Los Gigantes: Whales and Dolphin Watching Cruise with Lunch

Pilot whales and dolphins are the stars here, but the setting gives this three-hour cruise its real punch. You leave Los Gigantes, watch for marine life in open water, then return beneath cliffs that rise about 600 meters from the sea. On clear days, Teide, La Gomera, and the Teno area add plenty to look at between sightings.

I like two things in particular: the small-group feel, with some trips carrying only six to nine people, and the chance to swim or snorkel in a cove at the foot of the cliffs. Captain Antonio, also called Tony or Toño, is repeatedly praised for his warm manner and careful handling of the boat. The main consideration is simple: wildlife is wild, and sightings are never guaranteed. The swimming stop may also be shorter than some families expect.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the most dependable target: You may also see bottlenose dolphins, turtles, tuna, and seasonal fin or sperm whales.
• Los Gigantes provides the grand finale: The boat returns along towering volcanic cliffs, with time at their base for swimming and snorkeling.
• Captain Antonio shapes the experience: He combines sailing skills, local sea knowledge, jokes, and a relaxed approach.
• The lunch is really a cold tapas-style spread: Expect meats, breadsticks, olives, fruit, drinks, and similar light food rather than a hot restaurant meal.
• Small groups matter: A shared cruise can still feel calm and personal when the boat carries only a handful of people.
• Bring a jacket and motion-sickness medicine: The boat can be smooth, but several people on one trip felt unwell at sea.

Leaving Los Gigantes with Teide in view

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter in Los Gigantes and board for a three-hour cruise. The precise departure time depends on availability, and sunset departures are offered for people who want softer light and an evening feel.

The opening part of the trip is a search for marine life. The crew looks for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, two species regularly associated with these waters. Depending on conditions and season, you might also see loggerhead turtles, tuna, fin whales, sperm whales, or other fish.

I like that the ride is not limited to staring straight down at the water. As you leave port, keep your camera ready for views of Mount Teide, the island of La Gomera, and the Teno area. These views give the trip a sense of place, rather than making it feel like a generic wildlife boat ride.

You should keep your expectations sensible. A wildlife cruise can produce unforgettable sightings, such as pilot whales swimming only a few meters from the boat, or dolphins staying alongside for many minutes. It can also involve time spent searching. The crew can guide the boat toward likely areas, but no captain can promise a particular animal on a particular day.

Watching pilot whales and dolphins responsibly

The most praised part of this experience is the wildlife viewing. People have seen groups of pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, tuna, turtles, and even more unusual sightings such as a manta ray or hammerhead shark. Those less common animals should be treated as lucky extras, not part of the promise.

Pilot whales can be especially impressive because they often travel in family groups and may appear close to the boat. Dolphins can be playful and energetic, sometimes leaping near the yacht. The best moments are not always dramatic jumps. Seeing a whale surface, breathe, and slip back below the water can be just as memorable.

Captain Antonio is noted for keeping a respectful distance from the animals. That matters. You get a better experience when the boat is not chasing wildlife or crowding it with several other vessels. One trip had only one other sailing boat near the whales, which helped keep the scene calm.

The crew also explains the local marine life and the surrounding coast in Spanish and English. Antonio is described as an experienced sailor who enjoys answering questions and pointing out good spots. His style seems friendly and informal rather than lecture-heavy, which suits a relaxed three-hour outing.

Bring a camera, but do not spend the whole ride looking through it. Whales and dolphins surface quickly, and the best sight may happen beside you. A phone with a secure grip is useful, though the operator does not promise that every animal will appear close enough for a clear photo.

Thirty minutes beneath the Cliffs of the Giants

After the wildlife portion, the boat heads toward the cliffs for a stop at their base. The vertical rock walls rise roughly 600 meters above the sea, so viewing them from the water gives you a scale that is hard to get from land.

This is the point where the cruise shifts from wildlife watching to a more active coastal outing. You can swim or use the provided snorkeling gear in a clear-water cove. Fish and crabs have been seen around the snorkeling area, and the rocky setting makes the stop more than a quick swim off the side of the boat.

The planned stop is about 30 minutes, but the actual time in the water can feel shorter. Some trips had around 10 minutes of swimming because the boat needed to return on schedule. If swimming is your main reason for booking, treat it as an added feature, not the central event.

Families should take note. One group with children enjoyed the cruise but wished for more water time. Other people found the swim just right after the whale watching. Your enjoyment will depend on what you want most: the wildlife and coast, or a long snorkeling session.

The cliffs are also a strong photo stop. Look up from the water for the full height of the rock walls, then look back toward the sea for views of the coastline and nearby islands. A jacket is useful for the return ride, even if the afternoon begins warm.

A light lunch with a Spanish tapas feel

Food is served on board after the swim and snorkeling stop. The meal is best understood as a cold tapas-style spread, not a hot lunch. Expect items such as sliced meats, breadsticks, olives, fresh fruit, and fruit skewers, along with drinks.

That distinction matters when you compare this cruise with other boat trips. The food is enough to take the edge off after time in the water, but it is not a full restaurant meal. Several people found it tasty and thoughtfully presented, while one description specifically called it minimal but pleasant.

Drinks include water, soft drinks, and beer according to the trip details and individual experiences. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed as items brought aboard, so use the drinks supplied by the operator rather than assuming you can bring your own.

I like the timing of the food stop. After watching wildlife and swimming, sitting back with fruit and small savory bites makes the return journey feel easy. Antonio’s relaxed hosting is part of the appeal here. The boat is not just moving from point to point. It becomes a quiet place to eat, talk, and watch the cliffs pass by.

The boat, group size, and overall mood

This is a shared or private cruise, with small groups available. The shared trips described in the supplied information carried as few as six, eight, or nine people. That size can make a major difference.

A small boat lets you move around for views without feeling lost in a crowd. You can sit in the sun, watch from the bow or side, and hear the guide without a loudspeaker. Some people also appreciated being able to relax and sunbathe while the boat traveled along the coast.

The yacht is described as clean, pleasant, and comfortable. One parent noted that a young child slept through much of the ride because the sailing was smooth. That said, the open sea can affect people differently. One trip included several people who felt seasick, so consider taking motion-sickness medicine before departure if you are prone to it.

You should also know that Antonio may be operating the boat alone. That did not prevent him from managing the trip, giving information, and hosting the group, but it means the experience has a personal captain-led feel rather than a large crew with separate staff for every task.

The boat’s relaxed mood will suit you if you want a gentle outing with wildlife, views, snacks, and a swim. It may not suit you if you want a fast, highly scripted excursion with a long snorkeling session or a guaranteed animal checklist.

What the $74 price includes

At $74 per person, the price covers a three-hour shared or private cruise, snorkeling equipment, safety equipment, appetizers, drinks, and lunch. You are also paying for a small-group format, local guiding, and the chance to view the coast from the water.

I consider the value strongest when you use every part of the outing. Wildlife watching alone can be unpredictable. Add the Los Gigantes cliffs, the swim stop, snorkeling gear, food, drinks, and island views, and the price becomes easier to justify.

The value is also better for people who care about group size. A cheaper large boat may give you less room, less personal attention, and a more crowded wildlife encounter. Here, even a shared trip can feel close to private when only a few people are aboard.

The food should not be the reason you book. Think of it as a well-timed, light meal rather than a major dining experience. The real value comes from combining sea life and scenery in one compact trip.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This cruise suits couples, families, and small groups who want several experiences in one outing. You get wildlife watching, sailing, a coastal view of Los Gigantes, a swim, snorkeling, and light food without giving up a full day.

It is a good fit if you value a personal guide. Antonio’s sailing experience, humor, and interest in the sea are a clear part of the appeal. If you like asking questions or prefer a captain who talks with the group rather than simply driving, you are likely to enjoy the tone.

Families can book it, but parents should explain that the water stop may be brief. The cruise is also not suitable for people with heart problems, and the activity information says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Although wheelchair accessibility is also listed, these details conflict, so contact MPC Yacht Charter before booking if access is important.

Bring a towel, camera, and jacket. Wear something practical for getting wet, though no specific clothing requirement is provided. Leave fireworks, explosives, drugs, and outside alcohol at home.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some flexibility when weather and holiday plans are still unsettled.

Should you book the Los Gigantes cruise?

Book it if you want a small-group sea outing that mixes wildlife, dramatic cliffs, swimming, and a simple meal. The strongest reasons are the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins in open water, the close views of Los Gigantes, and the warm captain-led style associated with Antonio.

I would choose this over a large party boat if calm surroundings and respectful wildlife viewing matter to you. I would also choose it for a special occasion, since the sunset option, island views, and small group can make the outing feel personal.

Think twice if you need a guaranteed sighting, a long snorkeling session, or a substantial hot lunch. The sea decides what appears, and the water stop may be shorter than expected. For most people who want a well-rounded three hours on the coast, though, the combination of animals, cliffs, snacks, and a swim offers solid value at $74.

FAQ

How long does the Los Gigantes whale and dolphin cruise last?

The cruise lasts three hours, including wildlife watching, the coastal ride, the swim or snorkeling stop, food, and the return to Los Gigantes.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter in Los Gigantes. The activity finishes back at the same meeting point.

What marine life might I see?

The cruise looks for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. You might also see loggerhead turtles, tuna, fish, and seasonal fin or sperm whales. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the cruise available at sunset?

Yes. A sunset tour option is available, allowing you to watch for whales and dolphins in evening light.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and safety equipment are included.

How long is the swimming stop?

The planned stop at the cove beneath the cliffs is about 30 minutes. The actual time in the water can vary, and some trips had less swimming time because of the return schedule.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes appetizers, fresh fruit, drinks, and lunch. The food is best understood as a cold tapas-style selection, with examples including meats, breadsticks, olives, and fruit skewers.

Are drinks with alcohol allowed?

Outside alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the activity. Beer may be provided with the included drinks, according to the supplied trip information.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guiding is available in Spanish and English.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.