Discover whales in Tenerife: exclusive yacht tour with swimming and lunch.

If you’re hoping to see dolphins, pilot whales, and perhaps even sea turtles during your trip to Tenerife, this tour promises a close encounter with the island’s vibrant marine life—all from the comfort of a small, privately operated yacht. This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a quieter, more personal adventure away from busy boat tours, with a focus on responsible wildlife observation.

What truly makes this tour stand out are its intimacy, sustainable approach, and the chance to combine wildlife spotting with relaxation—plus a delicious onboard lunch and a refreshing swim. However, it’s worth noting that the boat’s smaller size might lead to some movement in rougher waters, which isn’t ideal for everyone. This trip will appeal most to families, couples, and nature lovers eager for an authentic, eco-friendly experience in the Atlantic.

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Key Points

Small Group Size: With only 20 passengers, expect a more relaxed and personal atmosphere.
Responsible Wildlife Watching: All guides are certified in responsible observation, respecting marine habitats.
Flexible Experience: Includes whale and dolphin sightings, swimming stop, and a tasty lunch—combining adventure with comfort.
Comfort and Convenience: Shaded areas, sunbathing mats, restroom on board, plus soft drinks and alcohol.
Ideal for Families & Nature Lovers: Perfect for those wanting authentic marine encounters and a laid-back vibe.
Departure & Booking Flexibility: Daily trips from Los Cristianos, with pay-later and full cancellation options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Tour Is a Must-Do for Marine Enthusiasts

This Tenerife yacht tour offers a genuinely intimate way to explore the island’s rich marine environment. Unlike larger, crowded boats, here you’re on a yacht designed for only 20 passengers, which means plenty of space to stretch out, relax, and truly enjoy the experience. The small group size fosters a peaceful, friendly atmosphere—ideal if you’d rather avoid the chaos of bigger tours and want a more personal connection with your guides and fellow travelers.

The responsible whale watching aspect is a big plus. All guides are certified in eco-friendly observation practices, ensuring that sightings happen without disturbing these magnificent creatures. From pilot whales and dolphins to sea turtles, encounters are natural and respectful—like catching wildlife in their own domain. This thoughtful approach is appreciated by guests, with reviews highlighting how the guides, such as Antonio and Rafael, go out of their way to give informative, friendly commentary, making every sighting more meaningful.

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The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Departure from Los Cristianos

The tour kicks off from the bustling yet charming port of Los Cristianos. You’ll find the boat ready and waiting with a friendly crew eager to set sail. Departure times are flexible with daily departures, making it easy to fit into your Tenerife itinerary. The boat’s capacity of 20 passengers keeps things intimate and manageable, especially for families with kids or groups of friends.

Sailing Along Tenerife’s Southwest Coast

Once out on the water, the real adventure begins. The crew, including guides fluent in English, German, and Spanish, will share insights about the local marine ecosystem. We loved the way the guides, like Rafael, pointed out notable features of the coastline and explained the importance of responsible wildlife observation. The boat’s design ensures shade and comfort at all times, with soft mats for sunbathing and a restroom—critical for longer trips.

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Wildlife Encounters

The highlight for many is the opportunity to spot pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment. The guides are experienced in tracking these animals, and reviews praise their ability to find and identify marine life efficiently—”we saw dolphins jumping alongside the boat,” one reviewer shared. Encounters are entirely dependent on the animals’ natural movements, so patience is key, but the guides make every effort to maximize sightings responsibly.

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Swimming Break in a Sheltered Bay

Midway through the tour, you’ll stop at a calm, secluded bay. Here, the crystal-clear waters invite you to take a refreshing swim or simply relax on the boat. It’s a perfect break to cool off after the excitement of wildlife watching. Reviewers like Estefania loved this moment: “the stop with the bath was spectacular,” and appreciated how the crew made sure everyone felt comfortable.

Lunch and Drinks

The onboard meal is surprisingly hearty and satisfying given the outdoor setting. Expect a fresh salad, rice with vegetables, homemade meatballs in sauce, bread, and a banana for dessert. Guests can enjoy soft drinks, beer, and wine throughout, making it a relaxed, social affair. Many reviews highlight the quality of the food—“the meal was really good,” as Idrissa mentioned—and the fact that drinks are included adds great value, especially considering the price point of around $67 per person.

Return to Port

As the trip winds down, you’ll head back to Los Cristianos, with plenty of time to reflect on your marine sightings and enjoy the sunset views. The whole experience typically lasts about three hours, striking a good balance between adventure, relaxation, and sightseeing.

The Experience: Why It Works Well

This yacht tour hits the sweet spot for travelers wanting an authentic, eco-conscious, and enjoyable day out. The emphasis on responsible watching means you’re not just a spectator but part of a sustainable effort to enjoy wildlife without disturbance. The small, well-equipped yacht allows for more personalized attention from guides and crew—an important factor according to reviews, where guests rave about the professionalism and multilingual skills of the staff.

The stunning scenery along Tenerife’s southwest coast offers incredible backdrops for photos, especially during the sail and dolphin sightings. The combination of wildlife, water, and landscape makes it a well-rounded experience that suits families, couples, and groups of friends alike. The inclusion of a swim stop and a tasty onboard meal ensures that everyone leaves feeling refreshed and satisfied.

What Makes It Stand Out?

The exclusivity of a small yacht means fewer crowds and more space for relaxation.
The responsible wildlife observation ensures the animals are not disturbed, aligning with eco-conscious travelers’ values.
The combination of wildlife, swimming, and food creates a balanced, wholesome experience.
The professional multilingual guides add extra value, making the trip accessible and informative for a diverse audience.

Possible Drawbacks

While the smaller boat offers intimacy and comfort, it might not be suitable for those prone to seasickness or who prefer larger, more stable vessels. Also, as the experience depends on animal movements, sightings cannot be guaranteed, but guides tend to be very experienced, increasing your chances.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a personal, eco-friendly wildlife experience with the chance to swim in beautiful waters, this is a superb choice. It’s ideal for families with kids who enjoy nature, couples seeking a relaxed day at sea, or groups of friends wanting a manageable adventure without the chaos of larger boats. The included lunch and drinks enhance the value, making it a smart option for a laid-back yet exciting day out.

FAQ

Is the boat suitable for children?
Yes, the boat’s small size and friendly atmosphere make it suitable for families and children, especially since it includes swimming and relaxing stops.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, change of clothes, and beachwear for swimming. The boat is equipped with shaded areas and a restroom, but packing extra sun protection and a towel is advisable.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

Is the tour offered in multiple languages?
Yes, the guides speak English, German, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for a diverse group.

What is the price, and is it good value?
At around $67 per person, including lunch, drinks, wildlife sightings, and swimming, the tour offers excellent value considering the personalized experience and responsible approach.

Are whales guaranteed to be seen?
Wildlife sightings depend on natural animal behavior, but experienced guides strive to find and observe marine life responsibly. Many guests report successful sightings of dolphins, whales, and even sea turtles.

Final thoughts: Is this the right tour for you?

This Tenerife whale-watching trip offers a more authentic, intimate alternative to larger, crowded boat tours. Its focus on responsible wildlife viewing, combined with the chance to swim in pristine waters and enjoy a delicious onboard meal, makes it a well-rounded day out.

The experience is especially suited for those who value nature, sustainability, and comfort. Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or a small group of friends, this tour provides a chance to connect with the Atlantic’s marine life in a respectful, relaxed setting.

If you want a peaceful, eco-conscious adventure with plenty of opportunities for wildlife encounters and a tasty lunch, this tour is a fantastic choice. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure and a smile—marine life sightings are naturally unpredictable but always exciting!