Reviewed · BOAT & YACHT TRIPS
Tenerife: rent a boat without license
Sailing the south of Tenerife feels like a cheat code. You get a brand-new Compass 160E boat and you can handle it yourself with no license, then head out along the dramatic Los Gigantes coast. What I really like is the mix of freedom and practical support, plus the fact you’re not just cruising, you’re also set up for snorkeling.
The second big win for me is the convenience: fuel is included, snorkeling gear is included, and the boat comes with real comfort touches like a Bimini for shade and a fridge onboard. One consideration: it’s a 2-hour outing, so you’ll want to enjoy the ride in real time, not expect a super long exploration.
Key Takeaways Before You Go

- Brand-new Compass 160E feels easy and confidence-building from the start.
- No-license sailing lets you drive yourself, with tech help like GPS.
- Los Gigantes, Masca, and Teno are all in the route, so you see more than one viewpoint.
- Snorkeling gear plus fuel included means fewer “extras” later.
- Full insurance for passengers adds peace of mind for a DIY-style trip.
A Fresh Way to See Tenerife’s South Coast Without a License

This is the kind of Tenerife activity that turns the whole day from sightseeing into doing. You start at the harbor, get on a new boat, and you’re the one steering through the coastlines that normally look best from a distance. The south of Tenerife is known for its cliffs and rock formations, and being on water is where it all makes sense.
What makes it work well is the balance. You get freedom because it’s a private group and you sail by yourself. You also get support because the boat is fully equipped, with a latest-generation GPS, plus basic navigation help so you do not have to be a marine expert.
The other thing I appreciate is how the experience is built around “enough time.” Two hours sounds short, but it’s long enough to feel the payoff of Los Gigantes and still have room for the fun part, which is snorkeling at a top beach on the south of Tenerife.
Other decks and island cruises to compare
- Tenerife: Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming★ 4.7 · 15,619 reviews
- Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks★ 4.6 · 5,096 reviews
- Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop★ 4.7 · 4,539 reviews
The Compass 160E: Easy Handling, Real Comfort

Let’s talk about the boat itself, because that’s where a rental lives or dies. The Compass 160E is described as totally new and designed to be comfortable and versatile. Translation: it’s not a tired shell that feels like a chore. The onboard setup matters because you are steering, moving around, and living with the space for a couple hours.
The layout is geared for relaxing. There’s a large solarium in the bow, and it can be used like a table area. That means you can bring a friend or your partner, or keep a small group together without everyone cramming. There’s also a Bimini, which gives you shade when the sun is high. That little detail is not “nice to have,” especially in Tenerife weather.
On the practical side, you’ll appreciate the fridge, water, and ice. You also get a stereo with Bluetooth music, which is a great way to make the trip feel like a mini daycation instead of a checklist. The boat also includes a full set of snorkeling equipment, so you do not have to bring your own kit unless you prefer your own mask or fins.
From Harbour Number 7 to Los Gigantes, Masca, and Teno

Your trip starts at Harbour number 7, which is straightforward and easy to find in the general sense. The key is that you go from “waiting on shore” to “out on open water” quickly. Once you’re sailing, the south coast opens up fast, and the cliffs become the main show.
First, you’re set up to see Los Gigantes, famous for towering rock walls dropping close to the sea. Even if you’ve seen photos, being next to those cliffs has a different feel. The scale is bigger than it looks from land, and you’ll understand why this coastline is so popular for boat time.
Next comes Masca. The name alone makes people think of the rugged interior, but by boat you get a different perspective: you are skimming along the coast with the rocky terrain looming behind it. It’s one of the ways this part of Tenerife feels dramatic without needing hiking boots.
Then the route continues toward Teno. Teno is more about a wild, rugged feel than a single landmark. From the water, it reads like a coastline shaped by nature rather than tourism. That’s why it pairs so well with DIY sailing, you get to drift past areas that look scenic because they are, not because someone built a viewpoint for them.
One smart way to enjoy this route is to treat it like slow navigation, not a sprint. If you keep an eye on the GPS and take a minute to orient yourself, you’ll spend less energy thinking and more energy looking.
Snorkeling in the Best South-Tenerife Beach Stop
The snorkeling is included, and so is the equipment. That’s important because snorkeling gear can be the hidden budget killer on boat days. Here, you’re already set up with snorkeling equipment onboard, and you’ll snorkel at a top beach on the south of Tenerife.
If you’ve never snorkeled from a boat, here’s the practical mindset. You do not need to force big distances. You just need to keep it relaxed, float comfortably, and enjoy whatever is near the entry zone. Tenerife waters can be inviting, but you’ll still want to watch conditions and follow the pace the day allows.
The boat layout helps. With a solarium area at the bow, it’s easy to organize your stuff before and after water time. The Bimini also helps you recover without roasting while you wait your turn. And because water, ice, and a fridge are included, you’re not stuck with warm drinks after you get back aboard.
I’ll add one small consideration. You’re on a 2-hour experience, so snorkeling is part of that time budget. Keep your expectations realistic: you’ll get a real snorkel moment, not a full half-day beach plan.
More hours out on Atlantic water
What Is Included (And Why It Matters)
This trip is packed with “day-stuff” that saves you time and money. The headline includes fuel included, snorkeling equipment, GPS navigation, and full insurance for passengers. Those are the kinds of inclusions that change the experience from a basic rental into something you can actually relax into.
Here’s what the boat provides:
- Bluetooth music via the stereo
- Latest-generation GPS for navigation support
- Bimini for shade
- Snorkeling equipment
- Fridge, water, and ice
- Fuel included
- Full insurance for all passengers
Then there’s the human part. You’ll be dealing with an English, Dutch, Italian, Samoan, or Spanish host or greeter, and you also get an English audio guide. In the experience, Juan is highlighted as friendly and genuinely good at walking you through how to feel confident on the water. That matters because no-license sailing can feel like a big deal until someone helps you get your bearings fast.
What you might want to bring is simple: swimwear, a towel, and sun protection. If you’ve got a favorite mask, you can bring it too, but the provided snorkeling equipment is there for a reason. Also consider a waterproof phone pouch. Your hands and attention will go where the coastline pulls you.
Price and Value: $336 for Up to 6 People

The price is $336 per group up to 6, for a duration of 2 hours. On paper, that might sound like a “boat splurge.” In reality, the math improves fast because this includes fuel, snorkeling equipment, and insurance, which are often separate charges on other boat options.
If you fill all 6 spots, you’re roughly around $56 per person for two hours, plus snorkeling gear and the cost of fuel being covered. If you do not fill all seats, the per-person number rises, so this is best when you go with friends, a couple plus family, or a small group traveling together.
The value also comes from what you are actually doing. You’re not just being transported to a viewpoint. You’re steering yourself along coastlines like Los Gigantes and through areas named Masca and Teno, and you have time for snorkeling. That combo is what makes this feel like more than a short activity.
Who This No-License Boat Ride Fits Best

This is a great match if you want:
- A hands-on experience without needing a license
- Scenic south Tenerife time without committing to a full-day plan
- A private group setting where you control the pace
- Built-in snorkeling, not an add-on
It also suits people who like being out on the water but do not want the pressure of a long technical course. The boat is described as easy to handle, and with GPS onboard plus a guide who explains things clearly, you’re not walking in blind.
If you’re the type who needs constant structure, this may feel too free. It’s DIY sailing, not a strictly scheduled tour with step-by-step narration at every moment. Still, the audio guide in English can help you keep the story straight while you sail past the big landmarks.
Should You Book This Tenerife No-License Boat Rental?
I’d book it if you want a practical, confidence-friendly way to see Tenerife’s south coast from the best angle, the water. The combination of a new boat, no-license setup, fuel included, and snorkeling gear included is what makes it good value. Add full insurance for passengers, and it’s an easier yes for a private group day.
Skip it if you’re looking for a long, slow itinerary with lots of shore time. This is a two-hour experience, and the goal is motion plus a snorkeling stop, not extended wandering.
If your group can fill at least several seats and you’re excited to steer and explore at sea, this is exactly the kind of Tenerife activity that feels worth it the moment you leave the harbor.
FAQ
How long is the Tenerife no-license boat rental?
The experience lasts 2 hours.
What is the price for the boat rental?
The price is $336 per group (up to 6 people).
Do I need a license to drive the boat?
No. It is a no-license boat rental experience.
Where does the tour meet?
You meet at harbour number 7.
What places do you explore?
You explore the south of Tenerife, including Los Gigantes, Masca, and Teno.
Is snorkeling included?
Yes, snorkeling is included, and snorkeling equipment is provided.
What’s included with the boat?
The boat includes Bluetooth music, the latest-generation GPS, a Bimini, snorkeling equipment, a fridge, water, ice, fuel included, and full insurance for all passengers.
What languages are available for the host or greeter?
The host or greeter is available in English, Dutch, Italian, Samoan, and Spanish.
Is the group private?
Yes, it is a private group.
Is there free cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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