Cliffs, whales, and a real sail on one outing. What I love is the small group setup, with you out on the water instead of packed in, plus the chance to finish with a swim and snorkeling stop in an especially pretty cove. Expect a calm, nature-forward outing where the crew looks for dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles.

One thing to think about first: like any sea trip here, you may feel some swell. If you are prone to seasickness, plan meds in advance and dress for wind and spray.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group at sea (up to 10 people), so you can move around and keep sights on the animals
• Wind-powered sailing, with the crew helping raise the sail when conditions are right
• On-board drinks and food included, including cava and wine, plus fruit and homemade sandwiches
• Real swim and snorkeling time, and snorkeling equipment is provided
• Los Gigantes cliffs from the water, which is honestly where the scenery looks most dramatic
• Multi-language crew, with live guidance in Spanish, English, French, and German

Los Gigantes: the sweet spot for marine life watching

Los Gigantes sits on the southwest coast of Tenerife, and those steep black cliffs have a way of making everything feel wilder from the sea. From the water you get scale fast. The cliffs loom, the Atlantic stretches out, and it is easier to understand why this area attracts dolphins and whales.

This cruise is built for that moment. You do not just stare at the horizon from a big deck. You sail out in an intimate group, then the crew keeps eyes open while you enjoy the ride. In practice, that matters because whale and dolphin sightings are often short and change fast. With fewer people, you are less likely to spend the best sightings looking at the back of someone’s camera.

Also, this is not an all-day production. The total time is about 3 hours, with time split between searching for animals and a set swim-and-snorkel stop near the coast.

Meet the boat: where the cruise starts and how the day moves

You meet at Third Element Luxury Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters, at Pier 1, mooring number 156. If you like arriving with a plan, load Google Maps for the exact pin before you go, then give yourself a few extra minutes so you are not sprinting at the last second.

Once aboard, the pace stays relaxed. You sail from Los Gigantes out into open water, and the crew guides you in several languages. You also get served drinks along with fresh fruit, so you are not left waiting on food or scrambling to find something once you are at sea.

A detail I really like is how sailing is treated as part of the experience rather than just a backdrop. They help raise the sail when conditions are right, which gives you that classic motion and quiet satisfaction you only get when the boat is actually using the wind.

What the $88 price includes, and why it can be good value

At $88 per person for about 3 hours, this trip sits in the “not the cheapest, but not crazy either” category. The value comes from what you get without extra charges piling up.

Here’s what is included:

• Whale watching cruise (the main activity)
• Time to swim and snorkel
• Fresh fruit and homemade sandwiches (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available)
• Drinks including cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Snorkeling equipment

So you are paying for more than sightings. You are paying for food and drinks on a small sailboat, plus the gear and time to actually get in the water. That is a lot of “day out at sea” built into one ticket.

If your Tenerife plans include beach time, you may already be thinking about paying for snorkeling gear or a more basic excursion. Here, the snorkeling equipment and the food-and-drink portion make the overall cost feel more reasonable.

The 2-hour search off Los Gigantes cliffs

The core of the cruise is the animal-spotting time, about 2 hours out of Los Gigantes. The goal is dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles, all in their natural environment.

The practical reality: sightings can vary by day. The crew is looking, reading the water, and responding to what they see. If the sea conditions are friendly and the animals are nearby, the experience turns into that cinematic moment everyone hopes for, where you watch the surface activity and then the animals appear.

What helps your odds here is the style of the day:

• It is a small group, so you are not stuck shoulder-to-shoulder.
• The crew is actively guiding, so you know what you are looking for and when to look.
• You are out there long enough for animals to surface and for the crew to make sense of the patterns.

From the boat, you can also enjoy the cliffs along the way. Los Gigantes looks different from every angle, and sailing past them turns the scenery into a moving viewpoint rather than a photo backdrop.

Swim and snorkel: the 30-minute stop that makes it feel complete

The cruise includes a stop for swimming and snorkeling, about 30 minutes. This is in a small cove on the coast of Tenerife, and it is the kind of short water break that keeps the whole trip from feeling like only “watching.”

Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring your own fins or mask. You will still want swimwear on, because you get the chance to get in fairly soon after anchoring.

What to expect in the water:

• You will have a limited window, so move calmly and efficiently.
• You should be ready for clear water and interesting marine life, since the stop is chosen for that.
• You are not aiming for a long endurance swim. This is a coastal cove moment.

Important practical note: towels are not included. Bring your own, plus a change of clothes for when you get back aboard and the wind picks up.

Drinks, fruit, and sandwiches: the part you will be glad is planned

One of the most consistently praised parts of this cruise is the food and drink setup. You get drinks during the sailing time, and you finish with freshly made sandwiches after the swim and animal viewing stretches.

The drink list includes cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks. That means adults can enjoy a glass while you watch the sea, and you still have non-alcohol options without having to ask.

The sandwich part is also handled thoughtfully, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. That matters if your group includes someone with dietary needs, because you avoid the uncomfortable moment of hoping something suitable exists on a snack plate.

And yes, cava is fun on a boat. Even if you do not drink alcohol, having something cold and refreshing waiting for you helps make the time feel like a proper Tenerife outing instead of a quick excursion.

Crew vibe and animal-respect habits that change the whole feeling

The crew is a big part of why people come back. You see names come up again and again, like David, Jamie, and Eileen, depending on the departure. What stands out is that the crew does more than point at animals. They explain what you are seeing in a way that helps you connect with the marine life rather than just chase it.

A few practical ways that shows up:

• The boat stays calm and manageable because the group stays small.
• The crew works as a team to keep you informed while you stay focused on spotting.
• There is a clear care for wildlife, including moments where the crew handles wildlife situations thoughtfully.

One review-specific example that reflects the general attitude: the crew has been described as rescuing a protected seabird chick that was struggling. That kind of response gives you confidence that they are not treating animals like show props.

If the sea is choppy: how to plan so the trip stays enjoyable

A sailing cruise sounds perfect until you hit wind and swell. Some people report sea sickness during the outing, so treat that as a genuine planning tip, not an afterthought.

What I recommend:

• If you get motion sickness easily, take your usual meds beforehand.
• Wear comfortable clothes you do not mind getting damp.
• Bring breathable layers. Tenerife can feel warm on shore, but at sea, wind changes things fast.

Also, expect some spray. Even if conditions look calm at first, the boat is still moving across ocean waves. A change of clothes and a towel save you from the “now I am cold and wet” problem once you return.

Who this cruise is best for

This is a great match for most people who want a high-value half-day at sea without the stress of big-boat crowds.

You will likely enjoy it if:

• You want to see dolphins and pilot whales (when conditions align)
• You like the idea of doing something active but not exhausting, with a short swim-and-snorkel stop
• You care about a smaller group feel
• You want drinks and food included rather than buying everything separately

This is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, based on the activity’s constraints.

Families can also do well, since the trip is structured, guided, and not all day. The short time on land is replaced by a manageable amount of time on the water.

One balanced caution: what you should not expect

The only hard promise in whale watching is that it is wildlife. You might see dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles. On other days, you might see fewer, or you might get more “interesting ocean signs” like other sea activity.

What you can control is how you show up:

• Keep your eyes open.
• Listen to the crew’s guidance.
• Accept that nature sets the pace.

If you go with that mindset, you will be happy even on a day where the animals feel less dramatic than your imagination.

Should you book this Tenerife whale watching sail cruise?

I think you should book it if your priority is a small-group experience with real sailing time, and you want the trip to feel like more than just spotting from a distance. The combination of animal searching, a coastal swim-and-snorkel stop, and included drinks and sandwiches makes it feel like a complete outing for the money.

You should consider skipping it if:

• You cannot handle open-water motion and you do not want to take preventative steps.
• You need an activity that is suitable for mobility impairments.

If you are flexible, pack a towel and a change of clothes, take motion-sickness precautions if you need them, and show up ready to enjoy the cliffs, the wind, and the possibility of seeing pilot whales and turtles. That is the sweet spot of this cruise.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife Los Gigantes whale watching cruise?

It lasts about 3 hours.

How many people are in the group?

It is a small group with a maximum of 10 participants.

What marine life might you see?

The cruise focuses on dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles, and you may also see other marine life.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. There is a swim and snorkeling stop for about 30 minutes, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included.

What food and drinks are included?

You get fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, and drinks including cava, white and red wine, beer, and soft drinks.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour guide offers Spanish, English, French, and German.

Is the activity suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.