Cliffs by boat beat any viewpoint. I like the small-group feel (max 12) and the fact you get real snorkeling time in open water, not just a quick float-and-forget moment. You cruise between quiet bays and natural coves, with a skipper who actually knows the coast—and on some trips, the pacing can stretch out when the sea behaves.

One possible drawback: the snorkeling stop can feel short, and if you do not speak Spanish well, you may get fewer answers since the guide often explains in Spanish (Nico is great, but you’ll want to be ready to follow along).

Key Things That Make This Trip Worth Your Time

• Los Gigantes to Punta de Teno with a guided feel instead of a pure sightseeing cruise
• Masca Beach included with free time plus the chance to swim
• Open-sea snorkeling stop with goggles provided
• Drink on board (beer or soft drink) that keeps things easy and relaxed
• Route flexibility when the wind allows, so you may go farther than you’d expect
• Small group of up to 12, which helps you hear the skipper and spot details

Los Gigantes to Punta de Teno: the “quiet coves” part matters

This is the kind of Tenerife outing that works because the scenery is active. You’re not stuck staring from one spot. You’re moving along the dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs, then heading toward Punta de Teno, with stops that break up the trip into photo time, swimming/snorkeling time, and onboard sightseeing.

The best part is how the boat route focuses on coastal geography: small bays, natural coves, and stretches of coastline that look almost unreal from the water. When the wind is low, you can get a noticeably better run along the coast. That turns a “standard cruise” into a more satisfying loop.

I also like that the trip is built around marine viewing you can do yourself. The snorkeling stop is not just window dressing. You get to look into clear water with goggles and a chance to spot the marine life Tenerife is known for—things like sea turtles, manta rays, and octopus (of course, you can’t guarantee what shows up on any single stop).

How to Get There Fast: Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes meeting point

Plan to arrive a little early. The meeting point is Puerto deportivo los gigantes, Pantalán 6, Puesto 2. If you show up at the last second, you’ll burn energy you could be spending on photos.

This is a boat day, so pack like you expect to get damp. You’ll want swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The tour does not include those extras, which is a small but important detail—bring them and you’ll avoid the classic last-minute scramble.

Also remember what is not allowed on board: smoking, weapons/sharp objects, alcohol and drugs, and anything that harms the water-life experience like feeding animals or touching marine life. If you’re traveling with a speaker or planning to play music, that also won’t fly.

The Los Gigantes Stage: 1 hour of cliffs, caves, and orientation

You start at Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes and settle in for the first major stop around Los Gigantes. Expect a photo stop plus a guided tour/sightseeing stretch of about an hour.

Why this part is worth it: it gives you your bearings. From the water, the cliffs look different than they do from land roads and viewpoints. You start to understand where coves open up, where the light hits the rock, and why the coastline changes so quickly as you move along.

You may also catch glimpses of features you’d miss if you were only driving past—some trips include a look into coastal areas like caves, depending on route conditions. You’re not guaranteed a specific “wow” structure every time, but the guided element helps you connect the dots instead of just snapping pictures at random.

Masca Beach in the middle: swimming plus snorkeling, with a drink

After Los Gigantes, you reach Masca Beach for a 50-minute break. This is where the tour shifts from scenic viewing into active water time.

You’ll get:

• a photo stop
• free time
• beer (and it also includes soft drinks as part of the onboard option)
• swimming
• snorkeling

Two practical notes here. First, bring a towel and sunscreen even if you plan to stay mostly in the shade. The sun can hit hard once you’re out at sea. Second, if you’re hoping for a long snorkeling session, be realistic: this is a short beach stop and the snorkeling rhythm is timed.

That said, this is still a meaningful water window. You’re not just dipping your feet. The trip includes an intentional swim/snorkel moment in clear water, and you get goggles as part of the package.

What you might see under the water

Tenerife’s marine life is a big selling point, and this trip is built around that promise. You’ll have the chance to admire marine fauna in open water—think sea turtles and other creatures that people associate with the island. The exact animals you see will depend on conditions and what’s in the area that day.

Also note the rules: you should not touch marine life, and you should avoid anything that stresses animals. Watching quietly is the easiest way to make your odds better.

If you get motion sickness

One word of honesty: a boat outing can make some people seasick. If you’re sensitive, bring your usual remedy and plan for a slower pace on the deck. Sitting where you feel less movement can help. You can still have a great day—just protect yourself early.

Punta de Teno: the north-coast feeling and a longer sightseeing block

Then you head to Punta de Teno. This part runs about one hour, with a photo stop and time for visit/guided sightseeing.

This is the stretch that adds depth. Los Gigantes gives you towering cliffs. Punta de Teno adds variety and that “north coast” feel—more rugged, more textured, and often a little more dramatic in how the light lands.

On some days, you might even catch recognizable landmarks from the water, such as a lighthouse near Punta de Teno. You could also see other coastal features along the way depending on the route and sea conditions. The key idea: the skipper isn’t just driving in straight lines; they’re reading conditions and choosing viewpoints.

Because the boat is small, you’re closer to the action. That matters for photos and for actually understanding what you’re looking at when the guide points out the coastline.

Small group + real skipper guidance: where the tour shines

This trip works because it’s not huge and chaotic. It’s limited to 12 participants, and that changes everything: you can hear directions, ask questions more easily, and you’re less likely to feel like a number.

The tour is led by a skipper and a live guide in Spanish and English. Some guides lean more Spanish than English while speaking with the whole group. If you only understand basic Spanish, you might want to keep your questions simple and your expectations flexible.

Still, the guidance is a major highlight. Names came up in feedback, including Nico, who gets praised for making the excursion enjoyable and for his ocean passion. That kind of enthusiasm helps you slow down and look closer—at the rock shapes, the way coves form, and how the water changes in different stretches.

Snorkeling gear, swim rules, and what you should pack

You do get snorkeling goggles, which saves you from buying gear you might not use again. You also get time to swim and snorkel during the stop(s), plus a drink while you’re cruising.

But you should bring the basics that are not included:

• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• hat (not provided)
• anything else you personally need for comfort

And don’t forget your identity document. You’ll be asked to carry passport or ID card.

One more practical thing: the rules explicitly prohibit touching marine life and feeding animals. That’s not just “don’t be rude.” It protects both you and the animals and keeps the experience natural.

Price check: is $53 good value for this 2.5-hour day?

At about $53 per person for a 2.5-hour cruise, this is priced as a mid-range boat tour, and the value comes from the mix:

• the cliff-to-coast route (Los Gigantes to Punta de Teno)
• Masca Beach included
• an on-board drink (beer or soft drink option)
• goggles for snorkeling
• insurance coverage including personal accident insurance and civil responsibility coverage

You also save effort. You’re not coordinating transport, finding a snorkeling spot, and arranging gear. The day is packaged around a timed route, with a skipper and guide to explain what you’re seeing.

If you’re comparing costs, treat this like a “you pay for access” day: access to the best coastline from the water, plus guided context, plus snorkeling support.

Who this tour fits best (and who might want a different option)

This trip is a great match if you want:

• dramatic coastal scenery without long car transfers
• a small group experience
• an outing that includes both photos and water time
• snorkeling as part of the plan, not an optional extra

It’s also a sensible pick for couples and friends who can enjoy a shared pace. The itinerary is timed enough to feel structured, but relaxed enough that you’re not sprinting from stop to stop.

If you’re traveling with young kids or babies, there’s a practical point in the tour rules: young children or babies that can join the tour for free may be added when booking so there’s space on board. (As always, I’d confirm details based on your exact situation so you’re not guessing.)

If you do not speak much Spanish and you need frequent explanations, consider that the guide may address some questions in Spanish with other participants. You can still enjoy the scenery and the water time—you just might not catch every spoken detail.

Quick on-board reality: timing, comfort, and expectations

You’re on the water for about 2.5 hours, and the schedule is built to balance three needs: viewpoints, Masca water time, and Punta de Teno sightseeing.

Here’s what you should expect in plain terms:

• You’ll get your cliff views first.
• You’ll get your beach-and-water stop in the middle.
• You’ll finish with another guided coast block and photos.

If the sea is calm, you can get a better run. If it isn’t, the skipper still has to protect comfort and safety, so some coastal reach can vary.

Should you book this Los Gigantes to Teno boat trip?

If your goal is a coastline-focused boat day with snorkeling help, Masca Beach time, and a included drink, I’d book it. The small-group size and the fact you get goggles and a guided approach make it feel like you’re paying for the right parts, not just sitting on a big ferry.

I would think twice only if you’re very language-dependent for explanations or if you’re extremely sensitive to sea conditions and motion. In that case, plan for comfort first and bring your own way to keep calm.

If you’re mostly here for the views, the water, and a well-timed day that doesn’t waste time, this is one of the more practical ways to experience Tenerife’s west-and-north coastline.

FAQ

How long is the Los Gigantes to Teno boat trip?

The duration is 2.5 hours.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at Puerto deportivo los gigantes, Pantalán 6, Puesto 2.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The trip includes a snorkeling stop and includes goggles.

Is a drink included?

Yes. You get a complimentary drink, with options like beer and soft drink.

How many people are on the boat?

The boat is limited to a maximum of 12 participants.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide provides Spanish and English.

What should I bring for the tour?

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

Is a swimsuit or towel provided?

No. Swimming suit, hat, sunscreen, and towel are not included.

What’s not allowed on board?

Smoking is not allowed, and there are also restrictions on weapons/sharp objects, alcohol and drugs, feeding animals, touching marine life, and making fires or using fireworks.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, there is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Tenerife Buggy Tour with Route Options Coast Mountain SunsetMount Teide Night Tour: Stargazing, Dinner and Hotel Pick upTenerife: MHT – Music Hall Tavern Comedy Drag Dinner ShowTenerife: Mount Teide Observatory Guided Tour