Los Gigantes looks unreal from the water, and this 3-hour sail is one of the most practical ways to see it. I love the small group setup (max 10, so it stays calm), and I love the combo of whale/dolphin spotting plus a real snorkel stop where you can swim in clear water near the cliffs. One thing to keep in mind: with only three hours, you might spend less time parked on a single animal location than you’d like if you’re chasing the perfect long sighting.

The trip leaves from Puerto de Los Gigantes on the boat Sangría, and you follow dramatic coastline around bays and natural coves. The guides and skipper do a lot to keep things moving smoothly and still attentive, with names you may hear such as Luis and Moises, plus multilingual guidance in Spanish, English, and French. Even better, this is one of the rarer boat trips where you’re not stuck with loud music—you get the sound of wind and waves most of the time, and that honestly makes the whole experience feel more natural.

Key Points You Should Know Before You Go

• Max 10 passengers: more room on deck and a calmer feel than big party boats
• Sangría sails past the red cliffs of Los Gigantes with stops in bays and coves
• Deep-sea snorkel session with provided gear, plus life vests mentioned by guests
• Whale and dolphin search (including sightings like pilot whales and dolphins)
• Tapas and drinks onboard after swimming, with vegetarian and vegan options available
• No speakers / less noise: you’ll hear the ocean more than a soundtrack

Los Gigantes Red Cliffs: Why Sailing Beats Looking From Shore

If you’ve only seen Los Gigantes from land, you might think you already know what the famous red cliffs look like. Then you’re out on the water and the scale hits you. From the deck, the cliffs rise straight out of the sea, and the coves below look like they were carved for swimming.

What I like about doing this by boat is how the scenery keeps changing every few minutes. You don’t just stare at one view. You cruise along stretches of coastline, then you rotate through calmer bays and coves where the water is easier for a dip and snorkeling. That matters because Tenerife’s coast can look dramatic but also rough in spots—this route is designed around where you can actually enjoy the water, not just watch it.

And yes, the coastline is also the backdrop for your wildlife hunt. The same cliffs and underwater geography that make the views so striking are part of why marine life shows up here.

The 3-Hour Itinerary: How the Sailing, Stops, and Wildlife Search Flow

This is built as a tight, efficient half-day. You’re out long enough to get variety, but not so long that everyone ends up melting on deck.

Here’s the rhythm you can expect:

1) Departure from Puerto de Los Gigantes

You’ll set sail from Puerto de Los Gigantes on the boat Sangría. The meeting point is Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes Dock 1. Once you leave the dock area, the crew starts working the coast—moving between sheltered areas and open-water zones depending on where sightings are likely.

2) Cruise along the cliffs and through coves

As you sail, you’ll spend time following the dramatic red cliffs. The itinerary includes stops in bays and natural coves, which is important because these spots are often calmer and better for both swimming and snorkeling.

3) Out at sea for dolphin and whale spotting

At some point, you head farther out. The goal is simple: find dolphins and whales. Based on recent experiences, you may see animals like pilot whales, dolphin types including bottlenose dolphins, and other marine life depending on conditions.

One honest consideration: wildlife time is never fully controllable. The water is living, animals move, and the sea decides the schedule. Reviews reflect that you can get incredible close-up moments, but the shorter 3-hour format can mean you’re moving again before a location turns into a long watch.

4) Snorkel and swim stop near the cliffs

After the sailing and search, you’ll stop for the swim/snorkel session. This is the centerpiece for many people because the water near Los Gigantes can be clear enough to make snorkeling feel like you’re watching from a window.

5) Tapas and drinks on deck as you sail again

Finally, you return to cruising while you snack and drink. It’s set up to feel like a proper break: tapas and a drink on deck while you enjoy the coastline around you.

The Deep-Sea Snorkel Near Los Gigantes: What You Might See Under the Water

This is why the trip is more than a postcard cruise.

During the snorkeling stop, you’re not just dipping in. You’re set up for a proper session with snorkeling gear provided. Life vests were specifically mentioned by at least one guest, which is reassuring if you want to feel supported in open-water conditions.

What marine life you see can vary, but the trip’s core promise centers on sightings like:

• Sea turtles
• Manta rays
• Octopi

And if your timing is lucky, you can get other fish life too. A couple of reviews mention parrot fish and close sightings near the cliffs. Clear water is a big factor in how much you’ll actually enjoy it, so the session tends to feel most rewarding when conditions line up.

Bring-your-own vs provided gear

The snorkeling gear included works, but at least one guest noted the quality wasn’t the best. If snorkeling is a top priority for you, it’s smart to pack your own mask or fins (if you already have your preferences). If you don’t, the provided gear may still be fine for most people—you just might want to accept that it’s functional more than premium.

Safety and marine-life rules

The activity also expects you to follow standard responsible rules: no touching marine life, no feeding animals, and no other disruptive behavior in the water. That keeps things safer for you and the animals.

Tapas, Drinks, and That Relaxed Small-Boat Feel

The food and drink part is not an afterthought here. It’s part of the experience arc: you snorkel, you get refreshed, and then you eat while the scenery keeps rolling by.

You’ll have:

• Tapas onboard
• An alcohol or soft drink option
• Option for vegetarian and vegan food, as long as you tell the provider in advance

A standout detail from the reviews: people liked having a steady flow of drinks, and they often described the atmosphere as relaxed because the boat isn’t crowded. With a maximum of 10 passengers, you don’t feel squeezed into every inch of deck space, and that changes how the whole outing feels.

Another small but meaningful point: at least one guest specifically called out that there wasn’t music onboard. If you like hearing the ocean, that’s a quiet win.

A practical drawback to consider

If you’re very specific about non-alcoholic options, you may find the selection could be limited (one review wanted more variety like sparkling water or apple juice). If that matters to you, plan to be flexible with what’s offered.

What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind) So the Trip Runs Smooth

This is a “simple day,” but you’ll enjoy it more if you prep like a pro.

What to bring

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Passport or ID card
• You might also want comfortable footwear for moving on and off the dock

Snorkeling gear is included, but you can still improve comfort with your own mask if you have one.

What’s not allowed

The rules are pretty standard for ocean wildlife experiences:

• No fishing
• No feeding animals
• No touching marine life
• No weapons or sharp objects
• No smoking in the vehicle (and generally, keep things smoke-free around the boat)
• No drugs or alcohol beyond what’s provided onboard
• No speakers
• No fireworks or explosives
• No nudity

If you’re traveling with kids, make sure they follow instructions for safety and staying close.

Small Group Sailing vs Bigger Boat Trips: Who This Fits Best

With a max of 10 people, this tour suits a particular style of traveler.

You’ll likely love it if you:

• Want a calmer boat experience rather than a loud crowd
• Care about wildlife, especially if you prefer guided searching with a skipper who watches conditions
• Like snorkeling but don’t want a full-day logistics headache
• Want couples-friendly scenery with a relaxed pace (the kind where you can talk and actually see what’s around you)

It can also work well for families. The tour allows children, with rules that up to 4 children per tour can join, and kids that join for free should be added during booking to reserve spots.

Who might consider another option:

• If your top goal is a long, uninterrupted whale watch, 3 hours may feel short.
• If you hate any kind of water activity, the snorkel stop is part of the plan, so you’ll want to be comfortable being in the ocean even if you don’t go underwater much.

Price and Value: Is $82 a Good Deal for This 3-Hour Combo?

At $82 per person, you’re paying for more than transport. You’re paying for a small-boat experience, guidance in spotting wildlife, and a full snorkeling stop with gear included. Then you get tapas and drinks to wrap the whole thing up.

Here’s the value math in plain language:

• Three hours on a sailing craft in a high-interest area like Los Gigantes
• Wildlife search where the skipper actively looks for dolphins and whales
• Snorkeling time with included gear
• Food and drinks onboard, plus vegetarian/vegan options if arranged ahead
• Languages covered live via English, Spanish, and French

What you’re not buying is a long, all-day marine safari with nonstop stops. It’s tighter than that. Still, for most people, the combination hits the sweet spot: enough time to do the main things, without feeling trapped on a boat for half a day longer than you need.

Should You Book This Los Gigantes Sailing + Snorkel Tour?

If you want a high-scoring mix of cliffs, ocean time, wildlife chances, and a real snack-and-drink finish, this one is easy to recommend. The best reason to book is the combination: you get up-close scenery and you get water time that’s more than just “take a quick dip.”

Before you commit, think about two practical points:

• Are you comfortable with a 3-hour window? If you want slow, long animal watching, you might feel rushed.
• Do you care about snorkeling gear quality? If you’re picky, consider bringing your own mask.

If those fit your style, this is the kind of trip that leaves you with more than photos. You come away with saltwater memories.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

You’ll find the group at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes Dock 1.

How long is the sailing excursion?

The duration is 3 hours.

What’s included in the price?

It includes Los Gigantes cliffs visit, stops in bays and coves, alcohol or soft drinks, tapas, snorkeling gear, and a skipper and guide.

What should I bring?

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

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included.

What languages are available?

The live guide operates in Spanish, English, and French.

Can I get vegetarian or vegan food?

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

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