Puerto Colón: Coastal Boat Cruise with Swimming and Snacks

From Puerto Colón, the Bellamar takes you along Tenerife’s south coast in a boat limited to seven passengers plus crew. The route covers the Adeje coast between Los Cristianos Beach and Turtle Cove, with time for marine-life spotting and a swim from the boat.

I like the personal feel of such a small boat, and I like that the swimming stop includes snorkels and paddleboards rather than just a quick jump in the water. The crew, including guides named Luca and Jamie on some outings, has been praised for being attentive and helpful. The main catch is the sea: windy conditions can mean a rough ride, seasickness, and fewer wildlife sightings.

Key points at a glance

• Seven passengers maximum: The Bellamar is a much smaller boat than the large catamarans leaving Puerto Colón, with shared and private options.
• A full hour at the swimming stop: You can swim, snorkel, use a paddleboard, and enjoy snacks and drinks near Turtle Cove.
• Wildlife sightings are possible, not guaranteed: Dolphins are a strong possibility, and whales have also been seen, but rough weather can spoil the search.
• The route stays close to Costa Adeje: You’ll see Tenerife from the water between Los Cristianos Beach and Turtle Cove.
• Food is simple but useful: Expect crisps and fruit, plus beer, soft drinks, and water.
• Best in calm weather: If you are prone to seasickness, check the forecast and choose a calmer day if possible.

A small boat view of Tenerife’s south coast

The Bellamar cruise gives you a different look at Tenerife. From the water, the built-up Costa Adeje shore becomes a long sweep of beaches, coves, cliffs, and hotel areas viewed from a distance. You are not rushing from one attraction to another. The point is to spend three easy hours at sea, watch for marine life, and stop somewhere pleasant for a swim.

This is a shared cruise when you book an individual place, but the group remains small. Seven passengers is the stated capacity, not counting the crew. That matters. You can move around more easily, ask the guide questions, and avoid the crowded feel of a large excursion boat.

You can also reserve the boat for your own family or group of friends. A private trip makes more sense if you want control over the mood, the music, or the pace. One party was able to connect to the boat speakers and make the outing feel like its own private celebration.

The cruise costs about $74 per person. That is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but the price includes the boat trip, crew, swimming and snorkeling stop, snacks, beer, soft drinks, and water. Compared with a basic sightseeing boat, you are paying for the small group and the longer swim stop. Compared with a private charter, the shared option offers a more manageable price.

Leaving Puerto Colón on the Bellamar

The meeting point is at Puerto Colón, with the exact location depending on the booking option. The boat is called Bellamar, and the departure point is listed at Dock 5. Since meeting details can vary, check your booking confirmation carefully before heading to the marina.

The opening part of the trip includes a safety briefing of about ten minutes. This is brief but important, especially on a smaller boat where you are closer to the water and moving around during the cruise.

The Bellamar is described as comfortable and safe, with room for seven passengers and crew. Do not expect a broad, resort-style vessel with lots of indoor space. The appeal is the compact setup and direct access to the sea. On a small boat, movement from wind and waves can feel stronger than it does on a larger catamaran.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, and Italian. That gives the trip a practical international feel, and it should make the safety instructions and swimming arrangements easier to follow. Guides named Luca and Jamie have been singled out for attentiveness, though your exact crew member depends on the day.

Wildlife watching between Los Cristianos and Turtle Cove

After the safety briefing, about an hour and a half is given to sailing and looking for dolphins and other marine life. The route follows the southern coast of Tenerife, specifically the coast of the municipality of Adeje, between Los Cristianos Beach and Turtle Cove.

This is the part of the cruise that requires realistic expectations. The area has good chances for dolphin sightings, and whales have also been spotted on the trip. Still, wild animals follow their own schedule. You may see dolphins, whales, seabirds, or nothing more than open water and the coast.

Weather has a direct effect. On a calm day, the boat can search comfortably and you can keep your eyes on the water without being thrown about. In strong wind, the sea may become choppy. That can make the ride uncomfortable and can also reduce the chance of finding animals. One outing in rough conditions produced no dolphin or whale sightings, and two people became seasick.

If you are sensitive to motion, this is the key issue to consider. A small boat gives you a more intimate experience, but it also responds more quickly to waves. Take seasickness seriously, select a calm forecast if possible, and avoid arriving on an empty stomach. The crew can look after you, but it cannot flatten the sea.

The wildlife search is still worthwhile because it forms a natural part of the cruise rather than a separate show. You are watching the sea, not waiting for a guaranteed performance. Keep your expectations flexible and bring patience.

Turtle Cove brings the most active hour

The cruise anchors at Turtle Cove for about an hour. This is the strongest part of the trip for anyone who wants more than a scenic boat ride.

You can swim from the boat, snorkel, and use a stand-up paddleboard. The cove also provides a change of pace after the open-water sailing. Instead of sitting and scanning the horizon, you get time to cool off and enjoy the water with the coast around you.

Snorkeling equipment is made available, but the supplied information does not promise particular fish, turtles, or underwater sights. The name Turtle Cove may suggest a guaranteed turtle encounter, but you should treat it as the name of the anchorage, not a wildlife guarantee.

The swimming stop also includes the food and drink service. Snacks consist of simple items such as crisps and fruit. That is enough for a light break, but not a full meal. Beer, soft drinks, and water are available, and drinks are described as plentiful.

The food is a useful addition rather than the reason to book. If you need a substantial lunch, eat beforehand or plan another meal after the cruise. If you are feeling queasy, you may not want much food at sea anyway. One person who became seasick could not make much use of the snacks or drinks, despite the generous supply.

The final 20 minutes back along the coast

After the swimming and snack stop, the Bellamar spends about 20 minutes sailing and viewing marine life before returning to the marina. This is a quieter closing stretch. You can dry off, finish a drink, and enjoy the coastline without the pressure of fitting in another activity.

The trip ends back at the meeting point. There are two listed departure and return options under the Bellamar Cruise name, so check the exact point attached to your booking. The total duration is three hours, which makes this easy to fit into a day in Costa Adeje or nearby Los Cristianos.

The timing works particularly well for people who want one focused sea outing rather than a full-day boat excursion. You get enough time to reach the wildlife area, stop to swim, and return without giving up the whole day.

Shared or private: which option suits you?

The shared cruise is the better value if you are traveling as a couple, solo, or a small family. With a maximum of seven passengers, you still receive the advantages of a small group without paying for an entire boat.

A private booking is worth considering for a family group, a birthday, or friends who want the boat to themselves. It also gives you more privacy during the swimming stop and more freedom to set the tone of the outing. The supplied details do not promise a custom route, so do not assume that a private booking means every part of the itinerary can be changed.

Families with teenagers may especially like the combination of wildlife watching, swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Younger children may need close supervision around the boat and in the water. The excursion is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, according to the activity information.

The boat is also a good fit for anyone who prefers a quiet, personal outing over a crowded vessel. It is less suited to someone who wants a guaranteed animal encounter, a full meal, or a perfectly smooth ride in all weather.

What the price really covers

At $74 per person, the value rests on three things: the small capacity, the three-hour length, and the included water activities. You are not paying only for transport along the coast. You are also getting a crew-led wildlife search, a swimming and snorkeling stop, paddleboard access, and basic food and drinks.

The price looks stronger if you make full use of the stop. Swim, snorkel, and try the paddleboard rather than treating the outing as a simple sightseeing ride. It is also better value if you want a relaxed boat experience but do not need a full private charter.

The value is weaker if bad weather keeps you seated, seasick, or unable to enjoy the drinks and snacks. That is not a fault unique to Bellamar, but it matters when comparing a small boat with a larger one. A bigger vessel may feel steadier, while the Bellamar offers more personal space in a much smaller group.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your schedule or the weather forecast is uncertain, but always check the conditions attached to your selected booking option.

Practical advice before you go

Wear swimwear under clothes you can remove easily, and bring anything you need for sun protection. The supplied information confirms swimming and snorkeling, but it does not specify whether towels or sunscreen are provided, so do not count on them.

Bring a light layer if you tend to feel cool after swimming. The coast can feel different once the boat is moving, even on a warm Tenerife day.

If you get seasick, choose the calmest available departure and think carefully before booking. The small Bellamar can feel lively in windy conditions. The crew can be attentive, but rough water may still affect the entire outing.

Chewing gum, explosive substances, and nudity are not allowed. The cruise is intended as a relaxed but orderly boat trip, not an anything-goes party charter.

The activity is offered in Spanish, English, and Italian. The boat returns to the starting point, and the duration is three hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Should you book the Bellamar cruise?

Book it if you want a small-group coastal trip with real time in the water. The combination of dolphin watching, a Turtle Cove stop, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and included drinks gives the three hours a good rhythm. The attentive approach associated with guides such as Luca and Jamie is another reason this feels more personal than a large boat outing.

Think twice if you are highly prone to seasickness or need guaranteed wildlife sightings. Calm weather will make a major difference, and even then, dolphins and whales remain wild animals.

For most people staying around Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje, or Los Cristianos, this is a well-priced way to see Tenerife from the sea. Book the shared option for value, choose private if your group wants the boat alone, and aim for a calm day.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Puerto Colón, with the Bellamar listed at Dock 5. The precise meeting point may vary according to the option booked.

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts three hours, including the safety briefing, coastal sailing, wildlife watching, swimming, snorkeling, and the return to Puerto Colón.

How many people can board the Bellamar?

The boat has capacity for seven passengers plus crew. You can choose a shared small-group trip or book the boat privately for your own group.

Can I swim and snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The boat anchors at Turtle Cove, where you can swim and snorkel. Paddleboards are also made available during the stop.

Are dolphins or whales guaranteed?

No. The trip has high chances of dolphin sightings, and whales have also been seen, but wildlife sightings depend on conditions and animal movement.

What food and drinks are included?

Snacks include crisps and fruit. Beer, soft drinks, and water are also included.

Which languages does the crew speak?

The crew and activity support are listed as Spanish, English, and Italian.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.