Puerto Colón: Coastal Boat Cruise with Swimming and Snacks

The best part of this small-boat cruise is the chance to see Tenerife’s south coast from the water, far from the packed promenade. You’ll sail between Los Cristianos and the turtle cove, watch for dolphins and other marine life, then stop to swim with the volcanic coast as your backdrop.

I like the limited capacity, seven passengers plus crew, and the relaxed stop for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. I also like that the $74 price includes snacks, beer, soft drinks, and water, so you are not paying extra every time you want a drink. The main drawback is the sea itself: windy conditions can make the ride choppy, bring seasickness, and reduce your chances of seeing wildlife.

Quick points to know before booking

• Seven passengers plus crew: Choose a shared outing with very few people or reserve the whole boat for family and friends.
• Turtle Cove swim stop: You can get into the water, snorkel, and use a stand-up paddleboard during the one-hour anchor stop.
• Wildlife depends on conditions: Dolphins, whales, and other marine species are possible, but sightings are not guaranteed, especially in rough weather.
• Three hours on the Adeje coast: The route runs between Los Cristianos Beach and the turtle cove, with about 90 minutes of sailing and wildlife watching.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect crisps and fruit, plus beer, water, and soft drinks.
• Best for confident swimmers: The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and choppy seas may be hard on anyone prone to seasickness.

Setting out from Puerto Colón on the Bellamar

Your boat is the Bellamar, leaving from dock number 5 at Puerto Colón. The vessel holds seven passengers plus crew, which gives this outing a more personal feel than a large sightseeing boat. You are close to the water, close to the crew, and better placed to ask questions or adjust the plan around the group.

That small capacity matters. On a boat this size, you will not be one face among dozens. The crew can keep an eye on everyone during the swim stop, explain what you are seeing, and help make the outing comfortable. If you book privately, the whole boat is for your own group, which is useful for families or friends who want to set their own mood.

The first part includes a safety briefing of about 10 minutes. Listen closely, especially if you are not used to small boats. You will want to know where to sit, how to move around safely, and what to expect before the boat heads along the coast.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, and Italian. Guides named Luca and Jamie have both been praised for being attentive and helpful, although the specific guide for your departure can vary. One particularly nice touch is the option, mentioned by a past passenger, to connect to the boat speakers and choose your own music. That may not matter to everyone, but it can make a private trip feel more like your own day on the water.

Sailing the Adeje coast for 90 minutes

Once underway, the Bellamar follows the southern coast of Tenerife through the municipality of Adeje. The route covers the stretch between Los Cristianos Beach and the turtle cove, giving you changing views of the coast without the need for a long day at sea.

This is not a fast transfer from one point to another. The sailing portion lasts about an hour and a half, with time set aside for dolphin watching, marine-life viewing, and simply enjoying the coast. Keep your eyes open during the ride, but treat wildlife as a bonus rather than a promise.

Dolphins are often associated with this part of Tenerife, and the trip gives you a good chance to look for them. Whales and other marine species are also possible. Still, sea conditions matter. The guide has noted that dolphins and other wildlife may be less active or harder to find when the water is rough. On one outing, a group saw only seagulls after a windy week with few sightings.

That honest limitation is important. You are booking time on the sea, not a guaranteed animal encounter. If your main goal is to see dolphins, choose the calmest weather available and keep your expectations flexible. If you would be happy with a scenic cruise even without wildlife, the trip offers better value.

The boat’s size gives you a closer connection to the water, but it also means you feel the movement more. A large vessel may feel steadier. On the Bellamar, a choppy day can be uncomfortable, particularly for anyone prone to seasickness. Take that seriously when deciding who in your group should come.

The turtle cove swimming stop

The main activity stop comes at the turtle cove, where the boat anchors for about an hour. You can swim, snorkel, and use a stand-up paddleboard while the crew prepares the included snacks and drinks.

This stop is the part that turns the trip from a simple coastal ride into a proper sea outing. Instead of looking down at the water from a deck, you get to enter it. You will have views back toward the coast while swimming, and the setting gives you a refreshing break after the first stretch of sailing.

The cove also helps break up the three-hour schedule. You spend roughly 90 minutes moving along the coast, about an hour at anchor, and another 20 minutes sailing and viewing marine life before returning. That rhythm works well for you if you want variety but do not want to spend a full day on a boat.

Snorkeling is available, though this should not be treated as a dedicated reef tour. The information provided does not promise a particular underwater species list or visibility level. Conditions can change, so think of it as a chance to explore from the boat rather than a specialist snorkeling excursion.

The paddleboard is another welcome option. If you would rather not swim for the whole stop, you can try standing up on the board or simply enjoy the water at your own pace. The crew remains attentive, which is especially useful when several people are in the water.

Swimming from a boat is not ideal for everyone. You need to be comfortable entering open water and climbing back aboard. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and anyone who has trouble with ladders, uneven footing, or boat movement should consider that carefully before booking.

Snacks, beer, and the practical value of $74

The price is $74 per person for three hours. That is not the cheapest way to see Tenerife from the coast, but the comparison is not with a simple boat ride. Your fare covers the shared or private cruise, the swim and snorkel stop, snacks, beer, soft drinks, and water.

The food is modest. Expect crisps and fruit rather than a full meal. That is enough for a three-hour outing, especially with drinks included, but you should not book this expecting a catered lunch. If you are hungry after swimming, plan another meal elsewhere.

The drinks are more generous. Beer, water, and soft drinks are available, and the crew keeps them accessible during the trip. On a calm, warm day, that small detail adds real value. You can focus on the coast and the water instead of carrying supplies or buying each drink separately.

The price becomes more attractive when you value the small group. Seven passengers plus crew means you are paying for room, attention, and a less crowded experience. A private booking can also make sense when split among a group, though the exact private price depends on the option and date you choose.

I would judge the value by your priorities. If you want a guaranteed whale sighting, a substantial meal, or a very steady ride, this may not be the right choice. If you want a three-hour coastal outing with swimming gear, snacks, drinks, and a small group, the package is well balanced.

The final 20 minutes back to Puerto Colón

After the swimming stop, the boat spends about 20 minutes sailing and viewing marine life before returning to the dock. This final stretch gives you time to dry off, finish a drink, and take in the coast from the water one last time.

Do not expect the trip to finish with a formal show or long presentation. The appeal is the simple combination of sea views, wildlife watching, and time in the water. The crew’s attention helps keep the outing relaxed, and guides such as Luca and Jamie have been singled out for being accommodating and attentive.

The return is to the meeting point at Puerto Colón. Since the exact starting point can vary by booking option, check the details attached to your chosen departure before setting out. The activity lasts three hours, but you should allow a little extra time around the meeting point so you are not rushing to the dock.

Shared boat or private outing?

The shared option is a good fit if you want the small-boat experience without arranging a full group. With only seven passenger spaces, it should feel more intimate than a standard coastal cruise. You may share the boat with another family, couple, or small group, so bring a friendly attitude and be ready to share the swimming stop and deck space.

A private booking gives you control over the group. This can suit families with children, friends who want to use the speakers, or anyone who prefers not to coordinate swimming time with strangers. The crew still runs the safety briefing and route, but the atmosphere can be more personal.

The small boat can also be a drawback for groups with mixed comfort levels. If two people become seasick, the whole outing may need to change. One group had to return early because several passengers felt unwell in rough water. The guide looked after them, but the lesson is clear: your comfort affects everyone aboard.

Weather, seasickness, and wildlife expectations

I would check the forecast before booking, then check it again before departure. The trip is most appealing when the water is calm enough for comfortable sailing, clear views, and an enjoyable swim. Wind can make the sea choppy and reduce the chance of seeing dolphins or whales.

If you often feel sick on boats, this is not the time to test your limits. A small vessel moves with the sea, and the open route along the coast can feel rough when conditions turn. You might find the swimming stop helps once you are anchored, but it cannot erase an unpleasant first 90 minutes.

The crew can help you during the trip, but the responsibility begins with choosing suitable conditions. If the forecast looks windy, consider changing your date if possible. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility.

Do not judge the outing only by whether animals appear. The coastal views, swim stop, and time on a small boat are the core experience. Wildlife is a welcome extra, and calm conditions improve your odds without guaranteeing anything.

Who will enjoy this Tenerife boat trip?

I would recommend the Bellamar cruise to couples, families, and small groups who want a compact sea outing rather than a full-day charter. It suits you if you like switching between sightseeing and activity, with time to swim instead of sitting aboard for three straight hours.

It is also a good match for anyone who values a personal crew. Luca and Jamie are examples of the attentive guiding style you can expect, though your guide may be different. The crew stays involved, provides drinks and snacks, and helps you make the most of the cove stop.

I would be more cautious if you have limited mobility, dislike open-water swimming, or get seasick easily. A windy day can change the experience quickly. You should also avoid booking it solely for a guaranteed dolphin or whale sighting.

Chewing gum, explosive substances, and nudity are not allowed. Those rules are simple, but they reinforce the relaxed and practical nature of the outing.

Should you book the Bellamar cruise?

Book it if you want three hours of coastal scenery, swimming, and small-group time with drinks and light snacks included. The limited capacity is the strongest reason to choose it over a larger cruise, while the turtle cove stop gives the day a useful sense of purpose.

Skip it if your group needs an especially stable boat, cannot manage open-water access, or would be disappointed without a wildlife sighting. For everyone else, the best strategy is to choose a calm day, treat dolphins and whales as a bonus, and enjoy the coast for what it is: a scenic, social outing with a refreshing swim in the middle.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Puerto Colón, at dock number 5, aboard the Bellamar. The exact meeting point can vary by booking option, so check your confirmation.

How long is the boat trip?

The activity lasts three hours. It includes a safety briefing, coastal sailing, wildlife watching, a swimming stop, and the return to Puerto Colón.

How many people can join the shared cruise?

The boat holds seven passengers plus crew. You can also choose a private outing for your own family or friend group.

What coast does the boat visit?

The route follows the southern coast of Tenerife in the municipality of Adeje, between Los Cristianos Beach and the turtle cove.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The boat anchors at the turtle cove for about one hour, where you can swim and snorkel.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Yes. Snorkels are made available during the swimming stop.

Is a paddleboard available?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboarding is included as an option during the stop at the cove.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The cruise includes crisps and fruit, plus beer, soft drinks, and water.

Can I see dolphins or whales?

You have a good chance of seeing dolphins and may see whales or other marine species, but sightings are not guaranteed. Rough conditions can reduce wildlife activity and visibility.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.

What languages does the crew speak?

The crew speaks Spanish, English, and Italian.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold your place without paying immediately.