Red cliffs and whales, in one easy sail. This Los Gigantes trip combines dolphins and pilot whales with a proper time-in-the-water snorkel stop, all on a small boat. I like that it runs with up to 10 people, so the deck stays calm instead of crowded.

The route follows Tenerife’s rugged shoreline, with stops in bays and natural coves where you can swim or snorkel. You’ll be looking for sea turtles, manta rays, and octopi during the deep-water snorkeling session near the cliffs. Then the trip wraps with drinks and tapas while you’re still in the best scenery zone: the red rock coast.

One thing to consider: with only 3 hours total, the timing can feel a bit tight if wildlife is hot and the crew keeps moving. Also, a couple of people said the provided snorkeling gear wasn’t top-tier, so bringing your own mask/snorkel can improve comfort.

Key things I’d zero in on

• Small-group sailing (max 10) keeps the experience relaxed and gives you space to move on deck.
• Real wildlife time, not just a quick pass: you may spot dolphins and pilot whales during the sailing search.
• Snorkeling off Los Gigantes cliffs: your best chance for sea turtles, manta rays, and octopi.
• Tapas and drinks served on the water after swimming, with a relaxed atmosphere (one person loved that there was no onboard music).
• Helpful crew in multiple languages: live guide options include Spanish, English, and French.

Los Gigantes from the water: why this 3-hour format works

The Los Gigantes area is famous for a reason: that dramatic wall of red cliffs drops straight into the sea, and it looks even more unreal from a boat. This sailing excursion leans into that advantage. You spend the time on the water doing three things that pair well together: cruising the coastline, wildlife searching, and a swim/snorkel stop.

The timing is important. Three hours is short enough to feel doable even on a busy vacation schedule, but long enough that you’ll likely get at least one meaningful wildlife stretch plus a dedicated swim moment. If you’re the kind of person who prefers “a lot packed into a few hours” over “slow day trip,” this format fits.

The boat and crew setup: Sangría, small group, real attention

You depart from Puerto de Los Gigantes on the Sangría, meeting at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes Dock 1. Expect a small group (limited to 10 participants), which changes the whole feel of a wildlife trip. On larger boats, you’re often squeezed for sightlines and rushing for photos. Here, you can actually shift positions and breathe without elbow wars.

The crew runs the show with a skipper who’s actively guiding the sailing plan and a live tour guide on board. Language options are Spanish, English, and French. Some reviewers praised the way the crew handled multiple languages at once, with one person specifically mentioning guides switching languages while still keeping safety instructions crisp. If you’re not traveling with English as your first language, it’s still worth checking what language the live guide will use on your sailing time.

Cruise along the red cliffs: what you’ll actually see

Sailing here means you don’t just view Los Gigantes from one fixed angle. The trip follows the coast between tranquil bays and natural coves. That matters because the cliff faces, water color, and access points change as you move along the shoreline.

You’re looking at a stretch of coastline that’s essentially made for sea views: sheer rock walls, quiet pockets of water, and shoreline shapes that create sheltered spots for swimming. Even if wildlife sightings are quiet that day (they can’t be guaranteed), the coastline itself is a major part of the value. One reviewer highlighted how spectacular the cliffs looked from the water, and another noted that the snorkeling near the cliffs felt special because the water was clear and the setting was dramatic.

Whale and dolphin spotting: how the search tends to play out

The trip is built around the chance to see marine life—specifically dolphins and whales. The experience includes heading out to sea and searching for whales/dolphins as you sail. In practice, that means the skipper adjusts the route based on where animals show up.

From the range of reported sightings, you can realistically expect the possibility of:

• Pilot whales (including sightings close to the boat in at least a few cases)
• Dolphins (multiple types have been mentioned)
• Other surface activity such as flying fish in at least one instance

Here’s the practical mindset: wildlife is always a moving target. The best strategy is to treat the wildlife portion as active scanning time. Bring patience, keep your eyes up, and don’t assume you’ll see something instantly just because the trip advertises it.

One extra factor in this area is that whale watching is managed with rules on how boats operate in the zone. That kind of regulation can reduce crowding pressure and help the animals behave normally. It’s not a guarantee of sightings, but it often makes the whole experience calmer.

The snorkeling session near Los Gigantes: what to expect in the water

After cruising and possibly seeing wildlife, the boat stops for snorkeling in clear water. The highlight is a deep-sea snorkeling session where you might spot sea turtles, manta rays, and octopi.

A few practical points that help you enjoy this part:

• This is not just a “hang over the side” moment. It’s a dedicated snorkeling stop, and it’s positioned as a core feature of the tour.
• You’re in open-water conditions near the cliffs, so stick to the rules: don’t touch marine life and follow crew instructions.
• You’ll get snorkeling gear included, but you should know that at least one reviewer recommended bringing your own equipment because the provided snorkels/masks weren’t the best quality.

That last tip is worth taking seriously. A slightly uncomfortable mask can turn a beautiful snorkel into a constant adjustment problem. If you have your own mask, use it. If not, the gear should still get you in the water and enjoying the clearest parts of the stop.

Some reviewers also mentioned life vests being available, which is a comfort booster if you’re not a strong swimmer. Still, you’ll want to be honest about your comfort level before getting in.

Swimming and deck time: how to balance action and relaxation

Not everyone wants to snorkel for the entire stop. The tour gives you options: you can swim or snorkel at the stops in bays/coves, and then join the deeper session when it’s time. That flexibility is one reason this kind of sailing tour works well for mixed groups—some people want wildlife first, others want the water first.

Deck time is also part of the deal. The boat sails between stops, and you get space to sit back and enjoy the sound of the sea. One reviewer specifically loved that there was no music onboard, which can feel like a small thing until you realize you’re trading background noise for ocean sound. That makes the experience feel more natural.

If you get seasick easily, this is a sailing boat, not a big ferry. You’ll still want to plan smart: sit where you feel the motion least, stay hydrated, and avoid going in on an empty stomach.

Tapas and drinks on board: a satisfying finish without rushing

This trip ends with a classic “we’re back on deck” payoff: tapas and drinks. Alcoholic and soft drinks are included, and tapas are served onboard. Several people called out the drinks as plentiful and the tapas as genuinely enjoyable, not an afterthought snack.

You’re eating with the red cliffs nearby, which turns food into part of the scenery. One reviewer described a nice setup of tapas right after snorkeling, which makes sense: it gives you something to do immediately once you’re dry and back onboard.

There’s also a food flexibility note: vegetarian and vegan options are available if you notify the provider in advance. If you have dietary needs, message ahead so they can plan properly. It’s always better than hoping onboard.

Price and value: is $82 a fair deal for three hours?

At $82 per person for 3 hours, this excursion sits in the midrange for Tenerife sea activities. The value comes from what’s bundled in:

• Stops around Los Gigantes cliffs
• Wildlife searching for dolphins/whales
• A snorkeling session with gear included
• Drinks (alcohol or soft drinks)
• Tapas
• Skipper/guide time

Where it feels like good value is the combination. A lot of tours either focus on wildlife only, or swimming only, or food only. Here, you’re getting multiple “high moments” in one block, plus the small-group setting (max 10) that reduces the usual chaos of big boats.

Where you should be honest with yourself: if your priority is long snorkeling time or staying anchored longer in one spot, the 3-hour duration might feel short. One review noted the itinerary felt a bit more sailing than watching in their view, which lines up with the reality that short tours have less slack.

What to pack (and what not to do) for a smooth trip

The essentials are straightforward:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Snorkeling gear is included, but bring your own mask/snorkel if you want the best fit. Also, consider water shoes if you usually dislike stepping into rocky entries, though the tour data doesn’t explicitly mention footwear—so just use common sense for comfort.

Then follow the boat rules:

• No weapons or sharp objects
• No smoking on board
• No fishing
• Don’t feed animals
• Don’t touch marine life
• No speakers
• No nudity
• No alcohol and drugs (so while drinks are included, you still need to stick to safe behavior)

These rules help keep the wildlife undisturbed and keep your experience stress-free.

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

This excursion fits best if you want:

• A short, scenic sailing experience in Los Gigantes
• A real chance at dolphins and pilot whales
• Time in clear water for swimming and snorkeling
• A relaxed boat vibe with a small group and food/drinks onboard

It can also be great for couples and families. One review mentioned it felt very family-friendly on deck, and the small-group design helps kids stay engaged without feeling swallowed by a crowd.

If you’re the type who prefers a longer itinerary—say, half a day anchored mostly for swimming—or if you’re very gear-sensitive when snorkeling, you might find another longer-format boat trip more satisfying.

Booking tips that make a difference

To get the most out of this kind of sailing day:

• Choose a time when you’ll feel comfortable with sea conditions. (If you’re sensitive to motion, earlier calmer water can feel better, though the trip schedule will control your options.)
• Bring sunscreen and a towel you don’t mind getting a little salty.
• If you eat vegan/vegetarian, notify the provider ahead so tapas can match your needs.
• Pack your phone low and secure. Ocean spray happens fast near cliffs.

And if you’re traveling with kids: the tour allows up to 4 children per tour who can join for free, but the boat still caps at 10 total. Add children when booking so there’s a real place for them onboard.

Should you book this Los Gigantes sailing trip?

If you want a three-hour hit of Los Gigantes scenery plus a swim/snorkel stop and the best chance at marine wildlife, I’d lean toward booking. The small-group size, included drinks/tapas, and the dedicated snorkeling time are the big reasons this works.

Book it especially if you care about atmosphere: quiet deck time, ocean sounds instead of loud music, and a guided experience that keeps the day moving without feeling rushed. The main reason to pause is the short duration—if your dream day is long water time or extended whale/dolphin watching from one spot, you may feel the schedule compress.

If your goal is simple and classic—see the cliffs from the sea, get in the water, and chase dolphins and whales—this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes sailing excursion?

It lasts about 3 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes Dock 1.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes visits along the Los Gigantes area, stops in bays and natural coves, alcohol or soft drinks, tapas, snorkeling gear, and a skipper and guide.

Do I need to bring swimwear and a towel?

Yes. Swimwear and a towel are not included.

Is snorkeling part of the tour?

Yes. There is a snorkeling session, including snorkeling gear.

How many people are on board?

The boat is limited to 10 participants.

What languages is the guide available in?

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

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