Dolphins, whales, and cliffs you can’t unsee. This Los Gigantes dolphin and whale sailing tour in Tenerife pairs a small-group sail (max 10) with time in protected waters of Teno Rural Park, so you get more nature time and less crowd chaos. I especially like the snorkel break in quiet coves with equipment included, plus the onboard snacks and drinks during the crossing.

The one thing to keep in mind is that wildlife watching is never 100% controllable. If the sea is choppy, you may feel it more, and if there’s no wind, the boat may use the engine for parts of the route—still totally normal for a 3-hour outing, but it changes the sailing feel.

Key things I’d bet on (before you book)

• Max 10 people on a small sailing boat, so you actually notice what the skipper is pointing out
• Teno Rural Park waters off Los Gigantes, where dolphins and whales are the whole point
• Snorkeling in quiet coves with gear included, plus a chance to swim off the boat
• Onboard snacks and drinks during the trip, often more like a light Canarian-style spread
• Captains like Antonio or Francisco who are repeatedly praised for finding animals and sharing what you’re seeing
• Route timing is tight (about 3 hours), so you’ll want to arrive ready and on time

Los Gigantes: why a sailing boat works so well here

Los Gigantes is famous for its dramatic cliff walls, but the best views are the ones you get from the water. This tour puts you in the right place for both wildlife and scenery, sliding along the coast and scanning the protected area for marine life.

What makes it work is the format. A large boat tends to turn into a white-noise experience: lots of people, lots of noise, and less attention on details. Here, the group stays small—reported as up to 10 travelers—so the skipper can focus on guiding you toward sightings rather than herding a crowd. In the best moments, it feels like you’re traveling at the speed of the ocean instead of the speed of tourism.

The boat, the size, and what that means for you

This isn’t a giant catamaran situation. The experience is designed around an intimate sailing setup, with a maximum of 10 travelers. In multiple accounts, people describe the boat as comfortable and not overcrowded—sometimes even mentioning the Bavaria 44 model in their trip notes.

Why you should care: fewer people usually means:

• less competition for a good side view when dolphins pop up
• more relaxed snorkeling time when the group breaks up
• a smoother flow when the skipper has to reposition quickly to chase sightings

One extra practical detail: if you get motion sensitive, a smaller group doesn’t automatically make the sea calm. Some trips can be choppy, and one account mentions the captain still managed to reach a pod of pilot whales even with rougher water. Pack accordingly for your own comfort.

Meeting point and timing: don’t treat this like a casual stroll

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter, at the Puerto deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picon location in the Los Gigantes area (C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes). The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Two timing tips I think are worth repeating:

1. Arrive early. Parking in the area can be tricky, and one trip note suggests you’ll save yourself stress by getting there sooner rather than later.
2. Be ready to board promptly. In one unhappy account, boarding delay became a point of conflict. I’m not saying that’s the norm, but it’s a reminder that this is a working sailboat schedule, not a flexible open-ended hangout.

If you’re driving, give yourself buffer time. If you’re relying on public transport, build in extra margin so you aren’t sprinting to the dock.

What you’ll do on the water (and how the “3 hours” really feel)

This is an approximately 3-hour outing. The day is built around a simple rhythm: sail along the coast, search for dolphins/whales, then stop for a swim and snorkeling in quiet coves.

Stop 1: Acantilado de los Gigantes (cliffs first, then wildlife)

The main viewing focus is along Acantilado de los Gigantes. Expect the skipper to do a lot of scanning and repositioning, using the cliffs and nearby protected waters as a starting context for where to look next.

This is also where you’ll feel the difference between “just passing a viewpoint” and being on the sea. From the water, the cliffs feel huge and close at once. The tour description specifically highlights that you’re sailing within one of Tenerife’s protected coastal areas (Teno Rural Park), which matters for how animals use the water.

The wildlife search: dolphins, calderones, whales, and sometimes turtles

The tour is built around dolphin and whale sightings, with dolphins and “tropical calderones” specifically called out. On Tenerife, those sightings often translate into pilot whale encounters, and multiple trip notes mention pilot whales and pods swimming in your general area.

You may also see other marine life. Snorkeling accounts and wildlife notes include sea turtles and lots of small fish.

Important reality check: sightings depend on conditions and animal movement. One trip account notes that a whale wasn’t seen on their date, while another day delivered close pilot whales and dolphins. That’s why I like the small group setup: even when sightings vary, the skipper can adjust quickly.

Snack-and-sail time: drinks, bites, and a relaxed pace

During the crossing, the tour includes snacks and drinks onboard. In many accounts, that snack portion is described as genuinely enjoyable—sometimes like a light Canarian-style meal rather than just a token handful of chips.

So what does that mean for you? You don’t need to pack a full picnic. You can show up for a short morning or afternoon outing and stay fed enough to enjoy the swim and snorkeling without turning it into a meal plan.

Snorkeling in quiet coves: the part that usually sells the trip

A big reason people love this tour is the snorkeling stop in calm, quiet coves, with snorkeling equipment included. The intent is simple: you get a chance to swim off the boat and practice snorkeling without the stress of battling waves.

Some notes describe snorkeling with clear water and colorful fish. One account mentions snorkeling in a spot connected to the cliffs and even describes it as being near the mouth of a barranco in the Los Gigantes area. If you want a more active nature moment, this is where your time turns from watching to doing.

Who the captain style is best for (and who should be picky)

Captains in these trip notes—especially Antonio and Francisco—are repeatedly praised for friendliness, local know-how, and sharing information about marine fauna and geography. In plain terms: when the skipper is good, the whole tour clicks. You’re not just hoping to see animals; you understand what you’re looking at.

That said, there’s at least one outlier complaint that’s serious: one review describes abusive treatment, refusal to turn down noise, and smoking close to children. I can’t confirm any details beyond what’s written, but I can tell you this: if you’re traveling with kids, have strong sensitivity to smoking or onboard noise, or you simply hate conflict, I’d consider asking a clear question before departure about music volume and smoking rules on board.

Also note the language point. The tour is offered in English, and one response indicates the skipper explains in both English and Spanish. If you need full English explanation the entire time, it’s smart to confirm it at booking.

Value for the price: what $84.69 is buying you

For about $84.69 per person, you’re paying for a short, focused experience with several inclusions:

• guided time in a wildlife-rich coastal area
• snorkeling equipment and a snorkeling/swim stop
• snacks and drinks onboard
• a small-group format that usually translates into better attention from the skipper

What you should not expect is a long day with multiple major stops and a big onboard meal. This is a tight 3-hour window. It’s more like a “nature highlight session” than a full-day adventure.

Given those inclusions, it tends to represent good value if your priority is animals plus water time, not just sightseeing from a dock.

Weather, sea conditions, and how to plan your day

This is a weather-dependent trip. The operator notes it requires good weather, and if poor weather cancels it, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s what you want for a sea outing.

As for sea conditions: one account mentions choppy water and that the captain still found whales. So the sea can change. If you’re unsure about seasickness, it’s worth preparing (the ocean is unpredictable, and you’ll spend time moving around).

Details that can make or break your comfort

A few small points that show up across trip experiences:

• Group size matters. Many accounts emphasize how personal it feels with only a few people onboard.
• Arrive early. Parking can be tough, and being late can create stress.
• Expect a light meal style. Snacks and drinks are included, and in some cases people describe it as a light Canarian lunch or tapas-like spread, but it’s not marketed as a full dinner.
• Noise and smoking are worth your attention. Most notes praise the skipper and the calm vibe, but the one harsh complaint suggests you should be mindful if this is a deal-breaker for you.

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

Book it if:

• you want a small-group sailing experience rather than a crowded wildlife bus
• seeing dolphins and pilot whales is your main goal
• you’ll actually use the water time (snorkeling and swimming off the boat)
• you like guided nature context while you enjoy the views

Consider skipping or choosing another option if:

• you need guaranteed whale sightings (nobody can promise that in the open sea)
• you’re very sensitive to onboard noise or smoking and want zero chance of discomfort
• you dislike any possibility of engine use when wind is limited (because that can happen when sailing conditions aren’t ideal)

If your Tenerife plans include beaches and hiking, this tour adds something different: close marine life, real ocean time, and the kind of cliffs-and-blue-water view that’s hard to replicate any other way.

FAQ

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

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

What group size should I expect?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is MPC Yacht Charter at the Puerto deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picon, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Do I get to snorkel or swim?

Yes. You snorkel in quiet coves, and you can also swim; snorkeling equipment is included.

Are snacks and drinks provided?

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

What wildlife might I see?

The tour focuses on dolphin and whale sightings. It also mentions other marine species, and some trips include sea turtles.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Is the boat a sailboat or a motorboat?

It is a sailboat experience, but in some cases the engine may be used when there is not enough wind to sail through.

What if the 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.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

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