Whales and Dolphins excursion on a Luxury Yacht in Canary Islands

If you’re planning a trip to Tenerife and love the idea of spotting whales and dolphins in their natural environment, this luxury yacht excursion could be just what you’re looking for. While we haven’t been on this exact tour ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a pretty appealing picture of what you can expect from a three-hour adventure out on the Atlantic.

What we particularly like is the small group size—capped at just eight guests—which promises a more personal, relaxed experience. Plus, the onboard amenities like snacks, drinks, snorkeling gear, and a restroom make it feel less like a tour and more like a mini escape. The only thing to keep in mind is that, with nature, sightings are never guaranteed; some reviews mention unlucky days, especially in windy conditions.

This experience is ideal for ocean lovers, couples, or small groups who want a more intimate look at Tenerife’s marine life without the crowds of larger cruise ships. If you’re after a relaxed, well-organized trip with high praise from travelers, this could be a hit.

Key Points

Small Group Intimacy: With only up to 8 guests, you get personalized attention and a more relaxed vibe.
Wildlife Viewing: The main highlight—seeing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat—most likely, but not guaranteed.
Comfort & Convenience: A well-equipped, luxury yacht with an onboard restroom, snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear ensures a comfortable trip.
Scenic Cruising & Stops: You’ll cruise past stunning coastlines with views of Teide, then relax at a beautiful bay for swimming and snorkeling.
Value for Money: Priced at around $92.89, guests rave about the experience being worth the cost, especially with added perks like food and drinks.
Weather & Conditions: Good weather is crucial; poor weather could lead to cancellations, but full refunds are offered if that happens.

All You Need to Know About the Yacht Whale and Dolphin Tour

Starting Point & Logistics

Our journey begins at the Royal Ocean Marina del Sur in Las Galletas. The pickup is conveniently offered, and many travelers appreciate the ease of getting to the meeting point. The tour typically lasts around 3 hours, which feels just right—long enough to unwind without the day feeling dragged out.

The boat departs from Las Galletas, with the first stop being the waters off Los Cristianos. The shuttle or transport arrangements are straightforward, with most reviews noting smooth pickups and drop-offs.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Stop 1: Whales & Dolphins Viewing in the Open Sea

The adventure kicks off with a cruise from Las Galletas toward the open water. This part, which takes about an hour, focuses on spotting whales and dolphins in their natural environment. From what travelers describe, you’ll love watching these majestic creatures hunt or relax, often with dramatic spouts of water and loud breathing.

The crew provides commentary, sharing interesting facts about marine mammals and their behaviors. Several reviews mention how informative and hospitable the crew is, making the experience educational as well as exciting.

One guest noted, “The whole experience was great! The gentleman that took us on the boat was informative and hospitable. We saw many dolphins and whales.”

A key point here is that while sightings are highly probable—around 95% according to reviews—it’s not guaranteed, especially on windy days or if the sea conditions are choppy. One traveler shared, “Unluckily, we didn’t see any whales this trip, but the crew tried hard and found us a marina outside the wind,” which highlights how unpredictable wildlife encounters can sometimes be.

Stop 2: Snorkeling & Relaxing at a Scenic Bay

After whale and dolphin watching, the yacht anchors at a beautiful bay near Los Cristianos for about 40 minutes. Here, you get a chance for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing. The bay is considered one of the best spots for water activities—calm, clear waters perfect for exploring marine life up close.

Guests rave about the snorkeling gear provided, stating that it made the experience hassle-free. You can also indulge in some drinks and tapas while soaking up the sun. One reviewer said, “The snacks and drinks were excellent, and the stop for snorkeling was perfect.”

This second stop offers a nice balance—it’s not rushed, and you can enjoy the sea at your own pace. The onboard restroom ensures comfort during the trip, which is appreciated on such outings.

The Boat & Crew Experience

The yacht itself is described as luxury and well-maintained. Travelers note that it’s equipped with modern amenities, air conditioning, and a restroom—making comfort a priority. The boat’s size is deliberately kept small, which enhances intimacy and minimizes the noise and crowding you’d find on larger vessels.

The crew receives high praise for their friendliness, knowledge, and hospitality. Many reviews mention how well they handle guests, especially those new to sailing or snorkeling. For example, “Michael and the captain looked after us like royalty,” and “They made us laugh and prepared our lunch,” highlight the warm atmosphere onboard.

The onboard treats—snacks, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and bottled water—are consistently praised. One reviewer remarked, “The snacks and drinks were excellent, and the drinks they provided were great.” The inclusion of food and drinks adds substantial value, transforming what might be a simple wildlife trip into a full experience.

Family and Solo Travelers

While mainly suitable for adults, the trip’s personal and relaxed nature could appeal to families with older children. The small group size and calm sea conditions make it a safer environment for those who aren’t confident swimmers, especially since snorkeling is optional.

Price & Value

At around $92.89 per person, the tour is deemed good value—particularly considering the included amenities, small-group experience, and the chance to see whales and dolphins in the wild. Many reviews affirm that they felt they received value for their money, especially with high-quality snacks and personalized service.

A few mention that the trip lasts about 3 hours, which is an ideal length—long enough to feel like a proper adventure but not so long that it becomes tiring.

Weather & Cancellation Policy

Good weather is key to a successful trip. If the weather turns poor, the trip can be canceled, with full refunds offered if that’s the case. The operator also states that the tour requires a minimum number of travelers; if that isn’t met, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a refund.

Cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours in advance—giving flexible options if your plans change unexpectedly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This whale and dolphin trip suits travelers wanting a personalized, intimate experience with marine wildlife. It’s perfect if you value comfort, good service, and a relaxed pace. It’s also a strong choice for those interested in snorkeling and enjoying the sea in a laid-back setting.

While families with young children might want to check sea conditions and the suitability of snorkeling, older kids and teenagers are likely to enjoy the adventure.

If you’re after a day of relaxation, fun, and marine discovery in Tenerife, this tour offers a well-rounded, friendly, and rewarding experience.

Your Questions Answered

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling equipment is provided, so you can just enjoy the water without extra hassle.

Is this tour suitable if I suffer from sea sickness?
It’s not recommended for travelers suffering from sea sickness, as the trip takes place on open water with potentially choppy conditions.

How long does the trip last?
The total experience is approximately three hours, including whale/dolphin watching and snorkeling stops.

What’s included in the price?
Snacks, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and a lunch are included. The yacht is well-equipped with amenities including a restroom.

What if I don’t see any whales or dolphins?
Sightings are highly probable but not guaranteed. If you’re unlucky due to weather or wildlife behavior, the crew will do their best to find marine life, and you might get a discount for a future trip.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Royal Ocean Marina del Sur in Las Galletas, with pickup options available.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance. If canceled later, the refund policy applies.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While mainly suited for adults, the calm seas and small group setting could work for older children, especially those interested in marine life.

What do reviews say about the overall experience?
Travelers rate it very highly—most 5 stars—highlighting the friendly crew, good value, and the chance to see whales and dolphins up close. Some mention unlucky days with no sightings, but this is normal in wildlife tours.

This luxury yacht whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife offers a wonderful blend of wildlife watching, relaxation, and good company. It’s clear from the rave reviews that many guests found it memorable and worthwhile, especially appreciating the personal touch and the quality of onboard amenities.

If you’re after an experience that balances wildlife encounters with comfort and intimate surroundings, this tour will likely check many boxes. Just keep in mind that wildlife isn’t always predictable, and good weather is essential for the best chance at sightings.

In all, it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a relaxed, well-organized marine adventure that emphasizes quality over quantity. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy some beautiful scenery and sea life in Tenerife, this trip could be just what you need to make your trip special.