Whale watching Los Gigantes | Sail beneath the cliffs & follow the whales
Imagine leaving the tiny marina of Los Gigantes, the cliffs rising 500–600m beside you like a stone wall, and within minutes you’re in deep Atlantic water where whales and dolphins move through a protected marine corridor.
That’s what whale watching Los Gigantes feels like: close, dramatic, and surprisingly calm. You’re not in a big city harbor. You’re on Tenerife’s wild west coast, where sailboats and small catamarans slip out between the rocks and head straight into the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, home to resident short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins all year round.
Why choose Los Gigantes for whale watching?
You’re instantly in deep water
The seabed drops off very quickly here, so you reach whale habitat just a short ride from the harbor. That means more time watching, less time commuting.
The cliffs are your backdrop the whole time
Those basalt walls are not just a pretty view; they create a feeling of being in a natural amphitheater, with whales, dolphins, and sometimes turtles surfacing against the rock face.
Small boats, more intimate tours
Most whale watching Tenerife Los Gigantes departures use sailboats or mid-size boats, not huge party cruisers. You’re closer to the water, you hear the blows more clearly, and it feels quieter and more personal.
Great odds of sightings
Tenerife has resident populations of bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales, with very high success rates (you can go out on around 8 of 10 days and almost always see something).
Perfect if you’re staying in the west
If your base is around Los Gigantes, Santiago del Teide, or Masca, it’s far easier to sail from here than heading down to Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos.
What to expect on a whale watching Los Gigantes cruise
Shared cruises (2–3 hours)Great for most travelers: families, couples, first-timers.Enough time to reach the whale and dolphin area, spend a while observing, and still enjoy a swim or snorkel stop.Works well if guests are planning a half-day around Los Gigantes and want to combine it with lunch in town or a drive up to Masca.
Private cruises (3, 6, or 8 hours)**3-hour private: Similar to the shared sailboat in length but with the boat to yourself. Ideal for small groups or celebrations that still want a short outing.6-hour private: Slower pace, longer time with the animals, plus room to explore hidden coves and do more than one swim stop.8-hour private:** Full-day charter. Guests can combine whale watching, swimming, sunbathing, and coastline cruising under the cliffs in one long, lazy day at sea.
You’re heading straight into a protected marine zone, so wildlife is the main character here. Typically, guests can expect:
Resident short-finned pilot whales
Often seen resting near the surface in small family groups.
You’ll see them “logging” (floating like dark logs) or slowly cruising, sometimes with calves alongside adults.
Because they live here year-round, sightings are very consistent across seasons.
Bottlenose and common dolphins
Frequently appear around the bow or surf the wake of the boat.
Quick, playful, and often the ones that make people gasp because they come so close to the hull.
On calm days, guests can watch them weave through the water just beneath the surface.
Seasonal visitors
Depending on the month, there’s a chance of larger migratory whales passing through the Canary currents.
Birds like shearwaters and gulls often circle the area, hinting where bait fish and dolphins might be.
The “wow” moments aren’t just the animals; the coastline under Los Gigantes does a lot of heavy lifting too.
Cliffs of Los Gigantes as a backdrop
Sheer walls rising up to 500–600 meters shadow the water beside you.
As the boat turns back toward the marina, guests get wide-angle views of the entire rock face from the sea.
The contrast of dark volcanic rock, white boats, and deep blue water makes this one of the most dramatic whale watching settings in Tenerife.
Swim and snorkel stops
Most cruises anchor in a sheltered cove, often near the cliffs or around a bay shielded from swell.
Guests can jump in, float on the surface, or snorkel in clear water while the crew serves snacks or tapas, depending on the product.
For nervous swimmers, it’s still a photo moment: people can stay on deck, sunbathe, and enjoy the cliffs in silence.
Views of the wider west coast
On clear days, you get sightlines back to the Teno headland and sometimes all the way toward La Gomera on the horizon.
Sun angle changes the feel: mornings are softer and pastel; late afternoons give stronger contrast on the cliffs.
Los Gigantes sits on the west coast of Tenerife, so the logistics are a little different from the big south resorts, but still easy:
From Costa Adeje & Las Américas
By bus: Lines 473 or 477 run from the Costa Adeje area toward Los Gigantes, taking roughly 55–65 minutes depending on the route.
By car or taxi: It’s about 25–30 minutes’ drive (roughly 29km) along the west-coast road, with sea views almost the whole way.
Finding the marina The whale watching boats leave from the compact Los Gigantes Marina, tucked directly below the cliffs. There’s limited parking nearby, so if you’re driving, reaching 30–40 minutes before departure is a good idea.
One of the big perks of Tenerife whale watching is that you can go any month of the year. The island has resident pilot whales and dolphins, and boats report sightings on the vast majority of outings.
If you’re planning around seasons:
Year-round – Great for pilot whales and dolphins, especially around the Teno-Rasca sanctuary between Los Gigantes and the south coast.
November–April – Better odds of spotting larger migratory whales like fin, sperm, or humpback whales passing through the Canary Islands.
Time of day – Morning departures usually mean calmer seas and softer light on the cliffs; afternoons can be warmer and a bit windier, but still good for most people.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’re almost guaranteed resident short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Depending on the season, you may also spot common dolphins, turtles, and occasionally larger migratory whales like fin or sperm whales.
Shared sailboat or catamaran tours are usually 2–3 hours, with time for wildlife watching plus a swim stop under the cliffs. Private charters from Los Gigantes can run 3, 6, or 8 hours depending on the cruise you book.
It’s not “better” so much as different. Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje have more departures and bigger boats. Los Gigantes is quieter, closer to the cliffs, and ideal if you want smaller groups, dramatic scenery, and an easy link with Masca and the west-coast villages.
Yes. The shorter 2–3 hour trips are ideal for families. Just remind guests to bring sun protection, a light jacket (it can feel cooler on the water), and any motion sickness tablets if they’re sensitive to waves.
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Small-group eco-sailing cruise & spot whales and dolphins with a quiet, low-impact ride.
Starting point: Puerto de Los Gigantes harbor on Tenerife’s west coast
Everything you get: A 3-hour eco-sailing cruise from Los Gigantes for up to 11 guests, expert multilingual crew, guided whale and dolphin watching, drinks and snacks, plus a swim and snorkel stop with gear.
Sights covered: Los Gigantes cliffs, the Teno-Rasca marine reserve, open Atlantic waters where pilot whales and dolphins thrive, and rocky bays with clear water perfect for a short swim or snorkel.
Why choose this: Sail on wind power in a small group from scenic Los Gigantes, giving you calmer, quieter whale watching with less engine noise and more intimate wildlife moments.
Inclusions
#
3-hour cruise on an eco sailboat from Los Gigantes
Small-group experience with a maximum of 11 passengers
Live commentary about the Teno-Rasca marine protected area
Whale and dolphin watching along Tenerife’s south coast
Swim and snorkeling stop at a suitable bay or cove
Life vests and basic safety equipment for all passengers
Exclusions
#
Souvenir photos (available for purchase)
Hotel transfers
Tips and personal expenses
Meals beyond the included snacks and drinks
What to bring
Pack a swimsuit, towel, and reef-safe sunscreen if you plan to swim or snorkel.
A light jacket or windbreaker is useful, as it can feel cooler at sea.
If you use motion sickness medication, take it before boarding as advised by your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessibility
This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
You need to be able to step on and off the sailboat and move around the deck with basic stability.
What’s not allowed
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Large suitcases and oversized luggage are not allowed on board.
Glass bottles and outside alcohol are not permitted for safety reasons.
Additional information
The cruise operates with a maximum of 11 passengers per sailboat to keep the experience relaxed and personal.
Arrive at the Los Gigantes harbor at least 15 minutes before departure for check-in and briefing.
Swim and snorkel time is included, but participation is optional and at your own risk. Always follow crew instructions.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times while on board and in the water.
Life vests are available for all guests, and the crew will guide you on how and when to use them.
Whale and dolphin sightings are very common in this area but can never be fully guaranteed, as they are wild animals in open water.
Tours may be rescheduled or canceled if sea conditions or technical issues make sailing unsafe.
The route runs through the protected Teno-Rasca strip, so the crew follows local guidelines for respectful, low-impact wildlife watching at all times.
The friendly crew is on hand throughout the cruise to assist you, answer questions, and help with swimming and snorkeling setups.
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
What to bring
Pack a swimsuit, a towel, and sunscreen for swimming and snorkeling.
Accessibility
This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
What’s not allowed
Smoking, drugs, and nudity are prohibited onboard.
Fishing is not permitted during the cruise.
You cannot carry speakers, fireworks, sharp objects, and weapons on board.
Additional information
The cruise has a maximum capacity of 8 passengers per sailboat for a more intimate experience. If you are traveling with infants or children, please include them in your booking to ensure their place on board.
Arrive at the boarding point at least 15 minutes before departure.
Opportunities for swimming and snorkeling are included; participation is at your own risk.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Life vests are available for all passengers.
While sightings of whales, dolphins, and other wildlife are very common, they cannot be guaranteed.
If you are prone to seasickness, please consult your doctor or pharmacist for remedies before sailing.
Tours may be canceled due to adverse sea conditions or technical boat issues.
The cruise runs through the protected Teno-Rasca area along Tenerife’s south coast.
The friendly crew is on hand to help at all times during the cruise.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available; just notify the operator in advance.
Inclusions
#
3-hour/ 6-hour/ 8-hour cruise on a private sailboat (as per option selected)
Board from Los Gigantes
Private group (up to 8 people)
Stop by Cliffs of Los Gigantes and Punta de Teno (as per option selected)
Stop at a natural cove for cava and sunset (as per option selected)
Beverages, fruits, and tapas
Lunch: Surf & turf paella or barbecue with vegetarian, vegan, surf-only, and turf-only options (as per option selected)
Experienced crew and captain
Expert English, Spanish, and French-speaking private guide
Commentary about the Teno-Rasca strip
Snorkeling and swimming stop
Snorkeling safety gear and equipment
Exclusions
#
Souvenir photos
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Sightseeing Cruises
Los Gigantes: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise
Small-group eco-sailing cruise & spot whales and dolphins with a quiet, low-impact ride.
Starting point: Puerto de Los Gigantes harbor on Tenerife’s west coast
Everything you get: A 3-hour eco-sailing cruise from Los Gigantes for up to 11 guests, expert multilingual crew, guided whale and dolphin watching, drinks and snacks, plus a swim and snorkel stop with gear.
Sights covered: Los Gigantes cliffs, the Teno-Rasca marine reserve, open Atlantic waters where pilot whales and dolphins thrive, and rocky bays with clear water perfect for a short swim or snorkel.
Why choose this: Sail on wind power in a small group from scenic Los Gigantes, giving you calmer, quieter whale watching with less engine noise and more intimate wildlife moments.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
2 hr. - 3 hr.
Sightseeing Cruises
Los Gigantes: Private Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise
What to bring
Pack a swimsuit, a towel, and sunscreen for swimming and snorkeling.
Accessibility
This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
What’s not allowed
Smoking, drugs, and nudity are prohibited onboard.
Fishing is not permitted during the cruise.
You cannot carry speakers, fireworks, sharp objects, and weapons on board.
Additional information
The cruise has a maximum capacity of 8 passengers per sailboat for a more intimate experience. If you are traveling with infants or children, please include them in your booking to ensure their place on board.
Arrive at the boarding point at least 15 minutes before departure.
Opportunities for swimming and snorkeling are included; participation is at your own risk.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Life vests are available for all passengers.
While sightings of whales, dolphins, and other wildlife are very common, they cannot be guaranteed.
If you are prone to seasickness, please consult your doctor or pharmacist for remedies before sailing.
Tours may be canceled due to adverse sea conditions or technical boat issues.
The cruise runs through the protected Teno-Rasca area along Tenerife’s south coast.
The friendly crew is on hand to help at all times during the cruise.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available; just notify the operator in advance.
