Sea Kayaking the Cliffs

Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Los Gigantes

There are few better ways to understand why these cliffs are called The Giants than from the water. On land you get a view — on a kayak or SUP, you get a sense of scale that genuinely stops you in your tracks. The walls rise 600 metres straight out of the Atlantic, and when you’re sitting at sea level looking up, it’s one of those moments that reminds you why you came here.

The water around Los Gigantes is exceptionally calm compared to much of Tenerife’s coastline, which makes it ideal for paddling even if you’ve never done it before. The cliffs shelter the bay from the prevailing winds, and the Atlantic here is clear, warm, and genuinely turquoise on a sunny day.

What to Expect

Most guided kayak tours run for around two to two and a half hours, departing from Dock 6 at the marina. You’ll paddle along the cliff face toward Barranco Seco, stopping in a sheltered cove for a swim in water so clear you can see the volcanic rock twenty feet below. Double kayaks are the norm for beginners — stable, easy to manage, and honestly more fun when you’re trying to take photos. A support boat follows the group throughout, so there’s no pressure to keep up a pace.

SUP is a slightly different experience — slower, more meditative, and better suited to calm mornings when the water is like glass. Rental is available independently if you’d rather explore at your own pace without a guide.

The Operators

Teno Activo — the most established operator in Los Gigantes, based at Dock 6 in the marina. They run both guided kayak and snorkel tours as well as a combined kayak and whale watching trip that makes for a genuinely full day on the water. Multi-lingual guides, good safety record, and they include a soft drink at the end. Around €35–60 per person depending on the trip.

Nautilos SUP — the go-to for independent SUP and kayak rental if you want to go at your own pace. No guided tour, just good equipment, a locker for your belongings, and the freedom to paddle where you like. Prices are very reasonable — around €20–25 per hour. Popular with people staying longer who want to go out several times.

El Cardón NaturExperience — slightly smaller operation but well reviewed. Their kayak and snorkel tour follows a similar route to Teno Activo and includes a digital photo book at the end, which is a nice touch. Good option if Teno Activo is fully booked.

Practical Tips

• Go in the morning. The water is calmest before midday and the light on the cliffs is better for photos. Afternoon winds can pick up.
• Book Teno Activo in advance — they cap groups at ten people and fill up quickly in summer.
• Parking is a genuine headache. Leave more time than you think you need. The marina car park costs around €2 an hour — worth paying rather than circling the streets.
• You don’t need to be fit. The pace is always slow and the guides stop regularly. If you fall off the SUP — and you might — the water is warm and the board doesn’t go anywhere.
• Bring sun cream and a cap, not a towel. Everything else is provided.

What I’d Skip

The kayak tours booked through the big online platforms like GetYourGuide often go to the same operators but at a higher price with a booking fee on top. Go direct — Teno Activo and Nautilos both have their own booking pages and it’s cheaper and simpler.

I’d also skip SUP if the wind has picked up — it’s significantly harder and less enjoyable than a calm morning session. Check the conditions the night before and if in doubt go for the guided kayak instead, where the support boat takes the stress out of it.

A note on accuracy: prices and availability change — always check directly with the operator before booking.