Tenerife’s cliffs look better from the water. I love the open-sea snorkeling stop and the way this route mixes big view moments with real time in the water. The small group size keeps things calm, but one consideration is that snorkeling time can feel tight if conditions or the day’s timing don’t stretch it.

You’ll cruise from Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes past quiet coves, then spend time at Masca Beach and later at Punta de Teno from the sea-and-cliff side. A skipper and crew guide you along the coast, with a complimentary drink (beer or soft drink) built into the schedule.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Snorkeling in open water with goggles provided for a clear-water look at Tenerife’s marine life
• Los Gigantes cliffs, Masca Beach, and Punta de Teno in one 2.5-hour loop
• Small-group sailing (max 12 people) for a more personal pace and fewer crowds
• Complimentary beer or soft drink included with the cruise
• Experienced skipper guidance that can stretch the route when weather allows

Los Gigantes to Teno: why this short cruise feels so satisfying

This is the kind of Tenerife boat trip that works even if you only have a half day. You get dramatic cliff scenery right out of Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes, but the plan isn’t all “sit and look.” There’s a real swim-and-snorkel moment, plus photo stops that break up the time instead of keeping you stuck on the same side of the boat.

I like that the tour is built around simple, practical wins: time-efficient stops and gear that’s already handled. Goggles come with the activity, and you’re not required to turn your day into a full beach setup just to get in the water.

One thing to keep in mind: this is only 2.5 hours. If you’re hoping for a long snorkeling session, you might find it shorter on some days—timing depends on the sea state and how the skipper runs the route.

The 2.5-hour plan: Los Gigantes cliffs, Masca Beach, Punta de Teno

Here’s how the timing typically plays out, and what each part is best for.

Start at Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes

You meet at Puerto deportivo los gigantes, Pantalán 6, Puesto 2. From there, you head out along the Los Gigantes cliffline with guided sightseeing, so you’re not just looking at scenery—you’re getting context while you go.

This opening stretch is also your best moment to get oriented. If you want photos, this is when you’ll notice the shape of the coastline and where the coves open up.

Los Gigantes: photo stop plus guided sightseeing

You’ll have about an hour tied to the Los Gigantes area, with sightseeing and a photo stop. This is where the cliffs do their best work: towering walls of rock that feel massive from the water and still look impressive even if you’ve seen Tenerife cliffs before.

If you’re the type who likes photos, arrive with your camera ready. Wind can pick up on open water, and a quick “pause” is not the same as a long photo window.

Masca Beach: the swim-and-snorkel break

Next is Masca Beach, with roughly 50 minutes that includes a photo stop, free time, and the chance to swim and snorkel. You’ll also be able to enjoy the complimentary beer or soft drink during this break.

This stop is usually the highlight if your goal is to get wet. It’s also your best time to judge comfort: if you’re feeling any motion in the water, you’ll notice it most during this portion, when people tend to linger near the action.

A practical tip: rinse and refresh mentally. The sea can be cold-scented even on sunny days, and snorkel gear sits better once you’re not rushed.

Punta de Teno: another big viewpoint moment

Then you move on to Punta de Teno for about an hour, with photo stop, visit, guided tour, and sightseeing. From the sea, this part of Tenerife feels more “wild” and less crowded than the beach-only approach.

Expect this leg to be more about views than about swimming. If you’re trying to see the coast’s bigger structure—headlands, cliff edges, and how the coastline bends—this is where it clicks.

Back to Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes

You return to the marina after the full loop. It’s a good length for people who want a boat experience without losing the entire day.

Snorkeling in crystal-clear open water: what you’re actually doing

This trip includes a stop for a dip and snorkeling in open sea, with goggles provided. That matters, because it’s not just a casual splash—there’s time set aside to actually look for marine life.

The operator frames Tenerife’s waters as home to animals like sea turtles, manta rays, and octopus. You can’t guarantee any specific sighting, but the point is that the waters around Tenerife can be productive when the conditions are right.

Here’s what I’d focus on to make snorkeling feel worth it:

• Use your time on the surface to adjust. If visibility is clear, you’ll spot movement faster.
• Move slowly and keep your head steady. You’ll see more without panicking the water.
• Don’t touch marine life. The rules explicitly say touching is not allowed, so treat it like a look-only moment.

One review experience that’s worth weighing: snorkeling time can be limited. In one case, snorkeling was only about half an hour. So if snorkeling is your top reason for booking, keep your expectations realistic for a 2.5-hour tour.

The skipper and crew pace: calm, small-group, and flexible when weather helps

This is a small-group boat trip limited to 12 participants. That’s not just a comfort detail—it changes how the tour feels. With fewer people, the skipper and crew can manage movements around the boat more smoothly, and you’re less likely to feel like you’re fighting for attention.

About the guides: Nico comes up in multiple bookings with praise for being friendly and making the excursion enjoyable. One person called him a real crack, and another highlighted his passion for the ocean. That kind of enthusiasm often translates into better coast commentary—exactly what you want when you’re paying for a short experience.

There’s also a practical language note. A non-Spanish speaker in one experience wished the English was clearer, especially for questions. If you want lots of technical marine talk, you might still enjoy it, but don’t assume you’ll get detailed back-and-forth in English all the time.

Weather also plays a role. On a light-wind day, the skipper can push the route farther north past Punta de Teno, closer to Buenavista than is typical. In other words: conditions aren’t just comfort—they can affect how far you sail.

Drinks, timing, and weather: how to plan your expectations

You get a complimentary drink included with the schedule: beer and soft drink options. It’s a small thing, but on a boat trip it matters because it gives you a relaxed moment between view stops and water time.

Timing is built for flow: Los Gigantes photo and sightseeing first, then Masca Beach for the swim/snorkel window, then Punta de Teno for another sightseeing block. It’s efficient, but it also means you won’t have time to turn this into a long hang on the beach.

Weather and wind can change your day in subtle ways:

• If it’s windy, the boat ride can feel more active.
• If it’s calm, snorkeling visibility is often better, and the skipper may be able to run more of the coast.

One caution from a real experience: one person felt seasick during the trip. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider planning ahead (and avoid heavy meals right before you go). The tour doesn’t advertise special anti-seasickness gear, so it’s smart to bring your own solution.

What to pack (so you can actually enjoy the water)

The tour asks you to bring swimwear and a towel, plus sunscreen and a passport or ID card. That’s it. The operator doesn’t include swimwear, hat, sunscreen, or towel, so pack like you’re going to swim and dry off.

Here’s a simple packing checklist that matches the rules and the reality of a short boat day:

• Swimwear (you’ll need it on arrival)
• Towel (for after the water)
• Sunscreen (reef-safe is a nice bonus if you have it, but you’re not told anything specific here)
• Hat (not included, but useful once you’re out of the shade)
• ID or passport

Also check the “not allowed” list. Smoking isn’t allowed, and you can’t bring alcohol or drugs. You also shouldn’t plan to feed animals or touch marine life, and there’s no nudity or fireworks allowed. Keep things simple and follow crew instructions.

If you’re thinking about comfort items, skip anything sharp or anything that could be considered a weapon. The rules are clear about no weapons or sharp objects.

Price and value: is $53 a good deal for Tenerife snorkeling?

At about $53 per person for a 2.5-hour boat trip, snorkeling gear included, and a complimentary drink, this sits in the “good value when it hits” category. The price makes sense because you’re paying for access to the coastline and a real water stop, not just a sightseeing cruise.

What pushes the value up for me:

• Goggles provided (you don’t have to hunt down snorkeling gear)
• Drink included (small but helpful on a short trip)
• Small group size (max 12 people) which often improves how the crew runs stops
• Insurance coverage included, including personal accident insurance and civil responsibility insurance

What might lower the “value feeling” for some people: if your main goal is a long snorkeling session, the 2.5-hour structure can cap your time. But if you want cliffs, Masca Beach, and Punta de Teno plus a solid look at marine life, it’s a fair trade.

Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

This is a strong match if you want a balanced Tenerife experience:

• You want big coastal views without a full-day commitment
• You care about a real swim-and-snorkel stop, but you’re okay with a time-limited session
• You prefer smaller groups and a skipper-led route

It’s also a good pick for people who like structure. The itinerary is clear, and the sequence makes sense: coast sightseeing, then water time, then a second scenic viewpoint.

Think twice if any of these are true for you:

• You’re very motion-sensitive and don’t plan ahead for seasickness
• You’re hoping for long underwater time, extensive dive-style guidance, or lots of time on shore
• You need very detailed English explanations throughout the tour (it can vary with the day and how the group conversation flows)

Should you book Los Gigantes to Teno with snorkeling and drinks?

If your ideal Tenerife half day includes cliffs from the sea plus a genuine chance to swim, I’d book it. The short duration is part of the appeal, and the mix of Los Gigantes + Masca Beach + Punta de Teno makes it feel like you’re seeing more than one “box.”

I’d especially book if you value small-group comfort and you’re flexible about snorkeling time. If you want the longest snorkeling session possible, you might consider a different format—but for most people, this is an efficient, scenic, and fun way to experience the Teno area.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes to Teno boat trip?

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is listed at $53 per person.

Is snorkeling included, and do I get snorkeling gear?

Yes. The itinerary includes a stop for a dip and snorkeling, and goggles for snorkeling are included.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Puerto deportivo los gigantes, Pantalán 6, Puesto 2.

What should I bring?

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

Is the group size limited?

Yes. It’s a small group limited to a maximum of 12 participants.

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