Los Gigantes: Sailing Excursion with Swimming, Drink & Tapas

The best part of this Los Gigantes sailing trip is the mix of wildlife, cliffs, and time in the water. You cruise from Puerto de Los Gigantes along Tenerife’s rugged west coast, search for pilot whales and dolphins, then stop for a swim or snorkel before settling in with tapas beneath the red cliffs.

I like the small boat limit of 10 people, which gives the outing a calm, personal feel rather than the packed-deck mood of a large excursion boat. I also like the quiet approach: there is no onboard music, so you can hear the sea, the wind, and the occasional splash beside the hull. The main consideration is time. Three hours passes quickly, and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Some passengers also found there was more sailing than watching.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales and dolphins: The route heads offshore in search of marine life, with frequent sightings of pilot whales and several dolphin species.
• Red cliffs from the water: Los Gigantes’ towering coastal walls are the visual centerpiece, especially from a low sailing boat.
• Snorkeling near the cliffs: You may swim with provided gear and look for turtles, rays, octopi, and smaller fish.
• Only 10 passengers: The limited capacity leaves more room to move, watch the water, and enjoy a quieter ride.
• Tapas and drinks included: Expect a casual spread of tapas with alcoholic and soft drinks after time in the sea.
• Multilingual crew: Tours are offered in Spanish, English, and French, with Luis and Moises among the crew named by passengers.

Setting out from Puerto de Los Gigantes

Your meeting point is Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1. From there, you board the Sangría, the sailing boat used for this three-hour outing.

Los Gigantes is one of Tenerife’s most striking coastal areas. The name refers to the huge cliffs that rise from the sea, and the best way to appreciate their scale is from the water. From the marina, the cliffs become more impressive as the boat moves along the coast and the angle changes.

The small group matters right away. With no more than 10 passengers, you are not fighting for a view or squeezing around a crowded rail. The crew can answer questions, point out wildlife, and keep an eye on people in the water without turning the trip into a loud, organized production.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, and French. Luis and Moises are named by several passengers as friendly, attentive guides, and the crew generally keeps a good balance between explaining the coast and allowing quiet time. That balance is worth noting. One of the pleasures of this trip is simply sitting back and listening to the sea.

Sailing beneath the red cliffs

The first part of the route follows the coast near Los Gigantes, passing bays and natural coves. These stops are not just filler between activities. They give you a chance to see the cliffs from different angles and notice how quickly the scenery changes from marina, to open coast, to quiet water tucked beneath rock walls.

The cliffs are especially impressive from a boat because you lose the usual road-level perspective. Looking up from the sea makes the rock faces seem taller and more immediate. You also get views that are difficult to reach on foot.

The route is not fixed in every detail. The boat may pause in a bay or cove, but conditions and the skipper’s judgment shape the day. One outing included more time near the cliffs, while another focused more on offshore wildlife. Keep that in mind if you are expecting a precise sequence of stops.

The coast is also home to many marine species. The excursion is designed to combine scenery with wildlife watching, not simply to offer a scenic cruise. The skipper and guide help you scan the water and explain what you are seeing.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The boat heads farther out to look for dolphins and whales. Pilot whales are the species most often identified during this trip, and sightings have included adults with young. Several outings also produced close views of dolphins, including pods swimming near the boat.

This is one of the strongest reasons to choose this excursion over a simple coastal cruise. You get the chance to watch animals in their own environment, often from a much smaller boat than the large whale-watching vessels used elsewhere.

Still, wildlife is wildlife. The tour can search, but it cannot promise a sighting or control how long animals remain in one place. One passenger felt the boat moved on too soon from the whale and dolphin areas, so you should not book this expecting a long, stationary viewing session. The crew has to balance the animals’ movements, sea conditions, and the rest of the itinerary.

The responsible rules are clear. You cannot feed or touch marine life, and fishing is not allowed. Those limits protect the animals and help keep the encounter respectful. If you bring children, it is worth explaining this before boarding: the goal is to watch, not approach wildlife as if it were a petting experience.

The boat operates in an area where whale-watching activity is regulated, which helps limit crowding around the animals. That fits the general feel of the outing: attentive, low-key, and less hurried than a large commercial cruise.

Swimming and snorkeling in clear water

After the wildlife search, the boat stops for swimming or snorkeling. The water is described as clear, and the main appeal is the chance to look below the surface near the cliffs and coves.

The marine life listed for the activity includes sea turtles, manta rays, octopi, and smaller reef fish. You might also spot flying fish from the boat, as one outing did. Exact sightings depend on the location, season, visibility, and simple luck.

Snorkeling gear is included, along with life jackets when needed. If you care a lot about mask fit or snorkel quality, consider bringing your own equipment. One passenger found the supplied gear less than ideal, so personal gear may make the water stop more comfortable.

Bring your own swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. These are not included, and there is no reason to assume you will have time to return to shore for anything you leave behind. The sun can feel strong even when a breeze keeps the boat comfortable.

The swimming stop is one of the most appealing parts for couples and families. You can choose to get in, snorkel, or remain on deck. You are not required to take part in the water activity, which makes the outing easier for mixed groups.

The sea is also the part of the trip most affected by conditions. If the water or wind is not suitable, the exact stop may change. The skipper has the final say on where and how long you swim.

Tapas, drinks, and a quiet deck

After the swim, tapas and drinks are served on deck. The food is described as a casual spread, similar in feel to a small charcuterie and snack board, with vegetables and other tapas-style items. It is not a formal meal, but it makes a welcome finish after time in salt water.

Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks are included. Cava is available on some outings, and several passengers appreciated the generous supply of drinks. If you do not drink alcohol, the nonalcoholic selection may feel less varied. One passenger specifically wanted more choices such as sparkling water and apple juice.

I like that the food is part of the sailing rhythm rather than a separate restaurant-style event. You can sit under the cliffs, snack, and watch the water while the boat rests or moves slowly onward. It feels more relaxed than rushing through a scheduled lunch stop.

Vegetarian and vegan food options are available if you tell the provider in advance. Do this before the day of the excursion, since the food is prepared for a small group and substitutions may not be possible at the last moment.

The no-music policy is another small but important detail. If you want a party boat with loud songs, this is not the right choice. If you prefer waves, conversation, and room to think, the quiet deck is a real benefit.

How much time do you really get?

The advertised duration is three hours, including the coastal sail, wildlife search, swimming or snorkeling, and food. That is enough for a satisfying outing, but not enough to linger everywhere.

In practice, the balance can vary. Wildlife may take time to find, and the boat needs to travel between the marina, offshore waters, and the swimming area. If you want a long swim, a slow meal, and extended whale watching, three hours may feel short.

On the other hand, the compact length works well if you are fitting this around other plans in Tenerife. You get a proper sea outing without sacrificing the whole day. A morning or afternoon departure can also be easier for families and couples who want flexibility.

The start time changes by availability, so check the schedule before booking. If you are hoping for a particular light or temperature, choose your departure with care, but keep in mind that wildlife sightings are not tied to a guaranteed time of day.

Is $82 a fair price?

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Tenerife. The price includes the boat, skipper and guide, the Los Gigantes coastal route, swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, tapas, and alcoholic or soft drinks.

The value comes from the small capacity. A cheaper large boat may give you a similar view of the coast, but not the same amount of personal space or access to the crew. You are paying for a more private-feeling outing, not just transportation across the bay.

The food and drinks also add practical value. You do not need to buy a separate lunch during the excursion, and the included gear means less to organize. For a special afternoon, birthday, anniversary, or family activity, the price is easier to justify.

I would think twice if your main goal is a long snorkeling session. The activity combines several parts, and none gets the full three hours. Likewise, if you mainly want a guaranteed whale sighting, no operator can honestly provide that. The fair comparison is with other small-group sailing and wildlife trips, not with a basic harbor cruise.

Who should book this boat trip?

This is a strong choice for couples, families, and small groups who want several Tenerife experiences in one outing. You get cliffs, open sea, wildlife watching, swimming, food, and drinks without committing to a full-day cruise.

It also suits people who dislike crowded excursions. The 10-person limit is one of the clearest advantages, especially if you want to move around the deck or ask the crew questions.

Families should add every child or baby when booking, even if a child can join free, because the boat has limited space. Up to four children are allowed per tour. Parents should also be comfortable with the fact that this is a boat-based wildlife and swimming experience, not a dry sightseeing trip.

I would choose something else if you want loud music, fishing, a party atmosphere, or a long, technical snorkel session. Smoking, fishing, feeding animals, touching marine life, speakers, and open flames are not allowed. The rules make sense, but they also tell you what kind of outing this is: calm, nature-focused, and controlled.

Practical advice before you go

Plan to reach Dock 1 at the marina with enough time to find the boarding point. Transport from elsewhere in Tenerife is not clearly part of the standard package, so check your booking carefully and arrange your own way to Los Gigantes unless pickup is confirmed directly.

Bring:

• Passport or identity card
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Personal snorkeling gear if you prefer a better-fitting mask

Wear something comfortable for sitting on deck and bring only what you need. Sharp objects, weapons, fireworks, explosive materials, drugs, and alcohol brought from outside are not allowed. You also cannot smoke on the vehicle or use speakers.

The trip is offered in Spanish, English, and French. If detailed commentary matters to you, confirm which language will receive the full explanation. On one multilingual outing, the important safety instructions were translated into English, but not every piece of trivia.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the exact start time and availability when booking, since those details can change.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing excursion?

Book it if you want a quiet, small-group day on the sea with a real chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, plus a swim beneath Tenerife’s famous cliffs. The crew, limited capacity, included food, and no-music setting make it feel more personal than a standard boat trip.

Go in with sensible expectations. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the three-hour schedule means you may spend more time sailing than watching or snorkeling. Still, for $82, the combination of coastal scenery, marine life, drinks, tapas, and a small boat is a solid value.

If that mix sounds right, this is one of the better ways to experience Los Gigantes from the water. If your priority is one activity only, choose a dedicated whale-watching or snorkeling trip instead.

FAQ

Where does the Los Gigantes sailing excursion leave from?

The meeting point is Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1, in Puerto de Los Gigantes.

How long is the boat trip?

The excursion lasts three hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat can carry a maximum of 10 passengers. Up to four children are allowed per tour, and children or babies who join free should still be added during booking to reserve their space.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. The boat searches for dolphins and whales, with pilot whales and several dolphin species seen on many outings, but wildlife sightings depend on nature and sea conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, along with stops for swimming and snorkeling. You can bring your own equipment if you prefer a particular mask or snorkel.

What food and drinks are included?

Tapas and one or more alcoholic or soft drinks are included. Vegetarian and vegan food options are available if you notify the activity provider in advance.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Swimwear and towels are not provided by the activity.