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.
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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.