Whales and Dolphins excursion on a Luxury Yacht in Canary Islands

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Exploring the Whales and Dolphins Excursion on a Luxury Yacht in Tenerife

Travelers looking for a memorable marine adventure in Tenerife will find this whale and dolphin watching tour on a luxury yacht offers a perfect blend of natural encounters, comfort, and authentic experiences. With its small group size, friendly crew, and scenic stops, it’s designed to give you a genuine glimpse into marine life while enjoying the beautiful Canary Islands coastline.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the intimate setting with just up to eight guests ensures plenty of space and personalized attention. Second, the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, accompanied by informative commentary from the crew, amplifies the educational value. Lastly, the combination of a luxury yacht, snacks, drinks, and a snorkeling stop makes this not just a tour — but a mini-vacation.

One potential consideration is weather conditions; since sightings depend on marine activity, choppy seas or windy days may limit animal encounters. However, the crew’s flexibility to adapt — especially on windy days — keeps the experience enjoyable. This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate comfort at sea, want an authentic wildlife experience, and enjoy small-group adventures that feel both exclusive and relaxed.

Key Points

Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 guests for a personalized feel.
Wildlife Encounters: High likelihood of spotting whales and dolphins.
Comfort & Amenities: Well-equipped yacht with restroom, snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear.
Scenic Coastal Views: Footage of Teide and Tenerife’s coastline from the water.
Flexible & Attentive Crew: Knowledgeable guides who provide engaging commentary.
Value for Money: Includes a 3-hour trip, food, drinks, and snorkeling for around $92.

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Why This Yacht Tour Offers Real Value

The Whales and Dolphins excursion in Tenerife isn’t just about ticking wildlife off your bucket list — it’s about doing so in style and comfort. For $92, you gain approximately three hours of marine adventure, guided by a friendly crew with a reputation for hospitality, as reflected in reviews praising their attentiveness and informative commentary.

The tour is hosted by Royal Ocean, a provider known for their well-maintained boats and personal service. The yacht itself is described as pristine and comfortable, featuring air conditioning and a restroom onboard. This is especially appreciated after hours at sea, making the trip more enjoyable without the discomfort of cramped or outdated vessels.

The trip commences in Las Galletas and takes you along the scenic coast towards Los Cristianos, giving you stunning views of Mount Teide and the rugged coastline. The boat’s small size means you’ll never feel lost in a crowd — instead, you get a cozy, intimate experience that many reviewers have described as “luxurious” and “exclusive.”

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Start at Las Galletas

The adventure kicks off from Puerto Deportivo Marina del Sur in Las Galletas. The crew, including guides like Michael and Dimitri, are praised for their hospitality and knowledge. Many reviews highlight the crew’s effort to find marine life despite weather challenges, with some days yielding extraordinary sights of pilot whales, dolphins, and minke whales. One reviewer shared, “The crew tried their best, and we did see dolphins and whales — it’s about luck and timing.”

Whale and Dolphin Watching

The core of the experience is the one-hour wildlife encounter. You’ll cruise along the coast, where the crew points out interesting facts about the marine animals and their behaviors. Guests often describe this part as awe-inspiring; hearing a whale breathe or watching dolphins leap out of the water creates genuine moments of wonder. Several reviews mention how close the animals come, giving the sensation of being right in their world.

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Snorkeling and Relaxation at Los Cristianos Bay

After the wildlife viewing, the boat anchors at one of the best bays for snorkeling in Los Cristianos. Here, guests can jump into the water equipped with snorkeling gear, or simply unwind with drinks and tapas. The stop lasts about 40 minutes, providing enough time to cool off, explore the underwater world, and soak up the scenic vistas. Reviewers have appreciated this peaceful break; one said, “It was a lovely stop for swimming and relaxing with drinks and tapas—an ideal balance to the wildlife spotting.”

Scenic Cruising & Optional Swimming

While some might hope to see whales, the calm, scenic cruise itself is a treat. Visualize cruising past cliffs and the iconic Mount Teide, with the sun warming your back and a cold drink in hand. For those who prefer to stay on board, the well-equipped yacht offers plenty of space, and the attentive crew ensures everyone’s comfort.

What Travelers Say About Their Experience

Reviews reveal a consistent theme: small groups and personalized service make all the difference. Guests rave about the hospitality, with mentions of hosts like Lu, Michael, and Dimitri, who go the extra mile to make everyone feel cared for. The snacks and drinks receive special praise — “The snacks were excellent, and the drinks kept us refreshed during the trip,” says one reviewer.

Seeing whales and dolphins is often described as magical. One guest enthusiastically shared, “We saw a pod of pilot whales and dolphins swimming alongside us for over an hour,” highlighting how close and engaging the sightings can be. Even when wildlife is elusive, crew efforts to find animals or adapt plans are appreciated. A reviewer noted, “It was windy, and we didn’t see whales, but the crew tried their best and took us to a marina outside the bad weather — still a great day.”

The vessel’s condition also draws positive comments. Many mention that the boat, a Princess 440, is kept in top shape, clean, and comfortable. The atmosphere onboard is described as “relaxed,” “friendly,” and “luxurious,” with plenty of space to move around and enjoy the trip.

The Value of This Experience

At around $92.89 per person, this tour offers excellent value for those who want more than just a wildlife sighting. The price covers snacks, drinks, snorkeling gear, and the expert guidance of the crew. Several reviews mention that the experience exceeds expectations, especially given the intimate group size, which enhances the overall enjoyment.

The inclusion of a stop for swimming and snorkeling adds a layer of adventure that many other tours might not offer. Plus, the picturesque coastline and Mount Teide views make this a visual feast, whether animals are spotted or not.

Practical Details and Tips

Duration: About 3 hours, making it an ideal half-day trip.
Group Size: Limited to 8 guests for a relaxed, personalized experience.
Transport: Pickup offered from nearby locations, with clear instructions to meet at Marina del Sur.
Weather: The tour depends on good weather; poor weather might lead to cancellations or alternative arrangements.
Seasickness: Not recommended for travelers prone to seasickness, as open water can be choppy.
Booking: On average, trips are booked 23 days in advance, so planning ahead ensures availability.
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand provides some peace of mind.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children prone to seasickness may find it uncomfortable. The trip’s intimate setting and gentle waters make it family-friendly, provided everyone is comfortable at sea.

What is included in the price?
You get a 3-hour boat trip, snacks, alcoholic drinks, bottled water, and snorkeling equipment. The yacht is equipped with an onboard restroom for convenience.

Will we definitely see whales or dolphins?
While sightings are very likely (about 95%), wildlife is unpredictable. Several guests have seen pilot whales and dolphins close up, but nature can surprise even the best guides.

Where does the tour start and end?
The trip begins at Royal Ocean, Puerto Deportivo Marina del Sur in Las Galletas, and concludes at the same location.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the trip. Just keep in mind that last-minute cancellations may not be eligible for a refund.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are provided onboard, making the trip enjoyable without extra expenses.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions are poor, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled. In such cases, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This yacht tour is perfect for marine life enthusiasts seeking a genuine encounter with whales and dolphins. It’s also a great choice for those who prefer a small, intimate group over crowded cruises, ensuring personalized attention. If you appreciate luxurious comfort, scenic views, and a relaxed pace, you’ll find this trip highly rewarding.

Travelers who enjoy snorkeling, scenic coastlines, and delicious snacks onboard will appreciate the thoughtful touches that elevate the experience beyond just wildlife watching. It’s especially suitable for those who want a balance of adventure and relaxation in Tenerife.

In summary, if you’re after a high-quality, intimate marine adventure that combines wildlife, comfort, and stunning scenery, this tour delivers on all fronts. Just remember to book in advance — the small group size and popularity mean it fills up quickly.

In brief: This luxury yacht whale and dolphin tour offers a well-rounded, memorable experience that combines wildlife sightings, scenic cruising, and onboard comfort. Perfect for travelers wanting an authentic, intimate outing with knowledgeable guides and a touch of indulgence.