This trip feels like whale watching plus a day at sea. You go out on a 46 ft (14 m) sailboat from Picarus Sailing Club, spend real time scanning for cetaceans, then cool off with a short snorkel under the cliffs.

I especially love the small group size (max 9 passengers). It keeps the boat calm, the crew’s attention personal, and it makes it easier to follow the rules that protect marine life.

One thing to consider: the sea can be choppy. If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan for it, because you’ll be out on open water for much of the cruise.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Max 9 passengers on a 46 ft sailboat: cozy boat energy, easier whale viewing, less crowd pressure
• Conservation-first operation: Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching and a Blue Boat Flag for responsible practice
• Real time for whales/dolphins: long wildlife viewing window (about 1.5 hours) rather than a quick pass
• Snorkel under the Los Gigantes cliffs: short but memorable water time next to the rock walls
• Homemade tapas after swimming: simple, local-style food served onboard, including vegetarian options noted
• Crew that manages distance and behavior: examples include cutting engines when whales are spotted

Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise from Los Gigantes: What It’s Like From Start to Finish

Los Gigantes is famous for a dramatic wall of cliffs dropping straight into the Atlantic. Doing whale watching from a sailboat here isn’t just about ticking off marine sightings. You’re also getting a close-up view of the coastline’s scale, plus the kind of slow, human-paced sailing that makes it easier to pay attention to what’s actually happening in the water.

This cruise runs about 3 to 4 hours for $88 per person. You’ll typically be on board with up to 9 people, which matters more than most people expect. On a small boat, you move around without fighting for space, you hear instructions, and you get that calmer feeling that comes with not being packed in.

Getting on Board at Picarus Sailing Club and Finding Aemon or Ayla

Your departure point is Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. When you arrive, look for the boat name Aemon or Ayla, which is how you’ll identify the right vessel.

Before you go, double-check what to bring, because the boat provides some essentials but not everything. You’ll want sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and ideally a towel (towel is not listed as included). Sunscreen is another big one: bring biodegradable sunscreen with high protection (50+ is recommended) to protect your skin and the water.

Also, the cruise includes life vests and snorkel masks. The listing says the snorkel tube (listed as tuba) is not included, so it’s smart to confirm what’s provided at check-in—sometimes operators will have options, sometimes you’ll need your own gear.

The 1.5-Hour Wildlife Viewing Window: Pilot Whales, Dolphins, and More

Most whale watching trips fall into two extremes: too short to matter, or so crowded you can’t really focus. This one builds in time. You get about 1.5 hours of wildlife viewing while the crew searches around the area off Los Gigantes.

Sightings can include resident and migratory marine species, and the types of animals people talk about most often are pilot whales and dolphins. There are also reports of a turtle showing up during a trip. The point isn’t to promise a specific species (nature doesn’t work like that), but to give you enough time on the water that a good encounter has a real chance.

What I like most here is the style of the crew’s approach. On past sailings, the captain was reported to cut engines when whales were spotted even in the distance. That kind of discipline can make a difference for animal behavior and for your viewing experience—less disturbance, more natural reactions.

One Hour of Sailing: Cliffs, Views, and the Teide in the Background

After the first wildlife window, you transition into sailing time—about 1 hour—while enjoying the view from the water. This is when Los Gigantes stops being a background and becomes the main event.

You’ll be out on a real sailboat (46 ft / 14 m), which means the vibe is different from an engine-first tour. Even when conditions aren’t perfect, there’s a sense of being part of the sea rather than just passing through it.

And yes, you’ll get views that connect the geography: the cliffs of Los Gigantes are front and center, and the Teide is mentioned as part of the big-picture scenery you can take in from the boat. If you like photos, this is the time for them—while you’re still comfortable and before you’re thinking about sunscreen or snorkel gear.

The 15-Minute Snorkel Under the Cliffs: Short Time, Good Payoff

You do get a snorkeling slot (about 15 minutes) next to the cliffs. This is not a long floating snorkel marathon, so don’t plan as if you’ll get an hour in the water.

Still, there are two reasons the short snorkel works:

1. You’re snorkeling in a dramatic setting—next to the rock walls dropping into the sea.
2. It pairs nicely with the whale watching, because you go from watching animals on the surface to experiencing the underwater world right away.

The cruise includes snorkel masks, so you don’t have to start from scratch with equipment. You’ll just need to manage what matters: get your breathing calm quickly, and don’t treat this as a deep dive session. With limited time, the goal is comfort and a few good looks at what’s under the surface.

One practical note: if you forget a towel, you’ll still make it work, but you might feel chilly right after. Bring one if you can.

Homemade Tapas Onboard: Food After the Water (Not Before)

Once you’ve had your time in the sea, you’ll get a homemade meal onboard—listed as tapas—with tapas time after the swim (about 15 minutes).

People highlight the food as a real bonus. Tapas tend to feel natural on a boat day: easy to eat, not fussy, and it keeps energy up without turning the cruise into a full restaurant meal. Vegetarian options are specifically mentioned as being accommodated, which is a strong sign this isn’t just a token checkbox.

There are also mentions of wine and drinks as part of the onboard setup. So think of this as the payoff moment: you’re done with the water, the views are still happening, and you can settle back while eating.

Conservation Rules That Actually Affect Your Day

This operator is tied to conservation in a way you can feel in the experience. They’re members of the Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching from Turismo de Tenerife and active members of the Asociación de Cetáceos del Sur de Tenerife. They also carry a Blue Boat Flag, meaning the activity is authorized by the government to be practiced responsibly.

What does that mean for you on the water? In plain terms: you’re more likely to get respectful distances and less aggressive behavior around marine life. That shows up in the way the captain handles sightings—again, engine management when whales appear has been specifically mentioned.

I also like that the crew frames the day around learning, not just spotting. You’ll get explanations about the history of the island and about marine species you might encounter. And it’s not only one language. Guides can cover Spanish, English, and French depending on the day.

On some departures, people have named guides like Sara, Felix, Jakob, Miguel, and Nettie. That’s useful because it hints at the level of continuity and care—these are people who know how to explain what you’re seeing and why it matters.

The Group Size Advantage: Why Max 9 Can Feel Better Than It Sounds

The boat is designed to be small-group friendly, with private and shared options and a cap of max 9 passengers.

That cap shows up in everyday details:

• You’re not shouting over music or trying to get past strangers.
• The crew can spend time answering questions.
• You’re more likely to keep a clear view when animals are near.

Some people also note that the atmosphere can be especially calm on board, even mentioning no music on certain sailings. That’s not guaranteed every time, but the overall pattern is consistent: smaller groups make the boat feel like a shared experience instead of a factory line.

Who Should Book This, and Who Should Think Twice

This cruise is a great fit if you want:

• Whale and dolphin watching without the big-boat crowd
• A short, practical snorkel in a dramatic setting
• A boat day that includes food onboard, not just snacks
• A guided experience that includes island and animal education in English, Spanish, or French

It’s also a strong choice for couples and small groups who want a more personal feeling. Several people specifically mention how the small number made the trip more intimate.

The main “think twice” category is motion sensitivity. If you’ve had seasickness before, take it seriously. One person called it out directly as the only issue, and noted the crew helped them through it. Still, it’s better to be prepared than brave it.

Also, if snorkeling is your top priority, keep expectations realistic. You get 15 minutes. It’s enough for a memorable look, but not for a slow, extended session.

Price and Value: Does $88 Feel Fair?

At $88 per person for a 3 to 4 hour small-group sail, the value comes from what’s bundled.

You’re not just paying for a boat ride. You’re paying for:

• Time on the water for wildlife viewing
• A working guide system (with Spanish/English/French coverage)
• Life vests and snorkel masks
• Onboard tapas / homemade meal after swimming

Compared to tours that nickel-and-dime equipment or leave you hungry, this tends to feel well-rounded. And the small-group limit helps your odds of enjoying the experience rather than just surviving it.

One more value angle: cancellations and flexible booking are offered (free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is listed, and reserve now pay later is offered). That helps if you’re traveling with changing plans or uncertain weather.

Should You Book This Los Gigantes Whale Watching Sailboat?

If you’re deciding between big boats and smaller ones, I’d lean toward this style. The combination of a small cap, a real wildlife viewing window, and a cliffside snorkel plus tapas makes it feel like a complete sea day rather than a short drive-by.

Book it if you want respectful whale watching with a crew that’s tied to conservation groups and actually manages how close the boat gets. It’s also ideal if you’d enjoy being on a sailboat for part of the trip, not only during the start.

Skip it only if snorkeling isn’t your thing and you’re also highly prone to seasickness. In that case, you may prefer a calmer alternative. But for most people—especially couples, friends, and animal lovers who value small-group attention—this is a very solid choice from Los Gigantes.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching sailboat cruise?

The duration is listed as 3 to 4 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed as $88 per person.

Where does the cruise start?

It departs from Picarus Sailing Club.

How do I find the correct meeting boat?

The meeting point notes that the boat name is Aemon or Ayla.

Is this private or shared, and how many people are on board?

There are private and shared excursions, and the group size is capped at a maximum of 9 passengers.

What is included with the tour?

Included items are safety gear (life vests) and snorkel masks.

What should I bring for snorkeling and the day on the water?

You should bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen (high protection is recommended).

Is sunscreen provided?

Sunscreen is not listed as included, and you’re advised to bring biodegradable sunscreen with 50+ protection.

Which languages does the guide speak?

The live tour guide offers Spanish, English, and French.

Is there an option to cancel or book flexibly?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve now & pay later is offered.

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