On Tenerife, this private catamaran charter is a 3-hour ticket to open water, fresh sea air, and the kind of freedom that lets you change course with your captain. I like that snorkeling equipment is included, so you can keep packing simple. I also like the built-in food and drinks, since you are not scrambling for lunch halfway through the day. A key consideration: even on a stable catamaran, you should expect some movement, so if you are prone to seasickness, plan ahead.

You’ll sail from Puerto Colón with a friendly crew, settle into the sundecks, and spend time looking for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles in their natural habitat. The downside is practical, not dramatic: there is no wheelchair access onboard, and towels are not included, so you will want to bring your own beach towel for the swim stops.

Quick hits before you decide

• Puerto Colón departure, private group only: you go out as your own crew, not mixed with strangers.
• Snorkeling gear included: you just bring swimsuit, sunscreen, and you are ready.
• Lunch plus alcohol onboard: you can snack all day, then eat a proper meal while you cruise.
• Flexible itinerary by the captain: you decide the flow as you sail, within the day’s conditions.
• Stable catamaran comfort: sundeck and fly-bridge seating, plus a restroom onboard.
• Wildlife spotting focus: you’re out for dolphins, whales, and turtles around Tenerife’s coast.

Private catamaran comfort, with your own pace off Puerto Colón

This is a private Tenerife experience on a purpose-built catamaran operated by Monte Cristo Catamaran. You start at Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, and the day is designed around comfort first, then ocean time, then wildlife. With a duration of about 3 hours, it is long enough to feel like a real outing, but not so long that you start counting the minutes.

What makes this format worth it is the private setup. This is not a bus-and-boat day where you wait in long lines, then stand shoulder-to-shoulder. It is your group only, with a crew that can keep things running smoothly for your pace.

Another detail I like: you do not just follow one fixed script. Your group decides on an itinerary as you sail. That means if the captain thinks conditions are better in one direction, you can shift the plan rather than watching the clock. You get a similar benefit if your group wants more sun time on the sundeck before the swim stop.

The catamaran is described as very stable, which matters because Tenerife’s coast is not always calm. Still, expect some motion. If you normally feel queasy on boats, bring your preferred remedy, like ginger or medication, before you board.

Getting there with pickup in the 20 km zone

A big part of making a private charter feel easy is the first transfer step. Hotel pickup is offered for hotels in the south of Tenerife, and pickup details specify a 20 km radius from the port of Puerto Colón. If your hotel is outside that area, you can make your own way to the departure point.

Your meeting point is Diamant – Glass Bottom Boat, at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, 38660 Costa Adeje. The tour info also notes the area is near public transportation, which is useful if you want a backup plan.

Two practical notes for your day. First, the operator uses a mobile ticket, so you are not hunting for paper vouchers. Second, confirmation is received at booking time, which typically helps you feel organized once you lock in your slot.

And because this kind of experience sells, it’s worth planning ahead. On average, it is booked 71 days in advance. In plain terms, popular time windows can fill, especially when the weather cooperates.

Snorkeling without gear shopping, and how the swim time works

One of the best value perks here is simple: snorkeling equipment is included. That covers the gear you would otherwise have to buy or rent. The tour also says most travelers can participate, and it is set up for guests to swim during the cruise.

Your captain takes you to the best snorkeling spots. That matters because Tenerife has different conditions along the coast depending on wind and visibility. Instead of you choosing blind, you follow the crew’s decision based on what the water is doing that day.

You will want to bring a swimsuit, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The towel part is where people often get caught: towels are not included. The FAQ and general packing advice are consistent on that, so plan to bring one.

Also keep in mind there is a restroom onboard. That sounds minor until you are dressed for the swim and want a quick, no-stress option onboard.

Finally, think about comfort in the water. Even though the boat is stable, the day includes sailing time plus swim time. If you get motion sensitive, consider timing your swim for when you feel steadier.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks onboard (including alcohol)

This is not just a cruise where you snack on something later. Food and drinks are built into the plan, and they are part of why the charter feels like a celebration day, not an activity.

You’ll enjoy a selection of drinks along with snacks and lunch. Alcoholic beverages are included, and the FAQ lists drinks like water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. The review notes guests drinking cava, which matches the “sparkling” vibe you’d expect from a premium boat day.

For lunch and snacks, the info gives examples of what you might find: tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection. That is more satisfying than the typical sandwich-only approach. You also get fruit and tapas-style options, plus bottled water.

If you care about value, look at the bundle effect. For a group charter, you are paying for the boat, the crew, and the service, and then the meal and drinks remove extra costs and extra stops. Instead of turning your day into a half-day hunt for lunch, you eat while the coastline goes by.

One review even calls out excellent food and a steady flow of drinks, and another mentions the team helped guests who felt sea sick. That tells me the crew is paying attention to the group, not just running a schedule.

Wildlife chances in their natural habitat: dolphins, whales, turtles

The theme of the day is wildlife viewing. You sail from Puerto Colón out along the coast, with the goal of spotting dolphins, whales, and sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Could you see everything listed in one trip? The info does not promise specific sightings, and weather and ocean conditions will play a role. But the overall focus is clear: you are not going to a man-made attraction. You are looking out for animals while you cruise and, when conditions are right, you can swim.

The reviews are strong on dolphins. Several write-ups mention dolphins, and one highlights a whale sighting. Another mentions sea turtles as a possibility tied to the cruise style, plus whales and dolphins being part of the expectation.

My practical advice is to treat wildlife spotting like birding or nature watching. Stay patient. Scan the water regularly, especially where the surface looks different. And remember, sightings are never guaranteed, so enjoy the moment even if you do not get a whale blow at the perfect time.

Also, since you have snorkeling time too, you get two different “ocean perspectives” in one day: above the surface while sailing, then below with the snorkel stops. That makes the day feel fuller than a pure sightseeing cruise.

Onboard setup that keeps the day feeling relaxed

The catamaran is built for comfort, not just transportation. You can relax on spacious sundecks and the fly-bridge, and there is seating plus a sofa inside the boat. The tour info also says there are shaded areas to relax, which is crucial in Tenerife sun.

For a lot of people, the best part of a boat day is nothing specific, it is the feeling of being off the land. You get views of Tenerife’s coast in a way you cannot recreate from shore. You also get space, since a private charter means you can spread out more than on a public tour.

There is also a restroom onboard. Again, this is the kind of “small” feature that keeps the day easy, especially when you are enjoying a meal and drinks.

One more practical detail: the tour mentions service animals are allowed. If anyone in your group travels with an assistance animal, that is worth knowing ahead of time.

Motion, sea sickness, and what to do before you board

Even with a stable catamaran, the reality is you are on the water. The FAQ explicitly says guests should expect to experience some movement. That lines up with how one review describes the crew helping guests who felt sea sick.

So here is how I’d prep if you are even slightly sensitive. Bring something that works for you, like ginger tablets or Dramamine, before boarding. Do not wait until you feel bad. Also, choose a spot near the middle of the boat when you can, and spend some time looking at the horizon rather than your phone screen.

If your group includes someone who gets nauseous, this charter still might be a good fit because the crew appears prepared to help. But you should still be proactive.

Who this private charter fits best, and who should reconsider

This charter is a strong match if you want a celebration-style day: birthdays, family milestones, friend trips, or just a group that wants quality time on water. The private setup and the included lunch and alcohol make it feel like an event.

It is also good for people who like ocean time but do not want extra gear steps. Since snorkeling equipment is included, you can travel lighter. And since the captain chooses snorkeling spots, you avoid the guessing game.

A few groups should reconsider. If someone in your party needs wheelchair access, the boat is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible according to the tour info. Also, if you cannot handle motion at all, you may want to choose a different format or take the seasickness risk seriously.

For families, the short duration of about 3 hours can be a plus. You get the key pieces, wildlife chance and swim time, without turning the outing into a whole half-day ordeal.

Price and value for a group charter up to 15 (and up to 24 onboard)

The price is listed at $1,792.13 per group, and the summary says up to 15 passengers. At the same time, the tour description says the private charter can accommodate groups of up to 24 passengers. Because those numbers conflict, the smart move is to confirm the exact passenger limit for the charter you book.

That said, the way to judge value is clear. This is a flat group price that includes private transportation, lunch, snorkeling equipment, alcoholic beverages, snacks, bottled water, and all fees and taxes. You are not paying separately for gear, food, or drink during the day.

Here is a simple way to think about it. Divide the total price by the number of people in your group. If you fill close to the upper end of the group size, the cost per person can drop sharply compared with paying for a public boat plus lunch plus rented snorkel gear.

It also helps that the experience is often booked about 71 days in advance on average. That suggests demand, which usually means people feel it is worth it once they see what’s included.

If you are a couple, it can still be a good deal when you treat it as a private experience with premium inclusions. If you are a small group, you are paying more per person, so decide if the meal, drinks, and snorkeling gear are part of the “must-have” list for you.

Weather matters, and you should plan your day like a local

This tour requires good weather. The info says if it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That is good to hear when you are traveling in the Atlantic where conditions can shift quickly.

So, plan your Tenerife schedule with flexibility if you can. If you have fixed reservations later the same day, keep the charter earlier in the day when possible. And do not schedule it as your only outdoor plan if your itinerary is tight.

Should you book this private catamaran charter?

If your idea of a perfect Tenerife day includes a private boat feel, the chance to spot dolphins or whales, and time to swim with included snorkeling gear, this charter is an easy yes. The combination of snorkeling equipment, lunch, and included alcoholic beverages is where the value really shows, especially for groups.

Book it if you want comfort with sundecks and shaded spots, plus a crew that can handle the day from pickup through drop-off. It is also a great pick for milestone birthdays, family get-togethers, and friend trips where everyone wants the same level of comfort.

Skip or rethink it if anyone in your group needs wheelchair access, or if you know boat motion will shut down the trip for you.

If you are deciding last minute, the weather requirement is the deciding factor. When the forecast looks good, this is the kind of day that makes Tenerife feel special fast.

FAQ

Where is the departure point for the private catamaran charter?

The departure point is Diamant – Glass Bottom Boat, Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Is pickup available on this tour?

Yes. Hotel pickup is available for hotels in the south of Tenerife. The pickup radius is 20 km from the port of Puerto Colón. If you are outside the pickup area, you make your own way to Puerto Colón.

How long is the catamaran charter?

The duration is about 3 hours.

How many people can be on the private charter?

This is a private tour for your group only, and it can accommodate groups of up to 24 passengers.

Is snorkeling included, and do I need to bring gear?

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own gear. You will still want to bring a swimsuit and basic beach items.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included, along with soda/pop and bottled water.

Are meals included onboard?

Yes. Lunch is included, plus snacks.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, there is a restroom onboard.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No, the catamaran is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.