Sailing Los Gigantes from a yacht feels like a reset. You get a private boat trip from the Tenerife coast, with snorkeling stops in clear water and time to relax on deck while the red cliffs slide by. What I like most is the calm pacing: sail a bit, stop somewhere quiet, swim, then eat and drink without rushing.

One thing to keep in mind: this is water-time focused. If you’re not into swimming or snorkeling, you’ll still enjoy the views, but the experience is built around those stops (and you’ll want to bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen).

Key highlights I think you’ll care about

• Private group on the Sangría: your skipper sets the rhythm and the stops.
• Deep-sea snorkeling session: designed for close-up views of marine life.
• Los Gigantes cliffs from the sea: dramatic scenery you can’t recreate from shore.
• Tapas and drinks onboard after swimming: food that feels like part of the trip, not an add-on.
• Dolphins and whales are part of the plan: you may spot them around the area.
• Snorkeling gear is included: you just show up ready.

Why Los Gigantes looks different when you sail

Los Gigantes is famous for its cliffs. From land, they’re impressive. From the water, they’re something else—towering walls that make you feel small in the best way. This sailing trip leans into that feeling by getting you out between bays and natural coves, so the coastline stays the main character for much of the day.

I also like that the tour is built around water time, not just a scenic cruise. You’re not doing a one-quick-photo stop and calling it a day. Instead, you get a structured sail, then a proper snorkeling session, then time to recover with tapas and a drink onboard. If your idea of a good holiday day is moving slowly while the scenery stays stunning, this fits.

The Sangría yacht and your skipper-run day

You meet at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1, then you head out with your skipper/guide on the Sangría. The trip is private, which matters more than it sounds. With a private group, you’re not waiting for a crowd to finish photos or jockeying for position on deck. Your skipper can keep things relaxed and practical.

The crew language coverage is also useful: Spanish, English, and French. That makes it easier to understand what to expect during snorkeling, where you’ll be stopping, and what the do’s and don’ts are around marine life.

And yes, the boat is meant for comfort. The reviews you’ll read reflect that: people consistently call out how clean and well-kept the yacht feels, and how smoothly the team runs the experience. For a day that includes swimming, that kind of organization makes a real difference.

Sailing the bays: dramatic cliffs, calm coves, and real sea time

After boarding, you set sail along the coast following those dramatic red cliffs. The route is designed to get you out and away from the busiest shore spots, then into quieter areas where the water looks good and the snorkeling stop actually works.

Here’s what this means for your experience: you’ll spend meaningful time cruising through calm bays and natural coves, not just motoring from one point to another. That sailing rhythm is part of the value. You’re watching the cliffs change shape as you pass them, and you get long stretches of open water instead of nonstop interruptions.

You may also spot dolphins or whales in the Los Gigantes area. The plan includes this, and one reason the trip gets such high praise is that people sometimes see whales repeatedly when conditions are right. No one can promise sightings every single day, but if marine life interest you, this itinerary gives the best shot.

Deep-sea snorkeling: what you’ll actually look for

The big centerpiece is the deep-sea snorkeling session. You head out farther, then you can slip into the clear water from the boat. This is where the tour earns its keep: you’re not snorkeling in a kiddie-pool setup. The water visibility in Tenerife’s coastal areas can be great, which is why the tour focuses on a real underwater stop.

The marine life you can expect to admire includes:

• Sea turtles
• Manta rays
• Octopuses

That’s a strong lineup for one snorkel session. And the rules around marine life are clear: you’re not allowed to feed animals or touch them. It’s the right approach. With wild ocean animals, the best way to see them is to let them come to you (or keep moving slowly so you don’t scare them off).

Practical advice: bring sunscreen and swimwear you don’t mind getting salt-stained. Even if the air isn’t scorching, you can cook on deck and you’ll be in the sun before and after the water time. Also, if you’re a first-time snorkeler, the included gear helps you get comfortable faster. You’ll want to use the time well so you’re watching, not fussing.

After the swim: tapas and drinks on deck (the part most people remember)

Once you finish swimming, the tour flips from activity mode to relax mode. You return to deck, where you’ll have a drink and tapas while you continue enjoying the view.

This is more than a meal break. It’s a smart way to structure the day: snorkel first, then cool down, then snack and sail. That keeps the experience from feeling like two separate activities stapled together.

The tapas is served onboard, and it’s treated like part of the celebration—especially in the way the crew supports special moments. One birthday-focused review mentions the team arranging a small birthday cake spontaneously. Even if you’re not celebrating anything, that kind of human touch is exactly what makes a private tour feel personal.

If you have dietary needs, you can get vegetarian or vegan options. Just tell the provider before your tour so they can plan properly.

Timing and getting there: hotel pickup to port and back

This tour runs 3 to 8 hours, depending on the option you choose. The ability to pick a longer or shorter day is important at Los Gigantes. Some days, you’ll want a quick coastal sail plus snorkeling. Other days, you’ll want the full “morning out at sea” feeling with extra time on the water.

Pickup is arranged from your hotel in the Los Gigantes area, then you’re transported to the port to meet the skipper and board. After the sailing portion, you return to port and then ride back to your hotel.

One consideration: because you’re spending hours near the water, weather and sea conditions can influence how long and how smooth everything feels. The tour is designed for water time, so bring the right mindset. If you’re the type who gets cranky when the day doesn’t follow a perfect script, you might want to plan snacks and hydration (and keep an eye on wind and swell, since snorkeling comfort depends on it).

Price and value: $765 per group up to 11

The price is $765 per group up to 11 people. That sounds high until you do the math with your group size.

• If you book as a small group of 2–4, you’re paying a premium for privacy and a full yacht setup.
• If you’re traveling with a larger crew (6–11), the per-person cost can feel much more reasonable, because you’re spreading the boat cost across more people.

What you’re paying for isn’t only the sailing. You’re paying for:

• a private skipper/guide and a private boat day
• snorkeling gear included
• the stops built around marine viewing
• tapas and drinks onboard

So the best way to judge value is simple: if your travel style is group-based and you want control (and not the chaos that comes with larger shared tours), this price starts to make sense fast. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple and you just want the sights without caring about snorkeling, you may find other options cheaper. But if snorkeling + food + privacy is your combo, this one feels like a “do it right” choice.

Also, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve and pay later. That gives you flexibility if you’re still deciding your day-to-day plan around weather.

Who this tour fits best (and who should rethink it)

This is a great fit for people who want a high-comfort Tenerife experience without feeling stuck on a strict schedule. It also works well if you care about marine life enough to plan your day around a snorkeling stop rather than just watching from the shore.

You’ll likely love it if:

• you want private sailing and a relaxed pace
• snorkeling is on your must-do list
• you’re traveling with friends or family and can fill more of the group capacity
• you like having food and drinks onboard right after swimming

You might skip it if:

• you hate being in the water or you’re not comfortable snorkeling
• you’re mainly looking for a quick photo stop and nothing else
• your group expects constant entertainment on land (this is very much an on-the-water day)

Practical packing list before you step aboard

Keep it simple and ocean-ready. You’re bringing:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

The tour doesn’t include a towel, so plan for that. Also, note what’s not allowed: smoking in the vehicle, fishing, alcohol and drugs, feeding animals, touching marine life, and fireworks. The rules are there for safety and to protect the animals and the marine environment.

One more small tip: if you’re prone to sunburn, bring extra sunscreen and consider a hat. You’ll be on deck before and after snorkeling.

Should you book this Los Gigantes private sailing tour?

If your perfect day in Tenerife is a mix of dramatic scenery, real snorkeling time, and a private-boat feel, I’d book it. The strongest part is the combination: the cliffs and bays on the surface, then the marine-life viewing underwater, then tapas and drinks that actually feel timed to the experience.

If you’re unsure, don’t overthink it—just match it to your priorities. When I see a tour that includes snorkeling gear, tapas, drinks, and a private skipper for a full boat day, that’s a sign you’re buying convenience and flow, not just transportation.

Go for it if you want Los Gigantes to feel personal and slow. Pick a shorter duration if you’re new to snorkeling or want a lighter day. Pick a longer one if you’re aiming for more sailing time and a bigger chunk of the sea mood.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

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

How long is the private sailing tour?

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

Is this tour private, and what’s the group size limit?

Yes, it’s a private group. The price is per group up to 11 people.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes the private sailing tour, skipper/guide, swimming and snorkeling stops, alcoholic or soft drinks, tapas, and snorkeling gear.

What should I bring?

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

What marine life might I see during snorkeling?

During the snorkeling stop, you can admire sea turtles, octopuses, and manta rays.

Are vegetarian or vegan tapas options available?

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