Tenerife: Private Boat Charter with Tapas & Drinks

Tenerife’s south coast is best seen from the water, and this private charter gives you three unhurried hours aboard Libby, a 30-foot twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser. You can watch for dolphins and pilot whales, stop for a swim, and enjoy the rugged coast without sharing the boat with a large crowd.

I like the private group format, which works well for six friends or a family wanting their own space. I also like the mix of sea time and comfort: sun pads on the bow, two small cabins, a bathroom, freshwater shower, snorkeling gear, tapas, and drinks.

The main consideration is the sea itself. Swimming is not in a calm pool, and one family noted that it suits confident swimmers best. The food is a snack-style tapas spread rather than a full meal, and the drinks selection may be narrower than the phrase premium brand drinks suggests.

Key points to know before you go

• Three hours from Puerto Colón: The cruise leaves from Pantalan 3 in Adeje and follows Tenerife’s southern coast.
• A genuinely private outing: The boat holds your own group, up to six people, with a captain and crew.
• Wildlife is possible: Dolphins, turtles, and pilot whales have all been seen, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• Swimming and snorkeling add real value: You may stop in a suitable bay, depending on conditions and the captain’s judgment.
• Sunset departures are available: The 6:30 p.m. slot has been especially appealing for ocean views and softer light.
• Tapas and drinks are included: Expect a generous snack board and drinks, but confirm the exact alcohol choices if that matters to you.

Setting out from Puerto Colón on Libby

You meet at Pantalan 3 in Puerto Colón, in Adeje. Transportation to the harbor is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there. The activity offers several departure times, which makes it easier to fit around a beach day, a late breakfast, or an evening meal.

The boat is a 30-foot Rio 850 Cruiser called Libby. That is large enough to feel comfortable for a small private party, but still compact enough to give you a close view of the water and coast. You are not booking a giant party boat with dozens of people. The group size is capped at six.

The layout gives you a choice of moods. Sit forward on the bow’s padded sun beds if you want sun and open views. Move inside to one of the two cabins when the heat becomes too strong. A private bathroom and freshwater shower are practical touches, especially if you swim.

I would wear simple, comfortable clothing and flat shoes. High heels are not allowed, and they would be awkward on a moving boat anyway. Bring a hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and camera. Smoking is not allowed, and neither are drugs or outside alcohol.

Cruising along Tenerife’s rugged southern coast

The main pleasure here is not a checklist of stops. It is the steady change in view as Libby moves along the south coast. You see dark Atlantic water, rough rock, mountain peaks, and sections of coastline that are easier to appreciate from offshore than from a road.

The captain and crew guide the boat and can explain what you are seeing. William, Noel, Robert, Havier, and other crew members have been singled out for being friendly, attentive, and helpful. The style appears relaxed rather than formal. On some outings, passengers have been allowed to try steering under supervision, though you should treat that as a possible extra, not a guaranteed part of the schedule.

The boat’s size is a useful compromise. You get more privacy and comfort than on a basic shared excursion, while still having enough room to stretch out. The tradeoff is that six adults will use the available seating more fully than a smaller group of two or three.

This is also a good setting for your own music. Several outings included the option to connect by Bluetooth or play a personal playlist. That small detail can make the trip feel like your group’s own afternoon rather than a fixed sightseeing program.

Wildlife watching without a promise

The water south of Tenerife is known for marine life, and this charter gives you a good chance to look for it. Dolphins and pilot whales have been spotted, as well as a turtle. One March outing saw a large number of pilot whales, while another group watched whales swimming close to the boat.

Still, wildlife is wild. The captain can steer toward sightings when possible, but no responsible operator can promise dolphins or whales on a three-hour trip. Go because you want time on the sea, with wildlife as a welcome bonus.

The captain’s role matters here. Noel and William were praised for steering closer to marine life and explaining what passengers were seeing. That makes the experience more useful than simply pointing at a distant fin. If you are interested in whales, ask the captain questions and keep your expectations realistic.

The timing may affect the mood more than the wildlife. Morning departures can feel bright and active. Afternoon trips allow you to settle into the day. The 6:30 p.m. sunset departure gives you warm evening light over the ocean, though it may offer less time for swimming depending on the exact season and conditions.

Swimming and snorkeling in the Atlantic

A swim stop is one of the strongest reasons to choose this charter over a simple coastal cruise. The boat can anchor in a pleasant bay, giving you a chance to jump into the sea and use the supplied snorkeling gear.

This is not still water. One parent traveling with a child enjoyed the swim but advised that it is best for good swimmers. I agree with that practical warning. You should be comfortable getting in and out of open water, and you should follow the captain’s instructions about current, conditions, and where to swim.

The private format helps here. You can ask the crew to help with equipment, take your time getting ready, and return to the boat without competing with a large group. You also have the freshwater shower afterward, which is welcome after saltwater and sunscreen.

Swimming is weather dependent. The captain may adjust the plan for safety, and you should not expect the boat to stop at a particular bay every time. If swimming is your main goal, ask about sea conditions before departure and choose a daytime slot rather than assuming every departure offers the same amount of water time.

Tapas, cava, beer, and the drinks question

Food and drinks are included in the price, which makes the trip easier and adds to the feeling of a special occasion. The tapas are best understood as a snack board for the boat, not lunch or dinner. Previous groups especially liked the fresh tomatoes, and other comments describe the food as tasty and generous.

I would eat a light meal before boarding if you have a large appetite. The tapas should keep you comfortable during the cruise, but they are not presented as a full restaurant meal. That distinction matters for families, anyone planning to skip lunch, or anyone with specific dietary needs.

The activity advertises unlimited premium-brand drinks. Cava, beer, and wine have all been associated with the onboard service. One person found the actual choices limited to beer or wine and noted that spirits and cider were not available, so do not assume every premium label or every type of alcohol is included.

If you have a strong preference, ask before you book or contact the operator about the day’s supply. The crew has been willing to accommodate alcohol preferences in some cases, but the exact drinks may vary. You can also simply enjoy the soft drinks and the sea. The boat trip does not depend on drinking to be worthwhile.

Remember that outside alcohol is not allowed. Smoking and drugs are also prohibited.

What the three hours feel like

Three hours is a sensible length for this outing. You have time to leave the harbor, see a useful stretch of coast, watch for wildlife, stop to swim or snorkel, and relax with food and drinks. It is long enough to feel like a proper half-day activity without taking over your entire holiday.

The trip does not appear to follow a rigid, identical route every time. The captain balances coastline viewing, wildlife, swimming, and sea conditions. That flexibility is useful, especially when dolphins or whales appear nearby. It also means you should not expect a fixed list of caves or exact swimming locations.

A typical outing may include:

• Boarding at Pantalan 3 and settling into the bow or cabin
• Cruising down the southern coast with views of rocks, caves, and mountain peaks
• Watching for dolphins, whales, or turtles
• Stopping for swimming and snorkeling when conditions allow
• Returning to the sun pads or cabin for tapas and drinks
• Taking in the changing light on a morning, afternoon, or sunset departure

You may find the boat relaxing from the first minute, or you may need a little time to adjust to the motion. If you are prone to seasickness, this is not the right choice. Take that warning seriously. The open Atlantic can be choppy, even on a sunny day.

Is $530 good value for six people?

The advertised price is $530 for the private boat, for up to six people. That works out to about $88 per person if you fill every place. For six people, that is a strong value when you include the captain and crew, fuel, snorkeling gear, tapas, drinks, the bathroom, and private use of the boat.

For four people, the cost rises to about $133 each. For two people, it becomes a much more expensive outing, though you gain plenty of space. The value depends heavily on group size and how much you care about privacy.

Compared with a basic shared boat trip, you are paying for control over the setting. Your group can choose how much time to spend in the sun, when to listen to music, and how social or quiet the ride feels. You are also not paying separately for fuel, equipment, or the captain.

I would book this for four to six people. A group of friends can split the cost and make good use of the Bluetooth music, swimming stop, drinks, and open bow. A family can enjoy the private setting, though children should be confident in open water if swimming is important.

For two people, I would compare the price with other private charters and shared wildlife trips in Tenerife. It can still be worth it for a birthday, anniversary, or sunset outing, but the per-person cost is less attractive.

Best departure time for your plans

The flexible departure schedule is useful, but each time has a different character.

A morning cruise usually gives you bright views and leaves the rest of the day free. It is a good choice if you want to swim before the afternoon heat or pair the boat trip with an evening meal.

An afternoon departure gives you a slower holiday rhythm. You can spend the morning at your accommodation or on the beach, then head to Puerto Colón for the boat. This is the slot I would choose for a relaxed celebration, since you have time for coastal views, food, drinks, and a swim.

The sunset departure is especially appealing for couples or small groups. A 6:30 p.m. trip has been used successfully for watching the sun go down over the ocean. Check the exact departure time available for your date, since sunset changes through the year.

Who should book this private charter?

I would choose this experience if you want:

• A private outing for up to six people
• Coastal scenery without a large shared boat
• A chance to swim and snorkel
• A relaxed birthday, anniversary, or holiday finale
• The possibility of seeing dolphins, turtles, or whales
• A captain who can adapt the trip to sea conditions
• A mix of sun, shelter, food, drinks, and open water

I would hesitate if you dislike boat motion, need a full meal, or want a guaranteed wildlife sighting. It is also not ideal if your group expects a calm swimming pool. The Atlantic is part of the experience, and it can be lively.

The guides speak English and Spanish. That makes the outing practical for many international visitors, while the small group gives you a better chance to ask questions directly.

Booking details worth keeping in mind

The activity includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife schedule is still changing.

Check the starting time when you book, then arrive at Pantalan 3 in Puerto Colón with enough time to find the meeting point. Transportation is not included, so plan your own route to the harbor.

Pack sunscreen even on a cloudy day. Bring a towel and camera, but keep loose items secure around the seating areas. Flat, comfortable footwear is the sensible choice.

Should you book the Libby charter?

I would book it for a group of four to six people who want a private sea day with real flexibility. The strongest parts are the small boat, helpful crew, chance to swim, possible whale and dolphin sightings, and the fact that tapas and drinks are already covered.

I would choose a daytime departure if swimming matters most, and the sunset slot if the mood matters more than the swim. Eat something beforehand, confirm the drinks list, and do not book if you are prone to seasickness.

For the right group, $530 is a fair price for three hours of private use, a captain and crew, fuel, equipment, food, and drinks. It is not a formal sightseeing cruise or a full meal at sea. It is a friendly, flexible boat outing that lets you enjoy Tenerife from the water at your own pace.

FAQ

Where does the boat charter depart from?

The charter departs from Pantalan 3 at Puerto Colón in Adeje, Tenerife.

How long is the boat trip?

The private charter lasts three hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

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

What type of boat is used?

The boat is a 30-foot twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser named Libby.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Tapas and unlimited premium-brand drinks are included. The available alcohol may be mainly beer, wine, or cava, so confirm the exact choices if you need spirits or cider.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Can I swim during the charter?

Swimming may be possible when the captain stops in a suitable area and sea conditions allow it. The water is open sea, not still water, so you should be a confident swimmer.

What languages does the crew speak?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.