Private Yacht Excursion from Puerto Colon 3 hours

This experience is interesting because it mixes a private sailboat feel with a short, easy 3-hour window and the kind of marine-life watching people dream about in Tenerife.

I love how smooth it is from start to finish, especially the included hotel pickup and drop-off around Puerto Colon. I also love the human touch onboard, with a crew that serves unlimited drinks, snacks, and lunch, and even shares facts as you cruise.

One possible drawback is the small time window. You get a great taste of the water, but you are not out for long hours, and sightings are never guaranteed, plus you may want to plan for a bit of motion if the sea is rough at the stop.

Key highlights that matter

• Private group up to 8, so it feels personal, not packed
• Hotel pickup within 20 km of Puerto Colon, then back again at the end
• Unlimited open bar plus lunch, with snorkeling gear included
• Crew-led marine spotting, with chances at whales, pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles
• Swim and snorkel stops in secluded bays, depending on conditions
• Sail power when possible, which can mean a quieter approach around wildlife

Hotel pickup to yacht dock: the easy start

The day begins with a pickup from your Tenerife accommodation in the Puerto Colon area. From there, you ride in an air-conditioned vehicle to Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje, where you transfer to the yacht.

That kind of door-to-boat convenience matters. It removes the stress of parking, timing your arrival, and hauling swim stuff around town. It also helps if you have kids, or if you are doing Tenerife on a busy schedule and want a straightforward plan.

The meeting point is Av. de Colón, 5, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. If you do not get picked up, you can start there, and the area is near public transportation.

Boarding Roulette: safety brief, open bar, and crew vibe

Once you step onboard, you get a safety briefing and orientation from the skipper and crew. This is not a long lecture. It is the practical stuff you need, then you are moving.

Then comes the fun part fast: you get a drink from the open bar while you set sail. The crew takes care of the service flow, and the overall tone stays relaxed. Multiple departures also mention a captain named Salvador, sometimes assisted by Ramon, and that shows up in the way the trip feels guided and attentive.

Two things to note before you go:

• You should expect a real boat day, not a floating lounge. You will be outside, and you will feel the sea.
• Wildlife watching depends on the ocean that day, but the crew is clearly focused on finding the right spots.

Whale watching on the North Atlantic, with luck and skill

The cruise heads out on the North Atlantic with the goal of spotting whales and other marine life. It is a “with luck” situation, because nature does what it wants, but the trip has a track record of impressive sightings.

What I like about this setup is that it is short and purposeful. You are not spending half the trip just getting out there. Within the 3-hour format, you are searching for cetaceans, and the crew adjusts along the way.

You may see:

• Dolphins
• Pilot whales
• Turtles
• Other marine life and birds
• Occasional surprises, since some trips have included sightings like sharks and even giant squid egg masses

A smart detail to appreciate here is how the crew handles closeness. One account highlights that when they are near marine animals, the crew tries not to disturb them, including turning off the engine when appropriate. That makes your experience feel both more respectful and more comfortable for wildlife.

The swim and snorkel stop: what happens when you reach the cove

About midway through the cruise, you stop in a secluded bay for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling gear is included, which means you can travel lighter and avoid last-minute gear rental.

This is the part that often turns a good trip into a memorable one, because you are not just watching the ocean. You are in it. You might spot fish around rocky areas, and turtles have even been seen during stops, depending on the day.

Practical tip: sea conditions matter. There are accounts of rougher water when the stop happens, and some people choose not to swim then. So if you are prone to motion sickness, bring your usual remedy. If the sea looks bumpy when you are about to enter the water, it is totally reasonable to wait and let the crew guide you on what feels safe and comfortable.

The crew also takes photos from aboard. Even if you are not a “photo person,” you will probably appreciate having a few clean pictures without having to chase the right angle.

Food, open bar, and the onboard luxury you actually feel

This yacht trip is designed for indulgence, and it shows in the basics that most people care about on the water: drinks, food, and service.

Included onboard:

• Unlimited drinks (open bar)
• Snacks
• Lunch
• Alcoholic beverages

The food has a standout reputation. Multiple accounts talk about homemade paella, and there is even mention of birthday touches like a cake and the boat being decorated for celebrations. If you are booking for a milestone, it is worth telling the crew ahead of time so they know to prepare for the occasion, since they have handled that kind of request before.

Now, one balanced note from real experience: snack choices were not perfect for everyone. One family felt the snack selection was limited, mostly potato chips, and wished there had been fruit or more variety for kids. If you are traveling with children who get picky, consider bringing a small extra snack in your day bag, just in case.

On the drink side, unlimited access is the point. You can keep it light with non-alcoholic options when you want, or enjoy the included alcoholic beverages if that is your vibe. Either way, it makes the whole 3-hour window feel like a true treat rather than a quick outing.

Timing and the 3-hour format: short, sweet, and active

This is an approx. 3-hour private excursion. That time range is a sweet spot in Tenerife because it fits into most vacation schedules, yet it still feels like more than an hour-long boat hop.

You are active the whole time:

• Cruising while scanning for marine life
• Watching birds and marine activity
• Stopping for a swim or snorkel
• Eating lunch and snacking while relaxing onboard

Because it is private and only your group is with you, the crew can keep the pace comfortable. People also describe it as intimate, which is a big reason to choose this kind of charter instead of a larger shared boat.

One more practical note: since it is a sail experience, the captain may use sail power when conditions allow, at least on the return. That can make the boat quieter and smoother, and it also lines up with the approach of being gentler near wildlife.

Price and value: does $543.07 make sense?

The price is $543.07 per group, up to 8 people. That is not cheap on the surface. But it becomes easier to justify when you break down what is included.

For your money, you are getting:

• A private boat for your group (not a big shared crowd)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off within 20 km of Puerto Colon
• Unlimited drinks plus snacks
• Lunch
• Snorkeling gear
• Food and drink service from a crew

So the value question becomes: how much is it worth to you to avoid logistics and share time with a crew who can focus on your group? If you are splitting between several people, it starts looking more realistic. If you are traveling as a couple and want a special Tenerife moment without crowds, it can also feel like a solid splurge.

Also keep in mind one extra cost: there is a 1.20€ per hour parking fee, payable at check-in. The base price does not include that. It is small, but you should factor it in.

Who should book this private yacht excursion

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A family-friendly way to see marine life without dealing with big tour groups
• Couples who want a special date or anniversary-style outing
• Small groups who care about comfort, service, and flexibility
• Anyone who wants snorkel time but does not want to rent gear

It is also a great choice for “the one activity everyone will remember.” People talk about animals close to the boat, including pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles. Even when you do not swim, you still get the cruising, the views, and the onboard food and drinks.

One more detail: children must be accompanied by an adult. And since this is a private tour for your group only, you avoid the extra noise and juggling that comes with larger shared tours.

Practical tips before you go

A few small things will make the cruise smoother.

• Bring a light layer or windbreaker. Even in warm weather, the sea can cool you down.
• If you are sensitive to motion, plan ahead. Rougher conditions have happened during stops.
• Pack swimwear and a towel or quick-dry item, even though snorkeling gear is included.
• If you are celebrating something, message the provider so they know. There are accounts of birthdays being marked on board.
• If you are staying a bit outside the pickup zone, remember pickup is within 20 km of Puerto Colon, and you have to request it when booking.

Should you book? My take

I would book this if you want a high-comfort Tenerife experience that feels personal, not crowded, and you are excited about marine life plus a genuine onboard meal. The combination of private time, open bar, lunch, and pickup makes it easy to justify the cost for a special day.

I would reconsider if you are chasing a long, full-day itinerary, or if you hate the idea of nature-based uncertainty. The sea and wildlife patterns decide what you see, and the snorkeling stop depends on conditions.

If your priority is a short, well-served yacht outing from Puerto Colon, with a real chance at whales and turtles, this is the kind of Tenerife moment that tends to earn its spot on the trip schedule.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht excursion from Puerto Colon?

It lasts about 3 hours.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour is private for your group, up to 8 people.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included within 20 km of Puerto Colon.

What is included in the price?

You get unlimited drinks from the open bar, snacks, snorkeling gear, lunch, and alcoholic beverages, plus the private tour and pickup and drop-off.

Is there any extra fee not included in the price?

Yes. A 1.20€ per hour parking fee may apply and is payable at tour check-in.

Are drinks and food included onboard?

Yes. The open bar is included, along with snacks and lunch, plus alcoholic beverages.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours of the start time are not accepted.