Dolphins and whales, with Tenerife’s cliffs close. This 3-hour Los Gigantes sailing tour mixes wildlife spotting in the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve with a calm cove swim, and it’s the kind of day that stays in your head. I love the small-group setup (max 9 on shared sailings) and I especially like that snorkeling gear is included for the clear-water stop. One thing to consider: sightings depend on the day, and with only 3 hours total, your time in the water may be limited if conditions or schedules run tight.

On top of the sea life, you get a proper Los Gigantes viewpoint—those massive cliffs can reach about 600 meters—and an easy onboard vibe led by multilingual crew like Antonio (and sometimes Francesco). You also eat and drink while you sail, not after, which is a big quality-of-life win when you’re out on the water for a short window.

Key things I’d zero in on

• Small-group sailing from Los Gigantes keeps the boat calm and photo-friendly.
• Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve is the search zone for cetaceans, sea turtles, and more.
• El Mojo Picón (14-meter sailboat) is built for comfort and a relaxed pace.
• Cove swim or snorkel with gear included is part of the plan, not an optional add-on.
• Onboard appetizers, fruit, and drinks plus a light tapas-style lunch makes the trip feel complete.
• Respectful wildlife approach is part of how the crew positions the boat and manages the encounter.

Why Los Gigantes cliffs make whale and dolphin spotting easier

Los Gigantes is dramatic for a reason. The cliffs—often called the Cliffs of the Giants—rise roughly 600 meters above the Atlantic. When you sail along that coastline, it’s not just pretty scenery. Those steep, rocky walls shape the water and food chain offshore, which is exactly what attracts dolphins and whales in this part of Tenerife.

This tour is built around the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve, and that matters for two reasons. First, you’re in a protected, biodiverse area, so the chances of wildlife encounters are the whole point of the trip. Second, you’re doing it from a sailing boat—typically smoother and quieter than larger, faster vessels—so the crew can slow down and position for sightings without turning the experience into a circus.

You’ll also get that “wow” moment on the coastline during the ride and at the end stop near the cliffs. Several guides on the boat (Antonio is a standout name people associate with these sails) focus on both the marine life and the volcanic coastline, so it feels like Tenerife at sea, not just a drive-by wildlife slot.

El Mojo Picón on the water: how comfort works on a 14-meter sail

You’re not packed into a mass tour. The shared sailing format caps at up to 9 guests, and the private charter option can take groups up to 10. That headcount is a big deal when your goal is watching animals. More space on deck means better spotting, easier photography, and fewer people crowding the same rail.

The boat itself is the 14-meter sailboat El Mojo Picón. Based on consistent feedback, it’s clean, comfortable, and set up so you can actually relax while still moving to the best viewing spots. Think sunbathing, shifting positions as the crew searches, and not feeling like you’re fighting for room.

The crew runs things in a straightforward, friendly style. The tour includes a live guide in Spanish, English, and French, and that language mix shows up in the way the experience flows—people aren’t left guessing what they’re seeing. Names you’ll hear tied to these sails include Antonio and Francesco, both described as professional, relaxed, and focused on making the trip calm.

One small practical note: you’ll want a jacket. Even on a sunny day, the Atlantic breeze can be cool once you’re out there, and many people appreciate having something on hand for the whole 3-hour loop.

Your wildlife search: dolphins, pilot whales, and sea turtles

The big promise here is watching whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, plus spotting other sea life such as sea turtles and fish. The crew keeps the hunt moving through the marine reserve, so you’re not just waiting in one place.

And yes, the star animals are often whales that show up close. On some trips, people report pilot whales coming very near the boat. You might also see dolphins swimming alongside for a long stretch, including energetic jumps and playful surfacing. There are even stories of turtles appearing during the sail, which is exactly the kind of “extra” that makes a wildlife tour feel worth it.

What really improves the experience is how the approach is handled. Some captains are careful about not rushing up to animals. One recurring detail from these sails: the crew slows down and positions with respect, including cutting the engines well before getting near whales so you don’t disturb them. That’s not just ethical. It usually makes for a better encounter—less frantic behavior from the animals and calmer viewing from you.

Still, keep your expectations smart. This is nature. Some days bring dolphins only. Other days bring whales too. The upside is that the entire trip is designed around maximizing the odds, not around a fixed script where the animals are guaranteed.

The cove swim and snorkel stop: what you get in 3 hours

One of the best parts of this tour is the pause for water time. You’ll anchor in a secluded cove with clear waters and you can swim or snorkel using equipment provided on board. No need to haul gear from your hotel. That convenience is real, especially if you’re traveling light.

The snorkeling is where you see the “underwater side” of Tenerife rather than only the animals at the surface. People report colorful fish and plenty of sea life close to where you enter the water, and you may spot smaller things like crabs too. If you’re not a strong swimmer, you can still enjoy the scene with a swim—this stop is more about enjoying the water than about doing anything technical.

How long is the swim? This is the one variable you should plan for. Because the total trip is only 3 hours, the water time can feel shorter if the crew needs to keep things moving or if the cove conditions change. Some guests describe brief swims; others make it a highlight. Your best bet is to bring a calm mindset: even a short snorkel stop can be unforgettable when visibility is good.

Practical tip: bring your towel and a camera. You’ll likely want to capture both the cliff views from above and the sea life around you.

Food, drinks, and the Los Gigantes cliff-side stop

A lot of boat tours try to solve hunger with random snacks. This one feels more complete. On board you get appetizers, fruit, and drinks, and you’ll also have a light lunch included (with extra elements like wine mentioned in some onboard meals). The food style is repeatedly described as tapas-like—items such as tortilla, cured meats, local cheese, breadsticks, olives, and fruit skewers show up across the experience.

That sounds like a small detail until you’re actually out there. After time on the water, snack breaks become part of the memory. Instead of rushing back to land to eat, you’re fed while the sail is still happening and you’re still enjoying the scenery.

You’ll also get a stop near the base of Los Gigantes cliffs, where you can eat and drink while taking in that huge vertical rock wall. It’s the kind of moment that turns a “wildlife tour” into a full Tenerife experience—sea life, yes, but also coastline drama.

One more perk: the vibe is described as calm and inclusive. You don’t feel like you’re stuck in a loud, rushed group. People describe music and an overall relaxed atmosphere, which matters when you’re trying to concentrate on spotting animals quickly.

What to bring, what to know, and who should skip it

Here’s the straightforward packing list: towel, camera, jacket. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring medication ahead of time. One guest specifically recommends taking travel sickness medicine before you go, after seeing people affected during the trip.

What’s allowed and what’s not is also spelled out. The tour info says alcohol and drugs are not allowed, along with items like fireworks or explosive substances. At the same time, drinks and meals are included, and some people mention wine as part of lunch. So the smart move is to treat this as: the crew will handle what’s served on board, but you shouldn’t bring anything prohibited. If you’re unsure, ask before you board.

Safety and suitability:

• The activity info says not suitable for people with heart problems.
• It also lists not suitable for people with mobility impairments, even though it separately says wheelchair accessible. That contradiction is worth clarifying directly with the operator before you book, especially if you rely on step-free access or boarding assistance.

Is $76 good value for a 3-hour Tenerife wildlife sail?

At $76 per person for a 3-hour outing, the value comes from what’s included. You’re paying for more than “seeing the sea.” You get:

• A sailing experience out of Los Gigantes
• Wildlife time in a protected marine area (whales/dolphins/turtles/fish depending on the day)
• Snorkeling gear included
• Safety equipment
• Appetizers, fruit, drinks, and a light lunch

When you total it up, it’s not just a short cruise. It’s a packed package: wildlife + water time + food + guided interpretation. And because the shared group is capped (max 9), you’re not stuck paying for a premium experience only to end up shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers.

If you’re comparing it to doing these activities separately (boat tour plus snorkeling gear plus a meal plan), you can see why the price lands where it does. The trip is short, but the inclusions are dense—and that’s exactly what you want when you have limited days in Tenerife.

Should you book MPC Yacht Charter from Los Gigantes?

If you want a calm, small-group whale and dolphin watching outing with real time on the water, I’d book this. The consistent theme is that the guides (often Antonio) keep things organized and relaxed, the boat is comfortable, and the itinerary doesn’t feel like filler. When wildlife shows up, it’s close enough to be memorable, and the snorkel stop adds a second kind of magic besides just looking at whales.

Two smart cautions:

1. Wildlife isn’t guaranteed. Your odds are good in this reserve, but some days bring fewer animals than others.
2. Time is tight. It’s 3 hours. Plan for a shorter swim or snorkel window rather than assuming you’ll spend ages in the water.

One extra trust signal: this activity is rated 4.7 with 691 reviews, and the strongest praise clusters around the small group feel, the food/snacks quality, and the guide’s ability to find and explain what you’re seeing.

FAQ

How long is the Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Tour – Los Gigantes?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at MPC Yacht Charter using your confirmation voucher.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included.

What animals might I see?

The tour includes the chance to see whales and dolphins, and you may also spot sea turtles and fish.

Is the boat shared or private?

You can book a shared cruise with a maximum of 9 guests, or a private charter for up to 10 people.

What languages are available for the guide?

The live guide is available in Spanish, English, and French.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, camera, and jacket.

Is wheelchair access available?

Wheelchair access is listed, but the activity info also says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Check with the provider before booking.

Is alcohol allowed on the tour?

The activity info says alcohol is not allowed, while the tour also includes drinks and meals. If you’re unsure what that means in practice, ask the operator before you go.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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