Puerto Colon: License-Free Self-Drive Boat in Tenerife

A license-free boat makes Tenerife feel personal. It is a simple setup: you take the wheel, follow the GPS, and cruise Tenerife’s coast at your own pace.

I like that the experience is built for real freedom, not a fixed route, and I also like the practical extras like snorkel gear, an anchor, and onboard shade from the canopy. One thing to consider is that your usable sailing area may feel limited depending on local rules and conditions, so you will want to keep expectations flexible.

You meet at a specific spot, then you get a clear briefing, with staff including Eric who is known for making the start smooth. The big drawback is logistics, if the pickup point is misunderstood, you can lose time and end up climbing extra stairs before you even reach the boat. Double-check Gate number 3 before you go.

Key highlights at a glance

• License-free driving so you can steer without a navigation license
• GPS onboard to help you plan and move along the coast
• Snorkeling gear included, plus an anchor for calmer water stops
• Fridge and music so food and drinks stay cool and the trip feels relaxed
• Fuel and soft drinks covered, which makes the price easier to judge
• Small group up to 6, ideal for friends or families traveling together

Why a license-free boat changes your Tenerife day

Tenerife’s coastline can look made for day trips, but most tours feel rushed. This one flips the script. You are not waiting for a captain to decide where to stop, you are the one choosing how long to linger, where to anchor, and when to head back.

The license-free part is what makes it work. It lowers the barrier, so you can spend your energy on the sea, not on paperwork or specialized training. You still get a briefing and safety gear, so it is not a do-it-yourself free-for-all.

For many people, the best value is the mix of independence and built-in comforts. You have shade under the canopy, a fridge to keep extra items cool, and even a Bluetooth audio system to play music while you cruise. If you like your vacation to feel like you rented freedom, not like you signed up for a schedule, this is your kind of day.

Meeting at Gate 3: the part that can make or break the start

Your meeting point is Gate number 3. That sounds straightforward, but in busy ports the difference between the right gate and the wrong one can be a real headache. One past issue was a wrong pickup point being given, which led to a delay and a lot of steps before the boat start.

So do yourself a favor: show up a little early, and confirm you are at Gate number 3, not just somewhere nearby. If you are bringing a friend or family group, make sure everyone has the same meeting detail so nobody gets “lost” in the shuffle.

Also bring what you are asked to bring: a towel, your credit card, and a passport or ID card (a copy is accepted). Having those ready makes check-in faster and reduces stress.

If you have mobility concerns, this is listed as wheelchair accessible, but avoid the extra walking by getting the meeting point right.

The boat setup: GPS, canopy shade, fridge, and Bluetooth music

The boat is designed for up to 6 people, which is a sweet spot. You get a sense of privacy, but you are not stuck with a huge party where nobody agrees on the vibe.

You will have a GPS onboard, which matters more than it sounds. It helps you get your bearings along the coast without constantly asking for directions. For a self-drive experience, that support is a big confidence booster.

Onboard comfort is also practical:

• A canopy helps with sun protection, so the trip does not turn into a heat test
• A fridge lets you bring extra food and drinks and keep them cool
• A Bluetooth audio system lets you play music at a reasonable volume, which makes anchored stops feel more like a hangout than a tour
• Life jackets are available for safety

A small detail that adds up: a soft drink is included, so you are not starting the day empty-handed. Fuel is included too, so your main variable is time, not “Will we run out?”

Cruising Tenerife’s coast at your pace (and how to think about route choices)

The core idea is simple: you explore the coast freely. Instead of following a fixed itinerary, you use the boat and GPS to move along the shoreline and find the kind of water you want.

Here is how I suggest you think about it in real life:

• If you want more relaxing time, head toward calmer areas where you can anchor comfortably
• If you want more scenery, keep moving and plan for shorter stops
• If snorkeling is your priority, schedule a chunk of the trip when the water feels workable

Because the experience is license-free and meant for easy driving, you will likely feel most confident with a plan that does not require constant tight maneuvers. The better your pacing, the more enjoyable the day becomes.

One review note that is worth respecting: the area you can use might feel limited for some guests. I would treat that as a “plan for options, not control” situation. With that mindset, you will enjoy the cruise even if the route feels shorter than you hoped.

Anchoring in calm water for snorkeling and swims

The best part of this type of trip is often the stop. You get an anchor so you can pause in tranquil coves and take a break from motion.

Snorkeling gear is included, and that is a meaningful value add. You are not paying extra or hunting around for equipment once you arrive. With your masks provided, you can spend less time preparing and more time actually using the sea time you paid for.

Practical tip: bring a towel and keep your basics organized. After a swim or snorkeling session, you will want somewhere to dry off quickly, and having a towel ready saves you from the awkward scramble.

Also note what is not allowed: alcohol and drugs are not permitted. That makes sense for a self-drive boat, and it keeps the experience safer and more responsible. If you want to bring your own food, you can, and the fridge helps keep it reasonable while you are out.

For many people, the sweet spot is a blend: cruise for views, anchor for a relaxing swim, then cruise again so you do not feel stuck in one spot for the entire window.

How the 1 to 4 hours really changes the vibe

This experience can run from 1 to 4 hours. The “right” length depends on what you want your day to feel like.

A 1 to 2 hour trip works if:

• You want a taste of the coast
• You are pairing the boat with other Tenerife plans
• Your group has mixed interests and you want a quick win

A 3 to 4 hour trip works if:

• You want time for cruising plus a proper snorkeling stop
• You want a slower pace with anchored relaxation
• You are traveling as a family or a group of friends and want everyone to enjoy the sea time

The reason duration matters so much here is that you are self-driving. More time usually means fewer “rush moments.” Less time usually means you have to choose quickly: more movement, or more anchored chill.

Also consider group size. Up to 6 people can stay calm and coordinated, but if everyone wants to snorkel at once, time management becomes your friend. Plan a simple rotation, so the whole boat stays comfortable.

Price and value: what $71 per person buys you

$71 per person sounds simple, but the value depends on what is included. In this case, the list is genuinely helpful for planning.

You get:

• Gasoline, so you are not surprised by fuel charges
• Soft drinks, so you start relaxed
• Snorkel gear, which you would otherwise have to rent or buy
• GPS, which supports the whole self-drive idea
• A fridge and music, which makes it feel like more than a basic outing

When fuel and equipment are included, it changes your budgeting. You can plan your day around food you might bring, a towel, and basic personal items, instead of worrying about add-ons.

The real thing you should evaluate is fit. If you want a strict guided tour with lots of stops and commentary, this may not feel as structured as you expect. If you want freedom, a small-group boat day, and easy practical gear included, it offers good value for what you actually do out on the water.

Who this suits best, and who should skip it

This is best for groups that like independence and a relaxed pace. It is a strong match for:

• Friends traveling together who want a shared sea day
• Families with older kids who can follow instructions
• Couples who do not want to join a large group

It is not suitable for:

• Children under 2 years
• Pregnant women
• People over 297 lbs (135 kg)

And remember the no alcohol and drugs rule. That is part of the safety approach and the expectation for responsible self-drive boating.

If you are the type of traveler who hates being rushed, you will probably like the freedom here. If you get anxious without a captain making decisions, you might feel better choosing a shorter duration and planning a simple day.

Small gotchas to avoid: pickup errors, voucher issues, and limited freedom

The biggest “don’t get burned” items are logistics and expectations.

Pickup confusion is real. Gate number 3 is your anchor point, so confirm it and arrive early. When the wrong pickup point is used, the knock-on effect is annoying, time is lost and you may face extra steps. For anyone with mobility limits, it is even more important.

There can also be voucher handling hiccups. One past issue involved the staff meeting point needing help with voucher handling, with a call needed to sort it out. You cannot control every tech problem, but you can reduce your risk by having your booking details and ID ready in advance.

Finally, consider the limited-area feeling mentioned before. That can happen if local navigation rules constrain where you are allowed to go, or if conditions make certain areas off-limits. Instead of trying to “win” the day with one perfect route, plan to enjoy what you can access. A shorter radius can still give you calm anchoring time and good snorkeling.

Should you book the Puerto Colón license-free self-drive boat?

I would book it if your priority is a small-group, self-drive boat day with the practical support of onboard GPS, included snorkeling gear, and comfort features like a fridge, canopy shade, and music. It is a great fit when you want flexibility, not a rigid schedule.

I would think twice if you need a very structured tour with lots of planned stops and guiding. Also be honest about your comfort with self-driving and your group coordination. The day goes best when everyone agrees on a simple plan and you keep an eye on time.

If you do book, do two things that matter: verify Gate number 3 before you arrive, and bring your towel plus the required ID and credit card items. Those small steps protect the fun part, which is being on your own boat, choosing the pace, and enjoying Tenerife’s coast without the feeling of being herded.

FAQ

How many people can the Puerto Colón self-drive boat accommodate?

The boat is for up to 6 people.

Do I need a navigation license to drive the boat?

No. It is a license-free self-drive boat experience.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are gasoline, soft drink, briefing, life jacket, fridge, music, GPS, snorkel, and the boat for 6 people.

How long is the activity?

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

Where do I meet for the boat?

The meeting point is Gate number 3.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, a credit card, and a passport or ID card (a copy is accepted).

Is alcohol allowed on board?

No, alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Is it suitable for everyone?

It is wheelchair accessible, but it is not suitable for children under 2 years, pregnant women, or people over 297 lbs (135 kg).