Los Gigantes to Teno: Boat trip with snorkeling & drinks

Cliff views lead straight to snorkeling time. On this Los Gigantes to Punta de Teno boat trip, you get a Masca Beach stop, a dip in open water, and the chance to snorkel with provided gear. I like that the experience mixes big coastline views with actual time in the water, snorkeling gear included.

I also like the max of 12 small-group setup, which makes it easier to ask questions and get a more personal flow from the skipper. One name keeps popping up in the reviews, Nico, and people clearly enjoy how he shares the ocean side of the trip.

One possible drawback: the snorkeling window can feel short if timing tightens up, and if you are prone to motion sickness, plan for it.

Key points before you go

• Small-group cruise (up to 12 people): more room to move, and less waiting around.
• Masca Beach swim and snorkeling stop: goggles are provided, and you get a dedicated break in the middle of the route.
• Punta de Teno visit plus photo stops: the trip is built around two standout coastline areas, not just “pass by.”
• A drink included on the route: beer and soft drink are part of the deal, with water also available.
• Skipper route flexibility on calm days: you may travel farther along the coast when conditions allow.

The 2.5-hour flow from Los Gigantes to Punta de Teno

This is a short, focused Tenerife boat outing. You spend 2.5 hours cruising out of Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes, then return to the same dock. The schedule is built around scenery plus a single “hands-on” water moment, which keeps the pace from dragging.

You start with a photo stop and sightseeing around the Los Gigantes cliffs. Then the trip shifts to Masca Beach, where you get time to swim and snorkel. After that, the boat continues to Punta de Teno for another guided stop and photo time before heading back.

The whole thing feels like a greatest-hits coastal sampler, with enough time to take pictures and still get your feet wet.

Los Gigantes cliffs: the view-first opener

The departure point is Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes, Pantalán 6, Puesto 2. From there, you’ll enjoy time on the water with a guided sightseeing component that centers on the cliffs.

This first section matters because it sets expectations. Los Gigantes is all about scale and shape, those dramatic wall-like rock faces dropping toward the sea. Even if you have seen photos, the boat angle changes everything, because you get perspective for coves and quiet bays that are hard to appreciate from land.

You’ll also have that early “settle in” moment before snorkeling. If you are nervous about open water, this is when you can get comfortable with the boat and the rhythm of the crew.

Masca Beach swim and snorkeling: the main event

Masca Beach is where this tour turns from sightseeing into something you can actually do. You get roughly 50 minutes here, with a photo stop and a break that includes time for swimming and snorkeling. Beer and free time are part of the mix during the stop, which makes it feel less like a rushed activity and more like an ocean break.

What you actually get for snorkeling

You’ll stop in open sea for snorkeling, and you are provided goggles. The boat trip is described as cruising through waters that support a broad range of marine life, so the snorkeling session is about spotting wildlife up close, not just trying to see coral and pretending you are in a postcard.

The tour information specifically points to the possibility of seeing animals such as sea turtles, manta rays, and octopus. Real talk: you should treat sightings as a bonus, not a guarantee. But even if you only spot common fish and movement near the surface, the experience usually feels worth it because you are snorkeling right where the coast drops into deep water.

How long is snorkeling time, really?

One review noted snorkeling time felt closer to half an hour. That lines up with the overall timing of the Masca Beach stop, where you also have room for swimming and getting a drink. If snorkeling is your main goal, go in knowing it is a short, focused session.

Don’t ignore the “get there, float, return” details

The tour does not include swimwear, a towel, or sunscreen. Bring those items, because Masca Beach time includes both getting in the water and then drying off. Also, if you need a hat or want basic sun protection, pack it. This is Tenerife, and you are out on the water.

And if you have even mild seasickness tendencies, take that seriously. One review mentioned motion sickness on the boat, so if you know you react to waves, consider medication or preventative steps before you arrive.

Punta de Teno: the quieter side of the coast

After Masca Beach, the boat heads toward Punta de Teno, with another guided visit and sightseeing/photo stop. This section is a nice contrast to Los Gigantes and Masca, because you get a different coastline feel. The point is dramatic, and the sea around it often looks calmer from the boat, even when the scenery is just as intense.

You will get about an hour here for sightseeing and photos. That time matters, because Punta de Teno is not just something you speed past. You get a real stop, which is the difference between seeing a tip of rock versus understanding the coastline shape.

One review mentioned the trip even reached the tip far enough to see a lighthouse, which is exactly the kind of extra detail you hope for when the skipper has good conditions to work with.

If the weather is friendly

On a calm day, your route can stretch farther. A review described an instance where the guide pushed beyond Punta de Teno on a low-wind day, going nearly up toward Buenavista. That may not happen every time, but it tells you something important: the crew watches conditions and makes smart choices, instead of running the same rigid path no matter what.

Cruise through coves and quiet bays, with an ocean focus

Part of what makes this experience feel special is the way it is framed as an ocean habitat trip, not just a sightseeing cruise. The tour route is described as sailing through crystal clear waters between quiet bays and natural coves, which is exactly where you tend to get better visibility.

That matters for you because snorkeling depends on water clarity and on the boat stopping in the right place. The activity includes help from staff so you can appreciate what you’re seeing, including what lives in these waters.

If you are hoping to learn a bit while you cruise, this is one of the better styles of boat outing. You get guided context, then actual water time, then a second viewpoint stop.

The drink, the rules, and what you should pack

One of the simplest value drivers here is the included drink. You get a complimentary drink as part of the cruise, described as beer and soft drink. The included list also mentions water or soft drink or beer, so you should expect at least one standard drink option during the route.

It is a small thing, but it changes the vibe. When drinks are included, the staff can keep the schedule moving without you constantly asking where to buy something.

What is provided

• Snorkeling goggles
• A stop for a dip in one of the bays
• Insurance coverage listed as personal accident and civil responsibility
• A small-group format (up to 12 participants)

What you must bring

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Passport or ID card (required)

If you forget towel or sunscreen, you will feel it. You also cannot just count on buying it nearby, since the tour is out on the water for a set 2.5-hour window.

Onboard conduct rules that affect comfort

The tour lists several no-go items: no smoking, no weapons or sharp objects, no alcohol and drugs beyond what is served as part of the trip, and no touching marine life. There is also no feeding animals and no speakers.

That set of rules is actually good for you. No touching marine life means the crew is trying to protect the animals and your experience. And no speakers typically means the boat stays peaceful, so you can hear instructions and enjoy the ocean sounds.

Guide and language: how to get the most out of Nico’s coaching

The tour description says the guide is available in Spanish and English. That is the baseline.

But one review flagged an issue: when the group was mostly Spanish speakers, English support did not meet expectations. The guide answered many participant questions in Spanish. The review also suggested the guide could improve English clarity for asking questions.

So here is my practical take: if you want a lot of English back-and-forth, go in expecting that it depends on who else is on board and how the conversation flows. If you have key questions, write them down in your phone beforehand and ask early, when the pace is calm.

Also, keep an eye out for Nico. Multiple reviews highlight him positively, describing the trip as more fun and engaging. Even if English questions are limited at times, a strong guide can still make the stops feel alive.

Price and value for a Tenerife snorkeling boat trip

At $53 per person, this is not an all-day luxury cruise, and it is not priced like a private charter either. It lands in the “good structure for the time” category.

Here is why it feels like decent value based on what you get:

• You get a 2.5-hour boat ride that is built around two main viewing areas, not just a loop.
• You get Masca Beach time with swimming and snorkeling.
• You receive goggles and an included drink.
• Insurance coverage is included in the activity.

If you were to DIY this yourself, you would likely spend time solving logistics, and you might still end up with a short snorkeling window. This tour compresses the planning into a simple schedule and provides the basic gear.

Where the value can feel weaker is if you want lots of snorkeling time or extensive instruction. The snorkeling session is one focused stop, not a long marine class on the surface.

Who should book this boat trip, and who should reconsider

This works best if you want:

• Scenic Los Gigantes cliffs from the sea
• A real chance to swim and snorkel during a short Tenerife outing
• A small-group feel, up to 12 participants
• Included basics like drink and goggles

You might reconsider if:

• You get seasick easily and cannot take precautions
• You want a long snorkeling session. Some feedback suggests the snorkeling window can feel around the shorter side.
• You need lots of English conversation, especially if the group ends up mostly Spanish speaking.

That said, if your main goal is to see the coast, get a dip, and come away with photos plus a water memory, this is a solid match.

Should you book the Los Gigantes to Teno boat trip?

Book it if you like your Tenerife days simple: one meeting point, a short boat ride, Masca Beach time for swimming, snorkeling gear provided, and a guided look at Punta de Teno. The $53 price makes sense because you are not just paying for transport, you are getting a structured stops-and-water plan.

Skip or think twice if snorkeling time has to be long, or if you are very sensitive to boat motion. In that case, you may want a different outing with a longer water session.

If you do book, pack the basics (swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat) and come with a flexible mindset about wildlife sightings. The ocean does what it does, and your best move is to focus on the experience and the coastline.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes to Punta de Teno boat trip?

The duration is 2.5 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Puerto deportivo Los Gigantes, Pantalán 6, Puesto 2.

Is a drink included?

Yes. The tour includes a complimentary drink on the route, with options listed as beer and soft drink.

Do they provide snorkeling gear?

Yes. Goggles for snorkeling are included.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. A hat is also listed as something to bring.

Is swimwear or a towel included?

No. Swimming suit, hat, sunscreen, and towel are not included.

How big is the group?

The boat accommodates a maximum of 12 passengers, which keeps it a small group.

What languages are offered for the live guide?

The live tour guide is available in Spanish and English.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

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