Los Gigantes: Sailing Excursion with Swimming, Drink & Tapas

Red cliffs, dolphins, and snacks.

This Los Gigantes sailing excursion is built around time on the water plus the kind of close-to-nature stops that make Tenerife feel real. You cruise the coast from the Sangría, follow dramatic rock walls between small coves, and then get a proper snorkeling break in clear water with a chance to spot sea life.

What I like most is the combo of big scenery and real water time, not a rushed checklist. I also really value that the boat keeps it small-group friendly, with a skipper and crew who share what to look for, including guides such as Luis and Moises on past trips.

One drawback to weigh is that the whole outing is only 3 hours, so if you have the kind of sighting you dream about, you might still feel like you could use a little more time in the best spot.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (max 10): more elbow room on deck and a calmer vibe when wildlife shows up.
• No onboard party soundtrack: you can hear waves and the ocean instead of music blaring.
• Snorkeling gear included: you bring swim basics, they handle the kit.
• Tapas and drinks on deck: food and a drink arrive at the end while you take in the cliffs.
• Skipper-led search: sightings depend on the day, but the crew actively looks while staying mindful of the area.

Why Los Gigantes by sailing boat beats the big-tour routine

Los Gigantes is famous for those red cliffs dropping straight into the sea, and seeing them from a boat is a different world than from shore. This outing is designed for that exact payoff: sailing between coves, cruising the coast, then slowing down for a swim and snorkel stop.

The biggest practical win is how it’s paced. You get a mix of action and easy deck time, and the boat setting naturally encourages you to watch the water rather than just sit in the back of a bus. The small group size also matters. On crowded boats, wildlife watching can turn into shoulder-to-shoulder staring. Here, past groups have often felt more relaxed, even when everyone is excited.

One more detail I appreciate is the on-board tone. More than one account notes that there was no music on board, so you’re free to focus on the ocean sounds and what the crew is saying. It makes the experience feel more like being out with a capable team than being herded through a schedule.

From Muelle Deportivo Dock 1 to red-cliff coves on the Sangría

The trip starts at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1. From there, you’re out on the Sangría, sailing along Tenerife’s coast while the cliffs frame the whole scene.

Expect a route that follows the coastline between quiet bays and natural coves. You’re not just looking at the cliffs as background. You’re passing them while the crew sets up the best chances for wildlife and the right conditions for swimming. That’s the point of a sailing format here. The movement keeps you exploring, but the stops are what let you actually enjoy the water.

Along the way, the crew is also keeping an eye on marine life. The highlights for the tour specifically mention a habitat with a diversity of marine species, and the goal is to find dolphins and whales when conditions line up. In practice, what you’ll notice most is how the crew communicates, points things out, and makes it clear when to look, when to be quiet, and when it’s time to get ready for the next stop.

Whale and dolphin spotting: what to expect, and how the crew helps

This is a whale-and-dolphin focused sailing trip, but it’s still the ocean. Animals can be close one moment and gone the next. What makes this experience feel worth it is how the crew sets you up to see wildlife when they find it.

On past departures, people have reported close sightings such as pilot whales and dolphins, including different dolphin types. Some trips also include smaller extras you notice once you’re on the water, like flying fish appearing during the sail. The overall pattern is that the crew doesn’t treat wildlife as a random lottery ticket. They actively search, then they position the boat so you can observe.

There’s also value in going where the boat traffic is managed. One account highlights that this stretch of coast is regulated in terms of how many boats show up for sightings. Less crowding can mean better viewing and a calmer environment for the animals, which is good for both wildlife and your experience.

My advice: set your expectations for sightings correctly. You’re aiming for dolphins and whales, not guaranteeing them. If you approach it as a skilled search plus beautiful cruising, the day tends to land well even when wildlife is different than you hoped.

Snorkeling off Los Gigantes: clear water, sea life, and gear included

The main water moment is a snorkeling stop, described as a deep-sea snorkeling session in clear conditions. This is where the tour goes beyond “we stood on a deck and looked.” You actually get in the water.

The snorkeling highlights mention the possibility of seeing sea turtles, manta rays, and octopi. You should treat those as hopeful sightings rather than a promise, but they give you an idea of what the crew is searching for. Even when wildlife is quieter, clear water around the cliffs can still be a thrill.

Good to know:

• Snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t need to shop for equipment before your Tenerife trip.
• Life vests may be provided, and this matters if you’re a confident swimmer but not used to open water.
• You are allowed to touch nothing. Touching marine life is not allowed, so keep your hands to yourself and let animals pass naturally.

One practical consideration from an account: the provided snorkeling gear may not be top quality for everyone. If you’re picky about fit, consider bringing your own mask and snorkel if you already own a reliable set. At minimum, pack swimwear you feel comfortable in, because they don’t provide a towel or swimsuit.

Also, remember that you’ll be wet for part of the day. Bring your towel from home and plan for sunscreen on your whole face and neck, not just your shoulders.

Tapas and drinks on deck: the payoff after swimming

After the water stops, the tour shifts into an easier rhythm. This is when you’ll get tap as and a drink on deck, while the cliffs keep shrinking behind you and the sea goes quiet.

Tapas is part of the package, with alcohol or soft drinks included. People have described it as delicious, and the overall vibe is that it’s a satisfying end to a salty swim. If you’re hungry after snorkeling, this is the part that makes the timing feel right. You’re not scrambling for lunch right after getting wet. You’re already with the boat crew, and the snacks show up while you’re still in your swim gear.

There’s also a helpful note for food choices: vegetarian and vegan options are available if you tell the provider in advance. If you have dietary needs, message them early so they can plan.

One small detail I appreciate from accounts: it can feel more relaxed than typical big boat lunch stops. When the group is under control and the boat is not jammed, eating on deck becomes part of the experience instead of an awkward break.

Price and value at about $82 for 3 hours

At around $82 per person for 3 hours, this tour can be good value if you care about three specific things that are included: the boat ride, snorkeling gear, and the food and drinks. Many island experiences charge you separately for water time and meals. Here, those pieces are bundled.

What justifies the price for most people is not just the views, it’s the structure:

• You spend time sailing and watching the coast.
• You get a swim and snorkeling stop, not only a look from above.
• You end with tapas and drinks while the scenery is still the main event.

Group size also affects value. When the boat holds a maximum of 10 participants, the experience tends to feel more personal and less chaotic. That can be worth money by itself, especially in places like Los Gigantes where the scenery is the headline and you want your attention on the sea, not on crowd management.

If you’re traveling with kids, this can work too. The trip allows up to 4 children per tour, and some children join free when booked for the right spots. That said, you still need to consider the adult vibe of snorkeling and the time on the water.

Who this tour fits best, and who should pick something else

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a small-group sailing experience in Los Gigantes,
• a mix of sightseeing plus actual water time,
• a wildlife search with dolphins and whales as a goal,
• snorkeling without the hassle of bringing gear,
• a relaxed finish with drinks and tapas.

It’s also a good choice for couples who want an active morning or afternoon without turning it into a full-day marathon. Several accounts point out the relaxed atmosphere and the balance of engaging crew time plus personal space.

You might consider a different option if:

• you know you want long time in one wildlife area, because the total time is only 3 hours,
• you are very picky about snorkeling equipment and don’t want to deal with fit issues,
• language coverage could matter a lot for you, since one account noted that instructions were mostly translated for English only at key moments.

The good news is that the main format is flexible within the day. The crew adapts to where marine life appears, then schedules the swim and snack time accordingly.

What to pack and the onboard rules that keep things safe

Before you go, pack smart. You’ll want:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Also, be ready for salt water. Wear what dries quickly, and think about non-slip footwear on deck if you’re prone to slipping on wet surfaces.

A few rules are important because they protect wildlife and keep the ride comfortable:

• no smoking on board
• no feeding animals
• no touching marine life
• no weapons or sharp objects
• no fireworks or explosive substances
• no nudity
• no speakers

If you’re traveling with kids, these rules are a plus. They limit distractions and reduce the chance of someone doing something unsafe around the water.

Potential downsides: short timing and a few practical tradeoffs

The biggest practical downside is simple: 3 hours is short. When you get a great sighting, it can be hard to accept that the schedule still moves. One account wished for longer time at the best whale and dolphin spots, because the viewing window can feel rushed if you’re hoping for a deeper hang.

Another consideration is snorkeling comfort. While snorkeling gear is included, one account said the equipment quality wasn’t the best. If you’ve used premium gear before, you might feel it. The easiest fix is to bring your own mask if you already have one.

Finally, communication can vary. One account indicated that the guide spoke mostly French, with English translation mostly at key instructions. If you rely on constant narration in a specific language, that’s something to keep in mind when choosing your tour.

None of these issues are deal breakers for most people. They just help you set expectations and pack the right way.

Should you book Blue Dream Sailing’s Los Gigantes sail?

If your idea of Tenerife includes red cliffs, sea time, and a proper chance at dolphins and whales, I’d book this. It hits the sweet spot of scenery plus real snorkeling plus food and drinks, and the small group cap of 10 makes the whole day feel more human.

Book it especially if:

• you want a calmer boat vibe with space to watch,
• you don’t want to handle snorkeling gear logistics,
• tapas and drinks after swimming sounds like a perfect end to your day,
• you’re flexible about wildlife timing because the ocean decides what you see.

Skip it or compare if:

• you want a longer wildlife viewing window,
• you’re extremely specific about snorkeling gear fit and quality,
• you need highly consistent narration in one language for the entire trip.

If you want a dependable “water first” experience around Los Gigantes, this is a strong choice. And if the sea is doing its best work, you’ll likely come home with more than photos, you’ll come home with that rare feeling of having watched wildlife in a respectful, quiet setting.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

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

How long is the sailing excursion?

The experience runs for 3 hours.

How many people are on the boat?

It’s a small group, limited to 10 participants.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Are tapas and drinks included?

Yes. You’ll get tap as and a drink, with alcohol or soft drink options.

What languages does the guide speak?

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

What should I bring?

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

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you notify the provider in advance.

Can I touch marine life?

No. Touching marine life is not allowed.