Los Gigantes: Sailing Excursion with Swimming, Drink & Tapas

The Atlantic puts on the show here. This three-hour sailing trip from Puerto de Los Gigantes combines red volcanic cliffs, open-water wildlife, a swim stop, and tapas on the boat. I like the small maximum of 10 passengers, which keeps the outing calm rather than turning it into a crowded boat ride. I also like the quiet feel onboard, with no forced music and plenty of room to enjoy the sea.

The main consideration is time. Three hours passes quickly, and the trip has to balance sailing, whale and dolphin watching, snorkeling, swimming, and food. You may wish the boat stayed longer with the animals or gave you more time in the water. Sightings are never guaranteed, either, though the chances are good in this part of Tenerife.

Key points at a glance

• Small boat, maximum 10 people: A more personal setting than a large coastal cruise, with two crew members on some departures.
• Whale and dolphin watching: Pilot whales, dolphins, flying fish, turtles, and other marine life have all been seen on different outings.
• Snorkeling beneath Los Gigantes: The swim stop gives you a chance to get into clear water beside Tenerife’s towering cliffs.
• Tapas and drinks onboard: Food is served after time in the water, which makes it especially welcome.
• Three languages available: Tours operate in Spanish, English, and French, though translation may vary during the trip.
• Good flexibility: You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund and reserve without paying immediately.

Setting out from Puerto de Los Gigantes

Your meeting point is Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1. Build in enough time to find the marina and locate the dock before departure. The supplied details do not include standard hotel pickup, so plan to reach Puerto de Los Gigantes yourself unless the operator confirms another arrangement directly.

The boat is named Sangría, an appropriate choice for a cruise that includes drinks and tapas. The small capacity is one of the strongest features here. With no more than 10 passengers, you are not fighting for a view or trying to hear a guide over a large crowd. Some departures have had only five to nine passengers, making the boat feel almost private.

The crew includes a skipper and guide. Luis and Moises are named by several passengers as especially friendly and attentive, and Luis has been praised for his care around the boat and the water. You can expect the crew to explain the marine life and local coast, though the amount of commentary may depend on the language spoken by each person onboard.

One practical point: Spanish, English, and French are offered, but the information may not be repeated equally in every language. If you want to understand the wildlife details, ask questions directly. The crew has been described as discreet rather than constantly talking, which suits anyone who prefers the sound of the sea to a running commentary.

Sailing beneath the red cliffs of Los Gigantes

The cliffs are the visual star of the trip. Seen from the water, the red and brown rock walls rise sharply above the coast, giving you a perspective that is impossible from the road. The boat follows the shoreline and passes bays and natural coves, so keep your camera ready even during the quieter stretches of sailing.

This part of the cruise is not only about taking pictures. The cliffs provide a sense of scale. From shore, Los Gigantes can look like a dramatic backdrop. From a small boat below, they feel much larger and more immediate, especially when you are swimming near them later.

The route can vary. One outing may include a stop in a quiet bay, while another may spend more time near the cliffs or farther out at sea. A past trip did not include bays or caves, so you should treat the stated stops as possibilities rather than a fixed promise of every cove and coastal feature.

That flexibility is normal for a wildlife and sailing trip. The skipper needs to respond to sea conditions, marine life, and the best available swimming area. Still, if your priority is exploring coves rather than watching whales, ask about the planned route before boarding.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The boat heads out along Tenerife’s coast to look for whales and dolphins. Pilot whales and several types of dolphins have been seen, sometimes close to the boat. Some outings have also included flying fish, tuna, and other sea life.

Pilot whales are a frequent highlight of the trip. They are often seen in family groups, and one outing included young whales. Bottlenose dolphins and other dolphin species have also appeared beside the boat. These sightings can be exciting because they bring the boat into the wider marine environment rather than keeping the whole trip close to shore.

You should keep expectations sensible. No wildlife trip can promise a particular species or a close approach. The boat may spend time searching, and conditions can affect how long you remain near an animal group. One passenger felt there was too much sailing and not enough time watching the whales and dolphins, so this is worth considering if wildlife viewing is your only reason for booking.

For me, the balance is part of the appeal. The trip is not marketed as a nonstop wildlife session. You are also paying for the cliffs, the sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and food. If the animals do not appear, those other parts still give the outing purpose. If dolphins or pilot whales do appear, the day becomes far more memorable.

The coast is also regulated in terms of how many boats can be present in some areas. That can reduce the feeling of a boat crowd and help keep encounters more respectful. Follow the crew’s instructions carefully. Do not feed animals or touch marine life, even if something swims close to you.

Swimming and snorkeling in clear water

At a suitable point along the coast, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling. The water has been described as very clear, and this is one of the most enjoyable parts for people who want more than a scenic cruise.

The advertised marine life includes sea turtles, manta rays, and octopuses. Parrot fish have also been seen. You may see none of these on a particular departure, so think of them as possible sightings rather than a checklist. The main reward is being in the Atlantic beneath the cliffs, with time to look below the surface at your own pace.

Snorkeling gear is included. One past passenger felt that the supplied equipment was not the best quality and suggested bringing personal gear if you have it. That is useful advice for confident snorkelers. For occasional swimmers, the included equipment should still make the stop accessible, subject to fit and availability.

Life jackets have been provided on outings, and the crew gives the relevant instructions. You need to bring your own swimwear and towel. Sunscreen is also essential, though apply it carefully and follow the crew’s guidance around marine life and the boat.

The water stop may be the trip’s best match for families and couples who want a relaxed break from sightseeing. It is less suitable if you dislike open-water swimming or need a long, structured snorkeling session. The activity is part of a wider three-hour cruise, not a dedicated snorkeling lesson.

Tapas under the cliffs

After the swim, the crew serves tapas and drinks onboard. The food has been described as a sharing platter with vegetables and other small bites, and it is generally treated as a substantial snack rather than a formal restaurant meal.

Timing matters here. Food after swimming is a simple pleasure, especially when you are back on deck with the cliffs around you. Several outings have also included sparkling wine or cava, along with soft drinks and alcoholic choices. If you do not drink alcohol, tell the provider what you prefer when booking.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you need to notify the activity provider in advance. The listed inclusion is tapas and one alcohol or soft drink, while individual outings have described drinks as plentiful. I would not assume a limitless bar service. Think of the drinks as a pleasant part of the package, not the reason to book it.

One passenger wished the nonalcoholic selection included more choices, such as regular sparkling water and apple juice. That is a small point, but useful if you are particular about drinks or are booking for children.

The absence of music has also been appreciated. You get the sound of the water, conversation, and the occasional excitement of a wildlife sighting. If you want a party boat, this may feel too quiet. If you want to slow down, it is a plus.

What $82 buys you

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. The value comes from combining several separate activities in one small-group outing: the Los Gigantes cliffs, coastal sailing, wildlife watching, swimming, snorkeling equipment, tapas, drinks, and a crew member who guides the trip.

A large boat may offer a lower headline price, but you would likely trade away the small-group setting. Here, a maximum of 10 people means the skipper can answer questions and the deck does not feel packed. That difference matters when you are watching dolphins or trying to get into the water without a queue.

The price is strongest for couples, families, and small groups who want a polished half-day activity without spending the whole day at sea. It is also useful if you want a taste of several Tenerife experiences but do not want to arrange a separate whale-watching trip and snorkeling outing.

The value is less clear if you only want a long swim or only want guaranteed wildlife viewing. The three-hour schedule has to fit in a lot, and some people will find the animal-watching time too short. You are paying for variety and comfort, not one single activity in depth.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A quiet, small-group cruise rather than a crowded excursion boat
• Dramatic coastal views with a chance to see dolphins or pilot whales
• A swim and snorkeling stop without arranging equipment yourself
• A relaxed mix of scenery, food, and wildlife
• A family-friendly activity with room for up to four children per tour
• Commentary in Spanish, English, or French

It suits couples particularly well because the pace is calm and the boat feels personal. Families can also enjoy it, though children must be included when booking, even if they join free, so their places are held.

You may want another activity if you get seasick easily, dislike open-water swimming, or need a fully fixed route. You should also choose a different outing if your main aim is a long snorkeling session or a full-day wildlife expedition.

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Leave sharp objects, smoking materials, fishing gear, speakers, and anything involving fire or explosives at home. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed apart from the drinks provided as part of the trip. Nudity is also prohibited, and you must not feed or touch marine life.

Booking details that matter

The tour lasts three hours, with starting times depending on availability. It is operated as a small group, limited to 10 passengers. Up to four children can join each tour, and babies or young children still need to be added to the booking so the operator can count their places.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is useful if your Tenerife plans may shift, especially when you are coordinating a driving day around the island.

Do not rely on informal reports of hotel pickup. The stated meeting point is Dock 1 at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, and you should confirm any transfer arrangement before making plans around it.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing excursion?

Book it if you want a well-rounded three-hour outing with a small boat, striking cliffs, a real chance of seeing pilot whales or dolphins, and a comfortable swim stop followed by tapas. The strongest reasons to choose it are the limited passenger count, the friendly crew, and the chance to enjoy the coast without loud onboard entertainment.

Think twice if you want the maximum possible time watching wildlife or snorkeling. The schedule moves between several activities, and sightings can never be promised. At $82, the trip earns its price through variety and a personal setting rather than through a long stay at any one stop.

For most visitors staying near Los Gigantes, this is a sensible way to experience the coast from sea level. Bring your towel, arrive at Dock 1 ready for open water, and leave enough room in your plans for the boat to set its own pace.

FAQ

Where does the Los Gigantes sailing trip meet?

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

How long does the excursion last?

The sailing excursion lasts three hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat can accommodate a maximum of 10 passengers.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in Spanish, English, and French.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, tapas, and an alcoholic or soft drink are included.

Do I need to bring swimwear and a towel?

Yes. Swimwear and a towel are not included, so bring both. Sunscreen is also recommended.

Can I see whales and dolphins?

The trip searches for whales and dolphins, and pilot whales and several dolphin species have been seen. Sightings are possible but cannot be guaranteed.

Are vegetarian and vegan food options available?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan food options are available if you notify the activity provider in advance.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.