Dolphins & Whales at Los Gigantes (Tenerife): Sailing Cruise
Head out on a sailboat from Los Gigantes, on the south-west coast of Tenerife, in search of the dolphins and pilot whales that live in these waters all year round.
On board the sailboat Mugen, a multilingual crew (English, Spanish, German and French) takes you out in a small group, respecting the pace and behaviour of the animals you meet.
Find out below how the trip works, the 2026 prices and our tips for making the most of your time at sea.
How the Tenerife dolphin-watching sailing trip from Los Gigantes works
You board a sailboat at the harbour in Los Gigantes for a trip of around 3 hours. For most of the time, the crew search for dolphins, pilot whales (short-finned pilot whales) and sometimes sea turtles, respecting their natural behaviour, with no chasing or sudden approaches. If conditions allow, you can even help the crew hoist the sail.
The trip then includes a stop of around 30 minutes in a cove to swim and snorkel (mask and snorkel provided), before tucking into fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches (vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available) and drinks (soft drinks, beer, wine, cava) on board. On the way back to the harbour, you get to enjoy the views of the Los Gigantes cliffs.
- Small group: 10 participants maximum
- Multilingual crew: English, Spanish, German and French
- Supervised snorkelling stop in a cove, gear provided
- Food and drinks included on board
- Towels provided
What nobody else will tell you about dolphin watching at Los Gigantes
Our aim is to be 100% transparent with you: we’re not here to sell you an activity at any cost, but to help you know exactly what you’re booking. Here’s what’s worth knowing before you go.
- Wild animals, never guaranteed: the dolphins, pilot whales and sea turtles you may see on this trip live completely free. The guides know the areas they visit most often off Los Gigantes very well, which gives you a good chance of a sighting, but no boat trip can guarantee an encounter 100%.
- A species that’s here all year round: unlike other destinations where sightings are very seasonal, pilot whales are considered year-round residents off south-west Tenerife. That doesn’t guarantee a sighting on every trip, but it explains why this area is known as one of the best in Europe for whale and dolphin watching.
- You swim in a cove, not with the dolphins: the snorkelling stop takes place away from the wildlife-watching areas, in a small cove. It’s not a swim with the dolphins or pilot whales, but a chance to enjoy the sea and watch the fish near the coast.
- Sail and engine, depending on conditions: the boat sails when the wind allows (you can even help the crew hoist the sail), but also uses its engine to reach the viewing areas in good conditions. If you’re dreaming of a 100% sailing trip, bear in mind that it mostly depends on the weather on the day.
- Seasickness is something to plan for: the trip takes place on the open sea, off the Los Gigantes cliffs, and you can feel the swell. Several travellers (children included) have felt seasick during the trip. If you’re prone to it, it’s best to take precautions before you set off: a light meal, suitable medication, and ideally no alcohol beforehand.
- Not suitable for people with reduced mobility: given the boarding and sailing conditions, this trip isn’t accessible for people with reduced mobility. Feel free to get in touch before booking if you’re unsure about your situation.
- What happens if the weather is bad? cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund. If the trip is postponed or cancelled by the operator because of the weather, contact our team directly to find out what applies to your booking.
Do you know why dolphins love swimming alongside boats?
As a boat moves forward, it pushes water ahead and creates an underwater wave, which dolphins use to surf and move along with less effort. But that’s not all: several scientists have studied how dolphins behave when they follow a boat (all kinds of jumps, swimming on their side, sudden U-turns, etc.). So what do you think it’s all for? Simply to play, because our dolphin friends are just like kids when they spot a boat, and can’t resist joining in and going wild!
Prices for the Tenerife dolphin and whale watching trip from Los Gigantes
💡 The prices shown are the operator’s standard public rates.
What’s included:
🍹 Fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches and drinks (soft drinks, beer, wine, cava) included on board
🤿 Snorkelling gear (mask and snorkel) and towels provided for the swim stop
🗣️ A crew who speak English, Spanish, German and French
Dolphin and whale watching trip from Los Gigantes: 3-hour option
This shorter option takes you out to sea in search of dolphins and pilot whales off Los Gigantes, in a condensed format. Exact available times will be shown when you book.
Prices may vary slightly depending on the time of year.
Not sure about something, or have a question before you book? I’m easy to reach, so feel free to ask me directly here. 👇
FAQ: everything you need to know about the dolphin and whale watching trip at Los Gigantes (Tenerife)
Where does the trip take place, and what time should you arrive?
The trip leaves from the harbour in Los Gigantes, in the south-west of Tenerife. The standard option lasts around 3 hours; the exact meeting time is given when you book, as departures vary depending on the day and the option you choose. To help plan your stay, you can also check out our complete guide to exploring Tenerife.
Are dolphins and pilot whales guaranteed on the trip?
No: these are completely free, wild animals, and no reputable operator can guarantee a sighting 100%. That said, pilot whales (short-finned pilot whales) are considered year-round residents off south-west Tenerife, which gives you a good chance of seeing dolphins, pilot whales and sometimes sea turtles. Viewing is done only from the boat, respecting the animals’ natural behaviour, with no chasing or direct interaction.
What happens if the sea is too rough or the weather is bad?
Passenger safety and comfort come first. If the weather is too poor to sail safely, cancellation is still free up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund. If the trip is rescheduled or cancelled by the operator on the day because of the weather, contact our team directly to find out what applies to your booking.
How can I avoid seasickness during the boat trip?
The trip takes place on the open sea, where swell can sometimes cause discomfort. To keep nausea at bay, have a light meal before you set off, avoid alcohol, sit in the middle of the boat and try to keep your eyes on the horizon. Suitable medication, available from pharmacies, can also be taken as a precaution before boarding.
Is this trip suitable for children and people with reduced mobility?
The group is limited to 10 participants, which makes it popular with families. No official minimum age is given: if you’re travelling with very young children, we recommend getting in touch before you book. However, given the boarding and sailing conditions, this trip isn’t accessible for people with reduced mobility.
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