Whale watching from Los Gigantes

By the SantiagoDelTeide.com editorial team Updated: 2026-10-07 How we make this guide

Which whale-watching trip should you choose?

For a first trip from Los Gigantes, compare the departure harbour, duration, boat type and inclusions. Choose an operator authorised for the activity and review its conditions. The animals live in the wild: sightings of a particular species are not guaranteed.

Limited time: look for a short trip whose schedule fits the rest of your day.
More time at sea: compare longer trips and confirm whether swimming, food or a route along the cliffs is included.
Children or motion sickness: ask about age limits, shade, toilets and sea conditions; do not choose on price alone.

Compare trips departing from Los Gigantes harbour

Start with the departure harbour, not the word Tenerife: an activity boarding at Puerto Colón or Los Cristianos requires a different journey. Departure time is not necessarily check-in time. Check your booking’s meeting point and plan parking before heading down to the dock.

Three formats, three decisions

Speedboat: compare seating, splash protection and product restrictions; do not assume you can walk around aboard. Sailboat: confirm group places, deck space and toilets; a sailing trip does not mean travelling without the engine throughout. Catamaran: ask about capacity and shade, not just boat size. No format guarantees freedom from seasickness. A two-hour trip leaves more room for other visits; three or four hours take a larger part of your day without guaranteeing more sightings.

Operators and boats: what to check

The Tenerife Tourism list includes Agua Azul Tenerife at Los Gigantes (among others, Flipper Uno and Masca Express), Marítima Acantilados (Nashira Uno), Third Element Charters (Mugen), Picarus Sailing Club (Aemon) and Whale Wise Eco Tours (Esiel). This helps check identities; it is not a quality ranking or confirmation of places. Compare your product’s boat with the current register: trading name, seller and vessel do not always share a name.

Book without surprises

Before paying, check date, duration, harbour, languages, minimum age, boarding access, swimming and included services. Maximum vessel capacity does not establish how many people will join your departure. Compare the total for your group and the cancellation policy shown for that date; do not transfer prices or conditions between products from the same company. The GetYourGuide options below are affiliate links, not a complete operator directory.

Responsible observation and arrival

Tenerife Tourism specifies a minimum separation of 60 metres and a maximum observation time of 30 minutes; swimming with, touching or feeding cetaceans is not permitted. A trip’s swimming stop is a separate activity and depends on conditions. As an indicative planning allowance from this guide, reach the harbour area 30–45 minutes beforehand, in addition to any advance check-in required on the ticket. If cancelled, keep a walk around Los Gigantes as an alternative; do not improvise your own marine excursion.

Sources and checks

Official information consulted on 7 October 2026. Check for changes before travelling; planning recommendations are this guide’s own.

Whale watching from Los Gigantes brings together two great attractions: sailing in front of the cliffs and crossing a marine area of enormous natural value. It is worth booking with licensed operators and understanding that wildlife is not a guaranteed show.

Choose a responsible operator

Look for companies with clear information, respect for approach distances, defined timings and visible cancellation terms.

Check the duration and the boat

A short outing is not the same as an excursion with swimming, food or a longer sail beneath the cliffs.

Check the state of the sea

Wind and swell can change the trip. Confirm on the day itself if you are travelling with children or have little margin.

Respect the experience

Watch without chasing wildlife, avoid unnecessary noise and follow the crew’s instructions.

See the listing More activities

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How to choose a responsible whale-watching trip

What a trip can really offer

A whale-watching trip lets you get to know the marine environment and see the cliffs from another angle, but the wildlife is wild. No responsible company can guarantee a species, a distance or a particular behaviour. The quality of the experience depends as much on the interpretation and the respect shown as on how many animals you see.

Ask how long the sailing lasts, which area is usually covered, whether it includes commentary, swimming or food, and how the programme changes with the sea. Two excursions with the same name can offer very different paces and group sizes.

Signs of a responsible operation

Look for clear information on permits, how they approach wildlife, staff, safety and waste. During an encounter the boat should avoid chasing, sharp manoeuvres and unnecessary pressure. The guide should explain the behaviour observed without promising contact or feeding animals.

Compare the company’s official information and ask about anything unclear before booking. A badge or a marketing phrase does not replace actual conduct, but transparency beforehand helps you choose.

Boat, duration and group size

Small boats can put you close to the water, but they also move more and offer less space. Larger ones usually let you walk or sit more steadily, though they carry more passengers. Weigh up mobility, seasickness, shade, toilets and shelter from the wind.

A longer trip gives more time for sailing and scenery, but does not guarantee more sightings. For families, the right duration depends on age and tolerance of the boat. Always confirm requirements for children and accessibility before paying.

Seasickness, sun and personal preparation

Eat lightly, drink water and follow professional medical advice if you tend to get seasick. Take sun protection, a hat that stays on, a layer for the wind and footwear that does not slip. Protect cameras and phones from spray.

Tell the crew about anything relevant and listen to the safety briefing. Do not change seats or stand up at the wrong moment to get a photograph. The group’s wellbeing and the sailing instructions come first.

Photography without losing the experience

Use a fast shutter speed, hold your equipment firmly and avoid flash. Do not expect the perfect image from an advertising campaign: distance, light and movement change constantly. Watching first helps you anticipate behaviour and reduces the urge to move around the boat.

Respect the other passengers and stay out of working areas. A distant photograph can document the animal and the ocean around it better than a forced close-up.

Cancellations and a fallback plan

Ask what happens if the sea prevents the trip, if the duration changes or if you cannot attend. Get the deadlines, refunds and options to reschedule in writing. A weather cancellation is a safety decision, not a failure of the experience.

Book the activity early in your stay where possible, so there is room to reschedule. If it does not go ahead, use the time for viewpoints, the marina, the beach when it is safe, or a walking route around Los Gigantes.

Useful questions before paying

Ask about total duration, estimated sailing time, capacity, languages, shade, toilets, the policy for children, accessibility, the meeting point and cancellation terms. Confirm too what happens if the planned route is not covered.

Keep the answer and your booking details. Comparing these conditions tells you more than choosing on price alone or on a photograph of wildlife.

After the trip

Leave a margin before driving or moving on to another activity, especially if anyone has been seasick. Drink water, rest, and raise with the crew any issue with belongings or photographs you paid for.

Do not share locations or messages that encourage people to approach wildlife on their own. Describe the experience with respect and with the natural uncertainty of the encounter.

Companies and bookings