Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Private Family Fishing Tour

Tenerife fishing feels personal. A Santa Cruz de Tenerife private family tour out of Barco 33 turns a half-day into real hands-on sport, with downtime built in for everyone. I love that it is set up for families, so you are not stuck being quiet observers the whole time.

The best part is getting professional equipment plus an English-speaking captain, including Ruslan, who keeps things smooth and checks in on everyone. The one real drawback is that the boat can move a lot, so if seasickness is your enemy, plan ahead or skip this outing.

Key things I’d circle before booking

• Private, family-friendly pacing: everyone can try, rest, snack, and switch roles during the trip
• Two fishing styles in one 4-hour window: trolling and bottom fishing both get time
• Onboard comfort comes with the catch: drinks plus snacks are part of the experience
• Lagoon time is the reset button: swim or go underwater with provided masks and goggles
• Captain support matters: Ruslan checked on motion sickness and helped the kids stay confident

Booking a Private Fishing Day in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Barco 33)

This is a true private setup for a group of up to 6, and that changes the whole feel of the day. Instead of squeezing into a shared boat schedule, you can move from fishing to relaxing at a pace that works for your family.

You meet at Gate number 3, in front of cafe Victoria, then you head to the departure boat area at Barco 33. It runs for 4 hours, which is long enough to try real tactics like trolling and bottom fishing, but short enough that younger kids do not lose the plot.

One practical note I really like here: the tour includes drinks and the key fishing gear. That means less decision-making once you are on the water. You just show up, grab a towel if you plan to swim, and go.

Your 4-hour flow: trolling first, then bottom fishing

The day is built around two fishing approaches, and you get to try your hand at both. That matters because trolling is more active and often feels like chasing, while bottom fishing is steadier and tends to be great for beginners and kids who want a simpler rhythm.

What you can expect on the boat:

• You choose between trolling and bottom fishing during the trip, then switch as the captain sees fit.
• You use professional fishing equipment, so you are not trying to figure out hardware while everyone is waiting.
• You fish in spots that can change during the outing, with the goal of getting more people hooked up.

A detail I loved from an on-the-water experience: Ruslan was willing to adjust the plan so the whole group had opportunities to catch fish. That is a big deal when you have kids watching the line like it is a magic trick.

And yes, your success depends on timing and conditions, so think of this as skill plus opportunity, not a guarantee of a specific species.

Onboard comfort: drinks, snacks, and keeping kids happy

This is not a barebones fishing trip. Drinks are included: water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine. There is also food support, with snacks onboard, and sandwiches available if you reserve ahead.

For families, that kind of onboard structure reduces the usual chaos. You can keep energy up between fishing runs, and you avoid the classic problem of, everyone is hungry, nobody is patient. One reason the reviews feel so positive is that the boat experience stays comfortable, even while people are working on catching fish.

If you like neat touches, consider this: you might find a fridge stocked and snack options already set out. That means your first hour does not start with a scramble for what to eat.

Small practical tip: if you plan to swim in the lagoon later, bring bath towels. It saves you from that last-minute hunt around the boat.

The lagoon break: swim time plus underwater viewing with masks

After fishing, the trip includes a break where the boat drops anchor in a lagoon. This is where you stop thinking like anglers and start thinking like tourists with time to breathe.

You can:

• Swim if you want a break from the boat movement and constant line watching
• Go underwater with the provided masks and goggles to look around during the lagoon stop
• Let children catch fish on a float, which keeps them busy without requiring the full fishing setup

The lagoon portion is one of the smartest design choices in a half-day. It gives kids something fun that is not just waiting. It also gives adults a visual payoff, since the day is not only about pulling fish out of the water.

One consideration: the boat can move, so if you are prone to motion sickness, swimming time might feel easier than time on open water. Still, the sea portion is part of the deal, so plan accordingly.

What fish you might catch, and why season matters

The species list is the key here, and it is honest. Depending on the season, you might catch fish such as barracuda, mahi mahi, bonito, and even sailfish. That means the captain is not just taking you out for a show. You are fishing in waters where different pelagic and game fish show up at different times.

Also, if your family cares less about species names and more about the excitement of a real catch, you are covered. One experience shared that trolling produced bonito, and the captain even prepared it for eating as sashimi onboard, then kept one fish as a takeaway. That kind of hands-on moment is what makes this tour feel more like a day with a pro than a checkout line for fishing photos.

Still, keep your expectations flexible. Seasons shift, and conditions matter. Think: you are buying a guided fishing day with a strong chance of action, not a guaranteed catch of a single species.

Captain Ruslan and the small things that make it easy

The captain experience is a standout part of this tour. Ruslan came through in a few ways that are worth highlighting because they reduce friction for families.

Here are the practical positives I’d watch for:

• Ruslan was in touch before the day, then followed up again the morning of, so meeting was easy.
• He checked whether everyone was comfortable with boat movement, which is huge if kids are involved.
• He offered small thrills, like letting a child hold the boat’s steering wheel during the outing.

That last detail sounds minor, but it is not. It turns a passive family day into an active one. And with fishing, confidence matters. If kids feel included, the whole vibe improves.

The captain also speaks English, which helps if your group wants to understand what is happening and why. You do not need a translator to have fun.

One more nice touch: the boat itself is described as clean and ready to use, with snacks and drinks organized onboard. When things are tidy, the day feels less like logistics and more like fun.

Value for $573 for a group up to 6

Let’s talk money the practical way. At $573 per group up to 6, you are paying for several things at once:

• A private charter, meaning the captain and boat focus on your group
• Fishing equipment included
• Drinks included
• Masks and goggles for the lagoon time

So your real cost per person depends on your group size. With a full group of 6, the day becomes much more cost-friendly than if you only have 2 or 3 people. If you are a family, that group cap is the sweet spot, especially when you want adults to fish and kids to have a structured activity.

Also, you are buying time that is already productive. In 4 hours, the tour cycles through trolling, bottom fishing, and lagoon break. That is a lot of “doing” packed into one morning or afternoon style outing, without needing to plan tackle, transportation, and onboard food yourself.

The main value tradeoff is that transfers are not included. If you need a ride, you will need to arrange that separately. Paid parking is available at the port too, so plan for that if you drive.

Who should book this Santa Cruz fishing tour

This tour fits best if you want:

• A family-friendly private fishing day where kids are not left out
• An active outing with both trolling and bottom fishing
• A built-in break with lagoon swimming and underwater viewing with masks and goggles
• A guided experience where English support helps you learn while you go

It is also a solid choice if your group includes mixed interests. The tour has fishing, but it also has relaxing time, drinks, and the lagoon stop if you need a reset.

Who should think twice:

• If you are prone to seasickness, this is not the kind of outing to test your luck. Take seasickness medicine before going out if you choose to go, and if you know you react badly, consider skipping.
• People over 95 years are noted as not suitable.

What to do before you go (so the day stays fun)

You do not need to be an expert, but a few prep choices help a lot:

• If seasickness is a risk, take medicine before you head out into the ocean.
• Bring bath towels if you plan to swim in the lagoon.
• If your group wants sandwiches, reserve them ahead of time.
• Wear clothes that handle salt air and boat spray, since you will be on the water for the full 4 hours.

For families, set expectations early: you will try different methods, then you will get lagoon time. Kids often do best when they know there is a fun break coming.

Should you book this Santa Cruz de Tenerife fishing tour?

If you are the kind of group that likes to do things together, not just watch, I think this is a smart booking. The private format, included gear, and drinks make it feel like a real day on the water rather than an overpriced ticket.

I would book it if:

• You have a group size close to 6, or you really want the private focus
• You want both hands-on fishing and a lagoon break for swimming and underwater viewing with masks and goggles
• You value an English-speaking captain who keeps the experience comfortable for kids, like Ruslan

I would skip it if your number one priority is calm water, since the boat can move. And if seasickness usually ruins your plans, do not plan to “tough it out” just because the fishing sounds fun.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Santa Cruz de Tenerife fishing tour?

You meet at Gate number 3, in front of cafe Victoria.

How long is the private family fishing tour?

The tour lasts 4 hours.

Is this tour private, and what is the group size limit?

Yes, it is a private group, with a maximum of 6 people per group.

What fishing methods will we try?

You can try trolling and bottom fishing.

What drinks are included on board?

The tour includes water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine.

Can kids participate during the tour?

Yes. Children can catch fish on a float, and the tour is set up for families.

Are masks and goggles included for the water break?

Yes, diving masks and diving goggles are included for the lagoon stop.

What happens during the lagoon stop?

The boat anchors in a lagoon where you can swim or use the provided underwater gear, and kids can catch fish on a float.

Is transfer included?

No, transfer is not included.

Is the tour suitable for people who get seasick?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and if you are worried about seasickness you are advised to take medicine before going out into the ocean.