From Los Gigantes: Whale Watching Sailboat Cruise

The best part of this Los Gigantes cruise is its small scale. A 46-foot sailboat carrying no more than nine passengers gives you room to move, quiet time on the water, and a much better chance to hear the crew explain the animals instead of competing with a crowd. Pilot whales and dolphins are the main prize, but the cliffs and Teide views make the outing worthwhile even when wildlife keeps its distance.

I like the respectful approach to cetaceans, with the crew cutting engines when animals are spotted and keeping a careful distance. I also like the homemade tapas after the swim, especially since the food includes vegetarian choices. The main consideration is seasickness: this is a real sailing trip, and one visitor found the motion difficult. Wildlife is wild, too, so sightings can never be promised.

What makes this cruise worth your time

• A nine-passenger maximum: You get a calmer boat, easier wildlife viewing, and more personal contact with the crew.
• Pilot whales near Los Gigantes: Resident and migratory marine species may include pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles.
• A conservation-first operator: Picarus Sailing Club carries the Blue Boat Flag and follows Tenerife’s sustainability rules for whale watching.
• Swimming beneath the cliffs: The short snorkeling stop adds a hands-on finish to the wildlife cruise.
• Homemade tapas on board: Snacks, drinks, and vegetarian food turn the return sail into part of the experience.
• A real sailboat setting: Aemon or Ayla offers open views of Los Gigantes and Mount Teide from the sea.

Sailing out from Los Gigantes on Aemon or Ayla

Your meeting point is Picarus Sailing Club, where you look for the boat named Aemon or Ayla. The vessel is a 46-foot, 14-meter sailboat, and the group limit is nine passengers. That limit matters. You are not packed into rows of seats, and it is easier to shift around safely when a whale or dolphin appears off one side.

The boat carries life vests and snorkel masks. Bring your own towel, swimwear, sunglasses, sun hat, and biodegradable sunscreen with protection of 50 or higher. A snorkel mask is supplied, but the tube is not included, so check your equipment before leaving the harbor.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, and French. The exact guide may vary, but the team has included Sara, Felix, Jakob, Miguel, and Nettie. Expect the guide to talk about marine animals, the island, and the reason for keeping a respectful distance from whales and dolphins.

This is not a loud party boat. The atmosphere is better suited to people who want to listen to the sea, watch for fins, and ask questions. One particularly appealing detail is the lack of music noted on a quiet morning cruise. That makes it easier to hear the crew and notice the small sounds around you.

The first 90 minutes: looking for whales and dolphins

The wildlife portion takes about an hour and a half, usually in the waters around Los Gigantes. Pilot whales are the most consistently mentioned sighting, though dolphins and turtles have also appeared. You may see a family group of whales, dolphins playing near the hull, or nothing more dramatic than a distant fin.

That uncertainty is worth accepting before you book. This is a responsible wildlife outing, not a staged animal show. The crew cannot order whales to surface or guarantee a close approach. Some departures have seen several pilot whales and playful dolphins, while another saw dolphins but no whales. The quality of the trip depends partly on nature and partly on your expectations.

Picarus Sailing Club’s conservation position is clear. The company belongs to the Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching from Turismo de Tenerife, works with the South Tenerife Cetaceans Association, and carries the Blue Boat Flag from the Government of the Canary Islands. In practical terms, that means the crew aims to watch without chasing or crowding the animals.

The crew also explains what you are seeing and why the boat behaves in a certain way. When whales are spotted, the captain may cut the engine, giving you a quieter view and reducing disturbance. That can mean less action than on an aggressive sighting trip, but it is the right trade for anyone who cares about the animals.

Keep your phone or camera ready, but do not spend the entire session staring at a screen. Wildlife sightings can be brief. Watch the water in front of you, listen for instructions, and let the guide point out movement that you might miss.

Los Gigantes from the sea

The cliffs are one of the cruise’s strongest features, even when the marine life is quiet. From the boat, you see the scale of the rock walls in a way that is hard to grasp from shore. You also get an open-water view toward Teide, Tenerife’s great volcanic peak.

The hour of sailing after the wildlife search gives the trip room to breathe. You are not simply being transported from one activity to another. You can sit back, take photographs, and ask about the island’s past, walking routes, and natural setting.

That slower pace is a good match for couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a peaceful half-day on the water. It may feel too gentle if you want constant speed, loud entertainment, or a tightly packed schedule.

A smaller boat also changes the view. On a large vessel, you may need to push toward a rail when something appears. Here, the group is small enough that the crew can help everyone find a useful position. The boat is described as comfortable with good space for eight or nine people, though space is still more limited than on a large catamaran.

A 15-minute swim beneath the cliffs

After wildlife viewing and sailing, the boat stops for about 15 minutes of swimming and snorkeling. The setting beneath the cliffs is the point: you get to look back at Los Gigantes from the water, rather than simply admiring it from the deck.

The snorkeling stop is brief, so think of it as a refreshing swim rather than a full reef excursion. Masks are provided, but you need your own snorkel tube. You also need swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable high-protection sunscreen.

This part is weather and sea-condition dependent in the ordinary sense that an outdoor water activity can be. The supplied details do not promise a particular bay, fish species, or underwater visibility, so do not book it for a specific snorkeling target. Book it for the chance to swim in a striking coastal setting after watching marine life.

If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously. One person found the motion difficult even though the crew was helpful. Staying on deck, watching the horizon, and preparing with whatever personal remedy you normally use may help, but the information provided does not include a specific seasickness service or guarantee.

Tapas, drinks, and a slower return

The homemade tapas arrive after the swim, with drinks and food served on board. This is a useful touch. You can climb back aboard, dry off, and settle into the return sail with something to eat instead of ending the trip as soon as the swimming stops.

Food has been praised for its quality, and vegetarian options are available. The exact menu is not specified, so do not expect a named dish list when you book. Think of it as a fresh snack spread rather than a full restaurant meal.

The timing is compact: about 15 minutes for the meal, within a total experience of three to four hours. One sensible criticism is that an extra hour would make the day feel less rushed. If you want a long lunch, extended swimming, or several hours under sail, this is not that kind of charter.

Still, the food helps the three-hour version feel complete. You get wildlife viewing, coastal scenery, a swim, and a meal without giving up an entire day. At $88 per person, that combination is fair, particularly for a nine-passenger boat with a conservation-minded crew.

Is $88 a good value?

I would judge the price by the boat size and the quality of the time on the water, not by the chance of seeing a whale. At $88, you are paying for a small-group sailing experience with a guide, safety gear, snorkeling equipment, wildlife interpretation, swimming time, tapas, and drinks.

The value is strongest if you care about comfort and personal attention. A maximum of nine passengers gives you far more space than a mass-market outing, and the crew can answer questions in Spanish, English, or French. The Blue Boat Flag and conservation work also matter if you want an operator that treats whale watching as an observation activity rather than a chase.

The price is less compelling if your only goal is to tick off a whale sighting. No responsible operator can guarantee one, and the total trip can be closer to three hours than four. You are paying for a complete coastal experience, not a guaranteed animal encounter.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before planning another fixed activity on the same day.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would choose this cruise if you want:

• A quiet, small-group boat rather than a crowded excursion
• A respectful approach to whales and dolphins
• A guide who explains both marine life and Tenerife
• A chance to see Los Gigantes and Teide from the water
• A short swim and snorkel stop
• Food on board, including vegetarian choices
• A three to four-hour activity that leaves most of the day free

It is also a good choice for people who like to ask questions. The crew invites curiosity, and the educational side is a real part of the outing rather than a quick safety speech.

You may want another type of boat trip if you dislike open-water motion, need guaranteed wildlife sightings, want a long snorkeling session, or prefer a high-energy party atmosphere. The boat is comfortable, but it is still a sailboat, and the sea can affect sensitive passengers.

Practical details before you book

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel. Pack sunglasses and a hat, but secure them well in the wind. Use biodegradable sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher, and apply it before boarding if possible.

Life vests are available, and snorkel masks are included. The snorkel tube is not included. The meeting point is Picarus Sailing Club, and you should look for Aemon or Ayla.

The tour lasts three to four hours and can be booked as a private or small-group experience. The maximum shared group size is nine passengers. The crew languages are Spanish, English, and French.

Wildlife sightings vary. Pilot whales are a common target, while dolphins and turtles are also possible. A good day may bring close, curious animals, but the crew’s respectful behavior means you should not expect them to pursue wildlife for a better photograph.

Should you book this Los Gigantes cruise?

Yes, if you want the most personal version of a whale-watching trip from Los Gigantes. The small boat, careful wildlife rules, strong guiding, cliff views, short swim, and tapas make $88 a reasonable price for a half-day on the water.

Book with realistic expectations. You might see pilot whales close to the boat, or dolphins racing alongside it. You might instead spend more time admiring the cliffs and Teide. If you can accept that uncertainty and are prepared for possible seasickness, this is a thoughtful, well-rounded choice.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts and ends at Picarus Sailing Club in Los Gigantes.

Which boat should I look for?

Look for the sailboat named Aemon or Ayla.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately three to four hours.

How many people can join the shared cruise?

The shared sailboat carries a maximum of nine passengers.

What languages does the crew speak?

The live guide service is available in Spanish, English, and French.

What marine animals might I see?

Possible sightings include resident and migratory marine species, especially pilot whales and dolphins. Turtles have also been seen.

Is whale watching guaranteed?

No. Marine animals are wild, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The cruise includes about 15 minutes of swimming and snorkeling near the cliffs.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkel masks and safety gear are provided. A snorkel tube is not included.

What food is served?

Homemade tapas and drinks are served on board. Vegetarian food is available, but the exact menu is not specified.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen with protection of 50 or higher.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.