Sailing Boat Whale Watching Cruise with Snorkelling Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes Marina

The marina of Los Gigantes is a compact, sheltered harbour tucked beneath the cliffs on the west coast of Tenerife, in the municipality of Santiago del Teide. Fishing boats, private yachts and a handful of excursion boats share its pontoons, and the breakwater gives a first close look at the rock wall that rises behind the town. The little black sand beach of Los Guíos sits just beside it.

Your sailing boat is moored on Pier 1, at mooring number 156, a short walk from the harbour entrance. If you are wondering how to get to Los Gigantes, it takes about 35 to 45 minutes by car or taxi from Costa Adeje and the other south resorts, and there are bus connections too. Parking near the harbour is limited, so we suggest arriving early and enjoying a coffee by the water before departure.

Under Sail off the West Coast

Sailing is the quietest way to approach marine life, and the west coast of Tenerife is ideal for it. The mountains of the island block much of the trade wind, so the water close to Los Gigantes is usually calm, while a steady breeze further out fills the sails. With a small group of up to 10 guests, everyone has space at the rail, and the skipper invites you to help hoist the sail or take a turn at the helm when the conditions are right.

The boat moves at an easy pace, which gives time to look around: the cliffs to the north, the island of La Gomera on the horizon to the west and, on clear days, the cone of Mount Teide above the coast. Fresh fruit and soft drinks are served as you go, and the crew is happy to talk about the island, the sea and how a sailing boat works.

Pilot Whales, Dolphins and Turtles

The channel between Tenerife and La Gomera is part of the Teno-Rasca marine protected area, where deep water reaches close to the coast. A resident population of short-finned pilot whales lives here all year, travelling in family groups, and bottlenose dolphins are regular visitors. Loggerhead turtles feed in these warm waters too, and in some months common dolphins and larger whales pass through on their migrations.

Whale watching in Los Gigantes by sailing boat is especially peaceful: with the engine off or low, you hear the whales breathe at the surface and the animals are less disturbed. The skipper follows the official rules on distance and time with each group, and sightings depend on the sea on the day. Pilot whales and dolphins are seen on most trips, turtles more occasionally.

The Snorkelling Cove

After the wildlife search, the boat anchors in a small cove of clear water at the foot of the cliffs. You can simply swim, or put on the mask and snorkel provided and look for the fish that live around the volcanic rocks: colourful parrotfish, ornate wrasse, trumpetfish and shoals of small silvery fish, with dark sea urchins on the rocks below. The water is usually calm and very clear, and the cliffs rising above make it a memorable place to swim.

Back on board, freshly made sandwiches are served with more fruit and soft drinks, and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices can be prepared if you tell us when booking. Bring your own towel and a change of clothes, as towels are not provided. The swim stop is a highlight for confident swimmers, while others can relax on deck in the sun.

The Cliffs of Los Gigantes on the Way Back

The return to the marina follows the base of the Acantilados de Los Gigantes, sheer walls of volcanic rock that rise up to almost 600 metres straight from the sea. They mark the edge of the Teno massif, one of the oldest parts of Tenerife, and their layers of basalt and deep ravines tell the story of eruptions millions of years old. Seabirds such as Cory's shearwaters nest on the ledges.

Seen from a quiet sailing boat, the cliffs feel even more immense, and the skipper slows down for photos. Many visitors ask whether Los Gigantes is worth visiting, and this view is the best answer. The trip ends back at the marina about three hours after departure, leaving time for lunch or a walk along the seafront.