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A private three-hour boat excursion from Los Gigantes puts you within reach of towering volcanic cliffs and a resident colony of pilot whales. Expect guided whale watching, snorkeling in sheltered coves, and a tapas-style snack onboard.
A private three-hour boat excursion from Los Gigantes puts you within reach of towering volcanic cliffs and a resident colony of pilot whales. Expect guided whale watching, snorkeling in sheltered coves, and a tapas-style snack onboard.
You push off from the marina and the Atlantic opens up, a dark, energetic sheet that seems to tug the boat toward the cliffs. Los Gigantes rises ahead—vertical walls of volcanic rock that cut the horizon and make the sea feel small beneath them. The skipper eases the throttle; the boat settles into whale country and the guide scans the swell for movement.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Picarus Sailing Club · Los Gigantes, Tenerife
You push off from the marina and the Atlantic opens up, a dark, energetic sheet that seems to tug the boat toward the cliffs. Los Gigantes rises ahead—vertical walls of volcanic rock that cut the horizon and make the sea feel small beneath them. The skipper eases the throttle; the boat settles into whale country and the guide scans the swell for movement.
Geology here is raw: the cliffs are the exposed edges of ancient lava flows and submarine eruptions, cliffs that in places soar 500–600 meters above the water. Tenerife’s waters host one of the densest resident colonies of short-finned pilot whales in the world, and year-round sightings of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins make the area a global hotspot for cetacean encounters.
Culturally the coast has been a working shoreline—fishing, boatbuilding and coastal trade shaped villages like Los Gigantes and nearby Puerto de Santiago. Modern operators work under strict permits; responsible watching practices and slow approaches protect animals and maintain access.
Practical advice: book a morning slot for calmer seas and clearer light; expect three hours total including time at anchor for swimming and snorkeling. The boat includes shaded and sunbathing areas, snacks, and drinks, and staff typically rig masks and snorkels for guests. Bring sea-sickness meds if you’re prone, reef-safe sunscreen, a quick-dry towel and a waterproof camera. Pay attention to the crew’s briefing on distance and behavior around cetaceans—your choices on deck help keep these animals wild and the cliffs accessible to future visitors.
moderate.
3 hours.
Moderate fitness—able to board a small boat, move on a rocking deck, and swim short distances to snorkel.
Very likely—short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are present year-round, though sightings of other cetaceans vary seasonally.
Yes—service animals are allowed and infants must sit on an adult’s lap; follow crew guidance for safety and flotation devices.
Yes—operators typically anchor in sheltered coves for swimming and snorkeling and provide basic snorkeling equipment.
The tour can be cancelled for bad weather; cancel at least 24 hours for a full refund per the operator’s standard policy.
The cliffs are exposed sections of ancient volcanic flows and cliffs formed during Tenerife’s explosive geological past; local villages developed around fishing and maritime trade.
Operators run under ministry permits and follow responsible whale-watching codes; use reef‑safe products, avoid feeding wildlife, and follow crew distance rules to minimize impact.
Picarus Sailing Club operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You push off from the marina and the Atlantic opens up, a dark, energetic sheet that seems to tug the boat toward the cliffs. Los Gigantes rises ahead—vertical walls of volcanic rock that cut the horizon and make the sea feel small beneath them. The skipper eases the throttle; the boat settles into whale country and the guide scans the swell for movement.
You push off from the marina and the Atlantic opens up, a dark, energetic sheet that seems to tug the boat toward the cliffs. Los Gigantes rises ahead—vertical walls of volcanic rock that cut the horizon and make the sea feel small beneath them. The skipper eases the throttle; the boat settles into whale country and the guide scans the swell for movement.
Geology here is raw: the cliffs are the exposed edges of ancient lava flows and submarine eruptions, cliffs that in places soar 500–600 meters above the water. Tenerife’s waters host one of the densest resident colonies of short-finned pilot whales in the world, and year-round sightings of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins make the area a global hotspot for cetacean encounters.
Culturally the coast has been a working shoreline—fishing, boatbuilding and coastal trade shaped villages like Los Gigantes and nearby Puerto de Santiago. Modern operators work under strict permits; responsible watching practices and slow approaches protect animals and maintain access.
Practical advice: book a morning slot for calmer seas and clearer light; expect three hours total including time at anchor for swimming and snorkeling. The boat includes shaded and sunbathing areas, snacks, and drinks, and staff typically rig masks and snorkels for guests. Bring sea-sickness meds if you’re prone, reef-safe sunscreen, a quick-dry towel and a waterproof camera. Pay attention to the crew’s briefing on distance and behavior around cetaceans—your choices on deck help keep these animals wild and the cliffs accessible to future visitors.