Puerto Colon: La Nina Boat self drive, No licence Tenerife

A boat day with no license sounds risky, until you try it. This is a license-free self-drive experience along Tenerife’s coast, built for up to 5 people, with GPS to help you get around. What I like most is how easy it is to steer, and how the package includes swim time gear like snorkel masks, so you can switch from cruising to relaxing fast. One thing to consider, though, is that a 1 to 4 hour window means you’ll want to choose your timing well if you’re hoping to see multiple coves.

I also like the comfort angle. You get a canopy for sun cover, life jackets on board, and a Bluetooth audio system so the day feels like a vacation instead of a chore.

If you’re traveling with very small kids or older family members, double-check suitability. It is not suitable for children under 2, and it’s not for people over 95.

Key things I’d bookmark before you go

• License-free self-drive on Tenerife for up to 5 people, so you control the pace
• GPS included, which makes planning and navigation feel much less stressful
• Snorkel masks plus an anchor, so you can stop for swimming whenever the water looks good
• On-board drinks and music, including a fridge to keep extra food and drinks cool
• Fuel is included, so you are not doing guesswork mid-trip
• Support from the guide team, including a contact number if you need help

Puerto Colón, La Niña style, with no-license sailing

Puerto Colón is a handy starting point for a sea day on Tenerife, especially if you want freedom. Instead of joining a fixed route, you’re driving the boat yourself (no navigation license needed), which changes everything. You pick where you pause, how long you swim, and how slow you keep it.

The experience is designed for small groups, up to 5 people on the boat. That size matters because it feels personal, not cramped, and you can actually hear the music and talk without shouting over a crowd.

The “La Niña” name pops up because the operator runs a similar style of boat day. In one recent 2-hour trip, the guest said it was a different boat than the La Niña they had previously, but it was not inferior. Translation for you: expect a consistent setup and service, but the exact vessel may vary.

Meeting at Gate 3 and getting your first bearings fast

You meet at Gate number 3. Arrive a few minutes early because you’ll want a calm start, not a sprint. Once you’re set up, you get a briefing before you leave, and that matters more than people think. Even with a license-free boat, the rules of safe handling and where you can go are still real.

On that same recent trip, the guest highlighted how the explanation before departure was good. That’s a green flag for your planning: you want clear guidance on basic control, anchoring, and safety basics before you head out.

You also get a number from someone on the guide team who is ready if something happens. It’s not the same as driving with a professional captain in the boat, but it does reduce stress. You still get independence, with support if you need it.

The boat setup that actually makes a difference

This is not just a “here’s the keys” situation. The boat comes with a practical mix of comfort and gear so your time on the water feels effortless.

Here’s what you’ll have:

• GPS for navigating
• Anchor to pause at calm spots for swimming
• Snorkel masks for exploring underwater
• A canopy to protect you from harsh sun
• Life jackets available for safety
• Gasoline included
• Soft drink included
• Bluetooth music
• A fridge so you can bring extra food and drinks and keep them cool

I particularly like the pairing of GPS plus anchoring. GPS helps you feel confident getting oriented along the coast. Then the anchor lets you stop for the moment you want, rather than treating swimming as an optional add-on.

And the fridge is more useful than it sounds. If you come prepared with snacks, it turns your sail into a mini picnic at sea instead of a quick dip and back.

What about that cava?

One review noted there was a bottle of cava on board. That’s not something you should assume every time, but it hints at the relaxed, celebratory vibe this trip can have. If you want to bring your own extras, the fridge is there to support it.

Cruising Tenerife’s coast on your own schedule

The duration is 1 to 4 hours, depending on what you book. Short trip? Treat it like a focused escape. Longer trip? You get time to settle in, do more swimming, and enjoy the coast without feeling rushed.

Because you’re driving, your “itinerary” becomes weather and mood based. If the water looks calm and the visibility feels good, you can stop. If it’s choppy, you can keep cruising and wait for a better spot.

That freedom is the big selling point. You’re not stuck in line waiting for someone else’s timetable. You can float, swim, and move at your pace, and the gear supports that.

One practical consideration: with only up to 4 hours, you should think ahead. If you’re traveling with friends, agree on what you want most: cruising views, snorkeling time, or a longer anchoring session. You can usually do all three, but the order matters for how relaxed it feels.

Anchoring for swimming and snorkeling, without the pressure

On a boat day, the best part is rarely the sailing itself. It’s the moments when the engine slows, you drop anchor, and you switch modes from sightseeing to being in the water.

This experience includes an anchor plus snorkel masks, which means you can plan for a true swim break. The operator also provides life jackets, so safety is part of the package, not something you have to hunt down.

What I like is that you get the time to do your thing. In that review, the guest said they had plenty of time to swim and float and enjoy the day. That aligns with the idea of self-drive freedom: you stop when the sea is inviting, not because a schedule says it’s time to go.

Quick tip for a smoother swim break

If you want photos or a calmer swim session, try to anchor during a less busy time of day. Even without exact coves listed, the coast gives you options. Use your GPS to move to a spot that looks right before you anchor.

Comfort and fun at sea: music, sun cover, and snacks

It’s Tenerife, so the sun can be strong. The boat’s canopy helps you avoid that “half melted, half squinting” feeling that ruins a sea day. Under the cover, it’s easier to eat, talk, and enjoy the views without constantly shielding your eyes.

Then there’s the Bluetooth audio system. Having music on board turns the trip into a real hangout. It also makes the experience feel more personal, because your group controls the vibe.

If you bring your own food and drinks, the fridge is a smart inclusion. You can keep things cool and avoid relying on whatever is in your bag. Even a simple snack and a cold drink become part of the experience when everything is manageable.

Price and value: $74 per person for what you control

At about $74 per person, this is priced like a sea excursion, but the value comes from how the day is structured. You get self-drive freedom, not just a ride. That’s a big deal when you compare it to tours where you sit, follow the route, and then hope the swimming stop works out.

Also, the inclusions help the math:

• fuel (gasoline) is included
• GPS is included
• snorkel masks are included
• an anchor is included
• drinks are included (soft drink, and sometimes extra surprises like a bottle of cava)
• a fridge is included
• music and a canopy are included

If you’re splitting the experience among a small group, this can feel like a fair swap for a more rigid tour. You pay for convenience and freedom, and you get the tools to actually use that freedom.

Just keep one detail in mind: the materials say a boat for 5 people, while the highlights also mention 6 people in one line. Don’t assume. When you book, confirm the exact maximum capacity for your specific boat.

Who this boat day is for (and who should skip it)

This works best for:

• Couples and groups of friends who want to set their own pace
• People who like water time, especially swimming and snorkeling
• Travelers who do not want the stress of learning a full sailing or navigation license
• Anyone who likes the idea of a small, relaxed day rather than a big tour crowd

It might not be ideal if:

• You want a strict, pre-planned sightseeing route with fixed stops
• You get nervous operating a vehicle, even if it’s described as easy to maneuver
• Your group includes someone outside the suitability range (not for children under 2, not for people over 95)

What to bring for a smooth day

You’ll want:

• A passport or ID card
• A credit card

Bring those even if you’re confident you won’t need them. The operator specifies them, so plan on it.

For the rest, pack like you’re going swimming and relaxing. Sunscreen, a towel, and a dry bag help. And if you plan on food and extra drinks, the fridge makes bringing extras more worthwhile.

Should you book this Puerto Colón license-free boat day?

If your ideal Tenerife day includes sea views, a stop for swimming, and enough flexibility to follow your mood, I’d book it. The strongest reason is simple: this is one of those activities where you are not just watching the coast, you’re actively choosing how to enjoy it.

I’d also feel good about it if you like clear support without losing independence. The briefing plus the guide team contact number is exactly what you want when you’re driving yourself.

The only “pause” I’d give you is timing. Since you’re working with a 1 to 4 hour window, choose a duration that matches your priorities. Want quick fun? Go short. Want relaxed sailing and more water time? Go longer.

FAQ

Do I need a license to drive the boat?

No. This is described as a license-free self-drive boat experience, so you do not need a navigation license.

How long is the boat experience?

The duration options are 1 to 4 hours, depending on availability and starting times.

What is included on board?

Gasoline, soft drink, briefing, life jacket, fridge, music, GPS, snorkel masks, and a boat for up to 5 people are included.

Where do I meet for the activity?

The meeting point is Gate number 3.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your passport or ID card and a credit card.

Is it suitable for children or very elderly guests?

It is not suitable for children under 2 years old, and it is not suitable for people over 95 years old.