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

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

If you’re dreaming of a peaceful day on the sea, spotting dolphins, whales, and maybe even a turtle or two, this Tenerife yacht tour might just be your ideal escape. From the moment we started exploring, what stood out was the intimate atmosphere on a small, responsibly operated yacht, the chance to see marine wildlife in its natural habitat, and the chance to cool off with a swim in crystal-clear waters.

Three things we particularly liked? First, the low-group size of only 20 passengers, which means no frantic crowds or noisy boats. Second, the emphasis on responsible whale watching, with certified guides ensuring the animals are observed respectfully. And third, the delicious included lunch—fresh, satisfying, and perfect for a day at sea.

One consideration? The tour lasts 3 hours, so if you’re craving a longer adventure or want to combine it with other activities, you’ll need to plan accordingly.

This experience is perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends who want an authentic, eco-conscious encounter with Tenerife’s marine life without sacrificing comfort or fun.

Good To Know

• Small-group experience offers a more personal, relaxed atmosphere.
• Responsible whale watching with certified guides ensures respect for wildlife.
• Includes swimming stop in a sheltered bay to cool off and unwind.
• Delicious onboard lunch with fresh salads, rice, meatballs, and drinks.
• Breathtaking views of dolphins, pilot whales, and sea turtles.
• All logistics arranged from pickup to drop-off, making it hassle-free.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Honest Breakdown of the Tenerife Yacht Tour

This three-hour adventure begins with a pickup from one of 20 designated locations in Los Cristianos, a convenient town known for its lively port and lively beach scene. The coach ride to the departure point takes around an hour, giving you time to settle in and get excited about the day ahead. You’ll be whisked to a small, exclusive yacht with a maximum of 20 passengers—meaning plenty of space to spread out, relax, and avoid the chaos often associated with larger boat trips.

The Boat and Onboard Comfort

The yacht itself is designed with comfort in mind, offering shaded areas to escape the sun, sunbathing mats for those who want to catch rays, and a restroom onboard for convenience. The limited passenger count means you won’t be squeezed into tight spaces, making this a peaceful outing. Throughout the trip, soft drinks, cold beverages, and even wine and beer are available, ensuring you stay hydrated and refreshed as you cruise the Atlantic.

The Route and Wildlife Encounters

As the boat departs the port, your crew—comprising knowledgeable guides with multilingual capabilities—begins pointing out the stunning coastlines and explaining the marine ecology of this biodiverse area. The southwest coast of Tenerife is known for its vibrant marine life, and you’ll be delighted to see pilot whales, dolphins, and sometimes even sea turtles in their natural environment.

Reviewers consistently mention the guides’ professionalism and friendliness. One said, “the guides gave us great attention, and we were able to see whales, dolphins, and turtles,” emphasizing the attentive and informative nature of the crew. Another noted the experience of watching dolphins jumping alongside the boat, which is a real highlight of the trip.

The responsible approach to wildlife viewing is central here—they’ve earned Blue Flag status for their dedication to eco-friendly practices. This means no chasing or disturbing the animals; instead, you observe them in their natural habitat at a respectful distance.

The Swim Stop in a Sheltered Bay

Halfway through the cruise, the boat anchors in a small, calm bay. Here, you can jump into the crystal-clear waters to swim, snorkel, or just float and relax. Reviewers often mention how this stop is a real treat—one describes it as “spectacular,” and another said it’s “the perfect time to cool off and enjoy the ocean.” With the peaceful surroundings and warm water, it’s a genuine highlight, especially for families or those wanting a quick refresh.

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The Onboard Lunch

After the swim, everyone gathers back on deck to enjoy a hearty onboard lunch. The menu features a fresh salad, rice with vegetables, and homemade meatballs, accompanied by bread and banana for dessert. Drinks are plentiful—water, soft drinks, beer, and wine—making it an ideal setting for conversation and relaxation. Several reviews praise the food, with one traveler noting, “the lunch was very tasty,” and others appreciating that the meal felt substantial and satisfying after a morning of wildlife spotting.

The Return Journey and Drop-off

As the trip winds down, the yacht heads back toward Los Cristianos. The sense of tranquility, combined with the stunning scenery and wildlife encounters, leaves travelers feeling rejuvenated. The entire experience, including pickup and drop-off, is designed to be seamless, so you can focus on enjoying your day.

Practical Details and Tips for Booking

This tour is priced at $67 per person, which, considering the exclusivity, quality of wildlife sightings, and included meals, offers excellent value. The shorter duration ensures you get a satisfying taste of Tenerife’s marine wonders without a full-day commitment, perfect for travelers on a tight schedule.

Transportation logistics are straightforward: pick-up points are conveniently located, and the coach transfer takes about an hour. Make sure to bring a hat, change of clothes, and swimwear—especially if you plan to take full advantage of the swimming stop.

Note that the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, likely due to boat access limitations. Also, the tour is conducted in English, German, and Spanish, making it accessible for many travelers.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The small group size allows for a more relaxed, personable experience, while the responsible whale watching ensures your wildlife encounters are sustainable and respectful. The inclusion of a swim in calm waters offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, and the quality of the onboard food and drinks makes the whole day feel like a proper treat—without overdoing it on the cost.

Reviewers highlight the professional, friendly guides who offer a wealth of information, making the experience both enjoyable and educational. The sightings of dolphins, pilot whales, and sea turtles are described as natural and unforced, giving you confidence that the wildlife is observed ethically.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who value authentic wildlife encounters over large, commercialized trips. It’s ideal for families, couples, and groups seeking a peaceful day out on the sea with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing, swimming, and good food. If you’re eco-conscious, the responsible approach adds extra appeal—you’re seeing nature without disturbing it.

For those who want a relaxed pace, stunning scenery, and a chance to connect with marine life, this yacht tour delivers on all fronts. It’s also perfect for those new to whale and dolphin spotting or anyone wanting a hassle-free day with all logistics taken care of.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including wildlife watching, swimming, and lunch.

Where do I get picked up?
Pickups are available from 20 locations in Los Cristianos, with a coach transfer taking around an hour from your accommodation to the departure point.

Is the wildlife watching responsible?
Yes, all guides are certified, and the tour holds Blue Flag status, ensuring animals are observed respectfully and without disturbance.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, change of clothes, and beachwear—there’s time to swim and enjoy the water.

Can I bring alcohol?
Alcoholic drinks, including beer and wine, are available on board as part of the included beverages.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially with the shallow bay stop and relaxed pace, but note that it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, German, and Spanish, making the experience accessible to many travelers.

To sum it up, this Tenerife whale watching tour offers a relaxing, eco-conscious way to explore the Atlantic’s marine life with a small group, delicious food, and a swim in pristine waters. It’s well-suited for those who want an authentic encounter with nature, away from noisy crowds, and appreciate responsible tourism. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or a group of friends, this adventure promises a memorable, peaceful day on the high seas.

You can check if your dates are available here: