Seeing the sea come alive is the point. This private 3-hour sailing tour from Los Gigantes pairs whale and dolphin watching with big, photo-worthy views of the Los Gigantes Cliffs (up to 600 meters), Teide, La Gomera, and the Teno reserve, all from a comfortable 14-meter boat. I love the small-group setup (just your party, up to 10), because it keeps things relaxed and photo stops feel unhurried. I also like the natural-cove break, where you get about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel in clear water under the cliffs.

The main thing to consider is that this is a sailing trip, so wind and sea conditions matter. The tour runs only with good weather, and you may feel the boat move, especially if the breeze picks up.

Key highlights worth your attention

• A private cruise for up to 10 people on a 14-meter sailboat
• Whales and dolphins in their natural habitat during a focused 3-hour sail
• Los Gigantes cliffs, Teide, and La Gomera views from the deck
• 30 minutes at a natural cove for swimming and snorkel time
• Taps and snack break during the outing, with time to cool off
• Comfort and safety focus praised in real-life onboard experiences

From Los Gigantes Marina to a More Peaceful Kind of Ocean Time

Los Gigantes is one of those Tenerife places where the cliffs do the talking. From land, the walls look dramatic. From the water, they’re on another level. This tour starts at MPC Yacht Charter at Puerto deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picon, in Acantilados de Los Gigantes. That matters because you’re not spending time crossing the island to get the good views. You’re already at the show.

Once you’re aboard, the tone is calm. The boat is described as very comfortable, and it’s sized for a group of up to 10. That’s the big difference between this kind of cruise and the mass-market versions. With fewer people, you get easier viewing angles, less waiting around, and the crew can manage the trip without rushing everyone.

I also like the practical side: you receive a mobile ticket, and the meeting point is in the marina area with near public transportation. So even if your day is a bit chaotic, this one is straightforward to line up.

Whale and Dolphin Watching: How the 3 Hours Really Works

The core of the experience is simple. You leave Los Gigantes for about 3 hours to look for whales and dolphins in the wild. There’s no guarantee with wildlife, but the experience is built around the search, the spotting, and the moments when something surfaces close enough for real viewing and photos.

A private setup helps here. You’re less likely to feel boxed in. When you’re trying to take pictures through sea spray and changing light, you want space for your phone or camera. With your group on board (not mixed into a bigger crowd), you also get a better chance to hear the captain’s guidance without straining over other conversations.

From the info provided, the route also ties into the scenery. During the sailing time, you’ll be able to take photos while passing or viewing Teide volcano, Isla de La Gomera, and the Los Gigantes cliffs. That means even if you’re not staring at dolphins the entire time, you’re still moving through a visually rewarding coastline.

One more point that comes up in real experiences: safety and reassurance matter on the water. Multiple onboard accounts highlight that the captain keeps everyone feeling safe and informed. That kind of calm leadership is not just comforting, it makes the spotting itself more enjoyable.

Los Gigantes Cliffs, Teide, and La Gomera: The View Layer You Shouldn’t Ignore

People sign up for whales and dolphins, and that’s fair. But Tenerife’s west coast is also doing its own job.

The cruise gives you a sailing perspective on the Los Gigantes Cliffs, known for near-vertical walls reaching around 600 meters. From the deck, you’ll get an appreciation for scale that land photos usually flatten. It’s also a great backdrop for quick stops and slow moments when you want to pause, take pictures, and just watch the sea texture change.

Then there’s Teide in the distance, plus La Gomera. You’re not just looking at one thing. You’re watching a mix of volcanic and coastal geography line up over the water. It’s the kind of sight that makes the trip feel more like a “real outing” and less like a checklist.

I’d call this the value multiplier of the tour. If wildlife sightings happen (and they often do on these cruises), you get the animal part. If the day is less eventful, you still come away with the cliffs and volcanic views that are genuinely worth the time.

The Natural Cove Stop: Swimming and Snorkeling Where You Can Actually Get In

About halfway through, you’ll stop at a natural cove with crystal clear waters under the cliffs. You get roughly 30 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling.

Why that stop matters:

• You’re not just watching from above. You’re in the water.
• Being under the cliffs can make the water feel more sheltered, which is helpful for comfort during a short swim.
• Clear water gives snorkeling a better chance of being worth the effort, as long as conditions are calm.

One practical thing: 30 minutes is a short window. So arrive ready to move quickly. Bring your attention, not just your gear. If you’re the type who overthinks snorkeling, use that half hour to do the simplest thing well, then get back to enjoying the scenery.

Also, since this is a sailboat tour, you’ll want to be comfortable with the boat-to-water routine. The timing is tight, so you’ll likely want minimal fuss once you’re at the cove.

Tapas Snack and Drinks: Small Food Break, Real Holiday Feel

This isn’t a full meal tour. But it is a tour that includes a snack accompanied by tapas, which makes the whole thing feel more like a holiday moment and less like a transport service to a viewpoint.

You also have time built into the outing to have that break while taking in the sea. Some onboard experiences also mention a range of drinks alongside the finger food style snacks. Even if you’re not a “big foodie,” the combo helps keep energy up, especially when you’ve been out in open air and sun.

What I like about including food here is timing. You don’t have to hunt for lunch afterward. You can plan your day around the cruise, not around scrambling for a sandwich after you get back.

Booking for a Private Group: The Real Value Math

The price is $687.84 per group, up to 10 people, for about 3 hours. On paper, that can look steep if you’re thinking solo. But private sailing has a different math.

Here’s why it can still be a good deal:

• You’re paying for exclusivity, meaning you’re not fighting crowds for deck space.
• You get a full half of the day feel (a true outing, not a quick hop) in a single booking.
• The experience includes both the wildlife search and the cove swim/snorkel stop.
• You also get the snack and tapas component, which lowers the need for a separate lunch plan.

If you’re traveling as a couple, family, or small friend group, this pricing structure can make a lot of sense. It’s often the difference between a crowded “watch and go” tour and a calm “watch, swim, and enjoy” outing.

This also explains why the tour performs well in the feedback people leave. Smaller onboard groups mean smoother moments. You can hear instructions, you can maneuver for photos, and you’re not waiting for dozens of people to settle before the boat moves on.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want to Choose Differently)

This works best if you want:

• A private experience rather than a big group ride
• Wildlife viewing with a realistic time window (about 3 hours)
• A mix of sightseeing plus a real swim and snorkel stop
• Comfort aboard a sailboat where you can relax on deck

It’s a good match for families too, as several accounts mention feeling safe and comfortable with younger travelers onboard. If you’re traveling with kids, a shorter cruise with clear built-in breaks is often easier than long full-day boat excursions.

It may be less ideal if you’re:

• Prone to seasickness and you dislike the movement of sailing
• Looking for a very long water time at the cove (you only have about 30 minutes)
• Hoping for a guaranteed whale or dolphin encounter (wildlife is never 100 percent)

Weather, Wind, and Sea Conditions: What to Expect on a Sailboat Day

This tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important, because nobody wants to pay for a whale watching day and then spend the time battling safety limits.

Wind is part of the equation on a sailboat. Real experiences include mention of strong wind and discussions around it, but the consistent theme is that the captain runs the tour with safety in mind. In practice, that means you can expect the crew to make judgment calls to keep everyone safe and comfortable enough to enjoy the day.

If you’re sensitive to wind, wear layers. Morning breeze near the cliffs can feel cooler than expected, and you’ll spend time on deck. If you’re comfortable with cool air, you’ll have an easier time settling into the ride.

Quick Practical Tips Before You Go

• Bring swim gear if you plan to snorkel, because the stop is only about 30 minutes.
• Plan on photos. The cliffs, Teide, and La Gomera views are a big part of why this cruise feels special.
• Use sun protection. Even on a windy day, you’ll be out on open water under strong Tenerife sun.
• If you’re traveling with a service animal, this tour allows service animals.

Should You Book This Private Whale and Dolphin Sail?

Yes, if you want a small private sailing experience that blends wildlife spotting with dramatic west-coast scenery and an actual water stop. For groups up to 10, it’s one of the more complete half-day options, especially because you don’t just look, you also swim and snorkel.

Book it especially if your priorities are:

• calmer vibes over crowded boats
• meaningful time in the water
• Los Gigantes cliffs plus volcanic scenery from the sea

Skip it if your top priority is guaranteed wildlife or if you know you struggle with sailing conditions. In that case, you might still enjoy Tenerife, just consider a different style of tour.

FAQ

How long is the 3-Hour Private Tour with Whale and Dolphin Watching?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

What does the tour cost?

It costs $687.84 per group (up to 10 people).

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at MPC Yacht Charter in the Puerto deportivo area at Yate El Mojo Picon, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Do I get a ticket on my phone?

Yes, it includes a mobile ticket. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. You stop at a natural cove for about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel.

What food or drinks are provided?

There is a snack with tapas during the tour.

What is the cancellation policy and what if the weather is poor?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for everyone, including service animals?

Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. It is also near public transportation.

If you want, tell me how many people are in your group and what month you’re going. I can suggest the best way to plan timing around daylight and sea conditions for a smooth day on the water.