Tenerife: Private Boat Charter with Tapas & Drinks

The best part of this Tenerife outing is the privacy. You get the 30-foot Rio 850 Cruiser Libby for your own group of up to six, rather than sharing a large sightseeing boat with dozens of people. The route runs from Puerto Colón along the rugged south coast, with time for coastal views, swimming, snorkeling, and perhaps a look at whales or dolphins.

I like the relaxed setup and the flexible feel. You can stretch out on the bow’s sun pads, retreat to one of the two cabins, play your own music, and let the captain shape the trip around the group. The tapas and included drinks also make this feel more like a small celebration than a basic boat ride.

The main thing to check is the drinks arrangement. The activity is advertised with unlimited premium brand drinks, but one booking reported beer and wine only, with no spirits or cider. People prone to seasickness should also think twice, since a small cruiser can move noticeably in Atlantic water.

Key points to know before you book

• Private use of Libby: The 30-foot Rio 850 Cruiser is reserved for your group, with space for up to six people.
• A south-coast route: Expect rugged Atlantic shore views, mountain peaks, caves, and time in the water when conditions allow.
• Whale and dolphin possibilities: Pilot whales, dolphins, and even a turtle have been seen, but wildlife is never guaranteed.
• A proper swimming stop: Snorkeling gear, a freshwater shower, and a private bathroom are included.
• Good value for a small group: The $530 group price works out to about $88 per person when six people share it.
• Several departure times: Daytime outings suit swimming and sun, while the 6:30 p.m. slot offers a sunset on the ocean.

A private boat instead of a crowded excursion

This is a good choice if you want time on the water without turning the day into a group production. The boat leaves from Pantalan 3 at Puerto Colón in Adeje, and the charter lasts three hours. Since the boat is private, you are with your own party and the captain and crew.

That matters in practical terms. A family can keep the pace easy. Friends can play music through Bluetooth. A couple can book the whole boat and enjoy more room than they would on a shared cruise. The crew can also spend more time answering questions or looking for sea life instead of managing a large crowd.

The boat itself is a 30-foot, twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser. It is small enough to feel personal, but it has useful comforts: bow seating, padded sun beds, two interior cabins, a bathroom, and a freshwater shower. I would think of it as a compact private cruiser, not a floating lounge or a large yacht.

You should also keep expectations sensible. Six adults can fit, but the boat will feel more spacious with three or four people. At full capacity, everyone will have a place, yet movement around the deck will be limited compared with a much larger vessel.

Leaving Puerto Colón for Tenerife’s south coast

Once you leave Puerto Colón, the main pleasure is the change of viewpoint. Tenerife’s southern shore looks different from the road and resort promenades. From the water, you see dark volcanic rock, rough Atlantic edges, mountain slopes, and small coastal recesses that are easy to miss on land.

The route includes views of rugged coastline and hidden caves. The exact path can depend on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment, so do not expect a fixed parade of named stops. That flexibility is useful because the crew can choose a calmer place for swimming or spend more time near wildlife if something appears nearby.

The coastline is the visual heart of the trip, but it is not a narrated historical tour. Captain Noel has been praised for explaining the animals and the coast, while William, Robert, Havier, and other crew members have been described as friendly, attentive, and easy to spend time with. The guide language is English or Spanish.

I would ask questions as you go. This private format gives you a better chance to learn about local sea life and life on Tenerife than a standard transfer boat, though the amount of commentary will depend on your captain and your interests.

Finding whales and dolphins from a small cruiser

The waters off southern Tenerife are known for regular marine life sightings, and this trip gives you a useful advantage: the boat is small and can react to what the crew sees. Past outings have included pilot whales, dolphins, and a turtle. One group saw whales close to the boat, while another followed dolphins after the captain noticed them.

Still, treat wildlife as a bonus, not the main guarantee. The published experience promises coastal sightseeing, drinks, tapas, and a private boat, but it does not promise a whale or dolphin sighting. Animals move freely, and conditions change.

A small boat can make sightings feel more personal, but it may also move more than a large catamaran. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the crew recommends, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid treating the drinks as a reason to overdo it. The activity specifically is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

The captains are an important part of the experience. Noel has taken groups toward sea life and explained pilot whales. William has been praised for being calm and accommodating, while Havier has been singled out for making people feel safe and welcome. The staff may vary, but the repeated pattern is clear: the crew is expected to do more than steer the boat.

The swimming and snorkeling stop

Most of the trip is cruising and relaxing, but the water stop can be the most memorable part. The boat may anchor in a beautiful bay, allowing you to jump in for a swim or use the supplied snorkeling gear.

This is not a pool. The Atlantic can be moving, and one family specifically noted that swimming is best for strong swimmers because the water is not still. You should be comfortable getting in and out of the sea from a boat, and you should follow the captain’s instructions about conditions.

The freshwater shower is a welcome detail after salt water. The private bathroom is another practical advantage, especially for a three-hour outing. Towels are not listed as included, so bring your own. Pack swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable clothes, and keep your camera protected from spray.

Do not assume the swimming stop will happen in every kind of weather. The information promises snorkeling gear, but the timing and location of any water stop can depend on the sea. If swimming is your top priority, ask about likely conditions before departure.

Tapas, drinks, and the real value of the fare

The cost is $530 for the whole boat, up to six people. With six people, that is about $88 per person. With four, it is $132.50 each. With two, the private experience costs $265 per person, so the value depends heavily on the size of your group.

For six friends or a family group, I think the price is strong. You are paying for a private boat, captain and crew, fuel, snorkeling gear, a bathroom, a freshwater shower, tapas, and drinks. You also avoid paying separately for a shared whale-watching cruise, a meal, and a swimming activity.

The food is described as a selection of tapas. Expect a snack-style spread rather than a full lunch. One booking called it a snack board and advised eating beforehand, while another praised the tomatoes and the generous food. My advice is simple: have a proper meal before boarding if you tend to get hungry, especially if you plan to swim.

The drinks are intended to be plentiful, and several outings included cava, beer, wine, and other refreshments. However, the exact alcohol selection deserves a quick check before you pay. One booking reported only beer and wine, with no spirits or cider, despite the general description of unlimited premium brand drinks.

You can bring your preferences to the organizer in advance. William was described as accommodating with drink choices, but that does not mean every brand or type will always be available. Also note that smoking, drugs, and outside alcohol are not allowed.

Choosing the right departure time

The activity offers several departure times, which makes it easier to fit into a Tenerife holiday. A morning or afternoon trip gives you bright coastal views and a better chance to spend time in the water. It can also suit a birthday, family outing, or relaxed day between sightseeing plans.

The 6:30 p.m. departure is the sunset option. One family booked this time and enjoyed watching the sun go down over the ocean. Sunset adds atmosphere, but you should choose it for the light and mood, not for the best swimming window.

Three hours is long enough to feel like a real outing without taking over the entire day. You can cruise, eat, look for sea life, swim, and still return with time for dinner. Leave some space around the booking, though. A boat trip should not be squeezed between two appointments at opposite ends of Tenerife.

You must arrange your own transport to and from the harbor. The activity does not include hotel pickup. Confirm the exact meeting point, Pantalan 3, and allow time to find the correct area at Puerto Colón.

What the boat feels like onboard

The bow is the main outdoor area, with ample seating and comfortable sun pads. This is where you will get the broadest views and the most sun. Bring a hat and sunscreen, since the water reflects strong light even when the air feels mild.

The two interior cabins give you a break from the sun. They are useful if someone in your group needs shade or if the weather turns less comfortable. The boat also has a private bathroom, which removes one of the usual worries about a short charter.

The atmosphere can be made personal. Several groups were allowed to connect their own music, which is a nice touch for birthdays, family celebrations, or a friends’ afternoon. Keep the volume considerate, especially if you want to hear the captain or watch for wildlife.

The boat has received strong praise for being clean and well kept. That matters more on a small vessel, where clutter and poor upkeep are impossible to ignore. The available information does not describe a wheelchair-accessible setup, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the operator directly before booking.

Who will enjoy this charter most

I would recommend this boat for a group that values privacy and easygoing time on the water. It suits:

• Friends sharing the $530 price between four to six people
• Families wanting a private outing rather than a crowded cruise
• Couples who are happy to pay more for exclusive use
• Birthday and anniversary groups
• Strong swimmers who want a sea stop and snorkeling
• Anyone interested in whales, dolphins, coastal views, and a flexible pace

It is less suitable if you want a full meal, a large luxury yacht, guaranteed wildlife, or completely calm water. It is also not a good pick if seasickness is a serious concern.

The boat is family-friendly in the sense that children can join a private group, but the provided details do not state a minimum age or specific child facilities. Ask before booking if you need information about young children, life jackets, or other equipment.

Booking, cancellation, and what to pack

You can reserve now and pay later, which is useful if you are still arranging your Tenerife schedule. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Check the available starting times when you book, since the exact options may vary.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Comfortable clothes
• A camera
• Any personal motion-sickness supplies you normally use

Wear flat, comfortable footwear. High heels are not allowed. Do not bring outside alcohol, and smoking is not permitted.

Because the charter is private, communicate your priorities before setting off. Tell the crew if you care most about swimming, wildlife, sunset, music, or a quiet coastal ride. The captains appear willing to adapt, but the sea and the three-hour limit still set the boundaries.

Should you book the Libby charter?

Book it if you have a small group and want a private, social boat day with good scenery, a chance to swim, and food and drinks included. The strongest value comes when six people share the cost, but four people can still get a fair deal for an exclusive outing.

I especially like this option for a birthday or final afternoon in Tenerife. The sunset departure has extra charm, while a daytime slot is better if swimming and snorkeling matter most. Just confirm the drink selection, eat something before boarding, and do not count on wildlife appearing on schedule.

If you dislike motion, want a full meal, or prefer a large stable catamaran, choose another type of excursion. For everyone else, this is a personal and flexible way to see the south coast, with the captain and crew close enough to make the experience feel tailored to your group.

FAQ

Where does the boat charter depart from?

The meeting point is Pantalan 3 at Puerto Colón in Adeje, Tenerife.

How long does the experience last?

The private charter lasts three hours.

How many people can join?

The price covers a private group of up to six people.

What boat is used?

The trip uses Libby, a 30-foot twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Tapas and unlimited premium brand drinks are included. One booking reported that the available drinks were beer and wine, so confirm the exact selection if you want spirits or cider.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Snorkeling gear is included, and the boat may stop for swimming in a bay. Conditions can vary, and the sea may not be calm.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. Pilot whales and dolphins have been seen on past trips, along with a turtle, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What languages are spoken?

The live tour guide service is available in English and Spanish.

Is transport to the harbor included?

No. You must arrange your own transportation to and from Puerto Colón.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.