Whales and Dolphins excursion on a Luxury Yacht in Canary Islands

Tenerife Whales and Dolphins Excursion on a Luxury Yacht: A Detailed Review

Imagine cruising on a luxury yacht along the coast of Tenerife, with the chance to spot whales and dolphins in their natural environment. For around $93 per person, you get a roughly 3-hour adventure that combines wildlife watching, swimming, and a taste of maritime luxury. Led by attentive crew members, this trip promises a more intimate, personalized experience — capped at just eight guests — with a focus on comfort, education, and fun.

What we particularly love about this tour is how it balances stunning scenery with the thrill of animal sightings and the relaxation of swimming in tranquil bays. The crew’s friendly, informative approach makes it easy to learn about the marine life filling these waters. Plus, the onboard snacks and drinks elevate the experience, transforming a simple boat ride into a true indulgence.

One potential consideration? The weather conditions can influence your chances of seeing whales. Windy days might mean fewer sightings, but the crew’s efforts to find calm waters and keep guests comfortable are commendable. This tour is best suited for those seeking a luxurious, small-group adventure with a focus on wildlife, comfort, and coastal views. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate personalized service and are content with the possibility of a wildlife spectacle that’s often highly rewarding.

Key Points

• Small Group Size: Cap capped at 8 travelers for a more personal experience.
• Wildlife Focus: Excellent chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
• Comfort & Convenience: Well-equipped yacht with an onboard restroom, air conditioning, and snacks.
• Educational & Entertaining: Crew members provide informative commentary about marine life.
• Flexible Activities: Includes swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing at scenic bays.
• Value for Money: With food, drinks, and wildlife sightings included, it offers great value for a luxury experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Tenerife Marine Safari

Starting Point and Overall Experience

Your adventure begins at the Marina del Sur in Las Galletas, a convenient spot near public transportation — a relief if you’re not renting a car. The team from Royal Ocean ensures a smooth start with a pickup service, making your day easier. The small group size (generally just you and a handful of other travelers) means you’re not stuck on a crowded boat, which many reviews highlight as a major plus. Several guests describe it as feeling more like a private trip, where the crew really focuses on personal attention.

The First Stop: Whale and Dolphin Watching

The main draw of this tour is the chance to catch a glimpse of whales and dolphins in the wild. Departing from Las Galletas, the boat heads toward the cliffs of Los Cristianos, a popular and scenic stretch of coast. As the boat glides through the ocean, you’ll be looking out for signs of marine life — from breaching whales to playful dolphins.

Multiple reviews emphasize how memorable this part of the trip can be. One guest exclaimed, “We saw a whole pod of pilot whales!” while another noted, “We saw many dolphins and whales.” The crew’s commentary adds a layer of education, helping you understand what’s happening in the water — loud breathing, water fountains, and the animals hunting or relaxing.

A key point here is the likelihood of sightings. Based on reviews, the chance of seeing whales is around 95%, though weather conditions like wind can sometimes reduce visibility. One guest mentioned, “It was a windy day and we didn’t see any whales,” but appreciated the crew’s efforts in adjusting plans.

The Second Stop: Swimming and Relaxing in Scenic Bays

After wildlife watching, the boat anchors at one of the gorgeous bays near Los Cristianos, renowned for its calm waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The stop typically lasts around 40 minutes, providing ample opportunity to dip into the sea, explore the underwater world with provided snorkeling equipment, or just unwind with a drink and tapas.

Guests frequently highlight how the well-equipped yacht makes all this comfortable, with onboard restrooms and a shaded area to relax. Several reviewers mention how the snacks and drinks — including alcoholic beverages, sodas, bottled water, and tapas — are thoughtfully laid out, maintaining a relaxed, hotel-like vibe. One reviewer appreciated, “The snacks were excellent, and the drinks kept us refreshed during the hot day.”

The Views and Coastal Scenery

Cruising along the coast offers spectacular views of Tenerife’s volcanic landscape, especially Mount Teide towering in the background. The boat’s route allows you to see the rugged cliffs and lush coastline from a unique perspective, making the trip visually satisfying even if wildlife sightings are elusive.

The Craftsmanship and Comfort

The yacht itself is described as luxurious, clean, and well-maintained. Several reviews praise the attention to detail — from air-conditioned interiors to the onboard restroom, which adds convenience on a trip that involves hours at sea. The crew’s hospitality is a consistent highlight, with guests mentioning how they felt well looked after, with some describing the experience as “like being treated like royalty.”

Food and Drinks

The snacks and beverages provided are often cited as a highlight. Expect a selection of snacks, tapas, and alcoholic drinks, complemented by bottled water and sodas. Guests frequently comment on the quality and presentation, noting that it’s a thoughtful touch that elevates the trip beyond just a boat ride.

Responsive and Caring Crew

From detailed commentary to personalized service, the crew’s friendly attitude makes all the difference. Several reviews mention staff like Lu, Michael, Dimitri, and Sergio as being attentive, knowledgeable, and personable. Their efforts to find whales on windy days or navigate to calmer waters are appreciated, reinforcing the value of small, dedicated teams.

The Price and Overall Value

At around $93, this tour offers good value, especially considering the inclusiveness of food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and the intimate setting. While some feel the trip duration (about 3 hours) is shorter than expected, most find the overall experience worth the cost, emphasizing the quality of wildlife sightings, comfort, and personalized attention.

Considerations and Possible Drawbacks

The main potential drawback is weather dependency. Windy days might limit sightings or make the boat ride less comfortable. Also, some guests noted that if you’re prone to seasickness, this trip might not be ideal — the Atlantic can be choppy, and the experience requires some patience with weather fluctuations.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This excursion is perfect if you’re looking for a luxurious, small-group experience focused on wildlife and coastal views. It suits travelers who enjoy comfort, personalized service, and education, and who are eager to see whales and dolphins in the wild. It’s especially appealing to those who appreciate good food and drinks during their outing. If you’re after a relaxed, intimate, and scenic day on the water, this trip will likely tick all your boxes.

FAQs

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup is available, which helps make the start of your day seamless.

How long does the tour last?
The experience is approximately 3 hours, with some guests noting it can be a little longer depending on the day’s conditions.

What is included in the price?
Snacks, a variety of drinks including alcohol, snorkeling equipment, and the use of an onboard restroom are included.

Can I swim or snorkel?
Absolutely. The boat stops at scenic bays for swimming and snorkeling, with equipment provided for your convenience.

What if I don’t see whales or dolphins?
While sightings are likely (about 95%), weather can impact this. Several reviews mention days with no sightings but still enjoy the trip for the scenery, snorkeling, and overall experience.

Is it suitable for children?
Most travelers found it appropriate for all ages, but those prone to seasickness should consider their comfort, as some guests experienced nausea.

What is the group size?
The boat caps at eight guests, resulting in a very personalized experience, often described as intimate.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, reviews highlight the pristine condition, air conditioning, and onboard amenities that keep everyone comfortable.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour relies on good weather, and cancellations due to poor weather will be fully refunded or rescheduled.

Final Thoughts

This whale and dolphin excursion on a luxury yacht in Tenerife offers a well-balanced mix of wildlife viewing, comfort, and coastal scenery. Its small-group setting, combined with attentive crew service and quality amenities, makes it an attractive choice for travelers who value a personalized, high-quality experience.

If you’re looking for a relaxing day at sea with the potential for unforgettable wildlife encounters, this tour delivers. It’s especially worth considering if you want to avoid the crowds, enjoy delicious snacks and drinks, and see the Canary Islands from a truly special vantage point.

However, be aware that weather can play a role, and if your heart is set on guaranteed sightings, it’s worth noting that nature’s unpredictability means no experience can promise 100%. Still, with its combination of comfort, education, and opportunity, it’s a trip many travelers find worth every penny.

Whether you’re an animal lover, a lover of scenic coastal views, or someone seeking a touch of luxury during your Tenerife holiday, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your trip — especially if you appreciate small, attentive service and a chance to see whales and dolphins in the wild.