Sailing Yacht on a Private Charter

Pilot whales and dolphins are the main event here, and you watch for them from a small private yacht rather than a crowded excursion boat. The three-hour trip leaves from Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, then combines wildlife watching with time for swimming or snorkeling if the weather cooperates.

I like the private format, which gives your group a more relaxed outing and direct attention from the captain. I also like the useful all-inclusive touches: baguettes, fruit, water, soft drinks, Cava, beer, and wine. The one caution is important: this is sold as a sailing trip, yet one recent experience found the mainsail unusable and the boat in poor condition. If active sailing matters most to you, confirm the yacht’s sailing setup before booking.

Key things to know before booking

• Pilot whales are a real possibility: The waters off Tenerife are known for regular sightings, and several outings have seen groups of pilot whales along with dolphins.
• Your group gets the boat: The maximum capacity is 11 people, making this a good choice for families and friends who want private time on the water.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect ham and cheese baguettes, seasonal fruit, water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and Cava, with vegan and vegetarian choices available.
• Swimming depends on the sea: Snorkeling and swimming are offered when weather and water conditions make it suitable.
• The trip lasts about three hours: That is enough time for wildlife watching and a water stop without taking up an entire day.
• The boat returns to Puerto Colón: You start and finish at the same marina in Playa de las Américas.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

Your trip begins at Puerto Colón, the marina in Playa de las Américas. This is a practical meeting point if you are staying in the resort area, and the experience ends back at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point.

The three-hour length is well judged for a private boat outing. You get enough time to leave the marina, watch the water, stop for a swim if conditions permit, and return without committing a full day to the sea. That suits families, couples, and groups who want a pleasant half-day break from hotel pools and resort streets.

The boat holds no more than 11 passengers. Since the charter is private, that capacity refers to your own group rather than a mix of unrelated customers. A small group also makes it easier to spread out, take photographs, sit in the sun, or speak directly with the captain about the route.

You should receive confirmation when you book, and Wi-Fi is available onboard. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can take part, though you should think carefully about your own comfort on a boat before committing to a three-hour outing.

A quiet route along Tenerife’s coast

The appeal of a yacht charter is the pace. You are not rushing from one attraction to another. Instead, the boat gives you a moving view of Tenerife’s coast while the captain watches the water for signs of marine life.

The yacht provides a quieter setting than a larger motorboat, at least when it is operating under sail. That matters when you are scanning for dolphins or whales. A calm boat and a clear view can make it easier to notice a fin or a group of animals before they pass.

The captain is part driver, part guide, and part host. Several experiences have praised the captain’s patience, friendly manner, and ability to bring the boat close to pilot whales without making the outing feel hurried. One captain was also described as a local person with good stories, which can add a personal touch to what might otherwise be a simple boat ride.

Still, keep your expectations grounded. Wild animals do not follow a timetable, and no wildlife trip can promise a sighting. The strongest reason to go is the chance to see marine life in its natural setting, not a guaranteed performance at a fixed location.

Watching pilot whales and dolphins

Pilot whales are the most distinctive sighting associated with this trip. They are not the enormous whales you may picture from nature films, but they are impressive animals, and seeing a group move through the water can be a memorable part of your time in Tenerife.

Dolphins are also a common target. You may see them traveling near the boat, though the distance and length of the sighting will vary. The captain’s patience matters here. A rushed approach can spoil the moment, while a calm boat gives you a better chance to watch the animals without turning the experience into a chase.

Turtles are also listed among the wildlife you might spot. Treat this as an extra possibility rather than a promised part of the trip. Bring patience, keep your eyes on the water, and do not assume that the first few minutes will produce anything.

I suggest keeping your phone or camera ready, but do not spend the whole trip staring at a screen. Wildlife sightings can be brief. If you are with children, give each person a simple job, such as watching the left side, scanning behind the boat, or looking for fins near the surface.

The trip has received a high overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 16 ratings, with 94 percent recommending it. That is a strong signal for an experience built around conditions that can never be fully controlled. The praise focuses especially on pilot whales, dolphins, the captain’s attitude, and the easy three-hour format.

The swimming and snorkeling stop

When weather and sea conditions allow, the yacht can stop for swimming and snorkeling. Gear is provided onboard, so you do not need to arrange a separate rental for the water portion.

This stop gives the trip a useful change of pace. Wildlife watching asks you to sit, scan, and wait. A swim lets you move around and cool off, especially on a sunny day. You can choose to enter the water or stay aboard, so the stop does not need to suit everyone in your group.

Do not treat the snorkeling as a full reef expedition. The available information promises equipment and a chance to get in the water, but it does not specify a particular reef, cove, fish population, or underwater site. Your experience will depend on the weather, visibility, and the captain’s choice of a suitable stop.

Life vests are provided. You should still be honest about your swimming ability and follow the crew’s instructions. If the sea is rough or the weather turns poor, the water stop may not happen. That is a sensible safety decision, even if it means the day looks more like a wildlife cruise than a swim trip.

Food, drinks, and the private atmosphere

The included refreshments make the price easier to understand. You receive ham and cheese baguettes, fresh seasonal fruit, water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and Cava. Vegan and vegetarian options are available, which is useful if you are booking for a mixed group.

This is not a restaurant meal, and you should not expect a large lunch. Think of it as a generous snack service that keeps everyone comfortable during a three-hour trip. The food also means you do not have to pack a full picnic or worry about finding something at the marina before departure.

Alcohol is included, but use good judgment. Boat movement, sun, and alcohol can combine badly, especially for anyone prone to seasickness. Water is provided, and I would make it your main drink until you know how the sea feels that day.

The private setup is the bigger benefit. You can share food with your own family or friends, take photographs without strangers in every frame, and set a more relaxed mood. One group even appreciated the captain’s patient approach when several passengers were dealing with a hangover. That says something useful about the tone of the outing, though arriving rested will make the day better.

How the sailing promise affects the value

At $74, this experience can be good value if you use the private boat as a social outing rather than judging it only as a sailing lesson. You are paying for about three hours on the coast, a captain, wildlife watching, onboard refreshments, swimming or snorkeling when possible, and a boat reserved for your group.

The value improves when several people share the charter. A private yacht for a small family or group of friends, with food and drinks already included, can compare well with paying separately for a boat seat, refreshments, and water equipment. The exact value depends on how many people are in your party, since the stated price does not explain whether $74 applies per passenger or to the full charter.

There is one clear point to check before you pay. Most of the positive feedback describes the yacht as clean and well maintained, but one critical experience reported an old mainsail, worn ropes, a messy cabin, and no actual sailing because the mainsail was broken. That is not a small distinction if you specifically want to travel under sail.

I would contact Tenerife First Excursions before booking and ask whether the yacht will be sailing on your chosen date. Ask about the condition of the mainsail and whether the trip may run under engine power. This is especially important because the title and description set an expectation of sailing, not simply a yacht ride.

Who will enjoy this three-hour charter

This outing fits a family that wants a manageable half-day on the sea. Three hours is long enough to feel like a proper excursion, but short enough for younger passengers who may lose interest during a longer cruise.

It also works well for couples and small groups celebrating a birthday, reunion, or relaxed day together. The private format gives you room to choose your own pace, and the included drinks and snacks remove much of the usual planning.

Wildlife fans should consider it, especially if pilot whales and dolphins are high on your Tenerife list. You will need patience, though. The animals are wild, and the trip is not a guaranteed sighting tour.

The experience is less suitable if you need a fixed schedule of animal encounters, a large meal, or a definite snorkeling session. It may also disappoint you if the central goal is active sailing and the yacht is operating with a damaged or unavailable mainsail.

Practical details that matter

Wear clothes that can handle sea spray and bring sun protection. The information confirms life vests, Wi-Fi, drinks, food, and snorkeling equipment, but it does not list towels or changing facilities, so do not assume those are supplied.

The yacht returns to Puerto Colón, which keeps your day simple. Since the activity is near public transportation, you may be able to reach the marina without arranging a private transfer, depending on where you are staying.

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If you need to cancel yourself, do so at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

That policy makes it worth checking the forecast before your final day. Tenerife often rewards flexible planning, and a spare morning or afternoon can help if the sea conditions are not suitable.

Should you book this Tenerife yacht charter?

Book it if you want a private, easygoing boat trip with a real chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins. The strongest features are the friendly captain, small-group setting, included food and drinks, and the option to swim or use the snorkeling gear when conditions are right.

Before booking, confirm the yacht’s current condition and whether it will actually sail. That one question protects you from the main possible disappointment. If your priority is simply time on the water with your own group, this is a well-priced and appealing choice. If sailing under canvas is the whole point, make that detail non-negotiable.

FAQ

Where does the yacht charter start?

The experience starts at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the activity finish?

The trip ends back at the same meeting point, Puerto Colón.

How long does the charter last?

The charter lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the private yacht?

The maximum capacity is 11 passengers.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The included items are ham and cheese baguettes, fresh seasonal fruit, water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and Cava. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?

Swimming and snorkeling are available when weather and sea conditions permit. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are provided onboard.