REVIEW · TENERIFE
From Los Gigantes: Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Picarus Sailing Club · Bookable on GetYourGuide
First, a sailboat makes whale watching feel personal. Off Los Gigantes you get serious ocean time, wildlife viewing plus a snorkel stop under the cliffs—all wrapped in a calm, small-group trip run with a conservation mindset. This isn’t a party cruise; it’s about being out there, quietly looking and listening.
What I like most is the format: a 46 ft / 14 m sailing boat with a max of 9 passengers, so you’re not packed in like a tour bus. I also like the way the crew mixes spotting whales and dolphins with practical education, and then finishes with a homemade tapas-style menu onboard.
One thing to consider: you’re on open water. If you’re prone to seasickness, that sailing motion can hit you, so plan for it (even if conditions look calm).
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Los Gigantes whale watching from Picarus Sailing Club
- Why the 46-ft sailboat format makes a real difference
- Wildlife viewing: 1.5 hours of looking, learning, and waiting
- Sailing time: the cliffs and Teide from the water
- The short snorkel stop under Los Gigantes cliffs
- Tapas onboard: why the food timing feels right
- Conservation and crew culture: what responsible whale watching looks like
- Duration, timing, and what to plan for
- Price and value: is $88 worth it?
- Who this trip is best for (and who should think twice)
- Practical tips to make your day smoother
- Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing whale cruise with Picarus Sailing Club?
Key things to know before you go
- Max 9 passengers on a 46-ft sailboat for a relaxed, close-up feel without overcrowding
- Responsible whale watching framework tied to Turismo de Tenerife and the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association
- Wildlife viewing for about 1.5 hours before you shift into sailing mode
- Snorkel time near Los Gigantes cliffs with masks provided and about 15 minutes in the water
- Homemade tapas onboard served after swimming, plus drinks
- Guides in Spanish, English, and French (ask questions—the crew actually likes it)
Los Gigantes whale watching from Picarus Sailing Club
Los Gigantes sits on Tenerife’s west coast, known for those dramatic cliffs that drop straight into the sea. What makes this cruise click is that you see that scenery from water level, not from a viewpoint with traffic noise and binoculars. You’re on a 46 ft / 14 m sailboat, with enough room to breathe and move around safely.
Departure is from Picarus Sailing Club. The meeting point may list the boat name Aemon or Ayla, so double-check that you’re at the right one when you arrive. Once you’re aboard, you’ll feel the difference versus larger boats: the vibe stays quiet and focused on the sea.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Tenerife
Why the 46-ft sailboat format makes a real difference
A lot of whale watching is about patience and positioning. With a smaller sailing boat (max 9 passengers), you tend to get that “we’re all watching the same thing” attention span. It also makes the trip feel more like a shared charter experience instead of a production line.
The boat itself matters, too. Sail power means you’re not constantly roaring through the water, and the crew is set up for close observation. Several recent trips also highlight that the captain can adjust behavior when wildlife appears—like cutting engines to reduce disruption—so you’re not forcing yourself into the animals’ space.
And yes, weather and sea state still matter. A sailboat gives you the real ocean experience, which is great when you’re comfortable. If you aren’t, it helps to come prepared, because you’ll feel the motion.
Wildlife viewing: 1.5 hours of looking, learning, and waiting
Your first chunk of time is dedicated to spotting marine life—about 1.5 hours. Off Los Gigantes you can realistically expect sightings of pilot whales and dolphins, and some trips even include a turtle sighting. The cruise is also designed to cover both resident and migratory species, so it’s not only about one target animal.
This is where the education piece pays off. The crew shares what they know about marine species you encounter and the history of the island along the way. In practical terms: when you understand what you’re seeing—how whales breathe, how dolphins behave, what to watch for—you stop looking randomly and start reading the ocean like a story.
A key detail is the responsible approach. The operator is part of the Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching through Turismo de Tenerife and works with the Asociacion de Cetáceos del Sur de Tenerife (South Tenerife Cetaceans Association). They also carry the Blue Boat Flag, meaning they’re authorized to run whale watching under government rules for respectful distance and conduct.
What this means for you: you’ll likely spend more time watching than chasing. And if whales come close or appear curious, the crew is still prioritizing protection—like reducing noise and keeping a respectful distance.
Sailing time: the cliffs and Teide from the water
After wildlife viewing, you shift into sailing mode for about an hour. This part is where the cruise becomes more than a wildlife hunt. From the deck, you get sweeping views of the Los Gigantes coastline and a chance to take in wider scenery, with Teide often mentioned as part of the horizon you can admire from sea.
The sailing stretch also gives your body a chance to reset between the watching and the swim. It’s a good time for questions, too. Guides are comfortable answering things, and the trip runs in Spanish, English, and French, so you can pick the language that keeps you engaged.
If you’re the type who wants both action and atmosphere, this is the sweet spot. You’re still on the water, still moving with the day, but the pressure to spot whales is lower.
The short snorkel stop under Los Gigantes cliffs
Then comes the highlight people remember even if they don’t get whales every time: swimming near the cliffs. You get about 15 minutes in the water, with snorkel masks included. A towel isn’t listed as included, so plan to bring one if you like to dry off quickly after you climb back aboard.
The snorkeling under the cliffs is a nice trade-off: it turns the cruise into a multi-sense experience. Even if the whales are distant, you’re still in the ocean—looking at the water right where the coastline drops down. And because the stop is relatively short, the logistics stay simple.
One important practical note: snorkel gear includes masks, but a “tuba” (the snorkel tube) is listed as not included. If you’re unsure what you’ll receive onboard, ask before the trip so you don’t arrive missing a key piece. Also, sunscreen matters here. You’ll want biodegradable sunscreen with high protection (50+ recommended).
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Tenerife
Tapas onboard: why the food timing feels right
After swimming, you’ll have a meal onboard served quickly—about a 15-minute meal window. It’s described as a homemade menu with tapas, and the experience often includes drinks. People specifically call out that the tapas can be unexpected, and that vegetarian options are considered.
Why this works: you eat while you’re still in the “trip mood,” right after the swim when you’re most likely to feel hungry. It also avoids the common problem where you snorkel and then end up searching for food later with wet hair and salt cravings.
In my view, this is also part of the value. You’re paying for the whole package—boat time, wildlife focus, time in the water, and a simple meal—so you’re not stacking extra costs immediately after.
Conservation and crew culture: what responsible whale watching looks like
A lot of operators say they care. This one ties the practice to recognized local conservation structures. The links are clear: the whale watching Sustainability Charter via Turismo de Tenerife, plus active membership in the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association. They’re also authorized through the Blue Boat Flag system.
You feel it in how the trip is run. The crew encourages questions and treats curiosity as part of conservation—learning what you’re looking at, not just ticking a box. That makes a difference on a sailing boat, where you can actually hear guidance and follow what’s happening.
It also shows up in on-water habits. One standout example from recent trips: the captain may cut engines as soon as whales are spotted, even at distance, to keep the animals from being disrupted. Whether you see whales up close or not, that kind of restraint usually improves the quality of the experience—and your conscience.
Duration, timing, and what to plan for
The cruise runs about 3 to 4 hours. That’s a comfortable window for people who want a “big trip” feel without losing half a day to transport. Some guides and schedules can make the total feel closer to the upper end, but plan on roughly three hours and be pleasantly surprised if it runs longer.
If you’re deciding between morning and later times, consider this: more daylight can help with spotting and with visibility for snorkeling. At the same time, sea conditions change, and the crew will still make the call based on what’s happening offshore.
Price and value: is $88 worth it?
At $88 per person for a 3–4 hour sail-and-snorkel wildlife cruise, the value depends on what you care about. If your goal is purely “guaranteed whales,” no whale trip can promise that. Nature isn’t a vending machine.
Where this price makes sense is what’s bundled:
- A small-group sailing boat (max 9)
- Dedicated time for wildlife viewing
- Snorkeling (masks included) near the cliffs
- Homemade tapas onboard
- Guides who communicate in multiple languages
- A responsible framework tied to local conservation groups
If you compare this kind of all-in experience to piecing together boat transfers, separate snorkeling rentals, and then paying extra for food, the math usually looks better. And the small-group factor isn’t a luxury detail—it’s part of why whale watching stays calm and effective.
Who this trip is best for (and who should think twice)
This cruise fits best if you:
- Want hands-on nature time without big crowds
- Care about responsible wildlife watching, not just getting photos
- Like the idea of a boat day plus a short swim
- Prefer calm sailing over loud entertainment
It’s also a good option if you’ll appreciate education while you watch. With a guided experience in Spanish, English, and French, you can get more out of what you see.
Who should think twice: anyone very sensitive to motion. Recent feedback includes at least one case of seasickness. If you’ve been sick on boats before, bring your remedy and choose positions onboard that reduce rocking.
Practical tips to make your day smoother
A few basics help you enjoy the cruise more:
- Bring biodegradable sunscreen (50+ is recommended)
- Wear swimwear under your clothes so the snorkel stop is painless
- Pack a towel since it’s not listed as included
- Bring a sun hat and sunglasses for deck time
- If you snorkel often, verify whether you need any extra gear beyond the mask
Also: bring your questions. The crew genuinely enjoys answering them, and the best conservation mindset is learning what’s in front of you, right now.
Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing whale cruise with Picarus Sailing Club?
I’d book this if you want a whale-and-dolphin cruise that doesn’t feel like a crowd pushing to the front. The small-group size, the sailboat setting, and the combination of wildlife viewing plus a cliffside swim are the big wins. The conservation structure and Blue Boat Flag authorization also give you a more trustworthy feeling about how close you’ll be allowed to get.
Skip it only if you know you hate boat motion, or if you want a long snorkeling session. This one is built for a focused 15-minute swim and then back to the boat for food and sailing.
If you’re craving an authentic Tenerife day on the water—quiet enough to actually watch, organized enough to feel easy—that’s the lane this cruise is in.
