Tenerife: Private Boat Charter with Tapas & Drinks

Sun, salt, and your own small boat. This private charter sails from Puerto Colón in Adeje on the Rio 850 Cruiser named Libby, with time to watch rugged Atlantic coastlines slide by. I really like the pace, relaxed and social, with room to sunbathe on the bow or cool off in the interior cabins.

I also love the food and drink setup. You get tapas onboard plus unlimited premium brand drinks, and the crew keeps things flowing while you cruise. Names that come up often in great experiences include captains like William and Noel, plus hosts such as Robert and Havier, and they tend to match the vibe of your group.

One thing to consider before you book: it’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness. And since swimming and snorkeling breaks can mean moving water (not glassy still conditions), you’ll want a calm stomach and solid comfort in the sea.

Key highlights worth planning around

• A 30-foot Rio 850 Cruiser (Libby) built for a relaxed, small-group feel
• Tapas onboard with unlimited premium brand drinks
• South coast cruising with rugged Atlantic views, plus chances for caves
• Real onboard comfort: two sheltered interior cabins, private bathroom, freshwater shower
• Snorkeling gear included, with a swim stop that can include sea life
• Captains who look for dolphins, turtles, and whales when conditions allow

Meeting Libby at Pantalan 3 in Puerto Colón (Adeje)

Your trip starts at Pantalan 3, in the Puerto Colón harbor area in Adeje (Tenerife). Once you’re aboard Libby, the boat feels like a private floating lounge rather than a crowded tour. You’ll have a dedicated captain and crew looking after your group from the start.

Because transportation to and from the harbor isn’t included, I recommend planning to get there calmly and on time. Arriving a little early also helps you settle in, get oriented, and start soaking up the views without stress.

The boat itself is a 30-foot twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser. It has ample seating and sun pads on the bow, plus sheltered interior space if you want shade or cooler air.

Cruising Tenerife’s south coast for 3 hours, with caves and cliffs

This is a 3-hour private charter running down Tenerife’s south coast. The core idea is simple: cruise, pause, look around, and enjoy the coastline from the water, where the cliffs and mountain peaks feel closer and more dramatic.

Expect the scenery to shift between rugged Atlantic shoreline and areas where the coastline looks carved out and surprising. Several experiences mention hidden caves and dramatic rock formations, and that’s exactly where a smaller private boat tends to shine. You spend your time actually seeing the coast, not just listening to explanations.

Departure times vary, so you can pick the rhythm that fits your day. Some guests choose late departures for sunset vibes, like one booking that went out at 6:30pm.

And yes, you might see sea life. People describe dolphins, sea turtles, and whales, including pilot whales and whales swimming near the boat. Just treat it as a bonus, not a promise, since nature decides what shows up.

Tapas and unlimited premium brand drinks, what it really means

The big draw here is the combination of cruising plus food and drinks onboard. You’ll have tapas included, and you’ll also get unlimited premium brand drinks during the trip. In plain terms, it’s an easy way to make a sea day feel like a proper occasion.

Tapas onboard tends to be a casual snack-style spread rather than a full meal. One review explicitly called it like a snack board, and that’s a useful heads-up. If you get hungry easily, I’d plan to eat before you arrive at the harbor.

Most people rave about how generous and well-paced the drinks and snacks feel during the cruise. There’s even a report of a particular captain taking good care of preferences around alcohol.

One consideration that showed up in a review: the drinks selection can feel more beer and wine based for some groups, with no spirits or cider. The activity description says unlimited premium brand drinks, so if you have strong preferences, ask in advance what’s included with the premium brands.

Snorkeling gear included, plus a realistic view of swim conditions

You get snorkeling gear included, and many experiences include a swim break during the charter. This is one of those “great if you’re comfortable” additions. Reviews mention snorkeling in a beautiful bay and jumping in at an anchored spot.

Here’s the practical part. One booking specifically warned that the water might not be still, so swimming is better for good swimmers. If you’re cautious in open water, bring extra confidence, go slow, and consider sticking to snorkeling close to the boat when possible.

Also, bring your own towel and swimwear, because the trip is designed for getting in the water. Sunscreen matters too, since you’ll be outside and in sun for most of the 3 hours.

Bow sun pads, sheltered cabins, and the bathroom you’ll appreciate

The boat setup makes a difference, especially when you’re out at sea longer than a quick sightseeing hop. On Libby, you can relax on the bow seating and sun pads when you want sun. If you want shade or a break from wind, the two interior cabins provide shelter.

Comfort details aren’t just nice extras here. You’ll have a private bathroom onboard and access to a freshwater shower. That means you can rinse off after a swim, which is a big plus if you’re continuing your day after the charter.

A couple of reviews also mention personal touches like music. One guest described connecting to Bluetooth, and another said they were allowed to play their own music. That can make the whole day feel more like your group’s private time and less like a scheduled ride.

Captains who work the sea, including steering near sea life

The captain experience is a major reason people rate this charter so high. Many reviews credit captains by name, including William and Noel, for being friendly, relaxed, and alert to sea life.

How does that show up in real life? People describe moments where the boat followed dolphins, piloted whales, or other animals near the route. One guest said the captain took them out to follow dolphins, and another said they saw small whales.

You may also get some hands-on fun. One review mentioned being allowed to have a go at steering, which turns a passive cruise into a “we did something” memory.

The key value for you: you get a captain who treats your time as your time. That doesn’t mean every animal appears, but it does mean you’re not stuck watching from a distance while the boat passes by.

What I think about the value at $530 per group up to 6

This charter costs $530 per group, up to 6 people, and lasts 3 hours. The value depends on how you plan to fill the boat. If you bring 6 people, you’re effectively around $88 per person, which is often far less than you’d pay for a similar private boat experience where everything is priced per seat.

But the value isn’t just the math. You’re paying for several things that are hard to bundle elsewhere: private boat time with a crew, tapas onboard, unlimited premium drinks, snorkeling gear, and onboard comfort like a bathroom and freshwater shower.

Also, this is a good choice if you want to avoid the “watching other people” feeling. A private group means you control your vibe more easily, from music to the pace of the swim stop.

One more value angle: you can choose departure times. That flexibility helps if you’re juggling dinner plans or want sunset views without burning a whole day.

Who should book this Tenerife private boat charter

This is a great fit if you want a relaxed private day on the water with a mix of sightseeing and fun extras. It suits:

• Couples and small groups up to 6 who want privacy and room to spread out
• Friends planning a birthday or special afternoon, since multiple reviews mentioned celebrations
• People who enjoy wildlife spotting, especially dolphins and whales, when conditions allow
• Swimmers who are comfortable with open water and a possible moving-water swim break

If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s not a match. If you hate uncertain water conditions or you only want easy calm swimming, you’ll want to think twice or be ready to stay onboard during the swim.

Things to bring, and house rules that keep it smooth

Plan for sun and a water break. Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

The rules are straightforward:

• No high-heeled shoes
• No smoking
• No alcohol and drugs

That alcohol note matters because the charter includes drinks, but it also signals that you shouldn’t bring outside alcohol. If you have dietary needs or very specific drink preferences, it’s smart to ask ahead so expectations stay aligned.

Should you book this Tenerife private boat charter?

I’d book this if you want an authentic-feeling sea day that mixes coastline scenery with real comfort and onboard perks. The combination of private boat time plus tapas and unlimited premium drinks is what makes it feel worth it, especially for groups that can fill the boat.

I would skip it if seasickness is an issue for you, or if you’re not comfortable with the kind of swim conditions that can come with open water. If you’re a confident swimmer and you like the idea of a captain who actively looks for dolphins and whales, this is one of the more satisfying ways to spend a few hours on Tenerife.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The duration is 3 hours.

Where does the charter depart from?

The meeting point is Pantalan 3.

What is the price and group size?

It’s $530 per group for up to 6 people.

What’s included on board?

You get a private boat charter, unlimited premium brand drinks, tapas, snorkeling gear, fuel, and a captain and crew. There is also a private bathroom onboard and a freshwater shower.

Do I need to bring anything?

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

Is the trip suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No, it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.