Private sailboat charter – coastal tour with snorkeling in the bay

The best part of this outing is the sense of space: your group gets an 11.5-meter Jeanneau Sun Odyssey rather than a crowded boat, then heads from Puerto Colón toward a quieter Costa Adeje bay. I like the choice between snorkeling and paddleboarding, and I like that drinks, sandwiches, shade, and a toilet are already on board. The main catch is the short three-hour schedule, which leaves limited time for sailing and swimming.

I also like the flexible route. The captain chooses Playa de Diego Hernández or Pal Mar according to the weather and your plans, so the stop is not locked to one location. Captain Alex has earned special praise for keeping children involved, but you should still expect a sea-based outing with some practical limits: sunscreen and towels are not supplied, and the open bar is not included.

Key details to know before you book

• Private boat for up to 11 people: The $353 price covers the group, making the cost much better per person when the boat is full.
• One-hour water stop: You get time for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding in a selected Costa Adeje bay.
• Two possible bays: Playa de Diego Hernández or Pal Mar may be chosen based on weather and what you want to do.
• Useful equipment included: Snorkels, goggles, a paddleboard, drinks, sandwiches, shade, and a toilet are provided.
• Family-friendly captain: Captain Alex is noted for helping children stay involved during the trip.
• Simple marina meeting point: Meet at Gate 2 at Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje.

Setting out from Puerto Colón on a private sailboat

The trip begins at Puerto Colón, the departure point in Costa Adeje. You meet at Gate 2, then board the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey with your private group and captain.

This is a practical choice for families or friends who want their own boat time without paying for a larger luxury charter. The boat can carry up to 11 passengers, so you can bring a sizeable group and keep the outing together. At the listed group price, a full party pays roughly $32 per person for three hours, before any currency changes or booking charges. That is a fair price for a private sailing trip with fuel, equipment, food, and drinks included.

The boat itself matters. At 11.5 meters, it is large enough to provide a proper sailing setting rather than feeling like a small open motorboat. You have an awning for shade, which is welcome in the Canarian sun, along with a toilet and a fridge for drinks. These are small details, but they make a difference during a three-hour trip.

You should not expect a formal luxury yacht service. The experience is built around time on the water, swimming, and relaxed use of the boat. Bring a towel and sunscreen, since neither is supplied. Shoes are not allowed indoors, and high heels are prohibited, so simple, practical clothing works best.

Choosing between Playa de Diego Hernández and Pal Mar

The route does not promise one fixed swimming spot. Instead, the captain heads toward Playa de Diego Hernández or Pal Mar, depending on the weather and what you would like to do.

That flexibility is useful because conditions at sea can change the quality of a stop. A sheltered bay may be better for snorkeling, while another location may offer a more comfortable place to swim or use the paddleboard. You are not simply following a rigid timetable. The captain has room to match the stop to the day.

The supplied information describes these as some of the more secluded and wild bays in the area. That means you should expect a quieter coastal setting rather than a developed beach program. You will see the Costa Adeje shoreline from the water, with time for photographs and a different view of the island.

Still, keep the wording in perspective. This is a three-hour coastal trip, not a full-day exploration of Tenerife. The route is limited by time, weather, and the need to return to Puerto Colón. If you want a long sail with several stops, this outing may feel brief. If you want one simple coastal escape with your own group, the length is easier to manage.

One hour for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding

The main activity stop lasts about an hour. That is when you can swim, use the snorkeling gear, or take the stand-up paddleboard out from the boat.

The water is described as crystal-clear, and the stop is intended for seeing local marine life. The included goggles and snorkels mean you do not have to bring your own equipment. That is particularly handy for families who do not want to buy or pack gear for a short water activity.

You can also choose to stay on board and enjoy the view. The awning gives you a shaded place to sit, while the fridge keeps drinks available. The boat has a toilet, which is another useful feature for families and anyone who prefers not to spend three hours without basic facilities.

The paddleboard adds variety. You are not restricted to swimming in one spot, and different members of your group can take turns using it. Because the water stop is only around an hour, you may want to decide in advance how your group will divide the time. Snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, photographs, and eating sandwiches can fill that hour quickly.

The activity is best suited to people who are comfortable around the water. The available information does not promise instruction in snorkeling or paddleboarding, so you should not book this as a lesson-based activity. It is recreational time with equipment available for your use.

What the captain adds to the experience

A private charter is only as good as the person running it. Here, the captain is included, and the experience is offered in English, Spanish, and Italian.

Captain Alex deserves special attention for families. One verified booking praised his ability to keep children involved and engaged during the outing. That does not guarantee the same experience for every group, but it suggests that he pays attention to more than navigation. If you are bringing children, that personal involvement can help turn a simple boat ride into an active afternoon rather than three hours of sitting still.

The captain also helps decide the route. Since the stop changes with weather and your preferred activities, communication matters. Tell the crew if your group cares most about snorkeling, swimming, or paddleboarding. The route is designed to leave room for that choice.

The captain is not described as a marine biologist or a dedicated tour guide, so do not book this expecting a long educational talk about Tenerife’s coast. The focus is private sailing and water time. You get a captain to operate the boat and help manage the outing, not necessarily a scripted sightseeing presentation.

Food, shade, and the small comforts on board

Drinks and sandwiches are included, which improves the value of the trip. You do not need to arrange a full meal for a short outing, and the fridge gives you a place to keep drinks cool.

The food should be viewed as light refreshment rather than a full lunch. If anyone in your group has special dietary needs, the available details do not specify options, so check before booking instead of assuming. An open bar is not included, and sunscreen is not provided.

The awning is one of the most useful features. Three hours in direct sun can feel long, especially for children, so having shade gives you a comfortable break between water activities. You should still apply sunscreen before boarding and bring any personal sun protection you need.

Towels are also not included. Pack one for each person who plans to swim, along with dry clothes if you prefer not to remain in swimwear after the stop. Glass objects, smoking indoors, littering, and feeding animals are not allowed. These rules protect the boat and the bay, and they are easy to follow with a little planning.

Who will get the most from this three-hour charter

This outing fits families, couples, and groups of friends who want private time on the coast without committing to a full day at sea. The capacity of 11 makes it especially useful for a mixed group that would otherwise need several places on a shared boat.

Children may appreciate the combination of sailing, swimming, and paddleboarding. Captain Alex’s approach with children is a welcome sign, though parents remain responsible for choosing activities that suit their children. The trip also works well for adults who want a quiet boat setting and the freedom to decide how much time to spend in the water.

The experience is less suitable if you want a party boat, fishing trip, or formal wildlife excursion. Fishing is not allowed, and feeding animals is prohibited. Smoking indoors, intoxication, fireworks, fire, and explosive substances are also forbidden. Bikes and mobility scooters are not allowed, so the meeting and boarding arrangements may not suit every person with mobility equipment.

You should also be comfortable with the basic limits of a boat trip. Weather affects the route, and water conditions can affect how much time you actually want to spend swimming or paddleboarding. The private format gives you flexibility, but it cannot remove the sea’s changing conditions.

Is $353 good value for your group?

At first glance, $353 is more than the price of a shared coastal cruise. The comparison changes when you divide it among a full private group. With 11 people, the cost works out to about $32 each for three hours, including the captain, fuel, paddleboard, snorkeling gear, drinks, and sandwiches.

For six people, it is about $59 each. For four people, it is about $88 each. That makes the charter strongest for larger groups, particularly families or friends who value having the boat to themselves.

You are paying for privacy and control as much as for the sailing itself. Your group can discuss whether to focus on snorkeling, swimming, or paddleboarding, and the captain can choose between two possible bays based on conditions. A shared boat may offer a lower individual price, but it will not give you the same control over the group setting.

The three-hour duration keeps the price from becoming a major day-long expense. It also means you should not expect a broad tour of the entire coast. The value is in a focused outing: sail from Puerto Colón, stop in a quieter bay, spend about an hour in the water, and return.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Meet at Gate 2 at Puerto Colón and allow enough time to find the correct place before departure. The supplied information does not state a separate transfer service, so plan to make your own way to the marina.

Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes and bring a towel. Leave high heels, indoor shoes, glass items, fishing equipment, bikes, and mobility scooters behind. Sunscreen is not supplied, so bring it with you.

If you have children in the group, tell the captain what they would enjoy most. Captain Alex has been specifically praised for keeping children involved, and clear communication can help him shape the outing around your group.

The booking terms are flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date. The activity is a private group experience, not a shared departure.

Should you book this Costa Adeje sailing trip?

Book it if you want a private three-hour boat outing with simple water activities and enough space for a family or group of friends. The full-group price is the strongest reason to choose it, while the paddleboard, snorkeling gear, food, drinks, shade, and toilet add real practical value.

I would be more cautious if you want a long sailing day, a detailed nature talk, or guaranteed access to one specific bay. The route depends on weather and preference, and the water stop is limited to about an hour.

For the right group, this is a sensible Costa Adeje choice: private, active, and easy to manage. Bring towels and sunscreen, keep expectations focused on a short coastal escape, and you should get good value from the time on the water.

FAQ

Where does the sailboat trip begin?

The trip begins at Gate 2 at Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje.

How long does the activity last?

The sailboat trip lasts three hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey can accommodate up to 11 passengers.

Which bays might the boat visit?

The boat may head to Playa de Diego Hernández or Pal Mar, depending on the weather and what you would like to do.

How long is the swimming and snorkeling stop?

The boat anchors for about one hour for swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and photographs.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Goggles and snorkels are included, along with a paddleboard.

Are food and drinks provided?

Yes. Drinks and sandwiches are included. An open bar is not included.

What languages are available?

The activity is available in English, Spanish, and Italian.