Los Gigantes: Sailing Excursion with Swimming, Drink & Tapas

Los Gigantes is best seen from the water: its sheer red cliffs rise above the sea, and a small sailing boat gives you room to take in the scale without the feel of a crowded excursion. This three-hour trip also heads offshore to look for whales and dolphins, then makes time for a swim or snorkel.

I like two things in particular: the 10-person limit, which keeps the boat from feeling packed, and the mix of wildlife watching with time in the water. Tapas and a drink are included, so the outing feels like more than a quick boat ride.

One consideration: three hours can feel short if you want a long swim or extended wildlife watching. Sightings depend on the animals, and the route can vary, so treat the whales and dolphins as a possibility, not a promise.

The trip at a glance

• Cliffs from sea level: Sail past the towering red walls of Los Gigantes, with stops in bays and natural coves.
• A small boat: The Sangría carries no more than 10 passengers, plus crew.
• Wildlife search: The skipper takes the boat along a coast where whales and dolphins are seen, but sightings are not guaranteed.
• A swim and snorkel stop: Snorkeling gear is provided, and you can get into the water at a selected stop.
• Tapas and a drink: Relax on deck with included food and an alcoholic or soft drink.
• Three hours on the water: A compact outing that combines sailing, wildlife watching, and swimming.

Leaving Puerto de Los Gigantes

The meeting point is Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1. You set out on the Sangría, a sailing boat with capacity for up to 10 passengers. That limit matters: there is more room to settle in, watch the coast, and move about than on a large group boat.

The small format also shapes the mood. The crew can answer questions and help people feel at ease, while the outing still leaves space for quiet time. One passenger especially liked that there was no music on board, which let the sound of the sea carry the trip. If you prefer a lively party boat, this is likely a calmer choice.

Crew members named on past trips include Luis and Moises, though the team may vary. The tour is offered in Spanish, English, and French. One practical note: a past passenger found that important instructions were translated into English, but not every bit of informal explanation was. If you need full commentary in a particular language, check with the operator before booking.

Following the red cliffs and coves

The boat sails along the coast beneath the cliffs of Los Gigantes, whose red-brown faces rise dramatically above the water. From shore, you can appreciate their height; from the boat, you see how directly they meet the sea. This is the trip’s strongest visual payoff, and it comes without needing to hike or climb.

The route includes bays and natural coves, although the exact stops can vary. Some outings have included a swim near the cliffs, while others have stopped in a quiet bay. Don’t expect a fixed sequence or a promise to visit a particular cave. The skipper chooses the route and stop based on conditions and the trip’s flow.

That flexibility is useful, but it is worth setting expectations: the description’s mention of bays and coves does not mean the boat will enter every inlet or spend equal time at each one. One passenger noted that their trip did not go into bays or caves. The coast remains the main attraction, with the boat’s route shaped by the day.

Looking for whales and dolphins

The sailing route also goes out to sea in search of marine life. Pilot whales and several kinds of dolphins have been seen on these trips, sometimes close to the boat. People have also spotted flying fish and other sea life. Encounters can make the outing memorable, but wildlife is wild, and no sighting can be guaranteed.

When animals appear, the crew may adjust the route to give you a chance to watch. A practical trade-off follows: time spent looking for whales and dolphins can mean more sailing and less time swimming or lingering in one place. One passenger would have preferred a longer stop near the animals. If wildlife is your chief reason for booking, remember that this is a three-hour coastal trip, not a dedicated full-day whale-watching outing.

The coast is described as a habitat for a wide range of marine species, and the tour rules are clear: don’t feed or touch wildlife. That’s good practice for both the animals and the people on board. Keep your phone or camera ready, but don’t let taking pictures crowd out the view.

Swimming and snorkeling in clear water

A stop for swimming or snorkeling is part of the plan. You can get into the sea and look for marine life such as turtles, rays, and octopuses, though sightings vary. The water is often described as clear, and snorkeling beside the cliffs can be a striking way to experience the coast from below the surface.

Snorkeling equipment is included. Still, if you own a well-fitting mask and snorkel, bringing your own may be worthwhile: one person found the supplied equipment less than ideal. The tour also provides life vests, according to a passenger, but bring swimwear and a towel, which are not included.

The swim stop is a highlight for people who want more than a view from the deck. If you would rather stay dry, you can relax on board instead. The boat makes a stop, but the time in the water is part of a tightly timed three-hour excursion, so don’t plan on a long beach-style swim.

Tapas, drinks, and a quiet stretch on deck

Tapas and one alcoholic or soft drink are included. The food has been described as a snack-board style spread, with vegetables and other small bites, and the crew has been praised for keeping drinks available. It’s a pleasant finish after a swim, and a useful touch at this price, though you should think of it as light food rather than a full meal.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you tell the provider in advance. The non-alcoholic drink selection may be limited, so if you have a particular preference, ask before the trip. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed to be brought on board, but the included drink may be alcoholic.

The quieter pace is part of the appeal. This is not a boat with speakers or a party soundtrack. The rules prohibit speakers, and the absence of music can make the cliffs, wind, and waves feel like the point rather than background noise.

Is $82 a fair price?

At $82 per person for three hours, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but the price covers several parts of a Tenerife outing: sailing beneath Los Gigantes, a small-group setting, a skipper and guide, a wildlife search, a swim or snorkel stop, equipment, tapas, and a drink. If you would otherwise book separate boat and food activities, that combination has real value.

The group limit is a key part of the calculation. With at most 10 passengers, you are paying for a more personal scale than a large excursion boat can offer. That can make it easier to hear the crew, move around, and enjoy a less crowded swim stop. The value depends on what you want most: if you expect guaranteed animal sightings or a long snorkeling session, the price may feel less compelling.

The three-hour length is both an advantage and a limit. It fits neatly into a day and gives you a taste of the coast without taking over your schedule. But some people may wish for another hour to stay longer with wildlife or enjoy more time in the water.

Who should book this sailing?

I’d recommend this trip if you want to see the cliffs from the sea, prefer a small boat, and like the idea of combining wildlife watching with a swim and a relaxed snack. It suits couples, families, and anyone who wants a few unrushed hours outdoors. Children can join, including babies who qualify to travel free, but add them when booking so their place is counted. The tour allows up to four children per trip.

It may be less suitable if you need a guaranteed whale or dolphin sighting, want a long snorkel, or expect a substantial lunch. The crew aims to find wildlife, but it cannot control where animals appear. Also consider the drive: the meeting point is in Los Gigantes, and pickup is not listed as an included service.

Bring your ID or passport, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Tell the operator ahead of time if you need vegetarian or vegan food. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option offers some flexibility if your plans are still taking shape.

FAQ

Where does the boat depart from?

Meet at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1.

How long is the excursion?

The sailing trip lasts three hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many people can join?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 10 passengers. Add babies or young children when booking so their place is included; up to four children are allowed per tour.

What languages are available?

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

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and one alcoholic or soft drink are included, along with tapas.

Can I request vegetarian or vegan food?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you should notify the activity provider in advance.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The tour does not provide swimwear or towels.