Tenerife: Shared Yacht Cruise with Champagne and Tapas

Tenerife is best seen from the water, and this shared yacht cruise from Puerto Colon turns that view into a proper food-and-drink outing. I love the champagne welcome and the way the small group (max 10) makes the whole trip feel calm, with crew members like Juan and Maxi often calling the shots.

One heads-up: bigger swells can hit some people hard. If you’re prone to seasickness, this is not a great match, and a slide shown in some photos may not be part of your specific boat or stop plan.

Key things to know before you go

• Champagne at boarding: You start with a welcome glass before you even get moving.
• All-inclusive drinks, truly: Champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included.
• Spanish tapas made for floating: You’ll get items like Tortilla Española, jamón, cheese, and fruit.
• Water time is the point: Paddleboards, sea scooters, and snorkel gear come with the cruise.
• Wildlife spotting is part of the deal: There are regular chances for dolphins and other marine life.
• Minimum group size affects your date: The cruise needs at least 4 people to run.

Puerto Colon to Open Water: the 10:30 AM Yacht Setup

The cruise runs for 3 hours, departing at 10:30 AM, which is a sweet spot in Tenerife. You get bright daylight for views and photos, then you’re back on shore before your evening plans.

Your ride is on a Beneteau Antares 42, a proper mid-size yacht that feels more like a floating lounge than a crowded boat. You’ll meet at Puerto Colon Patalan Nº2, and you should arrive about 15 minutes early and stay at the top where the gate is.

Once you’re aboard, there’s a safety briefing and life jackets are provided. If you’ve never used a paddleboard or snorkel gear on open water, the crew setup matters, and the vibe here is practical and friendly, with guides like Juan, Michelle, Maxi, and Raul often noted for being attentive and informative.

If you pick the option that includes pickup, staff will meet you outside your hotel reception. If you don’t choose pickup, you’ll handle getting to Puerto Colon yourself.

Champagne, Tortilla Española, Jamón: the Food and Drink That Make It Worth It

This isn’t just a sightseeing cruise with a snack. It’s built around all-inclusive drinks and Spanish tapas that are meant to be eaten without worrying about time.

You start with a welcome glass of champagne as you set sail. Then drinks stay flowing, including champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water, so you can keep it as celebratory or as calm as you want.

The tapas list is specific and classic: baguettes, Tortilla Española, Spanish jamón, cheese, and fresh fruit. Tortilla Española is a great choice for boat food because it’s filling without being heavy, and it plays well with the drinks.

I also like that this feels like a “no-stress lunch on the water” setup. Even on days when you’re focused on swimming or wildlife, you can still grab food and keep moving at a relaxed pace.

Beneteau Antares 42 in a Small Group: How the Vibe Really Feels

This is a shared cruise, but the group is kept intentionally small. The cap is 10 participants, and the trip requires at least 4 people to operate, so your day usually stays intimate rather than chaotic.

That size change matters more than you might think. With fewer people, you get easier access to the deck for photos, less waiting for drinks, and more room to spread out while you watch the coast slide by.

Crew attention is a big part of why the experience lands so well. Guides and captains named in recent runs include Juan, Michelle, Maxi, Martina, Raul, Eduardo, and others, and the consistent theme is proactive service, helpful explanations, and checking in so everyone feels comfortable in the water.

You should also expect opportunities for dolphin watching and marine life viewing. The crew will do the “where to look” guidance, so you’re not just hoping for the best from the rail.

Paddleboards and Sea Scooters: Using the Water Gear Without the Hassle

The cruise isn’t only about floating and photos. You get active water time, and the included gear is varied enough to suit different comfort levels.

You’ll have paddleboards and sea scooters available. Sea scooters are especially nice because they help you explore at your own pace without exhausting yourself, and they’re a fun way to get closer to the surface life in calm moments.

Snorkeling gear is included too. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes looking at what’s under the water rather than only above it, this is one of the best parts of the day because you’re not paying extra for basic snorkeling setup.

A practical tip: bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Water activities plus sun plus salt air can add up quickly, even if you think you’ll be shaded on the deck.

If you’re sensitive to motion, choose your spot on the boat carefully and plan for calmer moments. Unfortunately, this trip is not suitable for everyone, which leads into the biggest caution.

La Caleta Stop: Photo Stop, Then Real Swim and Snorkel Time

One highlight is the La Caleta portion of the trip. You’ll get a photo stop, then time to enjoy the water with activities like swimming and snorkeling.

You have about 1.5 hours during the La Caleta window for water time. That’s long enough to do more than one activity, like a snorkel pass plus paddleboard time, or simply to relax in the sea and work your way back to the boat when you’re ready.

It’s also the part of the day where the crew typically helps you get settled. Even if you’re not an expert swimmer, this works better than many “one short stop” excursions because the clock gives you breathing room.

One note to manage expectations: the number and timing of water stops can vary by day. Some people have specifically mentioned not getting extra add-ons like a slide that appears in some photos, so if that’s a must for you, plan to be flexible and focus on swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sea scooters instead.

Wildlife Watching in Tenerife Waters: What You Can Hope For

Marine life viewing is woven into the whole outing. There are dedicated segments for wildlife viewing, including a wildlife-focused window and additional marine life viewing time during the route.

Dolphins are a major draw, and many departures report dolphin sightings. Some days include bigger or rarer encounters, with people mentioning things like pilot whales, whales, sea turtles, and even orca sightings.

That said, the ocean sets the rules. You’re not guaranteed any single species, even on a great day. The best mindset is to look with the crew’s help and expect chances, not certainty.

The crew also tends to focus on safe viewing behavior, especially around larger animals. You’ll hear guidance on how close to get and when to stay back, and that matters for both wildlife and your own safety.

Price and Value: Why This $100 Ticket Often Feels Like a Treat

At around $100 per person for a 3-hour charter-style shared cruise, the value is in the combination. You’re paying for a real yacht experience, not just a boat transfer.

The “value math” is pretty clear:

• you’re getting a champagne welcome
• all drinks are included (champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, water)
• you’re also getting Spanish tapas that are meant to be a meal-like snack
• and you have multiple included water activities (paddleboards, sea scooters, snorkeling gear)

If you’ve tried other Tenerife cruises where you pay extra for the good drinks or the fun gear, this one can feel more straightforward. You can spend the whole time thinking about the experience, not what costs extra.

The small group also helps with perceived value. It’s not just cheaper than private chartering, it feels less like “everyone crammed on one boat,” which you can feel even in short time windows.

The only real downside value-wise is motion. If you get seasick, the trip can stop being fun fast, and then the best “included extras” in the world won’t help.

Who Should Book This Cruise, and Who Should Skip It

This works best for couples and small groups who want:

• a relaxed half-day at sea
• a real food and drink setup
• and genuine time in the water, not only sightseeing

It also suits families in the sense that there’s plenty to do on the water, but you should still judge your group’s comfort with open-water swimming and boat motion. If someone in your party is prone to seasickness, skip it.

If you love wildlife, the dolphin and marine life focus is a strong match, especially because the crew actively helps you look. If you’re just after a beach day, you may find the sea scooter and snorkeling gear more exciting than lying around.

Finally, if you care about intimacy, this is a good pick because the cap is 10. It’s one of those experiences that feels better when you’re not negotiating lines for drinks or space on deck.

My Booking Advice: Should You Book This Yacht Cruise?

I’d book this when you want a small-group yacht experience with all-inclusive drinks and Spanish tapas, plus real included water activities. It’s a good way to get a premium-feeling morning without paying for a private charter.

I’d pause before booking if:

• you know you get seasick on boats
• you expect a lot of extra add-ons beyond swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sea scooters
• you need guaranteed pickup, since pickup options depend on what you select

If you’re flexible and your group is comfortable with open water, this cruise is one of the easiest “spend your time well” choices in Tenerife.

FAQ

How long is the shared yacht cruise?

It lasts 3 hours.

What time does the cruise depart?

The departure time is 10:30 AM.

How many people are in the group?

It’s limited to a small group of no more than 10 people.

What food and drinks are included?

You get all-inclusive drinks, including champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. You also get Spanish tapas such as baguettes, Tortilla Española, jamón, cheese, and fresh fruit.

What water activities are included?

You can use a paddleboard and sea scooters, and snorkeling gear is provided.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling gear is included, and there are opportunities for snorkeling during the stop.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Puerto Colon Patalan Nº2, and arrive about 15 minutes early, staying at the top where the gate is.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is optional. If selected, you wait outside your hotel reception and a staff member will approach you at the agreed time.

Is this tour suitable for people who get seasick?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.