Discover whales in Tenerife: yacht tour with bath and lunch

If you’re thinking about adding a marine adventure to your Tenerife trip, this whale-watching yacht tour offers a mix of wildlife, relaxation, and good food all in one package. We’ve come across this experience through reviews and descriptions, and it sounds like a perfect choice for those who want an intimate, responsible, and comfortable way to see marine life and enjoy the ocean.

What we really like about this tour is its small-group setting—capped at 20 passengers—which means you’ll get a more personal experience, less noise, and closer encounters with the whales and dolphins. Also, the full onboard lunch and drinks included make it feel like a well-rounded day out rather than just a quick boat ride. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that this is a 3 to 5-hour trip, so it’s suitable for those who enjoy a relaxed pace but might be too long for very young children or those with limited stamina. Overall, it’s ideal for couples, friends, or families looking for an authentic and peaceful sea adventure.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more intimate experience and better wildlife sightings.
• Expert guides contribute to responsible wildlife viewing and educational insights.
• All-inclusive lunch and drinks add value and convenience, letting you relax fully.
• Stop for swimming in a quiet bay offers a refreshing break and fun in clear waters.
• Yacht Neptune provides comfort, shaded areas, and sunbathing mats for a pleasant day at sea.
• Flexible itinerary with stops along Tenerife’s southwest coast, combining wildlife, relaxation, and scenic views.

An honest look at the whale-watching yacht tour in Tenerife

What makes this tour stand out?

From the start, this experience aims to offer a more exclusive and responsible way to see whales and dolphins. The boat—called the Neptune—is designed to accommodate just 20 passengers. This isn’t a crowded cruise; instead, it’s a chance to get closer to marine life and enjoy the sea without feeling overwhelmed by a large group.

Travelers will appreciate that this tour is legally authorized for whale observation, giving you confidence that the activity respects local wildlife regulations. The guides are multilingual and knowledgeable, helping everyone spot cetaceans and giving interesting insights about the animals and the environment.

Why we think this experience works

First, the small group size makes a huge difference in wildlife sightings. According to reviews, travelers have seen whales, dolphins, and even turtles—making it feel like a rewarding wildlife safari on the sea. The expert guides are key here—they help you spot the elusive creatures and provide responsible viewing, which is crucial given the importance of protecting marine life.

Second, the onboard lunch is a real bonus. It includes a variety of tasty options like rice with vegetables, meatballs in tomato sauce, coleslaw, bread, and bananas—plus unlimited water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. We love that the meal is well thought out and generously served, which keeps everyone energized for the activity. A reviewer mentioned, “Lunch and drinks were very tasty and well arranged,” emphasizing how it adds to the overall value.

The itinerary: what to expect

Stop 1: Puerto Los Cristianos

The day kicks off at the Los Cristianos pier, heading towards La Gomera while searching for whales and dolphins. This part lasts roughly two hours, during which you’ll be accompanied by the crew, who are expert wildlife spotters. The real magic here is the wildlife sighting—you might see whales or dolphins in their natural environment, which is always a privilege. One reviewer shared, “We saw whales, dolphins, and a turtle,” highlighting how successful sightings can be.

Stop 2: Playa de las Vistas – swim stop

After the wildlife search, the boat will anchor at a protected bay close to Playa de las Vistas or near the cliffs of Los Cristianos. This stop lasts about 40 minutes, giving you a chance to swim in crystal-clear water. The boat provides some snorkeling equipment (though in limited units), so if you love underwater exploration, you’ll enjoy this break. The calm waters and scenic surroundings make this a relaxing and refreshing pause in the trip.

Stop 3: Return along the coast

Finally, the boat will head back to the dock, offering beautiful views of Tenerife’s southwest coast. This short 20-minute segment is perfect for taking photos and soaking in the scenery. The tour ends back at the starting point, leaving you with great memories and hopefully some fantastic sightings.

What’s included and what to consider

Included in the tour:

• A full onboard meal including rice with vegetables, meatballs, bread, bananas, and coleslaw.
• Unlimited drinks—water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.
• A legally authorized Blue Flag boat, ensuring responsible whale observation.
• Stop for swimming and snorkeling equipment (limited units).
• Expert, multilingual guides who help with wildlife spotting and info.

Not included:

• Towels, sun cream, or photos—so plan to bring your own if needed.
• The price (~$68.26 per person) is quite reasonable, especially considering the all-inclusive food and drinks, plus the experience of close marine encounters.

The overall experience: pros and cons

Pros:

• The small group size means a more personalized experience.
• The expert guides contribute to responsible wildlife watching.
• The all-inclusive lunch and drinks make the day hassle-free.
• The opportunity to swim and snorkel in calm waters.
• The boat’s navigation permissions allow you to venture more than 3 miles out for better sightings.
• Reviews consistently mention delicious food and a great value for money.

Cons:

• The trip length (up to 5 hours) might be a bit long for very young children or those who prefer quick outings.
• Limited snorkeling equipment availability could be a downside if many want to snorkel.
• No mention of towels or sun protection items, so you’ll need to bring your own.
• Weather-dependent activity—bad weather can lead to cancellations, but full refunds are offered if that happens.

How this tour compares in value

For $68.26, this experience offers a lot: wildlife sightings, a relaxing boat ride, and a substantial meal plus drinks. When you compare it to larger, less personal tours, the intimacy and quality of wildlife encounters truly stand out. The inclusion of a stop for swimming is also a big plus, making it a well-rounded sea day.

Who should consider this tour?

This trip is best suited for nature lovers who want a responsible and close-up whale-watching experience. If you enjoy small-group adventures with knowledgeable guides, you’ll appreciate the intimate setting. The inclusion of lunch and drinks means you won’t need to worry about extra costs or packing food, which makes it ideal for those wanting a hassle-free day.

While not explicitly tailored for families with very young children, it could be suitable for older kids who are comfortable on boats and love marine animals. If your main goal is to see whales in a respectful setting and enjoy some downtime swimming, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 3 to 5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and the time spent at each stop.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of passengers is 20, making it a smaller, more personal experience.

Are snacks or food provided?
Yes, a full lunch including rice, vegetables, meatballs, bread, bananas, and coleslaw is included, along with unlimited water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

Is alcohol served during the trip?
Yes, during lunch, wine and beer are included.

Can I swim or snorkel?
Yes, there is a stop for swimming in a protected bay, and snorkeling equipment is available (though limited).

What if the weather is poor?
If weather conditions lead to cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup is offered from the meeting point at the Yate Neptuno Yacht, Puerto de los Cristianos.

Are there any additional costs?
No, all the main costs are included in the price—just remember to bring your sun protection and towel.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the relaxed pace and safe swimming stop could appeal to families with older children.

What makes this tour responsible?
It is operated on a Blue Flag authorized boat, ensuring it adheres to regulations for wildlife observation and environmental protection.

Final thoughts

This whale-watching yacht tour from Tenerife offers a rewarding experience for anyone wanting to see marine life in a responsible, intimate setting. The combination of wildlife sightings, swimming, and a substantial onboard meal creates a full-day adventure that’s both relaxing and exciting. The small group size and expert guides make each trip feel special, and the included food and drinks elevate it from just a boat ride to a genuine day out on the ocean.

If your priority is to encounter whales and dolphins while enjoying comfort, good food, and scenic views, this tour is a strong contender. It suits travelers who appreciate a laid-back vibe, responsible wildlife watching, and the chance to relax in nature’s embrace.

In summary, this experience is ideal for those who value quality over quantity, want a meaningful wildlife encounter, and enjoy the idea of a relaxed, all-inclusive day on the sea. Whether you’re a couple celebrating or a family looking for a memorable outing, this trip has a lot to offer—and the positive reviews suggest it lives up to its promises.