples and families who want a day that mixes sightseeing with one active moment. The boat time is relaxing, and the cove stop is the fun break.

Who should think twice:

• If you need long snorkeling sessions, this is short by design.
• If you have concerns with heart conditions, the activity is marked as not suitable for heart problems, so take that seriously.
• If mobility is a challenge, the information includes both wheelchair accessibility and also notes that it’s not suitable for some mobility impairments. That contradiction is your cue to ask questions before booking so you understand what will be realistic for you on the boat.

Should you book Los Gigantes whales and dolphins with lunch?

I’d book it if your priority is a focused wildlife cruise that still gives you real scenery time and an included swim. The mix of marine-life searching, Cliffs of the Giants views, and the included lunch and drinks makes the day feel efficient and worth the money.

Skip it or reconsider if your main goal is a long, extended snorkeling adventure or a hot, full sit-down meal. Also remember: you’re going to the right place for whales and dolphins, but nature runs the schedule, not the tour.

If you like small-boat experiences, respect for animals, and photos that actually show what’s going on, this one is a strong fit.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter. You should meet in advance with your confirmation voucher, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling gear is included, along with safety equipment.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes lunch plus appetizers, fruit, and drinks served onboard.

What animals can I expect to see?

The focus is pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. You may also spot other wildlife such as loggerhead sea turtles and different fish species, with fin or sperm whales depending on the season.

Is there a sunset option?

Yes, there’s a sunset tour option.

What languages are the guides?

The live tour guide provides Spanish and English.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, camera, and a jacket.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It is listed as wheelchair accessible, but it is also marked as not suitable for people with mobility impairments. It’s marked as not suitable for people with heart problems. Alcohol is not allowed onboard.

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