Whales and cliffs, up close, on a sail. This Los Gigantes trip pairs wildlife watching with snorkeling along Tenerife’s dramatic coast, on a small-group boat capped at 10 people. You’ll sail aboard a Bavaria Cruiser (45 feet, 2012) and stay in English for the guiding and onboard chat.

Two things I really like here are the intimate group size and the fact that the cruise is set up like a full outing, not a quick ride. You get complimentary drinks plus freshly cut fruit, custom sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and plenty of snacks.

One thing to plan around: towels are not included, and the operator stresses that good weather is required, so you may want a flexible day.

Key Points Before You Go

Small-group limit of 10 means more space to move around and ask questions.

Sailing plus snorkeling in a quieter spot along the Los Gigantes coast helps you beat the worst of the crowds.

Food and drinks are genuinely part of the experience, not an afterthought, with options for gluten-free and vegan diets.

A real sailboat setup includes comfortable sunbeds on the bow for whale-spotting with a view.

English is available, and there’s also mention of a German guide being unavailable on Sundays and Mondays.

Towels not provided, so pack them if you plan to get in the water.

Los Gigantes From the Water: Why This Coast Works

Los Gigantes is the kind of place where the cliffs do most of the talking. From land, you get impressive views, but from the sea you get the full shape of the coastline, the angles, the coves, and that “how is this real” feeling when you’re surrounded by rock walls that rise fast.

This tour’s route focuses on sailing around Los Gigantes, keeping you on the water long enough to enjoy the scenery and not feel rushed. Expect a lot of time spent outside, looking for movement on the horizon and in the water, then switching gears when it’s time for swimming and snorkeling.

I also like the way this itinerary is built for attention. You’re not just on a boat waiting for a photo stop, you’re there to watch, listen, and then participate once the crew finds the right moment.

The 45-Foot Bavaria Cruiser: Comfort That Helps You Stay Outside

The boat here is a Bavaria Cruiser, listed as 45 feet and built in 2012. That matters because it’s big enough for a comfortable small group, but not so huge that you feel lost in the crowd.

In plain terms, you should feel more like you’re on a private outing than a bus full of people. Reviews and details highlight comfortable sunbeds on the bow, so if your goal is whale spotting from the front of the boat, this setup helps. You can actually settle in, keep an eye on the water, and let the crew guide your attention to what’s happening nearby.

A few practical notes I’d plan for:

• Bring something to keep the sun off you (you’ll be outside for long stretches).
• The boat has enough room for a group of 10, which is a big deal when the seas get a little bumpy and people want to shift positions.

Also check in on language expectations. The tour is offered in English, and there’s a note that a German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays, so on those days you should expect English to be the main language onboard.

Whale Watching Off Los Gigantes: What You Can Expect to See

Whale watching on Tenerife can be a bit of a magic trick. Some days you’ll get steady sightings, and other days you’ll see fewer animals or different species than expected. What makes this trip a strong choice is how it’s run as a wildlife-focused outing.

You sail along the Los Gigantes coast for about two hours, which gives the crew time to search intelligently and stay in productive waters. When sightings happen, the tone onboard shifts quickly into “watch and learn” mode, with the captain and crew answering questions and pointing out what to look for.

From the species mentioned in past experiences, you should be prepared for the possibility of pilot whales and dolphins. In some trips, you might also see turtles, plus assorted marine birds. Even when your first sighting takes a little time, the boat time itself is still valuable because the cliffs and coastline are spectacular from sea level, and the crew keeps the trip purposeful.

One more thing: this isn’t described as a fast zoom around Tenerife. It’s a steady, on-the-water experience where the crew can reposition and then slow down for the best chance at sightings.

Snorkeling by the Cliffs: A Smaller Stop You’ll Actually Enjoy

After the whale watching segment, the experience shifts toward swimming and snorkeling. This is one of the main reasons to pick this charter over the bigger operations: you’re guided to a swimming and snorkeling spot described as less well-known, which usually means a calmer feel in the water.

The best part for many people is the sense of scale and proximity. You’re not snorkeling in a random pool setting, you’re in a cove along the Los Gigantes cliffs. That changes the whole experience. The rock walls, the light bouncing off the water, and the visible coastline all make the swim feel connected to the place.

Two practical considerations:

• Towels aren’t provided, so plan to bring your own if you want to dry off afterward.
• If you’re doing snorkel time in cooler weather, wear swim gear that doesn’t make you miserable once you step in.

If you care about getting real time in the water, this tour is built for that. It’s not just a “look from the boat” moment, you’re given actual time to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the cove.

Food and Drinks on Board: A Real Meal Stops the Day From Feeling Cut Short

A lot of tours claim snacks. This one makes a point of treating food like part of the schedule. You’ll have complimentary drinks, including cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks, plus bottled water.

Then you get freshly cut fruit and custom sandwiches. The standout detail for me is the variety of dietary support: vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. That means you’re not stuck with a sad plate or forced into last-minute improvising.

For a 3-hour experience, this structure matters. You avoid the common problem where you’re hungry right when the best part of the excursion is happening. Instead, you can focus on whales, scenery, and snorkeling, then refuel onboard without needing to hunt for a café afterward.

Lunch and snacks are described as included, and many people mention the meal as a satisfying ending to the day. It’s also a nice touch that sandwiches are custom made, which tends to reduce the awkwardness of dietary constraints during group trips.

Small-Group Sailing: The Difference Between 10 and a Crowd

This is capped at a maximum of 10 travelers. That number is not just trivia. It shapes the whole vibe.

With fewer people onboard, you’re more likely to:

• Find a good spot when whales show up.
• Hear the crew clearly, without relying on hand signals.
• Get direct answers to questions, instead of questions getting swallowed by noise.

In past experiences, people highlighted that guides could speak to families individually, and that the staff took time to explain marine life and local sights. On a small boat, that kind of back-and-forth actually happens. You’re not waiting your turn for every question.

There’s also mention of safe, comfortable space for groups, and that’s a big quality-of-life factor during an hour or two on the water.

Price and Value: Is About $90 Worth It?

At $90.70 per person for about 3 hours, you’re paying for more than the boat ride. You’re paying for a combination of things that often cost extra separately on other tours: wildlife time, a structured sailing experience, swimming and snorkeling, plus food and drinks.

Here’s the value breakdown in practical terms:

• If you add up a typical day of snacks or a lunch plus drinks, it can quickly approach tour pricing.
• The small-group cap and the sailing format are a premium compared to mass tours.
• The dietary options mean fewer compromises, which can be a big deal if you travel with someone who needs gluten-free or vegan food.

Also note how booked this experience tends to be. It’s commonly booked about 20 days in advance. If you’re traveling in peak season, that’s your hint to reserve early so you don’t end up with fewer time slots.

Meeting Point and Getting There Without Stress

You’ll start at Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, Calle Poblado Marinero, s/n Pantalán 1 Atraque 156, 38683, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The trip ends back at the same meeting point.

Because this is port-based, give yourself time to park if you’re driving. One small but useful tip from past experience was to make sure you have time to park so you don’t feel rushed right before boarding.

The tour is also described as near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re not renting a car. Either way, I’d aim to arrive early. On small boats, being on time matters for everyone’s comfort.

Weather, Tides, and What to Bring

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

So, treat your sailing day like the “outdoor day.” Wear sun protection and plan for time outside. The boat has sunbeds, which is great, but it also means you’ll feel the sun if you don’t shield up.

Bring your own towel, since towels are not included. Beyond that, bring whatever you’d normally use for a calm day on the water, like swimwear and sun protection you trust.

If you’re sensitive to movement, plan ahead. Some people mention feeling a bit sea sick on similar outings, and crew support can help, but you’re still better off taking basic motion-sickness precautions if you know you’re prone to it.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a strong pick if you want:

• A small-group whale watching experience rather than a big-boat crowd.
• A sailing day that includes real time for snorkeling and swimming.
• Included food and drinks that work for different diets, including gluten-free and vegan.

It also fits families well. Past notes mention trips with kids, with crew members staying attentive and making sure everyone had a good day. The mix of ages onboard is part of what keeps it lively without becoming chaotic.

If your top priority is maximum certainty of seeing whales, no whale trip can promise that. But if your priority is a well-run sailing day along some of Tenerife’s most dramatic cliffs, with a good chance at wildlife, this charter is built for that balance.

Should You Book the Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter?

I’d book it if you want an outing that feels personal and well-paced, with small-group sailing and a clear focus on both wildlife and the water time afterward. The included sandwiches, fruit, and drinks make it a good value for a half-day chunk of your holiday, especially when dietary needs are in play.

I’d hesitate only if you’re arriving without a towel or you’re on a tight schedule where a weather day swap would be a problem. Since good weather is required, plan with some flexibility.

If you’re imagining whales plus cliffs plus a swim in a cove, this is the kind of trip that delivers that exact mix.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale watching charter?

It’s about 3 hours, with the Los Gigantes sailing portion listed at around 2 hours.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What language is offered on the tour?

The tour is offered in English. There is also a note that a German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays.

What’s included in the price?

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

Are towels provided?

No, towels are not included.

Where do I meet the tour?

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