Tenerife south: safari with luxury boat , animals encounters

The best reason to book this cruise is the chance to see whales in Tenerife’s open sea, with the company advertising whale encounters as 100 percent. I like the two-story boat, which gives you several places to sit, and the swimming stop in a quiet bay adds more than a simple sightseeing ride.

I also like the practical setup: a short transfer from Las Galletas, food, and two drinks are included. The main drawback is that three hours passes quickly, and marine animals still move on their own schedule, even when whale sightings are strongly promoted.

Key points at a glance

• Whale and dolphin watching: The cruise focuses on marine animal encounters, with whales and dolphins the main prize.
• Two-story luxury boat: You get several places to relax, plus a bathroom onboard.
• Swimming stop: The boat pauses halfway for a swim in one of Tenerife’s quieter coastal areas.
• Pickup in southern Tenerife: Transport is arranged from the south, with the exact pickup point confirmed in advance.
• Small groups or private trips: You can choose a more personal outing rather than a large boat excursion.
• Simple refreshments: Food and two free drinks are included during the three-hour trip.

Why this south Tenerife cruise is worth your time

Tenerife’s southern coast is easy to enjoy from land, but the view changes once you are offshore. The cliffs, coves, and resort areas begin to make sense as one long sweep of coast, and the boat gives you access to swimming places you cannot reach by road.

The wildlife is the main draw. This trip is built around finding whales and dolphins, and the advertised whale-sighting rate is 100 percent. That is a strong promise, so I would treat it as the company’s stated expectation rather than a guarantee of a particular species, close approach, or long viewing session. Nature sets the timetable.

The experience has earned a 4.7 rating from 44 reviews, with especially strong praise for the crew, organization, pickup service, and animal encounters. One outing included pilot whales and dolphins, while another mentioned orcas. Those sightings show the range of animals that may appear, but they should not be treated as a fixed itinerary.

At $73 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend three hours on the coast. It can still be good value if you want transport, a smaller boat setting, refreshments, a swim, and guided wildlife watching in one package. If your only goal is to get on the water as cheaply as possible, you may find less expensive choices. If you want a more comfortable, organized trip, the price makes more sense.

Starting in Las Galletas with a short transfer

The listed starting point is Las Galletas, in the south of Tenerife. Pickup is included in the southern part of the island, and the transfer to the boat takes about 20 minutes. Pickup is scheduled 35 minutes before the boat trip, so you need to give the operator your exact pickup location.

That timing matters. You are not expected to find your own way to an unfamiliar marina, but you do need to provide clear hotel or meeting-point details. The transport arrangement is one of the useful parts of this experience, especially if you are staying in the southern resort area and would rather not deal with local directions.

The return transfer also takes about 20 minutes after the cruise. The full door-to-door time will be longer than three hours, but the boat portion itself lasts three hours.

The transport received particularly warm praise from one family, who found the pickup on time and the whole day well organized. That fits the appeal here: the trip is simple from the passenger’s point of view. You wait at the agreed location, ride to the boat, enjoy the cruise, then return to the same general area.

A two-story boat with room to settle in

The boat has two levels and several places where you can relax. That is more useful than it may sound. Wildlife watching involves periods of scanning the water, so having a choice of seating can make the trip feel less cramped than a basic excursion boat.

You can move around to look for animals, find a sunny or more sheltered place, and change position during the ride. A bathroom is onboard, another small but important comfort on a three-hour trip.

The word luxury should be kept in proportion. The information provided does not describe cabins, premium meals, or a high-end yacht service. What you can count on is a two-story boat with relaxation areas, a bathroom, crew support, and a more comfortable feel than a bare-bones boat ride.

Small-group and private options are available. Group size can change the character of the outing, so check which version you are booking. A private or smaller trip usually gives you more room to ask questions and may feel calmer, while the exact atmosphere depends on the group booked for your date.

Watching for whales and dolphins off Tenerife

The crew explains the rules and answers questions before or during the boat trip. That guidance matters because wildlife watching works best when everyone understands how to behave around the animals and where to look.

Your main activity is scanning the sea for movement. A whale may show only briefly, and dolphins can appear at different distances from the boat. The company places great emphasis on whales, and the supplied information promises whale encounters at 100 percent. You should still allow for variation in what you see, how long the animals remain nearby, and whether dolphins appear as well.

The animal sightings described from recent trips include pilot whales, dolphins, and orcas. One group saw a group of whales and dolphins, while another passenger described the ocean, orcas, and dolphins as the high point. These are exciting possibilities, but no responsible wildlife outing can guarantee every species on every departure.

The crew’s personal approach adds something to the ride. One captain played a Green Day track after a passenger mentioned liking the band. On another outing, the crew showed a video about a turtle they had rescued after it became tangled in plastic. The plastic was removed, and the turtle swam away. These details suggest a crew that pays attention to the people onboard and takes marine life seriously.

You should not book this as a nonstop animal show. There will be stretches of open water, and the pace can be quiet while the crew searches. For many people, that calm is part of the pleasure. You get time to watch the sea rather than rush from one staged moment to the next.

The halfway swim in an exclusive bay

About halfway through the journey, the boat stops in an area where you can swim. The exact bay is not named, but the cruise is designed to reach attractive and less disturbed coastal places along Tenerife’s south coast.

This stop breaks up the wildlife watching. After sitting and looking toward the horizon, you can get into the water, cool off, and enjoy a more active part of the trip. It also gives you a chance to see the coast from water level instead of only from the deck.

The word uncontaminated is used in the description, but you should not read that as a promise of a remote, untouched wilderness. Tenerife’s south coast is a popular part of the island. The better expectation is a pleasant swimming place away from the busiest beach setting, reached by boat.

Bring suitable swimwear and anything you need to feel comfortable before and after the stop. The supplied information confirms the swim, but it does not specify water temperature, a freshwater shower, towels, or changing rooms. Do not assume those extras are included.

The swim is also weather-dependent in practical terms, even though no specific weather policy is given. If conditions are not comfortable, the crew may need to adjust the stop. Ask the operator if swimming is your main reason for booking.

Food, drinks, and the pace of the return

Food and two free drinks are included. The information does not name the food, so expect a simple snack rather than a full meal. One recent outing included pizza, which gives you a useful idea of the casual style, but it should not be taken as a guaranteed menu.

Basic drinks are served during the cruise. Two drinks are specifically included, while additional food and drinks are not clearly described. If you have dietary needs, ask in advance. The supplied details do not confirm vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, or child-specific meals.

After the wildlife search and swimming stop, the boat makes a short, relaxing return to port. That final stretch gives you time to dry off, sit back, and enjoy the coast without another scheduled activity demanding your attention.

The three-hour length is well judged for a half-day plan. It is long enough to include wildlife watching, a swim, refreshments, and a return cruise, but short enough to leave the rest of your day open. You could pair it with a relaxed afternoon in the south rather than giving up a full day.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want several experiences in one outing:

• You want to look for whales and dolphins without committing to a full-day trip.
• You prefer a boat with a bathroom and several places to sit.
• You like the idea of swimming from the boat rather than visiting another crowded beach.
• You are staying in southern Tenerife and value included pickup.
• You prefer a small group or private setting when available.
• You want a guided experience in Spanish, English, or Italian.

Families may appreciate the short duration, simple transport, and chance to see animals. The boat also gives you more room than a small open craft, though the operator does not provide specific age or mobility information, so ask before booking if that matters to you.

This is less suitable if you dislike open-water travel, want a guaranteed close view of a particular whale species, or need a full meal and a highly formal luxury service. It is also not the right choice if you only want a fast transfer between beaches. The value comes from combining wildlife watching, a swim, food, and a guided boat ride.

How the $73 price works for you

At $73, you are paying for more than a seat on a boat. The package includes the three-hour cruise, a swimming stop, food, two drinks, a live guide, and pickup and return transport in the south of the island.

That bundle is strongest if you are staying away from Las Galletas or do not have a car. The transfer saves you planning time, and the crew handles the route and wildlife search. The price is less compelling if you are already beside the departure point and only want a basic ride.

The private and small-group choices may also affect the final value. A shared cruise is likely the sensible choice for most people, while a private option may suit a birthday, family group, or couple who want more control over the outing. Check the exact format and price before you commit.

The cancellation policy is friendly: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife plans are still shifting.

Practical details to settle before departure

The tour is offered in Spanish, English, and Italian. The staff will explain the rules and answer questions, so tell the operator your preferred language when arranging the booking.

Confirm your pickup point carefully. Pickup is included in southern Tenerife, but the exact location must be supplied by you, and pickup is planned 35 minutes before the boat trip. The published information contains conflicting notes about pickup and excluded services, so I would confirm in writing that your hotel or meeting point is covered before paying.

Food and two drinks are included, but the type of food is not fixed in the details provided. Ask about ingredients if you have allergies or special dietary needs.

The boat has a bathroom, but no information is given about towels, showers, lockers, or changing rooms. Bring only what you need for the cruise and keep personal belongings secure and dry.

Should you book the Santa Marta Boats cruise?

I would book this trip if you want a comfortable three-hour outing with a real chance of whale and dolphin sightings, a swim, simple refreshments, and southern Tenerife pickup. The combination is practical, and the crew’s friendly touches, including music requests and a turtle rescue story, give the trip a personal feel.

The best reason to choose it is the wildlife focus paired with a relaxed boat setting. The strongest caution is the promise of 100 percent whale encounters. Read that as the operator’s stated expectation, not a guarantee of a particular animal, close view, or perfect sea conditions.

Book it if you value ease and variety more than the lowest price. Skip it if you want a long, highly specialized wildlife expedition or a formal luxury yacht service. For a half-day on the south coast, this is a well-rounded choice with enough time on the water to feel like a proper outing without taking over your day.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The listed pickup location is Las Galletas. Pickup is available in the south of Tenerife, with the exact location arranged in advance.

How long does the experience last?

The boat cruise lasts three hours. The van transfer takes about 20 minutes each way, and pickup is scheduled 35 minutes before the boat trip.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

The experience advertises whale encounters at 100 percent. Specific animal species, viewing distance, and time spent watching them are not guaranteed in the supplied details.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include whales and dolphins. Previous trips have also included pilot whales and orcas.

Is swimming part of the trip?

Yes. The boat stops about halfway through the cruise in an area where you can swim.

What is included in the price?

The experience includes the boat trip, food, two free drinks, and pickup and drop-off in the south of Tenerife. Spanish, English, and Italian support is available.