A license-free boat day in Tenerife feels like freedom. You get a simple, easy-to-drive setup to cruise the coast at your own pace, with GPS onboard so you can spend your time on the water, not on navigation. I love the combo of freedom plus built-in exploring tools like snorkeling gear, and the chance to drop anchor in quieter coves whenever the water looks inviting. One drawback to keep in mind, based on real-world hiccups, is the meeting point can be miscommunicated, so double-check Gate 3 before you arrive.

The vibe starts with the briefing and continues with the staff support, and Eric specifically gets called out as making the start smooth. After that, it is you, your group, and a practical day plan with shaded comfort, music, and small extras that keep the trip feeling relaxed rather than rushed.

Key Things To Know Before You Go (Puerto Colon Boat Day)

• License-free self-drive means you steer, stop where you want, and skip formal navigation training
• GPS onboard helps you move with confidence along Tenerife’s coastline
• Snorkel masks and an anchor turn a cruise into actual swim-and-chill time
• Canopy, fridge, and bluetooth music make the boat feel comfortable, even when the sun is strong
• Meeting at Gate 3 is important, since one booking reported a pickup mix-up and extra steps

What a License-Free 6-Person Boat Means for Your Tenerife Day

This is the kind of Tenerife outing that works because it does one job well: it gives you control. Instead of joining a fixed route, you drive a small boat for up to six people, which is ideal if you want a shared day with friends or family and you do not want to compromise on where you stop.

I like the way this format fits the island. Tenerife’s coastline is all about variety, from open sea views to calmer pockets where the water looks glassy and inviting. With the boat’s license-free setup, you spend less energy on logistics and more on the simple pleasure of being out there.

The “small group” factor matters too. On a six-person boat, the trip feels personal. You can talk, take breaks, and decide as a group when you want to swim or just cruise with music on.

From Gate 3 to the Captain Mode: How the Timing Works

Your experience runs for 1 to 4 hours, and you pick a time based on availability. That flexibility is useful here because weather and light can change the feel of a sea day fast. If you want the most comfortable start, aim for a time when the sun is high enough for good visibility, but not so late that the day feels like it is sprinting to the finish.

Plan your arrival with buffer time for the meeting point. The stated meeting location is Gate number 3, and one booking described delays caused by an incorrect pickup point, plus extra steps when they got directed the wrong way. It was not a dealbreaker, but it is exactly the kind of small problem you can avoid by confirming you have the right location before you walk there.

Once you meet, the flow is straightforward:

• A briefing to get you comfortable with the boat and basic safety
• Life jackets on board for everyone
• GPS ready for easier navigation
• Fuel taken care of, since gasoline is included

After that, you are free to set your rhythm.

Your Coast Cruise: How GPS, Stops, and Anchoring Play Together

The heart of the experience is the self-drive coastline time. You have GPS to help with navigation, and that matters more than it sounds. Even if you are a confident driver, having a system guiding you makes the day calmer and gives you room to enjoy the views instead of constantly checking bearings.

Then comes the part that turns a cruise into a sea adventure: the anchor. That gives you the ability to pause in quieter spots. In practical terms, it means you can:

• Cruise along the coast
• Spot an area that looks calm
• Anchor up
• Spend time floating, swimming, and relaxing

You also get a fridge on board, which lets you keep extra drinks cool. That is handy because when you stop somewhere nice, you want the freedom to stay a while without thinking about warm water or stale drinks.

A note on expectations: one review mentioned the cruising area felt limited. That can happen on compact local routes, where you can see a lot but within a defined zone. If your goal is to go far and treat it like a long-distance tour, this might feel tighter than you hoped. If your goal is a relaxed coast day with swim stops, it usually fits perfectly.

Snorkel Time in Clear Water: What You Get and How to Make It Worth It

Snorkeling is included, including snorkel gear, and that is a big value point. You do not have to rent masks or worry about whether your group has the right equipment. You just show up with a towel and be ready to use what is already provided.

In a day like this, the best snorkeling moments tend to be the ones where you choose the stop based on water conditions. Since you have anchor time, you can wait for the most comfortable spot, rather than being rushed by a schedule.

Here is how to think about it for your comfort and safety:

• Plan on a quick swim first, so you and your group can gauge the water and visibility
• Stay close to where the boat is anchored, so everyone can re-board easily
• Use the time for both snorkeling and a relaxed float, since it is not just a single activity stop

Also, keep the rules simple: life jackets are available, and you should treat them as part of the standard safety routine, especially if the sea is choppy.

If you are sensitive to motion, consider taking it slow after you anchor. Even a short ride can make you feel it when you switch from cruising posture to water time.

Onboard Comfort: Canopy Shade, Fridge Cold Drinks, and Music

A lot of boat days fall into the same trap, great on paper, uncomfortable in practice. This one does a few smart things to keep your body happy.

You have a canopy for sun protection, which helps a lot on Tenerife when the light can feel strong even when the air is not too hot. That shade means your group can eat something you bring or just cool down between water stops.

Then there is the fridge. Keeping drinks cold is one of those small upgrades that changes the whole experience. It makes the day feel more like a relaxed hangout on the water and less like a sweaty sprint from one moment to the next.

Music is also included via bluetooth audio, so you can bring the kind of vibe you want, calm and chill, or upbeat. Just keep volume reasonable, since it is still a small boat and you will likely hear wind and water naturally.

And yes, soft drinks are included, so you start with something ready to go.

Price and Value at $71 Per Person: When This Boat Day Makes Sense

At about $71 per person, the value depends on your group size and how you like to travel.

Why it can be a great deal:

• You get a private feel on a boat sized for up to six people
• You do not pay for a guide to manage fixed stops, since you self-drive
• Multiple essentials are included, including GPS, snorkeling gear, fridge, and music

When it might feel pricey:

• If you go as a couple, you are paying $71 each for a seat count that is only partially used
• If you expect lots of hours of cruising to distant spots, remember the experience is 1 to 4 hours and the cruising area may feel defined

The sweet spot is a small group of friends or a family unit that wants control and does not want to coordinate schedules ashore. If six people can share it, the per-person cost becomes easier to swallow, and you also get a stronger group energy for snorkeling and hangout time.

For me, the best way to judge value is simple: ask yourself whether you want the freedom to choose the swim moments. If yes, the included anchor and snorkeling gear justify a lot of the cost. If you want a guided itinerary with set locations and commentary, you may find other options fit better.

Safety, Rules, and Physical Limits You Should Not Ignore

This is a sea activity, so safety and practical rules matter.

You should know the basics provided:

• Life jackets are available
• Fuel is included, so you do not need to plan that part
• Alcohol and drugs are not allowed
• Children under 2 years are not suitable
• Pregnant women are not suitable
• People over 297 lbs (135 kg) are not suitable

Even with a license-free setup, treat it like a real boat day. Wear the life jacket if you are not fully confident yet. Keep your group movement calm while the boat is underway. And when you anchor, make sure everyone knows where they will re-board.

Wheelchair accessibility is listed, which is a good sign that boarding and movement have been considered. Still, it is worth asking how the boat handles transfers if you use a wheelchair, since small boats can vary.

Common Pickup and Voucher Glitches, and How to Prevent Them

One review described a wrong pickup point that caused a 15-minute delay and extra steps, plus a situation where the people they met could not handle the voucher and had to call. I do not want to scare you, but I do want you prepared.

Your best defense is low-effort:

• Confirm Gate 3 is correct for your specific booking time
• Arrive a bit early so you can sort it out without stress
• Keep your ID and any voucher details ready on your phone and, if you have it, a backup copy

If you are traveling in a group, nominate one person as the point-checker at the start. It helps avoid everyone standing around while someone else scrambles for the right instructions.

What You Should Bring for a Smooth 1 to 4 Hours

The essentials list is refreshingly clear. Bring:

• A towel
• Your credit card
• Your passport or ID card (a copy is accepted)

That matters because it reduces time wasted during check-in. A towel is especially important since you are snorkeling and you will likely end up wet.

Also think about what you want to drink beyond the soft drinks. Since the boat includes a fridge, bringing extra items can make the day feel more like your own private outing, but you should remember alcohol is not allowed.

If you plan around those basics, you will spend more time outside and less time running through your bag.

Should You Book Puerto Colon for a Self-Drive Boat Day?

If you want Tenerife time that feels flexible, this is a strong choice. I would book it when:

• Your group can share the boat well, since the $71 per person works best with friends and family
• You like the idea of choosing when to anchor and swim
• You want included snorkeling, GPS help, and comfort extras like fridge, canopy, and music
• You value staff support, especially the kind of smooth check-in people associate with Eric

I would reconsider if:

• You expect a long, open-ended journey far beyond a tight local cruising zone
• You do not want to handle any self-drive responsibility, even with a briefing and GPS
• You are traveling with someone who falls under the stated limits, like children under 2, pregnant travelers, or anyone over 297 lbs (135 kg)

My bottom line: for a half-day to short adventure, this is the kind of practical, value-driven outing that gets you out on the water without turning your day into paperwork. If you show up ready for Gate 3 and treat the water time as the main event, you are set up for a fun, relaxed Tenerife experience.

FAQ

Do I need a boating license to drive the boat?

No. This is a license-free self-drive boat experience.

How many people can go on the boat?

The boat is for up to 6 people.

How long is the experience?

It runs for 1 to 4 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What is included with the boat?

Gasoline, soft drinks, a briefing, life jacket, fridge, music, GPS, snorkel gear, and the boat for 6 people are included.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Gate number 3.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, a credit card, and your passport or ID card. A copy is accepted.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.