Las Galletas: Private Luxury Yacht Cruise with Lunch

Tenerife’s south coast has a way of feeling cinematic, and this private yacht cruise turns that feeling into something you can actually live in. You start at Las Galletas marina, head out for whales and dolphins, then slow down for lunch, snorkeling, and a cave cruise along the dramatic coastline.

Two things I like a lot are the onboard chef-style food served during the stop at anchor, and the way the crew keeps the whole outing smooth, from the fast cruising to the calm moments in the bay. One consideration: if you get motion sickness, this kind of open-water ride may not feel good.

Key points before you go

• Private group up to 8 people, with a crew of 2 looking after everything
• Whale and dolphin watching plus photo stops once wildlife is spotted
• Lunch at anchor with snorkeling time and gear included
• Cliffs of Los Cristianos with a slow cruise past rocks and into a cave
• Towels and food and drinks included, so you can pack lighter

Starting in Las Galletas, then running the south coast like locals do

Las Galletas is a smart launch point because it puts you right in the action without a long drive across the island. Once you’re aboard, you immediately feel the difference between a public catamaran and a private motor yacht. This is your group, your pace, your space, and it shows in how relaxed the first part feels.

You’ll be on a comfortable, spacious boat with all the basic comforts covered, including towels. And because this tour is timed as a 3 hour experience, it has that tight, satisfying flow where you get cruising time, wildlife time, and swim time, without the day dragging.

Whale and dolphin spotting on open water, with real chances to see them

The trip begins with heading out along Tenerife’s south coast, with the main mission of whales and dolphins. The idea is simple, but it matters: you keep scanning the water, and once wildlife is spotted, you slow down for a closer viewing and time to take photos.

When it works, it’s the kind of moment that makes you forget the clock. You might see them relax near the surface, or you might see them move with purpose. Either way, you’re not just passing by, you’re given time to actually watch.

One small detail I appreciate is the mix of excitement and control. You’re not forced into a single routine. The crew heads out, finds the animals, and then you pivot from wildlife watching to cruising along the coast, so the experience feels alive rather than scripted.

The coast cruise, then choosing the right bay for lunch and snorkeling

After the wildlife portion, the boat keeps moving along Tenerife’s coast with mountain views in the background. This is when the mood shifts from wildlife intensity to “okay, now we enjoy being out here.” You get that feeling of speed on a powerful motor yacht, but it’s still balanced by calmer stretches as you approach the lunch area.

Then comes the best break in the middle of a short tour: the stop at anchor for snorkeling and lunch. Depending on the timing, the crew selects a nice bay where you can hop into the water, snorkel, and relax under the sun.

Here’s what makes this stop work for most people: snorkeling and fishing gear are included, and the lunch is served while you’re at the water. You’re not forced to dry off, stand in line, and then scramble back into the ocean. The lunch is handled by a sailor while you settle in, which keeps the whole thing feeling like a leisure day rather than a checklist.

A practical note on the snorkeling portion: if you’re new to snorkeling, you’ll likely have an easier time than you expect because the gear is provided and the time window is built in. That said, it’s still open water. If you’re nervous, ask the crew for a quick tip on how they expect you to use the gear at that stop.

Los Cristianos cliffs and caves, the slow cruise moment you’ll remember

One of the most impressive parts of the south coast is the Los Cristianos area, and the yacht time here is handled with care. Instead of racing past, the boat cruises slowly along the rock formations, and then enters a cave.

This is the kind of segment that gives the tour its “wow” without being complicated. You’re seeing coastline features from the water, where they look bigger, older, and more dramatic than they ever do from land. The cave portion adds that extra sense of scale, like you’re sliding into a secret pocket of the coast.

Also, because your time on the water is continuous and efficient, the hours compress in a good way. You’ll feel like you’ve just settled into the rhythm, then realize the stop and cave section have already taken up a big chunk of your 3 hour window.

Food and drinks onboard: chef-made style, served while you’re still enjoying the water

The food on this cruise is a major reason people call it a treat. The lunch is described as gastronomic delights made by an onboard chef, and it’s served during the anchor stop. That’s not just marketing language. The setup is designed so you stay in vacation mode.

You also get food and drinks included, and you’ll have a glass of your favorite drink during the experience. Just know the rules: smoking is not allowed, and red wine is not allowed on board. So if you love a specific drink choice, plan around that.

One more subtle plus: this is a private yacht setting, with a small crew. That usually means fewer delays and less waiting around. If you’re celebrating something, or if you simply want a more polished feeling than a standard excursion, the onboard service style is a big part of the appeal.

Crew of 2 and private-group calm, from guide moments to smooth handling

This is a private group with a crew of 2. That matters. You’re not competing for attention, space, or timing. If you want to stay out on deck a bit longer, or you want to get back in the water right after lunch, it’s easier to make it happen when you’re not coordinating with a full boat of strangers.

The crew also brings an informational side, with live tour guide support in Spanish and English. People often highlight how fun and informative the crew is, which makes the wildlife spotting and coast cruising feel more meaningful, not just scenic.

You might meet different crew members depending on the day, and names you could see include Sergio and Miguel, or Louis and Michael. The common thread is that they keep the mood friendly and attentive, even when the schedule shifts slightly due to weather or sea conditions.

Price and value: $883 for up to 8 people, what that buys you

At $883 per group up to 8, this yacht cruise is not the cheapest way to see Tenerife from the water. But it is one of the better-value choices when you factor in what’s included and what you avoid.

You’re paying for:

• A private motor yacht feel, not a shared crowd experience
• Fuel included, plus the crew of 2
• Lunch, food, and drinks included
• Snorkeling and fishing gear included
• Towels included
• Whale watching and south coast cruising included
• Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off at availability, in the area from Los Gigantes to Las Galletas

The value really jumps if you’re traveling with a group of friends or family and can fill the group capacity. Split it and the per-person cost can feel a lot more reasonable than it looks at first glance. And if you’re a couple, it can still feel worthwhile if your priority is comfort, space, and service, not just the cheapest sightseeing.

One extra consideration: there can be a fuel surcharge to Masca listed as not included. If your pickup area or route options ever connect to Masca, confirm that detail when booking.

When to choose this cruise, and who should skip it

This works best if you want a south coast outing that feels premium and personal. If your travel style is “we want the best vantage point, with minimal hassle,” you’ll probably love it.

It also suits special occasions, because the experience is built around comfort, timing, and those cinematic moments like wildlife spotting and the cave cruise.

Skip it if:

• You’re a wheelchair user, since it’s not suitable for wheelchair users
• You get motion sickness easily, since it’s not suitable for people with motion sickness
• You don’t want to gamble even slightly on wildlife, because whale and dolphin sightings depend on conditions

Also remember: the trip can be cancelled due to bad weather. That’s rare but real in this part of the world, so keep your schedule flexible if you can.

Should you book the Las Galletas private luxury yacht cruise with lunch?

I’d book it if your top priorities are a private yacht feel, a real lunch break, and water time that includes both snorkeling and a cave cruise near Los Cristianos. The combination of included meals, gear, and thoughtful handling by a small crew makes this one feel like a true escape for a short 3 hour window.

Don’t book it if motion makes you miserable or if you need wheelchair access. And if your goal is purely the lowest cost, you’ll likely find cheaper options. But if you want value through comfort and included perks, this is the kind of cruise that tends to leave people smiling, even when the sea is a bit moody.

FAQ

How long is the Las Galletas private luxury yacht cruise with lunch?

The duration is 3 hours.

How much does it cost and how big is the group?

It costs $883 per group, up to 8 people, and it is a private group experience.

Where does the tour start?

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

What is included on the cruise?

Fuel, crew of 2, snorkeling and fishing gear, towels, complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off (at availability and in the area from Los Gigantes to Las Galletas), food and drinks, whales watching, and cruising the south of Tenerife are included.

Is lunch included, and what happens during the stop?

Yes, lunch is served during the stop at anchor, along with time for snorkeling and relaxing under the sun.

Are snorkeling and fishing gear provided?

Yes, snorkeling and fishing gear are included.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in Spanish and English.

What restrictions are there onboard?

Smoking is not allowed, and red wine is not allowed.

Who might need to avoid this experience?

It is not suitable for wheelchair users and people with motion sickness.