Tenerife: Private Boat Charter with Tapas & Drinks

A private boat charter off Tenerife’s south coast is a fun way to see the island without getting stuck in a bus day. You get real time on the water from Puerto Colón, cruising past rugged Atlantic coastline and looking up at mountain peaks.

What I like most is how easy it is to find your spot. I love that you can lounge on the bow on the sun pads, then duck into the sheltered interior cabins when the sun gets too intense.

The other big win is the food and drinks. You’ll have unlimited premium brand drinks plus tapas onboard, turning the trip into a proper small celebration. One consideration though, if you’re prone to seasickness, this is still open water, and you should think twice.

Key Points That Make This Charter Worth Your Time

• 3 hours cruising from Puerto Colón, Adeje, on the 30-foot twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser named Libby
• Bow sun time plus shaded interior cabins, with a private bathroom and freshwater shower onboard
• Tapas and unlimited premium brand drinks, served while you enjoy the coastline views
• Snorkeling gear included, with chances to swim during stops and swim time from the boat
• Sea life sightings are common, with dolphins, whales, and even turtles turning up on some trips
• You can choose departure timing, including slots that work well for golden-hour and sunset vibes

Libby, the Twin-Engine Cruiser, and Why This Feels Truly Private

This is a private group charter for up to 6 people, so the vibe is calm and flexible. You are not sharing the boat with strangers, and that matters when you want to set your own rhythm, whether that is quiet sunbathing or chatting with the captain.

You board the Rio 850 Cruiser, a 30-foot twin-engine boat called Libby, at Puerto Colón. The layout is practical: ample seating on the bow with comfy sun pads, plus two interior cabins where you can cool down, shelter from the sun, and escape the wind if you want.

I also like the comfort upgrades that most boat trips forget. You get a private bathroom and a freshwater shower onboard, which makes the whole experience feel more like a mini yacht day than a simple outing.

Tenerife’s South Coast Cruise: Caves, Cliffs, and Big-View “Wow”

The route focuses on Tenerife’s south coast, where the Atlantic side feels rugged and dramatic. Expect long stretches of coastline with craggy shapes, plus views of mountain peaks rising above the shore.

A key part of the experience is that you are not just looking from one angle. The captain meanders along the coast, so you get changing views as the boat moves, and that keeps the scenery feeling fresh for the full 3 hours.

One of the fun details is the chance to spot hidden caves along the way. You might also see sea life while you cruise, and several sailings include sightings like dolphins, whales, and turtles. Even if wildlife does not show up every time, the scenery alone is the reason this format works so well.

The Tapas and Unlimited Drinks Part That Actually Changes the Day

Boat trips can feel like you pay for scenery and then get stuck eating something average. This one is different because tapas are included onboard, not as an afterthought.

You will get a selection of tapas, and you can plan on unlimited premium brand drinks during the charter. In real terms, that means you can settle in and treat the trip like a laid-back meal plus a show, without constantly interrupting the day.

That said, I think it’s smart to manage expectations. Tapas on a boat often land more like a snack board than a full meal, so you will enjoy it more if you eat something before you head to the harbor. One person also noted that the drinks felt limited to beer or wine on their sailing, even though the listing includes unlimited premium brand drinks, so it is reasonable to ask what is included for your departure time.

Snorkeling Gear, Swim Stops, and the Water Reality Check

Snorkeling gear is included, and the trip typically includes time to jump in and swim during the route. Some captains anchor in a bay to give you a calmer place to get in the water, and you might get a short window to snorkel depending on conditions.

Here is the honest part: the ocean is not always “pool still.” Some swims are smoother than others, so if you are not a strong swimmer, I would treat the water time as optional and stick to the ladder or shallow entry when possible.

You also have a sheltered option if you warm up too fast and need a break. The interior cabins provide shade and cover, and the freshwater shower makes it easier to cool down, rinse off, and move around comfortably after swimming.

Captain Style Matters: What You’ll Notice When the Boat Stops

The captain and crew are part of the appeal, because they bring the trip to life. Several people specifically praised their captains for being friendly, informative, and attentive, with names like William, Noel, Robert, and Javier/Havier showing up in the feedback.

What you should look for in the way this charter runs is simple. You will likely get guidance on where to look for sea life, plus instructions for safe swimming and snorkeling. Many captains also keep the experience fun, with examples like letting you try steering and playing with the boat controls when conditions allow.

One small but meaningful perk is the personal touch. Some groups mentioned adding their own music through Bluetooth, which is a nice way to turn “private charter” into “your playlist on the open water.”

How the 3 Hours Typically Feel, From Boarding to Sea-Time and Back

This is a tight 3-hour experience, which is exactly what makes it work as a holiday highlight. You spend the majority of the time moving along the coastline and enjoying the stops, not waiting around for a long itinerary.

You start at Puerto Colón (Meeting point is Pantalan 3), where you board Libby. Then the boat heads down the south coast, with a mix of cruising and time for photos, drinks, tapas, and the occasional wildlife spotting.

Midway through, expect swim time and at least one moment to get in the water. Some trips include snorkeling, and some include more of a swim and relax feel, depending on the bay and sea conditions that day.

On the back end, you come in without that “we’ve done it, now what” feeling that long excursions can leave. Three hours hits a sweet spot: long enough to feel like a real experience, short enough that you can still enjoy the rest of your Tenerife day.

Price and Value: What $530 for Up to 6 People Really Buys

At $530 per group up to 6 people, this is priced as a true private activity rather than a per-person excursion. The value comes from the combination: private boat time, included fuel, captain and crew, tapas, and unlimited premium brand drinks, plus snorkeling gear and access to onboard facilities like the private bathroom and shower.

If you are traveling with 3 to 6 people, it can feel like a bargain compared to piecing together separate paid experiences for each person. Even if you are only a pair, you still get the big advantage of a private setup, where your captain can adapt the experience to your pace.

My practical advice is to compare this with any “group boat tour” option you might consider. The private format is what removes the time drains, the crowded boat feeling, and the forced schedule. You are paying to control the day, and the included food and drinks make sure you actually enjoy being out there.

Departure Timing: Pick a Slot That Matches Your Mood

You can choose from variety of departure times, and the timing can change the vibe a lot. One popular choice is an evening slot around sunset, and that type of timing can turn the coastline into something extra cinematic when the light shifts.

If you like a more energetic day, a morning or afternoon departure can work better, especially if you want more hours of sun and clearer conditions for spotting wildlife. If you prefer relaxing and slow, the later slots can feel calmer because you are out during the softer light.

Since the trip is only 3 hours, the departure time is one of the few variables that you can actively control, so choose the time that fits how you want your Tenerife day to feel.

What to Bring (and What to Avoid) So Your Charter Stays Smooth

You do not need much, but pack with the water in mind. Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and a camera. You will want sunscreen even if you plan to spend time in the interior cabins, because you are still on open water with sun reflecting off the sea.

The rules are simple and easy to follow. High-heeled shoes are not allowed, and smoking is not allowed. The boat also notes no alcohol and drugs, which I interpret as a policy against bringing your own items, since drinks are already included onboard.

If you are sensitive to motion, take that seriously. This is not marked as suitable for people prone to seasickness, and it makes sense to plan something more stable if you know you react badly to boat movement.

Should You Book This Tenerife Private Boat Charter?

Book it if you want a short, high-impact day on the water that combines coastline views, snacks, and drinks in one package. It is a strong fit for couples who want a more personal outing, friends celebrating birthdays, and groups of up to 6 who want to split a private charter cost.

I would not book it if you know you get seasick easily or if you hate the idea of getting in the ocean, because swim and snorkel time are part of the experience. I also suggest eating beforehand, since tapas can feel like a snack rather than a full meal.

If you like the idea of a captain-led cruise with a real chance at dolphins, whales, or turtles, this is a smart way to spend 3 hours in Tenerife. For many people, it is the kind of day they remember because it feels personal and uncomplicated, not because it is packed with stops.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The experience lasts 3 hours.

What’s the price for this Tenerife private boat charter?

It is priced at $530 per group for up to 6 people.

Where do we meet for the trip?

You meet at Pantalan 3.

What’s included on the boat?

The charter includes the private boat, unlimited premium brand drinks, tapas, snorkeling gear, fuel, and the captain and crew, plus a private bathroom and freshwater shower onboard.

Is transportation to and from the harbor included?

No. Transportation to and from the harbor is not included.

Are there any rules about what not to bring or do?

High-heeled shoes are not allowed, smoking is not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

What should I bring, and is the trip okay if I get seasick?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.