Whales and tapas on a private yacht. On this 3-hour Royal Ocean cruise out of Las Galletas, I love the roomy deck plan with a restroom onboard and lots of places to sit back, plus the tapas-style lunch with jamón, meats, cheeses, and unlimited drinks. It’s built for a small group (up to 8) and runs in English, so you get real attention instead of a herd feeling.

One possible drawback: the ride can rock, and the operator says it’s not recommended for travelers with seasickness unless they take their medicine. If you’re usually fine in boats, great; if you’re not, plan ahead.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Private group up to 8 on Royal Ocean, with a restroom onboard
• Whale and dolphin search right from the Marina South sailing route
• Snorkeling plus swim time in clear water near Los Cristianos
• SUP/paddle boarding time included (nice extra if you like being active)
• Pickup at X-Sur Mall plus a return to the same starting area

Royal Ocean Yacht Tour: what your $900.18 buys

This is a true private boat experience, priced per group (up to 8) rather than per person. At the full capacity, that works out to about $113 per person—and the big thing is that the price doesn’t feel like you’re paying extra for basics that should be included on a yacht.

What you get is practical and generous: snorkeling equipment, towels, bottled water, coffee/tea, soda/pop, snacks, and a full lunch. You also get alcoholic beverages and “quality food including jamon, meats, cheeses and Spanish tapas,” plus more drinks during the anchoring and swim time.

The yacht setup matters too. The boat is described as spacious with plenty of seating areas and a restroom onboard, which sounds small until you’re on the water for a few hours and everyone is suddenly grateful. Reviews reinforce this comfort angle—people call the crew welcoming and the day relaxing, not rushed.

If you’re a couple or a small family, you’ll pay the same group rate. That can still be a great value if you want a stress-free day with swimming and wildlife time without sharing a boat.

Las Galletas meeting point and the X-Sur Mall pickup (no guessing)

The tour starts at Royal Ocean S.L., Puerto deportivo Marina del Sur, 38631 Las Galletas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. If you opted for pickup, the stated pickup point is X-Sur Mall, main entrance, and you’ll be taken in an air-conditioned vehicle.

This matters because Tenerife is spread out, and getting to the marina without wasting time is part of making a half-day feel like a vacation. The activity also notes it’s near public transportation, so you’re not stuck if you’re already in the area.

You’ll finish back at the meeting point, so there’s no second drop-off to track. And you’ll have a mobile ticket, which is handy when you’re hopping between spots along the coast.

Stop 1: Marina South and the whale-and-dolphin search

After leaving from the port of Las Galletas, you sail toward the Marina South area where you can look for whales and dolphins. The experience is built around this idea: you’re not just taking a boat ride—you’re getting out on the water and searching.

The plan is simple. You spend time for whale/dolphin watching and take photos. Then you head toward a wild bay in the cliffs of Los Cristianos. Even if the wildlife spotting is the star, this movement along the coast is the other big win: you get multiple perspectives of Tenerife from the sea, not just one postcard view.

One useful reality check: wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed on the ocean. That said, the overall vibe here is that the crew actively looks and communicates. In reviews, people specifically note seeing whales and dolphins (including pilot whales), so the day often delivers beyond just “we tried.”

If you want the best odds, bring your patience and keep your eyes up. This is the kind of activity where being ready to look and listen pays off more than anything you can control.

Stop 2: Los Cristianos anchoring for snorkeling, swimming, and caves

Next comes Los Cristianos. Between the sailing and the anchoring time, you’ll be offered drinks, fruits, and snacks. Then you anchor in clear water for snorkeling and swimming—this is where the tour shifts from sightseeing to hands-on fun.

The snorkeling part is supported by included gear: snorkeling equipment and towels. There’s also SUP (paddle boarding) included, so if you want to stand up and feel the water up close, you can.

Food ramps up here too. Once you’re settled, you’ll get unlimited drinks along with a quality lunch: jamón, meats, cheeses, and Spanish tapas. This isn’t described as a sad boat sandwich situation. It’s set up as a full onboard meal that fits the rhythm of the sea day—eat, sip, swim, repeat.

After the water time, there’s a short walk along the cliffs with entering caves. That’s a nice change of pace. You’re still on the coastal vibe, but now you get to stretch your legs and explore a different texture of Tenerife—rock, shadow, and those cliffside passages.

The stop ends with heading back to the port, and from there you’re back to where you started.

Onboard comfort that actually matters: seating, restroom, and gear

Most people picture yacht comfort as “big deck, fancy vibe.” The practical version is better: when your group is sitting in the same places for a few hours, you need space and you need basic convenience.

Here you get a restroom onboard, plus lots of seating areas. That’s huge for families and for anyone who hates the “everybody stand up right now” feeling.

You also get the small but smart inclusions that reduce hassle:

• towels
• bottled water
• coffee and/or tea
• soda/pop
• snacks, before the main meal

Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from renting or packing your own. And if you’re the type who loves extra activities, SUP being included is a real plus. Several people mention paddle boarding as a highlight, which tells me the tour uses that included gear instead of just listing it.

I also like that the tour notes most travelers can participate. The big exception is sea sickness, mentioned earlier—so if you’re usually fine on boats, you’re likely a good match.

Food and drinks: tapas lunch plus an easy drinking pace

If food is part of your vacation planning, this tour is unusually straightforward. You’re not stuck trying to decide what to eat on a schedule. You’re served, you eat, and you keep moving through the day.

At Los Cristianos you’ll get quality lunch described with specifics: jamón, meats, cheeses, and Spanish tapas, and you’ll also have unlimited drinks. Earlier in the trip, you’ll get drinks plus fruits and snacks. There’s also coffee/tea and soda/pop included, so you can mix it up without feeling locked into alcohol.

A balanced note: because it’s private, the food-and-drink flow can feel extra relaxing. Nobody is rushing you to return an empty plate. And because the yacht is built for a small group, you’re less likely to spend the day negotiating over space, timing, or who gets the best angle.

If you want a day that feels like a celebration—birthdays show up in the feedback—you’ll probably enjoy how the meal fits the experience. It’s part of the rhythm, not an afterthought.

Wildlife spotting: what to expect and how to enjoy it

The tour is designed around whales and dolphins. You’ll spend time specifically looking for them on the way out from Las Galletas. You’ll also be in the right coastal stretch for it—so you get multiple chances rather than a single stop and back to port.

In feedback, people mention seeing dolphins and whales, including pilot whales, and even porpoises. That’s not a promise, but it’s a pattern: the day often turns into a proper wildlife moment.

How to make it better:

• Keep your phone/camera ready, but don’t trap yourself behind the screen.
• Ask the captain/crew what to watch for, especially when they seem to point out something off to the side.
• Dress for salt spray. Even if it’s warm, sea air can cool you down fast.

And don’t forget the photos. This tour explicitly includes time for whale/dolphin viewing and photos, so you’re not just scanning while the clock runs out.

Price and value: private boat comfort without the “all hype” feel

Let’s talk money like an adult. You’re paying $900.18 per group for about 3 hours on the water, up to 8 people. That’s expensive compared with public catamarans—no surprise there.

But the value shifts when you count what’s included:

• snorkel gear and towels
• SUP
• lunch with tapas-style selections
• snacks and drinks, including alcoholic beverages
• coffee/tea and soda/pop
• bottled water
• restroom onboard
• pickup (X-Sur Mall main entrance) if you choose it
• air-conditioned transport to the marina

When you break it down, the tour is selling a full package: time on the water, wildlife spotting, real swimming gear, and food/drinks that are part of the experience. Reviews back up the “worth it” feeling, with a consistent theme: helpful, friendly crew and a smooth day from greeting to departure.

If you’re traveling with friends and can fill closer to 8 people, this becomes a standout value. If you’re traveling as two, it can still be worth it if what you want most is privacy and a hassle-free itinerary.

Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)

This one fits best if you want:

• a private outing rather than sharing a boat with strangers
• snorkeling and open-water swimming time
• a food-and-drinks setup that feels like a proper meal
• a clear focus on wildlife spotting, not just sightseeing

Families can be a good match, especially because the yacht is set up with seating and a restroom. Couples celebrating something special also tend to enjoy private tours because the day feels tailored and calm.

The main “think twice” group is anyone who gets seasick. The operator specifically says it’s not recommended for travelers with seasickness unless they take their medicine. If you’re on the fence, bring your meds and plan your seating on the boat wisely.

Book it, or keep shopping? My practical call

I’d book this tour if you’re excited by three things: wildlife time, real swimming (snorkeling/SUP), and a lunch that’s more than finger food. The private setup makes it feel relaxed, and the included amenities remove a lot of friction that can ruin a good sea day.

I’d hesitate if you:

• have significant motion sickness and don’t have a plan
• want a super low-cost activity (this is a premium group experience)
• are only interested in a short photo stop and nothing else

One last planning note: the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, and you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Royal Ocean private boat tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

How many people can be on the private tour?

It’s private for your group, with a maximum of up to 8 travelers.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Royal Ocean S.L. at Puerto deportivo Marina del Sur, Las Galletas, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered at X-Sur Mall, main entrance.

What’s included in the price?

Included are alcoholic beverages, snorkeling equipment, snacks, towels, coffee and/or tea, soda/pop, air-conditioned vehicle, restroom on board, SUP, bottled water, and lunch.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.