Las Galletas: Private Luxury Yacht Cruise with Lunch

The best part of this three-hour cruise is the mix of open-ocean wildlife and easy luxury. You leave Las Galletas by private motor yacht, look for whales and dolphins, then cruise toward the cliffs and caves near Los Cristianos. It is a compact way to see Tenerife from the water without sharing the boat with a large crowd.

I like the private group format, which gives up to eight people room to spread out and lets the crew shape the outing around wildlife sightings, swimming, and lunch. I also like the onboard meal and drinks, since you can snorkel or sunbathe while the sailor prepares and serves food rather than rushing back to shore.

The main drawback is the price for a small party. At $883 for the yacht, the cost is excellent when eight people share it, but steep for two or three. The boat trip can also be cancelled in bad weather, and people prone to motion sickness should think carefully before booking.

Key points to know before sailing

• Whale and dolphin watching comes first, with the crew slowing or stopping when animals appear.
• Los Cristianos cliffs and a sea cave provide some of the most dramatic scenery on the route.
• Lunch is served onboard, with food and drinks included while you relax at anchor.
• The yacht is private for up to eight people, making it a good fit for families, couples, or a small celebration.
• Snorkeling and fishing equipment, towels, fuel, and two crew members are included.
• Pickup may be available from hotels between Los Gigantes and Las Galletas, depending on availability and the option booked.

Leaving Las Galletas on a private motor yacht

Las Galletas is the departure point, and the marina gives the trip a pleasant start. You are not being loaded onto a large excursion boat with a long list of passengers. This is a private yacht outing, with space for your own group of up to eight and a crew of two.

The yacht is built for comfort as well as speed. The powerful motor lets you cover more of Tenerife’s southern coast in three hours, while the spacious setup gives you room to sit, stretch out, and enjoy the sea. You should still expect the movement of an ocean-going boat, especially when the water is windy.

The crew speaks Spanish and English. Names associated with the service include Sergio, Miguel, Louis, and Michael, though the exact crew may vary. Their role is more than simply steering the boat. One crew member handles the yacht while the other can help with food, drinks, equipment, and questions about the coast.

Hotel pickup and drop-off may be available in the area from Los Gigantes to Las Galletas. It is not automatic for every booking, so check the option carefully before assuming you can leave your rental car behind. The meeting point can also change depending on the option selected.

Whale and dolphin watching on Tenerife’s south coast

The first part of the cruise heads out to sea in search of whales and dolphins. This is not a guaranteed animal encounter, since these are wild creatures, but the crew knows to watch for fountains, movement on the surface, and groups hunting or resting.

When animals are spotted, the boat carefully slows or stops so you can watch and take photographs. That pause matters. A fast ride is fun, but the best wildlife moments usually come when the engine quiets and everyone has time to look.

You may see whales relaxing on the water or dolphins moving through the area. The supplied details also include a sighting of a large sea turtle during one outing, so keep your eyes open beyond the main target species. Still, book this as a wildlife search, not a guaranteed show. Nature sets the schedule.

This part of the route gives the trip a stronger sense of place than a simple pleasure cruise. You are not just looking at Tenerife from offshore. You are watching the water for signs of life, with the mountains behind you and the open sea ahead.

Bring a phone or camera, but keep it secure. A boat moving at speed creates spray and wind, and you may not have much warning when an animal appears. If wildlife watching is your main reason for booking, the private format helps because your group can focus on the sighting without a crowded deck around you.

Speed, sea air, and views of Tenerife

After the wildlife search, the yacht cruises along the south coast. The speed is part of the fun. You get the thrill of a powerful motor yacht, then a slower coastal passage where you can take in the mountains and rocky shore.

The scenery changes as you move along the coast. From offshore, Tenerife’s mountains rise behind the resort areas, while the water gives you a clear view of the scale of the island. You will want a light layer even on a warm day. Wind can make the ride feel cooler than the marina.

This is a good trip for people who like variety. You are not spending three hours in one place, and you are not spending the whole time at full speed. The outing alternates between wildlife watching, coastal cruising, anchoring, eating, and swimming.

The tradeoff is that three hours passes quickly. If your group wants a long swim, a slow lunch, extensive snorkeling, and a broad coastal route, you may find the time tight. The crew has to balance each part of the outing, and the exact stop can depend on sea conditions and the day’s route.

Lunch at anchor with food and drinks included

At a suitable bay, the crew anchors for lunch, snorkeling, and time in the sun. This is when the private yacht feels most useful. You can settle into the boat, swim when you wish, and return for food without leaving the water area.

The meal is described as a buffet prepared by the onboard chef. The sailor serves it while you enjoy the stop, and food and drinks are included. That makes the outing easier than a standard boat trip where you need to pack lunch or wait until the boat returns to port.

The meal is also part of the value. A private yacht at this price would feel less appealing if it only provided transport. Here, the crew handles the food and drinks, so the day has the feel of a small celebration. One couple used the private trip for a peaceful outing, while another group booked it for a 30th birthday.

Do not expect a restaurant with a long menu. The supplied information describes chef-prepared food and a buffet, but it does not specify dishes or dietary arrangements. If anyone in your group has allergies or special food needs, ask before booking.

A glass of your preferred drink is part of the relaxed mood, but red wine is not allowed. That restriction is practical on a yacht, since spills are hard to remove and red wine can stain upholstery. Smoking is also not allowed.

Snorkeling, sunbathing, and time to slow down

The swim stop gives the trip a change of pace. Snorkeling and fishing gear are supplied, as are towels, so you do not need to bring a full collection of equipment. You can use the time in the water, sit in the sun, or simply remain onboard with a drink.

The snorkeling experience depends on the chosen bay, water conditions, and visibility. No specific reef or fish species is promised, so keep your expectations reasonable. This is a convenient swim from a private boat, not a specialist snorkeling expedition.

I like that the stop is built into the same outing as the wildlife search. You get both movement and rest. If you are traveling with a mixed group, this helps: some people can swim, others can sunbathe, and everyone can eat onboard.

The boat can be windy, and the sea may feel rougher than it looks from the shore. If you suffer from motion sickness, this trip is specifically not recommended. Take that warning seriously. A private yacht does not remove the movement of the ocean.

The cliffs and caves near Los Cristianos

One of the most memorable coastal sections is the passage by the cliffs of Los Cristianos. The yacht slows near the rock walls, giving you time to look up at the formations and take photographs.

The boat also enters one of the caves. That small change in route adds a sense of discovery to the cruise, although the exact cave and access can depend on sea conditions. A windy day may affect how closely the yacht can approach the rocks.

This is where the experience feels different from a standard whale-watching trip. You are not simply returning to Las Galletas after finding animals. The coastal route gives the final part of the cruise a clear visual finish, with rocks, caves, and Tenerife’s mountains replacing the open-water view.

A windy day does not always ruin the plan. One outing continued far enough offshore to see whales, then returned toward the caves and snorkeling area despite the conditions. Still, the operator can cancel the trip if the weather is bad enough to make sailing unsafe.

What the $883 price means for your group

The listed price is $883 for a private group of up to eight people. That works out to about $110 per person if you fill every place. At that rate, the yacht, two crew members, fuel, food, drinks, towels, snorkeling gear, fishing gear, whale watching, and coastal cruising make a reasonable package for a special day.

For four people, the cost is about $221 per person. For two, it is about $442 per person. That is a major difference, so group size should be central to your decision.

The private format is the strongest reason to pay more. You are buying space, privacy, and control over the mood of the day, not just a seat on a boat. It makes particular sense for a birthday, family outing, small group celebration, or a couple that values quiet more than low cost.

Fuel is included, but there is a fuel surcharge to Masca. If your chosen option includes Masca, confirm that extra cost before booking. The basic route described here focuses on the south coast, Las Galletas, Los Cristianos, whale watching, and the cave area.

Gratuity is not included. You should also check exactly what pickup arrangement applies to your booking, since complimentary hotel transport depends on availability and location.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most

I would choose this for a group that wants several Tenerife activities in one polished outing. It suits people who want wildlife watching, a fast boat ride, lunch, swimming, and coastal views without committing to a full day at sea.

It is particularly useful for:

• Families or friends who can share the full eight-person price
• Couples celebrating a birthday or special occasion
• People who prefer a private boat over a large shared excursion
• Visitors staying between Los Gigantes and Las Galletas who may qualify for pickup
• Anyone who likes a relaxed swim stop but still wants some speed and sightseeing

I would hesitate if your budget is tight, your group has only two people, or your main goal is a long snorkeling session. I would also avoid it if you get seasick or need wheelchair access, since the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

The trip can be cancelled because of bad weather. That is sensible for an ocean activity, but keep some flexibility in your Tenerife plans rather than scheduling this on the last possible day.

Practical details to check before you book

The duration is three hours, with starting times based on availability. The meeting point may vary by booking option, so read the final confirmation carefully.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging your island schedule.

Wear something comfortable for wind and sun, and bring a secure way to carry your phone. Towels are provided, as are snorkeling and fishing supplies. Smoking and red wine are not allowed onboard.

Ask about food requirements before departure. The experience includes a buffet-style meal and drinks, but no specific menu or dietary promise is given.

Should you book the Royal Ocean cruise?

Book it if you can fill much of the eight-person capacity and want a private celebration with a real mix of activities. The best features are the careful wildlife stops, the friendly two-person crew, the meal served onboard, and the chance to see Tenerife’s cliffs and caves from the water.

For a small group, the cost needs more thought. Two people pay a premium for privacy, and a shared cruise may be better value if your main goal is simply to spot whales. But if a quiet yacht, a birthday lunch, and time to swim matter more than the lowest price, this outing gives you a strong three-hour package from Las Galletas.

FAQ

Where does the yacht cruise depart?

The cruise starts from the marina at Las Galletas port. The exact meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

How long is the yacht trip?

The experience lasts three hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many people can join the private yacht?

The price covers one private group of up to eight people.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

The crew searches for whales and dolphins and stops carefully when they are spotted, but the animals are wild and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch prepared onboard is included, along with food and drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, fishing gear, and towels are included.

Is hotel pickup available?

Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off may be available, depending on availability and whether your hotel is in the area from Los Gigantes to Las Galletas.