Discover whales in Tenerife: yacht tour with bath and lunch

Traveling to Tenerife and craving an authentic marine adventure? This yacht tour promises an intimate, eco-friendly way to spot whales and dolphins, enjoy a relaxing swim, and savor a tasty onboard lunch— all in a small-group setting. With only 20 passengers max, it offers a personalized experience that larger tours just can’t match.

What makes this excursion particularly appealing? First, the exclusivity of a small yacht that gets you closer to marine life without the crowds. Second, the knowledgeable guides who ensure responsible whale sightings and share interesting facts along the way. Third, the delicious full lunch and drinks, including wine and beer, that keep you energized between sightings.

One thing to consider: the tour’s success depends on weather conditions, especially for the swimming stop—something worth keeping in mind if you’re hoping for a sunbathing day. But overall, this tour is perfect for couples, small groups, or families seeking a relaxed, authentic experience on the high seas.

Who would love this?

Anyone interested in marine wildlife, lovers of good food and drinks, or travelers who appreciate a more intimate, less crowded boat will find this tour a highlight of their Tenerife trip.

Good To Know

• Small Group Experience: Max 20 passengers for personalized service and closer encounters.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable crew responsible for responsible whale sightings and marine education.
• All-Inclusive Food & Drinks: Tasty lunch, water, soft drinks, wine, and beer included.
• Swim Stop: Opportunity to cool off in a peaceful bay—weather permitting.
• Comfort & Amenities: Shaded areas, sunbathing mats, snorkeling equipment (limited units).
• Flexible Duration: Around 3 to 5 hours, balancing sightseeing, swimming, and dining.

A Detailed Look at the Tenerife Whale & Dolphin Yacht Tour

Starting Point and Overall Atmosphere

The adventure kicks off at the Yate Neptuno Yacht in Los Cristianos. This cozy vessel accommodates no more than 20 guests, ensuring a friendly atmosphere where everyone can get involved. From the outset, you’ll notice the yacht’s well-maintained, blue-flag status, legally authorized for cetacean observation, which adds a layer of trust and professionalism.

The crew is multilingual and clearly experienced, which enhances the experience, especially when trying to spot elusive whales or dolphins. As one reviewer noted, “The crew are experts who help you find cetaceans,” making the whole process more engaging and less luck-based.

Morning Journey and Sightings

The tour departs from Puerto Los Cristianos, sailing towards the nearby waters of La Gomera. This is where the magic begins—most travelers report seeing whales, dolphins, and sometimes even turtles. The crew’s expertise shines here, with guides actively searching and pointing out marine life, making the experience both educational and awe-inspiring.

One reviewer fondly recalls, “We saw whales, dolphins, and a turtle,” highlighting how varied marine encounters can be. The fact that the boat leaves more than 3 miles from the coast means you’re venturing into open waters, increasing chances for sightings.

The Whale and Dolphin Watching Experience

The main attraction is, of course, spotting whales. The small group setup allows for a closer view—some travelers mention that this makes the experience more personal and memorable. The guides are responsible for responsible sightings, ensuring minimal disturbance to the animals.

While the reviews don’t specify exactly which whale species are common, the focus on responsible monitoring suggests a respectful approach that ensures sustainable whale watching. Watching these gentle giants breach and glide in their natural habitat is a sight you’ll likely remember long after the tour ends.

The Swimming and Lunch Stop

After a couple of hours at sea, the yacht anchors in a sheltered bay. This could be near Los Cristianos cliffs or close to Las Vistas Beach. Here, you get a chance to swim in calm, clear waters—perfect for cooling off and relaxing. The tour includes limited snorkeling equipment, which is a nice touch if you want to explore underwater a bit.

The onboard lunch is simple but tasty—rice with vegetables, coleslaw, meatballs in tomato sauce, bread, and bananas—plus unlimited water and refreshments. During the meal, wines and beers flow freely, according to one review, “which made the experience even better.” The food is well-arranged, and the overall value is boosted by the inclusive drinks.

Return Journey and Coastline Views

After the swim and meal, the yacht heads back towards Los Cristianos, offering views of Tenerife’s southwest coast. The return leg is about 20 minutes, giving you a relaxed final stretch while soaking in the scenery.

Practicalities and Tips

The tour lasts around 3 to 5 hours, which balances whale sightings, swimming, and dining without feeling rushed. The group size keeps it intimate, and the pickup service adds convenience. While towels and sun cream aren’t included, bringing your own is advisable for comfort and sun protection.

The tour operates on good weather, and cancellations due to poor weather are fully refunded if you notify 24 hours in advance. Keep in mind that the success of the swimming stop depends on conditions, so flexibility is key.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At around $68, this experience packs a lot: wildlife viewing, a swim stop, a delicious meal, and drinks—all in a small-group setting. The small capacity means you’ll spend less time fighting for space and more time enjoying the marine life and scenery. Plus, the guides’ professionalism and responsible approach mean you’re not just along for the ride but contributing to sustainable whale watching.

The fact that the tour is booked on average 36 days in advance indicates its popularity, which is hardly surprising given its combination of intimacy, education, and fun. It’s perfect for those looking to experience Tenerife’s marine wonders without the crowds or commercial excess of larger tours.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This yacht tour is ideal if you appreciate an authentic, laid-back day of marine wildlife spotting mixed with great food and drinks. It’s well-suited for couples seeking a romantic outing, families wanting a safe yet fun adventure, or friends looking for a memorable day at sea. If you prefer a more personal experience with expert guides and a quiet environment to observe whales in their natural habitat, this tour hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum group size?
The tour caps at 20 passengers, providing a more intimate experience compared to larger boats.

Does the tour include whale sightings?
Yes, the guides actively help spot whales and dolphins, with responsible observation as a priority.

Are drinks and food included?
Yes, the onboard lunch includes rice with vegetables, meatballs, bread, bananas, plus unlimited water, soft drinks, wine, and beer.

What should I bring?
It’s a good idea to bring towels, sun cream, and perhaps a camera. Towels aren’t provided, but it’s wise to have sunscreen and waterproof gear for swimming and snorkeling.

How long is the tour?
Expect approximately 3 to 5 hours from start to finish, depending on conditions and timing.

Is there transportation to the meeting point?
Pickup is offered, and the meeting point is at the Yate Neptuno Yacht in Los Cristianos.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour operates only in good weather, and cancellations due to poor conditions are fully refunded if notified 24 hours in advance.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours prior to the tour.

Final Thoughts

This Tenerife whale and dolphin tour offers a combination of wildlife adventure, relaxation, and culinary enjoyment in an intimate setting. The small group size, expert guides, and responsible approach ensure that you get a genuine experience with marine life, not just a touristy ride. The inclusion of a swim stop and onboard lunch makes it a well-rounded day—perfect for those seeking a balance of adventure and comfort.

While weather-dependent, when conditions are right, you’ll likely find this tour to be a highlight of your Tenerife trip, especially if you’re eager to connect with nature and enjoy some high-seas tranquility.

For travelers who prioritize quality over quantity, value over crowds, and authentic encounters over scripted tours, this experience deserves a spot on your Tenerife must-do list.