Red cliffs and dolphins, all in three hours. This small-boat sail from Puerto de Los Gigantes is built around uncrowded time on the water plus a proper snorkel stop in Tenerife’s coves.

I also like the laid-back pacing run by the crew, with skipper Luis (and guide Moises on some trips) helping you spot wildlife without turning it into a race. You’ll finish with tapas and drinks while the sea does the soundtrack, since there’s usually no music onboard. One watch-out: with a 3-hour total trip, you may not get long stretches in one whale-and-dolphin location if sightings are spread out.

Key things to know before you sail

• Small group setting (max 10) keeps the deck comfortable and the wildlife search calmer
• Los Gigantes red cliffs from the water are the headline, especially when you pass between natural coves
• Deep-sea snorkeling is aimed at sea turtles, manta rays, and octopi (snorkeling gear is included)
• Tapas and drinks on deck make the trip feel like more than just transportation to the water
• Multi-language crew (Spanish/English/French) helps you get the key info and safety basics
• No onboard music helps you hear waves and feel like you’re on a real boat day

Los Gigantes from the water: what this 3-hour sail really feels like

This is a Tenerife sea trip that stays focused. In about three hours, you’ll sail along the Los Gigantes coast, search for dolphins and whales, and get time to swim and snorkel near the cliffs.

The vibe is part sightseeing, part science-y wildlife watching, and part “sit on deck with a drink.” And because it’s a small group (10 maximum), it doesn’t feel like you’re herded from one spot to another. You can actually look out at the water without fighting for elbow room.

If you’re short on time, this works well. If you want an all-day whale expedition with long, slow “wait and watch” sessions, you might feel the schedule is a bit quick. The upside is you still get a swim/snorkel stop plus food, not just wildlife scanning.

Meeting at Puerto de Los Gigantes: dock details that matter

You’ll meet at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes Dock 1 in Puerto de Los Gigantes. Showing up a little early is smart, especially if you’re coming from farther down the island and want a low-stress start.

The meeting point is a working marina area, so expect real boat logistics: people moving, gear being loaded, and a quick safety briefing before you set off.

Sailing between bays and coves under the red cliffs

The main sightseeing section is the coastal cruise. You start out from Puerto de Los Gigantes and head along the coastline, following the dramatic cliffs as you pass natural coves and quiet bays.

This part matters more than it sounds. From the shore, Los Gigantes is impressive. From the water, the cliffs look layered and steep, and you get that sense of scale that photos can’t fully give you. You also pick up “micro-moment” views—small inlets where the water looks calm enough for swimming.

On this kind of sailing route, conditions can change how the captain positions the boat. If you see wildlife, the skipper typically adjusts course and speed to improve your odds. If not, you still get the scenery and the water time that you paid for.

Whale and dolphin spotting on a small boat: what you should expect

The trip is designed as a search-and-find excursion. You’re not just seeing one animal and calling it a day—you’re looking for dolphins and whales, plus other sea life.

Your best-case scenario is exactly what some groups report: sightings of pilot whales and multiple dolphin types, sometimes close to the yacht. You might also see smaller marine life like flying fish or parrot fish, and the overall chance of seeing something is boosted by the boat’s ability to reposition quickly.

A useful way to think about it: whale and dolphin encounters depend on timing and movement in the open sea. A small boat can’t control that. What it can do is keep the search efficient without turning it into an overcrowded scramble. Many people like that the crew works hard to put you in the right place without making the trip feel hectic.

One practical note from real-world experiences: if your group is lucky, the sightings can happen early. If sightings are happening farther out, the 3-hour duration means you might move on sooner than you’d like.

Snorkeling near Los Gigantes: sea turtles, manta rays, and octopi

The standout “hands-on” moment is the snorkeling session. The boat stops out at sea for a deep-sea snorkeling opportunity, focused on seeing sea turtles, manta rays, and octopi.

Snorkeling in clear water near the cliffs can feel like a completely different Tenerife. The water visibility is often excellent in this area, and the cliffs create a dramatic underwater reference point. You’re not looking at the sea from a deck only—you’re in it.

Two practical tips:

• Bring your own swim stuff quality check. The tour includes snorkeling gear, but at least one person found the provided equipment wasn’t top-tier. If you’re picky about fit or comfort, consider packing your own mask/snorkel.
• Safety and respect rules are real here. Touching marine life isn’t allowed, and feeding animals isn’t part of the plan. That’s good for you and good for the animals.

If snorkeling isn’t your thing, you can still swim. But don’t assume every stop is identical—sometimes the day is set up so you swim directly while other times the deeper water is where the most interesting sea life shows up.

Tapas and drinks on deck: the part you’ll remember

This is not a bare-bones boat ride with just water. You’ll have tapas and a drink while you relax on deck as you sail again.

The ending is often described as tapas under the red cliffs, which is a great way to close the loop: wildlife spotting outside, then food and a calmer view while you’re still surrounded by the same dramatic coastline.

A few details worth noting:

• Drinks include alcohol or soft drink.
• Vegetarian and vegan tapas are available if you notify the provider ahead of time.
• One person specifically liked that there’s no music onboard, so you can hear the ocean and the small sounds of the boat.

It’s a simple formula, but it works. You don’t have to treat your Tenerife day like a workout plan. You can snorkel, then cool off, then eat.

Languages, crew style, and the “small group” advantage

Tours like this rise or fall on how the crew runs the boat. This one keeps the group small—10 participants maximum—so the skipper and guide can actually manage the experience, safety, and wildlife search without chaos.

Language coverage is listed as Spanish, English, and French. In practice, you might get the key instructions clearly in your language. If your group includes mixed languages, you may hear explanations with different levels of detail depending on who’s translating what.

The crew style that repeatedly gets praise is:

• Friendly, attentive guidance
• A focus on wildlife spotting and keeping everyone comfortable
• A relaxed atmosphere on board, not a yelling-and-rushing show

That matters if you’re traveling as a couple, with kids, or if you just prefer your vacation to feel like a boat day, not an assembly line.

Price and value: is $82 a fair deal for Tenerife?

At about $82 per person for a 3-hour sailing excursion, the value comes from the combo package.

For that price, you’re getting:

• A guided sailing experience along Los Gigantes cliffs
• Stops in bays and natural coves
• Alcohol or soft drinks
• Tapas
• Snorkeling gear
• A skipper and guide, plus the wildlife search element

If you were to do these things separately (boat time, a guided wildlife outing, and snorkeling access), the costs usually add up fast. Here, the boat time is the core, and food/drinks plus snorkeling make it feel like you’re paying for a complete experience, not just transport.

The one cost-related reality check: you’re only out there for three hours. If your main goal is maximum time watching whales with long pauses, you might compare this to longer options. But if you want cliffs + swim + a strong wildlife chance, $82 can feel like a sensible spend.

What to bring (and what to skip) for a smooth swim

You’ll want to pack for the water portion. The essentials are:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Passport or ID card

Snorkeling gear is provided, but you may still prefer your own if you’ve got a particular mask fit or comfort preference.

Also read the rules before you go, because they’re meant to keep the experience safe and respectful:

• No smoking
• No touching marine life
• No feeding animals
• No fishing
• Weapons or sharp objects aren’t allowed
• Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed onboard
• No nudity
• No speakers / no firework or explosive substances

You don’t need to be a rule-lawyer. Just know these are active boat policies and you’ll have a better day because everyone follows them.

Who this Los Gigantes sailing trip suits best

This tour fits best when you want a balanced Tenerife day:

• Couples who want cliffs, sea time, and an easy food-and-drink finish
• Families looking for a short outing with clear structure and a calm boat atmosphere
• Snorkelers with moderate experience who want a guided stop and gear included
• People who care about wildlife but don’t want a full-day “scan horizon” marathon

It’s also a good pick if you dislike overcrowded boats. The maximum of 10 people is what keeps the trip feeling relaxed, with enough space to enjoy the water instead of constantly shifting around.

Potential downsides to weigh before you book

A few real considerations to keep it honest:

• Three hours goes fast. If you end up right in the middle of dolphin/whale activity, you’ll probably love it. If not, you may wish the whale-watching time lasted longer.
• Snorkeling gear quality can be hit or miss. One review suggested bringing your own equipment if you want reliable fit.
• Non-alcoholic drink choices may feel limited. This came up as a suggestion for a wider variety, so if you’re mostly into specific non-alcoholic options, consider that.

None of these ruin the tour. They just help you choose the right mindset.

Should you book this Blue Dream Sailing Los Gigantes tour?

Book it if you want a short, high-reward boat day: Los Gigantes cliffs, a calm small-group vibe, chances at dolphins and whales, and a proper swim/snorkel stop with tapas and drinks afterward.

Hold off (or compare another option) if your top priority is extended whale watching time. With a 3-hour schedule, you’ll get plenty, but it won’t feel like a long watch-and-wait session.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes sailing excursion?

The tour runs for 3 hours.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes Dock 1.

How many people are on the boat?

It’s a small group with a maximum of 10 participants.

What languages are the guide and skipper available in?

The live tour guide offers Spanish, English, and French.

What’s included in the price?

Included are stops around the Los Gigantes cliffs and in bays/coves, alcohol or soft drinks, tapas, snorkeling gear, plus the skipper and guide.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

Snorkeling gear is included with the tour.

What should I bring for the swim and snorkel?

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

Is vegetarian or vegan food available?

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

Can children join the tour?

Young children and babies can join for free, and up to 4 children can join per tour. Add them when booking to ensure space.

What is the cancellation policy?

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