Los Gigantes to Teno: Boat trip with snorkeling & drinks

The cliffs are only the beginning. This 2.5-hour boat trip links Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes with Masca Beach and Punta de Teno, giving you a close view of Tenerife’s rugged west coast from the water. I especially like the small maximum group of 12 and the chance to stop for swimming and snorkeling rather than simply cruise past the scenery.

The route is also a good value at $53 per person, since it includes a drink, snorkeling goggles, insurance, and a skipper who knows the coast. The main caution is that the English commentary may be limited at times, and open-water conditions can make some people seasick.

Key points to know before booking

• Punta de Teno is the main reason to choose this trip: The boat goes to Tenerife’s western tip, with views toward the lighthouse and, when conditions allow, farther north toward Buenavista.
• The group is capped at 12 people: That gives you a better chance of seeing the coast without feeling packed onto a large excursion boat.
• Masca Beach is the swimming stop: You get free time for a dip and snorkeling in clear water, with goggles supplied.
• Skipper Nico receives especially warm praise: His friendly manner and enthusiasm for the ocean can make the ride feel personal and relaxed.
• The trip is not only about wildlife: You may see fish, flying fish, an octopus, a turtle, or other marine life, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• Bring everything for the water: Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat are not included.

Setting out from Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes

You meet at Pantalán 6, Puesto 2, inside Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes. Take a little time to find the exact berth before departure, especially if you are arriving close to the start time. The marina is the practical starting point for a route that quickly turns scenic.

Once the boat leaves the harbor, Los Gigantes becomes the star of the first part of the trip. These immense volcanic cliffs rise directly from the sea, and viewing them from below gives you a sense of their height that is hard to get from land. The boat can approach the coastal rock formations closely enough for photographs, although the exact route depends on sea and weather conditions.

The first sightseeing section lasts about an hour according to the planned schedule. That does not mean you sit through a formal lecture for 60 minutes. Expect a mixture of cruising, photographs, coastal commentary, and time to take in the cliffs.

The small boat matters here. With no more than 12 people, you have a reasonable chance of getting a clear view over the side and asking the skipper a question. It is a more intimate setup than a large catamaran, though a smaller boat also feels the movement of the sea more clearly.

Masca Beach and the open-water swim

The stop at Masca Beach is the active center of the trip. You get roughly 50 minutes for a break, photographs, swimming, and snorkeling, although the time actually spent in the water can be closer to 30 minutes on some departures. If snorkeling is your priority, get your equipment ready before the boat stops so you do not lose valuable minutes.

Goggles are included, but you need to bring your own swimwear and towel. Sunscreen is essential, especially because the reflected light from the sea can catch you out even when the air feels comfortable. A hat is useful during the cruising portions, but keep it secure because the wind can pick up.

The water is described as clear, and the coast is home to marine species including fish, octopus, turtles, and manta rays. You may also spot flying fish. Still, treat the wildlife claims as possibilities, not promises. The value of the stop is the chance to look beneath the surface in a natural setting, not a guaranteed animal encounter.

There are rules that protect the area and the animals. You cannot feed or touch marine life, fish, smoke, or bring speakers. Those restrictions are sensible on a small coastal trip, and they help keep the stop quiet and respectful.

A complimentary drink is included. You can choose water, a soft drink, or beer, with the drink usually served during the cruise or after the swim. It is a modest inclusion, but welcome after time in the water. Remember that bringing extra alcohol is not allowed.

Punta de Teno, Tenerife’s western tip

After Masca Beach, the boat continues toward Punta de Teno. This is one of the most rewarding parts of the route because it takes you to the far western end of Tenerife, where the coast feels more exposed and dramatic.

The planned visit includes sightseeing, photographs, and a guided look at the area. In calm conditions, the boat may pass the tip and continue north toward Buenavista. One particularly favorable outing reached almost that far, which is unusual and depends on the weather and sea state. You should see Punta de Teno as the fixed goal, while any extra distance is a bonus.

The lighthouse is another worthwhile detail. It may not dominate the trip, but spotting it helps you understand where you are on the island. A cave visit has also been part of the route, though this should not be treated as guaranteed. Boat routes change with conditions, and safety comes first.

The return along the cliffs gives you a second chance to see the rock faces from a different angle. This is when I would keep the camera away for a few minutes and simply watch the coast. The scale of Los Gigantes is easier to appreciate when the boat pulls away and the full wall of rock comes into view.

What the skipper adds to the experience

The trip includes a live guide in Spanish and English. The staff are described as friendly and helpful, and Nico is singled out for making the outing good-humored and engaging. His interest in the ocean comes through in the way he handles the trip.

The language side needs a little caution. English is available, but the explanation may not be equally detailed throughout the outing. One passenger had trouble asking questions in English, while another found that Nico answered many questions in Spanish because most of the group spoke Spanish.

That does not make the tour unsuitable for English speakers. It does mean you should book it mainly for the coast, swimming, and small-boat atmosphere, rather than expecting a long, polished lecture in English. If you have a specific question about marine life or the route, ask clearly and early.

The skipper’s experience also matters for the route itself. Punta de Teno is exposed, and going beyond the tip depends on conditions. A good skipper will adjust the plan rather than force a schedule when the sea is rough.

How much value do you get for $53?

At $53 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Los Gigantes, but it offers more than a basic sightseeing ride. You get 2.5 hours on the water, a small group, a swim and snorkeling stop, goggles, a drink, and visits to both Masca Beach and Punta de Teno.

The strongest value is the combination of scenery and time. You are not paying only for a short photograph stop beneath the cliffs. You also have time to swim, look for marine life, and reach Tenerife’s western tip.

The price is less attractive if you dislike boats, do not plan to swim, or want a detailed English-language coastal talk. Families should also think about the total cost, since $53 per person adds up quickly. Children and babies who join free still need to be added to the booking so their places are counted within the 12-person limit.

The included insurance is useful, though it should not influence your decision as much as the route and boat size. The main question is simple: do you want a close coastal view with time in the water? If yes, the price is reasonable for Tenerife.

Conditions, comfort, and possible drawbacks

A boat trip along the west coast is weather dependent. One outing had such calm conditions that it could go beyond Punta de Teno, while another might need to keep closer to the planned route. This is normal for a sea excursion, not a flaw in the operator.

Sea sickness is the practical concern most likely to affect your enjoyment. At least one person became unwell during the ride. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the boat moves least, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider using whatever usual remedy you already know works for you. Do not assume the short duration makes seasickness impossible.

There is no mention of a towel, sunscreen, hat, or swimsuit being supplied. Bring all four. You should also carry your passport or identity card, which is listed among the required items.

The boat does not permit smoking, weapons, sharp objects, fireworks, explosives, fires, nudity, drugs, or fishing. You also cannot bring speakers. These rules are easy to follow and are aimed at safety and protecting the marine setting.

The boat’s maximum of 12 people is a major benefit, but it also means spaces are limited. If you are traveling with a child or baby, add that person during booking even if there is no charge. The trip offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now-pay-later option gives you some flexibility.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would choose this experience if you want several parts of Tenerife’s west coast in one outing. It suits couples, small families, and friends who want dramatic cliffs, a swim, and a more personal boat ride without spending a full day at sea.

It is especially good for people staying near Los Gigantes who do not want to arrange separate transport to Masca Beach or Punta de Teno. The route gathers the main coastal sights into a manageable half-day activity.

You should think twice if you need a fully detailed English tour or if you are very prone to seasickness. It is also not the right choice if you want guaranteed turtle or manta-ray sightings. Nature decides what appears beside the boat.

For families, check the age and swimming comfort of every child before booking. The boat accommodates only 12 people, and the open-water stop requires sensible supervision. The rules also prohibit feeding or touching animals, so this is best for children who can follow instructions around wildlife.

Should you book the Los Gigantes to Teno trip?

Book it if you want cliffs, Punta de Teno, and a swim in one compact outing. The strongest features are the small group, the beautiful return along the Los Gigantes cliffs, and the chance to reach the western tip by water. A friendly skipper such as Nico can add plenty of warmth to the trip.

Go in with realistic expectations. Wildlife sightings are luck, the English commentary may be uneven, and the sea can cause motion sickness. Bring your own water-day essentials, ask questions early, and treat any extra route beyond Punta de Teno as a pleasant surprise.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

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

How long does the experience last?

The advertised duration is 2.5 hours.

What places does the boat visit?

The route travels from Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes along the Los Gigantes cliffs, stops at Masca Beach, and continues to Punta de Teno before returning to the marina.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The trip includes a stop for swimming and snorkeling, and goggles are provided.

Is a drink included?

Yes. You can receive water, a soft drink, or beer.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat.

What languages are available?

The live guide is available in Spanish and English.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The boat can accommodate a maximum of 12 passengers. Children and babies who join free still need to be added during booking so their places are reserved.