Los Gigantes: Sailing Excursion with Swimming, Drink & Tapas

Red cliffs and dolphins, in one trip.

This 3-hour sail from Los Gigantes mixes dramatic coastline, open-water searching for marine life, and a swim or snorkel stop in clear bays. If you like your Tenerife experiences practical and on the water, this one hits the sweet spot.

Two things I really like: the small group size (max 10), which keeps the vibe calm, and the snorkel plus tapas payoff, where you get gear included and then a snack-and-drink break while you cruise past the cliffs. On board the Sangría, you’ll also hear a lot from skipper Luis and the crew in multiple languages, including English and Spanish.

The main consideration is simple: 3 hours is not long. If wildlife spotting runs late, you may feel a bit rushed at the swim and snorkel part, since the trip has to end on time. Still, it’s a good length for a first or mid-trip sea day.

Key Highlights You Should Know Before You Go

• Small group sailing: limited to 10 participants, so you get breathing room on deck
• Whale and dolphin chances: sightings can include pilot whales and dolphins, depending on conditions
• Snorkel stop near Los Gigantes: sea turtles, octopi, and manta rays are possible during the underwater time
• Tapas and drinks on board: alcohol or soft drinks plus tapas after swimming and sailing
• No speakers allowed: the ocean stays the main soundtrack, not a playlist
• Multi-language crew: live guidance in Spanish, English, and French

Los Gigantes from the Water, Not the Road

Los Gigantes is the kind of coastline you understand faster once you see it from sea level. Those towering red cliffs look bigger, sharper, and more dramatic when they rise straight out of the water, with sheltered coves tucked in around them.

From the deck, you also notice how the coast changes as you sail. One moment you’re cruising through open water between bays, the next you’re close enough to appreciate the folds, textures, and shadow lines in the rock. It’s a scenery show, but it’s also useful for spotting marine life, since boats can search along habitat areas rather than staying fixed in one place.

Boarding the Sangría: Small Boat Feel, Friendly Crew

You meet at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes Dock 1. The boat you’re on is the Sangría, and the big practical win is that it’s set up for a maximum of 10 passengers. That matters more than people think. When you’re not squeezed shoulder-to-shoulder, it’s easier to watch, move to the swim areas, and actually enjoy the time instead of fighting for a viewing spot.

The crew style also comes through: the skipper and guide keep things organized without turning it into a lecture. You’ll get live interpretation in Spanish, English, and French, so you can follow safety instructions, what they’re watching for, and how the snorkel stop works. On past trips, skipper Luis has been specifically mentioned as attentive and helpful, which fits the overall low-stress vibe the boat tries to maintain.

One detail I like as a traveler, not just a passenger: speakers are not allowed. That rule keeps the atmosphere more natural, so you hear wind, water, and bird calls instead of music blasting over everything.

The Sailing Stretch: Bays, Coves, and Quiet Water Time

A big part of why this trip works is the rhythm. You’re not just going straight out and back. You sail along Tenerfie’s coast with stops in bays and natural coves, which means you get multiple chances to enjoy the scenery and the water without feeling like you’re trapped on a long ride.

These stops are also where the trip becomes more than “just a boat.” Bays tend to be calmer than open ocean, so they’re often easier for swimming and snorkeling. You can also get a better sense of the marine environment when the boat moves between sheltered areas and more open stretches.

If you’re sensitive to motion, this is a good length and format for a first sea day. A sailing boat generally feels smoother than many fast excursion boats, and the crew also has the option to adjust when and where to pause depending on the day’s conditions.

Snorkeling Near the Cliffs: Sea Turtles, Manta Rays, and Octopi

The highlight for many people is the onboard stop for deep-water snorkeling. You’ll have snorkeling gear included, and the idea is to get you into clear water where you can spot marine life. The expected encounters include sea turtles, octopi, and manta rays, though the ocean decides what you actually see.

A good thing to keep in mind is the focus on wildlife respect. Touching marine life is not allowed, and the activity rules are clear about keeping distance. That’s not just a moral box to check. It helps keep you safe, and it also protects the animals, which is exactly what you want when your goal is to watch them at close range.

What does the snorkeling time feel like in practice? Plan to treat it like a short, focused window. You’ll likely want sunscreen ready, and you’ll want your mask fit to be comfortable right away. Then when you’re in, you’ll get that magical effect of clear water where movement below the surface feels visible and real, not like a blurry guess.

If you’re a stronger swimmer, you may love the chance to explore more than a single shallow spot. If you’re newer to snorkeling, you’ll still benefit because the boat stops in an area that’s meant for viewing, not for a long swim across open water.

Whale and Dolphin Watching: What You Can Hope For

This trip is also designed as a wildlife search. You sail out and pause to look for dolphins and whales, and sightings that come up commonly include pilot whales and different dolphin pods, with some trips even featuring young dolphins close to the boat.

Here’s the realistic part: marine life is not a scheduled event. You’re going to a habitat area and searching as conditions allow. The win is that the crew’s job is to keep scanning, repositioning as needed, and giving you time in the right spots rather than treating sightings like a five-second photo moment.

A useful clue from how the trip is run: the coast here has rules about boat traffic, so encounters can feel less crowded than on high-volume tours. That helps everyone’s experience, including the animals. When there are fewer boats, the overall experience is calmer, and your attention stays on the water instead of managing the crowd.

If seeing whales specifically is your top goal, try to stay flexible about when you’ll spot them. The trip is short, so the most important strategy is simply showing up ready to watch closely and follow the crew’s guidance immediately when they point out activity.

Tapas and Drinks on Deck: The “After the Swim” Reward

The best sea days end with something to eat, and this one delivers. You get tapas plus alcohol or soft drinks on board. It’s not just a snack either. It’s timed to the rhythm of the outing, so after swimming or snorkeling, you can warm up, rehydrate, and enjoy the coastline again from a relaxed spot on deck.

The tapas is often described as delicious and nicely paced, and drinks are plentiful, so you’re not rationing your way through the ride. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, you can expect at least soft drinks included, and you can always ask what’s available on the day.

Food is also planned to include dietary needs. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you need to notify the provider in advance. That one step matters, because tapas menus can’t easily be improvised once you’re already on the water.

One vibe detail I really appreciate is that the experience is not built around loud entertainment. With speakers not allowed, the boat leans into conversation, views, and that steady motion of sailing. If you want your memory to be waves and wildlife, not chatter over music, this fits.

What to Bring (and What You Can Skip)

This is a practical trip, but you’ll want the right basics so the swim and snorkel parts feel easy.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

You should also have a plan for comfort: sun can hit hard on open water, and saltwater gets everywhere fast. Pack essentials in a way that you can access quickly when it’s time to get in, and then again when you dry off and eat.

Skip:

• There’s no mention of towels or swimwear being provided, so don’t count on it.
• If you’re thinking about bringing your own snorkeling kit, the tour includes snorkeling gear, so you can travel lighter unless you have specific gear preferences.

Also note what’s not allowed. The rules include no weapons or sharp objects, no smoking in the vehicle, no fishing, no feeding animals, and no touching marine life. Nudity and fireworks-like items are not allowed either. It’s a standard wildlife and safety setup, which is good news if you want a responsible operation.

Price and Value: Is $82 Worth It for 3 Hours?

At $82 per person for a 3-hour sailing excursion, the price only feels fair if you look at what’s included, not just the time. Here, you’re paying for:

• Access to Los Gigantes cliffs from the water
• Stops in bays and coves
• Whale and dolphin searching
• A snorkeling session with gear included
• Tapas and drinks on board
• Live guide support in multiple languages
• A small-group format (max 10)

If you’ve done boat tours where you pay more just for the ride and then buy everything else, this one tends to feel well balanced. You’re also not committing to a full-day schedule, which makes it a strong option if your time in Tenerife is limited.

The only time it might feel pricey is if your priority is a long swimming session or a slow, lingering day. This is efficient. It’s designed for variety within a short window. If you want hours in the water, you may prefer a longer day tour. But for a red-cliff sea day with wildlife plus an onboard meal, the package makes sense.

Who This Sailing Trip Fits Best

This is a great fit if you want:

• A small-group sea day with a calmer feel
• Wildlife watching with real intent, not just a quick scan
• A snorkel stop near striking scenery
• A simple plan that includes food and drinks so you don’t waste time figuring out a meal after

It also works well for couples and families. The trip is described as friendly for family-friendly and couple-friendly travel, and small group limits help kids and adults stay comfortable.

If you’re traveling with young children, there’s a note that young children or babies can join for free, and the tour allows up to 4 children per tour. If that applies to your group, add children during booking so you’re sure everyone has a space.

If you hate water activities or you’re not comfortable swimming, the snorkeling stop may feel like the least useful part. You can still enjoy the coastline and wildlife search from deck, but the trip’s main story includes the water.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the sailing excursion from Los Gigantes?

The duration is 3 hours. Starting times vary by availability, so you’ll want to check the schedule when you book.

Where does the tour meet in Los Gigantes?

You meet at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes Dock 1.

What’s included in the trip price?

The experience includes snorkeling gear, tapas, and either alcohol or soft drinks, plus a skipper and guide. You’ll also visit the Los Gigantes cliffs with stops in bays and natural coves.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included with the tour.

What should I bring for swimming and snorkeling?

Bring swimwear and a towel, plus sunscreen. You’ll also need a passport or ID card.

Are vegetarian or vegan tapas options available?

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

How many people are on board?

This is a small-group tour limited to 10 participants.

Can children join this tour?

Yes. Young children or babies can join for free, and there’s a limit of up to 4 children per tour. Add children when booking to secure their place.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should You Book This Tour?

I’d book it if you want a short, well-paced Tenerife sea day that mixes Los Gigantes cliffs, wildlife watching, and a real swim or snorkel stop, all with food and drinks handled. The small-group size is the biggest quality signal here, because it changes how relaxed the day feels.

Skip it if you’re craving a long day on the water with lots of quiet time in one place, or if you’d rather avoid snorkeling entirely. In that case, a longer itinerary or a more land-focused plan might suit you better.

If your idea of a perfect afternoon is clear water, red cliffs, and the chance to see dolphins or whales, this one is an easy yes.