Tenerife: Private Boat Charter with Tapas & Drinks

Sun, snacks, and wildlife on a private boat. From Puerto Colón (Adeje) you cruise the south coast while enjoying unlimited premium brand drinks and tapas onboard, with mountain peaks and rugged Atlantic views all around. One key consideration: this is open-water time, so if you get seasick easily, you may not love it for a full 3 hours.

I like the mix of sun and shade built into this charter. You get comfy bow seating and sun pads, plus interior cabins with shelter if the sun is intense, along with a private bathroom and freshwater shower on board. Captains like William and Noel are repeatedly praised for steering the boat so you can spot sea life and feel looked after, which makes the whole afternoon feel smooth and personal for a small group.

Key things to know before you go

• 30-foot Rio 850 Cruiser named Libby for a true private, small-group feel up to 6 people
• Tapas and unlimited premium brand drinks served during the cruise
• Snorkeling gear included, plus time where you can stop, swim, and rinse off on board
• Rugged south-coast scenery with mountain views and even a few hidden-cave moments
• Wildlife sightings are a real possibility, including dolphins, turtles, and whales
• Multiple departure times so you can pick a morning, afternoon, or sunset-style outing

From Pantalan 3 to the South Coast: the 3-hour rhythm

This charter runs for 3 hours, which is just long enough to enjoy the coast without turning the day into a slog. You’ll start from Puerto Colón and head down Tenerife’s south coastline, with the captain shaping the route based on conditions and chances for sea life.

The timing matters because the vibe changes. A sunset slot is especially popular, since the light hits the water nicely and you get that end-of-day feeling while you’re still eating and drinking on board. Earlier departures can be great too if you want maximum time in the sun before dinner plans.

Your group is private, so there’s no sharing the boat with strangers. That matters for comfort, but it also helps you choose what kind of time you want: lots of bow time for photos, or more cabin time when you want shade.

One logistics point to plan for: transport to and from the harbor is not included. Build in buffer time to get to the dock area, especially if you’re relying on taxis from resorts across Adeje.

Libby, the Rio 850 Cruiser: sun pads, cabins, and real onboard comfort

The boat is a 30-foot twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser named Libby. It’s built for an easy cruise, with open space up front for sunbathing and watching the coastline slide by.

If you want to avoid frying, you’ll appreciate the two interior cabins. They provide shelter from the sun when needed, so you can cool down without leaving the experience. Reviews also point out that the cabin setup feels practical, especially if your group includes different comfort levels with heat.

Onboard comfort is better than you’d expect for a short charter. There’s a private bathroom and a freshwater shower, which comes in handy after a swim or snorkel stop. For me, that detail is huge because it turns “we got in the water” from a hassle into a bonus.

A couple of small touches show up in guest reports too. Many people mention the boat is kept immaculate, and some captains help you set up your own music through Bluetooth if you bring your playlist. Others even mention being allowed to have a go at steering, which is a fun way to make a 3-hour outing feel memorable.

What to consider: this is not a big, slow-moving sightseeing ship. It’s a nimble charter, so expect some motion and plan accordingly.

Tapas and unlimited premium drinks: value that feels like a win

The deal is straightforward: you get tapas plus unlimited premium brand drinks during your charter. For $530 per group up to 6, the math can look surprisingly reasonable once you think about the cost of drinks and food when you’re on vacation anyway. If you fill the group, the per-person price drops fast, and you’re basically paying for privacy plus a captain plus time on the water.

Now, what does “tapas” mean in real life? Several people describe it as a snack-board style spread, which makes it great for cruising but not necessarily a full meal. If you’re the type who gets hungry early, I’d eat something solid before you arrive so you’re comfortable from start to finish.

Drinks are where this charter earns strong marks. People repeatedly mention having plenty to drink, with lots of variety in practice. Still, there’s one fair warning to keep your expectations aligned: one group said their drink service leaned heavily toward beer or wine, with no spirits or cider. If you’re picky about what you want to drink, I’d ask when you book to make sure the style matches your preferences.

Also pay attention to what you bring on board. Smoking is not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are listed as not allowed, so don’t plan to bring extra from outside. The included drinks are part of the experience, so stick with what’s provided.

The south coast show: rugged Atlantic views, caves, and mountain peaks

This is a coast-cruise, and that’s exactly what you should expect. You’ll meander along Tenerife’s rugged Atlantic coastline, with mountain peaks rising close enough to feel dramatic. When the captain slows or changes course, you can see the coastline in layers, from dark rock edges to the lighter patches of shoreline.

Hidden caves are part of the experience too, though you should treat them as “spot and pass” moments rather than a walk-in attraction. The boat view makes sense here: you get the effect of the rock formations without losing time on land.

Wildlife is another big reason people book. Depending on conditions and timing, you might spot dolphins, turtles, and even whales such as pilot whales. One group mentions seeing a small pod that felt like it was everywhere. Another notes small whales while they were served drinks and looked out from the bow.

For your best odds, do two simple things:

• Spend time on the bow for spotting.
• Keep your camera accessible, but also look up often. Sea life can pop into view fast.

The captain’s role is more than driving. Several captains, including William, Noel, and Robert, are described as careful and friendly, with a knack for bringing you close enough for good viewing while keeping the trip safe and comfortable. If you’re the type who likes learning while you go, that human touch helps a lot.

Swimming and snorkeling stops: gear is included, but choose your moment

This charter includes snorkeling gear, and the itinerary builds in time where you can jump in and swim. People describe anchoring stops where the water looks inviting and the crew makes it easy to get out and back in.

You’ll also get a freshwater shower back on the boat, which is great because it means you’re not stuck rinsing off in a random place. For comfort, that’s a big deal.

One caution comes up clearly in guest feedback: the water may not be perfectly still. Swimming can be very doable, but it’s not the calm, glassy-surface kind of situation all the time. If you’re a strong swimmer, you’ll likely have a smoother time. If you’re less confident, wear your gear properly, stay close, and don’t overestimate how easy it feels once you’re in.

If you do snorkel, focus on staying relaxed. Short bursts work better than trying to stay out too long. You’ll enjoy it more, and you’ll be ready for the next cruise segment with your drink and tapas.

When this private charter is the right fit (and when it isn’t)

This is built for small groups and “slow down and enjoy” travel. It fits friends heading into a celebration, families who want a fun, contained activity, and couples who don’t want to juggle buses and crowded schedules.

You’ll like it most if you want:

• A relaxed 3-hour boat outing with privacy
• Ocean views plus a food and drink component
• A chance to see sea life without a full day tour
• Mix-and-match time in sun and shade

It’s not a match for everyone. The activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and since this is open water, that warning isn’t something to ignore. Also, if you’re expecting a long, land-and-walk kind of sightseeing day, the format will feel too short.

If you’re celebrating something, this charter often hits the mark. A 60th birthday and Father’s Day were both mentioned as memorable occasions, mostly because the crew made the group feel cared for and the atmosphere stayed relaxed.

Who you’re with matters: crew vibes and the little extras

The crew makes a difference on a private charter. People mention captains like William, Noel, Robert, and Havier for being friendly, attentive, and genuinely focused on safety and comfort. That kind of service turns the trip from “just sit there” into an actual experience.

A few extra perks keep showing up:

• Guests describing the ability to play music from their phones via Bluetooth
• Captains steering closer for sea life viewing
• Opportunities to try steering the boat (when conditions allow)
• A strong focus on making everyone feel welcome and safe

Also, the boat setup is designed for mixed preferences. You can rotate between bow watching and interior shade without missing the action. For groups with different energy levels, that balance is a win.

What to bring, what to avoid, and how to make it easy on yourself

The basics are simple, and you’ll be glad you packed them. Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, and comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting damp if you swim.

A practical note: wear what you can move in. High-heeled shoes are not allowed, so skip anything that’s hard to walk in on a boat deck.

Also think about comfort with water time. If you plan to snorkel or swim, keep your towel accessible, and consider wearing dark, quick-dry swimwear under cover-up clothing so you’re not constantly changing.

Finally, if you’re the type who loves photos, shoot while you’re warmed up. Once the sun gets stronger, it’s harder to hold a camera steady on a bright deck.

Should you book this Tenerife private boat charter?

I’d book it if you want a private 3-hour experience with real value built in: tapas, unlimited premium brand drinks, and a chance to swim or snorkel without doing a full-day excursion. It’s especially worth it if you’re traveling with up to 6 people, because the group price spreads nicely.

I’d also book it if you care about atmosphere. The combination of a clean, comfortable boat, friendly captains (William and Noel come up a lot), and wildlife potential makes this feel like a highlight, not a checkbox.

Skip it if you’re likely to feel sick on the water. And if your group has strong preferences about alcohol types, ask up front to confirm what’s included in practice, since at least one group reported a more limited selection.

If you can handle some ocean motion and you want sun, coast views, and an easy schedule, this is one of the smoother ways to do Tenerife from the water.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter on Tenerife?

It lasts 3 hours.

Where do we meet for the charter?

The meeting point is Pantalan 3.

What boat are we on?

You board the 30-foot twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser named Libby at Puerto Colón in Adeje.

Is the group private, and how many people can it include?

This is a private group for up to 6 people.

What’s included besides the boat ride?

Included items are unlimited premium brand drinks, tapas, snorkeling gear, fuel, and the captain and crew, plus a private bathroom and freshwater shower onboard.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen, plus comfortable clothes.

Is snorkeling or swimming actually part of the experience?

Snorkeling gear is included, and the experience includes time where you can stop to swim and snorkel, with onboard shower access afterward.

Is it suitable for everyone, especially if someone gets seasick?

It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

What is not allowed during the charter?

High-heeled shoes, smoking, and alcohol and drugs are listed as not allowed.