Pilot whales and a snack break are the combo. This Los Gigantes sail-and-snorkel cruise keeps it small (max 10) and focuses on real time on the water along Tenerife’s famous cliffs.

I especially love the included food and drinks, from cava and wine to fruit and sandwiches, with gluten-free and vegan options. The crew setup is also built for comfort, with sunbathing spots on the bow and plenty of space to move.

One practical catch: towels aren’t included, so if you’re planning to snorkel, bring your own (or plan to dry off with what you’ve got).

Key points at a glance

• Max 10 travelers on a Bavaria Cruiser 45 (2012): Less crowd, more room to take photos and actually hear the wildlife talk.
• Los Gigantes cliffs-focused sailing (about 2 hours): You spend meaningful time passing the dramatic coast instead of rushing.
• Whale watching plus snorkeling: Expect calm sailing views first, then a water stop near the cliffs.
• Food and drinks are included: Cava, wine, beer, soft drinks, fruit, snacks, and custom sandwiches.
• Diet options handled on board: Gluten-free and vegan requests are supported with the sandwich menu.

Why This Los Gigantes Sail Feels More Personal Than Big Boats

Los Gigantes is one of those Tenerife places that makes you point your camera without thinking. Huge cliff walls, strong ocean colors, and a shoreline that changes the moment the light hits it. This tour matches that setting with a smaller format, built for a calmer vibe on the water.

The biggest “value” win here is the small group size. When a boat caps at 10 people, you don’t spend the day squeezed behind shoulders or craning your neck to hear what’s happening. I like that your attention stays on the water—watching for blows, listening for patterns, and enjoying the views without feeling like you’re in a moving crowd.

Also, the boat itself matters. You’ll be on a Bavaria Cruiser 45 feet (2012), and there are comfortable sunbeds on the bow. That’s not a tiny detail. On a 3-hour outing, where you spend those hours changes everything: more comfort makes it easier to stay patient for sightings and enjoy the snorkeling stop.

The 3-Hour Flow: Cliffs, Wildlife Scanning, Snorkel Time, Then Back

This is an around-3-hour outing, and the pacing is simple. It starts at Third Element Charters in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, then you head out by sail with Los Gigantes as the core focus.

Here’s what you can expect in real, day-of terms:

1) Sailing and circling the Los Gigantes coast

You get about two hours with sailing time around the cliffs. This is when you usually get the first best views for whale watching—wide ocean stretches open up in front of you, and the boat can move into better angles.

2) Wildlife watch time while underway

Whales and dolphins aren’t on a schedule. The crew’s job is to scan efficiently and respond quickly if animals show up. The rhythm tends to be: watch, reposition, watch again. Because the group is small, you get less shouting and more clear guidance.

3) A swimming and snorkeling stop near the cliffs

One highlight is that you’re not only stopping at random water. The tour is designed around a little-known cove/swimming area along the coast—so you can get that closer, calmer-feeling water time. And it’s not just a quick dip; you get time to actually swim and snorkel.

4) Lunch and snacks on board

Food is part of the flow rather than a separate hour-long break. You’ll have fruit and snacks, and you’ll finish with sandwiches (with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options). It’s a practical way to keep energy up while you’re out at sea.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point. So you’re not adding extra transport stress to your day.

Whale Watching Near the Cliffs: What You’re Likely to See

Whale watching in the Canary Islands is one of those experiences where you have to treat it like nature, not a ticket you can demand results from. That said, this area has a strong track record of cetaceans showing up.

From what the tour consistently sets up for, your “main event” is pilot whales, along with dolphins. Past outings also include sightings like bottlenose dolphins and Risso’s dolphins, plus occasional sea turtles. Sometimes tuna and even sea birds pop up too, which adds that extra layer of “we’re not just staring at nothing” satisfaction.

I like the way this tour handles the viewing mindset. With a max of 10, you stay oriented and you’re more likely to catch the action—especially when a pod surfaces and moves on. If you’re someone who gets impatient waiting, the combination of dramatic cliffs, sailing views, and a real chance at dolphins helps the time pass fast.

A balanced reality check: sightings aren’t guaranteed. You might end up with dolphins (or even no whales) and still walk away with the best parts: cliff views, wildlife education, and snorkeling.

Snorkeling by the Cliffs: The Spot, the Timing, and What to Bring

The snorkeling here is built into the experience, not bolted on at the end. That’s why it works well for many people: you’re already on the water, the light can be great, and you’re jumping in during a natural break in the day.

The tour also notes an important practical point: towels aren’t provided. Since you’re likely to get wet, I strongly suggest you bring a small towel or a quick-dry option, plus anything you’d normally want for comfort (snug swimwear, something to change into afterward).

Also, don’t ignore the “ready for it” factor. This is the kind of cove stop where you’ll want to be prepared to go in. If you wait until you’re already on the boat to figure out your gear, you’ll feel rushed.

What you can expect in the water:

• A swim/snorkel stop near the cliffs
• Enough time to actually enjoy it, not just a quick dip
• Snorkeling with a view that’s much more scenic than a plain beach setup

If you’re new to snorkeling, the smaller-group nature can help you get quick guidance. If you’re experienced, you’ll likely appreciate the chance to look around in a controlled stop rather than being herded through.

Food and Drinks Make It Worth the Price (Especially on a 3-Hour Trip)

Let’s talk value, because this trip isn’t just “boat time.” It’s boat time plus food and drinks, and that changes the feel of the day.

Included onboard:

• Complimentary drinks: cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Freshly cut fruit
• Snacks and bottled water
• Custom sandwiches (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options)
• Alcoholic beverages are included

This is a big deal on a 3-hour outing. You’re not paying extra for lunch or drinks while you’re already paying for the sailing portion. And diet support matters, too. If you need gluten-free or vegan food, it’s not just “bring your own just in case.” The tour is set up to handle it with the sandwich options.

One more practical note: keep an eye on hydration and sun. You’ll be out at sea and also spending time above deck. Bottled water is included, but you still need to actively drink it.

Boat Comfort: Sunbeds, Space, and How the Deck Layout Helps

A lot of sailing trips are photographed from the outside. What matters is how it feels once you’re there.

This boat has sunbeds on the bow. That means you’re not stuck sitting indoors or tucked away where you miss the best angles. With only up to 10 people, the deck space isn’t a battle. People can shift positions to watch whales, then regroup without feeling like they’re stepping on someone’s bag.

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves photos, this setup helps. You can move to better spots as the boat turns, and you can still keep enough balance and comfort to enjoy it.

And yes, motion can happen. One downside that does come up on sea days is feeling a bit sea-sick. If you’re sensitive to that, plan like it’s a real sailing day: pick a comfortable spot on board, bring any motion-sickness help you use normally, and don’t underestimate how much the open ocean can rock.

Getting There: Santa Cruz Meeting Point and Real-Time Prep

The meeting point is Third Element Charters Whale Watching & Sailing Charters in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, at Calle Poblado Marinero, s/n Pantalán 1 Atraque 156.

Two practical tips based on how these trips usually run:

• Give yourself extra time so you’re not rushing when you arrive. Parking can take longer than you expect in busy coastal areas.
• Have your mobile ticket ready, since it’s listed as a mobile ticket experience.

Also, this is near public transportation. So if you’re staying somewhere connected by local buses or tram links, you may be able to avoid a car day.

One more detail that affects the feel: the tour depends on good weather. That’s normal for whale watching, but it means you should hold some flexibility in your itinerary.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Might Want a Different Style)

This is a strong match if you want:

• A small-group whale watching experience (max 10)
• A “see wildlife plus do something in the water” day
• Included food and drinks, including gluten-free and vegan support
• A sailing format that feels calmer than large-tour boats

It also tends to work well across age ranges. You might find mixed ages on board, including families with kids. The key reason it suits families is the small-group layout: it’s easier for kids to stay engaged, and guides can focus on the group rather than shouting over a crowd.

Who might not love it:

• If you hate snorkeling or hate swimming gear days, you might prefer a pure wildlife boat option.
• If you’re very sensitive to motion, consider your comfort level first. The trip is sailing, not a landlocked cruise.

Price and Value: What $90.70 Covers on a Real 3-Hour Day

At $90.70 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to do a boat outing. But for a 3-hour format that includes sailing, whale watching time, a snorkeling stop, and full onboard provisioning, it has a lot of built-in value.

Here’s why the price feels reasonable:

• You’re paying for time on the water plus the expertise to look for wildlife.
• You’re also getting lunch-style food: fruit, snacks, and custom sandwiches.
• Drinks are included: cava, wine, beer, soft drinks, plus bottled water.

In other words, you’re not left doing the math later when you realize lunch and drinks weren’t part of the deal. And if you need gluten-free or vegan options, the included catering is a direct cost-saver versus finding food separately during the day.

One more timing note: it’s common to book around 20 days in advance on average. If you have fixed plans, reserve early so you don’t end up chasing the last available slots.

Should You Book This Los Gigantes Whale Watching & Snorkeling Sail?

If you want a Tenerife whale watching outing that feels personal, includes actual food and drinks, and gives you a real chance at both whales and dolphins, I’d book this style without hesitation.

Book it if:

• You like small groups and want more personal attention.
• You want snorkeling time near the cliffs, not just sightseeing.
• You’ll appreciate gluten-free and vegan meal support.
• You’re ready for a true weather-dependent sea day (and you can be flexible).

Skip it or switch to another option if:

• Snorkeling isn’t your thing.
• You’re extremely motion-sensitive and can’t handle sailing on open water.

If your goal is a memorable Los Gigantes day that mixes wildlife, views, and hands-on water time, this one is built for that.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale watching and snorkeling charter?

The tour is about 3 hours.

How many people are on the boat?

The experience has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English. A German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays.

What food and drinks are included?

You get complimentary drinks (cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks), freshly cut fruit, snacks, bottled water, and custom sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Alcoholic beverages are included.

Are towels provided for snorkeling?

No, towels are not included.

What happens if weather is poor?

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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