Boat routes beat the bus for scenery. This 2-hour trip runs along the Los Gigantes cliffs from Punta de Teno, with a Masca stop, a swim, and a snorkeling session in clear open water. You get a focused slice of Tenerife’s coast, plus a drink included while you’re out there.

What I like most is the mix of big coastal drama and hands-on ocean time. You’ll sail past quiet bays and natural coves, then actually get in the water with provided snorkeling goggles. I also like that the boat is small (up to 12), so the skipper’s explanations can be heard clearly—on some departures, the helm has been run by Nico, who mixes humor with real info about Los Gigantes and marine life. One possible drawback: getting to Punta de Teno takes bus timing, and Punta de Teno itself has no stores or food—so if you show up late or empty-handed, you’ll feel it.

Quick take: what you’ll notice right away

• Los Gigantes cliffs from the water: the views come fast, and you’re moving instead of stuck looking across a roadside turnout
• Snorkeling goggles included: gear is taken care of, so you can show up pack-light
• A drink on board: water plus soft drink or beer keeps the trip feeling good, not rushed
• A short swim stop in cliff bays: you get a real water break, not just a photo stop
• Small group (12 max): easier conversation and more space to watch the sea
• You’ll plan around buses: the meeting point is reached by bus from Buenavista del Norte, not direct car access

Getting to Punta de Teno: the part that needs your attention

Punta de Teno is where the trip starts, but access by private car is restricted. Practically, that means you’ll travel by car only as far as Buenavista del Norte, then take a public bus up to Punta de Teno.

The bus line to know is Line 369, which runs about every hour all year round from 10:00 in the morning. The ticket is €1, payable by cash or card (and with the TEN+ card). It’s usually crowded, so give yourself extra buffer and buy the ticket right at the station.

Timing matters because the tour has a courtesy waiting time of 15 minutes at Punta de Teno. After that, the route starts and you won’t get a refund. If you’re booked on a 12:00 departure, plan around the bus leaving at 11:05. For a 14:00 departure, use the bus leaving at 13:10. That’s not just trivia—it’s how you avoid the stressful sprint that can ruin a good day.

Also, Punta de Teno has no catering services, stores, or food and beverage outlets. So even if the boat includes a drink, bring something to eat and extra water before you go. Think of it as preventing the one moment that nobody wants: being hungry while you’re waiting for the boat.

Cruise route: Los Gigantes cliffs, coves, and quiet sea time

Once you’re aboard, the experience is all about moving along the coast and letting the shoreline shape the trip. You’ll cruise through crystal-clear waters between quiet bays and natural coves, with the Los Gigantes coastline in view for a big chunk of the journey.

This is the kind of itinerary where you stop being a spectator and start being a participant. From the boat you can see how the cliffs meet the sea, how coves create calmer water pockets, and how the coastline changes as you pass points and inlets. It also helps that the trip is only 2 hours. Short trips are ideal here because weather and sea conditions can change, and you still end up with a complete, satisfying plan.

There’s also a live element: a guide/host is on board in English and Spanish, and the skipper provides explanations as you sail. On smaller boats, that turns the route from background scenery into a guided story—especially for the geology and the marine life.

One practical note: activities at sea can shift due to schedule changes. If the sea is choppy, the crew will adjust for safety and conditions. The good news is that the format is flexible enough that you still get the core highlights—coast views, a stop for swimming, and snorkeling.

Stop in Teno: the quick photo and orientation moment

Your itinerary includes a stop around Teno, with time for a photo stop and sightseeing. This part is brief, but it’s useful. I like these short orientation moments because they help you place what you’re seeing later from the boat and at Masca.

Even if you don’t plan to explore far on shore, you’ll likely get a better sense of the coastline’s shape—where the cliffs break up, how the sea-facing scenery lines up, and what the surrounding area looks like from land. It’s also a nice reset before the trip shifts into swim-and-snorkel mode.

Masca Beach time: swimming, snorkeling, and breathing room

Masca is where the trip turns from sailing to water time. You’ll have a break period with a mix of photo time, visiting, and some free time. Then comes the part most people booked for: swimming and snorkeling.

You’ll snorkel in the open sea with a stop specifically set up for it. Goggles are provided, which is a genuine convenience—snorkeling gear is one of those things that can add hassle and cost when it’s not included. If you’ve never snorkeled before, this is a straightforward way to try it without building an entire kit.

What you might see is the real draw. Tenerife waters can host sea turtles, manta rays, and octopus, among other marine life. You shouldn’t plan on spotting any one species guaranteed, but the trip is designed for good chances in the right conditions. Even if you only see smaller fish and changing water textures, snorkeling here can still feel like a different view of the coast—because you’re seeing life where the cliffs meet the water.

What to watch for: Masca time includes swimming and snorkeling, so it’s not the moment for heavy shoes or extra layers. Bring what you need, keep it simple, and be ready to get in the water when the crew signals it.

Drink and small onboard comforts that change the mood

The cruise includes a refreshing drink as part of the trip. You’ll have water, and then a soft drink or beer is included. It sounds basic, but in practice it’s one of those small comforts that makes a short boat trip feel complete rather than purely functional.

You’re also getting more than the drink. The included package covers personal accident insurance and civil responsibility insurance. That doesn’t replace common sense, but it does add a layer of reassurance for time on the water.

If you like the idea of a “sail, snorkel, snack-ish” day, this is built in that direction. The swim stop plus drink keeps the pacing realistic: you’re out there for 2 hours, not trapped in a long schedule where the best part happens too early or too late.

Gear and what to bring (so you don’t improvise)

This trip gives you snorkeling goggles, but it doesn’t give you everything you might want at the beach. Here’s what you should plan to bring:

• Swimwear and beachwear (this is the big one)
• A sun hat and sunscreen
• A towel
• Your ID/passport

You should also expect that water time is part of the plan, so arriving in gear you can use quickly helps.

And double-check the rules before you go. Fishing isn’t allowed, and feeding animals isn’t allowed either. Alcohol and drugs are also listed as not permitted. If you’re thinking of bringing extra stuff onto the boat, keep it to what’s allowed and focus on the included drink rather than adding more.

Finally, think about what you can carry comfortably. Punta de Teno is reached by bus and the start point is practical rather than resort-like, so pack for efficiency.

Small group sailing: why it feels better on a 12-person boat

The boat accommodates a maximum of 12 passengers, which changes the vibe. With fewer people onboard, it’s easier to move for photos, keep an eye on the sea, and ask questions without shouting over everyone.

It also makes the skipper’s role feel more personal. You’ll get live guidance in English and Spanish, and the skipper’s commentary helps connect the dots—how Los Gigantes formed, what you’re likely to see in the water, and why this coastline behaves the way it does. The result is that the cliffs don’t feel like random scenery. They feel like a place with a story and a living ecosystem.

If you value interaction over sitting silently, this is the format that usually delivers it.

Pricing and value: is $40 a fair deal?

At about $40 per person for a 2-hour boat outing, the value is mostly in what’s packaged together. You’re paying for a short, focused coastline cruise that includes:

• a drink (water plus soft drink or beer)
• a planned stop for a swim in cliff-bay waters
• snorkeling goggles
• insurance coverage for the activity
• a small group with live guidance

You’re not just buying transportation. You’re buying access to sea views, plus a water-based activity without needing to source gear or coordinate a bigger day.

Where value can drop for some people is if you’re expecting a long beach day. This is not that. It’s a fast, scenic route with a snorkeling window. If your priority is hours of lounging on sand, you may prefer a longer on-land plan. But if you want a memorable Tenerife experience that’s efficient and built around the ocean, the price feels reasonable.

Who should book, and who might skip

I think this tour is a strong match if you:

• want Los Gigantes and Masca without a full-day commitment
• like snorkeling but don’t want to manage gear
• prefer smaller groups and clearer communication on board
• are okay with bus-based logistics to reach Punta de Teno

You might reconsider if you:

• dislike coordinating bus schedules
• need a long, uninterrupted stretch of beach time
• get uncomfortable on boats if conditions are rough (the trip can change with sea conditions)

The smart move is to treat it as a “coast + water” outing. If that’s your goal, you’re in the right place.

Should you book the Teno to Masca boat trip with snorkeling?

Yes, if you want an efficient Tenerife hit: cliffs from the water, Masca time, and a snorkeling stop that turns the trip from scenery into an experience. The included drink and snorkeling goggles reduce hassle, and the small 12-person limit helps the trip feel personal rather than crowded.

Before you book, do two quick checks: make sure you can get to Punta de Teno on time by bus (and build in buffer for crowds at Buenavista), and pack your swim gear plus a towel and sunscreen since they aren’t included. If you do those two things, you’ll spend your attention where it belongs—watching the cliffs slide by and keeping an eye on the water.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the boat trip from Punta de Teno to Masca?

The duration is 2 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The trip includes a 2-hour boat ride, a refreshing drink (water and soft drink or beer), a stop for a dip in one of the bays, snorkeling goggles, and personal accident and civil responsibility insurance.

Is snorkeling included, and do I get goggles?

Yes. There is a snorkeling stop in the open sea, and goggles for snorkeling are included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends back at the meeting point in Punta de Teno.

What drink is included during the trip?

You’ll get a refreshing drink that can be water, soft drink, or beer.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit or towel?

Yes. Swimwear and a towel are not included, so you should bring them.

How do I get to Punta de Teno if private car access is restricted?

You can travel by car up to Buenavista del Norte, then take a public bus to Punta de Teno. Bus Line 369 leaves from Buenavista del Norte roughly hourly.

What bus time should I plan for if my excursion is at 12:00 or 14:00?

For the 12:00 excursion, plan to take at least the bus leaving at 11:05. For the 14:00 excursion, plan to take at least the bus leaving at 13:10.

Is food available at Punta de Teno before the tour?

No. Punta de Teno has no catering services, stores, or food and beverage outlets, so bring something to eat and drink.

What cancellation options do I have?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.

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