Pilot whales are hard to forget. This 3-hour sailing trip from Los Gigantes mixes wildlife watching in the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve with serious views of the Cliffs of the Giants (up to 600 meters high). I like that it’s built for real marine-life spotting, not just a quick pass-by, and the vibe stays calm thanks to the small-group setup.

I also love the payoff after the sightings: you anchor in a natural cove with clear water for swimming or snorkeling, using the gear provided. One thing to plan for is that the water time can feel short for people who want a long session in the waves, especially kids.

Quick hits: what makes this sail worth your time

• Small shared groups (up to 9 guests) keep the boat from feeling like a floating zoo
• A 14-meter sailboat (El Mojo Picón) means you get comfort and space without feeling lost in a crowd
• Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve is the main reason people come here for whales, dolphins, and turtles
• Cliffs of the Giants photo stop lets you see the scale of Los Gigantes from the water
• Snorkeling gear included so you can jump in without extra stops
• Onboard food and drinks include appetizers and local-style snacks, plus fruit

Los Gigantes to the Marine Reserve: why this route works

You’re sailing right along Tenerife’s dramatic west coast, from the port area at Los Gigantes. That matters because Los Gigantes is famous for its near-vertical cliff walls dropping straight into the Atlantic, and those cliffs help shape the marine environment nearby. The tour is timed to spend time within the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve area, where cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and other sea life are commonly spotted.

Here’s the key point for your expectations: whale and dolphin watching is not a zoo guaranteed schedule. The value is that the crew looks actively for sightings while you’re already on the right coast and in a protected marine zone. When you get lucky, the boats can get close enough for photos that actually look like you were there in real life, not through a screen.

Step aboard the El Mojo Picón: comfort for a small crew

This tour runs on a 14-meter sailboat, the El Mojo Picón, and the shared version caps the group at 9 guests. That small number is what makes the whole experience feel more relaxed. You’re not constantly climbing over people for a better view, and you can shift where you’re sitting without it turning into a group-management problem.

A couple practical details that show up in the experience:

• The boat is set up for people to enjoy the ride, not just stand in one spot.
• The crew keeps the mood easy. Captains like Antonio (often mentioned in the reviews) come across as calm professionals who explain what you’re seeing and why you’re heading to certain areas.
• The tour is multilingual, with guidance offered in Spanish, English, and French, which helps a lot when you’re trying to actually understand the wildlife activity around you.

If you’re the type who hates cramped tours, this is a big reason to consider this one over larger excursions.

How whale and dolphin spotting is handled (and why it matters)

The tour’s central promise is simple: see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, plus the chance of sea turtles. The best part is how the experience is run when wildlife shows up. People consistently highlight that the captain operates with respect for the animals—slowing down and keeping distance when approaching, so you’re not blasting through their space.

In the real-world version of this trip, you might see dolphins swimming alongside you and get chances to film or photograph while you’re close enough for the moment to feel personal. Reviews also mention pilot whales being spotted and, at times, coming very near the boat (with engines cut well before the approach). There are also reports of turtles and lots of fish activity around snorkeling time.

A fair way to frame it: you’re buying time on the water with a crew that knows where to look, and the odds improve when conditions line up and the marine life is actively feeding or moving through the reserve.

Cliffs of the Giants: the 600-meter show from the deck

Los Gigantes looks wild from land, but it hits differently from the water. One of the best moments is the time anchored or positioned to take in the cliffs—famous for their height (up to 600 meters) and sheer rock faces. This is the part where you’ll want your camera ready because the scale is hard to judge until you’re looking at it from sea level.

What makes this stop worth it on a sailing tour is timing and viewpoint. You’re not just seeing a shoreline photo. You’re seeing the cliffs like a wall—flat in places, towering in others—while the boat drifts or sails under it. You also get photo angles you can’t get from roads or viewpoints.

And yes, this is also when you get a break: apps, fruit, and drinks are served while you enjoy the view, so it doesn’t feel like you’re racing from one moment to the next.

The swim and snorkel cove: clear water and real fish

After the wildlife time and the cliffs views, the tour anchors in a secluded natural cove for swimming or snorkeling in clear water. The snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t have to worry about renting or scrambling for equipment at the last second.

What you can realistically expect:

• You’ll get a chance to swim and/or snorkel right near where the boat is anchored.
• You’re likely to see lots of fish close to the surface, especially around the cove edges.
• Some trips also include notable sea life like turtles, depending on what’s around that day.

One consideration I’d keep in mind: the swim window can feel limited. Some families note that water time was short compared with what kids might want. If that’s your priority, go in with the mindset that snorkeling here is a highlight segment, not a full beach day.

Also, bring a towel. You’ll be glad you did once you’re back onboard and drying off.

Appetizers, fruit, and the onboard lunch that actually helps

On many boat tours, food is an afterthought. Here, the snack and meal portion is clearly part of the experience. Expect appetizers and drinks served during the trip, plus fruit. A light lunch is also included.

From real examples of what people ate, you might find tapas-style bites like tortilla and local cheese, along with cold snacks and meats paired with drinks. Reviews mention beer and wine as part of the included drink service on some sails, so it’s worth treating this as a proper onboard break rather than a token cracker moment.

For your enjoyment, this matters because it keeps the trip from becoming an all-purpose wait. Between wildlife spotting, the cliff-view time, and the swim stop, food and drinks give you a real reset.

Timing, seasickness, and what to pack

This is a sailing tour, so you’ll feel the ocean. Most people find the sail relaxing, but motion happens. If you’re someone who gets queasy, consider taking travel sickness medicine ahead of time (it’s directly recommended by some guests). You’ll also want to dress for changing conditions: bring a jacket, even in warmer months, because time on open water can cool you down.

Here’s a simple packing list based on what the tour asks for:

• Towel
• Camera
• Jacket

And for comfort:

• Wear swim-ready clothing under layers so you can jump into the water stop quickly.
• If you’re bringing phones or cameras, keep them handy for the dolphin and whale moments, then plan to re-secure them before the boat moves again.

You’ll meet at MPC Yacht Charter with your confirmation voucher. Getting there a little early helps you get oriented fast, especially if you’re looking for the right boat on the dock.

Who this trip is perfect for (and who should think twice)

This tour is best for people who want:

• A small-group feel on the water
• Real time looking for wildlife
• A mix of sea life plus swimming/snorkeling
• Gorgeous scenery under and around Los Gigantes

It also suits families better than many big-boat trips because the group size is small and the sailboat setup makes it easier to spread out.

Two categories to be cautious about:

• The activity is marked as not suitable for people with heart problems.
• It’s also labeled with constraints around mobility impairments, despite the listing mentioning wheelchair accessibility. If mobility is a concern, I’d check directly with the operator before booking so you’re not surprised by how boarding and movement work on the day.

Finally, if you’re hoping for guaranteed whales every single time, keep expectations flexible. You’re out on the water in the reserve, and the crew’s job is to increase your odds. That’s the whole bargain.

Should you book MPC Yacht Charter’s 3-hour whale and dolphin sail from Los Gigantes?

If you want a Tenerife marine experience that feels personal, this is a strong pick. The small-group format, the respectable approach to wildlife, and the combination of cliffs plus a real swim stop make it feel like more than a one-note tour.

I’d book this if:

• You care about seeing whales/dolphins and want time on the water with a crew that actively searches
• You want clear-water snorkeling with gear included
• You prefer a quieter boat day over crowded excursions

I’d think twice if:

• You’re extremely focused on long swimming time, since the cove stop can be brief
• You have health concerns that make open-water activity risky

If those two points fit your situation, you’ll likely love the mix of sea life, dramatic cliffs, and the relaxed onboard rhythm.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin watching sailing tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at MPC Yacht Charter. Bring your confirmation voucher.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and you can swim or snorkel in a natural cove with clear waters.

What animals might I see?

The experience is designed for whale and dolphin watching, with the chance to spot sea turtles and other fish and wildlife.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, a camera, and a jacket.

Are there private or shared options?

Yes. You can choose shared excursions with a maximum of 9 guests, or a private charter for up to 10 people.