If you’re heading to Tenerife and craving a close-up encounter with whales, dolphins, and maybe even turtles, this Whale & Dolphin Tour from Las Galletas might just be what you’re looking for. We’ve looked into it thoroughly, and from the glowing reviews and detailed info, it’s clear this trip offers a memorable way to connect with the ocean’s most playful and majestic creatures.
What really catches our eye? First, the expert local crew—they’re praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and genuine enthusiasm. Second, the small group setting means you’re not stuck in a crowded boat, which makes the experience more intimate and relaxing. One small caveat? The trip can be affected by weather—so choppy waters might limit some activities like snorkeling.
Still, overall, this tour seems well-suited for those who love wildlife, appreciate good food, and want a smooth, personal experience.
Absolutely loved this tour. Saw whales and dolphins. Great experience. Lovely crew. We took travel sickness pills prior to boarding and were happy we did as quite a few of our fellow travellers were sea sick! Thoroughly recommend
Liked how the boat was stopped to watch the pods and the knowledge the team had.
From the moment we stepped aboard, Toni and Marta set the tone for an unforgettable journey. Their warmth, enthusiasm, and genuine love for the sea made all the difference. Every little detail—how they guided us to the best viewing spots, explained about the wildlife, and ensured everyone felt comfortable—showed how much they care. Watching whales in their natural habitat was deeply emotional. When they finally breached nearby, our hearts were racing. It felt invaluable, not just a “tour,” but a moment that stays with you. Beyond the wildlife, the opportunity to swim and snorkel in those crystal-clear waters was magical. Lunch on board with homemade local foods added a perfect touch …
This experience is ideal for travelers who want to combine wildlife spotting with a bit of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or even with a small group of friends, if you love the idea of seeing whales and dolphins in their natural environment, this trip is worth considering.
- Key Points
- The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish
- Meeting and Departure
- Out on the Water
- Snorkeling and Swimming
- Lunch and Coastal Views
- Return and Optional Transfer
- What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind
- Why Travelers Love This Tour
- What Could Be Better?
- Is This Tour Right for You?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
- More Whale Watching Tours in Tenerife
- More Tours in Tenerife
- More Tour Reviews in Tenerife
Key Points
- Small group sizes (limited to 10 participants) create a more personal experience.
- Expert local crew delivers friendly service and plenty of interesting facts.
- Wildlife sightings include whales, dolphins, and possibly turtles—depending on luck and weather.
- Snorkeling and swimming are available, with equipment provided, in crystal-clear waters.
- Delicious homemade food is included, making the trip feel like a culinary treat along with wildlife watching.
- Flexible bookings with options for pickup or self-arrival, plus full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.
The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish
You can also read our reviews of more whale watching tours in Tenerife
Meeting and Departure
Your adventure begins either with an optional pickup from your hotel or by making your way to the port at Paseo Espigon las Galletas. The meeting point is straightforward—dock number 2—and the crew from Tonina Cruises will welcome you aboard the Cruz del Sur, a spacious 14-meter yacht.
The skippers are friendly and eager to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable. Expect a quick safety briefing and an outline of the planned route. The small group size (max 10) means you’ll get plenty of personal attention, plus room to ask questions or just relax and take in the views.
Out on the Water
Once underway, you’ll cruise along the coast, heading towards the whale and dolphin sighting area. This part of the trip is where the real magic begins. Many reviewers mention how attentive and informative the crew is—they’re quick to share facts about the wildlife and the local environment.
Incredible! Wonderful experience with wonderful people! Would absolutely be doing again.
The experience was absolutely amazing and very enjoyable! The team was professional and friendly (Martha ;)) and we were lucky enough to see the dolphins – a truly magical moment. Highly recommended!
Our guide and his daughter took us out for our tour, he was super friendly and knowledgeable about the area. We saw dolphins and flying fish, even saw some baby dolphins with their mamas. He then took us to a calmer alcove where we were able to swim, dive off the boat and enjoy some lunch. they prepared us sausages, tortilla, cheese, watermelon, crisps and guacamole. And we ended the trip with a view of Montana amarilla. definitely recommend this tour.
The chances of seeing whales and dolphins are high, especially since the crew are experienced at locating them. People have raved about sightings of pilot whales, dolphins playing around the boat, and even turtles. As one happy traveler put it, “We saw Pilot whales, amazing animals. The local guide explained the habitats.”
And if you’re lucky, the waters may also reveal flying fish or other marine wonders, making each trip unique.
Snorkeling and Swimming
After wildlife viewing, the boat anchors close to the coast for some downtime. Here, you can swim or snorkel in the clear waters—equipment is provided, though some reviews mention that goggles and masks might be scratched. The scenery is beautiful, and many say it’s a highlight to be able to jump into the sea directly from the boat, especially with the peaceful surroundings.
Be aware that weather conditions can impact this part of the trip. Some travelers experienced choppy waters that made snorkeling less comfortable, or even canceled it altogether. The crew is understanding if you feel seasick—one review highlighted how they took extra care of a passenger who got seasick and even offered a free ride back to the hotel if needed.
Absolutely wonderful, easy to find. Very attentive hosts. We spotted some dolfins and had a great time. Unfortunately the sea was a bit rough (and one of the passengers got real seasick), so we couldn't stay longer to spot more. Swimming was also very nice and delicious snacks afterwards. Would definitely recommend the trip. Thank you very much for the experience!
Lovely trip, staff Tino & Rafa were very nice. We got to see whales & dolphins, Rafa explained plenty info about the animals. We also had a lovely buffet lunch with a selection of drinks & the option to swim in the sea. Well worth the money. I would recommend.
We had a great time. Very nice experience. They took great care of my son who got sea sick. Lovely food also. Highly recommend
Lunch and Coastal Views
While you’re enjoying the water, the crew prepares a homemade, local-style lunch. The reviews consistently mention the quality and tasty nature of the food, which often includes typical Canary Island dishes or tapas-style bites. This isn’t just a quick snack—it’s a well-prepared spread with drinks included, adding a nice social element to the trip.
Once the meal is finished, the boat heads back toward the coast, sailing along Punta de Rasca and other scenic spots. The coastline views are stunning, and many guests find it relaxing to just sit back and take in the natural beauty of Tenerife’s southern shores.
You can also read our reviews of more dolphin watching tours in Tenerife
Return and Optional Transfer
Back at the port, you’ll say farewell to the crew. The tour ends there unless you’ve booked the optional hotel transfer, which makes it easy to head straight back to your accommodation without fuss.
What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind
Included:
– Food and drinks (homemade lunch and beverages)
– Snorkeling equipment
– Safety briefing and guidance from a knowledgeable crew
The captains mate was really informative and attentive. We enjoyed the food and of course loved seeing the whales.
Excellent tour, friendy and funny staff, small group and a lot space. Can't recommend enough.
I recently had the pleasure of going on a whale-watching boat trip, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience! The crew was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making the trip even more enjoyable. We were fortunate enough to see numerous whales up close, which was truly awe-inspiring. Unlike other crowded boat tours, this option provided a much more intimate and comfortable experience. I highly recommend this trip for anyone looking to enjoy whale watching without the hassle of overcrowded boats.
Not Included:
– Transport from your hotel (unless you’ve chosen the pickup option)
What to bring:
– Sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen for protection
– Swimwear and towel for swimming or snorkeling
– Comfortable clothes and a jacket in case it’s breezy
– Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended
Weather considerations:
Bad weather can lead to cancellations or choppier seas, which might affect snorkeling and swimming availability. Always check the forecast before your trip.
Why Travelers Love This Tour
The reviews are nearly unanimous in praising the guides and the small group atmosphere. Guests love the opportunity to see whales and dolphins up close, with one reviewer saying, “We saw Pilot whales, amazing animals,” and another noting how friendly and attentive the crew was to their needs, including helping with seasickness.
The best boat tour we have been on, great friendly staff, saw whales and dolphins, plenty of food and drink, best in Tenerife without a doubt, will definitly book again
It was lovely! We saw two types of dolphins that were playing with our boat and one turtle 🥹 guides were very friendly and told us some funfacts about animals we saw, and the food they prepared was so good! Overall, I recommend a lot! But also prepare yourself for some waves, you might feel seasick
A fantastic event which is highly recommended. It was a small group of only 7 people ( plus two guides ) what makes this trip really delicious. We saw turtles as well as wales and were 100 % satisfied. If we will somewhen be back on this Island we will do the tour again. Thanks a lot for the fantastic time we could spend today.
The delicious homemade lunch also gets high marks—it's not just a snack but a substantial, tasty meal that makes the trip feel like a full experience. Plus, the coastal scenery and the chance to relax and socialise make this outing feel well-rounded.
What Could Be Better?
A few reviews mention that the trip can be affected by weather, with choppier waters making snorkeling uncomfortable or less enjoyable. Some also noted that snorkel gear could be better quality, but that’s a minor point considering the overall value and experience. Notably, the tour isn't suitable for wheelchair users, so keep mobility considerations in mind.
Is This Tour Right for You?
If you’re passionate about marine life, love small-group settings, and appreciate tasty local food, this trip hits many sweet spots. It’s great for those who want a relaxed yet adventure-filled day with a high chance of spotting whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
It’s also a good choice if you're comfortable on boats and don’t mind the possibility of choppy seas. If you’re traveling with young children, be aware that they might need extra support for the boat ride or be sensitive to seasickness. The guides are friendly and accommodating, but the experience is primarily geared toward adults or older children.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the tour last?
The trip lasts approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, giving plenty of time for wildlife spotting, snorkeling, and relaxing.
Is food included?
Yes, you'll enjoy a homemade, local-style lunch with a selection of drinks, making the trip feel like a culinary as well as wildlife adventure.
Can I book a pickup?
Yes, there’s an optional hotel pickup from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Otherwise, you can make your own way to the port at Paseo Espigon las Galletas.
What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, comfortable clothes, and a jacket for the boat ride.
Is snorkeling worth it?
Many guests find snorkeling to be a highlight, though weather and water conditions can affect visibility. Equipment is provided, but some reviews note the gear might be scratched.
Can I see whales and dolphins every trip?
While sightings are common, they are not guaranteed, as wildlife behavior is unpredictable. The crew is experienced at finding them, though.
Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s more suited for adults and older children comfortable on boats. Not recommended for wheelchair users.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour could be canceled or affected by bad weather, so check the forecast and be flexible with your plans. Full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.
Las Galletas: Whale & Dolphin Tour with Local Skipper
"Absolutely loved this tour. Saw whales and dolphins. Great experience. Lovely crew. We took travel sickness pills prior to boarding and were happy ..."
Final Thoughts
This Las Galletas Whale & Dolphin Tour offers a well-balanced mix of wildlife adventure, relaxing scenery, and good food. The small group size and friendly crew make it stand out as a more personal way to experience Tenerife’s marine life.
While weather can influence the day’s activities, the overall reviews suggest it’s a worthwhile choice for anyone eager to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat without feeling crowded.
If you’re after an authentic, intimate experience with guides, great coastal views, and a tasty homemade lunch, this trip could be exactly what you’re looking for. Just keep in mind the weather and prepare accordingly, and you’ll likely leave with some wonderful memories—and maybe even a few new animal friends.
Happy wildlife watching and snorkel-ing!
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