Red cliffs and open water make the hours fly. This 3-hour sail from Puerto de Los Gigantes blends dramatic scenery with a real wildlife search, then ends with a snorkel stop and tapas on deck. I like the way the boat stays small enough that you can actually look around, not just queue up for views.

The only caution is time. Three hours is quick, so if you get whale or dolphin action right at the start, you might wish the boat could linger a little longer in that same spot.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Small group (max 10) keeps the vibe relaxed and the deck easy to move around.
• Sangría boat cruise out of Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes Dock 1.
• Deep-sea snorkeling stop is the main activity moment, with gear included.
• Food and drinks on board: tapas plus alcohol or soft drinks.
• Marine-life rules are strict: no touching, no feeding, no speakers onboard.
• Guide speaks Spanish, English, and French, so instructions land clearly.

Why This Los Gigantes Sail Feels Like More Than a Boat Trip

Los Gigantes is one of those places where the cliffs look unreal from shore. Up close, they’re not just scenery. They’re a wall of red stone dropping into water that can feel startlingly clear when the boat moves slowly between coves.

That’s what makes this excursion click. It’s not a long, travel-day shuffle. It’s a focused run along the coast, with time built in for water fun and for marine-life watching. You get your cliff views, your swim/snorkel, and your snack moment—without turning it into an all-day marathon.

What I like most is the combination of calm and excitement. The route is paced around sheltered bays and natural coves, so you’re not spending the whole trip fighting waves. Then, at the right moment, the boat heads out far enough for a proper wildlife search—dolphins and whales are part of the plan, not just a nice rumor.

The Sangría Experience: Small Group, Real Deck Time, and a Calm Pace

You sail on the Sangría, and the group stays small: up to 10 participants. That matters. On crowded boat tours, the views get rationed by bodies. Here, you can shift positions on deck and actually track what the skipper is pointing out.

The trip runs 3 hours, so the pace stays tight. You’ll spend time cruising along the coast, then shift into the water portion, then come back to the deck for tapas and drinks. Expect the schedule to feel “snack-and-sightseeing” rather than “full-day expedition.”

One detail I really appreciate: the atmosphere tends to stay quiet. Some guests specifically noted there was no music onboard, so you can hear waves and the water rhythm when you’re out near the cliffs. If you’re the type who wants nature sounds, that’s a big plus.

Following the Red Cliffs: How the Dolphin and Whale Search Works

The coast of Los Gigantes is famous for dramatic cliff walls, but it’s also a marine habitat. This tour follows that idea directly: you cruise between bays and natural coves, looking for dolphins and whales in the surrounding waters.

What you might see depends on timing and conditions, but based on the sightings recorded, you can realistically expect marine life like:

• dolphins (including different types mentioned by guests)
• pilot whales
• and sometimes smaller wildlife like flying fish

The skipper’s job is to locate animals efficiently while respecting how crowded certain areas can get. Guests have commented that the experience feels more “managed” than chaotic, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to see animals without turning the ocean into a parking lot.

A practical note on sightings

If wildlife shows up quickly, the best plan is to stay loose and pay attention to the skipper’s calls. The boat can’t control animal timing, but the crew can control where you spend your minutes. If you’re the kind of person who hates rushing, just remember the total trip length is short, so the boat can’t afford long standstills every time you spot something.

The Water Break: Snorkeling in Clear Coastal Depths

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, and the schedule builds toward a dedicated deep-sea snorkeling session. This is the part you’ll remember when you’re done with the cruise.

The snorkeling stop is where the tour leans into “this is why you came to Los Gigantes” territory. You’re there to admire marine life like:

• sea turtles
• manta rays
• octopi

And yes, you’ll be in the water near some of the cliff area, so the visual payoff can be huge—bright water, steep rock walls, and fish activity above and around you.

Gear quality and what to do about it

Snorkeling gear is included, but at least one guest mentioned the provided snorkel gear wasn’t the best quality and suggested bringing your own if you’re picky. If you snorkel often, bring your own mask/snorkel if you can. If you don’t, you’ll likely be fine with the included kit—just don’t wait until the last second to check it on deck.

Don’t touch the wildlife

Your hands are the enemy of good encounters. The tour clearly forbids touching marine life, plus feeding animals is also not allowed. That’s not just a rule for show. It helps keep animals healthy and keeps the water experience calm for everyone.

Tapas and Drinks Under the Cliffs: The Best Part to Warm Up With

After you’re back onboard, the mood shifts from active to relaxed. You get tapas plus alcohol or soft drinks as you sail again.

This isn’t some tiny snack. Guests described the food as generous—one even compared it to a charcuterie-style spread—and the drink service is repeated often enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re rationing sips.

There’s also attention to dietary needs. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you notify the provider in advance. If that matters to you, don’t wing it—send the message early so the crew can plan properly.

A small bonus: “cool-down” comfort

Snorkeling and salt water can leave you chilly, even in warm weather. Tapas plus a drink gives you a natural reset. You’ll also have deck time to watch the cliffs slide by again, this time with a calmer mind.

Safety and Onboard Rules: What’s Allowed and What’s Not

You’ll get more freedom on deck than you do in a cramped speedboat, but the rules still matter. The tour prohibits:

• weapons or sharp objects
• smoking (listed as not allowed)
• fishing
• alcohol and drugs (personal use)
• feeding animals
• touching marine life
• fireworks/explosives
• nudity
• speakers

A couple of these are easy to shrug off until you’re actually there. For example, the no-speakers rule helps keep the water and animal watching quieter. The no-touching and no-feeding rules protect both wildlife and your snorkeling visibility.

Price and Value: Is $82 Worth It for Three Hours?

At $82 per person, you’re paying for a small boat, a real skipper-guided route, a wildlife search, a snorkeling stop with equipment included, plus tapas and drinks.

Here’s the value breakdown in plain terms:

• You’re not just booking a ride. You’re getting time at the cliffs, a water session, and a food/drink finish.
• Snorkeling gear included reduces the hassle cost. You don’t have to figure out rentals or bring everything.
• Small group size changes the experience. You feel less packed in, and it’s easier to get a good view when wildlife shows up.
• Skipper/guide included matters for both safety and how effectively the boat can search for dolphins and whales.

The one reason the price can feel high is also the biggest constraint: 3 hours is short. You can’t control animal timing, and you may want longer if you hit a great whale moment near the end. Still, for a lot of people, the combination of cliffs + water + tapas in one outing is exactly the right Tenerife “do it today” plan.

Who This Los Gigantes Boat Tour Fits Best

This excursion works especially well if you:

• want a relaxed small-group outing (max 10 people)
• care about snorkeling with a wildlife focus, not just a swim stop
• like scenic coastlines and want time on deck
• prefer a tour with a guide who can explain what you’re seeing in Spanish, English, and French

Families and kids

The boat can include young children or babies that may join for free when added at booking, and there’s capacity noted for up to 4 children per tour. If you’re traveling with kids, check with the provider during booking so you don’t get surprised by space limits on a small vessel.

Couples

If you’re doing Tenerife as a couple and want something romantic without being stuffy, this fits. The sea views are the “destination,” and the deck time feels like a shared experience rather than a group circus.

Who might be happier with a longer option

If you’re the type who needs lots of time in one wildlife area, or you want a bigger day of multiple swims, the 3-hour format might feel brief.

Before You Go: Packing List for Puerto de Los Gigantes

You’ll meet at:

Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1

Plan your arrival with a little buffer. A small boat move-on is smoother when you’re not sprinting.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Swimwear and a towel matter because they’re not included. Snorkeling gear is provided, but your body still needs sun protection and something dry to wrap up after.

If you’re prone to sunburn, treat sunscreen like it’s part of the ticket price. You’ll be out on deck and in the water, and the Canaries sun doesn’t politely wait.

Should You Book This Los Gigantes Sailing Excursion?

Book it if you want a tight, high-payoff outing: red cliffs from the water, a serious chance at dolphins and pilot whales, plus a snorkeling moment aimed at sea turtles, manta rays, and octopi—then tapas and drinks to wrap it up.

Skip or reconsider if you need long time in one wildlife spot, or if you’re very gear-fussy about snorkeling equipment and don’t want to rely on the included kit.

If you’re deciding between a crowded mass tour and a small-group sailing session, this one has a strong advantage: you’ll feel closer to the sea, not herded through it. And when the dolphins show up near the boat, that small size turns into the difference between watching from afar and seeing behavior up close.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes sailing excursion?

It runs for 3 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

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

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Do I need to bring a towel and swimwear?

Yes. Swimwear and a towel are not included, so bring both.

What languages does the guide speak?

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

How many people are on the boat?

The group is limited to a maximum of 10 participants.

Are vegetarian or vegan tapas available?

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

Is cancellation free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.