Los Gigantes to Teno: Boat trip with snorkeling & drinks

The most striking part of this trip is the run beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs, where the boat links quiet coves, Masca Beach, and Punta de Teno in one compact outing. The small boat carries no more than 12 people, so you get a close view of the coast rather than a crowded party cruise.

I like the chance to snorkel from the boat and the included drink, simple touches that make the 2.5 hours feel relaxed. I also like that the route reaches Punta de Teno, including views toward its lighthouse when sea and weather conditions allow. The main drawback is that English explanations may be limited at times, and the open water can be rough enough to cause seasickness.

Key points to know before booking

• A small boat with a 12-person maximum: The group can be pleasantly intimate, and some departures may have only a few people aboard.
• Masca Beach is the swim stop: Plan on about 50 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, free time, and a drink.
• Punta de Teno adds the special finish: The boat heads toward Tenerife’s western tip, with a photo stop and coastal commentary.
• Guide Nico gets strong praise: He is described as friendly, energetic, and especially enthusiastic about the ocean.
• Snorkeling time may vary: The planned stop is part of the trip, but one departure allowed only about 30 minutes in the water.
• Bring the basics: Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, and identification are all useful, while goggles are supplied.

Setting out from Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes

You meet at Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes, at Pantalán 6, Puesto 2. This is the marina in Los Gigantes, the natural starting point for a trip along Tenerife’s steep western coast.

The outing lasts 2.5 hours, which is long enough to reach the main coastal sights without turning into an all-day commitment. That timing works well if you are fitting the boat trip between other plans in the Los Gigantes area. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when booking.

The boat holds a maximum of 12 people. That number matters. You should have a reasonable chance of hearing the guide and finding a comfortable place to watch the cliffs, though space on a small vessel is never as open as it is on a large catamaran.

Some departures have been especially small, with only four people aboard. You cannot count on having a private-feeling trip, but the 12-person limit gives this outing a more personal character than a large sightseeing boat.

The crew provides a drink, either water, a soft drink, or beer. You also receive accident and civil responsibility insurance, and snorkeling goggles are included. You need to bring your own swimwear, towel, hat, and sunscreen.

The Los Gigantes cliffs from the water

The first major part of the cruise follows the cliffs of Los Gigantes. From the water, their scale is easier to appreciate than from shore. The boat moves along the base of the rock walls, past quiet bays and small coves that are hard to reach by land.

This is the scenic heart of the trip. You can take photographs, listen to the guide, and watch the coast change as the boat moves west. The cliffs create the kind of view that rewards simply looking up and away from your phone for a while.

The skipper and crew provide information in Spanish and English. The quality of the explanation can depend on the language being used and on the questions asked during the trip. English is available, but some visitors have found it difficult to follow every answer when most of the conversation around them was in Spanish.

That is worth keeping in mind if detailed commentary is your main reason for booking. If your priority is the scenery, fresh air, and time on the water, the language issue is less important. If you want a full natural history lesson, you may need to ask clear, simple questions and accept that some answers may be brief.

Guide Nico receives particularly warm praise for making the trip friendly and lively. He is also described as passionate about the ocean. His personal style can add a lot to the outing, especially when he points out coastal features or helps with the swimming stop.

Masca Beach and the snorkeling stop

The boat then reaches Masca Beach, where you get roughly 50 minutes for a break, photographs, swimming, and snorkeling. This is not a long beach day. It is a carefully timed stop that gives you a chance to get into the water without losing the rest of the coastal route.

The water is described as clear, and the stop is intended for viewing marine life around Tenerife. You might see small fish, flying fish, an octopus, a turtle, or even a ray, but none of these sightings is guaranteed. The sensible approach is to enjoy the water first and treat wildlife encounters as a bonus.

Goggles are supplied, which saves you from packing a mask unless you prefer using your own. You still need to bring a swimsuit and towel. Put sunscreen on before departure and bring a hat for the exposed parts of the cruise.

The snorkeling period can feel shorter than expected. One person found there was only about half an hour in the water, even though the overall stop lasted longer. Some of the time may be used for boarding, swimming, photographs, and the drink, so do not book this as a dedicated snorkeling tour.

A beer, soft drink, or water is included during the stop or as the boat sets off again. This is a modest feature, but it makes the schedule feel easygoing. You can dry off, have a drink, and return to the views without needing to arrange anything yourself.

Follow the crew’s instructions around marine life. Do not touch animals or feed them. Fishing is also not allowed, and neither is smoking or playing music through speakers. The rules are practical and help keep the stop pleasant for everyone aboard.

If you are prone to seasickness, take the possibility seriously. One person lost much of the enjoyment of the outing because of motion sickness. The open sea is not always calm, and a small boat responds more directly to waves than a larger vessel.

Punta de Teno, lighthouse views, and the western tip

After Masca Beach, the boat continues toward Punta de Teno, Tenerife’s western point. This gives the trip a stronger sense of purpose than a short coastal ride that turns around after the first cove.

The route includes a visit, photo stop, sightseeing, and guided commentary at Punta de Teno. On a calm day, the boat may pass beyond the point and continue north toward Buenavista. One especially favorable outing reached the area near Buenavista, something the guide said happens only with suitable wind and sea conditions.

You should not treat that extra distance as a guaranteed part of the route. Weather determines how far the boat can safely go. Still, the possibility adds interest, since a calm sea may allow you to see more of Tenerife’s western end than the basic schedule suggests.

The lighthouse at Punta de Teno is another useful photo subject. A cave visit may also be possible on the route, depending on conditions and the skipper’s decisions. These extra touches help explain why the trip can feel different from a simple swim-and-drink cruise.

The return along the cliffs is often the most memorable visual section. You see the rock walls from a new angle, with the boat moving back toward Los Gigantes and the marina. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and do not let photographs distract you from the coast itself.

What the $53 price really covers

At $53 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning or afternoon in Tenerife. It is also not priced like a luxury private charter. The value comes from combining transport on the water, coastal sightseeing, a guided route, a swimming stop, snorkeling goggles, and a drink in 2.5 hours.

For a first visit to Los Gigantes, that combination is practical. You see several coastal points without arranging separate transport, and you get an active stop rather than spending the entire trip seated. The small group limit is another reason the price can make sense.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a long snorkeling session. The water stop is part of a broader sightseeing trip, and actual time in the water may be around 30 minutes on some departures. You are paying for the cliffs and Punta de Teno as much as for the mask and goggles.

Families should also calculate the total cost carefully. The price can feel substantial for a family, especially if several people are paying. Young children and babies who can join free still need to be added during booking so their places are counted within the boat’s capacity.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want to combine scenery and swimming in a single half-day activity. It suits couples, small groups of friends, and families who are comfortable on a small boat and do not need a full beach day.

It is also a good fit if Punta de Teno is high on your list but you do not want to arrange a separate coastal drive. Seeing the cliffs, Masca Beach, and the western tip from the sea gives you a different view of this part of Tenerife.

You may want another type of excursion if you dislike open water, get seasick easily, or need extensive English commentary. The guide can speak English, but the experience may include plenty of Spanish conversation. It is also not the best choice if your main goal is guaranteed turtle watching or a long, technical snorkeling session.

The activity has a clear set of rules. Weapons, sharp objects, fishing gear, alcohol and drugs, fireworks, explosives, fire, nudity, smoking, and speakers are not allowed. Feeding or touching marine animals is prohibited as well.

Bring your passport or ID card, since identification is listed among the things to carry. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. Sunscreen is especially important because the boat leaves you exposed to sun and reflected light from the water.

Weather, sea conditions, and the real shape of the day

The route depends on the sea. In calm conditions, the boat may reach beyond Punta de Teno and travel farther north. In stronger wind or rougher water, the skipper may keep the route shorter or adjust the stop for safety.

That flexibility is normal for a coastal boat trip, but you should understand it before paying. You are booking an experience based on the sea, not a fixed land tour where every minute and viewpoint can be guaranteed.

The most successful version of the day combines calm water, clear visibility, and a small group. Under those conditions, the cliffs look dramatic, the snorkeling stop is more comfortable, and the boat can spend more time near Punta de Teno. Even in less ideal weather, the coastal scenery remains the central reason to go.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife plans are still moving around. Check the departure time and current availability before finalizing your day.

Should you book the Los Gigantes to Teno cruise?

Book this trip if you want a small-group coastal cruise with a real swim stop, a drink, and a chance to reach Punta de Teno. The strongest parts are the cliff views, the compact route, the 12-person limit, and the personal touch that guide Nico can bring to the outing.

Go in with realistic expectations. Snorkeling is one part of the day, not the entire focus. English commentary may not always be as detailed as you hope, and rough water can affect both the route and your comfort.

At $53, I see this as a fair choice for a first look at Tenerife’s western coast, especially if you value seeing several places without a long commitment. I would skip it only if you need guaranteed calm seas, extensive English guiding, or a dedicated snorkeling tour.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The meeting point is Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes, at Pantalán 6, Puesto 2.

How long does the activity last?

The boat trip lasts 2.5 hours, including the coastal cruise, sightseeing, the Masca Beach stop, swimming, and snorkeling.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat can carry a maximum of 12 passengers. Young children and babies who join free still need to be included when booking so their places are reserved.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in Spanish and English.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Goggles for snorkeling are included. You need to bring your own swimwear and towel.

What drink is included?

You can choose water, a soft drink, or beer. Alcohol and drugs apart from the included beer are not allowed, and drinking rules on board should be followed.

What can I bring to the activity?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. Smoking, fishing, speakers, sharp objects, fireworks, explosives, and feeding or touching marine life are not allowed.