Los Gigantes: Sailing Excursion with Swimming, Drink & Tapas

Los Gigantes looks unreal from the sea, and this 3 hour sailing trip turns those dramatic red cliffs into the backdrop for real wildlife time. I love the small group size and how it keeps the experience calm, plus I like the combination of swimming or snorkeling with a snack-and-drink pause on deck.

You do need to plan for one practical tradeoff: on a short outing, the schedule can feel a bit of a mix of sailing and wildlife searching, so the time you spend in any one spot may not be long.

Key highlights to look for on this Los Gigantes sailing trip

• Sangría boat, 3 hours on the water: a tight, efficient loop starting at Puerto de Los Gigantes.
• Red cliffs plus sheltered bays: sail along the Los Gigantes coastline and stop for water time in calm coves.
• Deep-sea snorkeling stop: the boat heads out farther, with a chance to see sea turtles, octopi, and manta rays.
• Whale and dolphin searching: pilot whales and dolphins are common enough to be a real part of the day, not an add-on.
• Tapas and drinks on deck: included food and alcohol or soft drinks, served as you sail back toward port.
• Quiet vibe on board: no loud onboard music, so the ocean stays the main soundtrack.

Los Gigantes by sailboat: why this route feels special

Los Gigantes is famous for those sheer red cliffs, but on many Tenerife days, you mostly see them from shore. From the boat, the scale hits differently. You get that slow glide along the coast, then a turn into quieter water where you can actually swim and look around.

The big value here is balance. You’re not spending the whole trip sitting while someone points at a distant fin. You get deck time for drinks and tapas, plus actual water time near the cliffs and during a deeper snorkeling stop.

Two details make it feel more personal than the average catamaran shuffle. First, the group is capped at 10 participants, so it’s easier to move around and actually hear the skipper and guide when they explain what you’re seeing. Second, the vibe tends to be low-key, with no loud music drowning out the waves.

One more reason I like this kind of excursion in Los Gigantes is the protected feel. The area is known for wildlife activity, and this trip is designed around spotting marine life and then giving you a chance to experience the water firsthand.

The 3 hour flow: what happens from leaving port to tapas time

This tour runs about 3 hours and starts at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1. You’ll board the Sangría and head out from Puerto de Los Gigantes along the coastline.

A typical day rhythm goes like this:

1. Coastal sailing first

You follow the dramatic cliff line and pass through areas of calm water and natural coves. This is when the scenery is best, and it’s also when you start looking for marine life while the skipper navigates.

1. A swim or snorkel stop near the cliffs

You’ll have time to jump in and cool off, or snorkel depending on what the group prefers. The goal is crystal-clear-water viewing close to the rock formations, where fish and underwater life can be active.

1. Heading out farther for deep snorkeling

Then the boat moves away from the immediate coast for a deeper snorkeling session. This is the moment built for animal sightings that are easier to spot when you’re not just at the edge of the harbor.

1. Back on deck for drinks and tapas

As you sail back, you get tapas and your included drink, so you’re not left hungry after time in the water. It’s a nice reset after saltwater and sun.

Because it’s only three hours, you should expect a steady pace. You’ll get several meaningful parts of the day, but you won’t have an entire afternoon parked in one exact bay.

Dolphins and pilot whales: what wildlife searching is like here

This is a combined Los Gigantes whale and dolphin style outing. The point is to look for marine animals as the boat searches the surrounding waters, with enough movement to follow where the animals are.

When it works, it feels close and exciting. People talk about seeing pilot whales and different kinds of dolphins, sometimes with calves and pod behavior you can spot from the boat. The guides also help you understand what you’re seeing, so you’re not left guessing.

Two practical notes to keep your expectations realistic:

• Wildlife is never guaranteed. You’re out there to search, and sightings depend on conditions.
• The search is active. You might spend time sailing between promising areas, then get a moment where the boat slows down and you focus.

One extra plus: the tour uses a small-boat format and operates in a way that tends to keep the experience from turning into a loud, crowded circus. With a max of 10 people, it’s easier to see what’s happening without everyone fighting for the best angle.

If your priority is wildlife viewing first and swimming second, this still works well. The snorkeling and swim stops are part of the plan, but the marine searching is a core focus rather than a rushed side activity.

Snorkeling near the cliffs and a deep-sea session: what to bring and what you might spot

You get snorkeling gear included, plus time for both calmer-water snorkeling and a deeper snorkeling session. Based on the activity description, the deeper stop is the one where you have a real chance of seeing sea turtles, manta rays, and octopi.

Here’s how to think about the underwater part of the day. The cliffs create a strong underwater habitat, and the water can look unbelievably clear. But underwater wildlife often moves. Your best odds come from staying patient, keeping your snorkel position steady, and letting the skipper and guide point you toward what they’re seeing above the surface.

What you’ll need to bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Passport or ID card

A practical tip: the snorkeling gear is included, but some people have said the quality isn’t perfect. If you’re picky about fit or you snorkel regularly at home, you might want to bring your own mask or snorkel for comfort and hygiene.

Also keep in mind the rules: you’re not allowed to touch marine life, and you won’t be fishing. Those limits help protect the animals and keep the experience respectful.

Safety-wise, you should be ready for water time that can include deeper viewing. Life jackets are provided, and that helps you feel more secure while you’re out there looking around.

Tapas, drinks, and the no-music deck vibe

One of the easiest ways to judge value on a boat tour is food and drinks. Here, tapas and alcohol or soft drinks are included. That means you’re not scrambling for a meal right after swimming, which is a real Tenerife day-saver.

People also highlight the quality of the snack and the fact it feels like a proper end to the tour rather than a token bite. Tapas is served on deck, so you’re eating while the cliffs roll by, not in a plastic chair somewhere far away.

One detail I genuinely like for comfort is the calm onboard atmosphere. Some folks specifically mention there was no music on board, so you can actually hear the ocean and talk without yelling over a soundtrack.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you need to notify the provider in advance. If food matters to you, do it early so they can plan the menu.

Price and value: does $82 make sense for a 3 hour mini expedition?

At $82 per person for about three hours, you’re paying for three things at once:

1. A small-boat sailing experience with limited capacity
2. Included snorkeling gear and multiple water moments
3. Included tapas and drinks

Compared with cheaper catamaran trips, this feels better if you care about not being packed in. With small group limits, you get more personal space and usually a more relaxed feel. You also get both whale/dolphin searching and snorkeling time, which reduces the number of separate tours you’d otherwise book.

Compared with higher-end private charters, the price is still reasonable because the day isn’t structured as an individual service. You get a skipper and guide team, and the group stays capped.

There’s one value caution: if you prefer long, uninterrupted time in one bay, you might wish the trip ran longer. It’s three hours, so you trade duration for variety.

Who this tour is best for (and who should choose something else)

This one fits well when you want a fun mix of scenery, wildlife, and water time.

It’s a great match for:

• Couples who want romance without a stiff, formal vibe
• Families who need a short activity that still has real moments
• Snorkel lovers who want included gear and actual water searching time
• People who care about comfort, since the group is capped at 10

It might be less ideal if:

• You want a long whale-watching session where you stay put for a long time
• You’re sensitive to sea movement and don’t enjoy sailing between stops
• You want extensive time at each location, since the day moves through multiple segments

Kids policy is also worth noting. Young children and babies can join for free, and the tour allows up to four children per tour. If you’re traveling with little ones, add them during booking so the operator can plan the space.

Practical planning: getting to Dock 1, what’s allowed, and what to skip

The meeting point is Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1. The tour information doesn’t mention a pickup option, so plan to arrive under your own steam and give yourself a little buffer time.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Passport or ID card
• Basic sun protection is smart, since you’ll spend time on open deck

Leave at home:

• Weapons or sharp objects
• Smoking
• Fishing
• Speakers
• Anything that could be considered feeding animals or disturbing wildlife

Also note the no-touch rule: you can look closely, but you can’t handle marine life. That keeps the water safe and respectful for animals and for you.

If you’re prone to getting cold after swimming, consider a light layer for after snorkeling. Even in good weather, saltwater and wind can cool you down faster than you expect.

Should you book this Los Gigantes sailing excursion with snorkeling, drinks, and tapas?

Book it if you want a single short trip that covers the best of Los Gigantes in one go: cliff sailing, whale and dolphin searching, and snorkeling with a deeper water stop, then a relaxing finish with tapas and drinks on deck.

Skip it or look for a longer alternative if your top priority is staying fixed in one wildlife spot for a long time. This is a moving, search-based format, and while the day can be incredible when you spot animals, the schedule is designed for variety over duration.

My quick decision test:

• If you like the idea of snorkeling for turtles and rays and you value a small group boat with a calm onboard vibe, this is a strong choice.
• If you want a long, slow day with minimal sailing between stops, you may prefer a different format.

If you do book, pack for sun and water, and if you’re picky about snorkeling fit, consider bringing your own mask or snorkel. That small prep can turn the water time from good to great.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes sailing excursion?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes Dock 1.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a visit to the Los Gigantes cliffs, stops in bays and natural coves, an alcohol or soft drink, tapas, snorkeling gear, and the skipper and guide.

What snorkeling items should I bring?

You’ll have snorkeling gear provided, but you should bring swimwear and a towel.

Is there a place to sit and relax onboard?

Yes. You can relax on the deck while sailing, and tapas and drinks are served onboard.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available. Notify the provider in advance.

Are kids welcome, and can they join for free?

Young children or babies can join for free, and you should add them when booking to ensure a place on board. Up to 4 children per tour are allowed.

What languages are the guide tours offered in?

The live guide offers Spanish, English, and French.

What animals and activities are not allowed during the trip?

You cannot fish, feed animals, touch marine life, or use speakers. Smoking is also not allowed.