Reviewed · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Puerto Colon : Shared/private boat trip with snack & Drinks
On Tenerife, this is an easy, feel-good way to spend real time on the water, with wildlife watching plus a snorkel swim built in. The vibe is more private than the big group boats, and the onboard hosts, often including people like Charlotte and Miguel, focus on keeping things smooth, informative, and relaxed.
I especially like the all-inclusive setup. You get food and unlimited drinks, and the crew handles the important parts, from safety briefing to getting you into the right spots around Costa Adeje. The second thing I like is the way the boat feels practical for different ages, with safe space to walk, plus covered seating, a sundeck, and even a toilet onboard.
One consideration: there’s no hotel pickup. You’ll need to get yourself to Puerto Colón, and you should arrive about 15 minutes early at gate or pontoon n2 so you don’t miss the briefing and sailing window.
Key things you should know before you go

- Small-group feel on a well-kept luxury yacht, not a crowded cattle-boat day
- Dolphin and whale watching time around Costa Adeje, with a respectful approach
- Snorkel swim included, with staff keeping an eye on conditions and helping you make the most of it
- Unlimited drinks and tapas-style catering are included, so you’re not budgeting mid-boat
- Multilingual guide support on board in English, French, Italian, and Spanish
Why the Puerto Colón yacht format feels different from big boat tours

This cruise is designed for people who want the sea experience, not just another stop on a busy day. Starting from Puerto Colón, you head out on a luxury yacht for a few hours of sailing, wildlife spotting, and swimming time.
The “shared or private” structure also matters. Even when it’s shared, it tends to feel calmer than the large excursion boats that can pack on passengers. That means it’s easier to move around, get a good viewing angle for dolphins and whales, and actually enjoy the scenery without constant foot traffic.
The boat itself is part of the appeal. You can walk around safely, which is a big deal if you’re traveling with kids, older relatives, or anyone who doesn’t love being stuck in one spot. There’s also covered seating, a sundeck, and onboard restroom access, so the comfort level stays high even if the weather changes a bit.
More boat trips from Tenerife:
- Tenerife: Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming
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Getting to Puerto Colón: logistics that affect your day

This trip ends where it starts, back at Puerto Colón, so it’s mostly about nailing the start time. You should wait at the gate or at pontoon n2 about 15 minutes before departure, because a team member will meet you and guide you from there.
Plan to bring the basics for a comfortable sea day: sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. If you forget one of these, you can still go, but you’ll feel it once you hit the swim and sun time.
Also, don’t assume the length is always exactly three hours. The excursion is commonly listed as a 3-hour trip, but the activity duration is shown as 2 to 6 hours depending on sailing availability. That flexibility is useful if you’re browsing times, but it’s worth checking your exact slot before you build the rest of your day.
Stop 1 at Puerto Colón: the quick start that keeps everything calm

You begin at Puerto Colón, then spend a short chunk of time walking through and getting your bearings. There’s a safety briefing around 10 minutes, which sounds short because it is, but it’s long enough to cover what you need for moving on deck and handling the water time calmly.
This is one of those underrated moments. On a boat, a quick, clear briefing makes the whole trip feel easier, especially during snorkeling and while people are shifting positions to watch marine life.
The Costa Adeje sailing stretch: sightseeing with room to breathe

After the briefing, you sail toward Costa Adeje. The early sailing block is around 40 minutes and is built for sightseeing and a guided tour, not just transit.
This is the “settle in” portion of the day. You get time to scan the water, enjoy views from the yacht, and get comfortable with how the crew runs things. If you’re prone to motion discomfort, it can help that this section isn’t rushed, and you can choose where you sit or stand based on what feels best.
You’ll also get your best early look at what kind of marine activity the area is offering that day. Dolphins and whales don’t show up on a schedule, so those first stretches of cruising are part of the real hunt.
A few more Tenerife days worth comparing
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Dolphins and whales around Costa Adeje: how to make the spotting time count

The next segment is where the trip earns its keep: around 30 minutes for dolphin watching and whale watching. This is the part you’ll remember, whether you spot animals quickly or only after the crew adjusts the boat position.
A key value here is the “respectful whale watching” approach. When the crew treats wildlife like wildlife, it usually means calmer behavior from the boat and less chaotic movement from passengers. That translates into better viewing and fewer stressed moments for the animals.
You might catch dolphins during one stop and whales during another, depending on conditions and sightings. Some departures have been especially rewarding, including reports of pilot whales. The honest takeaway for you is simple: you’re not guaranteed wildlife every time, but the structure gives you real time to look, not just a quick glance and move on.
Snorkel swim time: what included sea time really means

Snorkeling is included, and the way the trip is set up makes the swim feel more like a guided break than a self-managed activity. You’re on a yacht with a crew watching the conditions and helping you get in and out safely.
This part matters because snorkeling quality on vacation depends on three things: calm access to the water, good timing, and staff support. The cruise format gives you a planned swim window during the sailing blocks, rather than squeezing it between other attractions.
You should come prepared with swimwear and sunscreen, plus a towel. If you like taking photos, remember you’ll likely want a phone in a secure spot, since you’ll be near moving water and sun exposure.
In the cove, you’re also more likely to see fish activity when the conditions are right. One of the most practical benefits of going with a crew is that they can steer the experience toward where swimming makes sense that day.
Sailing blocks 20 minutes and 30 minutes: why the extra time helps

After whale and dolphin time, you still get sailing segments of about 20 minutes and then 30 minutes before returning to Puerto Colón. These “in-between” stretches aren’t filler. They give you time to enjoy the sea without constant activity, and they allow the crew to reposition as needed.
For many people, that slower rhythm is the difference between a tour that feels like a checklist and one that feels like a proper half-day at sea. If you want to take photos, watch the horizon, or just enjoy the air, this is when you can do it without feeling like you’re missing the big moment.
It also gives your body a chance to reset between the spotting and the swim. Even if you felt great during wildlife watching, you’ll probably appreciate the breathing room before heading back.
Food and drinks onboard: tapas-style, unlimited, and actually timed well

The onboard catering is included, with food described as tapas style. Drinks are included and listed as unlimited, which is a big part of why the trip feels like a luxury experience rather than just transportation to the water.
This is where the value math starts to make sense. If you’ve ever done boat trips where you pay extra for every drink or snack, you know how quickly the budget gets shaky. Here, you can focus on the day because the essential comforts are part of the price.
The food is also part of what makes it family-friendly and comfortable. You can snack without leaving your seat for long stretches, and you’re not forced into a sit-down meal timeline. It’s the kind of practical onboard catering that helps everyone, even kids who get restless.
You may also get small extras depending on the day, including reports of ice cream as a surprise treat. Don’t count on it every time, but it’s a nice reminder that the crew isn’t just doing the minimum.
The crew experience: service that feels personal, not mechanical

The standout element is the service level. The crew is described as highly qualified, with a warm welcome and smooth sailing. That matters because on a yacht trip, “good service” is not about fancy talk, it’s about keeping everyone safe, comfortable, and informed.
Two names come up again and again in accounts of great experiences: Charlotte and Miguel. Charlotte is described as polite, kind, accommodating, and very tuned in to animal spotting information. Miguel is described as funny, with smooth sailing. When you get a team like that, wildlife spotting feels like more than luck.
Language support is also real value. The onboard guide availability includes English, French, Italian, and Spanish, which reduces the stress of trying to figure out what you’re seeing while everyone else is speaking a different language.
Price check: is $79 per person good value?
At around $79 per person, you’re paying for a mix of things that are usually sold separately on many coastal activities: a luxury yacht, guided time, wildlife viewing, snorkeling access, and full food plus unlimited drinks.
Here’s the honest way to evaluate it for you. If you want just a quick sea cruise and you don’t care about snorkeling or marine life, you might find cheaper options. But if you do care about those key experiences, then the inclusion list helps you. You’re essentially buying the convenience and comfort of not having to plan meals or add extras later.
Also, the small-group or private option can make the price feel more reasonable when you compare the experience quality. You get more space and an easier flow on board, which can be worth a lot when you’re traveling with kids, older parents, or anyone who needs comfort and movement.
Who this Puerto Colón yacht trip suits best
I think this is a great fit for people who want a “real sea day” without complicated planning. It’s especially good if you want:
- marine wildlife watching with enough time to actually spot something
- snorkel swim time with staff support
- food and drinks included, so you stay relaxed
- a luxury feel from a yacht that is easy to move around on
It’s also a nice option for couples and small families, since the boat setup is designed to work for different ages. The safe walking around and practical onboard comfort help keep everyone included.
If you’re traveling with people who get motion sickness, it’s still worth considering what kind of seating you prefer and when you might feel better, but the calm sailing segments and the chance to adjust where you sit can help some passengers feel more comfortable.
Should you book this Puerto Colón shared or private yacht trip?
I’d book it if your goal is simple: spend a few hours on the water in comfort, with dolphins or whales a real focus, and with snorkel swim time plus food and drinks already handled. At this price point, the inclusion list is the deal, and the yacht format usually feels calmer than the big-boat crowd.
Skip it or consider an alternative if you’re hoping for a super long itinerary or you need hotel pickup. This is a cruise that starts and ends in Puerto Colón, and you’ll be expected to show up at pontoon n2 around 15 minutes early.
If your schedule has flexibility, check the available starting times first. Once you pick a slot, bring the swim basics, plan to enjoy the slow sailing rhythm, and be ready for a marine-life experience that is more about time on the water than rushing from one stop to the next.
FAQ
How long is the Puerto Colón boat trip?
It’s listed as a 3-hour excursion, and the overall activity duration is shown as 2 to 6 hours depending on availability and starting times.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts and ends back at Puerto Colón, with the meeting point at the gate or pontoon n2.
What time should I arrive for the departure?
You should wait at the gate or pontoon n2 about 15 minutes before departure.
What languages are available on board?
The live guide is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.
Is food and drink included?
Yes. Catering with tapas-style food and unlimited drinks are included.
Is snorkeling included, and what should I bring?
Swim in the sea with snorkel is included. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun hat, and sunscreen.
Do I need hotel pickup?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point in Puerto Colón.
What is the cancellation and booking flexibility?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now & pay later option.
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