Whales, snacks, and a private yacht. This 3-hour Royal Ocean outing is an easy way to see Tenerife from the water, with a spacious boat that includes a restroom and plenty of seating, plus snacks, alcoholic drinks, and Spanish tapas while you’re anchored. I like that it feels like you’re renting the whole experience, not just buying a seat.

One thing to plan for: seasickness can happen. If you’re prone to it, this isn’t the type of day to tough out unless you bring your medicine, and the trip also needs decent weather to run.

Key Points I’d Prioritize

• Whale and dolphin spotting time near the Las Galletas sailing route, with chances to grab photos
• A wild-bay stop by the cliffs of Los Cristianos for that “off-the-beaten-water” feel
• Snorkeling + swimming in clear waters, plus SUP (both included) when conditions are right
• Unlimited drinks and a proper lunch setup, including jamón, meats, cheeses, and Spanish tapas
• Captain and crew service that keeps the day relaxed, from welcome to onboard care (with Captain Lui and Dmitri noted by guests)

Royal Ocean Yacht: a private boat day that’s actually relaxing

This is a true private tour for up to 8 people, so the vibe is calmer from the first minute. You don’t have to negotiate with crowds, and the crew can shift the plan to match what the sea and wildlife are doing.

The boat itself is built for comfort. You get lots of seating areas, and there’s a restroom onboard, which matters more than most people think—especially when you’re out long enough to want to linger for photos or a slow snack. There’s also an air-conditioned vehicle involved with pickup, so you’re not stuck overheating on the way to the marina.

My favorite part of the whole concept is that it blends “see Tenerife” with “feel good doing it.” Wildlife watching is the headline, but the real win is that you can stay onboard in comfort, then switch gears to swim and snorkel without the day turning into a logistics puzzle.

Getting to Marina del Sur and starting on the right foot

You’ll meet at Royal Ocean S.L. at Puerto deportivo Marina del Sur, Las Galletas (Santa Cruz de Tenerife). The pickup point is at X-Sur Mall, Main entrance, which is convenient if you’re using public transport around that area.

You should receive confirmation at booking time, and you’ll get a mobile ticket. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t need to plan a second transport round-trip after you’re done.

If you’re traveling with kids or a mixed group, this matters: the day is short (about 3 hours), and the start-to-finish flow is simple. You’re either on the water or getting ferried between points—no long bus journeys, no “everyone out and line up” moments that eat the trip.

Stop 1 near Las Galletas: whales, dolphins, and a photographer’s window

The day kicks off from the Las Galletas area, sailing out toward waters where you can look for whales and dolphins. This first stretch is where you’ll probably feel most “on Tenerife time.” The crew sets you in position, and you get time to watch and take photos.

There’s something satisfying about doing wildlife spotting from a private yacht rather than from a crowded deck. You can move with less hassle and stay in the part of the boat where the sightlines feel best.

The plan also includes a switch after the wildlife watching: you head toward a wild bay in the cliffs of Los Cristianos. That transition is important because it prevents the day from feeling like a single long search with no payoff. Even if animal spotting takes a moment, you still have a beautiful next phase.

What to watch for during this first stop

• If you care about photos, look for the crew’s best positioning and give yourself a few minutes to settle before snapping.
• Wear sun protection even if it looks cloudy. Boat light can be sneaky.
• Bring a towel mindset: you’ll want to dry off once you shift from viewing into water time later.

Cliffs of Los Cristianos: the wild-bay pause that feels off the map

After Stop 1, you’ll spend about an hour at the wild bay tucked into the cliffs near Los Cristianos. This is the part of the trip that gives you that “wait, we’re actually here” feeling—less about checkpoints, more about atmosphere.

You may not get to spend the full hour swimming here (the snorkeling anchoring is more emphasized in the second stop), but it’s still a great window for ocean time. Think: photos of the coastline, watching the water move, and enjoying the boat’s comfort while you’re surrounded by dramatic rock walls.

This stop also helps balance the day. You’re not constantly switching between gear, swimming, and climbing back onboard. You get a real breather.

Stop 2 in Los Cristianos: snorkeling, swimming, and a lunch that doesn’t skimp

For the second stop, the pace picks up. During the short transit, you’re served drinks, fruits, and snacks, so you’re fed well before the water time begins.

You then anchor in clear turquoise waters of a bay for snorkeling and swimming. This is the heart of the active part of the tour, and the included gear is a big plus: snorkeling equipment and towels are part of the package, so you don’t need to pack your own kit.

Once you’re anchored, drinks and food ramp up. You’ll be served unlimited drinks along with a quality lunch spread that includes jamón, meats, cheeses, and Spanish tapas. That’s one of the best “value” elements of this tour: you pay for the boat, and you don’t get stuck buying food separately later at an overpriced tourist spot.

Then there’s the short cliffside walk and the caves

After the swim/snorkel window, you’ll take a short walk alongside the cliffs, including entering caves. This adds variety beyond just being on deck, and it gives you a bit of land-and-rock contrast to the water scenes.

Just keep expectations realistic. It’s short, not a hike day, and the trip is built around water time. Comfortable shoes help, though the provided towels already cover the “post-swim” side.

Food, drinks, SUP, and the onboard extras that make it feel like a real treat

This is the kind of tour where “included” actually means something. You get:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Coffee and/or tea
• Soda/pop
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Lunch
• Towels
• Restroom onboard
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• SUP (stand-up paddleboard)

You don’t have to choose between wildlife viewing and comfort. You can snack while watching for whales and dolphins, then go in for snorkeling without realizing you forgot something important.

A detail I think is worth calling out: the boat has multiple seating areas. That matters because Tenerife’s sun on the water can change quickly, and people naturally want shade some minutes and sun other minutes.

One more practical note: if you’re bringing a group with different comfort levels in the sea, the variety helps. You can spend time in and out of the water, and you can also do SUP if conditions fit.

Price and what $900.18 per group buys you (up to 8)

Yes, the price looks high at first glance. But you’re paying for a private yacht experience for up to 8 people, not a shared cruise.

When you break it down, what you’re buying is:

• a private vessel with a restroom onboard
• a set itinerary with two anchored moments
• included snorkeling equipment, towels, and SUP
• drinks (including alcohol) and meals (snacks plus lunch)
• pickup from X-Sur Mall and transport by air-conditioned vehicle

If you were to piece together a boat rental, snorkeling gear, and a solid lunch with drinks, it usually stops being “cheap fast.” Here, the value is in the bundle and the time efficiency. You get a focused 3-hour window, and the crew handles the flow.

The “per group” setup is also ideal for families or two couples who want privacy without paying for a full charter with only 2 people.

Who this private yacht tour is best for (and who should reconsider)

This trip is listed as suitable for most travelers. It’s also a nice fit if you want variety: wildlife watching, swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and a meal with Spanish tapas-style elements.

It’s especially good for:

• couples celebrating something (short, special, and private)
• families with kids who can handle water time
• groups of up to 8 who want the boat vibe but not the crowd chaos

The main consideration is sea comfort. It’s not recommended for people who get seasick unless they take their medication. Even with a good captain and a stable route, the sea can still be a factor.

If you’re visiting in a season where you’re already feeling queasy on boats, I’d treat that as a real sign. Don’t gamble with it.

Weather, timing, and what to do if the sea changes the plan

This experience requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That’s the smart way to handle it, since a wildlife-and-swimming day depends on sea conditions.

Even when weather is acceptable, conditions can change. The crew’s job is to find the best places within the planned windows—whales and dolphins in one area, a wild-bay stop, then clear anchored waters for snorkeling. The itinerary is structured, but the sea has its own opinions.

Practical move: pack like it’s a water day. Sun protection, water shoes if you have them, and a change of shirt in your mind. The towels onboard help, but you’ll still feel better if you’re prepared.

Should you book this Royal Ocean private yacht tour?

I’d book it if you want a short, high-comfort private day on Tenerife with real water time and real food included. The combination of whale and dolphin watching, snorkeling plus SUP, and a lunch built around jamón/meats/cheeses/tapas is exactly the kind of “all-in-one” plan that makes the higher price feel fair.

Skip it or plan carefully if you know seasickness hits you hard, even on calmer days. Also, if you’re chasing a long, structured land tour, this isn’t that. This is about being on the water and enjoying it.

If you can handle the sea and you want privacy, this is one of the easiest ways to turn Tenerife into a “remember this” day.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

It runs for about 3 hours.

How many people can be on the private tour?

The price is per group, up to 8 people.

What language is the tour offered in?

It’s offered in English.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered at X-Sur Mall, main entrance.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Royal Ocean S.L., Puerto deportivo Marina del Sur, Las Galletas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are alcoholic beverages, snorkeling equipment, snacks, towels, coffee and/or tea, soda/pop, restroom on board, air-conditioned vehicle (for pickup), SUP, bottled water, and lunch.

What isn’t included?

Tips are not included.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

What if I get seasick or the weather is bad?

It’s not recommended for travelers with seasickness unless they get their medicine. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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