Los Gigantes: Sailing Excursion with Swimming, Drink & Tapas

The best part of this Los Gigantes sailing excursion is the mix of open-sea wildlife and a swim beneath Tenerife’s towering red cliffs. You search for pilot whales and dolphins, then trade the rolling sea for clear water near the coast.

I like the small boat limit of 10 people, which leaves room to stretch out and keeps the outing quieter than a large catamaran cruise. I also like the simple rhythm: sail, watch, swim, then enjoy tapas and a drink on deck. The main tradeoff is time. Three hours passes quickly, and one outing had more sailing than whale watching.

• Small-group sailing: The boat carries no more than 10 passengers, with up to four children allowed.
• Wildlife search: Pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, other dolphins, flying fish, turtles, and tuna have all been seen on different trips.
• Cliffside swim: The snorkeling stop takes place in clear water near Los Gigantes, with equipment supplied.
• Quiet atmosphere: There is no onboard music, so you can hear the sea and talk without a loud soundtrack.
• Food and drinks included: Tapas and an alcoholic or soft drink are served on deck.
• Flexible booking: You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure and reserve without paying at once.

Sailing Out From Puerto de Los Gigantes

You meet the boat at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1. The vessel is called the Sangría, and the outing lasts three hours from the marina area.

This is a useful location if you are staying in or around Los Gigantes, but plan your route carefully if you are based elsewhere on Tenerife. Pickup is not normally offered from the northern part of the island. One past departure included a special hotel transfer near Costa Adeje, but you should not count on that as a standard part of the booking.

The small capacity shapes the whole experience. With only 10 places, you are not packed into rows of deck chairs or competing for a view. There may be two crew members aboard, giving you a better chance to ask questions or get help before the swim.

The sailing boat is a good fit for people who want a relaxed outing rather than a party cruise. There is no speaker system, and one of the most appealing details is the quiet. You hear the motor, wind, and water instead of constant music.

The Red Cliffs of Los Gigantes

The cliffs are the visual star of the trip. Their red and brown walls rise sharply from the Atlantic, with bays and natural coves breaking up the coast. Seeing them from sea level gives you a view that roads and lookout points cannot provide.

As the boat follows the coast, the cliffs change with the angle of the sun. You may pass calm coves where the water looks inviting, then move into more open water as the crew searches for marine life. The setting alone makes this more than a standard short boat ride.

The coast is also a good backdrop for photographs, but keep your phone protected from spray. You may want to leave bulky bags behind, since the boat has limited space and the best views are from the deck.

The itinerary is not a fixed sightseeing loop. Conditions and wildlife determine how the time is used. Some outings spend more time near the cliffs and coves. Others head farther out early to locate whales and dolphins, then return for the swim and food.

Searching for Whales and Dolphins

The wildlife portion is a search, not a guaranteed show. The crew follows the coast and heads out to sea, looking for animals in an area known for marine life. Sightings have included pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, several other dolphin types, flying fish, tuna, and occasionally turtles.

Pilot whales are a common highlight of the reports from this boat. They have been seen with young, close to the vessel, and in family groups. Dolphins have also swum beside the boat, sometimes close enough for a clear view through the water.

That does not mean every departure will produce the same encounter. Animals move, weather changes, and the crew cannot control where they appear. You should book this for the chance to see marine life, not for a guaranteed number of species or a set viewing time.

The crew’s explanation adds value here. Captains and guides have been praised for sharing facts about Tenerife’s sea life and for speaking Spanish, English, and French. On multilingual departures, the amount of detail in each language can vary. One outing had only the key instructions translated into English, so ask questions directly if you want more background.

The area is regulated in terms of how many boats can be present for whale watching. That matters because fewer boats can mean less noise and less crowding around the animals. The experience is still active and unpredictable, but it feels more respectful than a scene with a large fleet circling one pod.

Swimming and Snorkeling in Clear Water

After the wildlife search, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling. The exact cove can change, but the stop is usually near the Los Gigantes cliffs or in a quiet bay.

The water is described as very clear, and past outings have included sightings of sea turtles, manta rays, octopuses, parrot fish, and other small marine life. You may also simply enjoy floating beside the boat with the cliffs above you. For many people, that swim is the most memorable part of the day.

Snorkeling gear is included, and life jackets are available. Still, bring your own mask and snorkel if you care about a close, comfortable fit. The supplied equipment has not always been considered top quality.

You need to be comfortable getting into open seawater. This is not a shallow beach visit, and the description specifically presents it as a deep-water snorkeling stop. If you do not want to swim, you can stay on deck and enjoy the view, but the activity is best suited to people who are happy around the water.

Do not touch or feed marine life. The rules also forbid fishing, and they protect the animals as well as the other people in the water. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, since none of these are included.

Tapas Under the Cliffs

The food is served on deck after the water stop or during the return sail. Tapas have been described as a generous snack spread with vegetables and other small bites, more like a casual charcuterie board than a full restaurant meal.

That distinction matters. You should expect enough food to round out a three-hour outing, but not a formal lunch. After swimming, the tapas feel particularly welcome. You can sit back, dry off, and enjoy the scenery without rushing to find food at the marina.

One alcoholic or soft drink is included in the activity description, while several outings describe plentiful drinks available during the trip. The exact drink selection may vary. If you do not drink alcohol, vegetarian and vegan food options are available when requested ahead of time, but one past outing noted that the nonalcoholic choices were not especially broad.

Let the provider know about dietary needs before departure. Do not bring your own alcohol, and remember that smoking, speakers, and drugs are not allowed aboard.

What the Three Hours Feel Like

Three hours is long enough to combine coastal scenery, wildlife watching, and a swim without turning the outing into a full-day commitment. It also works well for families or couples who want a water activity without giving up most of the day.

The pace is not constant. Some stretches involve simply sailing and watching the coast. Other stretches require the crew to search for animals or wait for a good viewing opportunity. This can feel wonderfully calm, but it may disappoint you if you want nonstop action.

Several departures had only five to nine passengers, making the boat feel especially private. At full capacity, it will still be more intimate than a large sightseeing vessel, but you should expect less personal space than on a nearly empty sailing.

The 1 p.m. departure has been a good time for some wildlife sightings, but there is no basis for promising that one start time is best. Check the available departure times when booking and choose the one that fits your day. The activity provider offers live guidance in Spanish, English, and French.

The Value of $82 Per Person

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. The price makes more sense when you add together the small group, skipper and guide, Los Gigantes cliffs, wildlife search, snorkeling equipment, tapas, and drinks.

You are paying for atmosphere as much as transport. A large boat may give you a similar view of the coast for less money, but it will not offer the same quiet or limited passenger count. You also avoid having to arrange separate whale watching and swimming activities.

The value is strongest if you want several experiences in one short outing. It is weaker if your main goal is a long wildlife session. One outing felt there was too much sailing and not enough time watching whales and dolphins. Another person wished the trip lasted four hours instead of three.

That is the honest calculation: $82 is reasonable for a polished small-group experience with food and drinks, but you should not judge it as a dedicated whale research trip. Think of it as a relaxed sailing afternoon with a strong chance of wildlife and a planned swim.

Who Should Book This Sailing Trip

I would choose this for couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a quiet boat to a crowded cruise. It suits you if you want dramatic scenery, a chance to see whales or dolphins, and time to swim without committing to a full day.

It is also a good pick for people who appreciate attentive crew members. Past departures have included Luis and Moises, along with other multilingual guides. Their role is not just to steer the boat. They explain the marine life, help with the water stop, and keep the mood friendly without forcing entertainment.

Families should add every child or baby when booking, even if a child can join free, so there is a confirmed place. The boat allows up to four children per outing.

You may want a different activity if you dislike open water, need a guaranteed wildlife sighting, want several hours of snorkeling, or prefer a large vessel with more facilities. This is a compact sailing trip, not a beach day or a full meal cruise.

Practical Details Before You Go

Meet at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1. Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. The provider supplies snorkeling equipment and life jackets.

Wear something comfortable for a boat deck and protect anything valuable from spray. The rules prohibit sharp objects, weapons, fishing, feeding or touching animals, smoking in the vehicle, nudity, fireworks, explosives, and making fires.

Vegetarian and vegan food can be arranged if you notify the provider ahead of time. The crew speaks Spanish, English, and French, but multilingual explanations may be shorter in some languages during a busy wildlife search.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful when your Tenerife plans are still shifting.

Should You Book the Los Gigantes Excursion?

Book it if you want a small, calm sailing trip that combines cliff views, wildlife watching, snorkeling, tapas, and drinks in three hours. The boat size, quiet deck, friendly crew, and repeated sightings of pilot whales and dolphins give it real appeal.

Go in with sensible expectations. Wildlife is never guaranteed, the snorkel gear may be basic, and three hours can feel short if you want more time in the water. For $82, I think it offers good value when you want variety and comfort rather than a single-purpose whale-watching mission.

FAQ

Where does the Los Gigantes sailing excursion depart from?

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

How long does the boat trip last?

The excursion lasts three hours.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The boat can carry a maximum of 10 passengers. Up to four children can join each tour.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The crew searches for whales and dolphins, but wildlife sightings depend on animal movements and sea conditions.

What marine life might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, octopuses, flying fish, tuna, and parrot fish. The exact sightings vary by departure.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and life jackets are available. You should bring your own equipment if you prefer a specific mask or snorkel.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Tapas and an alcoholic or soft drink are included. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you notify the provider in advance.

What languages does the guide speak?

Live guidance is available in Spanish, English, and French.

What should I bring?

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