Los Gigantes: Sailing Excursion with Swimming, Drink & Tapas

The best part of this Los Gigantes boat trip is the mix: whale watching and cliff scenery on the same short outing, followed by a swim and tapas beneath Tenerife’s red volcanic walls. You are not locked into one noisy sightseeing loop. The route includes open water, sheltered coves, and time to enjoy the boat.

I like the maximum of 10 passengers, which gives the trip a calm, personal feel, and I like that the crew keeps the atmosphere quiet rather than filling the boat with music. The main consideration is time: three hours passes quickly, and the itinerary may give you more sailing and wildlife searching than time in the coves.

Key points to know

• Pilot whales and dolphins: Sightings are common in the reports, but wildlife is never guaranteed.
• Small boat setting: The Sangría carries up to 10 passengers, with room to spread out more than on a large excursion boat.
• Snorkeling stop: You may swim near Los Gigantes, with equipment supplied for viewing turtles, rays, octopi, and other sea life.
• Tapas and drinks: Food and alcoholic or soft drinks are served onboard, with vegetarian and vegan choices available by advance request.
• Multilingual crew: Tours operate in Spanish, English, and French. Luis and Moises are among the crew members praised for their friendly, attentive service.
• Simple meeting point: Arrive at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1, with swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and ID.

Setting out from Puerto de Los Gigantes

You meet the boat at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1. The harbor is the practical starting point for a trip focused on the huge cliffs and the water just offshore, so you do not spend much of your three hours getting to the main scenery.

The boat used for the excursion is called the Sangría. With no more than 10 passengers, it offers a very different feel from a large party boat. You can ask questions, find a comfortable place on deck, and move between the scenery, wildlife search, and swimming stop without feeling packed in.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, and French. Luis and Moises are named in several accounts, and their style seems to be friendly without forcing constant conversation. One especially appealing detail is the lack of onboard music. You can hear the water, the engine, and the people around you, which suits this coastline far better than a loud soundtrack.

The boat is not a private charter, so you share the experience with other passengers. Still, the 10-person limit makes it feel closer to a sailing outing than a standard harbor cruise. That matters when the crew points out wildlife or explains what you are seeing.

Sailing below the red cliffs

Los Gigantes is known for its towering coastal cliffs, and the boat gives you a useful angle on them. From the water, the walls rise directly from the coast, with small bays and natural coves breaking up the rock. The scale is hard to grasp from land, where roads and buildings can hide parts of the view.

The route follows the coast and passes through calm stretches of water when conditions allow. You get time to look up at the cliffs, take photographs, and watch the water for movement. This is not simply transport to a snorkeling site. The sailing itself is one of the main parts of the outing.

The scenery is particularly strong for anyone who wants a less hurried afternoon. The crew does not need to fill every moment with commentary, and the small group leaves room for quiet. You might hear facts about marine life and Tenerife’s coast, then return your attention to the cliffs and sea.

Keep your expectations practical. The description refers to bays and coves, but the exact route can vary. One outing did not enter bays or caves, and another passenger felt there was slightly too much sailing compared with time spent watching whales and dolphins. If your priority is a long swim or a full coastal tour, three hours may feel short.

Searching for dolphins and pilot whales

The boat heads offshore to search for marine life. Pilot whales and dolphins are the main wildlife draw, and sightings have included bottlenose dolphins, several dolphin types, and pilot whale groups with young animals. Flying fish, tuna, turtles, and other sea life have also been seen on different outings.

Some sightings have been close to the boat, including dolphins swimming alongside it and pilot whales appearing nearby. That can be a thrilling moment, but you should treat it as luck, not a promise. Wild animals choose the route, and the crew cannot control how long they remain in view.

The crew’s role is important here. They can explain what you are seeing, help you identify whales or dolphins, and guide the boat toward suitable wildlife areas. The coast is also described as regulated for the number of boats present, which can reduce the crowded feeling around marine animals and make the search more respectful.

Do not book this solely on the assumption that you will see a particular species. A whale and dolphin outing is always subject to nature. You should book it because you want three different experiences in one: time on the water, a chance to see marine life, and a stop for swimming beneath the cliffs.

One point to watch is language balance. The crew works across three languages, and most communication is handled well. If the group is multilingual, some longer explanations may be given mainly in one language, with only key instructions translated. If detailed marine facts matter to you, ask the crew directly.

Swimming and snorkeling in clear water

After the wildlife search and coastal sailing, the boat stops for swimming or snorkeling. The water is described as clear, and the stop may offer views of turtles, manta rays, octopi, parrot fish, and other marine life. You can swim, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, or remain onboard if you prefer not to enter the sea.

Snorkeling near the cliffs is one of the strongest parts of the trip. You see Los Gigantes from water level, where the rock walls feel especially close and imposing. The combination of clear water, volcanic cliffs, and a small boat creates a memorable setting without requiring a full-day excursion.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you care about having the best fit. The supplied equipment makes the activity easy, but one passenger found it less impressive than personal gear. This is useful advice for regular snorkelers, while casual swimmers will probably appreciate not having to pack extra equipment.

You need to bring your own swimwear and towel. Sunscreen is also listed as essential, and you should apply it before boarding. The boat supplies snorkeling gear and life vests are available, but those do not replace your own towel or sun protection.

The sea stop is not guaranteed to be long. Some outings have made swimming the highlight, while others have left passengers wishing for more time in the water. If you want an extended snorkeling session, check the day’s conditions and ask the crew how the three hours are likely to be divided.

Tapas, drinks, and the pace onboard

The food is served onboard, often after the swim, which makes sense when you are ready for a snack. Tapas have been described as a tray with vegetables and other small bites, similar to a simple charcuterie board. The food is not presented as a formal meal, but it is more than a token snack and fits the relaxed boat setting.

Alcoholic and soft drinks are included. Cava has been served on some outings, and passengers have also mentioned plentiful drinks. The nonalcoholic range may be more limited than some people expect, so tell the provider in advance if you have specific dietary or drink needs.

Vegetarian and vegan food options are available when requested ahead of time. That is worth arranging before the day, rather than waiting until you are already on the boat. The food adds real value to the $82 price, particularly because it comes after swimming and while you are still surrounded by the cliffs.

The atmosphere is more laid-back than party-focused. There is no promise of music, and the quiet is a plus if you want to hear the sea. If you expect a lively celebration with a full lunch, a DJ, or a wide bar menu, this is not that kind of cruise.

What the $82 price gets you

At $82 per person, this trip is not the cheapest way to get onto the water, but the price covers several separate elements: the three-hour boat outing, Los Gigantes cliffs, wildlife searching, a swimming and snorkeling stop, equipment, tapas, drinks, and a multilingual skipper and guide.

The group size makes the value stronger. A 10-person limit means you are paying for more than a place on a crowded vessel. You get a better chance to see the water from the rail, ask the crew questions, and enjoy a quieter meal after swimming.

The price is also easier to justify if you want variety. A basic whale-watching trip may focus mainly on wildlife, while a simple boat transfer may offer scenery but no food or swimming. Here, you get a compact version of several coastal activities in one morning or afternoon.

Still, the value depends on your priorities. If you mainly want to spend a long time snorkeling, three hours may feel too brief. If wildlife sightings are your only goal, the boat may spend time sailing and searching without guaranteeing whales or dolphins. If you want a small, flexible-feeling outing with food included, the cost makes more sense.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this excursion to couples, families, and solo visitors who want a quieter boat experience. It suits people who enjoy scenery and wildlife but do not need every minute planned or narrated.

Families should note that children and babies who join free still need to be added during booking so their places are counted. The tour allows up to four children per trip. Swimming ability is not stated as a requirement, and life vests are available, but parents should still decide how comfortable their children are around open water.

The outing also works well for anyone who dislikes large tour boats. Several trips had fewer than the 10-person limit, giving the boat an even more private feel. You should not count on having the boat to yourself, but the passenger cap keeps the scale manageable.

This may not suit you if you dislike boats, need a long period on land, or want a guaranteed wildlife encounter. It is also less suitable if you expect hotel pickup. The meeting point is the marina, and pickup is not listed as a standard inclusion, so arrange your own way to Dock 1 unless the operator confirms something different.

Timing, language, and practical preparation

The activity lasts three hours, with starting times available according to the day’s schedule. An afternoon departure has produced good wildlife sightings, so there is no reason to assume that only an early trip is worthwhile. Conditions and animal movement matter more than a fixed promise about the best time.

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The rules prohibit smoking in the vehicle, fishing, feeding or touching marine life, weapons, sharp objects, fireworks, explosives, fires, nudity, speakers, alcohol not supplied by the operator, and drugs. These restrictions protect the group and the animals, and they also help keep the boat peaceful.

The activity has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies are useful if your coastal plans may change, but you should still check the available departure time before booking.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing excursion?

Book it if you want a small-group coastal outing that combines cliffs, wildlife, swimming, snorkeling, tapas, and drinks without taking up a full day. The strongest reasons are the 10-person limit, the calm onboard mood, and the repeated success in finding pilot whales and dolphins.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is a long snorkeling session or extended whale watching. The route can involve plenty of sailing, and the wildlife search cannot be controlled. Still, at $82, the mix of included food, drinks, equipment, and three hours on the water gives the trip solid value.

Arrive prepared for the sea, bring your own towel and sunscreen, request vegetarian or vegan food in advance, and ask about the day’s route if time in the coves matters to you. For an authentic look at Los Gigantes from the water, this is a well-sized, sensible choice.

FAQ

Where does the Los Gigantes sailing trip meet?

Meet at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1.

How long is the sailing excursion?

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

How many people can join the boat trip?

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

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. The excursion includes tapas and an alcoholic or soft drink. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you notify the provider in advance.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included. You must bring your own swimwear and towel, and bringing personal snorkeling equipment may be useful if you want a particular fit.

What languages are available, and can I cancel?

The live guide service is available in Spanish, English, and French. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you postpone payment until later.