Whales off Tenerife, on a small sailing boat. I like this charter for its max 10 travelers and the easy, included onboard food with cava, wine, beer, and vegan and gluten-free options. One thing to plan for: towels aren’t included, and the outing depends on good weather.

You’ll sail the Los Gigantes coast on a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser, with comfortable sunbeds up front and a crew that’s quick to spot wildlife and explain what you’re seeing. Guides like Jaime, Eileen, and David (and their team) show up in the details people talk about most. If you’re booking Sunday or Monday, note that a German guide isn’t available on those days.

This is also a very practical pick: you get a mobile ticket, the tour is run in English, and it ends back at the meeting point. It’s a straightforward 3 hours that’s built around time on the water—rather than long waits on shore.

Key Things I’d Note Before You Go

• Small-group limit (10 travelers max) means you’re not stuck on the edge of a crowd when whales or dolphins show up.
• Comfort-focused boat time: a Bavaria Cruiser with sunbeds on the bow for a “front-row” view.
• Los Gigantes + a calmer snorkeling stop: you get swimming and snorkeling near the cliffs, with time planned on the water.
• Food and drinks are part of the deal: fruit, snacks, custom sandwiches (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free), bottled water, and alcohol included.
• Language and guide timing matter: offered in English, and no German guide on Sundays and Mondays.

Los Gigantes Whale Watching on a 45-Foot Bavaria: Why This Feels Different

Los Gigantes is one of those Tenerife areas that looks dramatic even from shore. What makes this experience work is that you don’t just stare at cliffs. You get out on the water, you slow down enough for wildlife to come into range, and you spend real time where the action is.

I like the setup because it’s built around a smaller guest count. With up to 10 people, you’re more likely to hear the crew clearly, ask questions, and still have space on deck for photos and moving around when the boat shifts position.

The boat itself is part of the comfort story. You’re on a Bavaria Cruiser (45 feet) from 2012, and the design includes comfortable sunbeds on the bow. That matters when you want to watch from the best angle without spending the whole trip standing.

The 3-Hour Plan: What Happens and When It Matters

This is an approximate 3-hour outing, and the rhythm is simple: cruise, watch for whales and dolphins, then swim and snorkel, with food and drinks staying in the background (in a good way).

The core “first act” centers on Los Gigantes and sailing around the cliffs. You’re looking for cetaceans in the waters off the coast, and the crew uses the time to track, reposition, and explain what’s around you.

Then you shift gears toward water time. You get swimming and snorkeling at a spot along the coast described as less crowded than the big-name areas. This is where you’ll feel the payoff: the cliffs are close, visibility can be great when conditions cooperate, and it’s not just a quick dip.

Finally, you eat on board. Lunch is handled in the same casual flow as snacks and drinks, so you’re not stuck waiting for a meal break while the best weather passes.

Los Gigantes Cliffs From Sea Level: The View Part That’s Actually the Point

From the boat, Los Gigantes isn’t just scenery—it’s a reference point. The cliffs shape the coastline, and that affects where you’ll sail and where the water offers good chances for marine life to pass through.

People consistently emphasize how beautiful the area is around the cliffs, not only for photos but for the feeling of being near something huge. Even on days when whales aren’t spotted, the coastline can still carry the experience, and that’s reflected in the kinds of comments you’ll see.

If you care about the “wow” factor, go into this trip expecting a lot of time looking outward. This isn’t a museum tour. It’s about being on the water long enough for the coast and wildlife to do their thing.

Whale Watching Success: What You Might See (and How the Crew Helps)

On this route, the big target is whales, and you can expect the crew to actively scan for them. Reviews point to pilot whales as a common highlight, with dolphins showing up often too.

What people talk about includes pilot whales plus dolphin species like bottlenose dolphins and Risso’s dolphins. There are also sightings of sea turtles and other wildlife such as tuna and sea birds. One review even mentions an osprey and a glimpse of a baby hammerhead shark.

A practical takeaway: the crew doesn’t treat wildlife as a lottery. They work the area, answer questions, and share information as you go. That turns random sightings into something you can actually understand and remember.

Also, don’t ignore the sailing part. Dolphins and whales can appear suddenly as the boat moves. If you’re stiff from sitting, this boat design helps because you can get up, reposition, and still find a good viewpoint without fighting for space.

Snorkeling Near the Cliffs: How to Get the Most Out of the Water Time

Snorkeling and swimming are one of the main reasons to choose this charter, not a bonus afterthought. The trip includes time at a spot along the coast where people say it feels calmer than busier areas.

What makes this valuable is the combination: you watch marine life from the boat, then you can actually look underwater close to the cliffs. That’s where Tenerife’s water can feel close and personal, not distant.

One important planning note: towels are not included. Bring your own. If you tend to forget small items, make this the one you double-check before you leave.

And if you want comfort in the water, wear what you’re willing to get wet in. The trip description and on-the-water focus make it clear you’re expected to jump in during the swimming time.

Food, Drinks, and the Vegan/Gluten-Free Advantage

This is one of the best parts of the value. You’re not buying lunch separately or doing the awkward “snack-only” thing on a boat.

Included items include:

• Complimentary drinks: cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Freshly cut fruit
• Custom-made sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
• Snacks and bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages

That matters because it removes friction. You can focus on the water instead of hunting for food or worrying if options work for your diet. If you’re vegan or gluten-free, this is especially useful because the sandwiches are custom-made rather than a generic fallback.

One small reality check: on warmer days, snorkeling clothing and comfort gear feel more important. People note that if you didn’t plan for it, you might wish you had brought the right swim attire for the conditions.

The Crew and the On-Deck Experience: Small Boat, Personal Attention

The common theme is how friendly and attentive the crew is. People single out the hospitality and the fact that guides keep it engaging and keep everyone included, not just the loudest talkers near the front.

Names you’ll see connected with that experience include captains and guides like Jaime, plus hosts and guides such as Eileen and David. Even when different guide teams lead the trip, the pattern shows up: friendly service, solid explanations, and enough time to ask questions.

That’s a real advantage on a small-group boat. With fewer people, you’re more likely to get answers that match your questions, and it’s easier for the crew to help you find the best viewpoint when wildlife is spotted.

Price and Value in Plain Terms

At $90.70 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement deal. But it can still be good value because a lot is bundled into the ticket:

• Sailing time off Los Gigantes
• Whale watching plus time in the water
• Snorkeling/swimming
• Drinks (including alcohol)
• Food: fruit, snacks, and custom sandwiches
• Bottled water

If you’ve done boat trips where you pay extra for drinks or where the meal is basically an afterthought, this setup feels more complete. You’re paying for an experience that stays active the whole time, not one that stops for long breaks.

Also, the small-group limit reduces the “bad seat tax.” You’re less likely to feel cramped or ignored when you’re watching something as unpredictable as whales.

Getting There: Meeting Point and Practical Timing

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

The trip ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps logistics simple. You don’t need to plan a follow-on transfer from a different port.

One practical tip that matters: make sure you allow time to park and arrive without rushing. People specifically warn that you do not want to miss the start moment.

You’ll receive confirmation within 48 hours (subject to availability), and you’ll use a mobile ticket.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This charter is a great fit if you want:

• A small-group sailing experience
• Whale watching with a strong chance of also seeing dolphins
• Snorkeling time near the cliffs (not just “see the water from afar”)
• Included food and drinks that actually cover different dietary needs

It also works across ages, since the small boat layout supports families and mixed-age groups. If you’re the type who likes being out on the water more than doing checklists, this is the right pace.

If you’re booking for Sunday or Monday and German is your main language, you should know a German guide isn’t available on those days.

Should You Book This Los Gigantes Whale Watching Sail?

I’d book it if you care about three things: space on the boat, real time in the water, and a ticket that includes food and drinks without awkward add-ons. The combination of Los Gigantes sailing, pilot whales and dolphins as frequent highlights, and built-in vegan and gluten-free options makes this one of the more straightforward ways to spend a Tenerife morning or afternoon.

Skip it (or at least go in with eyes open) if towels are a deal-breaker for you, because you’ll need to bring your own. And keep in mind that the experience requires good weather, so it’s not a “rain or shine” plan.

If you want a less crowded, more personal way to experience Los Gigantes, this is exactly that kind of trip.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale watching sailing tour?

It’s about 3 hours.

What’s the group size on this sailing trip?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

It’s offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

Complimentary drinks (cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks), freshly cut fruit, custom-made sandwiches (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options), snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are included.

Is snorkeling gear or towels provided?

Towels are not included. Snorkeling/swimming time is part of the experience, but towels specifically are listed as not provided.

Where do I meet the tour?

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

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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