Puerto Colon : Shared/private boat trip with snack & Drinks

Southern Tenerife is best seen from the water, and this small-group yacht cruise gives you three hours to do just that. From Puerto Colón, you sail along Costa Adeje, watch for whales and dolphins, then stop in a sheltered bay for snorkeling, tapas, and drinks. The mood is polished but relaxed rather than party-boat loud.

I like the reduced passenger numbers and the crew’s personal touch, especially the mix of Charlotte’s clear animal information and Miguel’s easy humor. I also like the useful comforts: covered seating, a sundeck, a toilet, food, and unlimited drinks. The main consideration is that wildlife is never guaranteed, and the $79 price is best value if you plan to eat, drink, snorkel, and stay aboard for the full three hours.

Key things to know before you book

• Pilot whales are a real possibility: The trip focuses on dolphins, whales, and other marine life, with pilot whales seen on one outing.
• Charlotte and Miguel lead the experience: Charlotte handles much of the animal information, while Miguel helps with sailing and keeps the mood light.
• You get a proper swimming stop: Snorkel in a bay with fish, rather than simply cruising past the coast.
• The yacht has practical comforts: Expect covered seating, an open sundeck, and a toilet.
• Tapas and unlimited drinks are included: Food is served during the cruise, with an ice cream treat reported on one outing.
• Puerto Colón is both the start and finish: You must reach gate or pontoon number 2 at least 15 minutes before departure.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

You meet the boat at Puerto Colón, a useful departure point on Tenerife’s Costa Adeje. Go to gate or pontoon number 2 and arrive 15 minutes before sailing. A crew member will meet you there, so you do not need to search the marina alone.

The first ten minutes cover the welcome and safety briefing. That short briefing matters because this is a working boat, not a floating restaurant. You will want to know where to sit, how to move around safely, and what to do before the snorkeling stop.

The boat is described as safe to walk around and suitable for all ages. That does not mean every part of the yacht will suit every person equally. You still need to manage steps, movement on a moving deck, sun exposure, and the usual care required around water.

I like the choice of covered seating and a sundeck. You can sit out for the views or move under cover when the sun becomes too strong. Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. These are not optional extras on a sunny sea trip.

The first 40 minutes along Costa Adeje

Once clear of Puerto Colón, the cruise follows the Costa Adeje coast for about 40 minutes. This is the sightseeing and sailing section, giving you time to settle into the boat and watch Tenerife from a lower, quieter viewpoint.

The coast looks different from the water. Instead of rushing between viewpoints on land, you get a broad view of the shore while the yacht moves at an unhurried pace. The guide is on board and can provide information in English, French, Italian, or Spanish.

The language choice is useful for mixed groups and families. You can also ask about private or small-group options if you want a more personal outing. The exact feel depends on the departure and group size, but the reduced passenger setup is intended to avoid the packed conditions found on larger excursion boats.

This first sailing period is also when you should decide how you want to use the yacht. Sit in the shade if you are prone to sunburn, or head to the sundeck for a clearer view. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole time looking at a screen. The point of this section is the simple pleasure of being offshore.

Whale and dolphin watching off Costa Adeje

The wildlife section lasts about 30 minutes. The focus is on dolphins, whales, and other marine life, with pilot whales a notable possibility. One outing had several pilot whale sightings, and dolphins were also seen during another cruise.

That is encouraging, but you should set fair expectations. Wild animals choose the schedule. A boat can search in the right area and still have a quiet spell. The value here comes from the crew’s ability to look, explain, and handle the boat respectfully, not from a promise of a guaranteed show.

Charlotte is especially important to the character of this part of the trip. She provides animal information in a warm, clear way and can help you understand what you are seeing. Miguel handles the boat with a smooth approach and adds plenty of humor. That pairing gives the wildlife section more life than a simple announcement over a speaker.

The trip is also framed around respectful whale watching. That matters because a good sighting should not come at the cost of crowding or chasing animals. From a smaller yacht, you may have a better chance of enjoying the moment without the wall of a large excursion boat blocking your view.

Keep your expectations flexible. You might see pilot whales, dolphins, or other marine life, but sightings can vary by day. If wildlife is your only reason for booking, no boat trip can remove that uncertainty. If you also value swimming, food, and a calm cruise, the experience offers better overall value.

A slower 20-minute sailing section

After the wildlife viewing, the yacht continues for about 20 minutes. This part is less about a named attraction and more about the rhythm of the outing.

You can use the time to keep watch, talk with the crew, or enjoy a drink before the swimming stop. A three-hour trip needs these quieter stretches. Without them, the schedule would feel like a string of rushed activities.

The yacht’s layout helps here. Covered seating gives you a break from the sun, while the sundeck provides a more open place to watch the coast. A toilet on board is another small but important comfort, particularly for families and anyone who does not want to depend on a quick return to shore.

Snorkeling, fish, and tapas in the bay

The final longer sailing section lasts about 30 minutes before the boat returns to Puerto Colón. The trip also includes a sea swim with snorkel, generally described as taking place in a pleasant snorkeling bay.

This is one of the strongest parts of the day because it changes the pace. You are not only looking at the sea from the rail. You get the chance to enter it, swim, and look for fish below the surface.

Bring your own towel and swimwear, and remember sunscreen for the time before and after the swim. The supplied information does not specify the full range of snorkeling equipment or whether every item is supplied, so check the booking details if you need particular gear.

The stop is paired with catering and tapas. That combination makes practical sense. After time in the water, you can dry off, eat, and take a drink while the boat remains in the bay or prepares for the return journey.

The food has received especially strong praise. The meal is described as generous tapas, and an ice cream appeared as a surprise treat on one outing. Do not expect a formal restaurant meal. Think of relaxed boat catering that adds real value to a half-day activity.

Drinks are unlimited and included in the price. The details do not list every drink available, so check before booking if you have a specific requirement. Still, not having to pay separately for each drink makes the outing easier and helps the $79 price make more sense.

What the $79 price really buys you

At $79 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water around Tenerife. It is also not simply a short sightseeing boat ride. The price includes a three-hour excursion, an exclusive yacht with reduced passenger numbers, a guide, wildlife viewing, tapas, unlimited drinks, and a snorkeling swim.

I would judge the value by how many of those parts you will use. If you want a wildlife cruise and plan to eat, drink, and swim, the package is fairly strong. If you only want a quick look at the coast, you may find a shorter and cheaper boat trip more suitable.

The smaller boat is a major part of the price. You are paying for space, a quieter feel, and a better chance to move around rather than being fixed in a crowded row of seats. The covered area, sundeck, and toilet also separate it from a bare-bones excursion.

Private bookings are available as well. The supplied details do not state the private charter price, so you will need to check availability. For couples, families, or friends marking a special occasion, the private option may be worth comparing with the shared departure.

The trip is also available in different formats from two-hour private sunset cruises to six-hour excursions toward the cliffs of Los Gigantes. The experience described here is the three-hour Costa Adeje outing, so check the exact duration before paying. Availability and departure times can vary.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most

I would recommend this for couples, families, and small groups who want several sea activities in one outing. You get sightseeing, wildlife watching, a swim, food, and drinks without needing to organize separate bookings.

It suits you particularly well if you prefer a polished but easygoing boat. The crew’s service is a key part of the outing, and the presence of Charlotte and Miguel gives the trip a more personal feel. You are not simply left to stare at the water.

Families should appreciate the safety briefing, the space to move around, the covered seating, the toilet, and the food included. Parents should still bring sun protection and keep an eye on children near the rail and during the swim.

It also works for visitors who do not speak English. Live guiding is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish. That makes it easier to follow the wildlife explanations and safety instructions.

You may want to think twice if you dislike boats, motion, or open-water swimming. You should also avoid booking this solely for guaranteed whale sightings. The wildlife is wild, and the best experience comes when you are happy with the cruise itself even if the animals keep their distance.

Small-group comfort versus a big excursion boat

The reduced passenger numbers are not just a marketing detail. They affect how the whole outing feels. On a smaller yacht, you generally have a better chance of finding a comfortable viewing spot, hearing the guide, and getting personal help when it is time to snorkel.

The boat is described as well kept, with both covered seating and a sundeck. That gives you options throughout the trip. Sit under cover while eating, move outside during wildlife watching, or find a quieter place to enjoy the sailing.

A smaller boat can also feel more exposed to movement than a large vessel. The supplied information does not give a specific accessibility rating or promise a fully stable ride. If you have mobility concerns or are sensitive to motion, ask the operator before booking.

The private option gives you more control over the pace and company, but the shared departure is likely the better deal for solo customers and couples watching their budget. In both cases, the crew’s service remains central to the experience.

Booking details that matter

The activity allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is handy when your Tenerife schedule is still shifting.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to Puerto Colón and reach gate or pontoon number 2 15 minutes before departure. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so planning your return is straightforward.

The information gives a general duration range of two to six hours, while this specific outing is described as three hours. Check the exact option, start time, and duration when you select your date. Do not assume every departure uses the same schedule or route.

Pack light. A hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen cover the stated needs. You should also bring anything you require for personal comfort, as extra requirements are not included.

Should you book the Puerto Colón yacht trip?

I would book it if you want a well-rounded morning or afternoon on the water, rather than a wildlife-only outing. The mix of pilot whale and dolphin watching, a snorkel stop with fish, tapas, unlimited drinks, and a comfortable yacht gives you several worthwhile parts in one package.

The strongest reasons to choose it are the reduced passenger numbers and the crew. Charlotte’s animal information, Miguel’s warm humor, and the careful approach to wildlife help make the trip feel personal. The excellent food and the boat’s covered seating, sundeck, and toilet add practical value.

I would be more cautious if your budget is tight or if your only goal is to see whales. At $79, the trip earns its price through the complete package, not through a guaranteed sighting. If that sounds like your kind of day, meet the crew at Puerto Colón, bring your swim kit, and leave room for tapas.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The trip starts at Puerto Colón in southern Tenerife. Wait at gate or pontoon number 2 and arrive 15 minutes before departure.

Where does the activity end?

The boat returns to Puerto Colón, and the activity ends at the same meeting point.

How long is the yacht excursion?

The specific outing described lasts three hours. Other available formats may last from two to six hours, so check the selected option for its exact duration.

Which languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The excursion includes catering with tapas and unlimited drinks.

Can I swim and snorkel during the trip?

Yes. The activity includes a sea swim with snorkeling, usually at a snorkeling bay.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach Puerto Colón independently.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.