Tenerife south: safari with luxury boat , animals encounters

The main draw is simple: you get three hours on Tenerife’s south coast with a strong chance of seeing whales, plus time to swim from a two-level luxury boat. The route focuses on quieter coastal areas rather than a packed sightseeing schedule, so the mood is more relaxed than rushed.

I like two things right away. Whale and dolphin watching gives the trip real purpose, while the swimming stop adds a welcome change from sitting on board. I also like the practical setup: pickup in southern Tenerife, a bathroom on the boat, food, and two free drinks.

The main thing to keep in mind is that wildlife is never fully predictable, even though whale sightings are promoted as 100 percent. The sea can also affect the comfort of the ride, and the advertised details about pickup and food contain some conflicting wording, so confirm those points when you book.

Key points at a glance

• Whale watching is the central attraction: The experience is built around marine animal sightings, with dolphins also possible.
• A three-hour boat outing: You spend time cruising, stop for a swim, then return to port at an easy pace.
• Two-level boat with a bathroom: You can choose different places to sit or relax instead of being confined to one small deck.
• Pickup from southern Tenerife: Transport is arranged from your exact pickup point, normally 35 minutes before the boat trip.
• Food and two drinks are included: This keeps the outing simple, though you should confirm exactly what food is served.
• Private and small-group options: The trip can suit couples, families, or visitors who prefer a less crowded boat.

Setting out from Las Galletas

The stated meeting point is Las Galletas, a useful base on Tenerife’s southern coast. If you are staying elsewhere in the south, pickup is available, but you need to provide the exact location. The van is scheduled to collect you about 35 minutes before the boat departure.

The transfer to the boat takes about 20 minutes. That short ride matters because it removes one common nuisance of boat trips: figuring out a separate taxi or bus connection before an early departure. Pickup is described as included for southern Tenerife, although the activity details also contain a contradictory note saying hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. I would confirm the arrangement, exact time, and any boundary for the pickup area before paying.

Once you reach the port, the outing shifts from road transport to open water. The plan is not a long list of shore stops. Instead, you cruise along the south coast, looking for marine life and passing areas described as among the island’s more exclusive and less disturbed seaside spots.

Three hours on a two-level boat

The boat has two levels and several places to relax. That is a useful feature, not just a luxury label. You can change your position during the trip, move away from a busy area, or find a better angle when the crew spots animals.

A bathroom is available on board. For a three-hour excursion, that small detail makes the trip easier, especially for families or anyone who does not want to be dependent on the next port stop.

You should expect a social boat outing rather than a silent private yacht charter unless you choose the private option. Small groups are available, and the crew speaks Spanish, English, and Italian. The staff explains the rules and answers questions, which is important when the boat is approaching whales or dolphins.

The word luxury needs a little context here. It refers to the boat’s comfort, space, two levels, and relaxed design. It does not mean a full restaurant, personal cabin, or a long list of high-end extras. You receive basic drinks and a snack or food, with two free drinks specifically listed. Think comfortable sightseeing by boat, not a formal yacht cruise.

Watching for whales and dolphins

Whales are the main reason to book this experience. The tour promotes whale encounters as 100 percent, and sightings have included pilot whales. Dolphins are also possible, and the trip is designed to search for marine animals rather than simply follow the shoreline.

I would treat the 100 percent wording as a strong marketing promise, not a scientific guarantee. Wild animals choose their own schedule. Even on a successful outing, the time spent watching, the distance from the animals, and the type of whale can vary.

That said, the area has a clear advantage for this kind of trip: you are already on the southern coast, where the boat can spend its time looking out to sea rather than covering a large distance just to reach the viewing area. The three-hour length gives the crew room to cruise, pause when animals appear, and still include the swim stop.

The crew’s role matters here. You are not simply being left to scan the water alone. Staff explain the rules and respond to questions, helping you understand how to behave around marine life. You may also hear about conservation work. One outing included a video about a turtle rescued after becoming tangled in plastic, with the crew removing the plastic so it could swim away. That detail suggests the team uses the trip to make the sea feel like a shared responsibility, not just a photo backdrop.

Keep your expectations sensible. You might see whales and dolphins, but sightings are not a staged performance. You may spend part of the cruise waiting and watching. That quiet time is part of the experience, although anyone seeking constant action may find the pace slow.

The swimming stop in a quiet bay

About halfway through the journey, the boat stops in an area where you can swim. This breaks up the wildlife search and gives you a chance to enjoy Tenerife from the water instead of only looking at it from the deck.

The swimming area is described as one of the more exclusive bays along the coast, in a part of Tenerife presented as less contaminated and less developed. The description does not give the bay a name, so you should not book expecting one famous, fixed beach or cove. The exact stop may depend on sea conditions and the day’s route.

I like this part because it gives the trip a second purpose. If the animals remain distant, you still have time in the water and a proper coastal outing. It also helps prevent the three hours from feeling like one long wildlife watch.

Still, swimming is optional in spirit, even if the stop is part of the plan. The available information does not specify water temperature, ladder design, changing rooms, or how long you stay in the water. Bring suitable swimwear and a towel, but do not assume there is a full changing facility on board. The boat has a bathroom, which is helpful, but that is not the same as a private changing room.

The sea may be calm, but conditions can change. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew about the entry and exit arrangements before getting in. Parents should also ask how children access the water, since no detailed safety setup is provided.

Food, drinks, and the return to port

Food and two free drinks are included in the supplied details. The snack has also been described as pizza, though the exact menu is not fixed in the information available. This is best viewed as a light meal rather than a food-focused cruise.

The inclusion is useful. You do not need to interrupt the outing to find lunch, and a snack fits neatly after swimming or during the return journey. Basic drinks also make the $73 price easier to assess, especially if you are comparing it with a bare boat ride that charges extra for every item.

Do not expect a full drinks package. Two drinks are included, and other food or drinks may not be. Bring any essentials you need, but confirm the onboard policy before bringing outside items.

After the swimming stop, the return to port is described as short and relaxing. That final stretch gives you time to settle back into your seat, finish your drink, and watch the coast without another scheduled activity. The van then returns you to Las Galletas, with the overall road transfers taking roughly 20 minutes each way.

What $73 buys you

At $73 per person, the value depends on what you want from a south-coast boat trip. You are paying for three hours on the water, a wildlife search, a swimming stop, food, two drinks, and the possibility of pickup from southern Tenerife. The boat’s two levels and bathroom also add comfort that a basic open boat may not offer.

The price looks strongest if you are staying in the south and can use the pickup service. Transport saves you a separate taxi, and the short transfer keeps more of your day available. It also works well for someone who wants several activities in one outing: wildlife, coastal views, swimming, and a snack.

The value is weaker if your only goal is a guaranteed close-up whale photograph. No responsible wildlife trip can control animal behavior, and the information does not promise the distance or length of any sighting. You are buying a chance to see marine life in a comfortable setting, not a scheduled animal show.

The private and small-group choices may change the price, since no separate rates are provided. If you value personal space or want more access to the crew, ask for the exact cost before booking. For many people, the standard option should be enough, especially since the boat already has several places to relax.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would recommend this cruise to anyone staying in southern Tenerife who wants a calm half-day activity without spending a full day at sea. It suits couples, families, and small groups that like the idea of whale watching but also want a swim and some food built into the same trip.

It is a good choice if you prefer a boat with room to move around. The two levels give you more flexibility than a small single-deck craft, and the bathroom removes one worry during the three-hour route.

The trip may also suit you if language matters. The guide service is available in Spanish, English, and Italian. That makes it easier to understand safety instructions and ask questions about animals or the coast.

I would think twice if you dislike open-water motion, need a tightly timed sightseeing schedule, or want a guaranteed specific bay. The route is designed to respond to the sea and animal sightings, so some parts may feel unhurried. It is also not the right choice if you want a long, formal meal or a full bar service.

Practical advice before you go

Give the operator your exact pickup location. The van is expected about 35 minutes before the boat trip, and vague directions can create stress at the start of the day.

Wear swimwear under easy clothing and bring a towel. The boat has a bathroom, but no separate changing-room details are provided. Comfortable footwear is sensible for moving between the two levels.

Keep your expectations realistic about whale watching. The trip is strongly focused on whales, and pilot whales have been seen, but wild animals do not follow a timetable. Watch the water, listen to the crew, and enjoy the coast even during quieter periods.

If you are prone to seasickness, ask about the sea conditions before departure and choose your seat carefully. The information does not state which part of the boat is best for motion, so the crew is the right source for that advice.

Cancellation is flexible 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 changing. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule for your date.

My verdict on Santa Marta Boats

I would book this trip if I wanted an easy southern Tenerife outing with a real chance of seeing whales, a swim in a quieter coastal area, and enough onboard comfort to avoid feeling packed in. The combination is well judged: wildlife gives the cruise its purpose, while the swim, food, drinks, and two-level boat keep it from depending on one sighting alone.

The biggest caution is the wording around guaranteed whales and pickup. Treat the whale claim as an optimistic promise, and confirm the transport details because the supplied information gives mixed statements about whether pickup is included. If those points are clear for your booking, $73 is a fair price for a three-hour cruise with food, two drinks, and southern hotel transport.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The boat portion lasts three hours. The van transfer from Las Galletas to the boat takes about 20 minutes, with a similar transfer after the cruise.

Where does the experience begin?

The listed pickup location is Las Galletas. Pickup is also available in southern Tenerife if you provide the exact location.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are described as included for southern Tenerife, but another part of the activity information says hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Confirm the exact arrangement and service area before booking.

How early is pickup?

The van is scheduled to arrive about 35 minutes before the boat trip. You need to provide the exact pickup location.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide service is available in Spanish, English, and Italian.

Are whales guaranteed?

Whale sightings are promoted as 100 percent, and pilot whales have been seen. Since whales and dolphins are wild animals, the exact sighting cannot be controlled.

Can I see dolphins too?

Yes. Dolphins are listed among the possible marine animal encounters, along with whales.

Is swimming part of the cruise?

Yes. The boat stops about halfway through the journey in an area where swimming is possible.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and two free drinks are included. The food is described as a snack, and one recorded outing included pizza. The exact food selection may vary.