Los Gigantes: Private Sailing Tour with Swim, Drink, & Tapas

Red cliffs, clear water, and a private yacht day. This Los Gigantes sail is a smart mix of boat cruising and in-water time, with chances to see dolphins and whales along Tenerife’s dramatic coast. You’ll cruise past natural coves, then get a deep-water snorkeling stop in clear conditions.

What I like most is how the day stays relaxed, not rushed. The onboard vibe is easy going, and people have praised the clean yacht and supportive skipper/crew, plus excellent tapas paired with drinks while you watch the coastline go by.

One consideration: this trip is built around being on the water and in the water. If you want a fully land-based plan, or you are uncomfortable with snorkeling, you may find the schedule a bit swim-focused.

Quick highlights you will care about

• Private boat time in Los Gigantes: your pace, your views, your seating choices on the deck
• Snorkeling gear included: you do not need to track equipment down ahead of time
• Marine life sightings possible: sea turtles, octopuses, and manta rays are specifically part of the plan
• Tapas and drinks onboard: you snack while sailing, not after the ride is over
• Coastline cruise for the red-cliff views: the cliffs look better from sea level than from shore

Where the Red Cliffs Meet Open Water: Los Gigantes by Yacht

Los Gigantes is all about scale. From the sea, Tenerife’s famous red cliffs rise straight out of the Atlantic, and the whole coastline feels closer and more dramatic. You start with a pickup from hotels in the Los Gigantes area, then head to the marina to meet your skipper and board the yacht, Sangría.

The cruise style is key here. This is not a fast, power-through tour that checks boxes and moves on. It is a private sailing tour, so the route and pacing are shaped around comfort and sightseeing, including quiet bays and natural coves along the coast.

A small detail that matters: the crew uses the sailing time as part of the experience, so you get that slow “on the water” feeling rather than staring at a horizon while you wait for the next stop. If your ideal day is calm, this is the right setup.

Cruise Between Quiet Bays and Natural Coves

Once you leave the dock, you follow the coast with those cliffs as your constant backdrop. The plan includes stops in hidden coves and calmer bays, which is where the sailing experience turns from scenery to actual relaxation. Think gentle motion, a chance to grab a good view spot on deck, and time to let your eyes rest between photos.

These cove stops also set up the rest of the day. They are practical, not just pretty: they help keep the snorkeling window more comfortable and give the crew a chance to position you for water time. If you are traveling with family or a mixed group, that built-in rhythm helps. Everyone can dip in mentally without feeling like the schedule is one nonstop event.

Also, you will be on a boat, so plan to adjust to a sea breeze. Sunscreen helps, and sunglasses help more than you might expect, especially once you are out of the harbor glare.

Snorkeling Gear, Marine Life, and a Calm Water Plan

This is the heart of the tour: a deep-water snorkeling session where you can swim among local marine life. The gear is included, and you will be able to snorkel in clear water from the yacht. The experience is described as an up-close underwater world, with the specific marine sightings mentioned including sea turtles, octopuses, and manta rays.

Here is the practical part you should plan for. You are not just watching from the deck, you are moving your body underwater with fins and mask on (snorkeling gear is provided). That means you’ll want to be comfortable with basic water entry and staying calm if you see a lot at once. It is common for your attention to jump between fish, movement, and the feeling of being suspended.

A key rule: do not touch marine life. The tour also has rules against feeding animals. Those restrictions protect animals and keep the snorkeling fair and respectful. It also makes the experience better for you, because you can simply watch them behave naturally instead of chasing moments.

If you are brand new to snorkeling, this is still doable, but bring patience. Your first minutes are about settling in, getting your breathing comfortable, and adjusting your mask. After that, the water does the rest.

Tapas and Drinks Onboard, Plus What Makes It Feel Easy

Between the cruising and snorkeling time, the boat becomes your floating snack bar. You can relax on deck after you swim, with a drink and tapas included. This is not a minor add-on. Having food onboard changes the rhythm of the day, because you are not scrambling for lunch or losing the best light and calm moments to travel.

Tapas quality matters on a sailing day. Cold drinks and simple bites are one thing, but people have specifically praised the tapas as excellent and a highlight. That tells me the crew is treating food as part of the experience, not just as a checkbox.

You can also request vegetarian and vegan food options if you notify the provider before the tour. If your group has mixed diets, this reduces stress. You can focus on the views and the water, not on figuring out what everyone will eat.

Two packing notes that keep the day smooth:

• Swimwear is not included, so bring it.
• A towel is not included either, so do not assume you will be able to dry off comfortably on the other side.

Whales and Dolphins Chances Along Tenerife’s Coast

Seeing marine mammals is part of the pitch, and the coast is a good place for it. The tour focuses on dolphins and whales around Los Gigantes, and the experience is described as whale watching as the boat cruises. In particular, one birthday trip included repeated sightings of pilot whales.

What should you expect realistically? Not every day delivers the same level of sightings, and sea conditions can affect where animals appear. But the structure helps: you are out at sea, moving along the coast, with enough time in place for sightings to happen if they are around.

What you can do as the ride goes on:

• Keep one eye on the horizon and one on the water surface patterns.
• When you spot birds or sudden activity, pay attention, and be ready to look quickly in the crew’s direction.
• Stay calm. The best sightings usually come when you are not rushing to the wrong side of the boat.

If you want a day that blends scenery with the hope of wildlife, this kind of private sailing is a strong match.

Price and Value for a Private Group Up to 11

The price is listed at $765 per group, up to 11 people, with a duration range of 3 to 8 hours. On paper, it can feel high if you compare it to shared catamaran tours. But private sailing is not just about privacy. You are paying for time, boat handling, and a plan built around snorkeling stops and onboard food.

Think of value in practical terms:

• Snorkeling gear is included.
• Tapas and drinks are included.
• You also get a skipper/guide who helps run the day and navigate the coastline and stops.
• You are not splitting attention among dozens of people.

If you have 6 to 11 people, the math often starts to make sense fast. If you are traveling solo or as a couple, it is more of a splurge, but still a good one when you want a calm, controlled experience. I would treat it as a “special day” purchase, especially if wildlife sightings are on your list.

Also, the trip is flexible by duration. That flexibility can improve value, because you can pick a length that matches your stamina and your travel schedule.

What to Pack, What to Expect, and Boat Rules to Follow

This is where your day goes from nice to genuinely comfortable.

You should bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

You should follow the tour rules:

• No smoking in the vehicle (and keep it off the boat as best you can)
• No fishing
• No feeding animals
• No touching marine life
• No fireworks
• Alcohol and drugs are not allowed

The no-touch and no-feeding rules matter for two reasons. First, it protects marine life. Second, it keeps the snorkeling experience authentic and safe, so you are watching behaviors instead of creating them.

One more practical thought: if you want good photos, bring a way to protect your phone from spray. The boat movement plus ocean mist can be unpredictable. A small dry bag can save you from a lot of swearing at your camera app.

Finally, the skipper/guide speaks Spanish, English, and French, so language is not usually a barrier. That helps when it is time to explain snorkeling timing and safety.

How Long Should You Book, 3 to 8 Hours?

You can choose between 3 and 8 hours, which is a big deal because it affects the feel of the day.

A 3-hour option tends to be ideal if:

• you want the cliffs, one main snorkeling stop, and the snack-and-drink onboard moment
• you have limited time in Tenerife
• you are traveling with kids or people who get tired of long water sessions

A longer 6 to 8 hour option tends to be better if:

• you want more cruising between bays and coves
• you hope for more wildlife time, especially whales and dolphins
• your group enjoys lingering on deck and taking the day slow

In both cases, your day still has the same core components: cruise along the coast, a snorkeling stop, and tapas with drinks onboard. The difference is how much time the day gives you to breathe between those moments.

Who This Tour Suits Best in Real Life

This private sailing tour suits a few types of travelers especially well:

• Families who want a calmer, guided water day with snorkeling gear handled for you
• Couples looking for a scenic, romantic Tenerife experience without the noise of large groups
• Groups of friends who want private boat time with food and drinks included
• Wildlife lovers who specifically want a plan that includes dolphins and whales, not just a generic “ocean view” ride

If you hate water activities or want a strict beach-only plan, you might find the snorkeling element too central. But if you are open to getting in the water for a controlled snorkeling stop, this tour is built for that.

It also works nicely for celebrations. People have described it as a birthday treat, and the crew has handled special touches like arranging a small birthday cake on board spontaneously. That kind of thoughtfulness makes the day feel personal.

Should You Book This Los Gigantes Private Sail?

If you want a private sailing day that mixes red-cliff views, clear-water snorkeling, and onboard tapas without turning the day into a logistics puzzle, I would book it. The biggest draw is simple: you get real time on the water, a structured snorkeling stop with gear provided, and food and drinks onboard so the day flows.

I would hold off if you are not comfortable with snorkeling or if your group wants mostly dry activities. Also, since the tour includes time in the water and on deck, pack for sun and bring what the day needs, especially swimwear and a towel.

For the right travelers, this is the kind of Tenerife outing that feels like it was planned for your comfort and your curiosity at the same time.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You will meet at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes Dock 1.

Is this a private group tour?

Yes. It is listed as a private group sailing experience, with capacity up to 11 people per group.

What is included with the tour?

The tour includes a private sailing tour, a skipper/guide, swimming and snorkeling stops, snorkeling gear, alcoholic or soft drinks, and tapas.

What should I bring for the snorkeling and boat ride?

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

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available. You should notify the activity provider before the tour.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.