Los Gigantes: Private Sailing Tour with Swim, Drink, & Tapas

What makes this trip interesting is the mix of big scenery and hands-on water time. You get the iconic Los Gigantes coastline from a boat, plus a chance to slip into clear water and see marine life up close. I love that it is private, so the pace stays relaxed and you can actually enjoy the views instead of rushing between stops.

Two other things I like: the boat setup feels made for comfort, and the snack-and-drink moment is built into the journey, not tacked on at the end. The main drawback to consider is that snorkel visibility and wildlife sightings depend on the day and conditions, so no one should treat the marine-life sightings as guaranteed.

Key points to know before you go

• Private group up to 11 means you share the boat, not the chaos.
• Hotel pickup in the Los Gigantes area gets you to the marina without stress.
• Snorkeling gear included saves you from packing extra gear.
• Deep-water snorkeling stop in Tenerife waters where turtles, manta rays, and octopuses are possibilities.
• Tapas plus drinks onboard while you watch the coastline slide by.
• Languages Spanish, English, French with a live skipper/guide.

Los Gigantes from the water: red cliffs and quiet coves

Los Gigantes is one of those places that looks dramatic from land, then turns straight-up jaw-dropping once you are out on the water. Those red cliffs tower down to the sea, and when you cruise slowly along the bays, you get angles you simply cannot get from a viewpoint. The best part is how the coastline alternates between exposed rock and calm, sheltered coves.

Because this is a private sailing outing, you can settle into the rhythm: sail, pause, look, snack, sail again. That matters here. If you are doing this day while your legs are tired from sightseeing, the slow pace and open deck time can feel like the reset button you did not know you needed.

You will also spend time cruising through natural coves and tranquil bays where marine life has a better chance of hanging around. Wildlife viewing is never a sure thing, but the setting is the kind that attracts animals, including dolphins and whales.

Your day on the water, from Dock 1 to deck time

The experience starts with pickup from your hotel in the Los Gigantes area, then a short ride to the marina. You meet the skipper at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1, and then you board the boat, where the day shifts gears into vacation mode.

The trip runs 3 to 8 hours, so you can choose a length that fits your schedule. Shorter sails tend to feel like a highlight reel: get out to the cliffs, do the snorkeling stop, enjoy tapas and drinks, and head back. Longer sails give you more cruising time between bays, which is especially nice if you are hoping for additional wildlife sightings or simply want more slow time on deck.

One practical note that will shape your comfort level: you are going from hotel to boat to open-air deck, then back to hotel. Plan sunscreen and water habits accordingly, even though drinks are part of the onboard offering.

The snorkeling stop: clear water, sea life, and simple etiquette

The centerpiece of the experience for most people is the snorkeling. You head out to sea for a deep-water snorkeling session, then you jump in and float above Tenerife’s clearer waters. The boat provides snorkeling gear, so you do not need to buy or rent equipment separately.

What you might see is the real draw: the tour highlights sightings such as sea turtles, manta rays, and octopuses. Those are not everyday “maybe” animals, so even if visibility is not perfect, the chance is genuinely exciting. You also may see colorful fish and other marine life around the snorkeling area.

Here is how to make the most of it without turning it into a stress test:

• Keep your movements calm and slow so you do not spook animals.
• Try to float rather than chase, because marine life tends to pass through.
• Resist the urge to touch anything. The rules explicitly say touching marine life is not allowed.

Also, if you are not a strong swimmer, do not let ego run the day. Use your gear correctly, stay aware of the boat, and tell the skipper if you want a little extra guidance. This kind of outing works best when everyone feels safe and relaxed.

Sailing past the cliffs: why the views matter as much as the swim

After boarding, you sail along the coast with the dramatic red cliffs of Tenerife in view. You do not just glance at them, you watch them change as the boat angles around bays. That shifting perspective is the kind of travel detail that makes a day feel special, even when nothing “wild” happens.

You will also stop in hidden coves and calm bays. Those stops are not just for scenery. They are part of how a sailing day stays comfortable, and they give you chances to enjoy the water without it feeling rough or rushed.

If you love photography, this is where you will actually use your camera, not just hold it. The cliffs create strong lines, and the sea texture changes constantly. You will likely find yourself looking up, not down at your phone, which is honestly the goal for this kind of day.

Tapas and drinks onboard: the pleasure is built in

One reason this tour feels like more than just “transport plus snorkeling” is the onboard food and drinks. After your swim, you relax on deck with tapas and either alcoholic drinks or soft drinks, depending on what you choose.

This is a smart setup for two reasons. First, you are not spending your day searching for lunch after the activity. Second, eating while you are still surrounded by sea views turns food into part of the experience rather than a checklist item.

Food options include tapas, and there are vegetarian and vegan options available. If that matters for you, tell the provider ahead of time so the crew can plan. One small detail to remember: the tour does not include a towel, so drying off and staying comfortable is on you.

If you are celebrating, this trip can also be a memorable backdrop. A birthday cake has been arranged spontaneously by the onboard team in at least one case, so if it is your occasion, it is worth asking what is possible.

Whales and dolphins: how to think about sightings

The tour is designed for marine-life watching, with a specific focus on dolphins and whales around Los Gigantes. Some days are quiet, and some days feel like the sea is showing off.

In one documented outing, the crew spotted pilot whales multiple times, and that kind of repeated sighting is exactly why being on the water for longer stretches can pay off. But to keep expectations healthy, treat wildlife sightings as a bonus, not the only reason you are paying.

Your best strategy is to make wildlife viewing part of your relaxation. Stay present on deck, ask the skipper for where to look, and be ready to pause your conversation when something surfaces. That is when everyone tends to have the most fun.

What to bring, what is not allowed, and small comfort tips

This is the type of day where packing wrong can ruin your mood, so keep it practical.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• A towel (it is not included)
• Consider whether you want a change of clothes for after the ride back

The snorkeling gear is included, which is a big win for travelers who hate packing extra equipment. Still, double-check your own comfort with mask fit and straps, especially if you are sensitive.

Not allowed:

• Smoking in the vehicle
• Fishing
• Alcohol and drugs
• Feeding animals
• Touching marine life
• Fireworks

None of these are surprising, but they matter for your own planning. For example, if you are the type who likes to “hand feed” wildlife elsewhere, skip that urge here. You will have a much better experience, and everyone stays respectful of the animals.

Price and value: what $765 per group really buys you

The cost is $765 per group up to 11 people. If you divide that by the number of people onboard, the price can turn from “wow” into “okay, this is actually fair,” especially compared with separate paid tours and ticketed viewpoints.

Here is how I think about value for this specific experience:

• You are paying for privacy, not just a place on a boat.
• You get pickup from your hotel area, skipper/guide time, snorkeling gear, tapas, and drinks.
• You also get time, not just a single quick stop. The 3 to 8 hour range matters if you want a true sailing day, not a rushed half-hour.

So if you are traveling as a couple, it is still worth considering, but the best value often comes when you have a small group of friends or a family that can share the booking. Private sailing can be expensive, and this one makes more sense when you treat it as your main activity, not a “nice extra.”

Also remember the day is weather-dependent in the sense that sea conditions affect comfort and visibility. Still, a good skipper will make smart calls to keep the outing enjoyable.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want a different style)

This is a strong match for:

• Couples who want a calm, scenic day with built-in food and water time.
• Families that want a supervised, safe-feeling snorkel moment and a relaxed deck break.
• Small groups up to 11 who prefer private time and flexible pacing.
• Anyone who wants Los Gigantes by boat, not just from shore.

It is less ideal if you are looking for a strict “activity factory” where you do nonstop thrills back-to-back. The experience is about sailing, a snorkeling stop, and deck relaxation. If you need constant motion, you might find yourself wanting more.

Should you book this private sailing tour?

I would book it if you want a day that feels like a real holiday: red cliffs from the sea, a serious snorkeling opportunity with gear provided, and tapas and drinks on deck so you are not scrambling for food. The private group size is the secret sauce for comfort, and the chance of real marine-life sightings is the icing.

I would hesitate if you are traveling with only one snorkel-capable person and the rest of the group is firmly land-based, because the snorkeling is central to the schedule. Also, bring a towel and plan for sun, even if the boat ride is relaxing.

If your trip schedule is flexible, this option can be even easier to justify, because you can choose the 3 to 8 hour window that fits your mood.

FAQ

Where do we meet for the tour?

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

How many people are in a private group?

It is a private group with a maximum of 11 people.

What is included for snorkeling?

Snorkeling gear is included, and the tour includes swimming and snorkeling stops.

Are tapas and drinks included?

Yes. Tapas and alcoholic drinks or soft drinks are included.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. A towel is not included, so bring your own.

What should I bring and what is not allowed?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Smoking in the vehicle, fishing, alcohol and drugs, feeding animals, touching marine life, and fireworks are not allowed. Vegetarian and vegan food options are available if you notify the provider.