Snorkel time off Los Gigantes feels like another world. This private sail combines open-water cruising with a real chance to spot dolphins and whales, plus a swim stop for Tenerife’s marine life. You’ll also get the classic wow factor of the red cliffs from the water, while you relax on deck with drinks and tapas.

What I like most is the balance: you get proper time in the water, and the rest of the trip is calm and scenic. The snorkeling stop is built around seeing animals like sea turtles, octopuses, and manta rays, and the crew keeps it easy and relaxed. I also love the onboard pacing—after you swim, you settle back with tapas, a drink, and views that keep changing as you cruise between coves.

One thing to consider is cost and time. At $765 per group (up to 11 people), it’s best value when you’re filling the boat with your crew, and the trip length can run anywhere from 3 to 8 hours, depending on the option you choose.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Private sailing with a skipper/guide: your day has room to move at a comfortable pace.
• Snorkeling stop for sea turtles, octopuses, and manta rays: clear-water swim time, not just a quick splash.
• Sail past Los Gigantes’ red cliffs from the sea: you see the towering coastline from a completely different angle.
• Tapas and drinks onboard during the cruise: you don’t have to choose between food and scenery.
• On-the-water wildlife sightings: dolphins and whales are part of the experience when conditions cooperate.
• Vegetarian and vegan tapas available if you request it in advance.

Getting on board at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Dock 1

Your day starts with pickup in the Los Gigantes area, then a short transfer to the port. You’ll meet at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes Dock 1, where you board the boat called Sangría and meet your skipper/guide.

This setup matters more than people think. Leaving from the docks near the cliffs means you waste less time getting to the water, and you can get moving while the light is good. Since this is a private group tour, you’re not sharing the experience with a crowd funneling you through the same narrow schedule.

You’ll want to arrive ready for sea time. The tour includes snorkeling gear, but you still need to bring what makes the day comfortable: swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Also bring your ID or passport (they require it for the activity). If you forget a towel, you’ll feel it later when you’re back on deck.

Sailing the bays and coves of Los Gigantes

Once you set sail, the trip follows the dramatic red cliffs along the Los Gigantes coast. The idea is to cruise at a relaxed pace while you pass natural coves and calmer bays—exactly the kind of coastline where the scenery changes every few minutes.

That matters for two reasons. First, it keeps the day from feeling like one long wait for the swim stop. Second, you get those classic cliff views without needing to fight for the best spot on land. From the water, you’ll see the cliffs in layers and angles rather than one flat postcard view.

This is also where the wildlife portion can show up. The experience is designed around the possibility of dolphins and whales in the area. It’s not something you should treat like a guaranteed checklist item, but having wildlife as part of the plan is a big part of why people book this route in the first place. On one sailing, the boat spotted pilot whales repeatedly, which is the kind of outcome that makes the trip feel extra special.

Practical note: photography is easiest when you’re settled on deck, and the best light usually comes when the boat is moving slowly near coves. If you’re serious about photos, keep your phone/camera protected from salt spray.

The snorkeling stop: seeing sea turtles, octopuses, and manta rays

This tour’s centerpiece is the snorkeling session. You head out to sea for a swim stop in clear water, then you’ll jump in from the boat and snorkel around local marine life.

Here’s what’s important: the goal isn’t to rush you through a checklist. The swim is part of a relaxing sailing day, and the crew is there to support you. You also have snorkeling gear included, which saves you from the hassle of renting or carrying your own equipment.

The experience is built around sightings like sea turtles, octopuses, and manta rays. Seeing any one of those would be a highlight; seeing multiple kinds is what makes this feel like more than a typical coastal swim. Even when you don’t spot the big-ticket animals immediately, snorkel conditions off this coast are often clear enough that you’ll still enjoy colorful fish and interesting underwater life.

What to remember so you enjoy it:

• Wear sunscreen before you get in the water. Reapplying on a boat is harder than it sounds.
• Bring swimwear you’re comfortable wearing for a few hours.
• Keep your hands to yourself. The rules include not touching marine life and not feeding animals, and that’s for good reason.

If you’re new to snorkeling, the deck-to-water setup is a nice way to ease into it because you’re not far from the boat and the trip is still calm afterward.

Drinks and tapas on deck while the coastline rolls by

After you swim, you don’t immediately move on. You relax on deck with a drink and tapas as you cruise.

This is where the tour earns its relaxed reputation. The sailing portion isn’t just “transport to the next activity.” It’s time to sit back, look out at the coastline, and let the day unfold. Los Gigantes is all about scale—the cliffs look dramatic from a distance, but they also look different when you’re gradually moving along them.

The tapas and drinks help keep the energy steady. This is one of those tours where food feels like part of the sea time rather than an unrelated stop. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you notify the provider beforehand, which is helpful if your group has dietary needs.

One small detail that stuck with me from what I’ve heard about this kind of onboard service: the crew has shown real willingness to make celebrations feel effortless. On at least one sailing, they handled a surprise birthday cake for a guest. You shouldn’t assume that will happen every time, but it’s a sign that the atmosphere can be warm and thoughtful when there’s a reason to mark the day.

How the 3 to 8 hour timing affects your day

One nice part of this experience is flexibility. The tour can run anywhere from 3 to 8 hours, depending on the option you choose and what’s happening on the water.

Here’s how to think about it:

• If you want a shorter day, pick a duration that still includes a snorkeling stop. You’ll trade less time cruising for a tighter schedule.
• If you want more time to breathe, go longer. You’ll get more of the sailing between coves and more time to settle into the onboard rhythm.

Also think about sea conditions and your own stamina. A longer outing means more time in swimwear and more sun exposure (even if you’re not in the water the whole time). Bring sunscreen no matter what duration you choose, and consider quick sun coverage like a light layer you can use on deck if you start feeling cooked.

Price: is $765 per group worth it?

Let’s talk money without hand-waving. The price is $765 per group up to 11, so it’s not a per-person deal in the usual sense. That means the value depends on how many people you actually bring.

When this tour tends to be worth it:

• You’re traveling in a group (family, friends, or two couples) and can spread the cost.
• You want privacy and a skipper/guide with your group rather than fitting into a crowded schedule.
• You care about the snorkeling time and the onboard food and drinks—not just the views.

When it may not be the best fit:

• If you’re going solo or as a small party and can’t fill the boat, the cost will feel heavy.
• If you mainly want a quick cliff photo and short swim, you may find simpler boat options more budget-friendly.

The big value driver here is that you’re paying for a full private sailing day that includes snorkeling gear, tapas, and drinks, plus the skipper/guide. That’s different from tours where you pay for the boat ride and then pay again for everything else.

Rules you’ll notice (and why they’re there)

This is a marine-life experience, so there are clear rules about what’s not allowed. You should expect:

• No touching marine life
• No feeding animals
• No fishing
• No alcohol and drugs (and the tour also notes smoking restrictions)

These aren’t “fun police” rules. They protect the animals and keep the water safer and cleaner for everyone. If you’ve got kids in the group, these guidelines also make it easier to keep everyone on the same page.

Who this private sail is for

This tour works best if you like sea days that feel calm, not hectic.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You want Los Gigantes from the water and not just from viewpoints on land.
• You’re excited about snorkeling with a chance to see turtles, octopus, and manta rays.
• You’d rather spend time on deck with tapas and a drink than hop between attractions all day.
• Your group wants privacy—your own pace, your own space.

You may want to skip or think twice if:

• You’re on a strict budget and can’t share the group cost.
• You hate extended time in the sun and don’t plan to manage sunscreen and shade.
• You don’t want any time in the water (even though snorkeling gear is included, the experience is built around a swim stop).

Tips to make your day smoother

A few practical things I’d do before you go:

• Pack a towel even though you’ll be tempted to skip it. You’ll be glad you brought one.
• Sunscreen first, not last.
• If you’re celebrating a birthday or special event, tell the provider in advance. The crew has shown they can handle thoughtful surprises.
• If you’re vegan or vegetarian, notify the provider ahead of time so the tapas plan is ready for you.

Should you book the Los Gigantes private sail?

If you’re choosing between a standard boat ride and something more personal, I’d lean toward this one—especially if your priority is real snorkeling time plus a relaxed onboard vibe. The combination of private sailing, included snorkeling gear, and tapas/drinks turns it into a full sea day, not a stop-and-go excursion.

Book it if your group can share the group cost and you’re excited by the chance of marine life around Los Gigantes. Skip it if you want a short, budget-friendly outing or if snorkeling isn’t your thing at all.

If your ideal Tenerife day includes drifting past the red cliffs, slipping into clear water, and eating tapas on deck while the coast slides by, this is the kind of trip that’s easy to remember.

FAQ

Where do we meet for the tour?

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

Does the price include snorkeling gear and tapas?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, tapas, and drinks are included, along with the skipper/guide and the swimming/snorkeling stops.

What’s the maximum group size for this private tour?

The tour is priced per group up to 11 people.

How long is the sailing tour?

The duration ranges from 3 to 8 hours, depending on the option you choose.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan tapas options are available if you notify the activity provider before the tour.

What should I bring with me?

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

What activities are not allowed during the tour?

Fishing, feeding animals, touching marine life, fireworks, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

You Might Also Enjoy

Tenerife: Beginner Paragliding Experience with TransferTenerife: Jet Ski Guided Tour with Optional Photo ServiceTenerife: Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and SwimmingWhale watching and snorkelling in the whale sanctuary