A boat trip is usually just a boat trip. This one stays intimate, with a 7-person max crowd on Bellamar, plus a real chance to cool off with swim and snorkel time along Adeje’s south coast.

I also like the pace, because you spend real stretches cruising and watching the water, not just racing between stops. If there is one catch, it is that choppy sea conditions can make the trip feel rough and can reduce wildlife sightings.

Key points at a glance

• 7-person small group on Bellamar, so you are not fighting for space
• Turtle cove swim and snorkel from the boat, plus some coves and beaches time
• Dolphin and marine life chances while cruising the Costa Adeje stretch
• Snacks and drinks included, with beer, soft drinks, and water
• Stand up paddleboarding may be available during the water stop
• Attentive crew with a safety briefing before you spend time out at sea

Why Puerto Colón’s Bellamar Cruise feels more personal than big tours

This tour is based out of Puerto Colón, and you meet at Dock number 5 for the Bellamar. That little detail matters because it sets the tone: you board a comfortable, purpose-sized boat designed for small groups, not a floating bus.

Bellamar runs with a capacity of 7 passengers plus crew, so the atmosphere tends to be easy and relaxed. You get the social side of a shared outing, without the chaos of hundreds of people hauling towels and phones at the same time. If you prefer your own space, you can book it as a private or small-group option.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Since you are boarding and moving on a boat and entering the water, the physical side of it is part of the experience.

The 3-hour route: Adeje’s south coast between Los Cristianos and turtle cove

The cruise lasts about 3 hours, and most of your time is spent along the south coast in the municipality of Adeje. The route is described as running between Los Cristianos beach and the turtle cove, which is a nice stretch because you get both open-coast sailing views and calmer anchoring points.

You are out long enough to feel like you left the harbor world behind, but not so long that the day turns into a full-day commitment. That balance is a big part of why this works well as a half-day plan when you are already exploring Tenerife’s towns and beaches.

Also, the tour is built around sea life opportunities. The water here can be active, and the plan includes a generous sailing-and-watching block where dolphins and other marine species are possible.

Safety briefing first, then you get the fun part going

Right after departure, you get a short safety briefing (about 10 minutes). It is not long, but it is smart. Even if you consider yourself a confident swimmer, you still want a crew that is clear about where to move, what to do when the boat anchors, and how snorkel and water time will work.

After that, the crew steers you into the Costa Adeje area. This is where the tour shifts from “getting on the boat” to “using the boat as your viewpoint.” The change in perspective is immediate, especially when you see Tenerife’s south coastline from the water rather than from the road.

Dolphin watching and marine life time in Costa Adeje

A big chunk of the experience happens during the cruising segment focused on dolphin watching and marine life viewing. The time block is listed as about 1.5 hours, and it is also paired with sailing and wildlife viewing.

This is the part that makes the cruise feel like more than scenery. You are not just looking at the coast, you are watching the water column and scanning for movement. On some days, you can get lucky, and on others it is more quiet. Either way, you will spend the time actively, with the crew attentive and the boat moving at a pace that supports spotting.

One practical consideration from real sea conditions: when the day is windy and the water gets choppy, some passengers can feel seasick, and wildlife sightings can drop. In other words, your best shot at dolphins is a calmer sea day, not a dramatic stormy one. If you tend to get motion sickness, plan accordingly.

Turtle cove stop: snorkeling, swimming, and possible paddleboarding

At the turtle cove, you anchor and you get your main water time. The plan includes a chance to snorkel and swim, and you will also have time for swimming in coves or beaches from the boat, depending on conditions.

During this water stop, there is also an aperitif period and included refreshments. That matters because the cruise is built around giving you time to reset, not just jump in and out quickly. You can take a breath, get settled, then go for the swim when you feel ready.

One extra bonus: stand up paddleboarding and snorkel gear are listed as available during the water segment. Not everyone uses every option, but having choices is a win. Even if you only snorkel, the “from the boat” access often makes it easier than walking to a beach and hoping conditions line up.

As a reminder, the tour has clear rules: nudity is not allowed. Also chewing gum and explosive substances are prohibited, which is a normal boat-safety kind of rule, not something you need to think about much if you pack sensible.

Snacks, beer, and soft drinks: how the onboard food really works

This cruise includes snacks plus drinks, with beer, soft drinks, and water listed as part of the experience. During the main water time, there is an aperitif phase and drinks are available, and another short refreshment moment happens later.

The snack type is simple, and that is okay. Expect things like crisps and fruit rather than a full meal. The point is to keep you fueled for the swim time, not to turn the boat into a restaurant.

One thing people tend to appreciate is how relaxed the onboard setup is. Drinks are described as plentiful and self-serve, and in some cases you can even connect your device to the boat speakers so you control the soundtrack. If you love keeping a light party vibe without dragging a full playlist kit, this detail is a nice touch.

The small-group vibe, from chatting to your seat views

With only 7 passengers onboard, you do not have to squeeze past people to find a window of sea view. You are also more likely to hear the crew’s explanations clearly while you cruise, since there is less background noise and less shifting around.

The group structure also affects how the stop times feel. You spend time together, but you are not stuck in a long line waiting your turn. The crew is described as attentive, and guide names like Luca and Jamie show up in feedback as examples of people who actively look after the group and keep the trip smooth.

A small sense of control can matter too. If you are the kind of person who likes to plan a day around mood, this cruise is easy to enjoy because it is built for flexible water moments. Calm day or slightly rough day, the crew’s job is to get you what you came for in a safe way.

What could be annoying: wind, seasickness, and fewer wildlife sightings

Let’s talk about the downside honestly. This tour is a boat cruise, and boats ride weather. If it is windy and choppy, you may feel it more strongly than you would on calmer water. One passenger reported getting seasick and having to ask to return early, and they also noted fewer sightings during a rougher week.

That does not mean you should avoid the cruise. It does mean you should pick your expectations carefully:

• If you want dolphins, a calmer day is your friend.
• If you get motion sick easily, pack protection or consider sitting where the ride feels most stable, depending on how the boat is set up.
• If you are there mainly for swimming and snorkel time, check sea conditions once you arrive, and listen to the crew’s guidance.

Also, this is not a long expedition with many stops. The schedule is built around a couple of key sea segments and one main water anchoring period.

Who this Puerto Colón cruise is best for

This is a strong match for you if you want:

• Small-group sea time with more personal attention
• A swim-and-snorkel plan that starts right from the boat
• Coastal views of Tenerife’s south coast without driving and parking for every new photo spot
• Included snacks and drinks, so you do not lose money or time at a beach bar

It is also a great option if you are traveling with friends who want a shared experience that still feels comfortable. The vibe can work for couples too, especially because the group size keeps conversations easy.

If you are someone who needs a very stable, flat-surface outing, or if you are mobility restricted, this one is likely not for you. And if you are expecting a guaranteed dolphin guarantee, temper that expectation. The tour makes wildlife spotting possible, not promised.

Price and value: is about $74 fair for what you get?

At around $74 per person for a 3-hour cruise, the value comes down to what is included and how small the group is.

You are paying for:

• A boat ride along the south coast in the Adeje area
• A planned stop to swim and snorkel from the boat
• Snacks plus beer, soft drinks, and water
• A crew-led experience with a short safety briefing and time dedicated to spotting marine life

If you were to rent snorkel gear, buy drinks, and pay separately for a smaller boat experience, the included package starts to make sense. The small group also reduces the “crowd tax,” where you spend more energy managing people than enjoying the sea.

So yes, it is a decent deal if your top priorities are water time and scenery. If you hate boats or if sea conditions often ruin your comfort, then the value drops, because the experience hinges on being able to enjoy time out on the water.

Practical tips so your sea day stays fun

You do not need a travel kit full of gear, but a few choices make a difference.

Bring essentials for the water stop:

• Swimwear and a towel plan, since you will be swimming and snorkeling
• Sun protection, because sea time and deck time add up fast
• Something to stay comfortable if you get a little motion sick

Plan for the fact that the day’s conditions can affect dolphin sightings and water comfort. The crew will guide you, and you should follow their call if conditions are rough.

Finally, respect the boat rules. Chewing gum is not allowed, and nudity is not allowed, so pack and dress accordingly.

Should you book Puerto Colón, Bellamar, for this cruise?

If you are looking for a relaxed, small-group boat outing with real water time and included snacks and drinks, I think this cruise is worth putting on your Tenerife list. It hits a sweet spot: enough time on the water to feel like a proper outing, and a focused stop where you can actually get in and swim.

I would skip it or at least be cautious if you know you get seasick in choppy conditions, because the experience depends on being comfortable enough to enjoy the movement. If you are comfortable at sea and your ideal day includes swimming, snorkeling, and the chance to spot marine life, this is one of those simple plans that often ends up being the highlight.

FAQ

Where does the Puerto Colón boat cruise depart?

The excursion departs from Puerto Colón at Dock number 5.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 3 hours, and you should check availability for starting times.

Is this cruise shared or private?

You can choose a shared tour with a small number of passengers (listed as up to 7) or book it as a private or small-group experience.

What snacks and drinks are included?

Snacks are included, along with beer, soft drinks, and water.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

Yes. The cruise includes a stop where you can swim and snorkel (and snorkeling and stand up paddleboarding are mentioned as available during the water stop).

Who is the cruise not suitable for, and what rules apply onboard?

It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Onboard, chewing gum, explosive substances, and nudity are not allowed.