REVIEW · TENERIFE
Whales and Dolphins excursion on a Luxury Yacht in Canary Islands
Book on Viator →Operated by Royal Ocean · Bookable on Viator
Seeing whales off Tenerife feels like a perk. This 3-hour luxury yacht outing mixes wildlife time, a swim stop, and crew commentary to help you read the ocean. I also liked the onboard comfort: restroom, shaded seating, and snacks plus alcoholic drinks that keep the mood easy. The one thing to weigh is seasickness—this trip is not recommended if you get sick at sea, and wind can affect sightings.
You’ll cruise from Las Galletas toward the coastline, with Teide showing in the background as you go. The boat carries a small max group of 10, which means more time watching and less time squeezing. You’ll likely hear the Captain’s marine updates, and names like Michael, Dimitri, and Sergio show up in the crew vibe from past trips. On the flip side, if conditions turn choppy, the animals can move on.
In This Review
- Key reasons this trip works
- The value: a luxury yacht outing that stays practical
- Who this is best for
- Who should skip it
- Getting to the boat: Las Galletas meets easy pickup
- A useful tip: bring phone access
- Stop 1 near Las Galletas: whale and dolphin search with live commentary
- What you’ll actually do during the hunt
- The drawback to know: wind changes everything
- Cruising by the coast: Teide views while you’re waiting
- Stop 2 at Los Cristianos cliffs: swim, snorkel, drinks, and tapas
- Why this stop is more than a break
- The tradeoff: you may miss port views during the swim
- What’s included: meals, drinks, and comfort that actually matter
- The food reality check
- Group size: why 10 people changes the whole vibe
- The crew experience: hosts who explain what you’re seeing
- Duration and pacing: about 3 hours, not a full-day quest
- Price vs. what you get: $104-ish with real inclusions
- When to book and how to maximize your odds
- Should you book this whale-and-dolphin luxury yacht tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the whale and dolphin yacht excursion?
- Where does the tour start in Tenerife?
- Is pickup offered, and where does it depart from?
- Is snorkeling included?
- What food and drinks are included on board?
- What group size should I expect?
- Is the tour suitable for people who get sea sickness?
- What’s the cancellation policy and what affects the tour?
Key reasons this trip works
- Small group (max 10): you get a more personal feel than on big catamarans.
- Onboard treats included: soda, snacks, lunch, and alcoholic beverages.
- Marine-life commentary: you’re not just spotting—you’re learning what you’re seeing.
- Snorkeling gear included: you can jump in during the anchor stop.
- Teide-and-coast cruising: even between sightings, the coast views are part of the payoff.
The value: a luxury yacht outing that stays practical
For $104-ish, you’re not buying a long day tour. You’re buying a focused window of sea time with the comforts most whale-watching trips skip. The boat is set up like a proper day afloat: you get an onboard restroom, air-conditioned transport before you sail, plus a bar-and-snacks setup once you’re on the water. That matters in the Canary Islands, where the sun can feel strong and the sea can change mood fast.
The wildlife part is the reason to go, obviously. But what I like is the way this tour balances it with real downtime. There’s a swim and relaxed anchoring time at cliffs near Los Cristianos, so you’re not stuck in constant “looking mode.” If you’re visiting Tenerife and want a whale-and-dolphin experience that doesn’t feel like a chore, this is a strong match.
Who this is best for
This works well for couples, small families, and anyone who’s tired of crowded boats. One family with a 7-year-old described the day as smooth and fun, and the small-group setup helped. If you’re a strong swimmer, you’ll probably love the water time most. If you prefer to stay dry, you’ll still get the main show from comfortable seating.
Who should skip it
If you’re prone to sea sickness, take the warning seriously. The tour is explicitly not recommended for people who get sick at sea, and at least one trip included someone who turned seasick and needed attention right away. Wind is also the wild card. If the sea gets choppy, animals can be harder to spot and the crew may adjust plans.
Getting to the boat: Las Galletas meets easy pickup
The tour starts at Royal Ocean’s marina base: Puerto deportivo Marina del Sur, 38631 Las Galletas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. If you’re using the pickup, it’s done with a beige Mercedes Vito minibus. The pickup point you’ll use is the X-Sur shopping mall, main entrance from the big open parking.
Plan to arrive about 40 minutes before the activity starts. That’s not just “be early” advice—it’s the shared-transport reality. You’ll also want enough time to find the right entrance and get your bearings fast.
A useful tip: bring phone access
Several past guests pointed to using WhatsApp to stay in sync. If you can, make sure your phone has data or can handle international messages so you can confirm you’re at the right pick-up point.
Stop 1 near Las Galletas: whale and dolphin search with live commentary
You leave from Las Galletas and head out for wildlife watching in the animals’ natural environment. This first segment is where the “wow” usually happens. You’re looking for whales and dolphins, with crew guidance to help you spot patterns—like where fountains of water show up or what breathing sounds mean in context.
From accounts of this trip, sightings can be close-up and intense. One person reported seeing more than 40 whales in a lucky run. Another described pilot whales and dolphins swimming alongside for long stretches. Those results are not guaranteed, but the crew’s job is to keep searching and repositioning as conditions allow.
What you’ll actually do during the hunt
- Scan the water surface for blows and activity.
- Listen for the crew’s calls when something is spotted.
- Keep an eye on behavior changes, like sudden faster movement or repeated surfacing.
The best part here is that you’re not watching blindly. The Captain and crew provide commentary designed to make the animals less mysterious and more legible. You’ll learn the “what am I seeing” layer, which makes the whole experience feel richer and easier to remember.
The drawback to know: wind changes everything
This is the reality of marine wildlife tours. One trip didn’t include any whale or dolphin sightings, and another had to work around windy weather. In other words: you’re paying for the effort, not a ticket with a guaranteed animal. The operator’s own message suggests there’s a high chance—around 95%—but sea conditions can still shut the day down.
Cruising by the coast: Teide views while you’re waiting
Once you’ve done the search, you’ll cruise alongside the coastline with marvelous views of Mount Teide and the shore. This is the “keep your camera ready” portion. Even if animals aren’t visible for a few minutes, you’re still on an ocean route with real scenery.
This coast time also helps you reset. Whale sightings are often rapid and unpredictable; the cruising gives you a visual break and keeps the day from feeling like you’re constantly craning your neck.
Stop 2 at Los Cristianos cliffs: swim, snorkel, drinks, and tapas
Then you anchor near the cliffs of Los Cristianos in one of the area’s best bays for swimming and snorkeling. This stop is short—about 40 minutes—but it’s set up so you can make the most of it.
You get snorkeling equipment included, so you don’t have to bring your own. You can swim right there at the anchored stop, with drinks and tapas available while you relax.
Why this stop is more than a break
Here’s the part a lot of whale tours skip: it’s not just the mammals. It’s the water. People who want a full “sea day” usually enjoy the chance to snorkel and feel like you’re using the ocean, not just watching from it.
Also, the anchored position near the cliffs can make the water feel crystal clear in calmer conditions—great for snorkeling, plus you can glance around for underwater life if visibility is good.
The tradeoff: you may miss port views during the swim
One guest noted that the swim anchoring spot meant you didn’t see the port while swimming. If you care about seeing boats and the harbor during your water time, that’s a small downside to accept for the convenience and safety of this anchoring style.
What’s included: meals, drinks, and comfort that actually matter
This isn’t a “bring your own snacks” type of trip. Your ticket includes:
- Soda/pop and bottled water
- Snacks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Lunch
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Restroom on board
- An air-conditioned vehicle for pickup/transport
On board, it feels like a moving lounge with a service style that keeps the day easy. People specifically called out Michael and the Captain’s attention, plus the lunch and bar service as a treat. One review mentioned swimming and pilot whales in the same hour, with lunch and drinks working as a comfort buffer between wildlife bursts.
The food reality check
Food on day tours is rarely a five-star meal. Still, the included setup seems generous for a 3-hour outing. You should expect snacks, lunch, and drinks rather than a long, plated course dinner. One guest did rate the food a bit disappointing, so if you’re picky about meal quality, keep your expectations practical.
Group size: why 10 people changes the whole vibe
The limit is 10 travelers. That’s a big deal. It means less noise, more room to move, and fewer “where do I stand” moments when a whale surfaces. It also makes the crew interactions feel more direct.
A couple of reviews described the day as personal and intimate, with plenty of space to sit and shift positions while looking for animals. That’s not a luxury gimmick—it affects your ability to spot wildlife and enjoy the swim stop without feeling crowded.
The crew experience: hosts who explain what you’re seeing
This tour leans hard on the crew’s role. The Captain and “shipmate” operate like hosts, not just operators. You’ll get commentary tied to what you’re seeing, plus guidance during the day.
Names like Michael, Dimitri, and Sergio come up in the guest stories, and people liked their humor and attentiveness. One guest even called out how quickly the crew cleaned up after a seasickness incident, which says a lot about the practical care they provide.
Duration and pacing: about 3 hours, not a full-day quest
The tour is listed at about 3 hours. Many experiences you’ll find elsewhere are all-day commitments. This one is short on purpose. It’s designed so you can do it even if you have other plans in Tenerife.
Some guests reported the time felt closer to 3.5 hours. Either way, it’s enough time to search, cruise, and enjoy the Los Cristianos swim stop without dragging. The pacing also matters for seasickness. Less time on the water usually means fewer problems for people who are borderline.
Price vs. what you get: $104-ish with real inclusions
Let’s talk value. At around $104 per person, you’re paying for:
- A luxury-style yacht with onboard restroom
- Alcoholic beverages, snacks, and lunch
- Snorkeling gear
- A crew doing both wildlife searching and onboard commentary
- A swim/anchoring stop with food and drink service
Most whale-watching prices you’ll see on islands can turn into “pay more for everything” trips. Here, the inclusions are clear. You’re not likely to spend extra once you’re on the boat.
If you compare to a basic wildlife cruise without snacks, without snorkeling gear, and without restroom comfort, this one can feel like better balance for the money. If you compare it to the most budget catamaran options, you’ll pay more—but you’re also buying the calmer, smaller-group experience.
When to book and how to maximize your odds
You book this trip about 23 days in advance on average, which is a helpful clue. Don’t wait until the last minute during busy weeks. Also remember it requires good weather.
To maximize your odds:
- Choose a day when you expect calmer seas.
- Bring a light layer for when you’re out on the water, even in warm months.
- If you’re sensitive to motion, plan accordingly since the tour explicitly warns against sea sickness.
If you don’t get dolphins or whales, it’s frustrating. But the crew works hard to find them, and the smaller boat means you’re not stuck waiting on a huge schedule while other tours leave.
Should you book this whale-and-dolphin luxury yacht tour?
Book it if you want:
- a small-group whale watching experience (max 10)
- a comfortable yacht with restroom and real onboard food/drinks
- a trip that includes snorkeling and time to actually swim at Los Cristianos
Skip it if:
- you’re likely to get seasick (it’s not recommended)
- you’re only happy with perfect wildlife luck and can’t handle the reality of wind affecting sightings
If you want the Tenerife ocean experience to feel personal and not chaotic, this is the kind of tour that fits. When it hits right, you’re close to the action, you learn as you watch, and you finish with a satisfying swim stop—not just a quick drive-by.
FAQ
How long is the whale and dolphin yacht excursion?
It runs for about 3 hours.
Where does the tour start in Tenerife?
The meeting point is Royal Ocean S.L., Puerto deportivo Marina del Sur, Las Galletas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
Is pickup offered, and where does it depart from?
Pickup is offered using a beige Mercedes Vito minibus. Pickup is at the X-Sur shopping mall, main entrance from the big open parking, about 40 minutes before the tour starts.
Is snorkeling included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the swim/anchor stop.
What food and drinks are included on board?
You’ll have soda/pop, snacks, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and lunch. An onboard restroom is also provided.
What group size should I expect?
This activity has a maximum of 10 travelers.
Is the tour suitable for people who get sea sickness?
It is not recommended for travelers suffering sea sickness.
What’s the cancellation policy and what affects the tour?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather and may be rescheduled or refunded if canceled due to poor weather or if a minimum number of travelers isn’t met.
