Fishing trip, Tenerife Sea Passion

This is one of those Tenerife activities that feels more like a working harbor outing than a big tourist show. You start from Puerto de Playa San Juan, a traditional fishing spot, and you head out with a small group for a half-day at sea.

I especially like the mix of bottom fishing and deep-sea fishing in one outing, plus the hands-on, captain-led guidance. The boat setup is designed for different techniques, so you are not just riding along and hoping something bites.

The main drawback to consider is that this trip depends on weather. If seas get rough, plans can shift, including delays or changes that can be stressful if you did not keep an eye on final instructions.

Key Points You Can Actually Use

• Puerto de Playa San Juan start: A traditional fishing harbor, chosen to reduce crowding around embarkation.
• Small group, max 11: More personal attention when you are learning technique or handling lines.
• Two fishing methods: Bottom fishing with light tackle and jigging, plus deep-sea fishing at set depths.
• Deep-sea plan includes electric reel: You use the gear for fishing between roughly 200 and 600 meters.
• Drinks are included on board: One less thing to think about, and cold beer has shown up in at least one positive report.
• Weather can affect departure: You need to stay flexible because the activity requires good conditions.

Puerto de Playa San Juan: Why the Starting Point Matters

Starting in Playa San Juan gives this trip a more local rhythm. This is not an anonymous marina where every tour lines up the same way. Instead, you leave from Puerto de Playa San Juan, described as one of Tenerife’s last traditional fishing harbors.

That matters because the vibe onboard often comes from how you arrive. When your group boards without a chaotic crush of people, you tend to get clearer instructions sooner. You are also more likely to notice how the harbor actually works, with boats that look like they belong to real fishermen, not just cruise passengers.

The operator also emphasizes that their check-in location is specific to this harbor area, and that their groups stay small (up to 11). In practice, that setup is what keeps the morning from feeling like a cattle-call.

Half-Day on the Water: What the 4 Hours Really Feels Like

The trip runs about 4 hours, and it starts at 10:00 am. For Tenerife, that is a smart time window because you still get the rest of your day for beaches, Canarian food, or a second activity.

A half-day format is useful for two reasons. First, fishing can be unpredictable, so you do not feel trapped for a full day if the bite is slow. Second, it makes it easier to plan your time around weather. If seas turn ugly later, you are usually not waiting around all day.

Your group size is capped at 11, which is ideal if you are new to fishing or if you just want to ask more than one question without everyone competing for attention. You should be able to get hands-on help with gear and technique rather than only listening from the sidelines.

Two Fishing Styles in One Trip: Bottom Fishing to Deep-Sea Lines

This is not a one-note fishing outing. You are set up for different ways to fish, depending on where the boat goes and what the captain is targeting.

Bottom fishing with light tackle and jigging

Bottom fishing happens along the coast with the boat standing upright. The equipment focus is light tackle, and the idea is to fish at suitable spots where the captain expects activity.

Jigging is specifically part of the plan. That means you use artificial bait, and your job is more about movement and feel than waiting passively. If you want an active role, this is the part that usually gets your hands busy.

Deep-sea fishing using moving lines at set depths

Then the boat shifts into deep-water mode. For deep-sea fishing, the boat moves at around 8 knots, with many lines placed at different depths. That approach is practical because it increases your chances when fish are scattered.

The deep-sea phase targets depths roughly between 200 and 600 meters. You use an electric reel, and the operator says all equipment is provided on board. If you have never used electric reels, it can feel like the gear does half the work, but you still need to pay attention. You control what you do with your line once you feel weight.

The On-Board Routine: Step-by-Step What You’ll Do

Here is how the experience typically unfolds once you are on board, and what to watch for so you feel comfortable.

Step 1: Check in at Sea Passion Charter & Fishing

You meet at Sea Passion Charter & Fishing in the Puerto area at Playa San Juan. The address is listed as Playa San Juan in the Puerto Pesquero de area (38687, Santa Cruz de Tenerife).

Because departures can shift if weather changes, your best move is simple: keep your phone handy and watch for any confirmation or updates tied to your booking. If a port or timing change happens, you want to know early.

Step 2: Gear, instructions, and getting set up for fishing

Before you start, you will get told how the session works. That is where a small group size helps. You can usually hear the instructions clearly, and if you are unsure about a specific technique, you are more likely to get a quick fix from the crew.

Equipment is included, and that is a big value point. Fishing trips can add costs for rods, tackle, and basic gear. Here, the trip is positioned as one where you show up, get outfitted, and fish.

Step 3: Bottom fishing phase near the coast

You move into the bottom fishing spots first. The boat position, standing upright, is there to keep the setup stable while you work light tackle. Jigging with artificial bait is part of the action, and it often means you are repeating the technique, learning what gets attention, and adjusting your rhythm when needed.

This is also the phase where you can look around and take in the coast from a working harbor route. Even when the main focus is lines in the water, the scenery off Tenerife is part of the experience.

Step 4: Deep-sea fishing phase with multiple lines and electric reel

Next comes the deeper part of the day. The boat runs at around 8 knots, and lines are set at multiple depths. That reduces the odds of being in the wrong layer of water.

The captain handles the heavy lift on positioning, but you still handle the moment. When your line signals action, you work with the electric reel. One practical tip: keep your stance stable and pay attention to crew signals. When you are tired after repeated casts or line pulls, it is easy to get sloppy, and you do not want that in the middle of a potential catch.

Step 5: Drinks on board and the wrap-up

Drinks are included on board. In one positive report, cold beer was mentioned as part of that onboard comfort. At the same time, another report noted there were no snacks, so do not assume food is part of the package.

If you get hungry fast, I recommend planning a proper lunch after. If you have specific dietary needs, bring your own snack for peace of mind. It is a small thing, but it keeps your day from ending with a grumpy stomach.

Captain and Crew: What “Getting on Fish” Looks Like

The biggest praise this trip gets is straightforward: the captain helps you fish well and aims to put the group on fish. That is not magic. It is experience, time on these waters, and good judgment about where to try next.

A friendly, calm onboard style also shows up again and again in the positive feedback. That matters because fishing is half technique and half nerves. If the captain and crew are patient, you are more likely to enjoy even when the bite is slow.

You may also encounter crew members by name during check-in or in the course of fixing problems. One situation involved a crew member called Raoul helping guide someone to the correct boat. So, if you end up needing help locating your correct vessel during hectic moments, you might hear that name.

Price and Value: Does $96.54 Make Sense?

At $96.54 per person for about 4 hours, you are paying for three things: boat time off Tenerife, fishing gear and techniques, and a small-group experience that is not just drifting around.

Here is the value logic I like:

• Gear and equipment are included. That removes a common hidden cost on fishing trips.
• Two fishing styles are built in. You are not stuck doing only one method for the entire outing.
• Drinks are included. Again, that offsets some baseline expenses.

Is it a guaranteed-catch deal? No. Fishing depends on the day. But the best sign of value is whether the captain is actively working the plan. The strong positive reports point to that kind of active approach, with people describing a smooth start to finish and real time spent fishing.

The main thing to weigh is your expectations. If you come for a chill half-day and you like learning or trying techniques like jigging, this can feel worth it fast. If you come only for big-game results, you might be disappointed because fishing is inherently variable.

Weather and Port Changes: The Real-World Part of Fishing

This is where you should keep your expectations grounded. The trip requires good weather, so there is real possibility of changes.

There are a few reasons weather matters:

• Safety and sea conditions decide whether the boat can go out.
• A cancellation due to poor conditions triggers a different date or full refund.
• If conditions affect departure logistics, you might see a delay or a change in where the boat sails from.

One downside example involved a participant driving a long distance only to have the trip postponed because of bad weather. Another example involved a change to an alternate nearby port and an earlier departure time, with confusion because the participant could not find the correct boat.

So what should you do to protect your day?

• Double-check your final confirmation close to departure time.
• Leave yourself extra buffer time to reach the meeting point.
• Keep your phone on and watch for messages tied to your booking.

If you do that, you avoid most of the stress.

Who This Trip Fits Best

This is a good match if:

• You want a small-group fishing experience with a personal captain and crew.
• You are interested in both coastal bottom fishing and deep-sea fishing setups.
• You like learning technique, especially if jigging and using heavier deep-sea gear sounds fun.

It might be less ideal if:

• You have limited flexibility and cannot handle a weather-related shift.
• You expect snacks to be included, since at least one person reported none.

The Final Call: Should You Book Sea Passion Charter & Fishing?

My take is pretty simple. If you can be flexible about weather and you are excited to spend a focused half-day actually fishing, this trip is a solid value for Tenerife.

Book it if you:

• Want a traditional harbor start at Playa San Juan.
• Like the idea of up to 11 people and a more personal onboard experience.
• Are happy that fishing is not guaranteed, but you want a captain who works hard to put you in position.

Skip it or think twice if:

• Your schedule is strict to the hour and you cannot handle a possible change.
• Food expectations matter a lot for your comfort during a 4-hour outing.

If you do book, show up early, check for updates, and treat it like what it is, a working fishing trip. Those are the days that feel most real.