From Los Gigantes: Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise

Pilot whales are the stars of this small-group sailing trip from Los Gigantes, but the setting matters just as much. You sail beneath the huge cliffs with views toward Teide, then stop for a swim and homemade tapas. The crew may also find dolphins or other marine life, but sightings are never guaranteed.

I like the limited capacity of nine passengers, which leaves room to move around and keeps the boat quiet. I also like the serious approach to wildlife: the crew follows Tenerife’s sustainability rules, supports the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association, and carries the government’s Blue Boat Flag. The main caution is seasickness. One passenger struggled with it, so bring medication if you know rough water bothers you.

Key points at a glance

• A proper sailboat, not a packed party boat: The 46-foot vessel, Aemon or Ayla, carries no more than nine passengers.
• Pilot whales are the usual prize: Dolphins, turtles, and other marine life may also appear, but nature sets the schedule.
• Wildlife comes first: The crew keeps a respectful distance and cuts the engine when cetaceans are nearby.
• Snorkel under Los Gigantes: The swim stop lasts about 15 minutes in a bay beside the cliffs.
• Tapas are part of the experience: Homemade food and drinks follow the swim, with vegetarian options available.
• Plan for sun and motion: Bring a towel, swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, biodegradable SPF 50+ sunscreen, and a snorkel tube if you want one.

A quiet boat beneath the cliffs

Los Gigantes gives this outing a dramatic start. The harbor sits below dark volcanic cliffs that rise sharply from Tenerife’s western coast. From the deck, you see the island from a useful new angle, with the cliffs close by and Teide visible farther inland when conditions allow.

The boat is a 46-foot, 14-meter sailboat. That size hits a pleasant middle ground. You get more room than you would on a tiny rigid inflatable boat, but you avoid the crowded feel of the large whale-watching vessels that leave the same coast. With a maximum of nine passengers, the crew can answer questions and keep an eye on everyone during the swim.

I especially like the lack of pressure to turn the outing into a loud party. One morning trip had only seven passengers and no music, creating a calm ride that suited the setting. This is a boat trip for looking, listening, and asking questions, not for a floating nightclub.

The sailboat may be called Aemon or Ayla, so check the name before you head to the Picarus Sailing Club meeting point. The activity lasts three to four hours, with exact departure times depending on availability.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The wildlife portion takes roughly an hour and a half. The resident pilot whales around Tenerife are the main attraction, and several outings have found family groups close to the boat. You may also see dolphins, and one trip included a turtle. Other marine animals can appear as well, but nobody can promise a particular species on a particular morning.

That uncertainty is worth accepting. A responsible whale-watching trip cannot order animals into position, and the crew does not chase them to manufacture a better photograph. The team is part of Turismo de Tenerife’s Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching and holds the Blue Boat Flag, which means it is authorized to operate under the island’s responsible whale-watching standards.

In practical terms, the crew keeps its distance and avoids disturbing the animals. When whales are spotted, the captain may cut the engine, allowing the boat to remain still while the animals decide how close to come. That approach has a real benefit: you get to watch natural behavior rather than a forced encounter.

The crew also shares information about the species and the island. Sara has guided trips in English, Spanish, and French, while other outings have included Felix, Jakob, Miguel, and Nettie. The exact team depends on the departure, but you can expect explanations about pilot whales, dolphins, the sea, Los Gigantes, and the island’s past.

Ask questions. This is one of the better ways to make the trip meaningful, especially if the whales stay at a distance. The crew is happy to explain what you are seeing and why the boat approaches carefully.

What the 3 to 4 hours actually include

The timing is straightforward, though the exact balance can shift with sea conditions and wildlife.

You begin at Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. From there, the boat heads out for about 90 minutes of wildlife watching. This is the longest section, and it may include time spent scanning the water, waiting, and changing course in search of signs of cetaceans.

That search is part of the experience, but it can feel slow if you expect constant action. Bring patience. The best sightings often depend on a quiet boat and careful observation, not speed. On some trips, pilot whales and dolphins have come close enough to make the wait worthwhile. On another, dolphins appeared but no whales did. That is a normal risk with any wildlife outing.

After the wildlife search, you spend about an hour sailing along the coast. This is not just a transfer between activities. It gives you time to appreciate the cliffs, the water, the shape of Tenerife’s western shore, and views toward Teide. It also provides a slower break after the focused search for animals.

The itinerary then allows about 15 minutes for snorkeling. The boat anchors in a bay near the cliffs, giving you a chance to swim in the sea rather than simply watch it from the deck. The stop is short, so think of it as a refreshing swim with a little snorkeling, not a full underwater excursion.

Finally, the crew serves food onboard for about 15 minutes before returning to Picarus Sailing Club. The meal is described as homemade tapas, with vegetarian choices available on at least some departures. Drinks and snacks are also provided during the outing, and the food has earned strong praise for freshness and flavor.

One passenger wished the total trip lasted an extra hour. I understand that view. Three hours can pass quickly once you account for the wildlife search, sailing, swim, and meal. If you want a long swim or an extended lunch, this may feel compact. If you prefer a focused half-day activity, the length works well.

Snorkeling beside Los Gigantes

The swim stop is one of the outing’s best contrasts. You start by watching marine life in open water, then move close to land and look up at Los Gigantes from sea level. The cliffs feel especially imposing from the deck, where their height is easier to appreciate.

The snorkeling equipment supplied includes masks, but not the tube. Bring your own snorkel tube if you want to use one, along with a towel and swimwear. Life vests are available onboard as safety gear.

The listed swim time is about 15 minutes. That is enough for a quick cool-off and a look below the surface, but it is not enough for a leisurely snorkeling session. You should also bring biodegradable sunscreen rated SPF 50 or higher, sunglasses, and a sun hat. The deck offers exposure throughout the trip, even when the boat is moving.

Seasickness deserves more attention than it usually gets in tour descriptions. The boat is comfortable and spacious for its size, but it is still on the open sea. One couple found the motion difficult, while the crew helped them and remained attentive. If you are prone to seasickness, take sensible precautions and choose a position on the boat that helps you feel steady.

Tapas, drinks, and the small details

The food gives the trip a local, personal touch. Instead of ending the outing with a rushed snack at the harbor, you sit onboard after the swim and share homemade tapas. Vegetarian food is available, which is useful if you do not eat meat or fish, though you should still tell the crew about dietary needs before departure.

The meal is brief, around 15 minutes, but it fits the rhythm of the trip. You swim, dry off, eat, and enjoy the coast on the way back. Drinks and snacks are part of the onboard service, though the supplied details do not specify every drink or menu item.

The boat itself receives repeated praise for being clean, comfortable, and easy to move around on. With eight or nine passengers, you should be able to find space without climbing over people. That makes a difference on a whale-watching trip, since you may want to shift from one side of the deck to the other when an animal appears.

There is no promise of music or entertainment, and that is a benefit for many people. You can hear the sea, follow the crew’s explanations, and stay alert for wildlife.

Why the conservation policy matters

The conservation message here is not a decorative extra. It shapes how the trip operates.

Picarus Sailing Club belongs to the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association and shares information with that group. The company also follows the Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching from Turismo de Tenerife and carries the Blue Boat Flag. These affiliations do not guarantee a sighting, but they show that the operator presents whale watching as a wildlife activity rather than a chase.

The engine-free approach near animals is especially important. When the captain cuts the engine after a sighting, the boat creates less noise and gives the whales room to choose their own path. You might get a close look, or the animals might remain farther away. Both outcomes are more respectful than crowding them.

I also value the educational side. The crew explains what the animals do and why the boat behaves carefully. That helps you understand that conservation is not simply a rule imposed on the crew. It is the reason the encounter can remain special for future boat trips as well.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Tenerife. It is also not simply a transport ride with a quick animal sighting. The price covers a three to four-hour outing on a 46-foot sailboat, a maximum group of nine, crew commentary, wildlife watching, a swim stop, snorkel masks, tapas, and drinks.

The small group is the strongest value point. Large boats may offer lower prices, but you usually give up space, quiet, and direct access to the crew. Here, you can ask about the animals, hear the explanations, and move around the deck without feeling packed in.

The value also depends on your expectations. If you mainly want a guaranteed whale photograph, no boat can honestly promise that. If you want a calm coastal outing that combines wildlife, sailing, a cliffside swim, and food, $88 is a fair price for the amount included.

Private excursions are available as well as shared trips. A private booking may suit a family or a group that wants the boat to itself, but the supplied price is for the standard per-person experience. Check the current private rate before booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That helps if your Tenerife plans are still shifting.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this outing if you care more about atmosphere and responsible wildlife viewing than about speed. It suits couples, families, and small groups who want a quieter boat with room to ask questions.

It is also a good fit if you want several experiences in one morning or afternoon. You get open-water wildlife watching, views of Los Gigantes and Teide, coastal sailing, snorkeling, and tapas without having to arrange separate activities.

The multilingual guides make the trip accessible to English, Spanish, and French speakers. The small capacity is useful for anyone who finds large group excursions tiring.

You may want another option if you dislike boats, struggle with motion, or want a long snorkeling session. The swim is only about 15 minutes, and the trip can feel short if you want hours in the water. You should also avoid booking solely for a guaranteed whale sighting. Nature does not work that way, and the operator’s respectful rules make that uncertainty part of the deal.

Should you book the Picarus sailing trip?

I would book it for the small boat, careful wildlife practice, and well-balanced half-day format. The strongest day may include pilot whales approaching the boat, playful dolphins, a turtle, a cliffside swim, and excellent tapas. Even without all of that, you still have a peaceful sail along one of Tenerife’s most dramatic coasts.

Bring the right gear, prepare for possible seasickness, and keep your expectations realistic. If you want a respectful encounter with marine life rather than a noisy race across the water, this is a very good choice from Los Gigantes.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes. The boat is named Aemon or Ayla.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately three to four hours. The wildlife search takes about 1.5 hours, sailing takes about one hour, snorkeling takes around 15 minutes, and the onboard meal takes around 15 minutes.

How many people can join the shared boat?

Shared excursions are limited to a maximum of nine passengers. Private excursions are also available.

What marine life might I see?

The trip focuses on resident and migratory marine species, especially pilot whales. Dolphins and turtles have also been seen, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Safety gear, including life vests, and snorkel masks are included. A snorkel tube is not included, so bring your own if you want one. Towels and sunscreen are also not included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher. If you plan to snorkel, bring a snorkel tube.

What languages are spoken on the cruise?

Live guiding is available in English, Spanish, and French.