Small-boat whale watching in Tenerife. Sail out from Los Gigantes with a tight small group (up to 10) and scan the Atlantic for dolphins, pilot whales, and even turtles—on a sailing boat that can catch the wind when conditions allow. The whole vibe is calm and close-up, not a cattle-call search.

I really like how they feed you like part of the day, not as an afterthought. Expect fresh fruit plus homemade sandwiches (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available), along with drinks that include cava, white/red wine, beer, and soft drinks. And on many trips, the crew includes hosts such as David and Jamie, often with Eileen mentioned as part of the team, which helps keep the experience personal and easy to follow.

One possible drawback: the swim-and-snorkel break is only about 30 minutes, and towels aren’t included. If you’re prone to seasickness, the shorter stop is still great, but you’ll want to plan for the boat ride.

Key things that make this Los Gigantes cruise work

• Up to 10 people means you’re not packed in, so you can move and look comfortably
• Wind-powered sailing when possible adds a real sense of place off Tenerife’s southwest coast
• A dedicated swim/snorkel stop at a small cove with snorkeling equipment provided
• Food and drinks included (fruit, homemade sandwiches, cava, wine, beer, soft drinks)
• Marine-life focus with chances to spot dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles in the wild

From Los Gigantes Harbor to a Sailing Boat That Feels Personal

Los Gigantes is one of those Tenerife bases where the scenery sets the tone fast. You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Pier 1, mooring number 156, then walk straight into the day’s main event: a sailing boat cruise off the cliffs.

What I like right away is the small group size (limited to 10). With fewer people on board, the crew can keep an eye on what’s happening without everyone crowding the same spot. You also tend to get a smoother experience as the guides explain what they’re looking for and where to watch.

The boat is set up for a relaxed outing. There’s time to settle in, enjoy the breeze, and get your bearings before the search ramps up. And if conditions are right, the crew may raise the sail and let the wind do more of the work—so you feel like you’re sailing, not just touring by motor.

The Los Gigantes Cliffs Up Close: Why the Sea-Level View Matters

The Los Gigantes cliffs are dramatic from shore, but the sea-level view hits harder. The cruise spends time along the coast and you’ll see those sheer rock faces towering over the water as you move in and out of search areas.

This matters for two reasons. First, it helps you understand the geography of where you’re sailing, so whale and dolphin sightings make more sense when the crew points out the surrounding waters. Second, the cliffs create natural “visual anchors” during the trip—helpful when you’re scanning the Atlantic for movement.

On the way back, the boat navigates slowly toward port, giving you another chance to watch the coastline without the pressure of rushing to the next thing. It’s a simple pacing choice, but it makes the whole trip feel longer and more satisfying than a strict, timed excursion.

Dolphins and Pilot Whales: How Sightings Usually Happen on This Type of Cruise

This cruise is built around the natural rhythms of marine life rather than scripted “show up at 2:15” moments. You head out to look for dolphins and pilot whales, and you also keep an eye out for turtles. The Atlantic around Tenerife can be surprisingly active, but the real point is this: sightings depend on what the animals are doing that day.

Because the group is small and the crew is focused, you’re more likely to get good viewing angles and time to watch behavior. You might see dolphins close to the boat when they’re curious or moving through the area, and pilot whales tend to be spotted when conditions and travel routes line up.

Also, keep your expectations flexible. Even with a strong chance of seeing whales or dolphins, you’re still out in the ocean, not in a zoo. This is the kind of outing where the journey itself—sailing, coastal views, and scanning with the crew—counts as part of the experience.

The Swim and Snorkel Stop: 30 Minutes That You Can Actually Use

Here’s the practical part: you get a break to swim and snorkel for about 30 minutes at a small cove along Tenerife’s coast. That’s short enough that it doesn’t drag, but long enough to rinse off the boat dust, cool down, and actually enjoy the water.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you’re not stuck hunting for gear at the last minute. The cove setting is a big part of why this stop feels special: calmer, protected water usually makes it easier to get comfortable in the mask and look around.

One thing to plan: bring your own towel. It isn’t included, and you’ll feel it on the way back to the boat if you’re empty-handed. Also, wear swimwear under your clothes if you can, since changing time on a short stop can get tight.

If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll probably enjoy the full window. If you’re less confident, stick close to the crew’s guidance and take it slow—there’s no need to force it. The best snorkeling moments often come from just staying relaxed and looking patiently rather than rushing.

Snacks, Drinks, and the Food That Makes the Trip Feel Premium

For $88 per person and a full three-hour outing, the value is largely about what’s included on board. This isn’t a basic “watch from the rail” deal. You’re served fresh fruit, and you get homemade sandwiches after the swimming/snor keling portion, plus a spread of drinks that includes cava, wine (white and red), beer, and soft drinks.

That food-and-drink setup changes how the trip feels. It turns whale watching into a proper half-day outing instead of a quick chore. You’ll have time to eat when you’re warm from sun or wind, which makes the return navigation back to port feel like a victory lap instead of an end-of-trip scramble.

You’ll also appreciate the dietary flexibility. Sandwiches can be vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free—a detail that matters when most tours quietly assume everyone eats the same thing. If you have a food requirement, it’s worth confirming ahead of time so the crew has you covered.

Two quick notes:

• Photos aren’t included, so plan to rely on your own phone/camera.
• Some guests report getting photos/videos after the trip, but that isn’t listed as a guaranteed part of the package—so treat it as a nice extra if it happens.

Crew Service: Where the Trip Lives or Dies

On this cruise, the crew is a big part of the quality. Multiple names pop up in the team stories: David and Jamie appear often, and Eileen is also mentioned as part of the hospitality. The consistent theme is simple—people feel looked after without being fussed over.

You’ll notice it in small moments: the way guides help you understand what you’re seeing, the way they keep the group coordinated during spotting, and the way they handle the transition from sailing to swim/snorkel to food.

There’s also a visible care-for-wildlife attitude in the way the crew behaves. In one story, the team even helped a protected seabird chick that was struggling. That sort of response signals that the operation cares about animals, not just sightings.

Timing, Motion, and What to Bring From Tenerife’s Southwest Coast

This is a 3-hour sailing cruise, so you’ll feel the day in real time. You’ll meet at the harbor, go out to search, get the swim/snorkel break, eat, then sail back enjoying the cliff views.

Because you’re on the water, sea conditions can matter. One practical tip: if you’re someone who gets motion sickness easily, it’s smart to bring medication and use it as recommended for you. The trip is short, but your comfort is still worth protecting.

What to bring is clearly spelled out:

• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Comfortable, breathable clothing
• Anything else you personally need for calm comfort on boats

Also, this tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments. The boat and the water entry for swimming/snorkeling likely make it too difficult to navigate safely.

Price and Value: Is $88 Fair for Tenerife Whale Watching?

I’ll be blunt: $88 can feel like a lot if you compare it to cheaper whale-watching boats in the harbor. But here’s why this one often earns its price.

You’re getting:

• A 3-hour sailing-focused experience
• Small group size (up to 10)
• Food and drinks included, including cava and wine
• Snorkeling equipment included
• A real swim/snorkel stop, not just a quick float

So the value math isn’t just “did we see whales.” It’s also “did we get a comfortable, well-paced day on the water with added experiences.” And for many people, that combination is the difference between a quick outing and a day you remember.

If you care about wildlife viewing without feeling crowded, the small-group format is the big lever. You still need luck for whale and dolphin sightings, but the overall experience quality is built in.

Who This Cruise Fits Best

This is a strong pick if you want:

• A calm, intimate boat experience
• Chances to see pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles
• A real break to swim and snorkel
• Included drinks and food that make it feel like a full outing

It’s especially good for couples, small families (if kids can handle a boat day), and solo travelers who want to feel included without a loud, chaotic atmosphere. If you dislike crowded tours, this small-group setup is exactly what you’re looking for.

If you’re traveling with limited mobility, you’ll need to skip this specific format. And if you don’t swim, you’ll still enjoy the cruise and views, but you may feel the 30-minute water stop is less valuable to you.

Should You Book the Third Element Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise?

Yes, you should book this one if you value a small, thoughtful setup: up to 10 people, sailing off the iconic cliffs, and an actual swim/snorkel slot with gear included. The price makes more sense when you compare what you get on board—food, drinks, and the time on the water—not just the wildlife possibility.

I’d say pass if:

• You can’t handle time on a boat (even a shorter three-hour outing can be tough for some people)
• You need mobility-friendly access
• You hate being in a short schedule (the swim/snorkel is only about 30 minutes)

If you want Tenerife wildlife with less stress and more comfort, this cruise is a smart choice.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife Los Gigantes whale watching cruise?

The cruise lasts 3 hours.

How many people are on board?

The group is small, limited to 10 participants.

What marine life might I see on this cruise?

You’re looking for dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles in their natural environment.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring one for the swim and snorkel stop.

What food and drinks are included?

Fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches are included, along with drinks such as cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

If you tell me your travel dates (and whether you’ll swim), I can suggest the best way to plan around weather and sea conditions for Tenerife’s southwest coast.

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