Tenerife: Discover Los Gigantes While Navigating a Boat

The striking part of this outing is simple: after a full briefing, you take the helm. From Los Gigantes Marina, you head along Tenerife’s west coast toward the giant volcanic cliffs, boat-only beaches, Masca Beach, and Teno Lighthouse. I like the freedom of a private group and the chance to reach places you cannot reach by road. I also like that Pedro is praised for calm, clear explanations and helpful planning.

The main catch is that this is a self-guided boating experience after instruction, not a fully escorted cruise. You need to feel comfortable on the water, be at least 18 to drive, and accept that the sea may not suit people prone to seasickness. Food and drinks are extra, and the €1 harbor fee per person is not included.

Key points at a glance

• You captain the boat: No boating license is required, but you must be 18 or older to drive.
• Los Gigantes is your backdrop: The trip begins and ends at the marina below Tenerife’s famous volcanic cliffs.
• A private boat for up to five: Your group does not share the boat with strangers.
• The route covers about 15 kilometers: Depending on conditions and timing, you may reach Masca Beach, Teno Lighthouse, and other boat-only spots.
• Swimming and snorkeling are built into the plan: A ladder, anchor, sun deck, cooler, and bimini top are provided.
• Pedro gets strong praise: His calm instruction and friendly help are especially useful for first-time boat drivers.

Taking the helm beneath Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes means the giants, a fitting name for the huge dark cliffs that rise along Tenerife’s west coast. The marina sits at their foot, giving you a dramatic setting before the boat even leaves the harbor.

This is not a standard sightseeing cruise where you sit back while someone else handles everything. You receive instruction on the boat’s controls, navigation rules, and emergency procedures, then operate the boat within the permitted area. That makes the experience feel more personal and active, especially if you have always wanted to steer a motorboat but never had the chance.

You do not need a boating license, but you do need to listen carefully. The safety briefing is described as thorough, and that is a good thing. Your freedom on the water depends on understanding the controls and the boundaries of the route.

Pedro is the named instructor who appears most often in the positive feedback. His calm explanations and friendly manner are worth noting. One couple even had him help plan a marriage proposal during the outing. That gives you a useful sense of his role: he is not simply handing over the keys and walking away. He helps you get set up and plan the time on the water.

The boat is for a private group of up to five people. That matters if you want a quiet outing with family or friends, or if you would rather not share a small vessel with strangers. It also means the price needs to be judged by the group, not just by one person.

What your first minutes at the marina involve

You meet at Los Gigantes Marina, at Calle los Guíos, 27. The operator is inside the paid parking area at Pier 7, following the line of restaurants and shops. Allow time to find the correct pier and organize your belongings before the activity begins.

At check-in, you can place shoes and bags in the boat’s storage cases. Shoes are not allowed indoors on the boat, so wear something easy to remove. Bring sunscreen and identification. Children must also have a passport or ID card, as must adults.

The boat includes practical equipment rather than luxury extras:

• A bimini top for shade
• A cooler box, which is not electric
• An anchor
• An integrated Bluetooth speaker
• A sun deck
• A boarding ladder
• A USB socket

These details shape the outing. The ladder makes getting back aboard easier after swimming, while the anchor lets you pause rather than constantly circle an area. The bimini top gives you some relief from the sun, but you should still use sunscreen. The cooler is useful for your own provisions, though you must bring the food and drinks yourself.

Smoking, glass objects, alcohol and drugs, fireworks, explosives, weapons, and sharp objects are not allowed. The rules are sensible for a small boat, and the ban on alcohol is especially important when you or anyone in your group may be operating the vessel.

Following the coast toward Masca Beach

The planned covered area is about 15 kilometers. The exact feel of the trip depends on your chosen duration, which ranges from one to four hours, and on the conditions at sea.

As you leave Los Gigantes, the cliffs provide the main visual drama. Their volcanic rock faces make this stretch of coast different from a simple beach excursion. You can enjoy the views while learning how the boat responds under your control.

Masca Beach is one of the major goals. Its appeal is its limited land access, making the approach from the water special. The beach is described as one of the places that can be reached by boat but not easily reached by ordinary road access. You may stop for photos, swimming, snorkeling, a picnic, or quiet time near the water.

Do not expect a long shore visit to be guaranteed. This is a boat outing, and the available time must be shared between navigation, stops, and the return to the marina. If Masca Beach is your top priority, ask at the briefing how much time is realistic for your chosen booking.

The boat carries a cooler, but food and drinks are not included. Pack a simple picnic and water if you want to make the most of a stop. Avoid glass containers, since glass objects are prohibited. Local snacks are listed among the possible activities, but you should confirm what is available and plan to bring your own provisions.

Teno Lighthouse and the boat-only coast

Teno Lighthouse offers another strong reason to choose this route. It marks the far end of the coastal scenery included in the outing and gives you a clear point of interest beyond the marina and cliffs.

The route is not presented as a rigid sightseeing schedule. It is better understood as a private boating session with a suggested area and possible stops. You may cruise past scenic viewpoints, pause for photographs, watch for dolphins or whales, and look at marine life from the boat.

Those sightings are possibilities, not promises. The same is true of the sunset option. If you want an evening departure, check the available starting times rather than assuming every booking includes sunset. The activity can last from one to four hours, so the longer option gives you more room for stops and relaxed time in the water.

This flexibility is a strength for a private group. You can put more attention on swimming, photos, or simply sitting on the sun deck. The tradeoff is that you may need to make choices. A short booking will not offer the same breathing room as a four-hour outing.

Swimming, snorkeling, and time at the secret stop

The itinerary includes a secret stop with time for photos, an aperitif, beer, wine, a picnic, swimming, snorkeling, local snacks, and marine-life viewing. Since food and drinks are excluded, think of these as activities you can arrange rather than refreshments supplied as part of the price.

The anchor and ladder make a stop more practical. You can secure the boat, climb down for a swim, then use the ladder to return. The sun deck is handy for drying off, while the bimini top gives you a shaded place to sit when the sun is strong.

The boat is not described as a dedicated snorkeling vessel, so bring your expectations down to a casual swim and snorkel from the boat. Snorkeling equipment is not listed among the included items, so confirm whether you need to bring your own gear.

A Bluetooth speaker and USB socket add comfort for a private group, but they do not change the basic nature of the outing. The main pleasure is being on the water beneath the cliffs, not a catered party. Keep music at a level that lets everyone hear instructions and enjoy the coast.

Is $235 good value for your group?

The price is $235 for a group of up to five. For five people, that works out to $47 each before the €1 harbor fee per person and any food, drinks, or transport costs. For two people, the cost per person is much higher, so the value improves noticeably when you fill most of the available places.

You are paying for privacy, boat access, instruction, and the chance to drive. That is a different product from a larger shared cruise. If your group wants to swim, take photos, and control the pace, the private format can justify the price.

The cost is less appealing if you mainly want a low-effort ride with a professional captain doing all the work. In that case, the self-drive feature may feel like an obligation rather than a benefit.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You must make your own way to Los Gigantes Marina, and the meeting point is inside a paid parking area. Add that time and parking cost to your plans. The €1 harbor charge per person is also separate.

The good news is that you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. That helps if you are arranging several Tenerife activities and need flexibility.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this for a small group that wants an active coastal outing rather than a passive boat ride. It works particularly well for friends, couples, and families who like the idea of sharing the controls and stopping for a swim.

It also suits someone celebrating a special occasion. Pedro helped one couple plan a proposal, so you can ask about arranging a personal moment within the trip. Do not assume special decorations or extras are included, but the private boat gives you more control over the setting.

You should think twice if you have a low fitness level, mobility impairment, or a strong tendency toward seasickness. The operator specifically says the activity is not suitable for those conditions. Getting on and off a small boat, using a ladder, and managing time on the water all require a reasonable level of comfort.

Children can join, but the person driving must be at least 18. Identification is required for adults and children. The provided information does not give a minimum child age, so ask before booking if you are bringing a young child.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Bring sunscreen, water, food if you want a picnic, and identification. Pack light because bags and shoes go into onboard storage rather than staying loose around the seating area.

Wear clothing that can handle spray and bring a towel if you plan to swim. A swimsuit is sensible for the water, though swimwear is not specifically listed as required. Confirm snorkeling equipment before you arrive, since it is not included in the equipment list.

Keep your schedule open enough to reach Pier 7 without rushing. The meeting point is at the marina, not at a hotel, and the activity both starts and finishes there.

If you are unsure about driving, tell the instructor during the briefing. The point is to enjoy the outing safely, not to prove anything. Pedro’s calm teaching style should help, but you still need to follow the rules and stay within the permitted area.

Should you book the Los Gigantes boat experience?

Book it if you want to drive your own private boat, see Tenerife’s west coast from the water, and make time for swimming or snorkeling near places such as Masca Beach and Teno Lighthouse. The private format, useful onboard equipment, and strong praise for Pedro’s clear instruction make it a good choice for a small group that values independence.

Skip it if you want a fully guided cruise, dislike small boats, or are prone to seasickness. Also check the price against your group size. At five people, the cost is reasonable for a private outing. With only one or two people, it becomes a more expensive way to spend a few hours.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start and finish?

It starts and finishes at Los Gigantes Marina in Tenerife, at Calle los Guíos, 27. The meeting point is inside the paid parking area at Pier 7, along the line of restaurants and shops.

How long does the experience last?

The duration can be from one to four hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers a private group of up to five people.

Do I need a boating license?

No boating license is required. However, the driver must be at least 18 years old and must follow the briefing and navigation rules.

Which languages are available?

Instruction is available in English and Spanish.

What places can I see from the boat?

The route covers about 15 kilometers and may include Masca Beach, Teno Lighthouse, and other coastal places that are difficult or impossible to reach by land.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are included among the possible activities during the stop. A ladder and anchor are provided.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. A cooler box is available, but it is not electric. Glass objects are not allowed.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen and a passport or ID card. You should also plan for any food, drinks, and personal items you want during the outing.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must arrange your own transport to and from Los Gigantes Marina.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.