Whales meet you at Los Gigantes. This 3-hour dolphin and whale sailing tour glides along the dramatic cliffs while you search the waters of Teno Rural Park for dolphins, pilot whales, and more marine life. It’s the kind of trip that feels calmer because the boat is small and the focus stays on the sea.

I especially like the small group size (max 10). I also like the built-in breaks: you get snacks and drinks onboard and you stop in quieter coves for swimming or snorkeling with equipment included.

One consideration: animal sightings depend on conditions, and the sea can feel choppy at times. Also, you’ll want to be comfortable with a small boat vibe around onboard music/snacks, since one outlier complaint flagged noise and cigarette smoke.

Key highlights before you go

• Max 10 people onboard for a more personal, less crowded feel than the big boats
• Quiet cove snorkeling with equipment included, so you’re not just looking from above
• Skipper-led spotting along Los Gigantes, with strong efforts to find dolphins and pilot whales
• Canarian-style snacks and drinks served during the crossing, not an afterthought
• Protected-area route in Teno Rural Park, where marine life is the point

Los Gigantes from a small sailboat: the real value

Los Gigantes is famous for a reason: the cliff wall is huge, and from the water you get a scale you just don’t get from land. On a sailboat, you also feel the coast in motion—turning past rock faces and small ravines, then slowing down when the skipper thinks wildlife is close.

The big value here is that it doesn’t turn into a cattle-call. With up to 10 travelers, the crew can actually move the boat with purpose, help people get settled for spotting, and keep the vibe relaxed while still working hard to find whales. That matters, because with dolphins and whales, timing is everything.

I also like that you’re in the right pocket of Tenerife: the tour runs through waters tied to Teno Rural Park, which is all about protecting the coastline and the marine environment. In practice, that means you’re spending your time where wildlife is most likely to show up, not just cruising randomly.

Wildlife odds: dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and the surprise factor

Let’s talk honestly about what you can expect. You’re not guaranteed whales every single outing. But you are set up for the classic “sighting spiral”: dolphins often show first, and then—if the skipper finds the right area—you get a better chance at larger species like pilot whales or tropical calderones.

Based on what’s consistently praised, the most common highlights are:

• Pilot whales (often in pods, sometimes very close)
• Dolphins (including playful behavior around the boat)
• Sea turtles (seen on at least one memorable trip)
• Lots of fish during snorkeling stops, which turns the outing into more than just whale watching

What makes this work is the skipper’s active search. In the best outings, the captain isn’t just pointing. They’re reading water conditions and using their local sense of where the animals tend to surface. Names that come up again and again include Antonio and Francisco, both described as friendly and focused on marine life.

One more practical point: marine animals can be sensitive to noise. You’ll see this reflected in the way the trip is run. Most people come away happy because the overall tone stays respectful when animals are near, which helps your odds.

The 3-hour flow: cliffs first, then calm water time

The schedule is built around a simple idea: spend the “best viewing window” along the dramatic Los Gigantes coast, then use quiet coves for a swim break. The centerpiece is the Acantilado de los Gigantes area—those black cliffs rise straight out of the sea, and passing them by boat feels like being inside a movie set.

A typical feel of the pacing:

1. Departure and coastal navigation along Los Gigantes

This is where spotting begins. If dolphins show up, it’s often here or during the early part of the trip.

1. Searching during the crossing

When whales are the target, the skipper may reposition to maximize viewing time. This is normal—dolphins and whales roam.

1. One snorkeling/swim stop in a quieter cove

You’ll get the gear and a chance to cool off, with cliffs nearby as a dramatic backdrop.

1. Return toward the marina

The boat trip ends right back where you started, keeping it easy.

You should also know that “sailing” depends on wind. On calm days, the skipper may use the engine to keep things moving and finish the trip safely on time. That doesn’t change the experience much—views still matter—but it’s good to keep expectations realistic.

Stop-by-stop: what the Los Gigantes coast does for you

The standout scenery here is the cliff line itself. Even on a short trip, you get that gradual reveal of:

• tall dark rock faces
• ravines cutting down to the sea
• open-water views that make the horizon feel wide

From the water, you also get better wildlife sightlines. Dolphins and whales tend to appear where food and currents connect, and the cliffs don’t block your search—they give you a strong frame around the open sea.

If you’re the type who loves photos, you’ll appreciate that the boat approach lets you capture the coast at multiple angles in a short time. That’s one reason many people rate this as a “best of vacation” kind of activity: the scenery is part of the wildlife story.

Snorkeling in quiet coves: why it’s worth the ticket alone

The snorkeling break is one of the most practical bonuses. You’re not just taking a quick dip—you get equipment and you go to a calmer-water spot where it’s easier to actually see fish and enjoy the swim.

Here’s what that means for your experience:

• You can keep it simple: swim, float, and enjoy the water
• Or you can snorkel and focus on marine life
• Either way, you get a break from wind and sun while still staying “on the sea”

People also like that the snorkeling happens with the cliffs close by. That combo—clear water, fish, and rock walls—feels like a little pocket excursion inside a whale trip.

If conditions are rough, the snorkel stop may still be the calmest moment of the day. Either way, it’s a smart choice for families and first-timers, since the trip avoids long, complicated instruction. You’ll be guided into the water time rather than left to figure it out yourself.

Food and drinks onboard: snacks that feel like a real break

I like that the trip doesn’t treat food as a token. You’ll be served snacks and drinks during the crossing, and several guests mention the spread as more like a light Canarian lunch than just packaged bites.

Expect the vibe to be casual: light bites, drinks, and a chance to settle while the skipper keeps an eye on the water. From the details shared, you may see things like:

• melon
• assorted hams
• tortilla-style snacks
• tapas-like portions

There’s also a theme in the feedback: the best captains balance hospitality with focus. One captain is praised for making sure everyone feels cared for, another for friendly hosting while keeping the wildlife search active.

One caution: if you have strong dietary needs, you’ll want to ask in advance what’s included. The exact menu isn’t detailed in the basic information, and snacks can vary by day.

Meeting point and getting there without stress

Your tour starts at MPC Yacht Charter at the Puerto deportivo area in Los Gigantes (Yate El Mojo Picon, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife). It ends back at the same place.

This is the kind of trip where showing up a bit early really helps. One serious complaint described a situation where late arrivals led to a harsh start. I can’t generalize that behavior, but I can tell you the practical lesson: plan extra buffer time for parking and road delays around the marina area.

Also, it’s near public transportation, which is handy if you don’t want to fight for parking.

Who this tour fits best (and when to think twice)

This is a great match if you want:

• a small-group experience (max 10)
• a mix of wildlife + swim time
• a short 3-hour format that doesn’t eat your whole day
• scenery that’s dramatic even when whales are shy

It’s also family-friendly in tone and structure. Many people highlight that the group size helps everyone feel more included, and the snorkeling stop adds a fun, non-technical activity.

When to think twice:

• If you’re very sensitive to onboard noise or cigarette smoke, you should be aware there is an outlier complaint mentioning both. Most other experiences describe a respectful, friendly atmosphere—still, if this matters to you, you’ll want to communicate calmly and early with the skipper.
• If you want guaranteed whales, you’re in the ocean—so you’re taking a chance. The upside is that dolphins are often easier to spot, and the snorkeling stop gives you a “win” even on days without whales.

Cost and value: does $84.69 make sense?

At $84.69 per person for about 3 hours, the value mostly comes from what you get included, not just from the boat ride.

You’re getting:

• a small-group sailboat experience (max 10)
• an experienced skipper guiding your search and coastal navigation
• snacks and drinks onboard
• snorkeling equipment and a real swim/cove stop
• access to the Los Gigantes coast and the protected-area setting of Teno Rural Park

Compared to big-boat tours that often feel packed and leave you less time near wildlife, small-group format is a money question as much as it is a comfort question. Paying for fewer people usually translates into a better chance of staying engaged when animals are near—and better odds you’ll actually enjoy the snorkeling break.

So yes, this price can feel fair. It’s best value if you’ll use the snorkeling time and want the calmer boat vibe.

Should you book the Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes?

Book it if you want a relaxed, short sail with a real chance at dolphin and pilot-whale sightings, plus a snorkeling stop that turns the day into more than sightseeing. It’s especially strong for couples, nature lovers, and families who don’t want a long excursion.

Skip it or be extra selective if you’re extremely noise/smoke sensitive or if your main goal is guaranteed whales. In the ocean, that guarantee just isn’t realistic—your best strategy is choosing a trip that also gives you a good swim and strong scenery even when wildlife is unpredictable.

If you decide to go, do two simple things: arrive early to avoid any boarding pressure, and treat the sea as shared space. The calmer the vibe, the better your odds of seeing playful dolphins and—when conditions line up—those bigger pods.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes dolphin and whale sailing tour?

It lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at MPC Yacht Charter, Puerto deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picon, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

How many people are on the boat?

The group maximum is 10 travelers.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. You stop in quiet coves for swimming or snorkeling, and equipment is included.

What marine life might you see?

The experience focuses on spotting dolphins and whales, including pilot whales and tropical calderones, plus other marine species like turtles and fish.

Are snacks and drinks provided?

Yes. Snacks and drinks are served onboard during the crossing.

Is the tour offered in English?

The experience is offered in English.

Do you need good weather for the tour to run?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is there free cancellation?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do it at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time, and changes within 24 hours aren’t accepted.

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