Private boat tour

Tenerife’s south coast looks different from the water. On this private cruise, you leave Puerto Colón for pilot whale watching, cliff views, fishing, and a swim in the clear bays near La Caleta. The boat then heads to El Puertito de Armenime, where a sheltered lagoon offers more time in the water.

I like the small private group, which gives you room to enjoy the boat without sharing it with strangers. I also like the practical inclusions: snacks, bottled water, alcoholic drinks, WiFi, and snorkeling gear are provided. The main consideration is that whale sightings and calm swimming conditions depend on nature and weather, and scuba gear is not included.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to eight people: You have the vessel to your own group rather than joining a large cruise.
• Pilot whale watching near Costa Adeje: The southern coast is a good place to look for the local whale population, though sightings are not guaranteed.
• Two swimming stops: La Caleta and El Puertito de Armenime offer time for swimming and snorkeling.
• Fishing is part of the outing: You can try fishing from the boat in the Atlantic.
• Three hours from Puerto Colón: The tour begins at 10:00 am and returns to the same meeting point.
• Food and drinks included: Snacks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, WiFi, and snorkeling equipment come with the booking.

Leaving Puerto Colón for Tenerife’s south coast

The tour begins at Av. de Colón, 4, in Costa Adeje, near Puerto Colón. You meet at 10:00 am, then board the Barco 33 for a private outing along the coast.

I like this start time because it gives you a full morning on the water without requiring an early predawn departure. It also leaves much of the afternoon open for lunch, the beach, or another activity in Costa Adeje.

The boat gives you a view of Tenerife that you cannot get from the shore. As you move away from the marina, the island’s cliffs and southern coastline open up from a new angle. The ride itself is part of the appeal, not just transport between swimming stops.

Because this is a private trip, you can enjoy the outing with up to seven companions. That setup works well for families, couples traveling together, or a group of friends who want a more relaxed pace than a shared cruise normally allows.

The captain has been praised for being friendly and familiar with the area. The tour provider is Ruslan Zavilohhin, while the captain’s personal name is not provided. You can expect the crew to point out local marine life and choose suitable places along the coast for the planned stops.

Watching for pilot whales near Costa Adeje

The first major part of the cruise follows the coast toward La Caleta. The focus is on seeing whales that live in the waters around southern Tenerife, along with the chance to view other marine life.

Pilot whales are the main wildlife possibility mentioned for this trip. You may see a pod or family group, but no responsible boat outing can promise a sighting, a close approach, or a particular type of whale. Sea conditions and animal behavior decide what you see.

That uncertainty is worth keeping in mind when you judge the tour’s value. If you need a guaranteed wildlife encounter, this is not the right kind of activity. If you enjoy being on the water and are happy to watch for marine life while taking in the coast, the whale-watching portion adds real interest to the cruise.

A previous outing included several families of pilot whales, along with good snorkeling afterward. That combination is a useful picture of the day at its best: time spent scanning the sea, followed by a chance to get into the water.

The cruise also gives you a look at Tenerife’s coastal cliffs from below. I find this more memorable than simply taking photographs from a roadside viewpoint because the changing distance from shore makes the cliffs feel different as the boat moves.

Swimming and snorkeling at La Caleta

After heading toward La Caleta, the boat turns north and anchors in one of the bays. This is the main water stop, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing.

The water is described as clear, and you may see colorful fish. Turtles are also possible in the area, though they are not guaranteed. That makes snorkeling a pleasant extra rather than a promised wildlife show.

Snorkeling equipment is included, which makes the stop easy to enjoy without bringing your own mask and fins. You should still remember that this is not a scuba outing. Scuba equipment is specifically excluded, so anyone hoping for a deeper underwater session will need a different activity.

I like the flexibility here. You can swim if you want active time in the sea, snorkel if you want to look around below the surface, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. Fishing is also available, giving people in the same group different ways to spend the stop.

The exact amount of time at La Caleta is not stated separately, but the main coastal portion is listed as about two hours. That period includes travel, wildlife watching, the anchorage, and the water activities, so you should not expect the entire two hours to be spent swimming.

The term crystal clear should not make you picture a large resort pool. This is the Atlantic, and water conditions can change. The experience requires good weather, and the captain may need to adjust the plan if sea conditions are not suitable.

A second water stop at El Puertito de Armenime

The itinerary includes about 30 minutes at El Puertito de Armenime. Its appeal is a small lagoon where you can swim, snorkel, and relax in sheltered water.

This shorter stop breaks up the outing nicely. La Caleta provides the longer coastal visit, while El Puertito gives you another setting and another chance to get in the water.

Thirty minutes is enough for a quick swim or snorkel, but it is not a long beach stay. I would treat this as a refreshing final stop rather than plan on settling in for the afternoon. The schedule is built around a compact boat trip, not a full-day coastal excursion.

The lagoon setting may be especially useful for anyone who prefers calmer water. Still, conditions vary, and the tour does not promise that the sea will be perfectly calm on every departure.

Together, the two stops give the trip a good shape. You first spend time looking out toward the open coast and watching for whales, then you have two chances to enjoy the water. That balance keeps the outing from becoming either a wildlife-only cruise or a simple transfer to one swimming spot.

Snacks, drinks, and equipment included

The price includes snacks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, WiFi, and snorkeling equipment. These details matter more than they might seem on a three-hour boat ride.

Bottled water is useful in the sun, and snacks mean you do not need to arrange food for a short morning trip. Alcoholic beverages are included as well, but you should use common sense around swimming and the boat’s edge. The information does not specify the type or quantity of drinks, so do not book this expecting a full meal or an open bar.

WiFi is an unusual inclusion for a small coastal cruise. It may be useful for staying connected, though the strongest reason to book is the sea time, not internet access.

Since snorkeling equipment is supplied, you can pack lighter. The included gear also makes the activity easier for a mixed group, since everyone does not need to own or rent equipment separately.

Scuba equipment is not included. If anyone in your group wants a scuba session, this private boat tour will not meet that need. It is better suited to surface swimming, snorkeling, fishing, whale watching, and coastal sightseeing.

Is $417 a fair price for up to eight people?

The listed price is $417 per group, with a maximum of eight people. At full capacity, that works out to about $52 per person before any additional booking charges. For a couple or a small group, the effective per-person cost is higher, so the value depends heavily on how many people share the boat.

For eight people, the price is attractive because you get a private three-hour cruise rather than paying individual fares for a shared excursion. You also receive snacks, drinks, WiFi, snorkeling equipment, and a chance to fish, which reduces the need for add-on costs.

For two people, the price becomes a premium outing. I would choose it for privacy, flexibility, and the pleasure of having a boat to yourselves, not simply because it is the cheapest way to see whales.

The private format is the biggest value point. You are not joining a large crowd, and the entire group can enjoy the same plan. Families may appreciate being able to swim, fish, or stay aboard without trying to keep track of a large party.

The price does not guarantee whale sightings, a turtle encounter, perfect water, or a certain amount of swimming time. Compare it with your priorities. If the private setting and coastal time matter most, the cost can make sense. If your main goal is only to see whales at the lowest possible price, a shared cruise may be more economical, though that option is not part of this tour.

Who will enjoy this private cruise most?

I would recommend this outing to a group that wants several small experiences in one morning. You get coastal views, wildlife watching, fishing, snorkeling, swimming, and drinks without committing an entire day.

It suits families and friends especially well because the boat accommodates up to eight people. A private setting also gives your group more room to set its own mood. Some people can focus on the sea while others swim or snack.

It is a good choice for people who enjoy being on the water but do not need a formal guided sightseeing program. The strongest praised qualities are the captain’s friendly manner, his familiarity with the area, the pilot whale sightings, and the quality of the snorkeling.

I would be more cautious about booking it if you dislike uncertainty. Wildlife encounters cannot be fixed to a timetable, and weather can force a change of date or cancellation. The tour also requires enough participants to operate, so an insufficient number of bookings can lead to a different date or a refund.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The meeting point is near public transportation, which makes access easier if you are staying in the Costa Adeje area or elsewhere nearby.

Practical details before you book

The tour lasts about three hours and ends back at the same meeting point. The schedule begins at 10:00 am, so allow time to reach Av. de Colón, 4, in Costa Adeje before departure.

You receive confirmation when you book. Since the activity depends on good weather, keep some flexibility in your Tenerife plans. If poor conditions cancel the cruise, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours ahead, the amount paid is not refunded, and changes made within that period are not accepted. The cut-off uses local time.

Bring whatever personal swim items you prefer, but snorkeling equipment is supplied. The provided information does not specify towels, changing facilities, or the exact food and drink selection, so plan around the confirmed inclusions rather than expecting extras.

I would also keep your expectations sensible about the word private. It means the activity is for your group only, not that you control every part of the route or can guarantee a particular animal sighting. The captain still needs to respond to sea and weather conditions.

Should you book the Barco 33 private tour?

Book it if you have a group of up to eight, want a relaxed morning on the water, and value variety over a single focused activity. The best reasons are the private boat, two swimming areas, included snorkeling gear, fishing, snacks and drinks, plus a real chance to see pilot whales along Tenerife’s southern coast.

I would be especially interested in this tour when the group can fill most of the eight places. At $417 per boat, sharing the cost makes the private format much better value.

Skip it if you need guaranteed whale sightings, want scuba equipment, or prefer a long beach day with plenty of time at one location. For everyone else, this is a well-rounded coastal outing that combines Tenerife’s sea life with simple, enjoyable time in the water.

FAQ

Where does the private boat tour begin?

It begins at Av. de Colón, 4, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The meeting point is in the Puerto Colón area.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 am.

How long does the boat tour last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours and returns to the original meeting point.

How many people can join the private tour?

The boat is available for a private group of up to eight people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Scuba equipment is not included.

Are food and drinks provided?

Yes. Snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled.