Three hours on Tenerife, with drinks included.

This private boat charter from Puerto Colón is a simple, feel-good way to see the island from the water, cruise the rugged Atlantic coastline, and spend time with a real captain and crew. I love that you get a true private group setup (up to 6 people), so the mood stays relaxed, and you can actually enjoy the views without sharing space with strangers. I also love the onboard pairing of tapas plus unlimited premium brand drinks, which turns a sightseeing trip into a proper hangout. One thing to consider first: this is not ideal if you get seasick, since you’ll be on open water.

On the boat itself, you can spread out on the bow seating and sun pads, or retreat to the interior cabins when the sun feels like it’s trying to melt your phone. There’s a private bathroom, a freshwater shower, and snorkeling gear included, so the trip has options, not just cruising.

Key points to know before you go

• Private up to 6 on the Rio 850 Cruiser, named Libby, for a calmer experience and better flexibility.
• Unlimited premium brand drinks plus tapas, with food served onboard so you do not need a separate meal plan.
• Rugged south coast cruising with chances to see dramatic coastline and mountain views from the water.
• Swim and snorkel time with included gear and a freshwater shower to rinse off afterward.
• Spotting wildlife is a real possibility based on past trips, with dolphins and whales mentioned often, plus occasional sea life like turtles.
• Your own music may be possible via Bluetooth, if the crew sets that up for your slot.

Puerto Colón to the south coast: what your 3 hours actually feel like

This is a 3-hour private charter that runs along the southern coastline of Tenerife, starting from Puerto Colón in Adeje. The pace is laid-back on purpose. You are not rushing between stops like a boxed tour. Instead, you cruise, take in big views, then settle in when it’s time to swim and snorkel.

A big part of why I like this format for Tenerife is how fast you escape the usual holiday rhythm. From the harbor, you go straight into coastline mode: jagged edges of the Atlantic shore, mountain backdrops, and little pockets of land that look like they were cut by time and weather.

The ride itself gives you two different “weather moods.” If the day is calm, the boat feels smooth and easy. If the sea has energy, the crew still keeps things comfortable, but the water can be enough that people prone to seasickness should think twice. One review called out that swimming is not in a perfectly still area, so plan on active water and decent comfort in the sea rather than expecting a pool-like moment.

If you want the trip to feel extra special, aim for a departure time that matches your mood. A sunset slot is popular because the coastline turns dramatic and the lighting makes everything look sharper. But any departure time works if your goal is the same: time on the water, tapas in hand, and a private crew that keeps the day moving without stress.

Libby (the Rio 850 Cruiser): how the boat setup helps you relax

You board a 30-foot twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser called Libby at Pantalan 3, in Puerto Colón. The boat layout is practical, which matters on a short trip. You get open-air space where you can actually enjoy Tenerife sun, plus enclosed cabins when you want shade.

Here’s how it helps your day:

• Bow seating and sun pads: This is where you end up most often. You can lie back, watch the coastline glide by, and feel like you got a front-row seat to the island.
• Interior cabins for shade: The two interior cabins are there for a reason. If the sun is intense, you can cool down without leaving the trip.
• Private bathroom and freshwater shower: This is one of those “why don’t more tours do this” touches. After a swim, you rinse off and you are not stuck dealing with salty skin for the rest of your day.

From the onboard vibe, it also sounds like the crew keeps the boat feeling cared for. Multiple trips mention that Libby was spotless and well kept, and captains like William and Noel were friendly and tuned in to making the experience easy.

One small practical thing to keep in mind: you are on a boat, so comfortable footwear matters. High-heeled shoes are not allowed, and smoking is not allowed. Bring swimwear and towel because the swim part is real.

Tapas and unlimited premium drinks: the onboard comfort factor

This charter is not just “a boat ride with snacks.” The onboard offering is built into the experience. You get a selection of tapas plus unlimited premium brand drinks during the 3 hours.

What that means for you:

• You do not need to stop for food mid-trip.
• The day stays social. Even if you do not care about alcohol, tapas and soft drinks still make the time feel like an event.
• The crew can keep refilling without turning the trip into a constant “are we done yet?” queue.

From the details shared, some people also noted small differences in what counts as “premium” for drinks, including one comment about drinks feeling limited to beer or wine in that particular case. That is worth keeping in mind, especially if you have a strong preference for spirits or cider. If drinks matter to your group, it’s smart to message ahead and confirm the current drink list for your date, so expectations match reality.

Food-wise, the tapas is described as snack-style rather than a full meal course. That leads to a practical tip: eat something light before you arrive if you know your group gets hungry. Then treat the tapas like the fun part of the ride.

A few of the strongest compliments also point to the way certain captains handled guests. William and Noel were described as attentive and welcoming, and several people praised the generous feel of the drinks and the care of the crew. On a private charter, that personal touch is a lot more noticeable.

Cruising Tenerife’s rugged Atlantic coast: views, caves, and mountain angles

The headline experience is the south coast cruise. The coastline here is rugged, and that ruggedness is exactly what makes the trip worth doing. From the water, cliffs and land formations look bigger, closer, and less “postcard flat.”

You’ll spend time meandering along the coast, taking in:

• rugged Atlantic shoreline
• mountain peaks and dramatic angles
• hidden caves and shoreline features that you would never spot from the road

What I like about this kind of sightseeing is that it does not force you to keep track of a schedule. The captain can choose where to angle the boat based on weather and sea conditions, and you just soak it up.

Wildlife spotting is a big part of why people love this trip. Multiple outings describe seeing dolphins, including dolphins swimming around the boat. Whales are also mentioned, including pilot whales and smaller whales in certain conditions. One review even mentioned a turtle sighting.

Now, important reality check: nature is nature. You cannot book this like a zoo ticket. But the fact that captains actively look out and position the boat for viewing is clear from the stories. If seeing sea life is a priority, go in with flexible expectations, then enjoy the cruise even if the wildlife party is quiet that day.

The swim and snorkel stop: timing, comfort level, and gear included

A major payoff on this charter is the chance to get in the water. Included snorkeling gear means you can actually try snorkeling instead of just looking at the sea.

Here’s what you can expect from the typical flow:

• the boat anchors or slows down in a bay or spot the crew picks
• you get time to jump in and swim
• you can snorkel if you like, using the provided gear
• after, you rinse off with the onboard freshwater shower

A few notes to keep you comfortable and safe:

• Swimming is not described as in perfectly still, calm water. One account specifically cautioned that it is not like a flat lake, so good swimmers will feel more at ease.
• If you are prone to seasickness, the time on the open water before anchoring can still be uncomfortable. This matters more than people think when the outing is only 3 hours.
• Bring a towel. You will want it, especially if you are coming right from a beach or planning to head out after.

The best part is how the crew supports you. Captains like Robert and Noel were mentioned as taking good care of guests and guiding where to look in the water. Some groups also said they could help steer the boat for a moment, which adds a fun memory even if you are not a thrill-seeker.

If snorkeling is your goal, bring your own comfort mindset. Even with gear included, you should be ready to swim and adjust based on water conditions.

Price and logistics: is $530 for up to 6 good value?

At $530 per group for up to 6 people, this is priced like a true private charter rather than a seat-on-a-shared-boat tour. The value depends on how you fill the group.

• If you go with 6 people, your rough cost per person lands near the $90 range for 3 hours, and that includes captain, crew, fuel, tapas, unlimited premium drinks, and snorkeling gear.
• If you go with fewer than 6, the per-person number rises, but you still get the advantage of privacy and personal attention.

What makes it feel like good value is the “all-in” nature of the included items. A lot of boat tours sell the ride and then nickel-and-dime the fun extras. Here, fuel is included, drinks and tapas are included, snorkeling gear is included, and you have a private bathroom and shower onboard. That combination is what turns the charter from a novelty into an actual afternoon you remember.

Logistically, do note that transportation to and from the harbor is not included. Meeting point is Pantalan 3. Plan an easy route into Puerto Colón, especially if you are doing sunset. The start time matters because you do not want to arrive stressed, then rush your swim prep.

Also, the activity runs with different departure times, so you can match the outing to your day plan. That flexibility helps if you have dinner reservations later, or if you want a particular light for photos.

Who this private charter fits best (and who should skip it)

This is a strong choice if you want:

• a private group experience up to 6 people
• a relaxing Tenerife activity that is not packed with walking
• onboard food and drinks, without having to schedule a separate meal
• a chance to swim and snorkel with gear provided

It’s especially good for birthdays and small groups. Several trips mention celebrations, including a 60th birthday and a Father’s Day surprise. If your group likes “do something together” days, this checks the box.

It may not be your best match if:

• you are prone to seasickness
• your group wants a highly structured itinerary with lots of guaranteed land stops
• your idea of snorkeling is very beginner-friendly, glassy-water conditions. Water can be active in the spot the crew chooses.

One more fit note: music. Multiple people mentioned being able to play their own music, including Bluetooth. If that matters to your group mood, it’s worth asking how it works for your crew on the day.

Should you book this private boat charter?

I’d book it if you want a short, high-comfort Tenerife water experience that feels like you hired a crew for your day, not like you bought a generic activity. The combination of private charter, tapas, and unlimited premium brand drinks, plus the included swim and snorkeling gear, is the kind of value that makes the time feel worth it even on a busy trip.

Skip it or choose another option if seasickness is a real issue for you, or if your group needs predictable calm-water swimming. For everyone else, this is one of those rare activities where the best moments are simple: sun on your face, coastline sliding by, a quick rinse after your swim, and a captain who keeps things smooth.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife private boat charter?

The experience lasts 3 hours.

What is the group size for this private charter?

It’s a private group for up to 6 people.

Where do we meet the boat?

The meeting point is Pantalan 3.

What’s included in the price?

The charter includes the private boat charter, unlimited premium brand drinks, tapas, snorkeling gear, fuel, captain and crew, plus a private bathroom and freshwater shower onboard.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, and sunscreen, plus comfortable clothes.

Is there snorkeling gear available?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included.

Is it suitable if I get seasick?

It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

FAQ

What languages are spoken during the trip?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What drinks and food are offered?

You get unlimited premium brand drinks and a selection of tapas onboard.

Are there different departure times?

Yes, you can choose from a variety of departure times.

Is transportation to the harbor included?

No, transportation to and from the harbor is not included.

Are there rules about what not to bring or do?

Smoking is not allowed, and high-heeled shoes are not allowed. Alcohol and drugs are also not allowed.

What is the boat like?

You board a 30-foot twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser named Libby, with bow seating and sun pads, two interior cabins for shade, and onboard bathroom facilities.