Glide along the vertical basalt of Los Gigantes to watch pilot whales and dolphins in Atlantic waters, then cool off with a snorkel in a secluded cove. This three-hour sail combines wildlife watching, a swim stop, and local flavors with practical comfort aboard a 45-foot cruiser.
Glide along the vertical basalt of Los Gigantes to watch pilot whales and dolphins in Atlantic waters, then cool off with a snorkel in a secluded cove. This three-hour sail combines wildlife watching, a swim stop, and local flavors with practical comfort aboard a 45-foot cruiser.
The boat slides from the marina and the island’s black cliffs loom into view—sheer basalt faces that shove up from the Atlantic like a wall. Salt spray and the distant chatter of gulls set the tempo as the sailboat angles toward the headland; dolphins appear off the starboard bow, curious and quick.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Third Element S.L. · Los Gigantes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The boat slides from the marina and the island’s black cliffs loom into view—sheer basalt faces that shove up from the Atlantic like a wall. Salt spray and the distant chatter of gulls set the tempo as the sailboat angles toward the headland; dolphins appear off the starboard bow, curious and quick.
Those cliffs, the Acantilados de Los Gigantes, are volcanic in origin—columns of cooled lava shaped over millennia—framing a coastline once relied on by small fishing villages. Tenerife’s coastal culture is low-key: families launch small boats at dawn, and the afternoon brings cafes where sailors trade stories about sightings.
On this three-hour charter you’ll track cetaceans common to the Canary waters—short-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins—and often spot loggerhead turtles. The vessel is a Bavaria Cruiser 45 with bow sunbeds, a German guide most days, and a swim/snorkel stop in a quiet cove for those who want to jump in. Drinks, fresh fruit and sandwiches (vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options) are included, and the crew briefs swimmers before every entry.
Practical notes: the sea can be calm or choppy—bring motion-sickness prevention if you’re sensitive. Wear non-slip shoes for boarding, reef-safe sunscreen, and a light wind layer. Morning departures catch calmer seas and softer light for photography; late afternoons can be dramatic but windier. Book in advance during high season, and respect viewing distances when mammals are present—this trip balances close encounters with responsible wildlife viewing.
easy.
3 hours.
Suitable for most abilities; participants should be able to step on/off the boat and swim if joining the snorkel stop.
The trip runs about three hours, including travel around the cliffs and a swim/snorkel stop; allow extra time for boarding and return to the marina.
Common sightings include short-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins and occasionally loggerhead turtles; sightings are never guaranteed but are frequent in this area.
The swim is optional and crew supervise entries; non-swimmers can stay onboard—basic swimming ability is recommended for anyone entering the water.
Operators typically cancel for rough seas and will issue a full refund if they cancel more than 24 hours before departure or when weather forces cancellation.
Los Gigantes literally means 'the giants' and the cliffs are volcanic basalt formed during Tenerife’s eruptions; the coastline supported small fishing communities long before tourism.
The area benefits from local guidelines on marine wildlife viewing—keep distance from animals and use reef-safe products to reduce impacts on sensitive habitats.
Third Element S.L. operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The boat slides from the marina and the island’s black cliffs loom into view—sheer basalt faces that shove up from the Atlantic like a wall. Salt spray and the distant chatter of gulls set the tempo as the sailboat angles toward the headland; dolphins appear off the starboard bow, curious and quick.
The boat slides from the marina and the island’s black cliffs loom into view—sheer basalt faces that shove up from the Atlantic like a wall. Salt spray and the distant chatter of gulls set the tempo as the sailboat angles toward the headland; dolphins appear off the starboard bow, curious and quick.
Those cliffs, the Acantilados de Los Gigantes, are volcanic in origin—columns of cooled lava shaped over millennia—framing a coastline once relied on by small fishing villages. Tenerife’s coastal culture is low-key: families launch small boats at dawn, and the afternoon brings cafes where sailors trade stories about sightings.
On this three-hour charter you’ll track cetaceans common to the Canary waters—short-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins—and often spot loggerhead turtles. The vessel is a Bavaria Cruiser 45 with bow sunbeds, a German guide most days, and a swim/snorkel stop in a quiet cove for those who want to jump in. Drinks, fresh fruit and sandwiches (vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options) are included, and the crew briefs swimmers before every entry.
Practical notes: the sea can be calm or choppy—bring motion-sickness prevention if you’re sensitive. Wear non-slip shoes for boarding, reef-safe sunscreen, and a light wind layer. Morning departures catch calmer seas and softer light for photography; late afternoons can be dramatic but windier. Book in advance during high season, and respect viewing distances when mammals are present—this trip balances close encounters with responsible wildlife viewing.