Los Gigantes: Sailing Excursion with Swimming, Drink & Tapas

The cliffs are only half the show. This three-hour sailing trip from Puerto de Los Gigantes combines dramatic red cliffs with whale and dolphin watching, then adds a swim, snorkeling, tapas, and drinks. The small boat carries no more than 10 people, so you get a much calmer outing than the usual packed excursion boat.

I especially like the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins before swimming near the Los Gigantes coast. I also like the quiet mood onboard. One guest praised the lack of music, which lets you hear the wind and water instead of someone else’s playlist. The crew, including guides named Luis and Moises on some departures, receives high marks for being friendly and attentive.

The main consideration is time. Three hours goes quickly, and one departure spent more time sailing than watching whales. Sightings can never be promised, and the supplied snorkeling gear may not suit everyone. If whale watching is your only goal, a longer wildlife trip could give you more time at sea.

Key points before you book

• Small boat, maximum 10 people: The limited capacity gives you room to move and makes the outing feel personal rather than crowded.
• Pilot whales and dolphins are possible: Sightings have included pilot whales with young, bottlenose dolphins, several dolphin species, flying fish, tuna, and turtles.
• Los Gigantes cliffs look best from the water: The red rock walls and coastal coves make the sailing route worthwhile even on a quiet wildlife day.
• Snorkeling comes with a swim stop: You may see turtles, octopi, manta rays, or fish, but marine life is wild and not guaranteed.
• Tapas and drinks are included: Alcoholic and soft drinks are served with a snack spread after time in the water.
• Quiet, multilingual guiding: Tours are offered in Spanish, English, and French, though translation may not be equal in every language on every departure.

Sailing out from Puerto de Los Gigantes

You meet the crew at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1. This is a marina departure, so allow time to find the correct dock rather than arriving at the last minute. There is no general pickup service from northern Tenerife, so you need to arrange your own way to Los Gigantes unless the provider confirms another option for your booking.

The boat used for the trip is called Sangría. It is set up for a maximum of 10 passengers, with a skipper and guide looking after the group. That number matters. You are not fighting for a seat or peering over rows of heads, and the crew can answer questions without shouting across a large deck.

The small-group setup also gives the trip a more relaxed social feel. Several departures had fewer than 10 people, including one with only five passengers and another with seven. You should not assume every sailing will be that quiet, but the 10-person limit is fixed.

The guides are one of the strongest parts of the experience. Luis and Moises are named in several accounts, and both are described as friendly, attentive, and informative. The crew can guide in Spanish, English, and French. One English-speaking passenger found that most commentary was in French, with only key instructions translated, so ask early if you want more explanation in your preferred language.

The Los Gigantes cliffs from the sea

The first scenic payoff comes as you sail along the coast beneath the red cliffs. Los Gigantes is best appreciated from the water because the rock walls rise directly from the coast, giving you a close view of their color, scale, and rough texture.

The route follows bays and natural coves. Some departures spend time near the cliffs before heading farther out, while others focus more quickly on the open-water search for marine life. The exact order can change with sea conditions, wildlife activity, and the skipper’s judgment.

I like this part because it gives the trip a strong sense of place. You are not simply on a generic boat ride. The coast is the main setting, and the cliffs remain part of the experience even when the boat moves offshore.

Bring sunscreen and use it often. The sun reflects off the water, and there is little reason to stay fully shaded when the views are this good. A towel and swimwear are not included, so pack both. The activity also asks you to bring a passport or ID card, though it does not specify that either is checked at the dock.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The boat heads out to sea to look for marine life. Pilot whales and dolphins are the sightings most often associated with this trip, and several outings had close encounters. Reports include pilot whales swimming beside the boat, dolphins with their young, bottlenose dolphins, more than one dolphin species, and a family group of whales.

You may also encounter flying fish, tuna, turtles, or other sea life. The coast is described as habitat for many marine species, but this is still a wildlife search, not a performance with a guaranteed schedule. The crew can take you to areas where animals have been seen, yet nature decides what appears and for how long.

That uncertainty is worth understanding before you book. On one outing, the boat found the expected whales and dolphins, but the passenger felt the vessel moved on too quickly and spent too much time sailing. If you want long, repeated viewing sessions, the three-hour length may feel short.

The upside is that the boat’s limited size helps keep the search comfortable. You are not packed onto a large platform, and the crew can point out animals and answer questions more directly. The coast also has limits on the number of boats in the area, which helps prevent the experience from feeling like a traffic jam around the animals.

The best approach is to treat the wildlife as one part of the trip. If you see pilot whales close to the boat, that may be the highlight. If sightings are brief, you still have the cliffs, coves, open water, and swim stop.

The swim and snorkeling stop

After the wildlife search, the boat stops in a bay, cove, or open-water spot for swimming and snorkeling. Several outings finished near the Los Gigantes cliffs, giving swimmers a memorable view of the rock walls from the water.

The description highlights turtles, manta rays, octopi, and other marine life. Past outings also produced sightings of parrot fish and a turtle. Still, you should not expect an aquarium. Visibility, water conditions, and animal behavior change from day to day.

You can swim, use the provided snorkeling equipment, or stay on deck. Life vests are available, and the crew gives instructions for the water portion. The tour is not described as a technical or guided snorkeling session. It is better understood as a refreshing chance to get into the sea and look around.

One practical note: the supplied masks and snorkels were called less than ideal on one departure. If snorkeling quality matters to you, bring your own equipment if possible. Otherwise, the included gear should let you take part without renting anything separately.

The water stop may be the emotional high point for many people. Swimming beneath the red cliffs gives you a different view of the coast, and the clear water can make even a short snorkel worthwhile. If you dislike swimming from a boat, you can simply enjoy the stop from the deck.

Do not touch marine life or feed animals. Fishing is also not allowed. These rules protect the creatures and keep the outing focused on watching rather than handling.

Tapas, drinks, and the quiet deck

Tapas and a drink are included, usually served after the water stop. The food is described as a snack board or spread with items such as vegetables and other small bites. Several people found it delicious, and one person praised the food as plentiful. A birthday cake was even arranged for one special occasion, though you should not count on that unless you organize it in advance.

Drink choices include alcoholic and soft drinks. Past departures mention sparkling wine, Cava, and plenty of beverages. A small point for non-drinkers: one passenger wanted a broader soft-drink selection, including regular sparkling water and apple juice.

This is a pleasant touch because the timing makes sense. After snorkeling, you can dry off, sit on deck, and eat while the boat continues along the coast. The food is not a full restaurant meal, so arrive with realistic expectations. It is a generous snack and social pause, not a formal lunch.

I also appreciate the onboard atmosphere. At least one departure had no music, allowing the sound of the sea to fill the space. That will appeal to you if you want a peaceful sailing trip. If you are hoping for a lively party boat with loud music, dancing, or speakers, this is the wrong choice. Speakers are not allowed, and the mood leans calm.

Is $82 a good value for three hours?

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. But the price includes several separate elements: the Los Gigantes cliff cruise, the wildlife search, a swim and snorkeling stop, equipment, a skipper and guide, tapas, and alcoholic or soft drinks.

The small capacity is the key value. A larger boat may offer a lower price, but you would give up some space and personal attention. Here, the maximum of 10 passengers makes the outing feel closer to a private charter without the cost of hiring a boat for your own group.

I would consider it good value if you want a balanced half-day activity. You are paying for scenery, wildlife, swimming, food, and a quieter boat rather than one single attraction. The value is weaker if your priority is only whale watching, since three hours may not allow long stops with the animals.

It also works well for couples and families. Young children and babies who can join free must still be added to the booking so their places are counted. The tour allows up to four children per departure, which helps keep the small boat from becoming overloaded with little ones.

Vegetarian and vegan food options are available if you tell the provider ahead of time. That is worth arranging before the day of the trip, since the food is prepared for the group.

What to bring and what to expect onboard

Pack lightly, since the boat has limited space. The essential list is simple:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Passport or ID card
• Your own snorkeling mask if you care about a precise fit

You cannot bring weapons or sharp objects, fireworks, explosive substances, or anything used to make a fire. Smoking in the vehicle, fishing, feeding animals, touching marine life, nudity, speakers, alcohol brought from outside, and drugs are also prohibited.

The listed alcohol restriction refers to bringing or using your own alcohol and drugs. Drinks supplied as part of the tour are included, so you do not need to bring beverages onboard.

The three-hour duration is long enough for a proper outing but short enough to fit into a busy Tenerife schedule. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when booking. An afternoon sailing can work well if you want a slow morning, while an earlier trip leaves more time for Los Gigantes afterward.

The trip is not fully predictable. The boat may spend more time with whales, more time sailing, or more time near coves depending on conditions. That flexibility is normal for a wildlife and sailing excursion, but it is worth knowing before you set your expectations.

Who will enjoy this Los Gigantes boat trip?

I would choose this excursion if you want several experiences in one booking and prefer a small group. It suits couples, families with children, and anyone who enjoys being on the water without a party-boat atmosphere.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want close views of the Los Gigantes cliffs from the sea.
• You hope to see pilot whales or dolphins but also want a scenic backup plan.
• You like swimming and snorkeling but do not need a long technical session.
• You prefer a maximum of 10 passengers.
• You value friendly guiding and included drinks and food.
• You want a quiet deck rather than onboard music.

I would think twice if you need guaranteed whale sightings, dislike open-water swimming, or expect a full meal. I would also look for a longer trip if watching marine life is your main purpose and you want more time in sighting areas.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a polished, small-group introduction to the Los Gigantes coast. The strongest combination is the limited passenger count, dramatic cliff scenery, friendly multilingual crew, and the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins before a swim and tapas on deck.

Book it with sensible expectations. Wildlife is never guaranteed, the snorkeling gear may be basic, and three hours can feel brief. But at $82, the package gives you far more than a simple sightseeing cruise. You get the coast, the sea life, the swim, the food, and a relaxed boat atmosphere in one compact outing.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful when Tenerife weather or your plans are still shifting.

FAQ

Where does the sailing excursion depart from?

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

How long does the boat trip last?

The excursion lasts three hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat accommodates a maximum of 10 passengers. Children and babies who can join free must still be added when booking so their places are reserved.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. The trip searches for whales and dolphins, and sightings have included pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life, but animals are wild and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with stops for swimming and snorkeling. You should bring your own equipment if you prefer a higher-quality or better-fitting mask and snorkel.

Are food and drinks included?

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

What languages are available on the tour?

Guiding is available in Spanish, English, and French. The amount of commentary in each language may vary by departure, so ask the crew if you need instructions or explanations in a particular language.