Crystal water and cliff views in 2.5 hours. This trip along Tenerife’s west coast gives you Los Gigantes from the water, then pairs it with a Masca Beach stop and a real open-sea snorkeling moment. I especially like the mix of big-view cruising plus hands-on water time, and the fact that you’re not stuck on a huge boat—this one runs as a small group (max 12). The main thing to consider: snorkeling time can feel short if conditions tighten up or the group needs to rotate faster than you expect.

You also get a proper skipper-led outing, not just a ride. From the pier, you’ll cruise quiet bays and natural coves, then return with salt-on-your-face memories and photos you’ll actually use.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Max 12 passengers means you get closer, quicker help with gear, and less crowd noise.
• Los Gigantes + Punta de Teno is a two-cliff-points-of-view kind of route, with photo stops built in.
• Masca Beach break gives you time to swim and grab classic coastal shots.
• Snorkeling gear is included (goggles), plus a stop in open sea for marine-life watching.
• A complimentary drink (beer and soft drink) is part of the rhythm, not an afterthought.
• Skipper-led navigation can push farther on calm days, depending on wind and sea state.

Los Gigantes Pier to Open Water: The Part You Feel Immediately

Most people come to Los Gigantes for the cliffs. What I like about this tour is that you get them from the water first, so the scale hits right away. You start at Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes at the pier (Pantalán 6, Puesto 2). Then the boat heads out along the dramatic coastline, threading through quiet pockets of water where you can actually see the sea change color.

The cruise section is built for looking, not rushing. There’s a photo stop on Los Gigantes with sightseeing time, and you’ll get guidance while you take in the cliff faces and shoreline curves. It’s also one of those times when wind and sun matter a lot: if it’s bright, the water looks unreal; if it’s breezier, you’ll feel it on deck. Either way, you’re set up for the rest of the day because you’re already oriented to the coastline before you start doing anything in the water.

If you’re the type who likes “views first, activity second,” this order works. You’re not trying to snorkel while you’re still trying to understand where Punta de Teno is. You see it early enough that later looks make sense.

Punta de Teno and the North-Coast Feeling (Even on a Short Trip)

After the Masca portion, the route shifts toward Punta de Teno, which is where the trip earns a little extra magic. Punta de Teno is visually distinct: it feels more rugged and pointy, with the kind of coastline detail that rewards slowing down and watching the rock shapes instead of just taking one quick photo.

There’s time here for a guided visit and sightseeing. You’ll also get another photo stop so you can frame the cliffs and headlands the way you want. In real life, this section depends on sea conditions. On calmer days, the skipper has room to go farther along the coast; on rougher days, you’ll still get the core experience, but the route may be tightened for safety and comfort.

One practical note: if you’re sensitive to motion, this is the area where you’ll want to be mentally prepared for open-water exposure. Even though the trip is only 2.5 hours, the water stop and the navigation between coves can add up to that rolling feeling for some people. If that’s you, plan ahead (we’ll talk prevention later).

Masca Beach Break: Swim Time Without the Long Logistics

Masca Beach is the middle highlight for most people, because it’s the part that feels like a real break. The boat stop includes free time, photo time, and a chance to swim and snorkel in the area. You also get beer or soft drink included during this stretch, which is a nice touch after you’ve already spent time looking at cliffs and bays.

The timing is meaningful: you get about 50 minutes at Masca Beach for swimming and snorkeling. That’s long enough to get in the water, float a bit, and come up for air. It’s also short enough that you won’t lose the day to logistics. You won’t need a full beach plan, and you’re back on the boat before you start wondering what to do next.

What to do with your time:

• If the water is clear, spend the first chunk just swimming calmly and checking where you can see fish.
• If it’s windy, focus on staying comfortable and give your eyes a minute to adjust.
• Save photos for when the light is best. If you take them immediately on arrival, you might miss how the sun shifts across the cliffs.

Also, don’t expect everything to feel like a staged resort. This is a natural setting. So bring the right basics and treat it like a short, scenic outdoor session.

Snorkeling in Tenerife Waters: Goggles, Marine Life, and Rules

The snorkeling is a key reason people book this tour, and it’s handled in a straightforward way. You’re given goggles. Then the boat makes a stop for a dip and snorkeling in the open sea, where you can admire the marine fauna.

What might you see? The information you’re given includes a range of marine life in these Tenerife waters: sea turtles, manta rays, and octopus are all mentioned. Real visibility varies day to day, but the idea is clear: this isn’t just a quick splash. It’s about watching life through the water while the boat is stationary or slow.

Two things to keep in mind so you get the most out of it:

1. You don’t control the weather or water clarity. If visibility is limited that day, focus on motion and shapes. Small fish can still look amazing at close range.
2. You follow the rule set. You’re not allowed to touch marine life, and feeding animals is not allowed. It’s also not a smoking or fishing environment, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

And here’s the main drawback to remember: snorkeling time can feel brief. One person found it shorter than they hoped, and that usually comes down to conditions and group flow. So if snorkeling is your top priority, arrive ready to move quickly when the crew signals it’s time.

If you want to avoid headaches in the moment, bring your swimwear and towel so you’re ready to rinse off and dry fast. The goggles are provided, but the essentials for a comfy swim are on you.

The Complimentary Drink and the Value of This Format

For $53, what you’re buying isn’t just transit between landmarks. You’re getting a packaged experience that includes:

• A 2.5-hour boat ride
• A complimentary drink (beer and soft drink)
• A stop for a dip and snorkeling, with goggles
• Personal accident insurance and civil responsibility insurance
• A small-group setup (max 12)

That matters for value, because Tenerife tours can get pricey fast when you have to add gear, drinks, and the kind of guidance that actually makes stops worthwhile. Here, the drink and snorkeling equipment are baked in, and you’re paying for skipper-led navigation and time management across multiple stops.

Is it still a chunk of money? Yes, especially if you’re traveling as a family. But it’s also one of the easier ways to see a lot of coastline without hiring private transport or dealing with complicated logistics.

If you’re comparing options, look at three things:

• Do you get snorkeling gear included?
• Does the trip actually include time in the water, not just a lookout?
• Is it a small group where the skipper can manage the boat and help people efficiently?

This one checks those boxes.

Guide Style, Languages, and Asking Questions

This tour is run with a live guide in Spanish and English. In practice, your experience depends on how the group mix lands. The crew is described as friendly, and the skipper named Nico comes up repeatedly in positive comments. People highlight that Nico makes the trip fun and keeps it moving in a way that feels natural.

The one caution: if you’re the only English speaker in a mostly Spanish group, you might get fewer answers in English during the live Q&A moments. One person wished the guide spoke better English so they could ask follow-up questions during snorkeling. So if you care a lot about identifying marine life, come with a few simple prompts and be ready for shorter answers.

A practical way to handle this: spend most of your energy on what you can see through the water, not on getting a lecture. The guide’s role is still valuable for timing, safety, and helping you understand what you’re looking at, even if language isn’t perfectly matched to your questions.

Practical Packing: What You Must Bring (And What They Don’t Provide)

The big items you should bring are simple and non-negotiable:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Hat (listed as not included)
• A ready-to-go dry change of clothes if you don’t want to sit in salt-stiff fabric

Not included: swimming suit, hat, sunscreen, towel. Goggles are included, which is great because it saves packing bulk and ensures everyone snorkeling has the same baseline equipment.

Also note what’s not allowed: no weapons or sharp objects, no smoking, no fishing, no alcohol and drugs, no feeding animals, no touching marine life, and no speakers. It’s a normal safety-and-environment rule set for a boat that’s doing water stops.

If you’ve been on ocean tours before, you already know the trick: pack like you’ll get wet, because you will.

Weather, Sea Conditions, and the Motion-Sickness Reality

Tenerife can give you a glassy sea one day and a choppier one the next. Your route and comfort level are tied to wind and water state. On calm days, the skipper may be able to go farther along the coast; on rougher days, the route is more conservative.

If you’re prone to seasickness, plan like it matters. One review mentioned having motion sickness during the activity. This is a short trip, but you will spend time in open water. Don’t rely on willpower.

Helpful approach (no guessing needed, just smart timing):

• Choose seating where you feel more stable and where you can look at the horizon.
• Avoid eating heavy food right before boarding.
• Consider bringing motion-sickness remedies from home if you use them.

The good news is that this tour is short enough that even a less-than-perfect sea day doesn’t drag into an all-day ordeal.

Who Should Book This Los Gigantes to Teno Boat Trip?

This is a strong fit if you want:

• Cliff scenery without driving the coast yourself
• A short, active day that still feels relaxed
• Real snorkeling time with provided goggles
• A small-group outing where the boat doesn’t feel packed

It’s also a good choice if you’re staying in the Los Gigantes area and want an organized way to see Punta de Teno and Masca Beach in one go.

It might be less ideal if:

• You’re a snorkeling purist and need long continuous time in the water. The snorkeling windows are limited, and conditions can shorten them.
• You need very in-depth English interpretation at every stop. Spanish is part of the operating language, and group dynamics can affect how much detailed commentary you get in English.

Should You Book It or Pass?

Book this tour if you want the classic west-coast Tenerife experience with a practical structure: scenic cruising, a Masca break, then a Punta de Teno visit, plus snorkeling with gear included. The small-group size and the included drink help it feel like a complete day package instead of a pricey boat ride.

Pass or look for a different option if snorkeling length is your one and only goal. If you’re the type who wants hours underwater and constant guidance on what you’re seeing, you might find this better as a “taste” of the marine world rather than a long snorkeling session.

If you’re flexible, comfortable on boats, and ready to follow the crew’s timing, this is one of the more efficient ways to get unforgettable views of Los Gigantes and Teno in a single afternoon.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes, Pantalán 6, Puesto 2.

How long is the boat trip?

The duration is about 2.5 hours.

What’s included in the price?

It includes the boat ride, a complimentary drink (water, soft drink, or beer), a stop for a dip, snorkeling goggles, and accident/civil responsibility insurance.

Do I get snorkeling gear?

Yes. Goggles for snorkeling are provided.

What should I bring for the water stops?

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

Can children join for free?

Young children or babies can join for free, but you should add them when booking to ensure they have a place on board.

What languages are offered by the guide?

The live tour guide speaks Spanish and English.

How many people are on the boat?

The boat accommodates a maximum of 12 passengers, keeping it a small-group experience.

What rules should I know before boarding?

Smoking is not allowed, fishing is not allowed, feeding animals and touching marine life are not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The tour also prohibits weapons or sharp objects and speakers.

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