Los Gigantes: Whales and Dolphin Watching Cruise with Lunch

The best part of this three-hour cruise is the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins close to Los Gigantes, then swim beneath the enormous cliffs that give the town its name. This is not just a wildlife search. It combines open-water sailing, coastal views, a short snorkel stop, and food on board.

I like the small-group feel, especially when Antonio or Tony is at the helm. I also like the respectful approach to wildlife, with the boat keeping a sensible distance while still allowing excellent views. The main drawback is that sightings are never guaranteed, and the swim can be brief when the schedule is tight.

Key points

• Pilot whales are the main wildlife draw: Bottlenose dolphins, turtles, tuna, and seasonal whale species may also appear.
• The 600-meter cliffs provide the visual highlight: You get some of the best views from the water, with Teno, La Gomera, and Teide Volcano also visible along the way.
• The swim stop is beneath Los Gigantes: You have about 30 minutes scheduled at a cove, though the actual time in the water may be shorter.
• Lunch is cold tapas, not a full hot meal: Expect meats, breadsticks, olives, fruit, drinks, and similar light fare.
• Small groups make a real difference: Boats carrying roughly six to nine people can feel far calmer than a large excursion vessel.
• The $74 price covers more than whale watching: Snorkeling equipment, food, drinks, safety gear, and the cruise are included.

Leaving Los Gigantes with a Small Boat Feel

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter near the port of Los Gigantes and return to the same point. The meeting instructions are worth reading carefully. There may not be a prominent street-level office, so look for the boat and the company name on the boom at the pier.

The cruise lasts three hours, which is long enough to reach the wildlife area, spend time along the cliffs, stop for swimming, and return without turning the day into a full-day commitment. You can choose a shared cruise, a private outing, or a small-group departure depending on availability.

The small boat is one of this experience’s strongest features. Reports from the water describe groups of around six to nine people, with enough room to sit, relax, and move about comfortably. That size also helps the trip feel less hurried. You are not being moved through a fixed program with dozens of other people.

Captain Antonio, also called Tony, receives repeated praise for his friendly manner, sailing ability, and local knowledge of the coast and sea. He may explain the wildlife, point out beaches, and share stories about the area. On some departures, he has even allowed passengers to take a turn at the helm, though that should never be assumed as part of the standard program.

Searching for Pilot Whales and Dolphins

Once you leave the harbor, the boat begins looking for marine life in the waters around Los Gigantes. Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are the most likely targets. The area is also home to loggerhead sea turtles, tuna, and many kinds of fish.

Depending on the season and conditions, you might also see fin whales or sperm whales. A few departures have produced especially varied sightings, including manta rays and a hammerhead shark, but those are possibilities rather than promises.

That distinction matters. This is a wildlife trip, not a staged animal show. You may see whales and dolphins within minutes, or spend more time searching. One outing produced several pilot whales and dolphins, while another saw pilot whales but no dolphins. Both can still be worthwhile because the animals are being observed in their natural environment.

The boat’s smaller size is useful here. You can move from one side to the other for a better view, and the captain can explain what you are seeing. The best moments may be brief: a dorsal fin, a whale surfacing near the boat, or dolphins staying alongside for several minutes. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire trip looking through a screen.

The crew aims to keep a respectful distance from the animals. That is good for the wildlife and usually makes the encounter feel more genuine. You may not get the closest possible photograph, but you are less likely to feel that the boat is chasing the animals.

Views of Teide, Teno, and La Gomera

The trip is not limited to the sea directly in front of the boat. From the water, you can look back toward Tenerife’s dramatic coast and see the rural park of Teno, the island of La Gomera, and, on clear days, Teide Volcano.

These views give the cruise a wider sense of place. Los Gigantes is famous for its cliffs, but the boat also shows you how the western end of Tenerife sits among volcanic peaks, dry coastal slopes, and nearby islands.

The return along the cliffs is especially impressive. Los Gigantes rises roughly 600 meters above the water in sheer, dark walls. From land, you see only part of their scale. From a boat at the base, you can look almost straight upward and understand why the cliffs dominate this coast.

You will want a camera, but bring a jacket too. The boat can feel breezy when moving, even if the port is warm. A towel is useful for the swim stop, and a phone or camera should be protected from spray.

Swimming Beneath the Cliffs

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward a natural cove at the base of Los Gigantes. The planned stop lasts about 30 minutes and is the point when you can swim or snorkel in clear water.

The setting is the real attraction. You are floating beneath towering rock walls rather than beside an ordinary hotel beach. The water can also offer a look at colorful fish, crabs, and other small sea life.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask or fins. Still, bring a towel and be ready for the possibility that water time will be shorter than expected. Several departures allowed only around 10 minutes of swimming because the boat needed to return on schedule. If swimming is your main reason for booking, ask how much water time is planned before you commit.

The stop is optional in practical terms. You should be comfortable entering the sea and climbing back aboard. The experience is not a good fit for people with mobility limitations or heart problems. The information for this activity also describes it as wheelchair accessible, but it separately says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. That is an important contradiction. Contact the operator before booking if you need accessible boarding or water access.

What Lunch Really Means on This Cruise

The included lunch is best understood as a cold tapas-style spread, not a large restaurant meal. Expect light items such as sliced meats, breadsticks, olives, fruit skewers, and other simple snacks. Drinks include water, soft drinks, and, according to the supplied details, beer on some trips.

I like this format for a boat outing. After swimming, a cold plate of food is easy to eat, and it does not require the crew to manage a hot meal in a moving vessel. Fresh fruit adds a welcome change from salty snacks.

You should adjust your expectations if you are booking mainly for lunch. The food is enough to refresh you after the water stop, but it is not a full feast. People who need a substantial meal should eat beforehand or bring a suitable snack if the operator allows it.

The food is often served while the boat is traveling back beneath the cliffs. That makes the final part of the cruise relaxed rather than rushed. You can sit with a drink, watch the coast pass by, and review your photographs.

The Sunset Option and the Best Time to Go

A sunset departure is available when the schedule permits. It adds warmer light to the cliffs and can make the return journey especially scenic. It may also suit you if you want the boat ride to fit around a morning spent sightseeing inland.

The standard outing is already three hours, so check the start time carefully. Availability and departure times vary. A sunset trip may affect how much daylight you have for the swim stop, so ask if swimming is important to you.

Morning, afternoon, and sunset departures each have a different feel, but the most important factor is sea conditions and wildlife activity on the day. No departure guarantees a particular animal. Choose sunset for the atmosphere and photography, not because it promises better sightings.

Is $74 Good Value?

At $74 per person, this cruise offers solid value if you want several activities in one outing. The price includes the boat trip, wildlife search, snorkeling equipment, appetizers, fruit, drinks, lunch, and safety equipment.

Comparable value depends on what you would otherwise book separately. A wildlife cruise alone gives you the search for whales and dolphins. Here, you also get the Los Gigantes cliff ride and a water stop. The small-group setting adds more value if you dislike crowded boats or want direct conversation with the captain.

Private bookings will cost more than the shared option, although the supplied price is listed per person for the experience overall. If you are comparing departures, confirm whether the displayed rate applies to the shared cruise or your selected private group.

The price is less attractive if you are only interested in snorkeling. Water time may be limited, and the main purpose is wildlife watching. It is also not ideal if you need a large, stable excursion boat or a full hot lunch.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

I would choose this trip for couples, families with older children, and small groups who want a calm coastal outing rather than a crowded party boat. The three-hour length works well when you have other plans in Tenerife.

It also suits anyone who cares about responsible wildlife viewing. The captain’s approach is to keep a reasonable distance, and the boat can spend time watching animals without a large fleet pressing in around them.

Families should note that the experience is not designed as a long swimming session. One family enjoyed the outing with children of different ages, but a child expecting lots of time in the water may be disappointed. The boat ride, wildlife, cliffs, and food are the main event.

If you are prone to seasickness, take the possibility seriously. Some people became ill during the cruise, even though others described the ride as smooth. Medication taken before departure may help, but you should follow medical advice and bring only what is suitable for you.

The tour is offered in Spanish and English. Antonio or Tony may guide the group alone, so the amount of commentary can depend on the day and the group. The tone is friendly and informal rather than a formal lecture.

Practical Details Before You Book

Meet at MPC Yacht Charter with your confirmation voucher and arrive early enough to find the correct boat. Since the meeting point is by the pier, do not assume there will be a large office sign waiting at street level.

Bring:

• A towel
• A camera or phone
• A light jacket
• Suitable swimwear
• Sun protection

Alcohol and drugs, fireworks, and explosive substances are not allowed. The experience ends back at the starting point in Los Gigantes.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Tenerife plans depend on weather or changing availability.

Should You Book the Los Gigantes Cruise?

Book this cruise if you want a small-group wildlife outing with scenery, swimming, and food included. The strongest reasons are the chance to see pilot whales close to Tenerife, the calm boat atmosphere, and the return beneath the 600-meter cliffs.

I would not book it if your top priority is a guaranteed dolphin sighting, a long snorkeling session, or a substantial hot lunch. Nature controls the wildlife portion, and the swim stop can be shortened.

For most people, the $74 cost is fair because it covers a full three-hour outing rather than a quick boat ride. Bring a jacket, protect your camera, allow for seasickness, and treat the wildlife as a gift rather than a scheduled performance. That mindset will give you the best chance of enjoying this very scenic piece of Tenerife.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes whale and dolphin cruise?

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

What animals might I see?

The main species are pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. You might also see loggerhead sea turtles, tuna, fish, manta rays, or seasonal fin and sperm whales. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and safety equipment are included in the price.

Is lunch a full hot meal?

No. Lunch is a cold tapas-style selection that can include meats, breadsticks, olives, fruit, and drinks. It is designed as a light meal after swimming rather than a large restaurant lunch.

Where does the activity start and finish?

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter near the port of Los Gigantes with your confirmation voucher. The cruise finishes back at the same meeting point.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.