Los Gigantes to Teno: Boat trip with snorkeling & drinks

The best part of this trip is the route itself: you glide beneath the towering Cliffs of Los Gigantes, pass quiet coves, and continue toward Punta de Teno, one of Tenerife’s most striking coastal corners. The boat keeps the scenery close, with time to look up at the rock walls and out for marine life.

I like the small group of no more than 12 people, which makes the boat feel personal rather than crowded. I also like the useful mix of sightseeing and swimming: you get a proper coastal tour, then a chance to cool off with goggles and a drink.

The main thing to consider is the sea. Snorkeling time can be around half an hour, and the open water may be rough enough to cause seasickness. English explanations may also be less detailed when the guide is answering many questions in Spanish.

Key points to know before you book

• Punta de Teno is the main prize: The boat continues past Masca Beach to the western tip of Tenerife, with views toward the lighthouse and rugged coast.
• The boat holds only 12 people: This is a better fit for people who prefer a small outing over a large party boat.
• Masca Beach is the swim stop: Plan on about 50 minutes for free time, swimming, snorkeling, and a complimentary beer, soft drink, or water.
• Guide Nico brings a personal touch: He is described as friendly, enthusiastic, and deeply interested in the ocean.
• Snorkeling is part of the route, not the whole tour: You stop in open water, but the available time may be about 30 minutes.
• The $53 price covers the basics: The boat, guide, drink, snorkeling goggles, and insurance are included, but you need to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat.

Cruising out from Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes

Your outing begins at Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes, at Pantalán 6, Puesto 2. Allow enough time to find the right pontoon, since the meeting point is specific rather than simply the marina entrance.

The boat heads out along the coast from Los Gigantes. This first section gives you time to get comfortable and take in the cliffs from below. The rock faces rise dramatically above the water, and the view changes as the boat passes coves, ledges, and folds in the coast that are difficult to appreciate from land.

I like this start because it does not rush straight to the swimming stop. The cliffs are the reason to choose this particular boat route, and the first hour gives the guide room to point out the coastal features and help you understand the shape of the area.

The boat has room for a maximum of 12 passengers. That matters here. You can usually get a better view from the sides, hear the guide more clearly, and avoid the crowded feeling that can come with larger sightseeing boats. Families should count babies and young children when booking, even if a child joins at no charge, since every person needs a place on board.

The Cliffs of Los Gigantes from sea level

Los Gigantes looks impressive from viewpoints on land, but seeing the cliffs from the water gives you a different sense of scale. The boat moves close enough for you to study the texture of the rock, while the skipper chooses a route through the calmer sections and along the natural coves.

The sightseeing portion is planned as a guided look at the coast, not just a fast transfer to Masca Beach. You can expect photo stops and commentary in Spanish or English. The language balance may vary during the trip, especially if the guide is answering questions from a mixed group.

If you want to ask about birds, marine life, or the geology of the cliffs, speak up early. The guide may be handling the boat and responding to several people at once, so clear, short questions work best. Nico is the guide name associated with several particularly warm outings, and his interest in the sea adds character to the trip.

The route is also weather-sensitive. In calm conditions, the boat may go beyond Punta de Teno and continue north toward Buenavista, but that is not something to count on. It depends on wind and sea conditions, so treat it as a possible bonus rather than a promised part of the route.

Masca Beach for swimming and snorkeling

Masca Beach is the main activity stop. The boat allows roughly 50 minutes here for a break, photos, free time, swimming, and snorkeling. You do not need to arrange separate equipment for the basic snorkeling session because goggles are included.

The water is described as clear, and the coast is home to marine species including fish, octopus, turtles, and manta rays. That makes the stop worthwhile even if you are not an experienced snorkeler. Still, marine sightings are never guaranteed, and you should not book this as a dedicated wildlife trip.

The snorkeling takes place in open sea. That means you should be comfortable entering the water from the boat and swimming without a shallow beach beneath you. If you are unsure, ask the crew about the safest way to enter and stay close to the boat.

Bring your own swimwear and towel. You also need sunscreen, and a hat is useful while the boat is moving or waiting at the stop. These items are not supplied. The included drink is practical rather than elaborate: you can choose water, a soft drink, or beer. The drink is served as part of the route, giving you a simple break after swimming.

One useful expectation to set is snorkeling time. Although the full Masca Beach stop lasts around 50 minutes, the actual time in the water may be closer to 30 minutes. The rest can include getting ready, swimming without goggles, taking photos, and having your drink.

Continuing west to Punta de Teno

After Masca Beach, the boat continues toward Punta de Teno. This is what separates the trip from a short Los Gigantes cruise that simply circles the nearby cliffs.

Punta de Teno marks the western end of Tenerife’s coastal route. From the water, you get a broad view of the point, the steep coastline, and the lighthouse. The itinerary allows about an hour for visiting, sightseeing, guided commentary, and photos, though exact timing depends on conditions and the skipper’s judgment.

The scenery here feels more exposed and remote than the coves near Los Gigantes. That contrast is part of the appeal: first you have the tall cliff walls and sheltered bays, then you reach a more open headland with a wider view.

Some outings may include a look at a cave along the coast. Do not treat that as a guaranteed stop, since boat access depends on weather and the day’s route. The same applies to going beyond the point toward Buenavista. Calm weather can extend the route, while wind or swell may require a shorter turn.

What the small boat changes

A 12-person limit is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. You are not paying only for transport from one point to another. You are buying access to a quieter boat setting where the guide can speak with people directly and the skipper can react to conditions.

The tradeoff is that a small boat can feel more exposed to movement. One person reported seasickness, and that is a real possibility on any open-water outing. If you are prone to motion sickness, eat lightly before departure, choose a stable seat if the crew suggests one, and keep your eyes on the horizon when the boat is moving.

The rules are sensible and worth following. Smoking, fishing, feeding animals, touching marine life, speakers, alcohol other than the supplied drink, and unsafe objects are not allowed. These limits protect the water, keep the boat calm, and prevent the snorkeling stop from turning into a noisy party.

You should also carry your passport or identity card. The operator lists personal accident insurance and civil responsibility insurance as included, along with compliance with tourism, environmental, labor, and safety regulations.

Is $53 a fair price?

At $53 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the coast, but it offers more than a basic boat ride. The price includes 2.5 hours on the water, a guided route from Los Gigantes toward Punta de Teno, a swimming and snorkeling stop, goggles, one drink, and the small-group setting.

I consider the value strongest if you want three things in one outing: cliff views, Punta de Teno, and time in the water. Booking separate activities for those experiences could take more time and planning.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a long snorkeling session. The water stop is limited, and the tour spends substantial time cruising and sightseeing. It is also a less attractive choice if you dislike boat movement or expect detailed nature interpretation in English throughout the trip.

The friendly guide style is another part of the value. Nico is repeatedly singled out for being warm, helpful, and easy to enjoy. His enthusiasm for the ocean can make the route feel more personal. Still, English explanations may be brief at times when most questions are being asked in Spanish, so language-sensitive visitors should keep that in mind.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and small groups who want an active half-day on Tenerife’s west coast. You get enough sightseeing to make the trip worthwhile even if you spend little time in the water, and enough swimming to break up the cruise.

It also suits people who prefer scenery from the sea rather than a coach ride to viewpoints. The cliffs, coves, Masca Beach, and Punta de Teno are seen from a low angle that roads and lookout points cannot provide.

Families should think honestly about the sea conditions. The boat allows young children and babies, but the open-water snorkeling stop may not suit every child. Everyone needs a reserved place, so include children in the booking details.

I would be more cautious about recommending it to anyone with serious motion sickness, anyone wanting guaranteed turtle or manta sightings, or anyone looking for a full-length snorkeling excursion. The wildlife is a possibility, not a promise, and the emphasis is split between cruising, scenery, and swimming.

Simple preparation for a better day

Wear swimwear under your clothes so you can change quickly when the boat reaches the swimming stop. Pack a towel, sunscreen, and a hat, since none of these are included.

Bring your passport or ID card, and keep personal items secure while you are in the water. The boat does not allow weapons, sharp objects, smoking, fishing gear, fireworks, explosives, fire-making materials, or speakers.

Alcohol is limited to the complimentary beer listed as part of the trip. Do not bring drugs or extra alcohol. Feeding animals and touching marine life are also prohibited, which is exactly what you want from a responsible snorkeling outing.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when you choose your date.

Should you book the Los Gigantes to Teno boat trip?

Book it if you want a small-group coastal cruise with a real route, not just a quick ride near the marina. The combination of Los Gigantes, Masca Beach, snorkeling, and Punta de Teno gives you a good sample of Tenerife’s west coast in 2.5 hours.

I would book it for the scenery first and the marine life second. The cliffs and Punta de Teno are the reliable attractions. The snorkeling stop is a pleasant bonus, but sea conditions, visibility, and wildlife sightings can change.

At $53, it is a solid choice for an active outing with a friendly guide, one included drink, and limited group size. Just bring the right gear, prepare for possible motion, and understand that English commentary may not always be equally detailed. If those conditions suit you, this is an enjoyable way to see the coast from the water.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

It starts at Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes, at Pantalán 6, Puesto 2.

How long is the boat trip?

The experience lasts 2.5 hours, with departure times depending on availability.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat can accommodate a maximum of 12 passengers.

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.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in Spanish and English.