Whales off Tenerife with lunch on board. This Los Gigantes cruise blends real wildlife watching with killer views of the Cliffs of the Giants, then adds a swim and snorkel in a quiet cove.

I especially liked how the crew works hard to find marine life, so the ride feels purposeful, not just sightseeing. One thing to consider: animal sightings are never guaranteed, and on days without dolphins you may still spot whales, sea turtles, or plenty of fish.

Key highlights you will actually care about

• Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins search from Los Gigantes, with the guide watching closely for signs of wildlife
• Views of Teide, La Gomera, and Teno while you sail out, so the trip is scenic even when animals move around
• A 30-minute cove stop at the base of the cliffs, built for swimming and snorkeling
• Snorkeling gear, safety equipment, and photos-friendly scenery all included, so you can travel light
• Lunch on board served with appetizers, fruit, and drinks, often in cold tapas-style form
• Small group feel on many departures, which keeps the vibe calm and the boat from feeling crowded

Los Gigantes whale watching, what makes it worth 3 hours

This is a tight, well-paced half-day at sea. You leave Los Gigantes to look for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, then you shift focus to the scenery and the water at the cliffs.

In practice, that matters because you get two kinds of value from the same trip: action and access. The action is the wildlife search, and the access is the close-up snorkeling stop right by the dramatic rock walls.

Even though it is short, it does not feel rushed in the way some tours do. You sail out, you look, you come back to the cliffs for a swim, and you end with food and drinks before returning to port.

There is also a sunset option. If you are chasing mood and light, that is the one to choose, since you are literally watching the coast change colors while you are out on the water.

Finding MPC Yacht Charter and settling in on a small boat

Meet at MPC Yacht Charter in advance, using your confirmation voucher. The ending point is the same place, so you are not dealing with a late-day transfer mystery.

The boat setup is part of why this experience gets such high marks. Many departures are small-group style, and that helps in two ways: you are not staring at a wall of people, and the crew can maneuver with less chaos.

You will spend real time on deck. Bring a camera and a jacket, because you can feel a cool breeze once you are out past the port, even on a warm Canary Islands day.

One practical note from the experience pattern: it is smart to plan for motion. If you get queasy on boats, I would take the kind of travel sickness medicine you normally use ahead of time. The ride can be smooth, but Tenerife waters are still waters.

Sailing out: Teide, La Gomera, and Teno views while the crew scans the sea

Before you even start spotting whales, you get a strong visual warm-up. You sail out of Los Gigantes and pass views that include Teide Volcano (you can spot it from the route when weather and visibility cooperate), plus La Gomera and the rural park of Teno.

That is not just nice scenery. It helps you time the trip mentally. When you know you are both traveling and searching for wildlife, you do not lose patience if animals are slow to show.

Also, the area around Los Gigantes is part of what makes whale watching here feel special. The cliffs are huge and close to the water, and the coastline changes as you sail along, so your camera keeps getting new angles.

On good wildlife days, the crew puts those views on pause while they focus on the animals. On slower days, you still have plenty to look at, so you feel like you are getting something beyond waiting.

Spotting wildlife: pilot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and what else is possible

The goal is clear: watch for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. When you are lucky, they come close enough to feel real, not distant and generic.

The cruise is also a multi-species hunt. You might spot loggerhead sea turtles in the area, plus different cetaceans depending on season, with examples including fin whales or sperm whales.

That matters because whale watching can vary. Your odds are best when you stay flexible. If you see whales and dolphins, great. If you see one and not the other, you still likely get standout moments, because the crew searches hard and keeps you moving to where activity is reported.

You should also expect the wildlife behavior to drive the timing. The best sightings often involve the animals choosing whether to come toward you or pass by. The crew aims to respect the animals by keeping distance, which is exactly what you want in an ethical wildlife cruise.

And yes, dolphins can put on a show. In several accounts from this style of tour, dolphins have swum alongside for long stretches, including family groups with smaller dolphins that leap more than you would expect.

The Cliffs of the Giants cove stop: snorkeling, swimming, and photo angles

The most hands-on part of the trip is the stop at the base of the cliffs. You get a stop of about 30 minutes at the cliffs, in a cove where swimming and snorkeling are possible.

This is where the tour earns its reputation. Instead of only looking at the coast from above water, you get clear water close to the cliffs’ towering faces. You can swim near the rocks and watch fish up close, with plenty of bright colors.

In practice, water time depends on how conditions feel on the day and how the crew keeps track of everyone. Some people find the swim window short, so if you want a long snorkel session, do not expect a full beach-day experience.

What you can expect is a proper break from boat time. The crew provides snorkeling gear, and after you get your fill of water, you return to the boat for appetizers and drinks.

For photos, the cliffs are a gift. You can capture wide shots of the vertical rock walls and tighter shots when the boat is positioned well. The “Cliffs of the Giants” brand is not exaggeration either. These are dramatic, tall cliffs, and the angles from the water look different than they do on land.

Lunch on board: appetizers, fruit, and what the meal is actually like

Lunch is included, and you also get appetizers and drinks. The meal style is typically light and casual rather than a full hot-course lunch.

If you are picturing a sit-down restaurant lunch, adjust expectations. Several experiences describe the food as cold snacks in a tapas style, with items like meats, breadsticks, fruit skewers, olives, and similar bites. It usually hits the right spot after snorkeling, because you are hungry but not exactly ready for something heavy.

The drinks coverage includes what gets mentioned often as iced beers and chilled soft drinks, plus the basics like water. You cannot bring alcohol, and drugs are not allowed, but the tour includes the non-spirited refreshments.

This matters for value because you are not spending extra money to eat after swimming. It also saves time. You do not have to rush to a café at the end of a watersports moment, which is how you protect the best part of the day.

Bring a towel, since you will likely get wet during snorkeling. A jacket also helps if you cool down on the way back to port.

Shared vs private cruise: how group size changes the vibe

This experience offers shared or private options. If you are choosing between them, think about what you want most: wildlife focus or social atmosphere.

On shared departures, the boat can still feel intimate because it is a smaller vessel. People describe small passenger numbers like around 6 to 9, which is a big difference from large catamaran crowds.

A smaller group also helps the crew do their job. If everyone can move easily on deck and the captain can position the boat calmly, you tend to get better wildlife viewing and more relaxed snorkeling.

Private is the best fit if you want quiet and maximum control over pace. Shared can be a great deal if you want a guided wildlife search and are happy to share the moment with a handful of other people.

Either way, the live guide is part of the payoff. The tour runs with Spanish and English, and the guide provides practical info about where to look and what you are seeing out in the water.

Value at about $74: why the price makes sense (and when it might not)

At around $74 per person for roughly 3 hours, this can feel like a solid value because you are buying multiple inclusions at once. You get a cruise, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, lunch, and appetizers plus drinks.

The big value point is not just that food is included. It is that food comes after you use the water time. Many tours feel like you pay for the boat ride, then you pay again for snacks or you scramble to eat afterward. Here, the meal is built into the rhythm.

You are also paying for the wildlife search and the fact that the guide tries to put you where the action is. When sightings happen close to the boat, it feels like you paid for a serious outing, not a casual cruise.

The only time you might question the price is if you are expecting a long snorkeling session or a heavy restaurant-style lunch. This is more tapas-snack energy than full meal energy, and the water stop is time-limited.

But if you want a compact, guided marine outing with meaningful time in the cove and cliff views that look like they belong on a postcard, the cost lines up with what you get.

Who should book this cruise, and who should plan differently

This cruise fits best if you want a blend of wildlife watching and snorkeling without turning the day into a complicated logistics puzzle. It is also a smart pick for couples and small groups who like a calmer boat vibe.

If you love animals and you are okay with the reality of changing wildlife behavior, you will be happiest here. Even when dolphins are not seen, whale sightings or sea turtles and lots of fish can still make the day memorable.

On the other hand, think twice if you have serious heart problems. The activity is not suitable for people with heart problems according to the provided information.

Mobility needs are a mixed picture in the details. The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, yet it also says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If you fall into either category, confirm directly with MPC Yacht Charter before you go, so you are not guessing.

Should you book this Los Gigantes whales and dolphin cruise?

Book it if you want a focused 3-hour outing that mixes pilot whale and dolphin watching with a real snorkeling stop at the base of the cliffs. The included gear and meal help the value, and the small-group feel is a big part of why people remember this trip.

Pass or consider another option if you need a long time in the water, or if you are very sensitive to boat motion. In that case, plan for seasickness prevention and keep expectations realistic about the snorkel window.

My rule of thumb: if Cliffs of the Giants scenery plus chances at cetaceans sounds like your ideal Tenerife day, this is one of the better bets in the area. It is not a guaranteed wildlife safari, but it is a well-run outing built around doing the right things at the right times.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 3 hours. Starting times can vary, so check availability for the times offered on your travel dates.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

The experience includes the shared or private cruise, snorkeling gear, appetizers and drinks, lunch, and safety equipment.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and the itinerary includes a stop at the base of the cliffs with a cove where you can swim and snorkel.

Is there a sunset option?

Yes. There is a sunset option mentioned for watching whales and dolphins with the light changing near sunset.

Are alcohol and drugs allowed on board?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and there are also restrictions on fireworks and explosive substances.