Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Sailboat & Swim Tour

Summary

Sailing los gigantes cliffs dolphins whales swim cove drinks included

You’ll sail beneath Tenerife’s Los Gigantes cliffs, watch for dolphins and pilot whales with a local guide, then stop to swim or snorkel in a peaceful cove. Drinks flow freely—cava, wine, beer—and lunch is fresh sandwiches plus fruit. It’s relaxed, sometimes funny, sometimes quietly beautiful. You might leave thinking about that wild blue water for days.

What’s the experience like?

I’d seen photos of the Los Gigantes cliffs before, but seeing them from the water just hit different. The boat left from the marina with this low hum and a bit of chatter — I was honestly nervous about getting seasick (I didn’t, thank god). Our guide, Pedro, was already cracking jokes about how everyone always wants to see dolphins but “the pilot whales are the real locals.” He had this way of pointing out tiny things — like the color shift in the rocks or why some birds circle overhead — that made me pay attention to stuff I would’ve missed.

The Atlantic felt cooler than I expected when we stopped in this little cove for a swim. There was a salty tang in the air, mixed with sunscreen and cut fruit (which they just kept passing around). Someone spotted a turtle bobbing up near the surface; Pedro said it’s luck if you see one. We did catch sight of dolphins too — not jumping through hoops or anything, just moving together off to our left. That part felt kind of quiet and special, even though there were people talking on deck. I tried snorkeling but mostly floated and watched sunlight flicker under the water.

Lunch was simple sandwiches — they asked ahead if anyone needed vegan or gluten-free stuff, which I appreciated because my partner is picky. There was cava and wine too (I stuck with beer since it was hot), and honestly nothing tasted fancy but everything tasted right after swimming. At one point someone tried to say “Los Gigantes” with a German accent and half the boat cracked up. The cliffs looked taller on the way back, maybe because we’d been out there for hours by then. I still think about how calm it felt out on that boat — not something you get every day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail and explore Los Gigantes cliffs

• Sail around Los Gigantes cliffs
• Look for dolphins, whales, turtles
• Stop to swim and snorkel
• Enjoy drinks and fresh fruit

Top questions

Is food included on the Los Gigantes whale watching tour?

Yes, freshly cut fruit and custom-made sandwiches are included, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.

Are drinks provided during the sailboat tour?

Yes, complimentary drinks such as cava, white & red wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water are included.

Can children join the whale watching charter?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams/strollers and specialized infant seats are allowed.

Will we have time to swim or snorkel?

Yes, there’s a stop at a small cove along Tenerife’s coast for swimming and snorkeling.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

Is this suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour allows strollers/prams but is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Which days is the German-speaking guide unavailable?

The German guide is not available on Sundays and Mondays.

What type of boat is used for this whale watching trip?

A 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser sailboat from 2012 is used for this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing aboard a comfortable Bavaria Cruiser sailboat along Los Gigantes’ coastline with sunbeds at the bow; all drinks—cava, wine (white & red), beer, soft drinks—and bottled water; freshly cut fruit; custom-made sandwiches tailored to dietary needs; plus time to swim or snorkel in a quiet cove before heading back to port.