Sailing Yacht on a Private Charter

Tenerife’s southwest coast is one of the better places in Europe to look for pilot whales and dolphins, and this private charter gives you three unhurried hours to do it. You can watch from the yacht, enjoy the sea air, or get in the water for snorkeling when conditions are safe.

I like the small private setting, with space for a maximum of 11 people, and the fact that food, drinks, Wi-Fi, life vests, and snorkeling gear are included. I also like the calm, personal feel: the captain can spend time with your own group instead of following a large excursion crowd. One thing to consider is that the boat’s sailing condition may vary. One passenger found the mainsail and cabin disappointing, so confirm that sailing under sail is available if that is your main reason for booking.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are a strong possibility: The southwest Tenerife waters are used by resident groups of short-finned pilot whales, and sightings are a central part of this trip.
• A real private charter: Your group has the yacht to itself, with a maximum capacity of 11 passengers.
• Snorkeling depends on the sea: Swimming and snorkeling are offered when weather and water conditions permit.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect ham and cheese baguettes, seasonal fruit, water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and Cava.
• Puerto Colón is the starting point: You meet at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas and return there after roughly three hours.
• Boat condition deserves attention: Most published comments praise the experience, but one detailed complaint raised concerns about the mainsail, ropes, and cabin.

Leaving Puerto Colón for a quieter view of Tenerife

You meet at Puerto Colón, in Playa de las Américas, and the trip ends at the same place. That makes the outing simple to fit into a day based in the resort area. You do not need to arrange a separate return ride or wonder where the boat will leave you.

The charter lasts about three hours, which is long enough to spend proper time at sea without taking over your entire day. I see this as a useful middle ground. A shorter trip can feel rushed, while a full-day charter may be too much for a family, a small group, or anyone who wants time for other plans.

Once on board, you can settle into the yacht, enjoy the views, and let the captain handle the route. The supplied details do not give a fixed sailing path or named captain. The captain is described in the available comments as a friendly local with good stories, and one person specifically praised his patience and calm manner.

That personal approach matters on a private boat. You can ask questions, take photos, sit in the sun, or simply watch the coast without having to keep pace with a large party. The yacht has Wi-Fi, though the main attraction is plainly the open water rather than staying connected.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The wildlife portion is the heart of the trip. The boat heads out to look for whales and dolphins, with pilot whales appearing repeatedly in the trip feedback. One outing saw many small pilot whales, while another included both dolphins and pilot whales. These are encouraging signs, but no marine-life tour can promise an encounter on every departure.

Pilot whales are not the giant whales many people picture. They are social, dark-colored toothed whales often seen in groups, and watching several move through the water can be more memorable than spotting one large animal for a few seconds. The comments describe groups of pilot whales and close views, which suggests that the captain takes time to look rather than treating a single sighting as the end of the wildlife stop.

Dolphins are also part of the search. One family-focused outing saw dolphins in their natural setting, and another group was pleased with the number of dolphins and pilot whales. Keep your eyes on the water, but also pay attention to the captain. On a small private charter, the captain’s ability to spot movement and choose a direction can shape the experience.

You should also keep your expectations sensible. The boat may spend part of the three hours moving through open water while looking for animals. Wildlife does not perform on schedule. The value here is the chance to see marine life without a loud, crowded setting, not a guaranteed show.

The private format makes the time more flexible

The yacht holds up to 11 passengers, but the boat is not necessarily full. A private booking means your own friends or family share the charter, rather than being placed with strangers. For a group that already knows one another, this can make the outing feel much more relaxed.

I especially like this setup for mixed-age groups. Some people can focus on whale watching, others can enjoy the sun, and children or less confident swimmers can stay aboard. You have more control over the pace than on a standard boat excursion, although the captain still decides what is safe and practical.

The private format also changes the value calculation. At the advertised price of $74, check carefully during booking how the rate is applied, since the experience is described as a private charter and the maximum capacity is 11. If the price covers the group, the cost can be very attractive when divided among several people. If it is charged per person, compare it with other private and shared boat trips in Tenerife before paying.

The strongest value comes from the combination of privacy and inclusions. You are not paying only for transport on the water. The package also includes drinks, light food, snorkeling equipment, life vests, and the time of a captain. Still, the boat itself is important, and you should ask about current sailing arrangements if you want an active sailing experience rather than a yacht trip powered mainly by the motor.

Snorkeling and swimming when conditions allow

At a suitable point, the captain may stop for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling equipment is on board, so you do not need to bring a mask and fins unless you prefer to use your own. Life vests are also provided.

The wording around the water stop matters: it is available when weather permits. Sea conditions, wind, and safety decisions can affect the plan. You should treat snorkeling as a welcome part of the trip, not the guaranteed centerpiece.

This is a good option for people who want a short swim without booking a separate snorkeling tour. You can stay aboard if the water feels rough or if you are more interested in the whales. The private setting also helps here, since your group can enjoy the stop together rather than being one small part of a large boatload.

Do not expect a specialist reef excursion based on the information supplied. The main purpose is sailing, wildlife watching, and a refreshing stop at sea. The snorkeling may be brief, and the trip does not promise a particular marine species or underwater site.

Baguettes, fruit, Cava, and drinks on board

The food is simple but well chosen for a three-hour outing. You receive ham and cheese baguettes and fresh seasonal fruit, along with water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and Cava. Vegan and vegetarian choices are available, which is useful for a private booking where you can raise food needs ahead of time.

This is more than a small detail. A morning or midday trip on the water can feel long if you need to bring everything yourself. Having food and drinks included means you can focus on the sea and avoid returning to port hungry.

The menu is light rather than a full meal. Think picnic snacks, not a restaurant lunch. One person suggested that colder rosé would have been preferable, which is a small but useful reminder that drink preferences can vary. If you have a favorite nonalcoholic drink or a strict dietary need, confirm it before departure rather than assuming the standard selection will cover every request.

Alcohol is included, but use good judgment. The boat may stop for swimming, and the sea can feel different after a drink. Water is provided, and it is the sensible choice before entering the water or if you are prone to motion sickness.

What the Tenerife coast looks like from the water

A boat trip gives you a different view of Tenerife’s southwest coast. From the yacht, you can look back toward Playa de las Américas and see the resort area from offshore. The coast becomes a backdrop rather than the main event, while the horizon opens around you.

The trip is described as peaceful, with less unnecessary noise than some other ways of getting out on the water. That does not mean silent sailing, especially if the yacht uses its engine, but it does suggest a slower setting suited to conversation, photography, and watching the sea.

You can use the time between wildlife sightings as a proper break. Sit in the sun, take pictures, enjoy a baguette, or keep watch for movement in the water. One person particularly valued the freedom to sunbathe and take photos on board. That freedom is one reason a private charter can work better than a tightly scheduled sightseeing cruise.

The coast itself is not presented as a stop-by-stop sightseeing route. You should book this for the sea, the wildlife, and the relaxed time on a yacht, not for a detailed guided tour of Tenerife’s shore.

Boat condition and the meaning of sailing

The title and description present this as a sailing yacht charter, so it is fair to expect some sailing. Most of the available comments describe the yacht positively, including one person who called it clean and well maintained. The captain also received praise for being punctual, friendly, patient, and calm.

There is one important counterpoint. A detailed complaint said the mainsail was broken, the ropes were old, the cabin was untidy, and the boat did not sail under sail power. That is a specific concern, not something to ignore. The operator asked for more details afterward, but the available information does not explain whether the issue was repaired.

This gives you a practical booking question to ask: Will the mainsail be operational on my date, and should I expect the yacht to sail under wind power? If your dream is an active sailing lesson or a quiet trip under full sail, get a clear answer before committing. If you mainly want a private boat, wildlife, snacks, and a swim, the sailing issue may matter less.

The word yacht can also set a certain expectation. This is a small private vessel for a maximum of 11 people, not a large luxury yacht with extensive facilities. The experience sounds informal and personal. That can be a plus, but you should value it for access to the sea and the private setting rather than polished luxury.

Who will get the most from this three-hour charter

I would look first at this trip for a group of friends, a family, or a couple who wants the boat to themselves. The maximum of 11 passengers gives small groups room to spread out, while a full group can share the cost of a private outing.

It also suits people who want several activities in one short trip. You can watch for whales and dolphins, enjoy drinks and snacks, take photos, and possibly swim and snorkel. That mix is more appealing than a trip focused on only one activity.

Families should appreciate the life vests and the option to remain on board during the water stop. Still, the supplied information does not give a minimum age, child policy, or details about restroom facilities, so families with young children should confirm those points before booking.

The charter can also suit a relaxed celebration. Cava, wine, beer, food, and private use of the yacht create a pleasant setting for a birthday or small gathering. Keep the tone respectful and remember that the captain remains responsible for safety.

It may not be the best choice for someone seeking a guaranteed whale sighting, a long snorkeling session, or a formal sailing lesson. It may also disappoint anyone who expects a flawless luxury vessel without first checking the yacht’s current condition.

Timing, weather, and cancellation rules

The experience runs for approximately three hours, but availability is described as being on request. Confirm the preferred departure time when you book rather than assuming every time slot operates daily.

Good weather is required. If poor conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is a fair policy for a sea trip, where wind and waves affect both comfort and safety.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded, and changes made during that period are not accepted. Cut-off times use Tenerife local time, so keep that in mind if you are arranging the trip from another country.

The meeting point is near public transportation at Puerto Colón, and confirmation arrives when you book. Service animals are allowed, and the activity states that most people can participate. Those points make the outing fairly accessible, but the available details do not describe boarding steps or facilities on the boat.

Is the Tenerife private yacht charter worth booking?

I would book this trip if you want a private three-hour sea outing with a genuine chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, plus food, drinks, and a possible swim. The strongest parts are the personal format, the repeated wildlife success, and the relaxed time aboard.

Before paying, I would contact Tenerife First Excursions about the boat’s current condition and ask specifically if the mainsail is working. That one check could prevent a mismatch between a peaceful wildlife cruise and the active sailing experience you may have imagined.

For a group of up to 11, the $74 advertised price may offer strong value, but confirm whether it applies to the full charter or each passenger. Book it for flexibility, wildlife, and private time on the water. Skip it if sailing under wind power is nonnegotiable and the operator cannot confirm that point.

FAQ

Where does the yacht charter start?

The activity starts at Puerto Colón, Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the experience finish?

The trip ends back at the meeting point at Puerto Colón.

How long does the yacht trip last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The yacht has a maximum capacity of 11 passengers.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The included refreshments are ham and cheese baguettes, fresh seasonal fruit, water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and Cava.

Are vegan and vegetarian food options available?

Yes. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is available on board.

Can I swim during the trip?

Swimming and snorkeling are offered when weather and sea conditions permit.

Is whale and dolphin watching guaranteed?

The trip includes whale and dolphin watching, but the supplied information does not guarantee sightings.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the operator to cancel.

What is the cancellation policy?

You receive a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.