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Tenerife Marine Wildlife & Coastal Discovery
Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience + Los Gigantes and Masca
Sail in a hand-crafted teak sailboat once reserved for an Arabian Sheikh, and discover the wild waters off Tenerife's dramatic western coast.
This whale and dolphin watching tour from Los Gigantes combines genuine marine wildlife encounters with breathtaking views of towering volcanic cliffs and the hidden gorge of Masca. The journey unfolds aboard an authentic oriental sailboat built entirely from teak hardwood, originally commissioned for the private use of an Arabian Sheikh.
The waters off the southwest coast of Tenerife form one of the most active cetacean corridors in the Atlantic, where resident pilot whales and common bottlenose dolphins are spotted on a near-daily basis. Seasonal visitors including fin whales, sperm whales, and loggerhead sea turtles add to the richness of any given excursion.
Los Gigantes, named for its sheer basalt cliffs rising up to 600 metres from the sea, serves as both the departure point and a natural spectacle in itself. The route also traces the coastline toward the ravine village of Masca, one of the most visually striking corners of the Canary Islands.
The sailboat itself is a centrepiece of the experience. Constructed entirely from teak hardwood and originally built for a private Arabian Sheikh, it offers a level of craft and character rarely found in group excursions. The vessel provides a calm, stable platform from which to observe wildlife and scenery alike.
Tour Highlights
Sail through some of the most cetacean-rich waters in the Atlantic, with frequent sightings of pilot whales and dolphins.
Observe marine wildlife including pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and occasional sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Cruise beneath the towering volcanic cliffs of Los Gigantes, rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean.
Follow the coastline to the Masca ravine, a geological marvel carved deep into the Teno massif.
Board a one-of-a-kind teak hardwood sailboat with a unique history tied to Arabian royalty.
Rated easy difficulty, making the experience accessible to families, seniors, and first-time sailors.
Enjoy five hours of open sea, Atlantic breezes, and some of the most scenic coastline in the Canary Islands.
Itinerary
1
Departure from Los Gigantes Marina
The tour begins at Los Gigantes Marina, where guests board the distinctive teak sailboat. The crew provides a safety briefing and an introduction to the route and the wildlife you may encounter.
2
Sailing Beneath the Cliffs of Los Gigantes
The boat heads out along the base of the volcanic cliffs, offering close-up views of the towering rock faces that define this stretch of coastline. The scale and colour of the basalt formations are particularly striking from sea level.
3
Whale and Dolphin Watching in the Open Atlantic
The vessel moves into the open waters where resident cetacean populations are most active. The crew uses their local knowledge to locate pilot whale pods and dolphin schools, while guests are encouraged to watch from the deck.
4
Coastal Route Toward Masca
The sailboat continues along the rugged coastline toward the Masca gorge, passing secluded coves and volcanic rock formations accessible only by sea. The landscape here is among the least developed in Tenerife.
5
Return to Los Gigantes Marina
The vessel makes its return journey along the coast, offering a final opportunity to spot wildlife before arriving back at the marina after approximately five hours at sea.
What's Included and Excluded
Included
5-hour sailing excursion aboard an authentic teak sailboat
Whale and dolphin watching guided experience
Coastal views of Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca ravine
Onboard safety equipment and crew supervision
Small group setting for a more personal experience
Not Included
Hotel transfers or transport to the marina
Food and beverages unless stated at booking
Gratuities for the crew
Personal travel insurance
Any optional extras or add-ons
Important Information
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure. The tour operates subject to sea and weather conditions, and sightings of specific species cannot be guaranteed.
Duration
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours from departure to return at Los Gigantes Marina.
Meeting Point
Los Gigantes Marina, Santiago del Teide, Tenerife. Look for the teak sailboat at the designated pier.
What to Bring
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a light jacket for sea breezes, and a camera. Comfortable non-slip footwear is recommended.
Cancellation
Cancellation policies vary. Please review the booking terms at the time of reservation. Tours may be cancelled due to adverse sea conditions.
Accessibility
The tour is rated easy and suitable for most guests. Those with limited mobility should contact the operator in advance to discuss boarding arrangements.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times on board. Minimum age requirements may apply; confirm at booking.
Book Your Place on Board
Spaces on this distinctive sailboat are limited. Secure your spot on one of Tenerife's most memorable marine experiences and set sail for the wild Atlantic.
Sightings of specific species cannot be guaranteed, as wildlife encounters depend on natural behaviour and conditions. However, the waters off Los Gigantes are home to year-round resident pilot whale and dolphin populations, making sightings highly likely.
What makes this sailboat different from other tour vessels?▼
The boat is an authentic oriental sailboat constructed entirely from teak hardwood, originally built for the private use of an Arabian Sheikh. It offers a unique sailing experience that distinguishes this tour from standard motorised excursions.
Is the tour suitable for people who get seasick?▼
The tour is rated easy and the vessel sails in generally calm inshore waters. Those prone to motion sickness may wish to take preventative medication before departure and should consult the operator for further advice.
How do I get to Los Gigantes Marina?▼
Los Gigantes is located on the west coast of Tenerife, approximately 50 kilometres from Tenerife South Airport. Hotel transfers are not included, so guests should arrange their own transport by rental car, taxi, or local bus service.
What happens if the tour is cancelled due to weather?▼
If the operator cancels the tour due to adverse sea or weather conditions, guests are typically offered a rebooking or a refund in accordance with the booking terms. Please confirm the specific policy at the time of reservation.
Can I see the Masca ravine from the boat?▼
Yes, the route takes the sailboat along the coastline toward the mouth of the Masca ravine, which is only accessible from the sea. The view from the water offers a perspective of this volcanic landscape that cannot be seen from the road above.
This tour departs from Los Gigantes Marina in Santiago del Teide, on the northwest coast of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. The route covers the marine protected waters between Los Gigantes and the Masca coastline, an area recognized for its year-round resident cetacean populations and dramatic volcanic cliff formations rising up to 600 metres from the Atlantic Ocean. The Teno massif, which frames much of this coastline, is one of the oldest geological formations in Tenerife and a designated rural park. The region sits within a recognized cetacean habitat corridor, making it one of the most reliable locations in Europe for whale and dolphin observation in the wild.
