Pilot whales and cliffs with room to breathe. This small-group Los Gigantes sailing charter mixes whale watching with snorkeling time at a quieter coast spot, and it comes with lunch plus snacks designed for gluten-free and vegan eaters. I like the max-10 setup (you actually hear the guide) and the included food and drinks, but one consideration is that towels aren’t included, and the whole outing depends on good weather.

On the water, you’re on a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser (2012) with comfortable sunbeds on the bow, so the trip feels more like a focused sailing day than a cattle-car boat tour. English is offered, and if you’re traveling on a Sunday or Monday, the German guide isn’t available, so plan to stick with the English narration.

At about 3 hours long, it’s a very workable chunk of time in Tenerife. If you want the best chance of the date you want, booking ahead helps, since this one averages about 20 days out—and it’s priced in a way that’s usually fair once you factor in the drinks, sandwiches, and snorkeling time.

Key things I think you’ll care about

• Max 10 travelers keeps the pace calm and the spotting info clear
• Sailing off Los Gigantes gives you big-cliff views during the whale-watching search
• A swim-and-snorkel stop is built into the outing, not an afterthought
• Diet-friendly food: gluten-free and vegan sandwiches are available, plus fruit and snacks
• Included drinks: cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Towels not included means you’ll want to pack or plan to buy one nearby

Entering Los Gigantes: what you’re really signing up for

Los Gigantes is one of Tenerife’s most dramatic coastlines: sheer cliff walls dropping straight into the sea. This charter uses that setting well. You’re not just sitting on a boat waiting for wildlife; you’re sailing the coastline and then getting real water time with a swim and snorkeling stop.

The best part, for your day-to-day comfort, is the small scale. A maximum of 10 travelers means you’re not fighting for space at the railing, and it’s easier to hear what the crew is explaining when whales (or dolphins) pop up. Even better, the trip runs about three hours, so it’s long enough to feel like an outing but short enough that you won’t feel like you gave up your whole afternoon.

The 2-hour Los Gigantes sail: views first, then wildlife

Your first major stop is around Los Gigantes, where you’ll sail past the cliffs for about two hours. That block of time matters because it builds anticipation. When you’re looking at cliffs this tall, the sea feels like part of the scenery, not just the transportation between sights.

This is also where you’ll start scanning for marine life. You might spot pilot whales and dolphins, and it’s possible to see other wildlife too (including sea turtles, depending on conditions). The crew’s job is to help you read what’s going on out there—what you’re looking at and why it’s showing up.

Practical note: the best spotting happens when you’re ready to look often. If you only check the horizon now and then, you’ll miss moments. The upside of a small group is that you can actually reposition and keep your eyes on the water without crowd chaos.

Whale watching that doesn’t rush you

Whale watching can turn into a stopwatch game, especially on bigger boats. Here, the format is different. The trip is built around time on the water, with the wildlife search happening while you’re already enjoying the coastline.

In real terms, that means you should expect a more relaxed rhythm: slow sailing when conditions are calm, focused scanning when activity appears. When wildlife shows up, the crew can keep attention on the group you have. The boat can hold everyone comfortably enough that you’re not stuck in one viewing angle for the whole session.

And yes, you’re still in the real ocean, so sightings are never guaranteed. But the high rating and the consistent praise for spotting pilot whales and dolphins suggest the operation is tuned for finding wildlife and managing expectations.

The swim-and-snorkel cove: when the trip turns into a water day

The itinerary includes snorkeling and swimming near the coast, and this is one of the biggest reasons the charter feels special. This is where the cliffs stop being just a view and start becoming a backdrop while you’re actually in the water.

From the way the experience is described, the snorkeling stop is at a spot chosen for quality rather than crowds. That usually means better swimming conditions and less time feeling like you’re sharing the same patch of sea with everyone on the island.

Two things to plan:

• Bring your own towel. Towels aren’t included, and you’ll want one after getting back on board.
• Think about water temperature and your comfort level. If you’re going in a cooler stretch of the year, you may not want to linger in the water as long.

If you enjoy photo moments, this portion is also great for it. The combination of cliffs, open water, and swimmers near the shoreline tends to create strong, memorable shots.

Lunch and drinks: included, filling, and diet-friendly

The charter includes a proper food setup, and it’s not the usual snack-box situation. You get complimentary drinks—cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks—plus fresh fruit and custom sandwiches. Snacks and bottled water are also included.

What I especially like for your planning: vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich options are available. That removes the stress of trying to find the right lunch once you’re hungry and out on the water.

One more detail that makes it feel worth the price: it’s timed so you’re not rushing straight from sightseeing to a long meal break. The food is part of the flow of the day, so you finish the outing feeling fed—not just entertained.

The Bavaria Cruiser experience: comfort you can feel

You’re sailing on a Bavaria Cruiser that’s listed as 45 feet (2012 model). That size usually helps in two ways: stability for comfort, and enough deck space to spread out.

The bow sunbeds are a standout. When the crew slows down for wildlife spotting, you can switch into view mode—comfortable enough to wait for the next breath, blow, or tail flick.

Also, the small group count matters again here. With fewer people onboard, you can move around for photos or a better view without stepping over strangers or losing your spot every time someone needs a different angle.

Price and value: why $90.70 can make sense

At $90.70 per person for about three hours, you’re paying for a mix of things that add up fast if you tried to build it yourself: boat time off Los Gigantes, wildlife searching, snorkeling access, and included food and drinks.

Here’s what makes the value feel real:

• Drinks are included, including alcoholic options.
• Food is included (fruit, snacks, and sandwiches with specific diet options).
• You’re getting water time, not just a sightseeing cruise.

The only cost-like “gotcha” mentioned is towels. If you show up without one, you’ll need to buy or borrow, and that small expense can feel annoying. Other than that, the charter is straightforward about what you get.

If you’re comparing against larger boats, the small-group angle often justifies the difference. A tour that gives you better sightlines, more guide attention, and a calmer feel tends to be worth it, especially when wildlife is the main event.

Meeting point at Santa Cruz de Tenerife: keep it simple

The meeting point is at Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, Calle Poblado Marinero, s/n Pantalán 1 Atraque 156, 38683 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The tour ends back at this same meeting point.

The company uses a mobile ticket, so you’ll want your phone charged and ready. Also, the meeting spot is described as near public transportation, which is handy if you’re not using a car.

Small tip: show up a bit early. The crew is running a short, efficient day on the water, and the better your timing, the less stress you’ll feel before sailing time.

Who this charter fits best

This is a strong match if:

• You want whale watching plus snorkeling in one outing
• You prefer a small group (max 10) over packed deck space
• You need gluten-free or vegan meal support
• You’d rather spend a few focused hours on the water than do a long day tour

It’s also a good choice for mixed ages, since the format is flexible and the crew can explain marine life while keeping everyone included.

You might skip it if you hate water activities. Snorkeling and swimming are part of the plan, and even if you only do a quick dip, it’s still an expectation. And if you’re very strict about staying dry and warm, you’ll want to think twice.

Should you book Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter?

If you want a Tenerife sea day that feels more personal than mass-market cruises, I’d book it. The included drinks and food reduce decision fatigue, the small-group limit helps you get real attention from the crew, and the snorkeling stop turns the trip into something you can actually feel, not just watch.

Book it sooner rather than later if you have a tight schedule, since it’s commonly reserved about 20 days in advance. And pack what matters—especially a towel—so your only job on the day is watching the sea and enjoying the cliffs.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale watching sailing charter?

It runs for about 3 hours.

How many people are on the boat?

The experience has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What does the price include?

Included are complimentary drinks (cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks), freshly cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, and custom made sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Alcoholic beverages are included as well.

Are towels provided?

No, towels are not included.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet at Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters at Calle Poblado Marinero, s/n Pantalán 1 Atraque 156, 38683, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What languages are offered?

English is offered. A German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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