REVIEW · TENERIFE
3-Hour Private Tour with Whale and Dolphin Watching
Book on Viator →Operated by MPC Yacht Charter · Bookable on Viator
A whale and dolphin cruise feels different here. This 3-hour private sail out of Los Gigantes pairs wildlife watching with killer sea views from a small boat.
What I like most is the small, private feel (up to 10 people) and the chance to cool off in a natural cove right under the cliffs. You also get time for photos of the Cliffs of Los Gigantes, plus views toward Teide and La Gomera.
One thing to plan for: this experience is weather-dependent. If conditions are rough, the trip may be changed or refunded, and when the wind picks up you’ll feel it on an open deck.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth your time
- Setting out from Los Gigantes: meeting the crew and getting on the water
- The wildlife hunt: 3 hours of whales and dolphins at sea
- Teide, La Gomera, and the Cliffs of Los Gigantes: why the scenery is part of the deal
- The boat-only cove stop: swimming and snorkeling under the cliffs
- Snacks and tapas: how the cruise keeps energy up
- Comfort on a small sailboat: safety, space, and real-world conditions
- Price and value: what $687.84 per group really means
- Who should book this whale and dolphin private sail
- Should you book MPC Yacht Charter’s 3-hour sail?
- FAQ
- How long is the whale and dolphin watching portion?
- How many people are on a private tour?
- Where do we meet the tour?
- Do you stop to swim or snorkel?
- What food is included?
- What’s the cancellation rule if weather is poor?
Key highlights worth your time
- Private sailboat, up to 10 people: less crowd noise and an easier time spotting wildlife
- 3 hours searching for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat
- 600-meter Los Gigantes cliff views from the water, with time to take photos
- 30-minute stop in a boat-only cove for swimming and snorkeling
- Snack with tapas so you’re not just watching on an empty stomach
Setting out from Los Gigantes: meeting the crew and getting on the water
You start in Acantilados de Los Gigantes, at the MPC Yacht Charter marina area. The meeting point is MPC Yacht Charter, at Yate El Mojo Picon, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
The boat is described as a very comfortable 14-meter sailboat built for a small group (capacity for 10). That matters because you’re not crammed into rows, and everyone tends to have a fair chance at seeing the sea—and getting photos when something surfaces.
You’ll get a mobile ticket, and confirmation happens at the time of booking. Service animals are allowed, and it’s listed as near public transportation, which is handy if you’re not renting a car.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
The wildlife hunt: 3 hours of whales and dolphins at sea
This is the main event: a 3-hour private cruise leaving Los Gigantes, specifically to look for whales and dolphins. The idea is simple and powerful—go out into their natural habitat and let the ocean do the rest.
What makes this time window appealing is that it’s long enough for real searching, not just a quick pass-by. On a longer sail, the captain has room to reposition when conditions shift, like current and wind direction, and that improves your odds of seeing something meaningful.
From the experience details, you’ll be on the water with scenic sailing plus wildlife watching. From the past cruise feedback, the crew approach includes clear explanations about what you’re likely to see and how to spot it. That sort of guidance doesn’t guarantee sightings, but it helps you actually work the moment instead of just hoping.
If seeing dolphins close up is your goal, this kind of setup is a good match. One review highlighted dolphins and even pilot whales, and the feeling was that the boat got into a great position safely. Even if you don’t get a whale in the first hour, keep watching—some sightings can happen later as you’re still out there searching.
Teide, La Gomera, and the Cliffs of Los Gigantes: why the scenery is part of the deal
Yes, the animals are the headline. But the Tenerife setting is doing a lot of work here. As you cruise, you’ll get photo-friendly views of the Los Gigantes cliffs, with vertical walls reaching around 600 meters.
You’ll also see scenery connected to the bigger island picture: Teide volcano and Isla (Island) of La Gomera. There’s something special about seeing these places from sea level. You understand the scale instantly, and photos tend to look more dramatic than typical roadside viewpoints.
You’ll have time for photos throughout the tour. That’s not just a nice-to-have. On wildlife cruises, your best shots often require patience, and that “pause and shoot” rhythm helps without turning the cruise into a constant scramble.
The boat-only cove stop: swimming and snorkeling under the cliffs
Half the fun of a whale-and-dolphin day is getting to actually feel the water. This cruise includes a stop in a natural cove with crystal-clear waters under the cliffs. The key detail: it’s accessible only by boat, so you’re not just repeating what you’d see on land.
The stop is about 30 minutes. That’s short, but it’s built for exactly what most people want: a quick swim break and a chance to snorkel before you head back to sailing and scanning the horizon again.
If you plan to snorkel, bring what you typically need for comfort (mask-fitting issues can ruin a good 30 minutes). The tour info doesn’t spell out equipment, so I’d treat snorkeling as something you’ll do if you’re prepared with your own gear, or at least ready to ask what’s available when you meet the crew.
This cove also makes the cruise feel less like a waiting game. You’re not stuck only looking outward. You get a “reset” in the middle—cool off, breathe, take a few photos from the waterline, then continue.
Snacks and tapas: how the cruise keeps energy up
You’ll have time to have a snack accompanied by some tapas. That’s a smart inclusion for a few reasons. First, 3 hours on the sea can build an appetite even if you’re not doing anything strenuous. Second, it keeps the mood relaxed—less focus on when you’ll eat later.
In earlier trip feedback, there’s mention of a range of drinks and finger food as part of the onboard refreshments. Even if details vary a bit day to day, the overall message is consistent: it’s not a bare-bones cruise where you’re just waiting to see wildlife and then heading straight back hungry.
Practical tip: if tapas and snacks are the only food, plan around that. Don’t assume you’ll be able to grab a full meal right after unless you’ve planned it.
Comfort on a small sailboat: safety, space, and real-world conditions
This is private and small—up to 10 people on board. That usually translates into a calmer experience. You can hear instructions, move around more easily, and get better sightlines than on bigger boats.
Comfort-wise, it’s still an ocean day. The tour is listed as requiring good weather. So if conditions aren’t right, the operator may offer another date or a refund (more on that in the FAQ).
One review noted a very windy day and discussed the importance of safety when sailing gets strong. You should take that as a cue: pack for sea conditions. Even if you’re not prone to motion sickness, the deck can feel lively in gusty weather, especially on open water.
The crew leadership is repeatedly mentioned as friendly and safety-focused. Names like Toni, along with references to Antonio/Anthony in different notes, show up in the feedback. If you want the best experience, arrive early enough to settle in and catch any pre-sail safety talk—this kind of cruise runs better when you know what to do on deck.
Price and value: what $687.84 per group really means
The price is $687.84 per group, for up to 10 people. That’s not cheap in absolute terms, but whale-and-dolphin cruises on boats with a smaller headcount rarely are. The real question is value: what are you buying besides the chance of sightings?
Here’s the value logic that makes sense for this specific tour:
- Private format: you’re not sharing a limited viewing experience with strangers
- Time on the water: about 3 hours is a meaningful block for searching
- Sightseeing built in: cliffs, Teide, and La Gomera views aren’t an extra add-on
- Swim and snorkel stop: a boat-only cove for about 30 minutes
- Food and drinks: snack with tapas (and drinks are mentioned in feedback)
If you’re a solo traveler or a couple, this price can feel steep. But if you’re booking as a small group—family, friends, or a mini-squad—it can look a lot more reasonable. It also tends to buy you a more personal cruise: the captain can explain things directly, and the boat size helps everyone stay engaged.
Who should book this whale and dolphin private sail
This tour is a strong fit if you want:
- A calmer, smaller-group experience rather than a crowded speedboat day
- Wildlife watching plus a real break in the water (swim and snorkel)
- Scenic value from the sea: Los Gigantes cliffs, plus sights toward Teide and La Gomera
It’s also a good pick for travelers with kids, at least based on past onboard experiences that specifically referenced a 10-year-old and a 3-year-old enjoying the trip. Still, if you’re bringing small children, be honest with yourself about wind and deck comfort.
If your top priority is purely guaranteed whale sightings, you should know that the ocean is the boss. But if your goal is a well-run, scenic, comfortable day that maximizes your time in the right place, this one fits.
Should you book MPC Yacht Charter’s 3-hour sail?
I’d book this cruise if you want a high-value Tenerife day that mixes wildlife, big cliff views, and a genuine swim stop. The private up-to-10 format is a big deal in real life, and the photo-friendly scenery plus the boat-only cove gives you more than just the “hoping to see something” experience.
Skip it only if you’re not comfortable with ocean conditions or you know you’ll struggle in breezy weather. Since the operator requires good weather, you might also prefer backup flexibility in your schedule—this is the kind of day that you’d rather not force into a tight itinerary.
FAQ
How long is the whale and dolphin watching portion?
The tour lasts about 3 hours total, including time searching for whales and dolphins and scenic cruising.
How many people are on a private tour?
It’s a private tour/activity. Your group size can be up to 10 people, and the boat is listed as capable for 10.
Where do we meet the tour?
Meet at MPC Yacht Charter, Yate El Mojo Picon, at Puerto deportivo, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
Do you stop to swim or snorkel?
Yes. The tour includes a stop at a natural cove with crystal-clear water for about 30 minutes, where you can swim and snorkel.
What food is included?
There is time for a snack accompanied by tapas. Some feedback also notes drinks and finger food as part of what was offered onboard.
What’s the cancellation rule if weather is poor?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
If you tell me how many people are in your group (and your rough travel dates), I can help you sanity-check whether this fits your budget and what to prioritize based on your priorities: wildlife odds, swimming time, or pure cliff views.
