Los Gigantes: Sailing Excursion with Swimming, Drink & Tapas

Los Gigantes looks unreal from the water. This 3-hour sailing trip mixes dramatic cliff scenery with a serious push for marine sightings, plus time to swim and snorkel.

I especially like the small group size (max 10), which keeps the deck from feeling crowded, and I really appreciate that the crew focuses on wildlife without turning it into a circus. You also get snorkeling gear and a proper onboard snack setup, not just a token bite.

One thing to keep in mind: the dolphins and whales are a nature show, not a guaranteed appointment, and in winter or rougher conditions the exact experience can shift.

What I’d prioritize if I booked this

I like that you get a mix of time on the water and time in it, with a deep-sea snorkel stop near the cliffs. I also like the onboard vibe, including plenty of drinks and tapas, and even a quieter feel since many people note there is no music.

The main trade-off is time. With only 3 hours total, you may want a little more sitting time watching whales, and the pace can feel a touch sailing heavy on certain outings.

Key points to know before you go

• Max 10 passengers means more room, calmer deck energy, and easier attention from the skipper
• Whale and dolphin spotting focus along Tenerfie’s coast, with chances at pilot whales and dolphins
• Deep-water snorkel near Los Gigantes where you might see sea turtles, manta rays, and octopi
• Tapas and drinks on deck after swimming, with a relaxed finish under the red cliffs
• Snorkel gear is included, but bring your own if you’re picky about quality
• Multi-language crew (Spanish, English, French) with clear guidance on safety and rules

Set sail from Puerto de Los Gigantes on the Sangría

This trip runs out of Puerto de Los Gigantes, at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1. You’ll board the Sangría and spend about 3 hours on the water, sailing along the coast while the crew watches the sea like it’s their job (because it is).

The “small group” part matters more than you think. On big tour boats, you’re often wedged in, trying to see over shoulders. Here, with up to 10 people, you’re more likely to find your own viewing spot, take photos without constant blocking, and actually hear the skipper when they point things out.

You should also note the vibe people talk about: it’s not loud and chaotic. Several reviewers specifically mention enjoying the sound of the ocean rather than competing onboard music.

The red cliffs and the bay-to-cove rhythm

The scenery around Los Gigantes is the headline. From the boat, the steep red cliffs rise straight out of the water, and you’re sailing past natural coves that feel sheltered even when you’re exposed to open ocean.

Expect the captain to work the coastline in segments: cruise between quieter bays, then move on. That means you’re not just sitting in one spot waiting for wildlife. You get a sense of the area, and you keep your eyes busy because marine life can show up anywhere the crew thinks conditions look right.

A practical note: because the outing is only 3 hours, the pacing can feel a bit more “move, cruise, then swim” than “slow and linger.” If you’re the type who wants long whale time once sightings happen, you might feel the clock a little.

Wildlife spotting: dolphins and pilot whales on the move

This is a sailing excursion with a wildlife mission. The crew looks for dolphins and whales as you head along Tenerfie’s coast, and the boat stops are timed with that search in mind.

From the experience pattern in the reviews, the most common highlights include pilot whales and multiple kinds of dolphins, sometimes even close enough to watch them swim alongside the vessel. People also mention sightings like whale pods and even flying fish during the outing.

Here’s the honest part: you can’t control what the ocean decides to show that day. But you can control how you react to the hunt. If you go with the mindset of flexible watching, you’ll enjoy the ride more, even if the first sightings are quick.

The other advantage of this format is that the area is typically managed for wildlife viewing. That tends to mean fewer boats crowding the same spot, so the whole moment feels more respectful and less like a traffic jam.

The deep-sea snorkeling stop near Los Gigantes

The best “do something” moment is the snorkeling portion. At some point the boat makes a stop for a deep-sea snorkeling session, with guidance from the crew on safety and how to handle the water.

What you might see is the reason this matters. Reviews mention possible encounters like sea turtles, manta rays, and octopi. Those are the headline animals on a water trip to this part of Tenerife, and the snorkeling stop is the part that puts you in the same environment instead of just watching from the deck.

A few practical tips that will help you get more out of the water time:

• Bring your own towel and swimwear. The tour includes snorkeling gear, but you still need to be dry and comfortable after.
• Expect saltwater. Rinse your face and eyes when you can, especially if you plan to keep walking around afterward.
• If you’re a confident snorkeler and picky about equipment, consider bringing your own mask. One review noted the provided snorkel gear quality wasn’t the best.

Also, check if you’ll be issued anything for support. At least one review mentions life vests were provided, which helps people feel more secure in open water.

Tapas and drinks on deck, with a calmer onboard feel

After swimming, the vibe shifts from active to relaxed. You’ll head back on deck and enjoy tapas and drinks. The food is generally described as delicious, with several people calling out a proper snack board style rather than just a couple of small bites.

This part is more valuable than it sounds because it gives you a chance to recover, talk about what you saw, and enjoy the cliffs without rushing. Several reviews mention finishing under the red cliffs, glass in hand, with time to sit and actually look at the coastline.

Drink choices include alcohol or soft drinks, and the overall feel seems to be generous. One person did note the non-alcoholic selection could be broader, so if you’re very specific about drinks, you might want to mentally plan for basic options.

Who this 3-hour sailing trip is best for

This experience fits best when you want variety in a short window. In one outing you get cliff views, wildlife watching, and water time, without needing a full half-day or day trip.

It’s especially good for:

• Couples who want a romantic, not-too-loud outing with space to breathe
• Families with older kids who can handle a swim and follow simple safety directions
• People who want small-group access so they can focus on sightings instead of logistics

It’s also a solid option if you care about comfort. With max 10 passengers, you’re less likely to feel boxed in, and the crew can keep an eye on everyone during swimming and snorkeling.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants a long, slow wildlife watch from one fixed location, you may find 3 hours a little tight. But if you like movement, scenery, and an active water break, the pace can feel just right.

Price and value: why $82 can make sense here

At about $82 per person for roughly 3 hours, the value depends on what you want from Tenerife.

You’re paying for three things that are hard to replicate cheaply:

1. A small boat experience with limited passengers
2. Actual water time with included snorkeling gear
3. Food and drinks built into the trip, not sold separately in pieces

If you’re comparing this to a basic sightseeing boat where snorkeling is extra, or where snacks are minimal, this package starts to look fair. And when the crew actually helps you find whales and dolphins, the satisfaction factor rises fast.

So I’d frame it like this: if you want a simple, guided mix of sea views, wildlife spotting, and swimming, the price is reasonable for the format. If you mainly want to stretch out and spend hours just watching whales, you might prefer a longer tour type and budget for that difference.

Languages and crew style: small details that change your day

The crew includes a skipper and guide with live help in Spanish, English, and French. Several reviews mention excellent communication across languages, including attentive instruction and clear guidance.

Two crew names come up often in the reviews: Luis and Moises. People describe them as friendly, attentive, and really focused on making sure you get chances for good sightings.

One detail worth filing away: a reviewer did mention translation was more French-focused on one trip. So if you rely heavily on English or another specific language for all explanations, I’d look for the departure time that best matches your comfort level with multilingual guiding.

Practical packing checklist for a smooth swim

Here’s what you should bring, based directly on the tour requirements:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

And here’s what you should not bring:

• Weapons or sharp objects
• Smoking in the vehicle
• Fishing
• Alcohol and drugs
• Feeding animals
• Touching marine life
• Fireworks or explosive substances
• Nudity
• Speakers

That last one matters if you like to play your own music. The rules are clear: no speakers.

Also, think about footwear and comfort for dock time. The excursion is mostly on the boat, but you’ll still be moving around before and after, so wear something you can handle with salt air and wet surfaces.

Should you book this Los Gigantes sailing and snorkel trip?

I’d book it if you want one practical, scenic outing that checks multiple boxes: cliffs, wildlife spotting, swimming, and included tapas and drinks, all on a small boat. It’s a nice way to experience Los Gigantes without spending your whole day commuting, planning, and piecing together activities.

I’d hesitate if you’re very strict about snorkeling time length, because the total trip is only 3 hours, and in some cases the pacing can feel a bit more about getting to spots than lingering at them. And if you’re extremely picky about snorkel equipment, plan on bringing your own mask or being ready for average gear quality.

Bottom line: if you’re excited by the idea of sailing near dramatic cliffs and getting real time in the water, this is a strong value pick for Tenerife.