Los Gigantes: Sailing Excursion with Swimming, Drink & Tapas

Los Gigantes gives you Tenerife at its most dramatic: towering red cliffs, clear Atlantic water, and pilot whales or dolphins moving offshore. This three-hour trip on the small sailing boat Sangría combines the best parts of a coast outing without packing you onto a large tour boat. The 10-person limit is a major plus.

I especially like the quiet feel on board and the chance to swim beneath the cliffs after searching for marine life. I also like the simple finish: tapas, a drink, and time to sit on deck while the sea does the entertaining. The main limitation is time. Three hours passes quickly, and one passenger felt the trip spent a little too long sailing and not enough time watching whales.

Key points at a glance

• Small boat, maximum 10 passengers: You get more room and a calmer feel than on a standard excursion boat.
• Pilot whales and dolphins are possible: Sightings have included pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, flying fish, turtles, and other sea life.
• Swimming beneath Los Gigantes: The stop combines snorkeling, clear water, and one of Tenerife’s finest cliff views.
• Tapas and drinks included: Expect a light spread with alcoholic and soft drinks after time in the water.
• Quiet sailing atmosphere: There is no required onboard music, which suits anyone who prefers waves and conversation.
• Spanish, English, and French guides: Luis and Moises have led trips, and the crew gives information about local marine life.

Setting out from Puerto de Los Gigantes

You meet the boat at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1. The departure point sits in Puerto de Los Gigantes, the natural base for seeing the huge cliffs from the water rather than from a roadside lookout.

The boat is called the Sangría, and it carries no more than 10 passengers. That number matters. You can sit on deck without feeling squeezed, move around for a better view, and ask questions without trying to catch a guide’s attention across a crowded vessel.

The experience is run by Blue Dream Sailing. Guides speak Spanish, English, and French, and Luis and Moises are among the crew members who have hosted trips. Their approach appears friendly and attentive, but not overbearing. That balance suits a three-hour outing, since you get useful information without a nonstop stream of commentary.

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Swimwear and towels are not supplied. I would put your towel and sun protection in an easy-to-reach bag, since the swim stop comes during a fairly short trip and you will not want to dig through luggage after getting wet.

Following the red cliffs and sheltered coves

Once the Sangría leaves the harbor, the cliffs of Los Gigantes provide the first big visual reward. Their steep red and brown faces rise sharply above the water, making the boat feel pleasantly small. From sea level, the cliffs have a greater sense of scale than they do from land.

The route follows Tenerife’s west coast, passing bays and natural coves. These quieter sections give the trip a gentle rhythm. You may spend part of the time watching the coastline and part looking out to sea for movement on the surface.

The exact order of stops can change. Weather, sea conditions, and the location of marine life all affect the route. One trip reached a bay for snorkeling near the cliffs, while another passenger noted that the boat did not enter bays or caves. That is worth understanding before you book: the experience is a sailing and wildlife outing, not a fixed sightseeing circuit with every cove guaranteed.

The scenery is the reliable part. Wildlife sightings are possible rather than promised, even though the area is known for marine species and many outings have found whales and dolphins. The crew holds a whale-watching license, and the local waters are regulated for boat numbers, which helps keep the search from turning into a noisy chase.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins offshore

The boat heads farther out to look for whales and dolphins. Pilot whales are the most frequently noted sighting, with dolphins also appearing on many trips. Some outings have seen dolphins swimming right beside the boat, including adults with young. Other sightings have included bottlenose dolphins, flying fish, tuna, and sea turtles.

This part calls for patience. You may spend a stretch simply sailing and scanning the surface. That can feel less exciting than an instant wildlife encounter, but it is part of responsible whale watching. The crew must locate animals and approach them without treating them like a performance.

When sightings happen, the small group helps. Ten people can shift their view or listen to the guide without the commotion common on a large vessel. Several outings have seen pilot whales close to the boat, and the crew has pointed out different species and explained local sea life.

The trip is not ideal if your only goal is a guaranteed whale encounter. Nature does not follow a timetable, and one passenger would have preferred more time at the whale locations. But if you value the full outing, including cliffs, swimming, food, and quiet time on the water, the wildlife search fits well.

Snorkeling and swimming near Los Gigantes

The swim stop is one of the strongest parts of the trip. The boat pauses in a bay or open-water spot, often near the cliffs, so you can swim or use the supplied snorkeling equipment.

The water is described as clear, and sightings can include turtles, manta rays, octopi, and smaller fish such as parrotfish. You may also see nothing more than shifting blue water and rock below you. That is the honest nature of snorkeling in the sea. The setting still makes the stop worthwhile, especially with the cliffs rising behind you.

Life jackets are available, and snorkeling equipment is included. One passenger found the provided gear less than ideal and suggested bringing personal equipment if you have it. That is sensible advice for confident snorkelers who care about mask fit. For occasional swimmers, the included set keeps things simple.

You should be comfortable getting into the Atlantic and climbing back onto the boat. The supplied information does not describe a beach landing, so this is a boat-based swim rather than an easy walk into shallow water. If you prefer to stay dry, you can relax on deck and enjoy the view instead.

Do not touch marine life or feed animals. The rules also prohibit fishing, smoking in the vehicle, speakers, nudity, fireworks, weapons, sharp objects, and flammable or explosive substances. These restrictions are practical, not fussy. They protect the animals and keep a small boat pleasant for everyone.

Tapas, drinks, and a quiet deck

After the water stop, the crew serves tapas and drinks on deck. The food has been described as a light spread similar to a charcuterie board, with vegetables and other small bites. It is not a full restaurant meal, but it is welcome after swimming and works well with the relaxed sailing format.

Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks are included. Guests have specifically appreciated the supply of drinks, though one person wanted a wider choice of nonalcoholic options, such as sparkling water and apple juice. If you have a dietary need, vegetarian and vegan food can be arranged if you notify the provider ahead of time.

The deck is also where this outing feels different from a loud party cruise. Music is not part of the experience, and that is a strength for many people. You hear the water, the wind, and conversation instead of a speaker competing with the skipper.

The atmosphere is still social. You may share the boat with couples, families, or a small group of friends, but the 10-person limit leaves enough space for a quiet moment. If you want a high-energy boat party, choose another excursion. If you want to eat, sip a drink, and watch the coast drift by, this is a better match.

Is $82 a fair price?

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. The value comes from combining several separate activities into one small-group trip: a Los Gigantes cliff cruise, wildlife watching, a swim or snorkel stop, equipment, tapas, and drinks.

The group size is the key comparison point. A cheaper large boat may give you similar ocean views, but it will not offer the same room or personal attention. Here, a crew of two may be looking after as few as five passengers, or as many as 10. That helps explain the higher price.

The three-hour length cuts both ways. It is long enough for a proper coastal trip, wildlife search, water stop, and food service. It is not long enough to linger at every sight. Several people wished the trip lasted four hours, while another felt too much time went to sailing rather than watching. If you want a full-day sailing trip, this will feel short. If you want a well-shaped half-day activity that leaves time for dinner or another plan, three hours works nicely.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure adds useful flexibility, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most

I would recommend it to couples who want a calm afternoon, families looking for a manageable boat outing, and anyone who prefers a small group to a large excursion vessel. It also suits visitors staying around Los Gigantes or Costa Adeje who can make their own way to the harbor.

Children and babies who can join for free still need to be included when booking so the crew can reserve their places. The trip allows up to four children per departure. That makes it family-friendly, but the swim stop and boat access mean parents should decide if their children are comfortable around open water.

The outing is also a good fit for nature-minded visitors. The crew explains marine life, and the regulated whale-watching area helps reduce the crowded feel that can spoil wildlife trips. You should still treat sightings as a possibility, not a guarantee.

I would think twice if you dislike boats, want a fixed route, or need a full meal rather than tapas. I would also avoid booking it as your only plan if you require a guaranteed snorkel location or a long whale-watching session. The route can change, and the boat has only three hours.

Practical details that affect your day

You need to reach Dock 1 at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes. Pickup is not generally offered from northern Tenerife, so plan your own transport if you are staying there. A past arrangement brought one passenger toward a hotel in Costa Adeje, but you should not treat that as a standard inclusion.

The guide service is available in Spanish, English, and French. One English-speaking passenger found that a guide sometimes spoke mostly French and translated only the important instructions, so multilingual commentary may not be equal in every moment. Safety instructions and key information should still be covered.

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, and identification. Leave speakers, fishing gear, sharp objects, and alcohol or drugs at home. The boat provides snorkeling gear, tapas, drinks, a skipper, and a guide.

Should you book the Los Gigantes sailing excursion?

Book it if you want a small, quiet boat trip that blends Tenerife’s best west-coast scenery with a real chance to see pilot whales or dolphins. The personal space, friendly crew, clear water, included food, and no-music atmosphere give it a more relaxed feel than a standard party cruise.

Skip it if you need guaranteed wildlife sightings, a longer water stop, or a four-hour outing. The strongest value comes from enjoying the whole package rather than chasing one specific animal.

For most visitors with three free hours, $82 is reasonable for the small group and range of inclusions. Pack your own well-fitting mask if you have one, arrive ready to swim, and let the coast and crew set the pace.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes sailing excursion?

The excursion lasts three hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

You meet at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1, in Puerto de Los Gigantes.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The boat can carry a maximum of 10 passengers.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The trip searches for whales and dolphins, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Pilot whales and several dolphin species have been seen on past outings.

Can I swim and snorkel during the trip?

Yes. The boat stops for swimming and snorkeling, often near Los Gigantes cliffs or in a bay. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Which languages are available?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.