A sea-sunset cruise, minus the crowd stress. This small-group sailing outing from Los Gigantes mixes real wildlife watching with a proper swim-and-snorkel stop, all in about 3 hours.

I love two things most: the chance to see marine life from a calmer, more intimate boat, and the way the crew keeps you comfortable with drinks, fruit, and sandwiches while you look for whales. The one drawback to keep in mind is sea time on open water, so if you get motion sickness, plan ahead.

The Los Gigantes cliffs are a big part of the appeal here, because you view them from the sea instead of just from land. And because the group size is capped (small, not packed), you’re more likely to actually watch behavior instead of craning your neck.

Possible consideration: the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and there’s boarding and time on a small vessel to consider.

Key points worth knowing

• Small group sailing (up to 10) keeps the experience relaxed and easy to move around
• Pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles are realistic targets in the Atlantic around Tenerife
• A real swim and snorkel stop in a beautiful cove off Los Gigantes, with equipment included
• Food and drinks are part of the outing, not a rushed afterthought
• Multilingual guides (Spanish, English, French, German) make explanations smoother
• What you might spot varies, but the crew’s search style focuses on wildlife, not frantic chasing

Los Gigantes is the smart starting point

Los Gigantes sits on Tenerife’s southwest coast, and that matters. You’re launching from a place known for spectacular cliff scenery, plus the surrounding Atlantic is where locals target marine sightings. The result is a cruise that feels like nature first and sightseeing second.

The cliffs are more than a postcard. When you’re out at sea, they become a backdrop for spotting blows, fins, and surfacing patterns. Even if wildlife sightings go in unexpected directions, the visual payoff stays strong.

This is also one of those rare activities that doesn’t demand a full day. With a 3-hour total duration, you can slot it into a Tenerife itinerary without sacrificing everything else you want to do on the island.

From Third Element to your sailing boat: the “small and easy” factor

Meeting at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters puts you near the action fast. You meet at Pier 1, mooring number 156, so you’re not hunting down a remote pickup or wandering through a maze of stalls.

Once aboard, the vibe is intentionally simple. You’re on a sailing boat, not a big party cruiser. The group is limited to 10 participants, which is a big deal when you want everyone to be able to see and ask questions without elbow warfare.

There’s also a nice comfort rhythm: drinks and fresh fruit are served while you’re out looking, and the crew may raise the sail if conditions allow. That means you’re not just sitting on a motor hum. You’re moving with the wind when it works, which makes the whole experience feel more like sailing and less like transportation.

If you’re traveling with kids, the “not too long, not too crowded” format is often what keeps it fun rather than exhausting.

The 2-hour whale watching stretch: what you’re actually looking for

The wildlife portion is built around a focused window of time, roughly 2 hours dedicated to searching and watching. This is when you’ll most likely spot dolphins and pilot whales, plus the occasional sea turtle.

Here’s what I find most useful as a strategy: don’t stare at one spot in the water for the whole trip. Watch for patterns. When whales surface, they often show a predictable sequence—blow, surfacing, then a pause. Dolphins can be faster and more playful, so scanning the surface around the boat’s path helps.

The crew’s approach matters too. You’ll hear guided explanations in Spanish, English, French, or German, and you’re guided to understand what you’re seeing instead of being left to guess. In many trips, you can pick up enough context to spot behavior changes yourself, like how dolphins move in groups or how whales surface.

And yes, you can be lucky. Many departures report close, calm viewing moments, including pods of pilot whales coming near the yacht. But sightings are never guaranteed. The value here is that you’re searching from an appropriate vessel, with patience, not pressure.

The swim-and-snorkel stop near Los Gigantes

After the wildlife search, the cruise makes room for water time: about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling at a small cove along Tenerife’s coast. The boat anchors, and you get a chance to get out of the sea-air bubble and into the water.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t need to pack gear. Still, check your own comfort. If you’re nervous about getting in, it can help to start with just swimming and take the snorkel only when you feel ready.

One practical point: you need to bring what supports the water time. Towels aren’t included, so pack one (or at least plan for a dry solution afterward). You’ll also want a change of clothes, because even a short snorkel can leave you damp.

Visually, this stop tends to be why people remember the whole trip. Clear water and colorful fish are often part of the snorkeling experience, and being right by the Los Gigantes cliffs adds drama to a simple swim.

Food and drinks: snacks that actually fit the pace

This is not a bare-minimum tour. You get fresh fruit, plus homemade sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. That last bit is important. It means you can eat without hunting down a separate plan at the marina.

Drinks are included too: cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks. The timing tends to feel natural—eat and sip while you’re on the boat, not after you’ve already wrapped up the main experience.

If you’re the type who gets cranky when you’re hungry, this matters. The tour’s pacing is designed so you’re fueled during the time you’re scanning the water. And if you’re the type who likes a calm, steady rhythm, the stop-and-snack format feels relaxed instead of rushed.

Bring your appetite, but also remember the simplest rule: don’t overdo the heavy stuff before snorkeling. You’re on the water, not at a buffet.

The crew: service that feels personal, not mechanical

Small groups work best when the crew actually knows how to run them. Third Element’s staff commonly share clear information and help you feel comfortable onboard, including multilingual explanations.

In many departures, you’ll hear names like David, Jamie, Eileen, and Jaime mentioned in a way that signals consistent hospitality. Some guests even mention the crew sharing photos or videos afterward, but that isn’t listed as part of the core inclusions, so treat it as a nice bonus if it happens.

The biggest thing you’ll notice is that wildlife viewing is handled with restraint. The overall vibe is respectful and wildlife-focused, not a stop-and-go chase. That makes a difference in what you might see. If animals feel undisturbed, you’re more likely to get the calm behaviors that make whale watching worth it.

Also, if you’re someone who asks lots of questions, you’ll likely get answers. The guides explain what to look for and why, which helps you feel like you’re participating instead of just spectating.

What to pack for a 3-hour sailing cruise

You can keep packing simple, but don’t skip the essentials. The tour is short enough that you don’t need a whole day bag, but the water stop is real.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A change of clothes
• A towel
• Comfortable, breathable clothing
• Anything you use for comfort in open water (like sunglasses and sun protection)

If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. Some guests specifically note that taking meds beforehand can help, so it’s smart to treat this like any open-water outing: prepare early, not after you’re already queasy.

Also, note the reality check: the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so if that’s a concern, skip this one.

Price and value: is $88 worth it?

At about $88 per person, this isn’t the cheapest thing on Tenerife. But the value isn’t just the boat ride. You’re paying for a mix of elements that usually cost extra when separated:

• A small-group sailing format (up to 10 people)
• Dedicated wildlife time for dolphins and pilot whales
• A swim-and-snorkel stop with snorkeling equipment included
• Food and drinks (fruit, sandwiches with multiple dietary options, plus wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks)

If you were to add up those pieces separately, it’s easy to see how the price can make sense. The tour also aims for a calm pace, which reduces the “paying to be herded” feeling you can get with larger vessels.

Is it a slam dunk for everyone? Not if you only care about seeing whales at all costs. Wildlife sightings vary. But if you want a well-rounded sea outing—nature viewing plus a swim plus real comfort—the price feels fair for what’s included.

Who should book (and who might want a different activity)

This cruise is a strong fit if you want:

• A wildlife-focused experience off the Tenerife coast
• A small group vibe instead of a crowded tour boat
• Time in the water for swimming and snorkeling
• Included food and drinks that match the trip length
• Clear guided help in multiple languages

You might rethink the plan if:

• You’re not comfortable on open water and don’t plan for motion sickness
• Mobility limitations affect boarding or time onboard
• You prefer very long excursions (this is a 3-hour experience)

For families with kids, the short duration can be a win. For couples, it’s a romantic-sea-day format with an easy pace. For solo travelers, the small group setup often makes it feel like an easy conversation with guides rather than a separate experience from everyone else.

Should you book this Los Gigantes whale watching sail?

If you want a real sailing outing with marine-life chances, plus a swim-and-snorkel stop, this is a smart choice. The included snacks, drinks, and snorkeling equipment reduce the hassle factor, and the small group size keeps the experience from feeling like you’re part of a moving crowd.

Book it if your ideal Tenerife day includes sea air, cliff views from the Atlantic, and the chance to watch dolphins and pilot whales in their natural setting. Skip it if mobility is an issue, or if you know you get badly seasick and don’t want to plan for it.

FAQ

What is the duration of this Los Gigantes whale watching cruise?

The tour runs for about 3 hours total.

How many people are on the cruise?

It’s a small group with a limit of 10 participants.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, Pier 1 mooring number 156.

What marine life might I see?

The cruise focuses on dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles in the Atlantic Ocean.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. There’s time to swim and snorkel at a small cove.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

Fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches are included, along with drinks such as cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

Are towels included?

No, towels are not included.

What languages are offered by the guide?

The live guide speaks Spanish, English, French, and German.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

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