Whales and dolphins, plus Tenerife cliffs.

This small-group sail along Los Gigantes can feel more like a day on the water with a guide than a big boat tour. You’re out in protected waters around Teno Rural Park, with chances to spot dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and other marine life while the coastline does its dramatic thing.

I also love the built-in break for snorkeling in quiet coves (equipment included). On many trips, you get time to swim off the boat and then warm back up with onboard snacks and drinks.

One consideration: whale sightings aren’t guaranteed. Nature runs the schedule, and if conditions are calm, you may still cruise using the engine to keep the 3-hour outing on track.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Small group size (max 10) makes it feel roomy and less chaotic than the typical big-boat scene
• Teno Rural Park waters are where you’re searching for dolphins, pilot whales, calderones, and even turtles
• Snorkel + swim time happens in calmer coves, with snorkeling gear included
• On-board snacks and drinks keep things easy, with some outings turning into a light Canarian-style meal
• Local skipper commentary (often led by captains Antonio or Francisco in feedback) helps you understand what you’re seeing
• Short 3-hour duration is long enough for wildlife and water time, but not so long that it drags

Los Gigantes in 3 Hours: What This Sail Feels Like

This is a straightforward, value-friendly way to see Tenerife’s marine life without committing your whole day. You set out from Los Gigantes, sail along the cliffs, then shift into a wildlife-search rhythm: watch, slow down, and (when the skipper finds them) get into position for viewing.

What makes it work is the format. The max 10-person group keeps noise and crowding down. That matters because animals can be sensitive to commotion, and it also makes the skipper’s explanations easier to hear when you’re not shoulder-to-shoulder with everyone.

And unlike some tours that feel like a checklist, this one includes downtime. You’re not only scanning for whales; you’re also given time to swim or snorkel and relax back aboard with drinks and snacks.

Meeting Point at MPC Yacht Charter: Arrive Early to Beat the Hassle

The activity starts at MPC Yacht Charter at the Puerto Deportivo area in Los Gigantes (Yate El Mojo Picon). Your pickup spot is very specific:

• MPC Yacht Charter, Puerto deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picon

C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Two practical tips from real-world experience:

First, plan for parking challenges nearby. If you’re driving, give yourself extra buffer time. People have found it “quite difficult” to find parking, so arriving early helps you stay calm and un-rushed.

Second, show up on time. One unhappy account focused on a delayed arrival and a tense start. Even if you’re only a few minutes late because of traffic, you don’t want that to become a problem—especially on a small boat where the skipper is trying to keep the day running.

Your Search for Dolphins and Pilot Whales in Teno Rural Park

This tour’s core promise is wildlife in natural habitat. You sail within the Teno Rural Park protected area and look for:

• Dolphins (often in playful groups around the boat)
• Pilot whales (including tropical pilot whales in multiple sightings)
• Calderones (mentioned as part of the possible marine species)
• Sea turtles (turtles came up in feedback too)
• Other marine species

Here’s what to understand so you don’t get disappointed: the wildlife route depends on where the animals are that day. Some outings are dolphin-heavy; some include pilot whales; sometimes you get turtles and lots of fish at the snorkeling stop.

One thing you can control: your expectations around sound and comfort. There’s one critical report that complained about onboard music and smoking. On a sailing trip, you’ll sometimes hear things you personally prefer not to. If you’re sensitive, consider asking ahead about comfort, or just bring your own headphones/earplugs and plan for open-air smoke risk the same way you would on any working marina tour.

Acantilado de los Gigantes: Why the Cliff Stop Is More Than a Photo Moment

The tour includes a stop at Acantilado de los Gigantes, the famous cliff wall that makes this stretch of Tenerife instantly recognizable from the sea. From the water, the scale is hard to exaggerate. You’re seeing those towering faces from an angle most visitors never get.

This section of the trip usually does two jobs:

1) It sets the visual tone for the day, so even if you only spot dolphins, you still leave with real memories of the dramatic coastline.

2) It can be part of the wildlife search loop, since marine life often shows up where the habitat and water conditions are right.

In feedback, you’ll also see mentions of sailing along impressive cliff sections and even directions beyond Los Gigantes on some outings (like La Masca appearing in one private charter note). Translation: the captain is likely using local know-how and animal movements, not just following a rigid loop.

Snorkeling in Quiet Coves: Gear Included, Water Time Included

The best surprise for many people is how quickly the trip shifts from “watching animals” to “being in the water.” You snorkel in quiet coves, with snorkeling equipment included.

Practical takeaways:

• You’ll likely have the option to swim off the boat, not just snorkel in place.
• The water can be clear enough for lots of fish viewing, including colorful species.
• The snorkeling stop is timed so you can enjoy it without feeling like you’re rushing through it.

If you get seasick easily, plan ahead. One report mentioned seasickness for a family during the trip. Even though that’s anecdotal, it’s a real reminder that coastal sailing can get bumpy. Bring what works for you (medication, wristbands, ginger—whatever you normally use), and if you’re choosing the spot to sit, aim for a place that feels stable.

Snacks, Drinks, and the Canarian-Style Break on Board

This is not an empty “wildlife only” outing. During the crossing, you’re offered snacks and drinks on board. Multiple accounts describe the snacks as more satisfying than basic chips-and-cans, with some calling it a light Canarian-style lunch (examples mentioned include melon, assorted hams, tortilla, tapas, and simple non-alcoholic beverages).

What I like about this setup is the pacing. You’re not waiting around for a meal reservation. You can focus on the wildlife, then eat and reset while you’re still on the water enjoying views of the cliffs.

One more detail: some trips include tips about using an underwater camera (in feedback, the captain helped with positioning for great footage). So if you’re planning to shoot, don’t just assume you’ll figure it out on your own.

Boat Comfort, Small-Group Layout, and How to Handle Choppy Water

The group stays small—a maximum of 10 travelers—and that shows up in comfort. You’re not packed onto a giant platform. One account described a Bavaria 44 sailboat setup with enough room for everyone, which matches the “intimate and personalized” vibe.

Still, sea conditions can vary. There’s even a review noting choppy water, with the skipper steering and finding whales anyway. If the sea state isn’t perfect, don’t treat that as a failure. It’s just the ocean doing ocean things.

Also note the sailing-versus-engine reality: on some days there may be little wind, so the skipper might use the engine to complete the excursion on schedule. One review specifically mentioned that sailing wasn’t happening the whole time because the engine was used. On a short 3-hour trip, that’s usually less of a disappointment than it sounds, because it protects the time you’ve already paid for.

Price and Value: Is $84.69 Worth It?

At $84.69 per person for about 3 hours, the value depends on what you care about most: wildlife, water time, or comfort.

Here’s why it can be a good deal:

• You get a small-group experience (max 10), which usually means less stress and more chance at good viewing positions.
• You also get snorkeling time with equipment included, which many tours either don’t offer or charge extra for.
• On top of that, there are snacks and drinks (and in some reports, a light lunch-style spread).

The price can feel slightly higher than mass-market whale tours, but the tradeoff is the quieter atmosphere and the built-in swim break. If you want a Tenerife day that feels personal, it’s easier to justify.

If your top priority is a long guaranteed whale run, then this might not satisfy you. But if your goal is a balanced day on the water with real chances of dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles, it’s a reasonable spend.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want to Adjust Expectations)

This sailing trip fits well if you:

• Want a short 3-hour nature outing, not a full-day marathon
• Prefer a maximum 10-person group for calmer viewing
• Like the idea of snorkeling in a protected, quieter cove
• Enjoy local skipper guidance and learning what you’re seeing

It may be less ideal if you’re very strict about:

• No onboard smoke or no music: one critical account raised these issues. Since it’s an open-air boat and working marina environment, you could still be exposed depending on how the skipper manages it that day.
• Language expectations: the tour is offered in English, and there’s also mention in feedback that explanations can be shared in both English and Spanish. If language comfort is a dealbreaker, confirm at booking what you’ll hear during the trip.

Should You Book the Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes?

I’d book this if you want a balanced Tenerife experience: dramatic cliffs, real marine-life searching, and water time that actually happens. The small group size is a big reason to choose it, and the included snorkeling gear makes it feel like more than just a sit-and-watch excursion.

Book with the right mindset, though. Animals are not on a timetable, and you might come back with dolphins, turtles, and great snorkeling even if pilot whales aren’t seen that day. That still counts as success here because the day is built to be enjoyable even when wildlife sightings vary.

If you do go, arrive early for the marina area, bring whatever you need for seasickness if you’re prone, and be ready for an intimate sail where the skipper is actively working to find the animals.

FAQ

How long is the Dolphin and Whale Sailing Tour in Los Gigantes?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

What’s included in the snorkeling part?

You snorkel in quiet coves, and snorkeling equipment is included.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English, and you’ll receive confirmation at the time of booking.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is MPC Yacht Charter at the Puerto Deportivo, Yate El Mojo Picon, C. Pob. Marinero, 38683 Acantilados de Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

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