Discover whales in Tenerife: exclusive yacht tour with swimming and lunch.

Traveling to Tenerife offers endless choices for adventurers, but few experiences match the intimacy and natural beauty of a small-group yacht tour focused on whale watching, wildlife, and relaxation. For around $67 per person, you get a private feeling on a luxurious yacht that accommodates just 20 guests. Departing from Los Cristianos, this trip offers a chance to see pilot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural environment, while enjoying a delicious onboard lunch and a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters.

What we love most about this tour is its personalized atmosphere—no crowds, just your small group with a professional, responsible crew who prioritize the marine environment. Plus, the stop for swimming in a sheltered bay adds a true sense of adventure and refreshment. That said, it’s worth noting that the boat isn’t suited for wheelchair users, and the trip’s focus on wildlife means sightings aren’t guaranteed, though the reviews suggest it’s often spectacular.

This experience is perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends seeking a relaxed, authentic encounter with nature, away from tourist crowds. If you’re eager for sustainable wildlife watching, quality food, and comfortable, intimate settings, this tour checks all those boxes.

Key Points

• Small group size offers a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.
• Responsible whale watching ensures wildlife is observed ethically.
• Swimming stop provides a chance to cool off in clear waters.
• Delicious onboard lunch includes fresh salads, rice, meatballs, and drinks.
• Expert guides provide insightful commentary and help spot wildlife.
• Departure from Los Cristianos makes it easy to access and plan around.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tenerife Yacht Tour

Setting Out: A Calm Departure from Los Cristianos

From the get-go, you’ll appreciate the intimate nature of this tour. Departing from the bustling port of Los Cristianos, the vessel is designed for up to 20 guests, meaning you won’t be squeezed in like sardines. The boat features shaded areas and comfortable mats for sunbathing—perfect for relaxing as you cruise along the southwest coast of Tenerife, a region known for its biodiversity and breathtaking scenery.

What Makes This Yacht Special?

Unlike larger, crowded boat trips, this vessel emphasizes comfort and responsibility. The Blue Flag status of the tour indicates it’s committed to sustainable practices and respectful wildlife observation. The captain and guides are certified in responsible whale watching, so you can trust that your wildlife encounters won’t disturb the animals’ natural behaviors.

The Voyage: Wildlife Encounters and Scenic Views

As you sail along Tenerife’s coast, the chances of seeing whales and dolphins are high. Many reviews mention pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins jumping and playing beside the boat—an experience that’s as close to an authentic encounter as you can get. One guest noted, “We saw dolphins, whales, and even sea turtles,” highlighting how unexpectedly diverse the marine life can be.

The guides are attentive and well-informed, providing insights into the marine ecosystem while respecting the wildlife’s space. This responsible approach is crucial, given the growing awareness of ecological sustainability.

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The Swim Stop: Cooling off in Natural Beauty

Midway through the trip, the boat anchors in a sheltered bay, an ideal spot for a swim. The water here is described as crystal-clear, offering a perfect opportunity to refresh and relax. Many travelers find this part of the tour to be the highlight—an authentic and peaceful moment to connect with nature.

One reviewer called the stop “spectacular,” emphasizing how rare it is to find such a quiet, pristine spot where you can truly unwind.

The Onboard Lunch: Tasty and Filling

After swimming, the crew serves a well-prepared meal that might surprise those expecting a typical boat snack. The menu includes fresh salad, rice with vegetables, homemade meatballs, and banana for dessert. Drinks—soft drinks, water, beer, and wine—are available throughout, making it easy to sip and chat while watching the sea.

Guests frequently mention the quality of the food—described as very tasty and well-presented—which adds significant value, especially considering the price point. The meal creates a perfect communal atmosphere, ideal for sharing stories and laughs.

Returning and Reflecting

As the trip winds down, you’ll appreciate the peaceful return to port. The shorter, 3-hour duration keeps the experience manageable and not overly tiring, perfect for families or those with limited time.

Why This Tour is Worth It

The value lies not just in the price but in the quality of experience. Smaller groups mean more personalized attention and better wildlife sightings, while the responsible approach to wildlife observation enhances your conscious travel. The combination of wildlife viewing, swimming, and dining ensures a well-rounded, memorable outing.

What We Think Could Be Better

One consideration is that the boat isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, which might exclude some travelers needing access accommodations. Also, since wildlife sightings depend on natural behavior, there’s always a chance you might not see whales or dolphins—though reviews suggest sightings are frequent, sometimes even multiple species at once.

Who Should Book This?

This tour suits families seeking a safe adventure, couples looking for a romantic escape, or nature lovers wanting an authentic and sustainable wildlife encounter. If you value small groups, ethical wildlife watching, and an inclusive atmosphere, this trip offers a lot for the price.

Practical Details and Tips

• What to bring: Hat, change of clothes, beachwear, and possibly a towel.
• Languages offered: English, German, and Spanish—so guides can communicate well with diverse groups.
• Booking flexibility: You can reserve now and pay later, making it easier to plan.
• Departure point: Los Cristianos port, very accessible.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours, ideal for a half-day adventure.
• Price: $67 per person, a fair price considering the inclusions and small-group experience.
• Cancellations: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

FAQ About the Tenerife Whale Watching Yacht Tour

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention families with kids enjoying the experience. Just be aware the boat isn’t wheelchair accessible, and check if your children are comfortable on boats.

What wildlife might I see?
Most likely, you will see pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Sea turtles and flying fish are also sometimes spotted, adding to the variety.

How likely are sightings?
While wildlife sightings are always subject to natural behavior, reviews indicate that sightings are common, with many guests seeing multiple species.

What’s included in the lunch?
The onboard meal features fresh salad, rice with vegetables, homemade meatballs, bread, and banana for dessert, with drinks available throughout.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, it’s designed for comfort with shaded areas and sunbathing mats. The small size means a more relaxed experience without the noise and congestion of larger boats.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely, guides are multilingual, friendly, and provide informative commentary—making wildlife spotting more engaging and educational.

Can I book last-minute?
Yes, with flexible reservation options, you can book closer to your trip date, as long as there’s availability.

What should I wear?
Bring a hat, beachwear, and a change of clothes. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also recommended.

Is there a chance I won’t see any whales or dolphins?
While sightings are common, they’re not guaranteed due to the natural environment. However, many guests report seeing plenty of marine life.

How do I get to the departure point?
Los Cristianos port is centrally located and easy to access by foot or local transport.

In The Sum Up

This Tenerife yacht tour offers a rare blend of responsible wildlife watching, relaxation, and culinary delight within a small, intimate setting. You’ll appreciate the personalized attention from guides, the chance to see marine mammals in their natural habitat, and the refreshing swim in clear waters. The onboard meal adds a nice touch, making it more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a genuine experience of Tenerife’s marine beauty.

Ideal for families, eco-conscious travelers, and those wanting a break from tourist-heavy excursions, this tour emphasizes authenticity and respect for nature. If you value small groups, ethical wildlife encounters, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s an excellent choice that will leave you with lasting memories of Tenerife’s vibrant sea life.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful escape on the ocean, this experience offers a fantastic way to connect with Tenerife’s natural splendor while enjoying top-notch service and sustainable practices.

You can check availability for your dates here: