Private boat tour

Tenerife’s south coast looks different from the water, and this private boat trip gives you a close view of the cliffs, bays, and marine life without sharing the boat with a large crowd. The main reward is the chance to see families of pilot whales, then stop for swimming and snorkeling in the clear water near La Caleta.

I like the private format for a group of up to eight, and I like that the trip includes snorkeling gear, snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks rather than charging extra for every small comfort. The main consideration is the weather: rough conditions can cancel the trip, and the experience does not include scuba equipment.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whale watching: The route follows a part of Tenerife’s coast known for whale life, and one recent outing saw several families of pilot whales.
• Private boat for up to eight: Your group stays together, with no strangers joining the activity.
• Two swimming areas: You stop at La Caleta and El Puertito de Armenime for swimming and snorkeling.
• Fishing is part of the fun: You may try fishing from the boat during the coastal cruise.
• Three hours on the water: The trip starts at 10:00 am from Puerto Colón and returns to the same meeting point.
• Good group value: At $417 for the boat, a full group of eight pays about $52 per person before any separate travel costs.

A private morning on Tenerife’s south coast

This is a simple, water-based outing with a pleasant mix of wildlife, scenery, and swimming. You board Barco 33 at Av. de Colón, 4, in Costa Adeje, near Puerto Colón, then head south along the coast toward La Caleta.

The private setup changes the mood. You are not being moved through a fixed crowd with dozens of other people. Your group of up to eight has the boat to itself, which makes the trip a good fit for families, friends, or couples traveling together.

The operator is Ruslan Zavilohhin. The captain is described as friendly and familiar with the area, though the supplied information does not provide the captain’s name. You should expect practical local commentary as the boat moves along the coast, but this is primarily a sea outing rather than a formal history tour.

The boat leaves at 10:00 am and returns to the same place after about three hours. That morning timing is useful if you want an active start to the day and still want the afternoon free for lunch, the beach, or other plans in Costa Adeje.

Watching for pilot whales offshore

The first major part of the trip is the search for marine life along the coast. Tenerife’s south coast is used by pilot whales, and the boat route gives you the chance to see them in their natural setting rather than in an aquarium or a staged show.

A previous outing saw a few families of pilot whales. That is an encouraging sign, but wildlife is never guaranteed. You should treat the whale watching as an important possibility, not the only reason to book. Sea conditions, animal movements, and visibility all affect what you see.

The private boat helps here because the experience can feel more personal than a large group cruise. You have room to keep watch from the boat and share the moment with your own group. Still, this is not a dedicated scientific whale expedition with guaranteed sightings or specialist equipment. It is a broader coastal trip that includes whale watching along with swimming and snorkeling.

Keep your expectations sensible. A whale may appear briefly, surface at a distance, or remain out of sight. The trip’s other stops matter because they give you something worthwhile to do even if the wildlife is quiet that morning.

Seeing Tenerife from the Atlantic

From the water, the south coast offers a new angle on Tenerife. The trip takes you past coastal cliffs and bays, with the island rising behind you as the boat moves away from Puerto Colón.

I like this part because it gives you a break from road traffic and resort streets. You see the coast as a line of rock, water, and small inlets rather than as a series of hotels and promenades. The boat also gives you access to places that are best appreciated from offshore.

The route turns toward La Caleta, where the boat anchors for swimming and snorkeling. This is not just a quick photo stop. The supplied timing gives the first section about two hours, which includes the coastal travel, wildlife watching, and time near the bay.

You should bring a swimsuit and use sun protection, though the provided details do not specify what shade or seating is available on board. Bottled water is included, and snacks are supplied, so you do not need to plan a full meal during the trip. Alcoholic drinks are also included, but drink sensibly when you are swimming and spending time in the sun.

Swimming and snorkeling at La Caleta

La Caleta is the main water stop. The boat anchors in a bay described as having clear water, and you can swim among fish. Turtles may sometimes be seen, though they are not promised.

The snorkeling equipment is included, which makes this stop easy for anyone who wants to look below the surface without bringing their own mask and snorkel. The supplied information does not identify the exact equipment sizes or explain whether wetsuits are available, so you should ask the operator if you need special gear.

I like the choice here because you are not limited to looking at the coast from the deck. You can get into the water and spend time at your own pace. Strong swimmers may want to swim farther from the boat, while less confident swimmers can stay close to the anchored vessel. The activity details do not state whether flotation aids or a lifeguard are provided, so families should check those points before booking.

The water stop can also be affected by conditions. If the sea is rough, swimming may be less comfortable or may not be possible. The tour requires good weather, and a cancellation for poor conditions brings the choice of a new date or a full refund.

Fishing is another option in this part of the outing. The trip description does not specify the tackle, bait, target species, or whether a catch can be kept. Think of fishing as a casual extra rather than a full fishing charter.

A short stop at El Puertito de Armenime

The second named stop is El Puertito de Armenime, a small coastal area with a lagoon. The planned stop lasts about 30 minutes and is intended for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in the water.

This stop gives the trip a change of setting. La Caleta is the longer anchor stop, while El Puertito is a shorter chance to get in the water again. If you enjoy swimming, that extra stop helps make the price feel more worthwhile.

Thirty minutes passes quickly once you account for anchoring, entering the water, and getting back on board. I would treat El Puertito as a pleasant second swim rather than a place where you will have time for a long shore visit. The supplied details do not say that you leave the boat to explore the village or walk on land, so plan on a water-based stop.

The total outing lasts about three hours. The published stop times add up to two and a half hours, leaving roughly 30 minutes for movement between locations, anchoring, and returning to Puerto Colón. Exact timing can shift with sea conditions and wildlife sightings.

What the $417 private price really buys

The price is $417 per group, with up to eight people allowed. For eight people, that works out to about $52 per person. For four people, it becomes about $104 per person, and for two people it is $208 each.

That makes the trip most attractive for a full or nearly full group. A family of six to eight can get a private boat, whale watching, two swim locations, snorkeling equipment, snacks, water, alcoholic drinks, and WiFi for a reasonable shared cost.

For a couple, the price is harder to justify unless having a private boat is central to your plans. A standard shared cruise may cost less, though this private experience offers more control over who is on board and a quieter group setting.

The value also depends on what you want from a boat trip. If you mainly want a short ride and a guaranteed whale sighting, this may not be the safest choice because marine life and weather are outside anyone’s control. If you want a flexible-feeling half-day on the water with swimming built in, the package is stronger.

The private arrangement is the biggest price advantage. You are paying for the boat and the exclusive use of it, not simply for a seat. That distinction matters most when your group can fill much of the eight-person capacity.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this experience to groups that want time on the water without a large public cruise. It suits families, friends, and small parties who can share the $417 cost.

It is also a good match for people who want several activities in one outing. You can watch for whales, take in the coast, snorkel, swim, and try fishing. No single activity dominates the entire trip, which keeps the morning varied.

The experience should work for most participants, and service animals are allowed. The supplied information says most people can take part, but it does not give detailed guidance about mobility access, child ages, swimming ability, or boat facilities. If anyone in your group has specific access or medical needs, contact the provider before paying.

I would be more cautious about booking if your main goal is scuba diving. Scuba equipment is not included, and the trip is set up around surface snorkeling and swimming instead. You should also think twice if you dislike changing plans due to weather, since the outing needs suitable conditions.

Practical details that make the morning easier

Meet at Av. de Colón, 4, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity begins at 10:00 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

The location is near public transportation, which is useful if you are staying in the Costa Adeje area without a rental car. The supplied details do not promise hotel pickup, so plan to reach the meeting point yourself.

A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation is provided at booking. The activity is offered in English. Since this is a private activity, only your group participates.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and anything you need for personal comfort. Snacks, bottled water, alcoholic drinks, snorkeling equipment, and WiFi are included. Scuba equipment is not.

I would also keep your schedule flexible after the tour. The stated duration is approximately three hours, but boats work with the sea, not a stopwatch. Allow a little extra time if you have a strict lunch reservation or a connecting activity.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, and the payment is not refunded. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. A cancellation caused by not reaching the required minimum number of participants also brings a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

The good and the less certain parts

The strongest part is the combination of wildlife and water time. Seeing several families of pilot whales can make the outing memorable, while the swim stops give the morning value even when the animals stay out of sight.

The captain’s friendly manner and local familiarity also matter. A boat trip feels much better when the person at the helm is welcoming and can explain the coast without turning the outing into a stiff lecture.

The main limits are clear. Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed, the captain’s name and boat facilities are not specified, and the trip does not include scuba equipment. The 30-minute El Puertito stop is also short, so you should not expect a long shore visit there.

I would also keep the weather policy in mind before booking. A cancellation can be handled fairly, but it may still disrupt a carefully planned day. This is normal for a sea activity, not a flaw unique to this trip.

Should you book this private Tenerife boat tour?

Book it if you have a group of up to eight and want a relaxed private morning with whale watching, swimming, snorkeling, and coastal views. The price makes the most sense when shared among six to eight people, and the included gear and refreshments simplify the day.

I would choose it over a large cruise if privacy and group time matter more to you than a guaranteed wildlife encounter. I would skip it if you want scuba diving, a full fishing charter, or a detailed shore excursion.

For the right group, this is a well-rounded way to see Tenerife from the Atlantic. Go for the mix of activities, keep your whale expectations realistic, and let the sea set the pace.

FAQ

Where does the private boat tour start?

The tour starts at Av. de Colón, 4, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, near Puerto Colón.

What time does the experience begin?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 am.

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours and ends back at the original meeting point.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat is private for your group, with a maximum of eight people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Is scuba equipment included?

No. Scuba equipment is not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.