Sailing past Los Gigantes feels like magic. I especially love the small group vibe on a real sailing boat and the chance to spot pilot whales close to the water in the wild.

One thing to think about before you go: it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the trip includes time on deck that can be a bit exposed.

Key takeaways before you book

• Los Gigantes cliffs from the sea: you get a front-row view that’s hard to match from land.
• Small group (10 max): more breathing room, easier spotting, and a calmer experience overall.
• Real sailing energy: if conditions allow, you may help raise the sail and feel the boat work with the wind.
• Swim and snorkel stop: about 30 minutes off a coast cove, with snorkeling equipment provided.
• Food and drinks that keep you happy: fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options), and drinks including cava.
• Crew-led wildlife spotting: guides use the time to look for dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles while you learn about local marine life.

Los Gigantes on a sailboat: why this cruise feels different

Tenerife’s southwest coast has a look that’s hard to forget. Los Gigantes is famous for its huge cliff walls, and the best way to appreciate their scale is from water level. On this cruise, you don’t just glance at the coastline from a distance. You sail along it, so the cliffs slowly slide past your eyes while you’re out in the Atlantic.

What I like most is the tone of the day. This tour runs on a small-group sailboat, not a giant boat that turns whale watching into a crowd sport. The vibe is relaxed, and the crew keeps things moving without rushing you. You’re there to watch, not to sprint from one animal sighting to the next.

And you still get the fun part: sailing. The boat runs on the wind when conditions allow, and you may even help raise the sail. That adds a hands-on feel that you simply don’t get on a motor-only sightseeing cruise.

What you can realistically expect to spot in the Atlantic

Let’s talk wildlife expectations like an adult. You’re going whale watching, not whale guaranteeing. The Atlantic plays favorites, and sightings can shift based on wind, currents, and animal movement that day.

That said, this cruise specifically aims for:

• Dolphins (including the very common dolphin sightings reported during trips)
• Pilot whales (a frequent highlight, sometimes in family pods)
• Turtles (often spotted during the cruising and search periods)

In the wild, pilot whales can come surprisingly close to a sailing boat. Many experiences here include people getting great views because the group is small and the crew follows safe, respectful distance rules rather than aggressive chasing. You might also see other bits of life on the way, like birds and fish during the stop areas, since the crew pays attention to the whole marine environment.

If you care about conservation vibes, this is one of those days where you’ll probably notice the crew’s approach. In multiple accounts, the team has handled wildlife issues respectfully, including examples like rescuing a protected seabird chick and pulling an old net from the water. Even if you don’t see that kind of moment personally, it’s a sign of how they think about the ocean as more than a backdrop.

Meeting at Third Element and getting comfortable fast

You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters in Los Gigantes. The directions are on Google Maps, and the activity ties to Pier 1, mooring number 156.

From the start, you’re set up for an easy afternoon. The boat holds a limited group, capped at 10 participants, which changes everything. You can actually move around. You’re not stuck in one compressed spot trying to see over strangers’ heads.

The crew is the real engine of the experience. You’ll hear live guidance in Spanish, English, French, and German, and the hosts you might interact with include names like David, Jamie, and Eileen (and in some cases, other crew roles may rotate). People consistently describe the guides as friendly and practical: they explain what you’re seeing, point out likely areas, and keep the mood welcoming for first-timers.

If you’re the kind of person who worries you’ll feel awkward on a tour, this one tends to be good medicine. Solo travelers and families have called out that the atmosphere feels calm and personal, not staged.

The 2-hour whale-watching sail: how the time is used

After boarding, you head out from Los Gigantes for about two hours focused on marine-life watching. This is the chunk where you’ll hold your phone a little less often and keep your eyes up more often.

Here’s what makes this part click for you:

• They actively search while you sail: you’re not just drifting in one spot.
• Conditions can change the plan: if the sea allows, the sail may be raised, which also helps you feel the slower, more natural rhythm of being on water.
• You still get onboard comfort: drinks and fruit are served while you watch.

As you cruise, the goal is to find dolphins and pilot whales, plus any turtles that show up. In many accounts, pilot whales have included close passes where animals glide near the boat. That can be thrilling, but it’s also a moment that reminds you to slow down and observe instead of react.

A smart move: bring a light layer you can wear on deck, especially if you’re going in cooler months. The wind can make the air feel sharper even when the sun is out.

The 30-minute swim and snorkel stop off Los Gigantes

The cruise includes a stop for swimming and snorkeling for about 30 minutes. You’ll anchor near a small cove along the Tenerife coast, described as having outstanding scenery. The point is simple: you get a break from watching wildlife at a distance and you get to experience the ocean up close.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you’re not stuck paying extra for gear or showing up with the wrong mask. You’ll want to treat this like a quick, fun underwater session rather than a long expedition. Thirty minutes goes fast once you’re in and the water is clear.

Practical tips that make this part easier:

• Wear your swimwear under your clothes if possible.
• Bring a change of clothes so you’re not stuck in damp fabric.
• You’ll want a towel, since towels aren’t included.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking meds beforehand. Some people have flagged that a small number of guests felt it, even when the ride can be smooth.

Even if you don’t snorkel, the swim moment can still be worth it. Plenty of people love the feeling of jumping in right by the cliffs at Los Gigantes, with the boat nearby and the coastline looming above you.

Food, drinks, and little touches that turn a tour into an afternoon

On this cruise, you get snacks that are actually part of the experience, not an afterthought. Drinks are included, including:

• Cava
• White and red wine
• Beer
• Soft drinks

You’ll also get fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. People specifically call out enjoying the sandwich quality and the fact that options aren’t an emergency add-on.

This matters because you’re out for about three hours. If you’re going to spend a chunk of your day on water, you don’t want to be hungry or stuck with tiny snack portions. Here, the food pacing makes sense: you get your drinks and bites while you watch, then you have something to enjoy on the way back.

One more nice perk: some accounts mention the crew sending photos and videos after the trip. That’s not something you should count on, but it’s a sign of how they care about sharing your day beyond just dropping you back at the marina.

Returning to port: slow sailing and cliff views without the rush

After the whale-watching and the swim/snorkel stop, the cruise heads back to Los Gigantes. The return is slower and more scenic, with the crew navigating at a calm pace while you enjoy views of the cliffs from sea level again.

This back leg is a good time to do two things:

1. Relax your eyes: wildlife watching uses your focus muscles.
2. Notice details: you can spot birds, fish activity near the surface, and the sheer scale of the coastal rock as the boat glides.

If the sea is calm, you’ll feel why sailing works so well here. Even when you don’t spot a “big moment” animal, the experience still lands because you’re moving through scenery in a way that bus tours can’t mimic.

Price and value: is $88 a fair deal?

At about $88 per person for a 3-hour sailing and wildlife cruise, you’re paying for three things that usually cost extra on other tours: a real sailboat format, a small group size, and included onboard comfort.

Here’s what makes the value feel more solid:

• Small group (10 max): you’re not competing with dozens of people for sightlines.
• Included snorkel gear: that’s not always standard, and it saves money and hassle.
• Food and drinks included: fruit plus homemade sandwiches with multiple dietary options, plus wine/beer/cava.
• Guided search time: you’re paying for the crew’s effort to locate dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles during the cruising window.

Two small costs to keep in mind:

• Towels aren’t included, so pack one or buy one locally.
• Photos aren’t included, so if you want professional shots, you may need to plan accordingly.

If you’re deciding between a cheaper, larger-boat whale watch and this one, I’d steer you toward the one that prioritizes calmer viewing and better access to the water. In this case, the small-group nature is a big part of what people repeatedly love.

Who this cruise is perfect for (and who should skip it)

This is a strong match if you want:

• A sailing-focused whale watching experience
• Time on the water for dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles
• Included swim/snorkel plus snacks and drinks
• A smaller group that keeps the vibe relaxed

It can also be great for families. Some accounts include kids enjoying the day, largely because the trip doesn’t feel like a nonstop lecture and because the scenery and animals do the entertaining.

On the other hand, skip this if:

• You have mobility impairments, since it’s not suitable.
• You get very uncomfortable at sea. A smooth day can happen, but you should plan for some movement on open water. Bring seasickness precautions if that’s your issue.

Should you book this Los Gigantes whale-watching sailing cruise?

I think you should book it if your Tenerife trip has room for one genuine water-based wildlife outing and you care about doing it in a way that feels respectful and not rushed. The small group, the chance for pilot whales and turtles, and the included swim/snorkel stop make it more than a simple drive-out-and-stand-there tour.

I’d hesitate only if you strongly need full accessibility support (since it’s not suitable for mobility impairments) or if you know you’ll struggle with deck time on the open sea. Otherwise, $88 for a three-hour sailing day with drinks, food, snorkel gear, and real chances at dolphins and pilot whales is a solid value.

One last practical note: if you like flexibility, you can use free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now with pay later options, which helps if weather or timing changes.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching cruise?

The experience runs for 3 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters. The pier reference is Pier 1, mooring 156, and the meeting location is shown on Google Maps.

What animals can you see during the cruise?

The tour is designed for seeing dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles in the Atlantic Ocean.

Is there time to swim and snorkel?

Yes. You stop for swimming and snorkeling for about 30 minutes at a small cove on the coast of Tenerife, and snorkeling equipment is included.

What’s included for food and drinks?

Fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches are included (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available). Drinks are also included, including cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, comfortable breathable clothing, and anything you need for time on deck.

Is this cruise suitable for mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

If you tell me your travel month and whether you get seasick easily, I can help you pick the best time window and pack smarter for deck comfort.

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