Whales, dolphins, and those cliffs—what’s not to like. This 3-hour sailing trip gives you real marine-life time in the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve and the kind of photo moments you can’t stage, especially with the dramatic Los Gigantes shoreline. I especially like the small group feel on the El Mojo Picón and the included swim/snorkel stop, where clear water turns the experience from sightseeing into something hands-on. The only drawback to plan for is simple: wildlife spotting is never 100 percent guaranteed, and you’ll want calm seas for the best viewing.

The best part is the pacing. You’re not on a rushed schedule or stuck in a crowded cattle-car on the water. Instead, the crew focuses on finding animals while keeping the trip relaxed, then anchors for a swim and easy, Spanish-style food at the base of the cliffs.

You’ll start in Los Gigantes, sail along the Tenerife coast, look for cetaceans and sea turtles, and end with views back under the rock giants. It’s a compact tour with a lot packed in, so it’s also a nice choice if you don’t want to lose an entire day.

Key things to know before you sail

• Small-group sailing (max 9 on shared trips) keeps the vibe calm and viewing more comfortable.
• Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve is the focus, so your chances for whales, dolphins, and turtles are built into the route.
• El Mojo Picón (14 meters) is set up for comfort, with space to relax and soak in the coast.
• Snorkel gear is included, and you’ll get a true stop in a natural cove with clear water.
• Food is part of the experience, with appetizers/snacks, fruit, and drinks served during the cliff-side portion.
• Guides work the wildlife approach carefully; in past departures, crew have reduced engine noise to avoid disturbing animals.

Where Los Gigantes turns a boat ride into the main event

Los Gigantes is one of those Tenerife places that looks dramatic from shore—and even more unreal when you’re sailing right beneath it. The cliffs rise around 600 meters (the Cliffs of the Giants), and the steep, dark rock walls create a natural stage for spotting marine life offshore.

That’s why this tour feels worth it even if you’re not a die-hard “twitcher.” You’re getting three things in one: wildlife watching, coastal viewpoints, and a water stop that lets you actually experience the area rather than just watch it from above. And because you’re out in the Atlantic with a marine-reserve focus, the trip has a clear purpose, not just a generic “cruise and hope.”

I also like the fact that the itinerary includes a stop near the base of the cliffs, not only a long stretch of searching. That means you’re still guaranteed plenty of scenery time even on days when animals are harder to find.

El Mojo Picón and the small-group experience (what 3 hours feels like)

This is a sailing tour on a 14-meter sailboat called El Mojo Picón, run by MPC Yacht Charter. Shared excursions are capped at up to 9 guests, which changes everything. On a small boat, you’re not stuck craning your neck over people’s heads, and the crew can manage positioning without the “everyone look here” chaos.

In the reviews you’ll see the same pattern: people keep praising how comfortable the boat feels and how relaxed the group atmosphere is. One person even noted a very small group on their departure, which makes sense for shared tours where you’re not battling big crowds at sea.

You also get a live, multilingual guide on board (Spanish, English, and French). In practice, that matters because it turns wildlife spotting into a story. You learn what you’re looking at, why the crew is steering toward that area, and what the local coastline and volcanic terrain mean for life in the water.

One practical point: because it’s a sailboat, the motion can still affect you. If you’re prone to seasickness, take it seriously. Several people recommend bringing motion sickness medication before you go.

Wildlife time in the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve (and how spotting works)

Your main mission is spotting cetaceans (whales and dolphins) plus other marine wildlife like sea turtles and fish. The tour’s focus area is the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve, which is exactly what you want to hear when you’re booking a short, 3-hour window. It’s not a random spin around the bay. The crew has an intentional plan for where marine life is likely to appear.

What you can expect:

• You’ll spend time sailing and searching for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
• When animals are spotted, the crew positions the boat so you can watch without treating the moment like a drive-by.
• Past departures report seeing pilot whales close to the boat, plus dolphins swimming alongside for stretches.

The respectful approach is part of the value. One review specifically mentioned engines being cut well before close approach, which you should think of as “good marine etiquette,” not just a nice-to-have. In real life, that usually means quieter, more natural animal behavior while you watch.

Still, keep expectations honest. On any ocean tour, conditions matter. Some trips might be heavy on dolphins, others might deliver whales, and some might include turtles and schools of fish during the cove stop. The upside of a well-run small boat is that you don’t feel stuck waiting forever; the crew actively works the viewing.

Los Gigantes cliff views and photo ops: the moment you’ll remember

Even if wildlife is the headline, the cliffs are the stage manager. Part of the experience is sailing along the coast so you can film and photograph the wall of rock that defines Los Gigantes. This is the kind of scenery you can’t get from a bus stop, and it’s also the kind of coastline that looks different every time the boat angle changes.

The tour also includes a stop that happens at the base of the cliffs, where you can relax. That’s when appetizers, fruit, and drinks come out, and you get a break from scanning the water surface. It’s a smart design for a 3-hour tour: wildlife time, then scenery time, then water time.

If you’re shooting video, take advantage of the natural lighting. Midday tends to give bright, crisp views of the rock. Late-day light can soften contrast and make the cliffs look even more dramatic, especially with the ocean background.

The natural cove swim and snorkel stop (clear water, real gear)

This is where the tour stops being only about looking. You’ll anchor in a secluded natural cove with clear water, and you can swim or snorkel. Snorkeling gear is included, so you’re not hunting for masks and fins at the last minute.

What makes this stop special is the way it blends with the cliffs. You’re not snorkeling in some generic marina cove. You’re in a location where the underwater life and coastal rock shapes both matter.

From the feedback people have shared, expect lots of small fish during snorkeling, and you might spot additional marine life depending on the day. Even if you mostly just swim, the water time adds a sensory layer you can’t get from a dry “watch from far away” experience.

How long is the water time? It varies with conditions and the flow of the trip. Plan for a real swim/snorkel opportunity, but also understand it’s not an all-day beach session. It’s built into a 3-hour format, so you’ll likely get a focused window to enjoy.

Food and drinks: Spanish-style snacks that actually help on the water

A short tour can feel skimpy when it comes to food, but this one makes a difference. You’ll be served appetizers and drinks, plus snacks for lunch during the cliff-side portion. Several people highlight items like tortilla and local cheese, plus a tapas-style spread.

Why I like this approach: food onboard on the water isn’t just about taste. It’s about energy. After scanning for whales and dolphins, you usually want something easy and satisfying without the hassle of finding a restaurant. The snack setup is exactly that—simple, filling enough, and timed so you’re not hungry through the middle of the trip.

You’ll also want to think about how you eat on a boat. Anything messy is annoying in open air. The tapas-style approach (meats, bread, cheese, fruit, olives in some spreads) tends to be practical for sailing.

One more note: people mention chilled drinks like soft drinks and beer. The key rule is that you shouldn’t bring alcohol on board yourself, since the tour provides the drinks and has restrictions on what guests can bring.

Who this tour is best for (and who should pick something else)

This experience fits best if you want:

• A short, high-impact nature outing rather than a full-day excursion.
• A small group setting on the water.
• The combo of wildlife watching plus snorkel time.
• A guide who cares about the marine life and explains what you’re seeing.

It can be a strong family option, too. One review mentions bringing kids (with ages around 7 and 10), and the smooth sailing and included swimming time seemed to land well with them.

Who needs to be cautious:

• The tour data says it’s not suitable for people with heart problems.
• There’s also a note about wheelchair accessibility, but it simultaneously lists that it isn’t suitable for some mobility impairments. If mobility is a factor for you, confirm details with the operator before booking so you get an honest answer about boarding and comfort level.

Also, for anyone worried about seasickness, treat that as part of your planning. This is still an ocean sail, even if the vibe is calm.

Practical advice before you book (so 3 hours feels effortless)

You’ll want to pack the basics that actually matter on a sailing tour:

• Towel
• Camera
• Jacket

Add motion-sickness prevention if you’re sensitive to boat movement. Several people recommend taking it before you go, not after you start feeling rough.

Also, think about what you’re wearing. You’re on the water, under sun, near wind, and possibly in and out of a cove. Dress in layers so you’re comfortable when the breeze hits.

If your goal is photography, remember this: whales and dolphins don’t pose. You’ll get better results by staying ready rather than waiting for a perfect moment. Keep your camera accessible and your settings consistent.

Finally, go in with the right mindset: even on a great day, whales and dolphins are wild animals with their own schedule. The value here is that the crew works to find them quickly and positions you carefully when they appear.

Price and value: is $76 per person fair for this setup?

At $76 per person for a 3-hour sailing tour, the value comes from the package, not just the chance to see animals.

Here’s what’s included that supports the price:

• Time in a marine reserve area for whales, dolphins, and turtles
• Onboard appetizers, fruit, and drinks
• Snorkeling gear for the cove stop
• Lunch/snacks included
• Safety equipment
• A live guide in multiple languages

On a lot of tours, you pay for the boat ride and then shell out separately for snorkeling gear or food. Here, those extras are bundled. And because the group size is small (up to 9 on shared trips, with private charters for up to 10 people), you’re not paying the price of a busy, oversized crowd experience.

If your priorities are wildlife + snorkel + included food in a short window, this is the kind of pricing that makes sense.

Should you book the Los Gigantes whale and dolphin sailing tour?

I’d book it if:

• You want a compact tour that still feels like a full experience.
• You care about small-group comfort and a relaxed pace.
• You want wildlife spotting with a real chance of dolphins, whales, and sea turtles, plus an included swim/snorkel stop.
• You’re excited by sailing under the Cliffs of the Giants, not just watching from shore.

I’d think twice if:

• You get motion sick easily and don’t want to plan for it.
• You have health concerns that the tour already flags (like heart problems), or mobility limitations that could make boarding difficult.
• You need guaranteed wildlife sightings. This is nature. Some days are better than others.

If you pick the right day and show up prepared with a jacket and motion-sickness plan, this tour is a strong, honest way to spend a Tenerife half-day: whales and dolphins when you’re lucky, clear-water snorkeling when you’re not, and those cliffs the whole time.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Los Gigantes whale and dolphin sailing tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter. Your confirmation voucher will guide you, and you should meet in advance with it.

Is snorkeling included, and what gear do I get?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and you’ll have time to swim or snorkel during the cove stop.

What languages is the guide available in?

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

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, a camera, and a jacket.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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