Puerto Colón: Coastal Boat Cruise with Swimming and Snacks

What makes this Puerto Colón boat trip so appealing is how quickly it gets you off the busy promenade and onto the open water, cruising the south coast of Tenerife with real time for swimming. I love the small Bellamar group size for this price, and I also love that you get actual time anchored for snorkeling and a swim, not just a quick photo stop. The one thing to watch is sea conditions, because windy days can mean rougher water and less wildlife action.

You’ll meet the crew in Puerto Colón at Dock 5, board Bellamar (a compact boat built for up to 7 passengers plus crew), and spend about three hours moving along the coast from the Los Cristianos area toward the turtle cove area. I like the practical touches, like snacks and drinks onboard and a crew that stays close so you can relax. If you’re sensitive to motion sickness, consider that the ride can get choppy when the sea is up.

Key things to know before you go

• 7 passengers plus crew on Bellamar makes this feel personal, not crowded.
• Turtle cove swim stop includes time to snorkel and swim, with extras like paddleboarding when conditions allow.
• Dolphin and marine life viewing is a core goal, especially during the longer cruise segment.
• Snacks plus beer, soft drinks, and water are included, so you’re not scrambling for food mid-boat.
• Weather matters, and rougher water can reduce sightings and increase seasickness risk.

Why the Bellamar Cruise is a smart way to see Tenerife’s south from the water

The south coast of Tenerife is famous for its beaches, resorts, and viewpoints, but from land it can feel like you’re just looking at the water. This cruise flips that. You’re on the sea for the main portion of the outing, then you stop where the water is calm enough to get in and explore.

The value here is how the time is used. You’re not spending most of the trip sitting around. You cruise along the coastline in a small group, then you get an anchored swim moment at the turtle cove area. That rhythm is what makes it feel like more than a ticket.

One more plus: the boat is small enough that the crew can keep an eye on everyone without turning it into a production. The experience is built around you enjoying the ride, not managing it.

Dock 5, Bellamar, and what a 7-passenger boat day feels like

This starts in Puerto Colón, and the pickup point is Dock number 5. Your exact meeting point can vary a bit depending on the option you book, but the boarding area is in the Puerto Colón port right where the Bellamar cruise operates.

Bellamar is a comfortable, safe boat with a capacity for 7 people plus crew. That tiny number changes the whole feel. You’re more likely to hear the crew clearly, get quick help if you need it, and actually look around instead of trying to squeeze past strangers.

If you like your tours to have a little flexibility, this setup helps. You can choose a shared option with that small group size, or you can book privately for friends or family. In a place as popular as Tenerife’s south, fewer people on a boat is often the difference between a relaxing time and feeling like you’re in a floating bus.

The 10-minute start-up and then the long dolphin-watching stretch

After you board, there’s a short safety briefing to set expectations and keep things smooth once you’re underway. This is quick, then you’re on your way.

The cruising segment focuses on the Tenerife south coast, along the stretch between the Los Cristianos beach area and the turtle cove area, specifically along the coast in the municipality of Adeje. This is where the tour spends about 1.5 hours on wildlife viewing and sailing.

This is the big “why” moment for many people. Dolphins are a realistic target here, and the chance of other marine life sightings is part of the pitch. But I think the smarter way to plan is to treat dolphins as a bonus, while still enjoying the sea view the whole time. Even without perfect wildlife luck, you’re getting that open-water perspective of the south coast.

Also, keep in mind that wildlife sightings can be sensitive to conditions. If it’s windy and choppy, animals may not show as much, and you may feel it more on a smaller boat.

Turtle cove swim stop: the part you’ll remember

At some point during the cruise, the boat anchors at the turtle cove area. This is the payoff stop. You get time to snorkel and swim from the boat, with magnificent views from the water while you do it.

What makes this stop work for a range of swimmers is that the experience is built around time in the water, not just a single pass for photos. You can gear up, get in, and use the water time in the way that fits you best, whether that means snorkeling for a while or simply floating and enjoying the cool break from the heat.

Some practical details you should take seriously:

• You’ll need to be comfortable moving between the boat and the water area.
• The crew stays attentive, but you are still responsible for your own comfort and swimming decisions.
• There’s no mention of specialized equipment beyond what’s offered for snorkeling and paddleboarding, so if you want specific gear, bring what you already use.

This is also where the tour’s “fun snack and drink” pacing starts to feel natural. The sea time and the refreshments are timed together so you’re not hungry and you’re not waiting too long between the active parts.

Aperitif time onboard: snacks, beer, and staying happy on a short day

After the dolphin-viewing cruising time, the experience shifts into a more relaxed mode. You get an aperitif onboard, and included drinks are part of the package, including beer, soft drinks, and water.

Snacks are provided as well. You can expect simple beach-snack fare like crisps and fruit, plus the drinks to go with it. The key is that you’re already out on the water, so you’re not losing time running back to a café.

One smart way to use this portion: treat it like your recharge window. If you swim or snorkel first, you’ll probably be thirsty and ready to settle in with a drink after. If you go later, you’ll still have a clean break to warm up and dry off a bit.

Paddleboarding is listed as available during the swim portion. If it looks calm where you’re anchored, it’s worth trying, but only if you feel steady enough. On a small boat day, the crew can’t turn this into an advanced lesson, so come in with realistic expectations and basic balance skills.

Weather and seasickness: the only real downside to plan for

I’ll be blunt: on a smaller boat, choppy water is not theoretical. If it’s windy, the ride can get bouncy, and seasickness becomes a real risk. One of the most useful tips from past experience is to take sea conditions seriously. If you know you get motion sick, plan ahead.

I also learned an important behavior rule from how the day runs in rougher conditions: when the sea is too rough, the crew may not get the same wildlife activity. In that situation, you might end up seeing less than you hoped, with fewer dolphins and less marine action. You’ll still have the sea views and the swim stop, but the “wildlife jackpot” odds drop.

So here’s your practical approach:

• Choose a day with calmer weather if you can.
• If you do go on a windy day, keep your expectations flexible and focus on the water time and views.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider prevention before you board.

Who this cruise suits best in Tenerife’s south

This is best for people who want a small-group boat experience without turning it into a full-day production. The combination of sailing time, an anchored swim and snorkel stop, and included refreshments is ideal if you like active sightseeing.

It’s especially good if you:

• want a compact group experience with up to 7 passengers on Bellamar
• care about the coast views but also want to get in the water
• like the idea of dolphin viewing without committing to a long, exhausting tour

It may not be the right fit if you have mobility limitations. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the boat and water entry can be part of the experience.

Also, note the rules: chewing gum is not allowed, nudity is not allowed, and explosive substances are not allowed. Keep it simple, wear your swimsuit under appropriate clothing, and follow crew guidance.

Choosing shared vs private: what your money is really buying

At around $74 per person for a roughly 3-hour outing, you’re paying for more than transportation. You’re paying for:

• a small boat experience with a tight headcount
• included drinks and snacks
• a real swim and snorkel stop at the turtle cove area
• staff attention during the whole trip

Shared is the value angle. You get the same core experience without paying for the whole boat. Private makes sense if you’re traveling with friends or family who want control over the pace and space, or if you just don’t want to share the boat with other people.

If you’re the type who hates crowds, the small-group shared option can feel almost like private. If you’re the type who needs your own bubble, private is worth considering.

Practical tips to make the most of your 3-hour sailing day

A short cruise means you’ll feel every minute, so plan for comfort.

Bring:

• swimwear and a quick-dry layer for after the water time
• sunscreen and sunglasses, because the south coast sun can be relentless
• water-ready footwear if you prefer stability in and out of the boat

Onboard etiquette is simple: no chewing gum, no nudity, and follow the crew about safe water activities.

Also, match your plan to your body. If you’re planning to snorkel, go for it, but take a steady approach. If you’re not feeling great or the sea is rough, enjoy the views and snacks, and skip the water for that moment. You won’t be the first person to choose comfort over bravado.

The crew usually runs things in a way that lets you relax, but you still have to listen to safety cues and decide what feels right.

Should you book the Puerto Colón Bellamar coastal cruise?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a short, high-value way to experience Tenerife’s south coast from the sea, with an actual swimming and snorkeling stop at turtle cove. The small Bellamar setup and included drinks and snacks make it feel good for the price, and the dolphin and marine life viewing adds that extra chance of magic.

I would not book if you know you react badly to boat motion, or if you’re only going for guaranteed wildlife. The day is still beautiful even without sightings, but rough conditions can limit wildlife and increase discomfort on a small boat.

If your goal is simple and honest, like sea views plus a swim plus a few hours of laid-back fun, this is a very practical choice.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Colón Bellamar cruise?

The cruise lasts about 3 hours. Starting times can vary, so you should check availability for the exact slot you can book.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The excursion departs from Puerto Colón, Dock number 5, and you return back to the meeting point area at the end.

What’s the group size on Bellamar?

Bellamar is described as a small boat with a capacity for 7 passengers plus crew, with options for shared or private/small group experiences.

What’s included during the trip?

You get the cruise plus a stop to swim or snorkel. Snacks are included, along with beer, soft drinks, and water. Paddleboarding is listed as available during the swim portion.

What languages are spoken on the tour?

The crew or driver operates in Spanish, English, and Italian.

Is it suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.