Puerto Colon: License-Free Self-Drive Boat in Tenerife

What makes Puerto Colón in Tenerife so fun is you do the driving yourself, with a license-free boat that lets you explore the coastline at your own pace. I love that it is set up for an easy day on the water, with a GPS to help you get around and onboard gear like life jackets and snorkel masks. One consideration, based on real-world feedback, is that the cruising area can feel limited, and pickup confusion can create delays if you are not paying close attention to the meeting spot.

If you are traveling with up to 6 people, this is one of those rare deals where the basics are covered: fuel, soft drinks, music, and even a fridge. The only “don’t forget” items are your towel and a valid ID (passport or ID card, a copy is accepted), plus a credit card. If your group expects to drink alcohol on the boat, plan to skip this one, since alcohol is not allowed.

Key things I’d focus on before you book

• License-free self-drive for up to 6 people, so you can steer your own plan
• GPS included, plus a briefing that helps you get your bearings fast
• Anchor, snorkeling gear, and life jackets for easy stop-and-swim time
• Bluetooth music, fridge, and a canopy, for comfort in the sun
• Fuel and soft drinks included, which helps the outing feel “all in”
• Meeting at Gate 3, so arrive early and confirm you have the right spot

Why This License-Free Self-Drive Boat in Tenerife Feels Like Real Freedom

A lot of boat tours put you on rails. This one is different because you are in charge of the day. You get a boat for up to 6 people, and you explore Tenerife’s coast on your own time, not on a rigid schedule.

What makes it especially appealing is how practical the package is. You are not just sightseeing from the deck. You have the tools for a proper water break, including an anchor for quiet coves, snorkel masks for time in the water, and safety gear like life jackets. Add in onboard comfort like a canopy, plus music through Bluetooth, and the experience starts to feel like a small private cruise rather than a rushed excursion.

The goal here is simple: glide along Tenerife’s shoreline, pause where the water looks inviting, then relax. If that sounds like your idea of a great day, this is a strong match.

Gate 3 Check-In, Briefing, and Meeting the Team

Your meeting point is Gate number 3. That matters more than you think. One booking had a wrong pickup point, which led to a 15-minute delay and some unnecessary effort on stairs. So I’d treat Gate 3 like a non-negotiable detail.

The flow is built around a briefing before you go out. Even if you have some boating confidence, do not skim it. The briefing is where you get your quick, real-world instructions so the rest of the day feels smooth.

Practical note: bring what the team asks for. You should have:

• Towel
• Credit card
• Passport or ID card (a copy is accepted)

Also remember what is not allowed. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted, so if your group’s “boat day” is mostly about drinking, you will need to adjust your expectations.

You can also expect a calm, family-friendly structure in the sense that this is meant for private or small groups. That usually helps the briefing stay manageable, since everyone is connected to the same boat plan.

How the Boat Setup Works (GPS, Anchor, Canopy, Bluetooth)

This experience is built around easy self-management. The boat includes GPS, so navigation is less about guessing and more about following the system. That is a big deal if you are not a confident driver on the water, because it helps you focus on enjoying the coastline.

You also get:

• Anchor, so you can pause at calmer spots
• Snorkel gear (masks)
• Life jackets
• Canopy for sun protection
• Bluetooth audio so you can play music
• Fridge, so you can keep your own extra drinks or food cool

Fuel is included, which makes the day feel simpler. You do not need to worry about calculating what you should do to “save gas.” Your decision-making gets lighter, which is exactly what you want on vacation.

One more small comfort detail that I like: the canopy. Tenerife sun can be strong, and having shade on deck makes it easier to stay relaxed even during the hottest hours.

What Your 1 to 4 Hour Time on the Water Looks Like

Duration is flexible: you pick a time window that fits your schedule, from 1 to 4 hours. For you, that changes the pacing.

• If you choose a shorter outing, you’ll likely want to use the time for one main stretch of cruising and one solid pause for swimming.
• If you choose longer, you have more breathing room to cruise, take a calmer break, and enjoy the onboard setup like the fridge and music.

Either way, the core rhythm stays the same. You head out along Tenerife’s coast, use the GPS to stay oriented, and then take advantage of the anchor when you want a quieter moment in the water.

The biggest “value” of having this time range is control. You are not stuck being at sea because someone else planned a full-day route. If your energy is high, go longer. If you want a quick reset before dinner, go shorter.

Where You’ll Explore: Coastline Views and Quiet Coves

The promise here is hidden coves and crystal-clear water, and the gear supports that style of exploration. With the anchor available, you can shift from cruising to stopping without having to rely on someone else to locate a perfect spot.

That said, here is the honest part. One concern that came up is that the area you can go can be limited. You should treat the experience as a “coast stroll with stop-and-swim time,” not a huge open-water expedition. With that mindset, you are more likely to feel satisfied with the day you planned.

If you want to maximize your enjoyment, use the GPS actively during the ride. Get comfortable with the screen and your route early, then spend the rest of the time simply enjoying the shoreline.

And remember: the coast is not just scenery. The reason you come is for the water break. That is where snorkel time and relaxing coves turn a boat ride into a memory.

Snorkeling Gear and Safety That Actually Helps

Snorkeling masks are included, plus life jackets are provided. That combination matters because it signals the outing is designed for comfort in the water, not just sitting on top and looking down.

I recommend you treat your first minutes in the water as a “get comfortable” moment. If you are new to snorkeling, adjust the mask, breathe calmly, and keep your focus simple. If you are more experienced, you can still use that included gear to enjoy what’s right there in front of you without needing to manage extra rentals.

Also, keep an eye on the basics: life jackets are part of the plan for a reason. Even if conditions feel calm, they are the safety layer you should respect.

One more practical detail: plan on bringing your own towel. After a swim break, having it ready makes the whole ending of the outing feel easier.

Music, the Fridge, and Staying Comfortable in Tenerife Heat

On a boat day, comfort turns into the difference between a good trip and a great one. This boat has a few thoughtful onboard items that help you stay relaxed.

• Bluetooth music: You can set the vibe for your group.
• Fridge: If you bring extra snacks or drinks, you can keep them cooler.
• Soft drinks included: So you start hydrated without having to dig out anything right away.
• Canopy: Shade reduces the “sun fatigue” effect.

For me, the best part is the fridge. It changes how you plan the day. Instead of thinking only about what is provided, you can bring what your group actually likes and keep it chilled.

If you are traveling with kids or picky eaters, that fridge option can be the difference between everyone being happy and everyone being cranky by the time you get back.

Price and Value at $71 Per Person

At $71 per person, the price only makes sense when you look at what you get and how the group size works.

This is a boat for up to 6 people, and several meaningful costs are included:

• Gasoline
• Soft drink
• GPS
• Music
• Snorkel gear
• Life jackets
• Fridge

So you are not paying extra at the dock for the essentials. You are also not dealing with a “separate rental for gear” situation.

The value improves as your group fills out the boat. If you are two people, it can still be a great day, but it may feel less like a deal compared to a full or near-full group. If you have a group of friends or family, this kind of pricing often lines up well because you are splitting the boat experience across multiple people.

Also, this is a license-free self-drive format. That can be a big money saver compared to trips that require a licensed captain for the whole experience, especially if your group likes to be hands-on with the plan.

Who This Boat Trip Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This works best for:

• Groups up to 6 who want flexibility and control
• People who like self-guided exploring along a coast
• Travelers who want snorkel time without extra gear rental

It does not fit well for everyone, because the operator has clear limits:

• Not suitable for children under 2
• Not suitable for pregnant women
• Not suitable for people over 297 lbs (135 kg)
• Alcohol and drugs are not allowed

If your group includes someone who falls into those categories, you will want to look at an alternative tour type instead. Same idea if your group’s plan is more party-boat than swim-and-relax.

A Quick Checklist to Avoid Small-Day Frustration

This is the part I’d personally obsess over, because tiny issues can steal joy from a boat day.

• Confirm you are heading to Gate number 3
• Bring your towel
• Bring ID (passport or ID card, copy accepted)
• Bring a credit card
• Expect a briefing first, and follow it closely
• Plan around the no alcohol rule

Also, be mentally ready for the kind of hiccup that can happen with any shared meeting point. In one case, a wrong pickup point led to a delay and steps. You can avoid this by showing up early and double-checking the gate before you wait.

Should You Book the Puerto Colón License-Free Self-Drive Boat in Tenerife?

I think you should book this if you want a low-stress, hands-on boat day with coastline views, a GPS to help you navigate, and a chance to stop in calmer coves for snorkeling time. The included fuel, fridge, music, and snorkel gear make it feel like a true “day on the water” instead of a basic ride.

I’d think twice if your top priority is covering a huge distance or if your group needs on-the-boat alcohol. Also, if you are very sensitive to logistics, keep an eye on the meeting spot. Gate 3 accuracy matters.

In the end, this is a great fit for friends or family who want freedom, comfort, and a simple setup that lets you enjoy Tenerife’s coast at your own pace.

FAQ

Do I need a boating license for this self-drive boat?

No. The boat is described as license-free, so you do not need a navigation license.

How many people can the boat accommodate?

The activity includes a boat for up to 6 people.

How long is the experience?

The duration is flexible, with options from 1 to 4 hours.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are gasoline, soft drink, a briefing, life jacket, fridge, music, GPS, snorkel, and the boat for 6 people.

Where do we meet?

The meeting point is Gate number 3.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a towel, a credit card, and a passport or ID card (a copy is accepted).

Is wheelchair access available?

Yes, it is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Is alcohol allowed onboard?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Who is this activity not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 2 years, pregnant women, and people over 297 lbs (135 kg).

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve & pay later is also available.