Private sailboat charter – coastal tour with snorkeling in the bay

A sail in Costa Adeje feels different fast. This private 3-hour charter on a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey is built for one thing: get you off the harbor and into calm, clear water for swimming and snorkeling. I like the simple flow of the trip, with an easy coastal ride plus real time in the bay, and I also like that the boat already has the basics covered, like an awning for shade, a toilet, and snorkeling gear. One thing to consider is that the exact bay and timing can shift with weather, since you head toward either Playa de Diego Hernandez or Pal Mar depending on conditions and your plans.

From Puerto Colón, you’re out on the water with a captain, not in a crowd tour. This is a private group up to 11 people, so the rhythm stays relaxed and you can keep the day focused on views, swimming, and gear-free snorkeling. In one account, the skipper Alex was especially engaging and helped keep children involved, which tells me this charter can work well for families too.

Down to practicalities, you’re not getting towels or sunscreen included, and there’s no open bar. If you show up light on essentials or you’re expecting a drinks-heavy party boat, you’ll want to plan ahead.

Key points I’d plan around

• Private charter for up to 11: you rent the time and space, not a seat.
• Anchor time for snorkeling: about an hour in a hidden bay, with gear on board.
• Two possible bays: Playa de Diego Hernandez or Pal Mar, chosen based on weather and what you want.
• Paddleboard included: you can swap between swimming, snorkeling, and board time.
• Basic comfort on the Jeanneau: awning shade, toilet, and a fridge for drinks.
• Drinks and sandwiches included: you eat and hydrate without hunting for a stop.

Setting Out From Puerto Colón: Costa Adeje by Sailboat

The whole experience starts at gate 2, Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje). From there, you head out aboard an 11.5-meter Jeanneau Sun Odyssey, a size that feels proper for a coastal cruise but still manageable for a small private group.

This kind of boat matters. A sailing trip keeps you moving without feeling rushed, and it gives you that slow, look-around rhythm you miss on faster boats. You’ll take in the Costa Adeje coastline from a different angle, and there’s even a photo stop built into the trip, which is handy if you want skyline shots without leaning over railings for every frame.

The captain is part of the package, and the onboard team is listed as English, Spanish, and Italian. I also like that the day is designed around short activity blocks rather than constant switching. You get a sailing portion along the coast, then a main water session when you anchor.

One more thing: the rules are strict about onboard behavior. You can’t smoke indoors, you shouldn’t bring glass items, and littering is a no. It’s the kind of setup that typically keeps the deck calm and safe, especially if you have kids on board.

Playa de Diego Hernandez or Pal Mar: How the Bay Choice Affects Your Day

You’re not locked into one location. The plan is to head to Playa de Diego Hernandez or Pal Mar, depending on weather and what you’d like to do. That choice sounds simple, but it affects your whole experience, because the bay experience is the heart of the snorkeling.

The itinerary centers on anchoring for about an hour in a hidden, wild-feeling spot. That’s where you’ll snorkel in clear water and look for local wildlife. When conditions are right, anchoring like this usually means less boat noise, calmer water, and an easier time getting in and out compared with constant motoring.

If you care more about calm swimming than long sailing time, you’ll appreciate that this charter is structured so the main activity happens after you arrive. If you prefer a more active mix, there’s also paddleboarding on the boat and swimming time around the anchoring stop.

The only real downside is that weather can shift the exact bay. If your heart is set on one specific beach name, plan to be flexible and treat it as part of the fun. In practice, the captain’s decision helps match conditions to safe water time.

Snorkeling in Crystal Water: Gear Is Included, Time Is Built In

Here’s what you’re actually paying for with this charter: an anchored snorkeling window where you can focus on seeing what’s underwater, not on digging for equipment. Snorkeling gear, goggles, and snorkels are on board, and you use them directly at the water stop.

The timeline is important. You get about an hour anchored for snorkeling and swimming. That’s enough time to do at least one careful lap, surface-check, and then go again if you want. On short tours where snorkeling gets rushed to 15 or 20 minutes, it’s easy to feel like you barely got started. This format gives you breathing room.

You can also expect the water to be clear enough for wildlife viewing, since the plan is built around crystal-clear conditions at the bay stop. You’ll be looking at local fauna close to where the boat is anchored, which usually makes it easier for different skill levels, from first-timers to people who know how to equalize and stay comfortable longer.

I also like that the boat has an awning for shade. Snorkeling days can get tiring in the sun, so having a shaded spot helps you recover between swims instead of just baking on deck.

Practical tip: bring your own swim wear and plan for time in and out. Also remember the tour does not include towels, so you’ll want to have one ready for the return trip.

Paddleboard Fun Without the Hassle: Included On Board

Most “snorkel and swim” tours toss in a random add-on and call it a day. This one includes a paddleboard on board, so it’s a real option, not a hope-and-pray activity.

The schedule explicitly includes stand up paddleboarding as part of the coastal segment, with paddleboard time listed for around an hour. In other words, you’re not just trying it for five minutes between photos and heading back. You get enough time to learn the basics, try a few balance attempts, and then decide if you want to keep going or switch back to snorkeling.

A paddleboard also changes the feel of the bay stop. Snorkeling is hands-on and slow. Paddleboarding is more about movement and scanning the water from above. Together, it’s a nice combo when you have mixed interests in a group, like kids who might not want to snorkel for the full hour.

One more point: follow the onboard rules and keep things tidy. If you’re switching between board time and water time, glass items are not allowed, and general safety habits matter. The charter rules like no fishing and no littering are the kind of guardrails that help keep the water experience pleasant for everyone.

What You Get On the Jeanneau: Shade, Toilet, Drinks, and Sandwiches

This charter is set up for comfort during a short, active half-day. The boat has an awning for shade, a toilet, and a fridge to store drinks. Those may sound like small details, but on a 3-hour outing they matter. Shade means you can cool down between snorkeling attempts. A toilet means you don’t waste time trying to find facilities on shore.

Then there’s food and drink. Drinks and sandwiches are included, and since the fridge is onboard, you’re not relying on warm refreshments. This is a big part of value, because many boat tours include snacks but not enough to keep energy up. Here, the included food makes the trip feel complete.

The things not included are just as important. You’ll need to bring towels, sunscreen, and you should not expect an open bar. If you want sunscreen, grab it before you get to the marina. If you forget, you’ll be forced into buying on the spot, which is never fun.

Also, the boat setup includes snorkeling gear on board and paddleboard time is part of the activity. That reduces the usual “I hope they have it” stress.

Price and Value: $353 for a Private Group Up to 11

At $353 per group for up to 11, the price only feels “high” if you’re comparing it to per-person attractions on land. On the water, you’re paying for a private sailing time, the captain, and the gear.

So how do you judge value? First, it’s private. You’re not sharing with strangers from a big tour bus. That matters when you want a calmer pace, especially if kids are part of your group or if you’re traveling with people who move at different speeds.

Second, the essentials are included: the 3-hour sail with captain, snorkeling gear, the paddleboard, drinks and sandwiches, plus gas. You also avoid the cost and hassle of renting snorkeling equipment or trying to coordinate paddleboard access elsewhere.

Third, the experience is structured around one main activity window in a wild bay. That’s usually what determines whether a charter feels worth it. If you get good anchoring conditions, clear water, and time for snorkeling, you’re getting the core of the trip.

The main cost reality is group math. If you only have 2 people, you’re paying close to the full group price anyway. If you have a family or a small circle of 6 to 10 people, it becomes much easier to call it a smart use of your holiday budget.

Who Should Book This Costa Adeje Sail and Snorkel?

This charter is a good fit when you want something active but not complicated. You get sailing, a bay anchoring stop, snorkeling time, and paddleboarding time in a single 3-hour block.

I’d prioritize it if:

• You want a private way to do Costa Adeje water time, not a large group cruise.
• You’re traveling with kids, and you care about a captain who can keep everyone involved. In one account, the skipper Alex was noted for being engaging and helping children stay part of the action.
• You like to do more than one water activity, snorkeling plus paddleboard is a satisfying combo.

It may be less ideal if you’re mainly looking for a long, scenic day. This is short on purpose, designed for a focused coast-and-bay session. If you want an all-day itinerary with lots of stops, you’d likely feel the time limit.

Also, be aware of the onboard rules. High-heeled shoes are not allowed, smoking indoors is not allowed, and there are restrictions like no glass objects and no fishing. If your group tends to arrive with lots of extras, plan to travel light on anything that might violate those rules.

Tips to Plan Smart Before You Meet at Gate 2

Because this is a short private charter, preparation is the difference between relaxed fun and last-minute scrambling. Here’s what I’d do based on what’s provided and what is not included.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a spare change of clothes
• A towel (not included)
• Sunscreen (not included)
• Water-friendly footwear with flat, secure soles, since high-heeled shoes are not allowed

Plan your expectations:

• The destination can switch between Playa de Diego Hernandez and Pal Mar, depending on weather.
• There’s no open bar, so if you want specific drinks beyond the included drinks, you’ll need to plan accordingly.

Onboard etiquette helps:

• Keep it clean. Littering is prohibited.
• Avoid glass objects and don’t plan on fishing.
• If you’re wearing shoes, note that shoes indoors are listed as not allowed, so follow the crew’s lead for onboard areas.

If you’re choosing between snorkeling styles, take the first entry slow. You’ll get the most out of that hour if you feel comfortable. Then, if conditions feel great, you can extend your exploration during the session.

Should You Book This Private Sailboat Charter With Snorkeling?

If you want a small, private, water-first outing with real snorkeling time, I’d say this is a strong booking choice. The included gear and the structured hour anchored in a hidden bay make it feel purpose-built, not random. Add the paddleboard option and the fact you get drinks and sandwiches onboard, and it’s a well-rounded 3-hour plan.

Book it if your group can fill the private charter value, because the price is per group, not per person. If you’re only booking for one or two, the math gets harder, and you might prefer a shared tour to spread the cost.

Skip it or rethink it if you need an all-day itinerary or you’re expecting a lot of shore time between stops. This trip is about being on the water, then getting back to Puerto Colón.

If you’re flexible on the bay choice and you’re excited about snorkeling plus paddleboarding, this is exactly the kind of Costa Adeje half-day that can turn into a memorable highlight.

FAQ

How long is the private sailboat charter with snorkeling?

It runs for 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is gate 2 at Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje.

Is the charter private, and how many people can go?

It is a private group, up to 11 passengers.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

Snorkeling gear is provided on board, including goggles and snorkels.

Is a paddleboard included?

Yes, a paddleboard is included and available during the trip.

What’s included in the price?

A 3-hour sail with the captain is included, along with the paddleboard, snorkeling gear, drinks and sandwiches, and gas.

What is not included?

Towels, sunscreen, and an open bar are not included.

What languages are available with the captain?

The driver/captain is listed as English, Spanish, and Italian.