About this tour
When Alex from our team booked this private boat trip off Tenerife's southwest coast, we were after whales and dolphins in their natural waters — and the dramatic Los Gigantes sea cliffs as a bonus. This 3-hour excursion runs year-round in an area where pilot whales and dolphins are genuinely resident, so sightings aren't a lottery. The boat is intimate (private charter means no coach-trip crowds), the crew knows the waters well, and there's snorkelling gear on board plus a proper spread of Spanish and Canarian food. It's the kind of outing that feels a step above the standard harbour cruise.
Highlights
- Pilot whales and dolphins genuinely live in these waters year-round
- Los Gigantes Cliffs rise straight from the sea — unreal from the water
- Private charter means no herds of tourists jostling for photo angles
- Snorkelling kit included if the water and mood align
- Spanish omelette, local cheeses, fresh wine — not vending-machine fare
- Moderate fitness needed but no technical climbing or extreme effort
- Service animals welcome on board
What to expect
You'll head out from the coast near Los Gigantes, and the boat motors into waters where these cetaceans actually live. The cliffs themselves are the first jaw-drop — volcanic walls that climb straight up from the ocean, and you really do need to be on the water to grasp their scale. Dolphin and whale activity varies by season and day, but the crew knows where to look. If conditions suit, you'll get in the water with snorkelling gear; if not, the cliffside scenery and marine life alone justify the trip.
The food and drink setup is a genuine perk — proper Spanish plates, not token snacks. Three hours is enough to soak the landscape, have a realistic shot at marine mammals, eat well, and get back without anyone wilting. The private angle means the guide can respond to what your group wants rather than running a fixed script for 40 people. Expect a real day on the water rather than a floating hotel lounge.
What travellers say
- Year-round resident dolphins and whales — not a rare-sighting gamble
- Private charter removes the cattle-market feel of group boats
- Los Gigantes Cliffs are genuinely stunning from sea level
- Food and wine above standard boat-tour standard
- Snorkelling gear included if conditions allow
- Sea state can cancel snorkelling and reduce whale activity
- No transport to departure point — you arrange your own
- Infants must lap-sit for 3 hours on a moving vessel
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you want a solid marine experience without the package-tour feel, this lands well. Tenerife's cetacean population is stable and visible, so you're not gambling on phantom whales. The food is genuinely good — proper Canarian spread, not tourist theatre. Snorkelling gear included is handy. Moderate fitness is the bar, not mountaineering. Service animals are fine.
Ocean conditions can change — if the sea's rough, snorkelling goes off and sightings become less certain (though the cliffs remain stunning). Three hours is tight if you're prone to seasickness; take dramamine before boarding. Infants must sit on a lap throughout, which isn't practical on a moving boat for longer stretches. You'll need to arrange your own transport to the departure point — check public options or book a transfer separately. Early morning or late afternoon departures mean early alarms or evening return. Bring sunscreen; the sea reflects UV hard.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.