Sea turtles and tapas, all on one sail. This private Los Gigantes cruise mixes a calm yacht ride with snorkeling in clear water and a proper onboard tapas-and-drinks break. You’ll cruise past Tenerife’s famous red cliffs, then head into sheltered coves for your swim stop—no big-group rush.

I especially love the relaxed, hands-on service. The boat stays neat and clean, and the crew keeps things easygoing while you look for whales and dolphins along the coast. If you’re celebrating (a birthday was part of one recent onboard surprise), the tone is casual and personal.

One thing to consider: the price is $765 per private group up to 11 people. If you don’t fill the boat, the per-person cost jumps fast—and you’ll also want to bring your swimwear and a towel since they aren’t included.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• Private boat for up to 11 people, so you can move at a relaxed pace instead of waiting for a crowd.
• Snorkeling gear included, plus a swim stop aimed at seeing sea turtles, octopuses, and manta rays.
• Tropical-red-cliff cruising from the sea, with stops in hidden coves and calm bays.
• Tapas and drinks onboard after the water time, so you don’t have to hunt down food afterward.
• Whale and dolphin spotting possible while you sail, with sightings of pilot whales reported on departures.
• Vegetarian and vegan options available if you tell the provider ahead of time.

Where You Start: Boarding the Sangría in Los Gigantes

This tour starts in the Los Gigantes area with pickup to the marina. You’ll head to Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1, then meet your skipper and board the yacht called Sangría.

The practical win here is simple: you avoid the busy scramble of coordinating your own route between spots. Once you’re on board, everything that can be a hassle—time, transit, finding the right bay, getting gear—gets handled. For me, that’s where “private” feels real, not just a marketing word.

Because the trip can run 3 to 8 hours, your day plan depends on which duration you choose. Shorter outings fit well if you’re trying to balance beach time and dinner plans. Longer options give you more time for sailing, snorkeling, and relaxing on deck.

Sailing Along the Red Cliffs: The Best Kind of Scenic Slow Travel

After you leave the dock, you’ll sail along the coast while you track the dramatic red cliffs of Los Gigantes from the water. Even if you’ve seen photos, there’s something different about the sea-level view: the cliffs feel taller, the colors feel deeper, and the whole coastline looks less like a viewpoint and more like a setting.

Then comes the part that makes sailors happy—quiet movement instead of sightseeing checklists. Your skipper will look for hidden coves and calm bays, where the boat can settle and you’re not fighting wind and boat traffic as much.

This is also when wildlife spotting can kick in. You may see dolphins and whales around the area, and some recent trips reported repeated pilot whale sightings. In other words, you’re not just staring at scenery—you’re sailing through the marine habitat.

Tiny practical note: if you burn easily, sunscreen matters here. The time you spend on deck adds up fast, especially if you’re the kind of person who keeps forgetting to reapply until it’s too late.

The Snorkel Stop: Clear Water Time for Turtles, Octopus, and More

The centerpiece of this experience is the swim and snorkeling session. You’ll go out to sea for a deep-sea snorkeling stop, then enter the clear blue water straight from the boat. Snorkeling gear is included, so you’re not packing a mask-and-fins kit or worrying about whether it fits.

The tour is specifically set up for marine wildlife sightings, with a focus on:

• Sea turtles
• Manta rays
• Octopuses

You may also see colorful fish during the swim. That mix matters. Turtle sightings are memorable, but the underwater variety keeps the stop interesting if the turtles are shy that day.

Also, the rules onboard support good wildlife viewing. You’re not allowed to touch marine life, feed animals, or fish. That’s a big deal for a couple reasons: it protects the animals and it helps keep the water time natural rather than chaotic.

What I like about this setup is the balance. You get a real underwater encounter, but it’s not framed as a sport-focused training session. The goal is to watch, float, and enjoy. If you’re comfortable with basic snorkeling, you’ll feel right at home.

Bring what you need for comfort: swimwear is required, and you should pack a towel because it’s not included.

Deck Time After the Swim: Tapas and Drinks Without the After-Plan Stress

Once you’re done in the water, you’ll relax on deck with a drink and tapas onboard. This is one of those details that sounds minor until you’ve had to do the scramble right after a swim—where do you get food, how long is it going to take, and will it be good?

Here, the timing is built in. Snorkel first, then unwind. That means you can cool down, eat, and start enjoying the scenery again with a full stomach.

The tour includes alcoholic or soft drinks, so you can choose how you want to unwind. If you’d rather keep it non-alcoholic, the soft drink option covers that.

One detail I’d call out: vegetarian and vegan food options are available if you notify the provider before the tour. So if your group has dietary needs, you’re not stuck with a sad plate of bread and nothing else.

How Private Changes the Whole Day (3 to 8 Hours)

This is a private group experience, up to 11 people, with a live guide available in Spanish, English, and French. That’s a strong combo: enough people to make it feel like a group event, but still small enough to keep the mood calm.

In plain terms, a private sail lets the skipper steer the day based on conditions and your group’s energy. You’re not stuck waiting for everyone to finish photos. You’re not competing with the loudest person on deck. And the crew can keep the flow smooth, which matters a lot when you’re mixing cruising, snorkeling, and eating.

The duration range also helps you match the tour to your vacation. A 3-hour trip can work as a “main activity” without eating your whole day. An 8-hour option suits people who want a slower pace and more time onboard to settle, snack, and just watch the water.

If you’re going for a special occasion, this format tends to land well. One recent birthday situation included a spontaneous onboard celebration, which tells you the crew is paying attention to more than just the schedule.

Pricing and Value: When $765 Feels Like a Deal

Let’s be honest about the math. It’s $765 per group up to 11 people. If you fill all 11 spots, that’s roughly $70 per person. If you have a smaller group, expect the per-person rate to be higher.

So the value hinges on your group size and what you want out of the day:

• If you’re a couple or small group, you’re paying more per person for privacy, included snorkeling gear, and meals/drinks onboard.
• If you’re a family or group of friends, you’re much more likely to feel like you got your money’s worth because the cost spreads out while you still get the small-boat experience.

Also consider the inclusions. The price isn’t just for “being on a boat.” It covers:

• private sailing and skipper
• snorkeling and snorkeling gear
• tapas and drinks
• hotel pickup within the Los Gigantes area

When you compare that to piecing together boat time, pay-for-snorkel rentals, and then trying to find a good lunch after, this starts to look more sensible.

Practical Stuff You’ll Want to Pack

Here’s what to bring, based on what the experience expects:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

And a small but important mindset shift: bring sunscreen as if you’ll reapply. Deck time plus water time is a fast track to getting sunburned even when you feel cooler from the breeze.

What you should skip:

• Smoking in the vehicle
• Fishing
• Alcohol and drugs
• Feeding animals
• Touching marine life
• Fireworks

Those rules aren’t there to ruin your fun. They protect wildlife and keep the onboard vibe safe and respectful.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This sailing trip is a strong fit if you want:

• A private boat experience rather than a crowded day tour
• A real marine-focused activity, not just a quick swim
• A balanced itinerary: sailing + snorkeling + food onboard
• A calm, scenic outing that’s also social enough for families or friend groups

It’s especially appealing for people who love marine life and want the chance to see turtles, octopuses, and manta rays while still enjoying the easy pleasure of tapas and drinks after the water time.

Should You Book Los Gigantes Private Sailing With Swim, Drink, and Tapas?

I’d book it if you match two things: you want a marine-and-sailing day from Los Gigantes, and your group can make the private format work financially. With snorkeling gear and food/drinks included, the value gets much better as your group size increases.

You might skip or think twice if your group is very small and you’re price-sensitive. Also, if you’re not planning to snorkel at all, you’ll want to ask yourself whether the main appeal is still worth it—because the schedule really centers on that water time.

If your ideal Tenerife day includes dramatic coastline, wildlife potential, and an onboard meal that doesn’t feel like an afterthought, this is a very solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes private sailing tour?

The tour runs for 3 to 8 hours, depending on the option you select. You can check availability for starting times.

What group size is this for?

It’s a private group experience for up to 11 people.

What does the price include?

The tour includes the private sailing, a skipper/guide, swimming and snorkeling stops, tapasa and drinks (alcoholic or soft drink), and snorkeling gear.

Where do we meet for the tour?

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

Is swimwear or a towel provided?

No. Swimwear and a towel are not included, so you’ll need to bring them.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you should notify the activity provider before your tour.

What’s not allowed during the tour?

Fishing, feeding animals, touching marine life, fireworks, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed (and smoking is listed as not allowed in the vehicle).

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