Tenerife: Private Boat Charter with Tapas & Drinks

Tenerife’s south coast looks best from the water, where dark volcanic cliffs, mountain peaks, sea caves, and open Atlantic views unfold without the usual resort traffic. This private charter takes up to six people aboard Libby, a 30-foot twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser, with a captain, crew, tapas, and drinks included.

I like the small private group, which gives you room to spread out and lets the captain shape the outing around swimming, snorkeling, wildlife, or simply a slow cruise. I also like the personal touches: you can use the boat’s Bluetooth system, and some captains have let guests try the wheel under supervision.

The main consideration is the sea itself. This is not a calm-water cruise, and the experience is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. Drinks may also be more limited than the phrase premium brand drinks suggests, so check what is available if spirits or cider matter to you.

Key points to know before you book

• Libby is a private 30-foot Rio 850 Cruiser: The boat has bow seating, sun pads, two interior cabins, a private bathroom, and a freshwater shower.
• The price works best for a full group: At $530 for up to six people, the cost is about $88 per person when the boat is full.
• Swimming and snorkeling are possible: The captain may anchor in a suitable bay, but the sea is open water and only confident swimmers should enter.
• Wildlife sightings are a real possibility, not a promise: Guests have seen dolphins, turtles, and pilot whales along the south coast.
• The captains add much of the personality: William, Noel, Robert, and Havier have been praised for friendly service, local information, and careful handling of the boat.
• Departure times include a sunset option: A 6:30 pm trip gave one family a particularly pleasant end-of-day outing.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

You meet the boat at Pantalan 3 in Puerto Colón, in Adeje. Getting to the harbor is your responsibility, since transport to and from the marina is not included. That makes this easiest if you are staying in or near the south-coast resort area and can arrange your own taxi, rental car, or walk from nearby accommodation.

The three-hour charter is private, so you are not sharing the boat with a large sightseeing crowd. That matters more than it might sound. You can settle into the bow, choose the amount of sun you want, play your own music, and talk with the captain without competing with dozens of other passengers.

The boat is named Libby and is a 30-foot Rio 850 Cruiser with twin engines. It is compact rather than yacht-sized, but that is part of the appeal. You get a more personal outing, with enough seating and sun pads for a group of six, plus an interior cabin area when the sun becomes too strong.

If you dislike being squeezed into a tour boat, this setup should feel comfortable. If you expect a huge deck, a full restaurant, or lots of room to walk around, keep your expectations in check. This is a small cruiser built for sitting, swimming, sightseeing, and conversation.

Cruising Tenerife’s rugged south coast

Once you leave Puerto Colón, the charter follows Tenerife’s southern coastline. From the boat, the shoreline takes on a different character than it has from the road. You see rugged volcanic rock, steep mountain slopes, small caves, and sections of coast that are difficult to appreciate from land.

The views are the main event during the cruising sections. You can stretch out on the bow’s sun pads, sit in the forward seating, or retreat inside the cabin. I like that the boat gives you a choice between an open-air ride and shade. Tenerife’s sun can be strong even when the air feels mild, so the cabin and the freshwater shower are useful rather than decorative extras.

Your captain and crew guide the route and explain what you are seeing. English and Spanish are offered. William, Noel, Robert, and Havier have all received particularly warm praise for their friendly approach, clear communication, and care with the group. That personal service is a big reason this charter feels different from a basic boat transfer.

Do not expect a fixed sightseeing script with a long list of named stops. The supplied details describe a relaxed cruise along the coast, with possible wildlife viewing and a swimming or snorkeling break. The precise route can depend on sea conditions, wildlife, and the captain’s judgment.

Wildlife watching from a small boat

The waters around Tenerife can be rewarding for wildlife viewing. On different outings, people have seen dolphins, turtles, and pilot whales, including a large number of pilot whales on one morning trip. Another group saw small whales near the boat while drinks were served.

A private boat gives you a useful advantage here: the captain can respond to sightings and steer closer when appropriate. One outing followed dolphins, while another captain moved nearer to sea life so the group could get a better look. Still, animals are wild, and no sighting can be guaranteed. Book this for the time on the water first, with wildlife as a welcome bonus.

The boat’s smaller size can also make sightings feel more direct than they do from a large excursion vessel. You are closer to the water and have fewer people blocking your view. The trade-off is that a small cruiser may respond more noticeably to waves, which brings us back to the seasickness warning.

If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the movement feels easiest for you, look toward the horizon, and consider choosing a time when you feel most comfortable on the water. The operator specifically lists the experience as unsuitable for people prone to seasickness, so take that warning seriously.

Tapas, drinks, and the onboard rhythm

Food and drinks are included in the $530 group price. You receive a selection of tapas and unlimited drinks during the three-hour charter. The food is best understood as a snack board rather than a full meal. One guest praised the tomatoes, while another advised eating before departure because the food portion is light.

That distinction matters. If you are booking around lunchtime or dinner, have a proper meal beforehand. The tapas are a pleasant accompaniment to the cruise, not a substitute for a restaurant meal. They work well while you sit in the sun, watch the coast, or stop for a swim.

The advertised drinks are unlimited premium brand drinks, and several outings included cava, beer, and wine. One four-star assessment reported that the available choices were limited to beer and wine, without spirits or cider. If you have a specific drink in mind, ask before booking rather than assuming every premium option will be offered.

The crew has shown flexibility with preferences. One group specifically praised William for accommodating alcohol choices. Smoking and alcohol or drugs brought from outside are not allowed, and high-heeled shoes are prohibited. Bring comfortable clothing and practical footwear instead.

A swimming and snorkeling stop

A swimming break can be one of the best parts of the charter. The captain may anchor in a beautiful bay, giving you time to jump into the Atlantic and use the included snorkeling gear. The freshwater shower helps rinse off afterward, and the private bathroom is handy during a three-hour outing.

The water is not a swimming pool. One family enjoyed the swim but stressed that it was suitable mainly for good swimmers because the sea was not still. You should be comfortable entering open water and climbing back aboard. If you would rather stay dry, the boat’s seating and cabin give you an easy alternative.

Snorkeling conditions will vary. The information does not promise a particular reef, beach, or underwater site, so think of the gear as an option during the stop rather than the main purpose of the trip. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. A secure way to carry your phone is also sensible, though a waterproof camera is safer around the boat.

Choosing the best departure time

You can choose from several departure times, which makes this experience easy to fit around a beach day or dinner reservation. Morning and afternoon trips suit visitors who want maximum daylight for the cliffs, caves, and water.

The sunset slot is worth considering. A 6:30 pm departure gave one family a lovely view as the sun dropped over the ocean. The changing light can make the coastline feel calmer and more atmospheric, and the timing works well as a final holiday outing.

Sunset does come with a compromise: there may be less bright light for snorkeling and a shorter window for swimming. If wildlife is your main goal, a daylight departure may be the more practical choice. If you want a romantic or celebratory finish to the day, the later sailing has a clear advantage.

What the $530 price really buys you

The headline price is $530 per private group of up to six, not per person. Fill the boat and you are paying roughly $88 each for three hours. For a couple, the per-person price is much higher, but you still receive exclusive use of the boat rather than a shared excursion.

The package includes the captain and crew, fuel, tapas, unlimited drinks, snorkeling equipment, a private bathroom, and the boat itself. That removes several costs that can add up on a smaller charter. You are paying for privacy, service, flexibility, and the ability to decide how much time to spend cruising, swimming, or watching wildlife.

I see the strongest value for families, groups of friends, and birthday or anniversary outings. A full group can split the cost and make good use of the private format. One birthday outing included drinks, tapas, a swim, dolphin watching, and even a chance to steer under supervision, which shows how much more personal the experience can feel than a standard sightseeing cruise.

The value is less clear if you are alone, traveling as a couple on a tight budget, or mainly want a guaranteed wildlife trip. In those cases, a shared boat may cost less per person, though it will not offer the same privacy.

Who will enjoy this charter most

This outing suits you if you want a relaxed half-day on the Atlantic rather than a packed schedule. It is particularly good for:

• A group of up to six friends sharing the cost
• Families wanting private space and a flexible pace
• Couples choosing a sunset departure
• Birthday and celebration groups
• Confident swimmers who want a sea stop
• Visitors who enjoy music, drinks, and scenery in equal measure

It may not suit you if you get seasick, dislike open-water swimming, want a full restaurant meal, or need a large stable vessel. The boat is comfortable for its size, but it remains a small cruiser in the Atlantic.

Practical details that make the day easier

Wear comfortable clothes and flat, non-slip shoes. Leave high heels behind. Pack a hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and camera. You can use the boat’s sun pads, but shade is limited outdoors, so do not rely on the crew to provide a full-sun escape.

The boat has two interior cabins, a bathroom, and a freshwater shower. These facilities make the three-hour trip easier, especially for families, though the experience remains centered on the outdoor deck.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting times before committing, especially if you need to coordinate transport to Puerto Colón.

Should you book Libby’s private charter?

I would book this if you have five or six people to share the cost and want a personal day on Tenerife’s south coast. The combination of rugged coastal views, a clean compact boat, tapas, drinks, possible wildlife, and a swim gives you plenty to do without making the outing feel rushed.

The strongest reason to choose it is the private format. Captains such as William, Noel, Robert, and Havier have made the trip feel friendly and flexible, with good attention to comfort and safety. Just remember that the tapas are light, drink choices may vary, and the Atlantic can be choppy.

Choose a daylight departure for swimming and wildlife. Choose sunset for atmosphere. If you can accept the open-water conditions and fill most of the six places, this is a strong-value way to see Tenerife from a more personal angle.

FAQ

Where does the boat charter depart from?

The meeting point is Pantalan 3 at Puerto Colón in Adeje, Tenerife.

How long is the boat trip?

The private charter lasts three hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers a private group of up to six people.

What type of boat is used?

The charter uses Libby, a 30-foot twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Tapas and unlimited drinks are included in the activity.

What other equipment is included?

Snorkeling gear, fuel, a private bathroom, a freshwater shower, a captain, and crew are included.

Can I swim during the charter?

Swimming may be possible during a stop in a suitable bay. The sea is open water, so you should be a confident swimmer.

Can I see whales or dolphins?

Dolphins, turtles, and pilot whales have been seen during outings, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Which languages are available?

The live guides speak English and Spanish.

Is transport to Puerto Colón included?

No. Transportation to and from the harbor is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.