Tenerife Los Cristianos: Whale and Dolphin Eco-Yacht and Swim Stop

If you’re planning a trip to Tenerife and love the idea of spotting whales, dolphins, and sea turtles while enjoying a relaxed day on the water, this eco-friendly yacht tour might just be what you’re looking for. We’ve looked into what travelers are saying, what to expect, and how this experience balances adventure with sustainability.

What we love about this tour are its focus on respectful marine observation, the opportunity to swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters, and the friendly, knowledgeable crew that keeps the journey fun and informative. The price point—around $23.70 per person—makes it accessible for most travelers.

A potential consideration is the weather dependency and the boat’s stability. Seas can be choppy, which might not suit everyone—particularly those prone to seasickness or traveling with young children.

This tour works best for families, solo travelers, or couples seeking an authentic, eco-conscious marine adventure in Tenerife. Now, let’s get into the details of what makes this experience stand out.

• Eco-conscious design: The boat is built with sustainability in mind, certified by the Blue Flag, and features protected propellers.
• Wildlife encounters: Expect close-up views of whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds, with free rescheduling if marine life isn’t spotted.
• Swim and snorkel: Enjoy a stop for swimming in the Atlantic, with your own gear recommended.
• Small group size: Limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Informative guides: Friendly guides provide engaging commentary about marine animals and Tenerife’s coast.
• Value for money: Considering the wildlife viewing, swimming, and boat amenities, this is a well-priced adventure.

What to Expect from the Tenerife Whale and Dolphin Eco-Yacht Tour

This approximately 1 hour 40-minute outing begins at the port of Los Cristianos, with a departure point at Calle Espigón del Benchijigua. From there, the boat—designed with passenger comfort and environmental sustainability in mind—sets off along the coast towards the Palm Mar area, famed for its clear waters and marine biodiversity.

The vessel holds the coveted “Blue Boat” certification, a mark of its compliance with safety and sustainability standards. Built specifically for whale watching in 2018, the yacht is equipped with protected propellers, which reduces its ecological footprint and minimizes disturbance to marine life. The boat’s low gravity center makes for a smoother ride, reducing dizziness—something noted positively by many travelers.

Marine Wildlife Viewing

The core of this tour is spotting whales, dolphins, and turtles. According to reviews, guides are both knowledgeable and enthusiastic, often pointing out pods of pilot whales, dolphins, and even sea turtles swimming nearby. One reviewer shared: “We saw pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles—an incredible close-up experience.” The guides don’t just indicate what’s around—they often share interesting facts about the animals’ behaviors, migration patterns, and family structures, enhancing the experience.

Some travelers mention seeing flying fish and seabirds, adding to the marine spectacle. The tour is designed to respect the animals, maintaining a safe distance and avoiding invasive behavior. Reviewers highlight the importance of the eco-friendly approach, with one noting that the vessel’s construction respects marine fauna, which adds value for those conscious of their environmental impact.

Swimming and Snorkeling Stop

A highlight for many is the swim stop at the end of the cruise. The stern of the vessel is perfect for jumping into the Atlantic for a refreshing dip or snorkeling (though you need to bring your own equipment). The waters are described as crystal clear and inviting. One reviewer mentioned that “taking your swimwear for a dip in the ocean” is a must, and that the opportunity to relax and cool off adds a relaxing dimension to the trip.

Coastal Highlights & Cave of Love

As the boat cruises along the coast, you’ll pass the famous Cave of Love, a striking natural formation that makes for a memorable photo opportunity. It’s great to have an experienced guide explaining the significance and beauty of these natural sights, which enhances the scenic value of the tour.

Additional Amenities

Onboard, you’ll find a bar offering drinks (soda, beer, and snacks are available for purchase), a toilet, and a friendly crew that tends to all ages. If marine life isn’t sighted on the day, there’s free rescheduling—a smart policy that shows the tour provider’s confidence in wildlife sightings.

The Experience in Practice: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable Price Point: At just over $23, this tour offers excellent value, considering the wildlife viewing, scenic cruise, and swim opportunity.
• Respectful Wildlife Observation: The eco-approach ensures that marine life isn’t disturbed, giving you peace of mind while enjoying the spectacle.
• Small Group Atmosphere: With a maximum of 20 travelers, the experience feels intimate, and guides can offer personalized attention.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Reviewers consistently praise the crew for their friendly demeanor and informative commentary, enhancing the overall enjoyment.
• Swimming and Snorkeling: The chance to hop into the Atlantic waters makes this trip more than just a sightseeing cruise—it’s an immersive experience.
• Beautiful Coastal Views: Passing the Cave of Love and along Tenerife’s coast makes for some stunning scenery amid your marine adventures.

Cons:

• Weather Dependency: If seas are rough or weather conditions are poor, the trip might be canceled, and refunds or rescheduling are provided, but it’s worth checking the forecast beforehand.
• Seasickness Risks: Some reviews mention the boat can be quite wobbly in choppy waters, so if you’re sensitive, prepare accordingly.
• Limited Education on Marine Life: While guides do point out animals, some travelers felt they wanted more detailed information about the animals’ lifestyles and behaviors.
• No Food Included: Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, but bringing your own might be preferable, especially for longer trips or those with specific dietary needs.

How Well Does It Deliver on Value?

When evaluating the $23.70 per person price, it’s clear that this tour packs in a lot. For the cost, you get a scenic cruise, wildlife sightings, a swim stop, and the chance to relax in a beautiful coastal setting—all with the reassurance of eco-conscious practices. Several reviewers mention the friendly staff and how they make everyone feel comfortable, which adds to the excellent value.

Some have even noted it as an “absolute bargain,” with one guest remarking, “We got to see numerous pilot whales and turtles, and the staff are so friendly.” It’s also worth noting that the smaller group size means less crowding and more interaction with guides, making the experience more personal.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want to see Tenerife’s marine life in a responsible way without breaking the bank. It suits those interested in wildlife, scenic cruising, and a bit of water fun. Families with children, couples, or solo travelers all appreciate the relaxed pace and intimate setting. However, if seasickness is a concern or you prefer more in-depth educational content, you might want to consider other options or prepare accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This whale and dolphin tour from Los Cristianos offers a solid blend of eco-consciousness, wildlife encounters, and fun aquatic activities. Its affordability means you won’t have to splurge to enjoy a meaningful experience with Tenerife’s ocean residents. The guides’ friendliness and the scenic coastal vistas make it a trip worth considering.

While weather and seas can sometimes influence the experience, the provider’s flexible rescheduling policy mitigates that risk. For those who enjoy observing marine mammals in their natural environment, this trip provides plenty of opportunities to do so respectfully and comfortably.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, family-friendly adventure that combines marine wildlife viewing with some time in the water, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s also a good choice for eco-conscious travelers who want to minimize their impact while enjoying the natural beauty of Tenerife’s oceans.

Who Might Want to Skip It?

If you’re prone to seasickness, or if you’re seeking an extremely educational or high-adrenaline experience, you might prefer other options. Similarly, if weather conditions are forecasted to be rough, it’s wise to wait or look for alternative dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, including wildlife viewing, the coastal cruise, and the swim stop.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the guided wildlife spotting, the eco-friendly boat ride, access to the toilet, and a swim stop. Drinks and snacks are available to purchase onboard.

Can I reschedule if we don’t see any marine animals?
Yes, free rescheduling is available if no whales or dolphins are seen on the day, subject to availability.

What should I bring?
Bring your own snorkel equipment if you plan to snorkel, as it’s not provided. Also, pack swimwear, sunscreen, water, and possibly a hat for sun protection.

What is the boat like?
The yacht has a low gravity center, reducing dizziness, and is built with environmentally friendly features, including protected propellers.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers find it appropriate for families, but consider the boat’s stability if traveling with very young children or those sensitive to seasickness.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather, and in case of cancellation due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this Tenerife whale and dolphin eco-yacht tour offers a balanced mix of stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and water fun at an accessible price. Its focus on sustainability and small group size make it a responsible choice for nature lovers. While weather and seas can sometimes be a challenge, the overall experience is engaging, relaxing, and well worth the investment for anyone wanting to connect with Tenerife’s oceanic treasures.