Private boat tour

Tenerife looks different from open water. I love the way you get Tenerife cliffs and headlands straight from the sea, and I love the snorkeling time in crystal-clear bays where you can spot fish. This private boat experience also gives you a real shot at whale watching along the coast near La Caleta, with captain-led local know-how from Ruslan Zavilohhin’s team.

The only real consideration is weather, because the whole plan relies on good sea conditions for anchoring and swimming stops. You leave at 10:00 am, so bring sunscreen early, keep your phone protected, and pack for a breeze even when the island looks calm.

Key Highlights You Can Actually Plan Around

• Private group up to 8 people keeps the boat experience relaxed, not rushed.
• Barco 33 takes you from Puerto Colón toward the bays near La Caleta.
• La Caleta anchor stop is your main water time for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing.
• Whale watching happens en route while you’re traveling along this stretch of coastline.
• El Puertito de Armenime lagoon is a second swim break for a change of scenery.
• Snacks, bottled water, alcoholic drinks, snorkel gear, and WiFi are included, so you can focus on the water.

Private Boat Tour in Tenerife: What the 3 Hours Feels Like

This is the kind of tour where the clock matters. Three hours on the water means you do not spend half the day commuting or waiting around, and you get to spend the important time where it counts, in and on top of the ocean.

The pace is simple: you head out from Puerto Colón, you anchor where the water is inviting, you get your main swim and snorkeling time, and then you finish with a shorter lagoon stop before returning to the same meeting point. It is a tight plan, but it works because Tenerife’s best coastal scenery shows itself fast once you’re clear of the port.

You can also tell this is designed for small groups. It is private for just your party, up to 8 people, so you’re not squeezed into a crowded boat day. I like that. It usually means more comfort and less noise when you’re trying to hear the captain’s spotting tips.

Meeting at Av. de Colón and Sliding Into the Day

You meet at Av. de Colón, 4 in Costa Adeje (38660), Tenerife. The start time is 10:00 am, and the tour ends back at that same meeting point.

A couple practical points matter here:

• A mobile ticket is used, so you’ll want your phone charged enough for check-in.
• It is offered in English, which helps you understand what you’re seeing without guessing.
• It is near public transportation, handy if you are staying in the Costa Adeje area and don’t want to add a taxi ride to your day.

This is also a service-animal friendly experience, and it says most travelers can participate. If you’re comfortable getting on and off a boat and spending time in the water, you’ll likely be fine.

Barco 33 Departure: Coast Views That Save You Time

Once you’re onboard Barco 33, the first payoff is visual. Tenerife from the ocean is not subtle. Cliffs rise right out of the Atlantic, and the coastline changes faster than you’d expect from land.

You start by heading toward La Caleta, and the plan is built around “moving to the good stuff” rather than cruising without a purpose. That matters, because the weather windows and water conditions at coves can make a huge difference.

One nice detail is that the captain is described as friendly and very knowledgeable about the area. That usually means two things: better whale-spotting focus and smoother sailing logistics while you’re transitioning from open water to an anchored swim area.

And yes, you’re on the water long enough to feel like you’ve actually escaped, not just checked a box.

La Caleta Anchor Time: Swim, Snorkel, Fish, and Spot Marine Life

La Caleta is the core of the tour, with about 2 hours anchored. The boat turns to throw anchor in the bay, which is exactly what you want when your main goal is water time.

Here’s what the plan gives you in this stop:

• Swimming in clear water
• Snorkeling among marine life
• A chance to see turtles (sometimes)
• Fishing is part of the experience during this time

Snorkeling gear is included, so you do not have to rent anything last minute. That sounds minor until you’re actually on vacation in sandals, rushing around, and trying to find a mask. Here, you just gear up and go.

What makes La Caleta worth your time is the combination. You get a proper bay setup, so the water is calm enough to enjoy. Then the snorkeling is tied to the marine life in the area, not just “go swim around and hope.”

One more practical note: there’s WiFi onboard. That does not replace getting off your phone, but it helps with basics like using your map while waiting near the dock earlier in the morning or sharing the whale photos fast once you get back to shore.

Whale Watching Along Tenerife’s Coast Near La Caleta

While you’re traveling toward and around the La Caleta area, you have the opportunity to observe whales living in this part of the coast. The experience is specifically framed as wildlife spotting from the ocean.

The timing works because you are not doing whale watching as a 15-minute side quest. You have time while heading out, and you are also in the right stretch long enough for sightings to be possible.

In the strongest reported moments, people are seeing pilot whales. That does not mean you will definitely see them on your day, but it does mean you should take the whale briefing seriously. If the captain points out activity, put your attention where they tell you.

For your own viewing success, keep these habits:

• Stay present on the deck when you’re told to look.
• Don’t bury your face in your phone right after the boat shifts direction.
• If the captain changes speed or orientation, it’s usually because something showed up.

Even if whales do not appear, La Caleta still delivers because the swim and snorkeling are the main event.

El Puertito de Armenime: A Short Lagoon Stop with a Different Feel

After La Caleta, the tour continues along the southern coast of the island and then makes a second stop at El Puertito de Armenime.

This part is shorter, about 30 minutes, and it’s all about a lagoon where you can swim and have a good time. Think of it like a second dip, not a full repeat of the La Caleta experience.

What I like about this structure is variety. You get a long, main anchored bay session with snorkeling gear and lots to do, then you get a quick lagoon reset. If you’re visiting Tenerife for the first time, that contrast helps you see that the island’s coastline is not one-note.

If your priority is maximum water time, La Caleta will still be the moment you remember. If you just want to feel the sea on your skin twice in one day, El Puertito is a pleasant bonus.

What’s Included on Board (and Why It Matters)

This tour is set up as a “show up and enjoy” day. Here’s what is included:

• Snacks
• Bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• WiFi

There’s no scuba equipment included, so do not expect a guided scuba plan. This is a surface and swim tour, with snorkeling as the main underwater activity.

The snack and drink inclusion is not just about comfort. It changes how you behave on a boat. When you are not worrying about buying water or finding a snack spot later, you focus on the experience and you stay relaxed enough to watch for wildlife.

WiFi is also a practical inclusion, especially if you need to coordinate ground transport later or check the day’s weather when the tour is weather-dependent.

Price and Value: $417 Per Group Makes Sense for the Right Plan

The price is $417 per group, for up to 8 people, and the tour runs about 3 hours.

That is group pricing, not per-person pricing, which changes the value calculation. Here’s the simple way to think about it:

• If you fill all 8 seats, you are effectively paying about $52 per person.
• If you’re only 2 or 3 people, the per-person cost rises fast, and it starts to feel more like a private splurge.

So I recommend this most when you have a few friends or family members who want the same day at sea. It is also a great option if you care about privacy and comfort, because private boat tours tend to feel calmer than shared ones.

Also, consider what is included. Snorkel equipment, snacks, and drinks remove common “hidden” costs that often pop up on water tours. You still need to bring personal essentials like sun protection, but the big items are handled.

Who This Boat Tour Suits Best

This tour fits best if you want:

• Water time without complicated planning
• A small group setting (up to 8)
• Whale watching as part of the journey, not a separate activity
• Snorkeling in clear coves, with gear included
• A morning start that gets you back to land the same day

It is especially strong for couples or small groups who want a shared experience with minimal decision-making. If you are the type who loves being on the ocean and you prefer a captain-led plan instead of wandering on your own, this will likely click.

If you are traveling alone, it can still work, but the value depends on whether you find a group that brings the cost down.

Tips for a Smoother Day on Barco 33

A private boat day can feel easy, but the ocean adds a few realities. Here are smart, low-effort tips based on how the tour is structured:

• Bring a towel and quick-dry clothing if you have it. You will likely get wet during snorkeling.
• Protect your phone, especially for deck moments between stops.
• Use sunscreen early, then reapply before the water time. Morning sun can hit harder than you expect in Tenerife.
• Listen for captain instructions during whale-spotting time. When the boat shifts for sightings, it’s usually for a reason.
• Don’t expect scuba. This is snorkeling and swimming, with included gear.

Also, if you are sensitive to sun and wind, plan for a breeze on the water even if it is warm on shore. It can cool you just enough to make you feel less comfortable if you’re only in thin clothing.

Should You Book This Private Boat Tour from Puerto Colón?

I’d book it if you want a simple, high-comfort morning on the water with snorkeling gear included, plus a real chance at whale spotting near La Caleta. The biggest advantage is focus: the main bay stop gives you time to swim, snorkel, and even fish, and the second lagoon stop keeps the day from feeling one-dimensional.

I would think twice if your schedule is tight and you hate weather-based uncertainty, because it requires good weather for the plan to run as described. It is also best financially when you can split the group cost, up to 8 people.

If you’re staying in the Costa Adeje area, and you want Tenerife from a perspective you cannot get by bus or car, this is a strong choice. It feels like a day out, not a checklist.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

How big is the private group?

It is private for your group, up to 8 people.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Where do we meet, and where does it end?

You meet at Av. de Colón, 4, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included. Scuba equipment is not included.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. The tour includes snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.

What stops are included during the tour?

The main water stop is La Caleta (about 2 hours), plus a shorter lagoon swim stop at El Puertito de Armenime (about 30 minutes).

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is cancellation free?

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