Whales and dolphins, in real time. You get the private-boat feel with unlimited drinks and the real draw—time on the Atlantic for marine life. One thing to keep in mind: sightings and sea conditions are never fully in your control, so ask about safety steps and where lifejackets are before you sail.

I like the low-stress setup for a short outing: you board at Soñador Sailing Yacht in Puerto Colón and spend about 3 hours heading out around Las Galletas. The downside? If the sea turns rough or animals don’t hang around, the trip can feel more like an expensive boat ride than a whale show.

Key points before you book

• Private group on a luxury yacht: just your party, not a big crowded boat.
• Unlimited drinks plus snacks: cava, beer, soft drinks, and wine are part of the onboard package.
• Snorkeling equipment included: you’ll have gear for a swim-and-snorkel moment, if conditions allow.
• Whales and dolphins search from Las Galletas: this is the main mission, not a long sightseeing itinerary.
• Space for sunning and viewing: multiple spots on the yacht for a good watch-out-the-water perspective.
• Weather matters: it’s run for good conditions, and the operator notes they won’t sail if it’s unsafe.

Private yacht on Tenerife: what 3 hours really buys you

This is a private 3-hour charter out of Tenerife—priced per group (up to 11 people). That price structure is what makes it work. When you split it across a group, the cost per person drops fast compared with most “true private” boat experiences, and you’re not stuck waiting around while a large group boards, moves, and argues about where to stand.

The trip is also short enough to fit into a day without wrecking your schedule. You’re not committing to a full half-day excursion that eats dinner plans. In practice, this kind of charter is about one thing: going out far enough, long enough, and with the right kind of comfort to maximize your odds of seeing whales and dolphins.

Since it’s a private tour/activity, the vibe is more flexible. You’re more likely to get a captain who can answer questions and adjust to what’s happening on the water. For families, it tends to feel calmer because kids are not squeezed into a packed boat environment.

From Puerto Colón to Las Galletas: the whale-and-dolphin mission

Your sailing starts at Puerto Colón, at the Soñador Sailing Yacht (Puerto colon, pantalan 0, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife). From there, the plan is simple: head out from Las Galletas area to watch for whales and dolphins in the Atlantic.

This is not a “see a landmark, then leave” tour. It’s a wildlife search. That means the timing can feel quick once you find animals—and that can go either way. If you get the action early, the 3 hours feel excellent. If the animals don’t show, the trip still includes the comfort and snacks, but the main goal may be harder.

A helpful way to think about it: the charter is built around natural habitat viewing. If you’re expecting a guaranteed show on cue, you’ll probably be disappointed. But if you’re open to the idea that the captain is working conditions and animals first, you’ll enjoy the ride more.

One specific detail I’d plan around: you should be ready for a “watch first, talk second” kind of outing. You’ll want to stay near the best viewing areas as the boat moves into position.

Unlimited cava, beer, wine, and snacks: comfort that actually matters

This charter isn’t just “you’re on a boat.” It includes unlimited drinks—cava, beer, and soft drinks are highlighted, and wine is listed too. Food is included as snacks, and there’s mention of a tapas selection prepared for you.

That matters because on a 3-hour trip, every hour counts. If you’re already paying private-yacht money, the value spikes when drinks and snacks remove the hassle of buying things mid-ride. You can focus on watching the water instead of tracking down a fridge, a bar line, or cash.

That said, I’d manage expectations about food quality and timing. One bad experience described drinks not arriving until very late and a very basic cold flatbread snack. The operator response suggests food is typically a cold snack, with sandwiches and even pizza mentioned for that day. Either way, don’t book this as a gourmet meal cruise.

If you’re celebrating something, note this: one celebration review says the crew included champagne for birthdays. The data doesn’t promise it every time, but it does suggest the captain/crew can be willing to add a celebratory touch if you ask.

Snorkel gear and a swim stop: what to bring and what to confirm

The experience includes snorkeling equipment and encourages swim time. The trip description explicitly asks you to bring swim suits, and it’s set up for a dip and snorkel moment from the boat.

But here’s the practical part: bring the basics as if you might use the gear. That means swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water shoes if you have them. Even if you don’t snorkel, the water dip can be refreshing in the Tenerife sun.

One important caution from the feedback you have here: snorkeling availability wasn’t consistent on at least one sailing. Since snorkel gear is listed as included, you should still check at the start—politely—whether your snorkeling equipment is ready and where it’s stored. That takes 20 seconds and saves disappointment.

Also, don’t assume you’ll be in the water the entire time. If sea conditions aren’t right, the captain may keep you out or limit the stop. The operator emphasizes that safety comes first, and they say they won’t sail if conditions are unsafe.

Sunbathing spots on a luxury yacht: where to watch

One of the best parts of a private catamaran/yacht-style setup is that you’re not hunting for a good view through other people’s bodies. This charter is described with plenty of sunbathing areas—at the front, on the roof, and at the back—so everyone should be able to find a viewing spot.

That distribution matters because whale and dolphin sightings can happen in different directions. If you’re stuck in one narrow area, you miss the moment. Multiple decks and seating zones let you reposition quickly without climbing over strangers.

If you’re traveling with mixed-age people, this layout is also helpful. Some folks want full sun. Others want shade. With several zones, you can spread out without making it everyone’s problem.

Tip: don’t pack up your stuff immediately when you board. The captain may adjust course to put the animals in range. Keep your phone and camera ready, and keep your towel and sunscreen within easy reach.

Safety briefings: ask fast, relax after

Safety is the one area where you should be a little extra alert. In one experience, a guest raised serious concerns about a lack of safety briefing and lifejackets not being issued or clearly shown. In the operator’s response, they say there are 12 lifejackets onboard and that they are at hand, and they also state that they wouldn’t sail if lifejackets were needed due to weather.

Translation for you: even if the operator says conditions were safe, do your own 30-second check. Ask:

• Where are the lifejackets located?
• Is everyone expected to wear one, or are they for emergencies only?
• What’s the plan if the swell increases?

A good captain will be happy to answer. If the crew seems rushed or unclear, that’s your cue to slow down and ask again before you step onto the best viewing area. You’re paying for a luxury experience—part of that is feeling confident on deck.

Boat type note: yacht vs catamaran changes can happen

One piece of potential friction in the feedback is boat type. One guest says a catamaran was booked but a sailing yacht was provided, and they weren’t happy about the mismatch. The operator response says changes were made, a refund was offered, and the guest could see a difference in expected cost.

So what should you do with this information? Don’t just assume the exact vessel will be the one you pictured when you booked. If boat type matters to you—especially if you care about specific space layout—send a message or ask for confirmation of the vessel details at booking time.

This isn’t a “never trust boat operators” situation. It’s a “double-check what you booked” situation. On the ocean, logistics and assignments sometimes shift.

Price and value for up to 11 people

At $600.12 per group (up to 11), this is priced like a private outing, but it can land in a surprisingly reasonable range per person when you fill the group. If you take the top end of 11 people, you’re around $55 per person. The value improves even more if you actually use what’s included: unlimited drinks, snacks/tapas, and snorkeling gear.

Also, there’s no pick-up included. That can reduce “hidden costs” because you’re not automatically paying for transportation you won’t use. The meeting point is clear in Puerto Colón, and it’s near public transportation.

One more booking insight: this kind of charter is often booked about 92 days in advance on average. If you want a specific day (especially weekends), book ahead. For shorter, higher-demand marine viewing trips, last-minute choices can shrink.

Who this charter suits best (and who might hesitate)

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A private wildlife search with comfort
• A short 3-hour block without complicated logistics
• Unlimited drinks to keep the mood easy
• A chance to snorkel, not just watch from the rail

Families can be a good match too. One sailing noted kids were mesmerized by the whales and the crew did a great job. Also, children must be accompanied by an adult.

A couple of reasons you might hesitate:

• If you’re traveling on a tight schedule and whale sightings are your only goal, remember sightings aren’t guaranteed.
• If you are very food-focused, set expectations that snacks and tapas can be basic rather than restaurant-level.
• If you’re risk-averse about swell, ask about conditions and safety steps early.

The bottom line: should you book this?

I’d book it if you’re excited by the idea of a private boat outing where your comfort is handled and your main goal is marine life. The unlimited drinks and the snorkeling gear are exactly the kind of inclusions that make the price feel fair, especially when shared across a group.

I’d also go in with the right mindset: this is wildlife viewing, not a scripted show. If you want to maximize your odds, pick a day with good weather and be ready to stay patient while the captain searches.

And before you set sail, do two quick checks: confirm your snorkeling gear is available, and ask where lifejackets are. Those two steps turn “luxury brochure promises” into a smoother real-world experience.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht charter?

It runs for about 3 hours.

What’s the group size limit and is it private?

It’s private, and the group size limit is up to 11 people.

Where do we meet, and is pick-up included?

You meet at Soñador Sailing Yacht in Puerto Colón (Puerto colon, pantalan 0, Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife). Pick-up is not included, and the trip ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included onboard?

Included are bottled water, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, snacks, and use of snorkeling equipment.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included, and the experience encourages you to bring your swim suit.

What language is the charter offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Are children allowed on the trip?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Krabi: 4 Island Luxury Yacht with Snorkelling & Clear KayakingDay Trip – Luxury Experience in Ha Long Bay by Saquila YachtBlue & Green cave tour with yacht from town HvarWhales and Dolphins excursion on a Luxury Yacht in Canary Islands