Los Gigantes: Sailing Excursion with Swimming, Drink & Tapas

Los Gigantes gives you Tenerife at its most dramatic: red sea cliffs rising above clear Atlantic water, with pilot whales and dolphins often found offshore. This three-hour sailing trip combines wildlife watching, a swim, snorkeling, and tapas without packing a large tour boat with people.

I like the small 10-person limit and the calm feel on board. I also like that the crew, including guides such as Luis and Moises, gives useful information without forcing a constant stream of chatter. The main trade-off is time: three hours goes quickly, and some departures spend more time sailing than watching wildlife or visiting coves.

• Small boat setting: A maximum of 10 passengers leaves room to move and keeps the outing more personal.
• Wildlife search: Pilot whales and several dolphin species are regular highlights, though sightings can never be guaranteed.
• Cliffside swim: The snorkeling stop places you near Los Gigantes, with clear water and a chance to see marine life.
• Simple onboard meal: Tapas and an alcoholic or soft drink are included after time in the water.
• Quiet atmosphere: There is no onboard music, which suits anyone who prefers waves, wind, and conversation.
• Flexible booking: You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund and reserve without paying immediately.

Why Los Gigantes works so well from the water

Puerto de Los Gigantes sits beside one of Tenerife’s most memorable stretches of coast. The cliffs are not just a backdrop for a boat ride. From sea level, their red and dark rock faces rise sharply above you, making the town and surrounding coast feel much larger than they do from shore.

The boat follows the coast through bays and natural coves before heading farther offshore in search of marine life. That mix matters. You get the grand scenery of the cliffs, but you also have time to watch the open water and learn about the animals that live around Tenerife.

The coast is home to pilot whales, dolphins, flying fish, turtles, manta rays, octopi, and other sea life. You may see several species in one trip, as some outings have found pilot whales alongside bottlenose dolphins or other dolphins. Still, wildlife is wild. The crew can search carefully, but no boat trip can promise a particular animal.

A 10-person boat makes a real difference

The Sangría carries no more than 10 passengers, with the crew generally making up the rest of the group. That limit changes the mood more than you might expect. You are not competing with a crowd for a view, and the crew can answer questions without shouting across a packed deck.

Small groups also make the swim stop easier. You can get into the water without a long queue, and the boat feels less like a floating platform and more like a shared sailing outing. Groups have sometimes been even smaller, with only five or seven passengers aboard.

I would choose this trip over a larger boat if you care about quiet time and personal space. One especially appealing detail is the lack of music. You can hear the sea, the motor, and the people around you. For some, that will be a major plus. If you want a lively party boat with loud music, this is not the right match.

The multilingual crew speaks Spanish, English, and French. Luis and Moises are names associated with especially warm and attentive outings, and the crew has handled several languages during the same trip. One practical point: if your guide explains more detail in French than English, some of the extra commentary may not be translated fully.

Leaving Puerto de Los Gigantes

Your meeting point is Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1. The trip begins from Puerto de Los Gigantes, so you need to reach the marina yourself unless your booking specifically includes another arrangement. The standard information does not include hotel pickup.

Once on board, expect a short introduction from the skipper and guide, followed by the coastal cruise. Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Swimwear is not supplied, and neither is a towel, so do not assume you can change the plan once you arrive.

The boat has room for children, with up to four children allowed on a tour. Babies and young children who join free still need to be added to the booking so their places are counted. That is useful for families planning ahead, especially on popular dates.

The cliff cruise and natural coves

The first part of the outing follows the coast around Los Gigantes. The boat moves between quiet bays and natural coves, giving you changing views of the shoreline and cliffs. The water can look remarkably clear, especially on a calm day, and the slower pace lets you take in the size of the rock walls.

This is the scenic heart of the trip. The boat gives you a viewpoint that is hard to match from land, where the cliffs often block the wider sense of the coast. You can sit on deck, take photographs, and watch the rock faces change as the boat moves along.

The exact balance of stops can vary. Some departures have spent time in bays and near the cliffs, while another outing did not reach any bays or caves. If visiting a particular cove is your main goal, ask the crew at the start what the day’s plan looks like.

The boat also heads offshore to search for whales and dolphins. Pilot whales are the most frequently noted sighting, with dolphins also appearing close to the boat on some outings. A few groups have seen dolphins with young, flying fish, turtles, and even tuna feeding in the area.

Wildlife watching around Tenerife

The wildlife search is not a quick add-on. It forms a major part of the three-hour route. The crew uses its local experience to look for signs of animals and to guide the boat toward sightings when possible.

Pilot whales can be a particularly memorable sight because they often travel in family groups. Seeing them beside a small boat gives you a closer sense of their size and movement than a distant view from shore. Dolphins may move faster and appear suddenly, sometimes swimming close to the boat.

You should keep your expectations sensible. There is no guarantee of whales, dolphins, turtles, or manta rays on any particular departure. Even when animals appear, the boat may need to keep moving or leave after a short viewing period. One passenger found there was too much sailing and not enough time remaining at the whale and dolphin locations.

That is the main limitation of combining wildlife watching, a cliff cruise, food, and snorkeling in only three hours. You get variety, but no single part can receive unlimited time. If you want a dedicated whale-watching trip with long viewing sessions, look for a tour built around wildlife alone.

There is also an environmental benefit to choosing a regulated whale-watching operator. One outing noted that the local coast limits how many boats can be present around the animals at a given time. The restrictions help reduce crowding and can make the encounter calmer for both people and wildlife.

Do not feed animals or touch marine life. These rules are not minor formalities. They protect the creatures you came to see and keep the encounter respectful.

Swimming and snorkeling beneath the cliffs

The boat stops for swimming and snorkeling in clear water, often near Los Gigantes. This is usually the most active part of the trip. You can use the supplied snorkeling equipment and look for marine life such as turtles, octopi, manta rays, and colorful fish.

Conditions will shape what you see. The information promises the chance to admire these animals, not a guaranteed sighting. The water may be calm and transparent, but sea conditions and animal movements change from day to day.

The equipment is included, which keeps the trip simple. Still, one practical note is worth remembering: some passengers found the supplied snorkeling gear less than ideal. If you already own a comfortable mask and snorkel, bringing your own may make the water stop more enjoyable.

Life jackets are available, and you do not need to be an expert swimmer to appreciate the stop. You should still be comfortable entering the sea and follow the crew’s instructions. The crew can explain where to swim and what not to touch, but this is not a formal swimming lesson.

Swimming close to the cliffs gives the stop extra character. You are not simply floating in an anonymous patch of sea. You have the rock walls above you, clear water below, and the boat nearby as a base. For many people, this ends up being the trip’s best moment.

Tapas, drinks, and the return sail

After time in the water, tapas are served on deck. The food has been described as a generous snack board with vegetables and other small bites, rather than a full restaurant meal. That distinction matters: it is enough to refresh you after swimming, but do not book this as a long lunch.

An alcoholic drink or soft drink is included. Cava has been served on some outings, and drinks have generally been plentiful. The nonalcoholic choice may be more limited than some people expect, so tell the provider in advance if you have a particular dietary or drink preference.

Vegetarian and vegan food options are available if you notify the activity provider ahead of time. I would do this at booking, rather than relying on a last-minute request at the marina.

The tapas timing can add to the pleasure of the return sail. You are dry, the cliffs are still in view, and the meal gives the final stretch a relaxed rhythm. If you want a party atmosphere, you may find the quiet style too restrained. If you like a drink, a small plate of food, and the sound of the ocean, it fits well.

Is $82 a fair price?

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Tenerife. But the price includes three hours aboard a small boat, the Los Gigantes cliff cruise, a wildlife search, swimming, snorkeling gear, tapas, a drink, and a skipper and guide.

The small-group limit is the key value. A larger boat may offer a lower price, but you are likely to have less space and less direct contact with the crew. Here, the price pays for a quieter setting and a broad mix of activities.

You should also consider the cost of your time. In three hours, you can combine several experiences that would otherwise require separate planning: a coastal cruise, whale and dolphin watching, a swim, snorkeling, and a snack. The compromise is that each part receives limited time.

I think the price is reasonable for couples, families, and small groups that value comfort over the lowest possible fare. It is less compelling if you only want a long swim or a serious wildlife session.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a well-balanced half-day on the water. It suits couples looking for a relaxed outing, families who want several activities in one booking, and anyone who prefers a smaller boat to a crowded excursion vessel.

It is also a good choice if you want scenery without giving up the chance to see wildlife. The cliffs provide a reliable visual highlight, while whales and dolphins add excitement when conditions cooperate.

You may want another option if you dislike boats, cannot comfortably swim, or want a long, fixed stop in one cove. The schedule moves between several activities, and the boat may spend a fair amount of time sailing.

Bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and an ID card. Avoid bringing speakers, fishing gear, sharp objects, or anything prohibited on the boat. Smoking, feeding animals, touching marine life, fireworks, fire, drugs, and nudity are not allowed.

Final verdict: book it for variety and a quiet boat

I would book this Los Gigantes sailing trip if I wanted a small, peaceful outing with several strong ingredients: dramatic cliffs, a real chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins, a clear-water swim, and tapas on deck.

The biggest reason to choose it is the setting and group size. The biggest reason to hesitate is the three-hour limit. Wildlife viewing may feel brief, and the exact mix of bays, snorkeling, and animal sightings can change.

For the best fit, book this when you want a relaxed taste of Tenerife’s coast rather than a single-purpose expedition. The 24-hour cancellation policy and reserve-now, pay-later option also make it easier to hold a place while your plans settle.

FAQ

Where does the sailing excursion leave from?

It leaves from Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1, at Puerto de Los Gigantes.

How long is the boat trip?

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

How many people can join the boat?

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

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The crew searches for whales and dolphins, but sightings depend on wildlife and sea conditions. Pilot whales and dolphins have been seen on many outings.

What animals might I see while snorkeling?

The activity information lists sea turtles, manta rays, and octopi as possible sightings. Other marine life, including parrot fish and flying fish, has also been seen on some trips.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included. You may bring your own equipment if you prefer, since some people found the supplied gear basic.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Tapas and one alcoholic or soft drink are included. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you notify the provider ahead of time.

Which languages are spoken?

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

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should not bring weapons, sharp objects, speakers, fishing equipment, fireworks, or other prohibited items.