Crystal water meets turtles and snacks. I like this trip most for the open-sea snorkeling and the included beer or soft drink while the boat tracks along the Los Gigantes cliffs. One thing to plan for: if you’re sensitive to motion, you may feel the boat ride.

You’re on the water for about 2.5 hours, and it stays relaxed thanks to a small group size (up to 12). You get photo time at Los Gigantes, a real break at Masca Beach for swimming, and a guided sightseeing stop at Punta de Teno.

Bring the basics and you’ll be glad you did: swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Goggles for snorkeling are included, but if you forget a towel you’ll be figuring that out on the pier.

Key things that make this boat trip worth your time

• Snorkeling in open water (not just a shoreline splash) with included goggles
• Stops built into the scenery: Los Gigantes cliffs, Masca Beach, then Punta de Teno
• A real small-group feel with limited spots onboard
• Drink included (beer and soft drink) during the cruise and/or beach break
• Coast-hugging cruising through quiet bays and natural coves
• A skipper who adjusts when conditions allow, based on what you can see from the boat

Los Gigantes to Punta de Teno: why this coastal route feels special

This is one of those Tenerife experiences that works because the route makes the scenery do the heavy lifting. You start at Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes and sail along a rugged stretch of the coast where cliffs drop straight into the sea, with quiet coves and calmer pockets of water along the way.

What I find smart here is the mix of viewpoints and water time. You’re not only looking at the cliffs from above. You’re also given chances to get in the water and see what lives below the surface. The boat trip is timed for sightseeing, but the snorkeling stop is the part that turns it from pretty photos into a memory.

The itinerary also includes both Punta de Teno and Masca Beach. That combination matters. Punta de Teno is all about the dramatic headland feel and classic coastal views, while Masca gives you a beach break where you can actually swim and reset.

The 2.5-hour pacing: what happens and why you won’t feel rushed

The trip runs roughly 2.5 hours total, and it’s paced in three main chunks:

First, you spend time in the Los Gigantes area with a photo stop plus guided sightseeing. This is when the coastline shapes your first impressions. The cliffs are the star, but you’ll also get context from the guide as you’re watching the sea conditions and the coastline change.

Next comes Masca Beach, with a dedicated break and time for swimming and snorkeling (about 50 minutes). This is the part of the day where you’ll notice you’ve moved from “watching” to “doing.”

Then you head to Punta de Teno, with about 1 hour of photo time, a visit, and guided sightseeing. This is your second chance to soak in the views, usually with a slightly different angle than Los Gigantes.

Finally, you return back to Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes. Because the stops are built into a tight loop, it doesn’t drag. It’s also long enough to feel like a full outing, not a quick hop on and off.

Snorkeling on this trip: what’s included, what’s timed, and what you can spot

Here’s the practical side: goggles are provided, and the boat stops for a dip and snorkeling session in open sea. That open-water setting is the key. Tenerife’s waters can be clear, and snorkeling farther from shore often gives you a better shot at seeing more active marine life.

You should know the snorkeling time can feel shorter than you want if you’re hoping for a long session. In one case, snorkel time was described as only about half an hour, which can be a letdown if you’re traveling specifically for underwater time. The upside is that the stop is likely planned around the conditions the skipper finds safest and most workable.

As for what you might see, the activity description points to Tenerife’s marine life such as sea turtles, manta rays, and octopus. From real on-the-water observations, people have reported seeing a turtle and lots of fish activity, including flying fish. You can’t count on any one animal every trip, but the chance of real wildlife spotting is why this part is worth your attention.

Quick expectations check: you’ll be snorkeling while the boat is anchored or stopped, not drifting for hours. Think focused session, not all-day reef time.

Masca Beach stop: the swim break you’ll actually use

Masca Beach is where the trip gives you something practical: a true break to cool off. During the stop you’ll have free time, photo opportunities, and time for swimming and snorkeling. There’s also beer included as part of the experience on this segment.

This is the moment to take advantage of Masca like a local would: rinse, swim if you want, and take photos while the light is good. If you’re the type who just stands and watches the water, you’ll miss the point of this tour—your value here comes from getting in.

Bring your own comfort gear. The activity notes say you should pack a towel and sunscreen. You can also pack a hat even though it’s not included. That matters because you may be exposed while you’re out of the water.

One more reality check: the trip does not include swimsuits or towels. If you arrive without them, you’ll be forced into last-minute fixes at the port area.

Punta de Teno: viewpoints, and sometimes farther sailing when conditions cooperate

Punta de Teno is the sightseeing payoff. You’ll get photo stops and a guided visit, and the whole point is to see that wild end of Tenerife’s coast from the water.

What I like is that Punta de Teno isn’t just a brief “look and go.” You’ll spend time there, and it helps your eyes connect the cliffs you saw earlier with the next section of coastline.

On calm days, the skipper may stretch the outing farther along the north side. One account mentioned going well past the usual point toward Buenavista, plus seeing a lighthouse and even a cave during the route. You shouldn’t treat that as guaranteed, but it does reflect the spirit of this trip: the skipper works with the conditions to give you more coastal variety when the sea allows it.

If you want the kind of photos where the ocean feels like it’s part of the composition, this is usually where you get them.

Price and value: is $53 a good deal for what you get?

At $53 per person for about 2.5 hours, this tour is priced like a mid-range activity on Tenerife, and the value comes from what’s bundled in:

• a boat ride for the full duration
• a complimentary drink (water/soft drink/beer depending on how the option is described for the segment)
• goggles for snorkeling
• a stop for a dip and snorkeling session
• personal accident insurance and civil responsibility coverage

You’re also paying for the small-group setup (up to 12). That can matter if you’re trying to hear the guide, ask questions, or move around without feeling like you’re squeezed into a lineup.

The only “value risk” is time expectations. If you’re expecting a long, slow snorkeling program, the scheduled snorkeling stop may not match that. If you’re okay with focused water time plus big scenery, the price starts to look fair fast.

Who should book this trip (and who might skip it)

This is a strong fit if:

• you want a boat-based Tenerife day that combines cliffs, a beach stop, and snorkeling
• you like small groups and a tour pace that doesn’t waste time
• you’re happy with a short wildlife viewing chance rather than “guaranteed animal” hunting

It might be a weaker match if:

• you have serious seasickness or you’ve struggled on boats before
• you need lots of detailed explanations in English all the time
• you’re looking for a long snorkeling duration (the session can feel brief)

One note from real-world experience: some groups may be mostly Spanish-speaking. If English is your main language, you might still enjoy the views and the activities, but the commentary could be more limited.

Practical tips before you go: what to bring and what to avoid

Do the simple prep and you’ll feel comfortable from pier to beach and back.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• swimwear (don’t count on being able to buy one last minute)
• a towel
• sunscreen

You’ll be provided:

• snorkeling goggles
• the included drinks during the tour

Not allowed onboard (important if you’re planning ahead):

• smoking
• weapons or sharp objects
• fishing
• alcohol and drugs
• feeding animals
• touching marine life
• speakers
• fireworks/explosives
• nudity

Also, treat this as a “good manners” wildlife tour. Even if you think it’s harmless, touching marine life is specifically not allowed.

From pier to water: meeting point and arrival plan

You meet at Puerto deportivo Los Gigantes, Pantalán 6, Puesto 2. Arrive with time to park, find the right dock spot, and get settled before boarding.

Since the group is capped at 12, running late can stress you out and make the whole start feel rushed. If you’re bringing a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear, do yourself a favor and have them packed where you can grab them quickly.

Should you book Los Gigantes to Teno with snorkeling?

I’d book it if you want a Tenerife trip that mixes serious coastal scenery with a practical chance to snorkel and cool down. The included drink, the provided goggles, and the small-group size make it feel like a tidy package for the time you spend.

Skip it or choose a different style of tour if you’re the type who needs long snorkeling time or you know you’re very prone to seasickness. Also consider your language preferences: the guide can run in Spanish and English, but if your group composition is heavily Spanish-speaking, you may hear more Spanish than you’d like.

If your goal is a 2.5-hour coastal highlight with water time that actually happens, this is a good one.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip from Los Gigantes to Teno?

The experience lasts about 2.5 hours.

What’s included in the price?

You get the 2.5-hour boat ride, a refreshing drink (water, soft drink, or beer), a stop for a dip/snorkeling in one of the cliff bays, snorkeling goggles, and personal accident plus civil responsibility insurance.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear or a towel?

You don’t need snorkeling goggles because they’re provided. You should bring a towel and swimwear, since those are not included.

Where do we meet for the tour?

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

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live tour guide works in Spanish and English.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.