Red cliffs and marine sightings in 3 hours. From Puerto de Los Gigantes, you head out on the Sangría with Blue Dream Sailing, cruising between calm bays and natural coves while the crew looks for dolphins and whales. Then you get a proper snorkeling stop and wrap it up with tapas and drinks back on deck.

What I like most is the small-group feel, with a limit of 10 people, so the boat never turns into a crowd scene. I also love the simple onboard rhythm, calm enough that you can hear the ocean instead of forced music, plus the food and drinks land at just the right time after you swim.

One consideration is the tight schedule: at 3 hours, it can feel like you move on pretty quickly when you do get whale or dolphin action, so you may want more time parked in the best spot.

Key Points Worth Knowing Before You Go

• Small group (up to 10) for a more relaxed vibe on deck
• Sangría sailing from Puerto de Los Gigantes right by the famous cliffs
• Dolphin and whale watching with real chances of pilot whales and other dolphins
• Deep-water snorkeling stop for sea turtles, manta rays, and octopus (when conditions allow)
• Tapas and drinks onboard included, with a focus on relaxing rather than rushing
• Multilingual crew (Spanish, English, French) plus a skipper who keeps things smooth

Entering Puerto de Los Gigantes on the Sangría

This is a 3-hour sailing excursion based in the Los Gigantes area, starting at Puerto de Los Gigantes, Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes Dock 1. You are not just buying a ticket for scenery, you are paying for time on the water with a crew running a real marine-focused outing, plus a swim stop and included food.

You meet your skipper and guide, then you settle in for the cruise. The boat is limited to 10 participants, which matters because deck space and viewing angles stay comfortable. From the way the crew operates, you can tell they are used to running a tight, friendly ship. On this trip, you may hear guide names like Luis and Moises mentioned as part of the crew, which lines up with the kind of hands-on hosting people consistently describe.

Plan to arrive with your essentials ready. You will want ID or your passport on hand, and you should wear sunscreen early. If you hate rushing into wet stuff, keep your swimwear accessible so you can change quickly when you hear the stop is coming up.

Los Gigantes Cliffs and the Coast Between Bays and Coves

The star feature here is the coast itself: those dramatic red cliffs right around Los Gigantes. Even if you have seen canyon-like shorelines elsewhere, this one hits different because of how steep and close the cliffs feel from the water. On the cruise, you will sail along the coast and make stops in bays and natural coves.

Why those stops matter: they create the best mix of calm water for swimming, and strategic locations for spotting marine life. If you are prone to motion sickness, a cove stop usually feels easier than open-water churn. And for photos, you get multiple angles without needing to scramble around shore trails.

Also, the area is under regulation, which helps keep the water experience from turning into a boat parade. Less chaos usually means a calmer ride and more wildlife watching time that feels less forced.

Dolphin and Pilot Whale Spotting, What You Actually Get

This outing is built around the chance to see dolphins and whales while sailing offshore and along the coast. People often describe sightings like pilot whales and different types of dolphins, with some days feeling especially active. One trip can be dolphins close to the boat, another can be whales that appear early, and sometimes both show up.

Here is the practical part: marine animals are wild, so you should treat sightings as the payoff, not the guarantee. The value comes from how the crew searches and positions the boat, not from promising a specific species on a specific minute.

The boat trip structure helps your odds. You are not making one long straight line and hoping for the best. You are cruising, scanning, and adjusting as conditions and animal movement allow. People also describe that the staff keeps things balanced, engaged but not hovering, so you can actually enjoy the moment instead of feeling trapped in a lecture.

If you care about whale watching etiquette, you will appreciate that the experience stays aligned with how the area manages boat presence. That tends to reduce stress for wildlife, and it makes the experience feel more respectful.

The Snorkel Stop: Clear Water and Sea Life Up Close

After the sailing portion, you get a deep-water snorkeling session. This is one of the main reasons to book, because you are not just looking at the ocean from above. You will have a chance to see sea life such as sea turtles, manta rays, and octopi, depending on what is out there and how visibility looks.

Snorkeling gear is included, and you will also want to follow the rules closely. Touching marine life is not allowed, so plan to focus on observation. Think of this as a guided wildlife viewing experience where your job is to float, breathe, and be still enough for sea creatures to keep doing their thing.

A couple of practical notes from what people say: snorkeling sessions are great when the water is clear, but the provided gear is not always everyone’s favorite. If you are picky about fit or comfort, consider bringing your own mask and snorkel if you have them. That way, you can snorkel with confidence instead of spending precious time adjusting a mask that leaks.

Also, life vests are mentioned by visitors as being provided, which can help if you are less comfortable in open water. Still, do what you always do for ocean safety: take it easy the first few minutes, and tell the crew if you feel unsure.

Tapas and Drinks on Deck, The Part You Remember Later

The food and drinks are included, and they are timed so you do not feel hungry or cold after your swim. You can expect tapas onboard, plus an alcohol or soft drink option. People describe the tapas as satisfying after salty water, with some saying it feels like a snack board style spread.

You also get a chance to relax on the deck while the boat sails again. This is not a wake-up early, sprint-through-everything day. The vibe is more about being out there, watching water move, and enjoying the rhythm of sailing.

One small detail that stands out in a lot of experiences: no music. That sounds minor until you are actually on the water. Then it becomes huge because you can hear the ocean, and the whole trip feels more natural. If you are sensitive to loud sound, this is a real plus.

One more practical point to plan around: the non-alcoholic variety may be limited compared with a full bar style menu, so if you have strong preferences for specific drinks, you might want to check what is typically offered ahead of time.

Crew on Board: How the Experience Feels in Real Life

What makes this trip work is the way the crew runs it. People consistently describe friendly, attentive hosting with a good balance of instruction and personal space. That matters because on a boat, you need clear safety guidance, but you still want room to enjoy the scenery and the sea life.

The trip is designed for multiple languages, with Spanish, English, and French live. In practice, you should listen for the key safety instructions and snorkel briefing even if the crew speaks mostly in one language during your time onboard. Translation quality can vary day to day, so treat the first briefing as the most important info, not entertainment.

You will also see that the crew style tends to stay discreet. You are not being herded around like a tour bus stop. The focus stays on the water, and that is exactly how whale and dolphin viewing should feel.

Group Size, Comfort, and Who This Trip Clicks For

The hard limit is 10 passengers, which is rare for this kind of outing. That limit translates into an easier time getting to a good viewing spot on deck. It also makes communication easier, so you do not feel lost if you have questions about the snorkeling stop or what to watch for.

This is a good match for couples who want something romantic but not stuffy. It also fits families because there is a swim stop and a chance to see animals, not just cliffs. Young children can join for free when added at booking, with a cap of up to 4 children per tour, so you can sometimes build a family outing without paying for every small passenger.

If you do not like swimming, you can often just bathe at the stops rather than snorkeling. The trip describes stops for bathing and snorkeling, so you have options depending on comfort and confidence.

On the flip side, if you absolutely hate boats or rough water, you should consider that this is still open-water sailing at times. Most people find the cove stops help, but it is not a shore stroll.

Price and Value: Is $82 a Good Deal for 3 Hours?

At $82 per person for a 3-hour trip, you might wonder if it is “too touristy.” Here is why the math can work in your favor.

You are getting:

• A guided sailing experience to the Los Gigantes cliff area
• Stops in bays and coves
• A snorkel session with snorkeling gear included
• Drinks (alcohol or soft drink)
• Tapas onboard
• A skipper and guide

So you are not paying just for transportation. You are also paying for guiding, time on the water, and bundled food plus gear. On an island like Tenerife, that kind of package often costs more when you piece it together separately.

The best value comes when the animals show up. When dolphins and pilot whales appear, it can feel like you got the “main event” for a fair price. When sightings are slower, you still come away with the cliffs and the water time, which is the core of what makes Los Gigantes special.

What to Bring, Rules to Know, and Simple Setup Tips

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Do not show up expecting the basics. Swimwear and towel are not included, so pack like you are going to actually get wet.

Also remember the boat and wildlife rules. Weapons or sharp objects are not allowed. Smoking in the vehicle is not allowed. Fishing, feeding animals, and touching marine life are not allowed. The tour also does not allow alcohol or drugs, and it bans speakers. Nudity is not allowed either.

My practical advice: set your stuff up the night before. A small dry bag or waterproof pouch helps you keep your phone and ID protected. And if you know you get cold after swimming, bring a light layer you can put on right away.

Making the Call: Should You Book This Sailing and Snorkel Tour?

I would book this if you want the Los Gigantes cliffs from the water, plus a real swim stop, plus the best chance of dolphins and pilot whales that you can reasonably get in a half-day format. The small group size is a big deal, and the onboard food and drinks keep the vibe relaxed, not rushed.

Skip it if you are planning for a very specific whale-viewing moment, because wildlife timing controls the experience. Also think twice if you want a long, slow whale-watching day, since the schedule is built into a tight 3 hours and moves efficiently between activities.

If you do book, go with the mindset that your best return comes from being flexible, staying calm on deck, and following the crew during snorkeling. That is when the tour feels most special, not just scenic.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes sailing excursion?

The trip lasts 3 hours.

What is included in the price?

The experience includes a visit to the Los Gigantes cliffs, stops in bays and natural coves, an alcohol or soft drink, tapas, snorkeling gear, and the skipper and guide.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes Dock 1.

What should I bring with me?

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

Are vegetarian or vegan options available for the tapas?

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

How many people are on the boat?

The group is small, limited to 10 participants. There is also space for up to 4 children per tour when added during booking.