Los Gigantes: Private Sailing Tour with Swim, Drink, & Tapas

The Atlantic puts on the show. This private sailing trip around Los Gigantes combines red sea cliffs, quiet coves, whale and dolphin watching, a swim stop, and tapas served aboard the Sangría. I especially like the small private setting and the chance to shape the day around your group rather than follow a crowded boat schedule. The clean yacht, friendly crew, and relaxed pace also earn high marks.

The main thing to consider is price. At $765 for up to 11 people, it can be good value for a full family or friend group, but it is costly for only two or three people. Sightings of whales, dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and octopuses are possible rather than guaranteed, since this is the open sea, not an aquarium.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat is called Sangría: You meet your skipper at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1, then sail along Tenerife’s dramatic western coast.
• You get a truly private outing: The price covers your group of up to 11 people, with a skipper and guide onboard.
• Snorkeling is part of the plan: The boat stops in clear water for swimming and snorkeling, with equipment supplied.
• Whale watching comes naturally: Pilot whales have been spotted repeatedly during the sailing, along with other marine life.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect tapas plus an alcoholic or soft drink after your time in the water.
• You can choose the length: Options run from 3 to 8 hours, giving you a choice between a short coastal outing and a full day on the water.

Setting out from Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes is known for its towering reddish cliffs, which look especially impressive from the water. From land, you see a wall of rock. From a sailboat, you get the full scale of it, with the cliffs rising beside open ocean and small coves tucked along the coast.

The meeting point is Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1. Hotel pickup is offered from the Los Gigantes area, though I would confirm the exact pickup arrangement when booking. The supplied information also identifies the marina as the meeting point, so do not simply head to the dock without checking where your skipper expects you.

Once aboard the Sangría, the day begins with a coastal cruise. The pace is meant to be easy. You can sit on deck, watch the cliffs, and let the skipper handle the route while you settle into the rhythm of the sea.

This is a good outing for people who want scenery without a packed sightseeing schedule. There is no long list of stops to rush through. The point is to spend time outside, move between bays, and enjoy Tenerife from a different angle.

Sailing beside the red cliffs

The coast near Los Gigantes gives the trip its visual punch. The cliffs are the backdrop for much of the sail, while the boat passes calm bays and natural coves. The water is described as clear and blue, which helps make the coastal views feel more immediate.

I like this part of the outing because it gives you room to do very little. Sit in the sun with a drink, take photos, or watch the water for signs of marine life. A private boat also means you can enjoy the view with your own group instead of trying to find a quiet corner on a large excursion vessel.

Still, do not expect every minute to be filled with dramatic action. Sailing includes stretches of simply being on the water. That is a benefit if you want a calm day, but it may feel slow if you want constant entertainment or a tightly packed schedule.

The duration matters here. A 3-hour trip gives you a taste of the coast with time for a swim and food. An 8-hour outing allows a much longer day at sea, with more time to sit, watch for animals, and enjoy the coves. Check the available start times and exact length before paying, since the advertised duration covers a wide range.

Watching for whales and dolphins

The water off Los Gigantes is home to many marine species, and whale watching is one of the most memorable parts of this outing. Pilot whales have been seen several times during the sail, and dolphins may also appear.

The private format helps here. You are not being moved from one fixed attraction to another, so you can spend time looking out across the water. Your skipper and guide can help point out activity when something appears nearby.

Keep your expectations sensible. No responsible boat operator can promise a whale, dolphin, turtle, manta ray, or octopus sighting on a particular day. Animals move freely, and conditions change. The value is in combining wildlife watching with the sail itself, so the trip still has a purpose even if the sea stays quiet.

You should also follow the rules around wildlife. Feeding animals and touching marine life are not allowed. That protects the animals and keeps the encounter respectful. Fishing is also prohibited during the trip.

The snorkeling stop and what you may see

At some point, the boat heads away from the coast for a deeper-water snorkeling session. You can jump into the clear water and look for colorful fish, octopuses, sea turtles, and manta rays. Snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask or equipment.

The word deep-sea describes the setting, not a technical scuba activity. This is a swim and snorkel stop from the boat. If you are comfortable in the water, it gives you a chance to see marine life from below rather than only from the deck.

The stop is likely to be a highlight for confident swimmers. You get the freedom to enter the water directly from the boat, then return aboard when you are ready. If you are less comfortable swimming in open water, ask the crew about the conditions and level of support before entering.

Marine sightings are not guaranteed. The list of turtles, rays, and octopuses describes what can be found in the area, not a promise that every group will see each one. Water clarity, weather, and animal behavior all matter.

Bring sunscreen and use it carefully. You will be exposed to strong sun on deck, and the reflection from the water adds to it. You also need swimwear and a towel. Neither is included.

Tapas, drinks, and time on deck

After the swim, the boat becomes a floating lunch spot. Tapas and one alcoholic or soft drink are included, giving you something to enjoy while drying off and continuing along the coast.

This small meal fits the character of the trip. It is not a formal restaurant experience, and you should not book the tour expecting a large multi-course lunch. Instead, it is a pleasant onboard spread that breaks up the sailing and makes the day feel more complete.

Vegetarian and vegan food options are available, but you need to tell the provider before the tour. That is especially important on a private booking, since the crew has time to prepare for your group’s needs if you give notice.

The crew has also shown a thoughtful touch for special occasions. A birthday cake was arranged spontaneously for one birthday outing, though you should not assume this is a standard inclusion. If you are marking a birthday or anniversary, ask in advance rather than relying on a last-minute surprise.

What the private format changes

A private group of up to 11 people is the biggest practical advantage. You are not sharing the boat with a large crowd, and your group can relax together without strangers taking over the seating or swim area.

That privacy is especially useful for families, birthday groups, couples traveling with friends, and small celebrations. Parents may appreciate having the whole boat focused on their own party, while a group of friends can enjoy the deck, food, and swim stop at its own pace.

There is also a social advantage. A private sailing trip often feels more personal than a standard shared cruise because the skipper and guide are working with one group. The crew has been praised for providing friendly service, and the boat has been described as neat and clean.

The tradeoff is cost. The $765 price covers up to 11 people, not each person individually. At the maximum group size, that works out to about $70 per person before any separate transport costs. For six people, it is about $128 per person. For two people, it is $382.50 each.

That makes the tour much easier to justify for a full group. If you are traveling as a couple, compare the private price with a shared sailing trip before booking. The privacy, flexibility, and personal space may still be worth it, but the value calculation changes sharply with group size.

Choosing three hours or eight

The broad 3-to-8-hour range gives you useful flexibility, but it also means you need to know what kind of day you want.

A 3-hour option should suit you if you mainly want:

• A short cruise past the Los Gigantes cliffs
• A wildlife-watching opportunity
• One swim and snorkeling stop
• Tapas and a drink without giving up most of your day

A longer option makes more sense if you want plenty of time on deck, a slower route through bays and coves, and a full day built around the sea. Eight hours is a serious commitment, especially for anyone who gets tired in the sun or is unsure about spending that long on a boat.

The available starting times depend on the date, so check before making other plans. If you have a dinner reservation, airport transfer, or another activity later in the day, leave a generous buffer. The trip includes a return to port and a comfortable ride back to your hotel, but the exact timing can vary.

Food, language, and practical details

The live guide service is available in Spanish, English, and French. That gives mixed-language groups a useful choice and makes it easier to discuss the route, swimming stop, and safety information before leaving the dock.

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The provider specifically lists those items, while snorkeling gear is supplied onboard. You should also wear something comfortable for sitting on deck and bring any personal items you need for several hours outside.

Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle. Fishing, feeding animals, touching marine life, fireworks, alcohol and drugs are also prohibited under the tour rules. The included drink is part of the service, but bringing extra alcohol or using drugs is not permitted.

The cancellation policy is practical: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans around Tenerife are still shifting.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most?

I would recommend it most strongly to groups that care about privacy and scenery. A family of eight, a group of friends, or a birthday party can spread the fixed price across enough people to make the outing feel worthwhile.

It also suits you if you want several experiences in one day without changing locations: coastal views, wildlife watching, snorkeling, food, and a quiet hour on deck. You do not need to choose between a boat trip and a swim excursion because both are built into the route.

Confident swimmers will get the most from the water stop. You can still enjoy the outing without snorkeling, but the swim is one of the central activities, not a minor extra.

This may not be the right pick if you dislike open water, want guaranteed animal sightings, or prefer a cheap shared excursion. It is also not ideal if you need a fixed, minute-by-minute schedule. The appeal is the relaxed pace and private setting, not a long checklist of attractions.

Final verdict: book it for a group day at sea

I would book the Los Gigantes private sailing tour if I had a group large enough to share the $765 cost. The combination of clean boat, helpful crew, red cliffs, pilot whale sightings, snorkeling, tapas, and private space gives the day real variety without making it feel rushed.

For two people, I would pause and compare prices. For six to 11 people, the value becomes much stronger, especially for a birthday, family outing, or special occasion.

Choose the 3-hour option if you want a compact taste of the coast. Choose the longer version if sitting in the sun, watching for wildlife, and lingering over tapas sounds like the main event. Bring your towel, tell the provider about vegetarian or vegan food needs, and remember that the sea decides which animals appear.

FAQ

Where does the sailing tour meet?

The meeting point is Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is available from hotels in the Los Gigantes area. Confirm the exact pickup details when booking, since the stated meeting point is the marina dock.

How long does the tour last?

The available tour lengths range from 3 to 8 hours. Check the available starting times and duration for your chosen date.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The tour is for a private group of up to 11 people.

What food and drinks are included?

Tapas and one alcoholic or soft drink are included. Vegetarian and vegan food options are available if you notify the provider before the tour.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, along with swimming and snorkeling stops.

What should I bring?

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

Which languages are available?

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