Puerto Colon: License-Free Self-Drive Boat in Tenerife

Tenerife’s appeal from the water is simple: you set your own pace. This license-free boat carries up to six people from Puerto Colón, letting you cruise, stop in quiet coves, and snorkel without joining a large excursion. Eric is one of the staff members you may meet, and his friendly help has made a strong impression on several customers.

I like the small private group and the useful kit onboard. Fuel, GPS, life jackets, a canopy, a refrigerator, snorkeling masks, drinks, and Bluetooth music are all included, so you are not paying extra for every small comfort. The main catch is that the boat does not give you unlimited access to Tenerife’s coast. The permitted area can be limited, and a wrong pickup instruction once caused a 15-minute delay.

Key points to know

• No boating license required: You receive a briefing before taking control of the easy-to-maneuver boat.
• Up to six people: The price is listed at $71 per person, making the outing more appealing when shared by a full group.
• Useful onboard equipment: Fuel, GPS, life jackets, snorkeling masks, a fridge, a canopy, drinks, and Bluetooth music are included.
• Flexible time on the water: Choose a trip lasting from 1 to 4 hours, depending on availability.
• Puerto Colón departure: The meeting point is Gate 3, so confirm the exact location before you walk to the marina.
• A limited sailing zone: Ask about the allowed route before departure if reaching a particular cove or stretch of coast matters to you.

Taking the Controls at Puerto Colón

This is not a boat ride where you sit back while a captain does all the work. After a safety briefing, you take the wheel yourself. The boat is designed for people without a navigation license, and the controls are meant to be straightforward rather than technical.

That makes the outing a good fit if you want a little independence at sea but do not want the cost or responsibility of renting a larger vessel. You still receive guidance before leaving, and the GPS helps you understand where you are allowed to go.

The boat holds up to six people. That number matters. With six friends or relatives, the cost per person can make sense, especially since fuel and the basic equipment are already included. With only one or two people, the same $71-per-person price may feel less competitive than a standard shared boat trip.

Your first moments will be practical rather than scenic. You will meet at Gate 3, complete the arrival process, listen to the briefing, and get familiar with the boat. Build in a little spare time. One booking was affected by incorrect pickup information, leading to a 15-minute delay and a fair amount of walking. Confirm Gate 3 directly before setting out.

A Flexible 1 to 4 Hours Along Tenerife’s Coast

The length of the trip is flexible, from 1 to 4 hours, with departure times based on availability. A one-hour outing gives you a taste of handling the boat and seeing the coast from offshore. It will not leave much time for a long stop, snorkeling, and an unhurried lunch.

The longer four-hour option is better if you want the boat to feel like the main event of your day. You can spend time cruising, anchor in a calm place, use the masks, and sit under the canopy when the sun gets strong. The supplied information does not name a fixed series of coves or a set route, so the exact scenery depends on the permitted sailing area and the conditions on the day.

That flexibility is part of the appeal. You are not being moved from one scheduled stop to another. You can decide how much time you want to spend underway and how much time you want to spend stopped. Still, do not assume that every part of Tenerife’s coastline is open to you. One customer specifically found the sailing area limited, so ask about the boundary during the briefing.

I would choose the longest available slot if you want a proper day on the water. Choose one hour if you mainly want a short outing and a chance to try the controls. The price is listed as $71 per person, but check how the booking platform calculates the total for your group before paying. For six people, the shared cost may offer solid value. For a smaller party, compare it with other boat trips in Puerto Colón.

What You Can See From the Water

The central pleasure here is the change of viewpoint. Tenerife’s coast looks different from a small boat than it does from a promenade or beach. You get open water, rocky edges, and the chance to stop near quieter spots instead of following a crowded shore route.

The boat lets you make the day as active or as lazy as you like. You can keep moving and enjoy the breeze, or anchor in a calmer cove for a swim and a little snorkeling. The supplied masks are useful for a casual look below the surface, though the activity does not promise a particular marine-life sighting or a dedicated snorkeling guide.

The GPS is a practical inclusion, not just a gadget. It helps you keep track of your position and follow the permitted route. For a first-time boat driver, that extra reference can make the controls feel less intimidating. The briefing remains important, since the GPS does not replace the rules or instructions from the staff.

The canopy gives you a break from direct sun. That is especially valuable on a longer booking, when the excitement of driving gives way to sitting, swimming, and eating. Pack a towel, bring sunscreen, and use the shaded area rather than treating the whole boat as an open sun lounger.

Stopping for Snorkeling and a Rest

The boat includes an anchor, which lets you pause in a tranquil spot rather than constantly circling or returning to the marina. The exact stopping places are not specified, so think of this as a chance to use the allowed coves, not a promise of a particular famous bay.

Once anchored, you can use the snorkeling masks, cool off, or simply sit with a drink. The boat comes with soft drinks and a fridge for food and extra beverages you bring yourself. That turns the trip into a small private picnic on the water, provided you pack sensibly and keep the space tidy.

The refrigerator is one of those details that matters more than it first appears. A four-hour boat ride without cold water becomes uncomfortable quickly. Since you may bring food and additional drinks, you can plan around your own group instead of relying on a fixed snack menu.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That rule is worth taking seriously, particularly because you are operating the boat yourself. Keep the atmosphere relaxed, but stay clear-headed for the controls and follow the safety instructions.

The Boat’s Comfort and Safety Equipment

This is a compact recreational boat, not a luxury yacht. Its strengths are freedom and simple use, not elaborate seating or onboard service. The equipment covers the basics you need for a comfortable outing:

• Fuel is included, so you do not need to budget for a separate gasoline charge.
• Life jackets are provided for safety.
• A canopy offers protection from direct sun.
• GPS supports navigation within the permitted area.
• An anchor lets you stop in calmer water.
• Snorkeling masks are available.
• A refrigerator keeps your own food and drinks cool.
• Bluetooth music lets you play your preferred soundtrack.
• A soft drink is included.

The Bluetooth system can add a nice personal touch, but remember that the sea is the main attraction. Music should not distract you from the boat, the route, or instructions from the staff.

The boat is described as easy to maneuver, but easy does not mean effortless. You still need to pay attention during the briefing and handle the boat responsibly. If nobody in your group feels comfortable steering, a captain-led trip may suit you better, but this particular format is built around self-driving.

The activity is wheelchair accessible according to the supplied details. The same details exclude children under two, pregnant women, and people weighing more than 297 pounds, or 135 kilograms. Those limits are important to check before booking, especially for a mixed-age family group.

Meeting Eric and Getting Started

Staff service has been a strong point for this boat outing. One customer singled out Eric and described the process from booking through the meeting as so good that the family booked again for the following week. Another short assessment described the staff as excellent.

That gives you a useful picture of the human side of the trip. The boat itself is only part of the day. Clear instructions at the start can make the difference between feeling relaxed at the controls and spending the first half-hour uncertain about what you are allowed to do.

At the same time, the arrival process has not been perfect every time. Incorrect pickup information led to confusion for one booking, and the people on site reportedly needed to call for help with the voucher. I would save your booking details, confirm Gate 3, and arrive with your passport or ID card. A copy is accepted, according to the activity information.

Bring a credit card as well. You do not need to bring a navigation license, since none is required, but you should have the requested identification ready.

Who Gets the Best Value

This outing works best for a group that wants privacy and a bit of control over the day. Six friends can share the boat, music, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and time at anchor without being tied to another group’s schedule.

It is also a good match for families with older children, couples who want a private outing, and first-time boat renters who prefer a basic briefing and simple controls. The age and weight restrictions mean it is not suitable for every family. Children under two and pregnant women should not book it.

I would be more cautious if you are expecting a long coastal expedition. The route may be restricted, and the advertised freedom does not mean you can roam anywhere around Tenerife. Ask exactly how far you can go before you commit, particularly if you have a specific beach or cove in mind.

You should also think about weather and sea comfort, although no detailed weather policy is provided here. If you are prone to seasickness, the boat’s open setting may be less comfortable than staying on land. A shorter booking gives you a lower-commitment introduction.

Is $71 Per Person a Fair Price?

At $71 per person, the value depends heavily on group size and duration. For six people, you are sharing a private boat with fuel, a briefing, safety equipment, snorkeling masks, GPS, a fridge, a canopy, drinks, and music included. That package can compare well with a standard excursion, particularly if you care about steering the boat and choosing when to stop.

For two people, the same price per person may feel less like a bargain. You are still paying for privacy and the equipment, but the shared cost is not being spread across a full boat. Check whether the advertised rate changes by group size or duration, since the available booking information only gives the price per person and a 1 to 4-hour duration range.

The longer trip offers the best chance to make the equipment worthwhile. You have time to cruise, anchor, snack, snorkel, and rest under the canopy. A one-hour booking is better viewed as a short introduction than a full coastal outing.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity adds useful flexibility, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Tenerife schedule is still shifting, but confirm the exact booking conditions at checkout.

Practical Tips for a Better Boat Day

A few small preparations will make the outing easier:

• Confirm that the meeting point is Gate 3 before leaving for Puerto Colón.
• Bring a towel, identification, a copy of your ID if needed, and a credit card.
• Pack food and extra drinks if you want more than the included soft drink.
• Ask about the permitted sailing area during the briefing.
• Use the canopy during long sunny stretches.
• Keep your music at a level that lets you hear staff instructions.
• Choose a longer slot if snorkeling and anchoring are priorities.
• Keep alcohol and drugs off the boat.
• Check the age, pregnancy, and 135-kilogram weight restrictions for everyone in your party.

The most important tip is to set realistic expectations. This is a small, self-drive coastal outing with a limited operating area. It is not a full-island cruise or a captain-led search for distant bays.

Should You Book This Puerto Colón Boat?

Book it if you want a private, hands-on outing for up to six people and like the idea of setting your own rhythm. The included fuel, GPS, snorkeling masks, fridge, canopy, and life jackets make the package practical, while Eric and the staff have received especially warm praise for friendly service.

Think twice if your main goal is to cover a large stretch of Tenerife’s coast. The permitted area may be limited, and the meeting instructions have occasionally caused confusion. Confirm the gate and route before you go.

For a full group choosing the four-hour option, I think this is the strongest version of the deal. You get enough time to enjoy the boat rather than rush through the briefing, steering, and a quick stop. For a smaller group or a one-hour booking, compare prices carefully and treat it as a short taste of Tenerife from the water.

FAQ

Do I need a boating license for this activity?

No. The boat is designed for people who do not hold a navigation license, and a briefing is provided before departure.

How many people can use the boat?

The boat is suitable for up to six people.

How long does the boat trip last?

The available duration ranges from 1 to 4 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Gate 3 at Puerto Colón. Confirm the location before arriving, since incorrect pickup information has caused delays.

What equipment is included?

The boat includes gasoline, a soft drink, a briefing, life jackets, a refrigerator, Bluetooth music, GPS, snorkeling equipment, and the boat itself.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, a credit card, and a passport or ID card. A copy of the identification document is accepted.

Who cannot take part?

Children under two, pregnant women, and people weighing more than 297 pounds, or 135 kilograms, are not suitable for this activity. Alcohol and drugs are also prohibited.