Las Galletas: Small Group Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise

Spot whales and dolphins off Tenerife’s south coast on a 3–3.5-hour small-group yacht cruise from Las Galletas, with a snorkel stop and homemade Canarian-style snacks and lunch included.

Getting started

If you’ve booked the transfer option, a vehicle collects you from your hotel in south Tenerife around 30 minutes before the trip and drops you at Las Galletas port.The transfer vehicle may display the name “Tonina Cruises”

What to expect

The waters off southern Tenerife are a prime habitat for resident cetaceans, including pilot whales and several dolphin species. As you leave Las Galletas behind, the yacht heads into the whale and dolphin sighting zone along the Teno-Rasca marine strip. The crew scans the horizon for blows, dorsal fins, and splashes, pointing out movement so you know where to look.

Features

• Small-group yacht experience: Because this is a small-group cruise with limited places on a 14-meter yacht, you’re not shoulder-to-shoulder with a crowd. There’s more space at the rail, it’s easier to ask the crew questions, and you can move around to follow wildlife sightings without feeling rushed.

• Whale and dolphin spotting: The main focus of the trip is whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife’s sighting area. The crew uses local knowledge to navigate likely routes, and when pods appear, they slow down so you can watch animals surface, blow, and sometimes bow-ride along the yacht. Sightings are very common here, though they can never be 100% guaranteed.

• Protected coastline views: As you cruise, you’ll follow part of the Teno-Rasca marine strip, a protected area known for its biodiversity. You’ll see sections of Punta de Rasca’s rocky coastline, with clear views of Tenerife’s south shore and the open Atlantic beyond, giving you a mix of wildlife and scenery throughout the cruise.

• Snorkeling and swim stop: Once the main wildlife section is complete, the skipper chooses a sheltered spot near the coast for a swim and snorkel stop. You can stay on deck, take a quick dip, or grab the included snorkel gear to look for fish in the clear water. The crew explains how to use the equipment safely and keeps an eye on swimmers from the boat.

• Food and drinks on board: While you relax during or after the swim stop, the crew serves a homemade Canarian-style lunch with tapas-style bites, fruits, baguettes, and drinks. Having food and drinks already included means you don’t have to pack a separate picnic or budget extra for snacks on board.

• Multilingual commentary and local crew: Throughout the trip, the skipper and crew share local insights about the whales, dolphins, and conditions along Tenerife’s south coast. Commentary is usually available in English, Spanish, and French, which helps most guests follow along and understand what they’re seeing.

Wrapping up

After the swim and lunch break, the yacht turns back toward Las Galletas. You’ll have one last chance to enjoy the coastline from the water as the crew tidies up and guests settle in for the return. Once you dock at Pier No. 2, you disembark and say goodbye to the crew.