Los Gigantes to Teno: Boat trip with snorkeling & drinks

The best part of this boat trip is the changing view from the water: you pass beneath the Cliffs of Los Gigantes, stop near Masca Beach, then continue toward Punta de Teno and its lighthouse. It is a fine way to see Tenerife’s rugged west coast from an angle roads cannot provide.

I like the 12-person maximum, which keeps the boat from feeling crowded, and I like that snorkeling gear and a drink are included rather than added at the dock. The main drawback is that sea conditions control the day, and snorkeling may be shorter than expected. English explanations can also be uneven when the group is mainly Spanish-speaking.

Key points at a glance

• A small boat with no more than 12 people: You get a more personal outing than on a large sightseeing vessel.
• Three strong coastal views: Los Gigantes, Masca Beach, and Punta de Teno each offer a different look at Tenerife’s western tip.
• A real swim stop: You can get into the sea, use the supplied goggles, and look for fish, octopus, rays, or perhaps a turtle.
• Guide Nico gets special praise: His friendly, easygoing manner has helped make several outings memorable.
• The route can change with the weather: Calm conditions may allow the boat to travel beyond Punta de Teno toward Buenavista.
• $53 covers the basics: The price includes 2.5 hours on the water, a drink, snorkeling goggles, and insurance.

Setting out beneath the Cliffs of Los Gigantes

You meet at Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes, at Pantalán 6, Puesto 2. Give yourself enough time to find the correct pontoon, since a marina can be confusing when several boats are loading at once.

Once the boat leaves the harbor, the main show begins quickly. Los Gigantes is known for its tall, dark cliffs dropping sharply into the sea. From the water, you see their full height more clearly than from a road or viewpoint. The boat spends about an hour along this part of the coast, with time for sightseeing, explanations, and photographs.

I like this opening because it gives you a sense of place before the swimming stop. The coast is not just a backdrop for a quick dip. The skipper helps point out the coves, rock formations, and marine setting, while the boat’s position lets you study the cliffs from below.

The exact route is not carved in stone. In good weather, the boat may continue around Punta de Teno and travel north toward Buenavista. One particularly calm outing reached almost that far, which is unusual for this trip. If the sea is rough or wind picks up, expect the skipper to put safety first and keep closer to the planned route.

That flexibility is worth understanding before you book. You are paying for time on the coast, not a guaranteed distance marker. The cliffs, coves, and sea views are the reliable part. The farthest point reached depends on the day.

Masca Beach and the snorkeling stop

The boat then reaches Masca Beach, where the schedule allows about 50 minutes for free time, swimming, photographs, and snorkeling. This is the practical center of the outing. Bring your swimsuit already under your clothes, because the boat trip does not include changing facilities.

The water is described as clear, and goggles are supplied. You may see small fish, flying fish, octopus, rays, or sea turtles, but wild marine life never follows a timetable. You should treat those animals as a possible bonus rather than a promise.

The rules here are sensible and important. Do not feed or touch marine life, and do not fish. The point is to watch the sea without disturbing it. If a turtle or other animal appears, give it room and let the guide manage the encounter.

Plan for roughly half an hour of actual snorkeling rather than assuming the entire 50-minute stop will be spent with your face in the water. The remaining time can include getting ready, swimming, taking photos, and having your drink. One person found the snorkeling portion too short, so bring realistic expectations if swimming is your main reason for booking.

The water stop also depends on conditions. A calm bay can make this easy and pleasant, while wind, swell, or personal seasickness can change the mood quickly. One family had beautiful conditions and still had a member become seasick. If you are prone to motion sickness, take that possibility seriously even though the trip is only 2.5 hours.

Punta de Teno, the western tip of the route

After the swim, the boat continues toward Punta de Teno. This is the far western point of the route and one of the most appealing reasons to choose this trip over a shorter outing around Los Gigantes.

You get time for a photo stop, sightseeing, and a guided look at the coast. On a favorable day, the boat reaches the point itself and you can see the lighthouse. A cave visit has also been included on an outing, although you should not assume every trip will enter one. Weather, sea conditions, and the skipper’s judgment shape what is possible.

Punta de Teno gives the trip a clear sense of distance. You are not simply circling the marina and returning for a swim. You are following Tenerife’s western edge toward a remote-feeling headland, then turning back along the cliffs.

The return route is often just as rewarding as the outbound journey. From this direction, the cliffs catch the light differently, and you have time to settle into the ride after the more active snorkeling stop. Keep your camera handy, but protect it from spray.

What the small-group format changes

The boat holds a maximum of 12 passengers. That number matters more than it may first appear. You have a better chance of seeing the coast from the side of the boat, asking the skipper a question, and getting into the water without a long queue.

A smaller group also gives the outing a relaxed feel. On one especially quiet departure, only four people were aboard. That is not something you can count on, but it shows how different the trip can feel from a full-size sightseeing boat.

There is a tradeoff. A small boat usually gives you a closer-to-the-water ride, which also means you feel the motion more directly. If you prefer a steady deck and lots of room to walk around, a larger vessel may suit you better. Here, the reward is a more direct view of the coast and a more personal relationship with the skipper.

Nico has been singled out for his friendly style and enthusiasm for the ocean. He has helped keep the trip lively and approachable. The listed languages are Spanish and English, but explanations may lean toward Spanish when most of the group speaks it. If detailed commentary in English is essential to you, ask questions early and clearly, and be prepared for some information to be less complete than the scenery.

The drink and what is really included

The $53 price includes a 2.5-hour boat ride, one refreshing drink, snorkeling goggles, and personal accident and civil responsibility insurance. You can choose water, a soft drink, or beer. That is a reasonable package for a small-group trip that reaches both Masca Beach and Punta de Teno.

The drink is a pleasant extra, not a full refreshment service. Bring your own practical supplies, especially water if you do not want to use your included drink for hydration. Food is not listed as part of the trip, so eat before you arrive or plan accordingly.

For a couple or solo visitor, the cost is easier to justify. You are paying for a focused coastal outing with a limited group, rather than a full day of transport and sightseeing. For a family, the total can add up quickly. One parent described it as a significant family expense, even while finding the scenery and skipper worthwhile.

The value is strongest if you want three things at once: the Los Gigantes cliffs, a swim in the sea, and Punta de Teno. If you only want a short ride or only care about snorkeling, a cheaper local option might be enough. If you would otherwise arrange separate sightseeing and water activities, this combines them neatly in one morning or afternoon.

Weather, sea motion, and practical comfort

The west coast can look calm from land while still feeling lively under a small boat. Conditions affect the route, the comfort of the ride, and the length of the swimming stop. Calm weather may allow a longer run toward Buenavista. Rougher conditions may mean a more cautious route.

Wear swimwear and bring a towel, hat, and sunscreen. You should also bring a passport or identity card, as requested for the activity. Sunscreen is especially useful because there is little shade on the water and the reflection makes the sun feel stronger.

Smoking, fishing, speakers, alcohol and drugs, weapons, sharp objects, fireworks, explosives, fire, and feeding or touching marine life are not allowed. Nudity is also prohibited. These rules are easy to follow and help keep a compact boat safe and pleasant for everyone.

If you are bringing a baby or young child, add the child to the booking even when the child joins free of charge. The boat has a strict capacity of 12, so an unlisted child could create a boarding problem.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date rather than assuming a fixed departure.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this trip if you want a manageable half-day activity with strong scenery and a little time in the water. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families who are comfortable on a small boat and do not need a long, structured lecture about the coast.

It is also a good match if Punta de Teno is on your list but you want to see it from the sea. The route gives you the cliffs and Masca Beach along the way, so the trip feels like more than a single-point transfer.

You may want to think twice if you dislike boat motion, need guaranteed long snorkeling time, or expect full commentary in English. The sea can be unpredictable, the swim stop is limited, and the language balance may depend on the group.

Strong swimmers will get the most from the stop, but you do not need to make snorkeling your entire goal. You can use the time for a dip, floating, photographs, or simply enjoying the coast from the boat. Ask the guide about conditions before entering the water.

My booking advice

I would book this for the combination of Los Gigantes, Masca Beach, and Punta de Teno in one compact outing. The small group, included goggles, and drink make the $53 price fair, especially if you value a quieter boat and direct access to the coast.

Book with realistic expectations. You are not guaranteed a particular animal, a full hour of snorkeling, a cave visit, or a run beyond Punta de Teno. You are guaranteed a 2.5-hour coastal trip, a swimming and snorkeling stop, and a chance to see Tenerife’s western cliffs from the water.

If the forecast looks calm and you are happy with a flexible route, this is a strong choice. If you are sensitive to seasickness, pack accordingly and consider whether the boat itself will be as enjoyable as the destination. For most people seeking scenery, salt water, and a small-group outing, the balance is good.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

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

How long does the experience last?

The boat trip lasts 2.5 hours, including the coastal sightseeing, Masca Beach stop, snorkeling, and return to Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in Spanish and English.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Goggles are included, and the boat stops so you can swim and snorkel in the sea.

What drink is included?

You can choose water, a soft drink, or beer.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.