Los Gigantes: Sailing Excursion with Swimming, Drink & Tapas

The best part of this three-hour sailing trip is the mix: pilot whales and dolphins offshore, then a swim beneath the huge red cliffs of Los Gigantes. You are not stuck on a packed party boat. The Sangría carries no more than 10 people, leaving room to watch the sea in peace.

I like the quiet, no-music approach and the friendly crew, especially guides such as Luis and Moises. I also like that the trip combines whale watching, snorkeling, tapas, and drinks without trying to turn every minute into a scheduled activity. The main drawback is time. Three hours can feel short if you want a long swim, a proper wildlife stop, and plenty of cliff cruising.

Key points

• Small boat, maximum 10 people: This feels far more personal than a large excursion boat.
• Wildlife is a strong possibility: Pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, other dolphins, flying fish, turtles, and tuna have all been seen.
• Los Gigantes from the water: The red cliffs are the dramatic backdrop for the sailing and swim stop.
• A calm onboard mood: There is no music, so you hear the water and crew rather than a soundtrack.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect tapas and an alcoholic or soft drink after the water activities.
• Snorkeling quality can vary: Equipment is supplied, though you may prefer to bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them.

Sailing from Puerto de Los Gigantes

You meet the boat at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1. The trip leaves from Puerto de Los Gigantes, on Tenerife’s west coast, and takes place aboard the Sangría, a compact sailing boat suited to a small group rather than a crowd.

The maximum is 10 passengers, with two crew members on some departures. That number matters. You can move around the deck, ask questions without shouting, and find a clear view when wildlife appears. A full boat still feels intimate, but a partly filled departure can feel almost private.

The standard arrangement is to make your own way to the marina. Do not assume hotel pickup is included, especially if you are staying elsewhere on Tenerife. One past departure included a special transfer, but the stated meeting point is the marina, and no regular pickup service is listed.

Arrive ready for the sea, not for a formal yacht party. Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and anything you need to feel comfortable in the sun. Weapons, smoking, fishing, feeding animals, touching marine life, speakers, and other unsafe or disruptive activities are not allowed.

The red cliffs of Los Gigantes

The first scenic reward is the coast itself. Los Gigantes is known for its tall red cliffs, which rise sharply from the Atlantic. From a boat, you see the rock walls from a low angle, with the water stretching right up to their base.

This is a much better setting for a swim than an ordinary hotel pool. The cliffs give the stop a strong sense of place, and the clear water can make fish and other marine life easier to spot. You may stop in a quiet bay or natural cove, although the precise location depends on sea conditions and the skipper’s plan.

The trip description promises stops in bays and coves, but do not treat every named feature as guaranteed. One departure stayed near Los Gigantes for snorkeling without visiting bays or caves. That is a useful reminder that the boat’s route changes with conditions, wildlife, and the day’s timing.

The scenery is still worthwhile even when the route is more open-water sailing. Several departures have included time beneath the cliffs, and the views are one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip instead of a basic whale-watching outing.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins

After leaving the harbor, the boat heads along the coast and then out toward the waters where marine life is often spotted. The aim is to find dolphins and whales, not to stage a guaranteed animal encounter. That distinction matters with any wildlife trip.

Pilot whales are the signature sighting here. Dolphins have also appeared close to the boat, including bottlenose dolphins and more than one type of dolphin on some trips. Other sightings have included flying fish, tuna, turtles, and young whales traveling with their group.

The small boat helps the experience feel less removed from the water. You are close enough to notice movement, fins, and behavior, while the crew can explain what you are seeing. The guides are described as attentive and informed, and Luis and Moises are names that come up often in connection with the boat.

The language setup is Spanish, English, and French. This usually works well, but one English-speaking participant found that much of the general commentary was delivered in French, with only key instructions translated. If you want a running explanation of every sighting, it is worth confirming the language arrangement when you book.

Wildlife viewing can also take more time than planned. One person felt there was too much sailing and not enough time stopped near the whales and dolphins. That is the tradeoff of a three-hour trip: the skipper must search, follow responsible viewing practices, and still reach the swim and food stops on time.

Swimming and snorkeling in clear water

The boat usually stops for a swim or snorkeling session near the cliffs or in a sheltered bay. You can get into the water, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, and look for creatures such as sea turtles, manta rays, octopi, and fish.

The word deep-sea in the description means this is an open-water snorkeling stop, not a shallow beach activity. You should be comfortable entering the sea and following the crew’s instructions. Life jackets are available, and the crew can help keep the stop relaxed for people who prefer to swim rather than snorkel.

Water clarity is one of the pleasures here. The combination of rocky cliffs and clear Atlantic water gives you a chance to see below the surface without needing a formal snorkel excursion. Still, marine life is wild. You might see turtles or rays, but the trip cannot promise a particular animal.

The supplied masks and snorkels are useful, though one person found the equipment below top quality. If you own a well-fitting mask, bringing it is sensible. A good seal makes a bigger difference than most people expect, especially when you want to spend only a short time in the water.

Pack your towel and swimwear yourself. They are not supplied. Sunscreen is also essential, though apply it with care and follow the crew’s advice around marine life. Do not touch animals or feed them.

Tapas and drinks beneath the cliffs

Food comes after, or around, the water stop, depending on the day’s route. Expect tapas rather than a full lunch. Past menus have been described as a generous snack board with vegetables and other small bites, enough to feel welcome after swimming but not something to plan as a large meal.

The setting adds most of the value. Sitting on deck with the cliffs nearby, a plate of tapas, and the sound of the water is far more memorable than eating indoors between scheduled stops. Cava, other alcoholic drinks, and soft drinks are included, though the exact selection can vary.

If you do not drink alcohol, the choice may be less extensive than you expect. One person wanted more options such as sparkling water and apple juice. Vegetarian and vegan food can be arranged, but tell the provider ahead of time rather than waiting until boarding.

The crew has also helped mark special occasions, including a birthday with cake and candles. That is not a standard feature to count on, but it shows the relaxed, personal character of a small boat. If you are celebrating, ask in advance.

Why the small group changes the day

The group limit is the clearest advantage of this excursion. Ten people is small enough that the crew can keep an eye on swimmers, answer questions, and serve food without the bustle of a large catamaran.

You also get more freedom on deck. Some people want to watch the horizon for whales. Others want to sit quietly and listen to the sea. The absence of onboard music is a real plus if you prefer natural sound to a party atmosphere.

That calm mood does not mean the trip is silent or formal. The crew is friendly and sociable, but several departures have been praised for finding the right balance between conversation and personal space. This makes the boat a good fit for couples, families, and anyone who wants a gentle half-day on the water.

It is not the best choice if you want a loud party, a long snorkeling lesson, or a guaranteed cave visit. The appeal is the combination of wildlife, scenery, and a comfortable pace.

Price, timing, and overall value

At $82 per person for three hours, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. But the price includes the Los Gigantes cliff cruise, wildlife search, swim and snorkeling stop, equipment, tapas, a drink, and the skipper and guide.

The value improves if you care about group size. A cheaper boat carrying dozens of people may give you less deck space, less direct contact with the crew, and a less peaceful wildlife stop. Here, you are paying partly for the boat itself and partly for the low passenger count.

The three-hour length is both a strength and a weakness. It fits easily into a day around Los Gigantes and leaves time for another activity. At the same time, the route can feel compressed when the boat spends time searching for whales, then needs to reach the snorkeling area and serve food.

Start times vary, so check availability when booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Tenerife plans are still shifting, but they do not change the need to reach Dock 1 on time.

Who should book the Sangría?

I would choose this trip for anyone who wants a quiet, small-group sea outing rather than a large sightseeing cruise. It is especially well suited to couples, families with children, and people who want several activities in one outing without a full-day commitment.

It also works well for first-time visitors to Los Gigantes. You see the cliffs from the water, get a chance to spot local marine life, and finish with a swim and tapas. The crew’s Spanish, English, and French support makes the trip accessible to an international mix, though commentary may not be equally detailed in every language.

Families should add every child or baby when booking, even if a child joins free, so the boat can keep the passenger count correct. Up to four children are permitted per tour.

I would hesitate if your top priority is a long wildlife-watching session. Three hours leaves limited room for delays or extended stops, and one departure felt the balance leaned too far toward sailing. I would also bring personal snorkeling gear if you have it and confirm any dietary needs ahead of time.

Should you book this Los Gigantes sailing trip?

Book it if you want the best mix of scenery, wildlife, swimming, and food in a short outing. The small boat, no-music policy, helpful crew, and strong record of pilot whale and dolphin sightings make it a thoughtful alternative to a crowded cruise.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed animal sighting, a full meal, a broad nonalcoholic drinks menu, or a long snorkeling session. For most people who have three hours to spare near Los Gigantes, the price is fair for the personal space and variety packed into the trip.

FAQ

Where does the Los Gigantes sailing trip depart?

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

How long does the boat trip last?

The excursion lasts three hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat can carry a maximum of 10 passengers.

What languages are available?

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

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

No. The trip searches for dolphins and whales, but sightings depend on the animals and sea conditions. Pilot whales and several types of dolphins have been seen on past departures.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a stop for swimming or snorkeling are included.

What marine life might I see while snorkeling?

Possible sightings include sea turtles, manta rays, octopi, and fish. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Tapas and one alcoholic or soft drink are included. Vegetarian and vegan food options are available if requested in advance.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Swimwear and towels are not provided.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Children can join, and up to four children are allowed per tour. Add young children or babies when booking so their places are counted, even if they join free.