Los Gigantes: Sailing Excursion with Swimming, Drink & Tapas

Los Gigantes is at its best from the water, where towering red cliffs rise above quiet coves and open sea. I like the small 10-person boat, which gives you space to watch wildlife without the packed feel of a large excursion vessel. I also like the calm finish: snorkel or swim, then sit under the cliffs with tapas and a drink.

The main consideration is time. Three hours passes quickly, and the boat must balance whale watching, coastal sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and food. If marine life takes longer to locate, you may get less time in a bay or at the snorkel stop.

Key points to know before booking

• Maximum of 10 passengers: This is a small outing with two crew members on some departures, not a party boat.
• Whale and dolphin search: Pilot whales and several types of dolphins have been seen, but wildlife sightings cannot be promised.
• Snorkeling near Los Gigantes: You may see sea turtles, octopi, manta rays, or smaller fish, though conditions and sightings vary.
• Tapas and drinks included: Expect a simple spread of tapas with alcoholic or soft drinks after time in the water.
• Guides speak three languages: Spanish, English, and French are available, though translation may not be equal in every language.
• Bring your own basics: Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and passport or ID are required or strongly advised.

Setting out from Puerto de Los Gigantes

You meet the boat at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1. The departure point puts you right beside one of Tenerife’s most dramatic coastal sights, so the scenery begins before the boat leaves the marina.

The boat used for the trip is called the Sangría. It carries no more than 10 passengers, a useful limit when you want to move around, find a good seat, or watch the water without elbows in your ribs. Some departures have had only five to seven passengers, while the full boat can hold 10. That range makes a real difference.

The outing is led by a skipper and guide, with Luis and Moises named by several past participants. Their role is not only to steer. They explain marine life, point out wildlife, handle the swimming stop, and keep drinks and food moving. The strongest praise has gone to the crew’s friendly, attentive approach. You get information when it helps, but the trip is not built around nonstop talking.

One small language caution is worth noting. Spanish, English, and French are offered, but on one departure the guide spoke mostly French and translated only the key instructions into English. If detailed commentary matters to you, confirm the language arrangement when booking.

Sailing below the red cliffs

The cliffs of Los Gigantes are the visual heart of the trip. From the sea, their scale is much easier to grasp than from shore. You follow the coast past red rock walls, natural coves, and quieter bays, with the boat offering a low viewpoint close to the water.

The route is not a rigid sightseeing circuit. The skipper chooses where to go based on sea conditions, wildlife, and the timing of the outing. That flexibility helps when the crew is searching for whales or dolphins, but it also means you may not visit every bay or cave suggested in the description.

One departure did not include a stop in any bay or cave, while others focused on a quiet bay for swimming. That is normal for a wildlife and sailing trip, but it is worth knowing if your main goal is a particular cove. You are paying for the overall experience along this coast, not a guaranteed checklist of formations.

The scenery works even if the sea is quiet. Several hours are not spent staring at a marina or a flat horizon. You are surrounded by cliff walls, open water, and the sound of the sea. One especially appealing detail is that the boat does not rely on loud music. You can sit back and hear the waves, which gives the outing a more peaceful feel than many party-style boat trips.

Searching for dolphins and pilot whales

The boat heads offshore to look for marine life. Pilot whales are the most frequently mentioned sighting, along with bottlenose dolphins and other dolphin groups. Some departures have found dolphins with calves, pilot whales with young, flying fish, tuna, and even a turtle.

The good news is that the crew actively searches rather than simply passing through the area and hoping for luck. Some trips found whales early, while others watched dolphins swimming close to the boat. When animals appear nearby, the small boat gives you a much better chance of seeing them without a crowd around you.

Still, this is wildlife, not a stage show. You may see several species, or you may have a quieter outing. The experience description promises a search for dolphins and whales, not a guaranteed sighting. That distinction matters when you compare this trip with a standard coastal cruise.

The three-hour length creates a practical tradeoff. You have enough time to reach the open-water area, search, return toward the cliffs, and stop for swimming and food. But you do not have unlimited time to sit with every pod. One participant felt the boat spent too much time sailing and not enough time watching when animals were found. If close observation is your top priority, a longer wildlife trip may suit you better.

There is also an important ethical point. Feeding animals and touching marine life are not allowed. The coast is described as regulated for boat numbers, which helps keep the encounter from turning into a crowded chase. You should still follow the crew’s instructions and let the animals set the pace.

Swimming and snorkeling in clear water

After the wildlife search and coastal sailing, the boat stops for time in the water. Depending on conditions and the route, this may be near Los Gigantes or in a quieter bay. You can swim, use the supplied snorkeling gear, or remain on deck.

The water is described as clear, and past outings have included sightings of turtles, manta rays, octopi, parrot fish, and other sea life. These are possible encounters, not a promise. Snorkeling visibility can change with weather, current, and the exact stop chosen that day.

Life jackets are available, and snorkeling equipment is included. One useful piece of advice is to bring your own mask and snorkel if you already own a comfortable set. The supplied equipment has been described as serviceable but not especially high quality. For a short swim, it may be perfectly fine. For a serious look below the surface, your own gear could make the stop more enjoyable.

You need to bring swimwear and a towel. Sunscreen is essential, since the boat’s deck offers little escape from the sun. A passport or ID card is also listed among the items to bring, so do not leave it behind simply because you are spending the day on the water.

The swimming stop is a strong part of the outing for families and couples. You get a chance to cool off rather than spend all three hours seated. Children can join, with space for up to four children per tour. Babies and young children must be included in the booking so their places are counted.

Tapas under the cliffs

The food is simple rather than a full meal, but it fits the trip well. Expect tapas, vegetables, and snack-style items served on deck, often after swimming when everyone is ready for something salty and easy to eat. Some participants have compared the spread to a charcuterie board, while others simply found it a pleasant finishing touch.

A drink is included, either alcoholic or nonalcoholic. Past outings have offered wine, cava, and soft drinks, with plenty available on some trips. The nonalcoholic selection may be less varied than the alcoholic one, so if you want a particular soft drink, do not assume it will be available.

Vegetarian and vegan food can be arranged if you tell the provider in advance. This is important because the food is served as a shared spread, and advance notice gives the crew time to prepare something suitable.

The timing of the food can vary. Some trips finish snorkeling and then serve tapas under the red cliffs. That setting is the point: you are not eating in a restaurant with a view of the sea. You are on the boat, still surrounded by open water and rock walls, with the sea air doing much of the work.

Do not mistake the included drinks for a floating party. Smoking, drugs, excessive behavior, speakers, and alcohol brought from outside are not allowed. The boat’s appeal is its quiet, social pace, not loud music or a free-for-all.

What the $82 price really buys you

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the coast. You are paying for a small boat, a skipper and guide, snorkeling equipment, a wildlife search, swimming time, tapas, and a drink during a three-hour outing.

The group size is the biggest value factor. A larger boat may offer a lower price, but you may spend more time queuing for food, searching for a clear view, or sitting far from the guide. Here, a full boat still means only 10 passengers, and several departures have been even quieter.

The value is strongest if you want several activities in one short outing. You get cliff scenery, whale and dolphin watching, swimming, snorkeling, and food without arranging separate tours. It is also a good fit if you prefer a relaxed boat with no loud music.

The value is weaker if your only goal is a long wildlife-watching session. Three hours is enough for a taste of each activity, but not enough to linger everywhere. You might also find the route spends more time sailing than expected if wildlife is slow to appear or the crew is moving between areas.

Compared with a large catamaran cruise, this feels more personal. Compared with a dedicated whale-watching trip, it gives you more variety but less time focused on animals. That is the clearest way to judge the price.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most

I would recommend it to you if you want a small-group outing with a bit of everything. Couples get peaceful sea time and dramatic views. Families get swimming, wildlife, snacks, and a group size that is easier to manage than a crowded boat.

It also suits anyone who likes a low-key atmosphere. The lack of onboard music is a real plus if you would rather hear the water and talk with the people around you. The crew has been praised for giving people room while staying attentive.

You should think twice if you dislike open-water sailing, want a fixed route, or need a guaranteed animal sighting. The sea decides much of the schedule. You should also consider your language preference if you want detailed commentary throughout the trip, since interpretation may vary by departure.

The activity is not described as accessible for every mobility need, and no accessibility details are provided. If you have specific mobility requirements, ask the provider before booking rather than assuming the boat and dock will suit you.

Booking details that matter

The tour lasts three hours, with starting times based on availability. It leaves from Dock 1 at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, so plan to reach the marina before departure rather than searching for the boat at the last minute.

Spanish, English, and French are available. The group is limited to 10 passengers. Children can join, with up to four children allowed per tour, but young children and babies must be added during booking so the crew can reserve space.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Tenerife schedule is still changing.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Weapons, sharp objects, fishing gear, outside alcohol and drugs, fireworks, explosives, fire-making items, speakers, and smoking are not allowed. You must not feed or touch marine life.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing excursion?

Book it if you want a quiet small-group boat trip that combines cliffs, marine wildlife, snorkeling, and tapas in one well-paced half day. The red cliffs are the lasting visual reward, while the chance to see pilot whales or dolphins adds real excitement when nature cooperates.

I would choose this over a large party cruise if space, calm, and personal attention matter to you. I would choose a longer specialist wildlife trip if watching whales and dolphins is your single main goal.

At $82, the price makes sense for the small group and the number of included activities. Just keep your expectations flexible: the boat may not enter every bay, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and three hours leaves little room to linger. Bring your towel, arrive ready to swim, and let the sea set part of the schedule.

FAQ

Where does the sailing excursion leave from?

It leaves from Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1, in Los Gigantes.

How long does the boat trip last?

The excursion lasts three hours.

How many people can join?

The boat can carry a maximum of 10 passengers.

Which languages are available?

Guides speak Spanish, English, and French.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The crew searches for whales and dolphins, but wildlife sightings depend on conditions and animal movements.

What marine life might I see while snorkeling?

Possible sightings include sea turtles, manta rays, octopi, parrot fish, and other marine life. Sightings vary from trip to trip.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, though you may prefer to bring your own equipment if you have it.

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 in advance.

Can children and babies join?

Yes. Young children and babies who can join for free must still be added during booking so their places can be reserved. Up to four children can join each tour.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.