Tenerife: Shared Yacht Cruise with Champagne and Tapas

Settle into a Tenerife yacht day that feels effortless. This shared cruise from Puerto Colón pairs a Beneteau Antares 42 with a relaxed rhythm, a small group (up to 10), and real time on the water instead of a quick drive-by. You start with champagne, eat Spanish tapas, then use paddleboards and sea scooters to play in the Atlantic.

I love the setup: all-inclusive drinks (champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, water) and food that actually fills you up. The other big win is the activity mix, with paddleboards, sea scooters, and snorkeling gear, plus the crew calling out marine life as you go.

One drawback to plan for: this trip is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If you get queasy easily, you will want to think twice, or bring proper medication and ask the crew where to sit for steadier footing.

Key highlights that make this cruise worth your time

• Champagne welcome at the dock before you even pull away from Puerto Colón
• A Beneteau Antares 42 shared charter with room to spread out, not a crowded party boat
• Spanish tapas made for the sail: Tortilla Española, jamón, cheese, baguettes, fresh fruit
• Water toys included: paddleboards and sea scooters, plus snorkeling gear
• Wildlife spotting window(s) with a chance to see dolphins, and other marine life when conditions allow
• A swim-and-activities stop near La Caleta that’s built into the 3-hour flow

Entering Puerto Colón on a real yacht, not a crowded cattle car

This is a 3-hour shared yacht charter from Puerto Colón, built around comfort and a calm pace. You’re on a Beneteau Antares 42, a solid, sporty day-cruiser style boat that feels more like a private outing than a typical tour.

You’ll meet at Puerto Colón Patalán Nº2, about 15 minutes before departure, and they ask you to stay up top by the gate. Some people go with optional pickup near their hotel reception, while others head to the port on their own. Either way, once you’re aboard, the tone is friendly and un-rushed.

The small group matters. With a cap of 10 and a minimum of 4 required for the trip to run, you usually avoid the “everyone shoulder-checks everyone” vibe that ruins boat days. Crew members you might meet include captains or guides like Juan, Maxi, Michelle, Raúl, and Martina, and the common theme is hands-on attention without hovering.

Champagne and tapas, the kind you don’t have to ration

The drinks are straightforward and generous: a welcome glass of champagne, then all-inclusive champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water throughout the cruise. You can keep things light or go full toast mode, but the main point is that you are not stuck scanning prices while you’re trying to enjoy the sea.

Food is Spanish tapas, served in a way that matches the boat. Expect baguettes, Tortilla Española, Spanish jamón, cheese, and fresh fruit. This is the kind of meal that works at sea because it’s finger-friendly and not overly fussy.

From what I’ve seen described, the tapas and drinks are not treated like a tiny snack. People talk about flowing cava/champagne and a steady pace of refreshments, which is a big deal on a short 3-hour experience. On a day like this, you want to feel taken care of from start to finish, not halfway through.

Water toys included: paddleboards and sea scooters that turn sightseeing into play

The best part of many Tenerife boat days is the moment you actually get in the water. Here, you get that, and you get options.

Included gear and activities are clearly listed, including:

• Use of paddleboard
• Use of sea scooters
• Snorkeling gear
• Life jackets and full safety equipment
• Opportunities for dolphin watching

Sea scooters are especially fun because they let you glide with less effort. You still control your movement, but you can cover more water while staying safe and close to the swim area the crew chooses. Paddleboards add a slower, steadier vibe, great for enjoying the view without feeling like you must perform.

Not everyone wants to snorkel. Some people just swim and hang out, and that can be the perfect plan if you’re more focused on the scenery than getting wet gear on. Either way, there’s enough variety that different personalities in your group won’t feel bored at the same time.

Wildlife watching around Tenerife: what the crew helps you spot

A big reason people book this cruise is the chance to see marine life. While sightings depend on conditions, the cruise includes dolphin watching opportunities and marine life viewing along the route.

From descriptions of past trips, it’s common to spot dolphins, and guests also report other wildlife like sea turtles and pilot whales. Some days even bring rarer surprises, like orcas. The crew’s job is to help you notice, not just point in the general direction.

Here’s how to make wildlife viewing work for you:

• Bring your camera ready but don’t let it block your attention. Look with your eyes first, then frame.
• Stay calm and quiet when asked. The crew will guide you on where to position safely.
• If you’re focused on dolphins, watch the water patterns, not just the horizon. Movement often shows up first as ripples or surfacing gaps.

This is not a zoo-style presentation. It’s real ocean, and the best moments come when you slow down and let the crew’s guidance lead your eyes.

The La Caleta swim and snorkeling stop: where the day turns memorable

The itinerary includes a stop at La Caleta, and this is where you usually get the most time in the water. You’ll have a photo stop and then a set of free-time and guided moments that typically build toward the swim activities.

This is also where snorkeling and stand up paddleboarding are part of the plan, with scuba diving listed as an option at the swim area. The key detail for you is the time allotment for water activities. You’re not just dipping your toes and rushing back to dry land.

A swim stop is about more than just getting wet. It changes the whole experience because you go from watching the coast to actually interacting with it. You can feel the Atlantic under you, and you get a better sense of where the marine life is moving.

One practical note: one review mentions a slide shown in photos was not present on their departure. If a specific prop or feature matters to you, don’t build your expectations around it. Count on the core included items like snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and sea scooters.

Timing and route: the 3-hour flow that stays relaxed

The cruise runs about 3 hours, with departure at 10:30 AM. You start with the champagne welcome, then the day moves through a couple of marine viewing stretches, including a 45-minute wildlife viewing window described in the tour flow.

You’ll pass by parts of the Tenerife coastline and get moments for sightseeing and photo stops. Then the schedule shifts to the La Caleta swim period, and later you get another marine life viewing window on the way back.

Even with a set itinerary, the vibe tends to feel flexible because you’re in a small group and the crew is managing both people and the sea conditions. That’s why guests repeatedly describe the trip as relaxed. When everyone has enough space and drinks are already handled, the day naturally flows better.

Drop-off is also spread across choices, with return to locations like Playa de las Américas and Puerto Colón (pantalán 2), depending on the option you select.

Crew energy: Juan, Maxi, Michelle, Raúl, and the art of staying hands-on

A yacht cruise lives or dies on the crew, and here you’ll see why the ratings are so high. Names that come up again and again include Juan and Maxi as key figures, and guides like Michelle, Raúl, and Martina are often mentioned for being attentive and friendly.

What I like in their style is the balance. They give information about what you’re seeing, but they don’t force a classroom lesson every time you pause for photos. They also help with the practical stuff that makes or breaks a sea day, like reminding you where to sit if you’re feeling any motion.

Sea conditions are real, and one person mentioned getting very sick. The crew were still supportive, giving suggestions that helped. That tells me the team is prepared to handle human moments, not just follow a script.

If you want a cruise where the captain and crew actually pay attention to your comfort and your experience, this is the right format. Small-group charters usually make that possible, and this one leans into it.

Price and value: why $100 feels reasonable here

At $100 per person for 3 hours, you’re not buying a long, slow day. But you are buying a lot of included value.

Your money covers:

• A charter on a Beneteau Antares 42
• Captain and full crew
• Fuel
• Welcome champagne
• All-inclusive drinks (multiple alcohol types plus soft drinks and water)
• Tapas (beyond a token snack)
• Water toys (paddleboard and sea scooters)
• Snorkeling gear
• Life jackets and safety equipment
• Wildlife viewing opportunities

So what’s the real value calculation? It’s not just that drinks are included. It’s that the day is built around multiple experiences, and you don’t have to pay extra each time you want to switch activities. A lot of tours sell you “views,” then charge for the fun. This one packages the fun into the price.

Also, the small group matters for value. If you’re sharing a boat with up to 10 people, you get more space and a better staff-to-passenger feel than you typically get on larger cruises.

Who should book this shared yacht cruise (and who should skip it)

This cruise fits you if:

• You want champagne and tapas without a stiff, formal vibe
• You like water activities, not just sitting on deck
• You care about marine life viewing and appreciate guidance
• You prefer a small group that feels relaxed

It’s not a great fit if:

• You are prone to seasickness. The activity is on a yacht in open water, and the operator explicitly lists it as not suitable.

If you’re traveling as a couple, this is also ideal. Many descriptions talk about how intimate and relaxed the day felt, even when the group didn’t fill to 10. Family-friendly in spirit, but if anyone in your group gets motion sick easily, plan around that.

What to bring and how to make the most of the sea day

For a comfortable day, pack the basics: sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen. The water activities are part of the point, so don’t show up dry-footed and hope you can improvise.

Also, keep expectations realistic about sea time. You’ll likely have swim windows and activity windows rather than nonstop action. That’s normal. The goal is to balance soaking up the sun, eating, and getting into the water.

If you are sensitive to motion, treat this as a serious warning, not a footnote. Since the trip is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, you might want to skip it entirely. If you still decide to go, ask the crew about where to sit and be ready with medication.

Finally, bring a phone or camera you can protect. Sea spray happens. You’ll be moving between deck time and water time, so use a secure pocket or case.

Should you book this Tenerife yacht cruise?

Book it if you want a short, high-payoff morning that mixes champagne, Spanish tapas, and real water play, all with a small-group feel. The value is strong because your drinks, snacks, and activities are bundled, and the crew support is repeatedly highlighted with names like Juan, Maxi, Michelle, and Raúl.

Skip it if motion sickness is a big issue for you. This is the one clear mismatch. Also, if you’re hoping for a specific onboard feature beyond the listed activities, don’t bank on it.

If you like your travel days simple, sunny, and built around experiences you can feel, this shared yacht cruise is an easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the yacht cruise?

The experience runs for 3 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Puerto Colón?

You meet at Puerto Colón Patalan Nº2. Arrive about 15 minutes early and stay at the top where the gate is.

Does the cruise include champagne?

Yes. You get a welcome glass of champagne when you board, and drinks are all-inclusive, including champagne.

What food is included?

You get Spanish tapas, including baguettes, Tortilla Española, Spanish jamón, cheese, and fresh fruit.

Are drinks included or do I pay extra?

Drinks are all-inclusive. This includes champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.

Are paddleboards and sea scooters included?

Yes. The cruise includes use of both paddleboards and sea scooters.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and there are swimming opportunities during the cruise.

Do I get a chance to see dolphins?

The experience includes opportunities for dolphin watching and marine life viewing.

Is pickup available from hotels?

Pickup is optional. If you select it, staff will approach you outside your hotel reception at the agreed time. Drop-off options include Puerto Colón (pantalán 2) and Playa de las Américas.

What if fewer than 4 people book?

A minimum of 4 people is required for the trip to go ahead. If fewer than 4 people book, you will be rescheduled for another day.