REVIEW · TENERIFE
Sailing Yacht on a Private Charter
Book on Viator →Operated by Tenerife First Excursions · Bookable on Viator
Three hours of quiet ocean time starts here. A private sailing yacht charter around Tenerife’s coast is the kind of plan that feels slow on purpose—peaceful water, big horizon views, and chances to spot dolphins, whales, and even turtles. I especially like the private attention and calm pace that makes the trip feel personal, not rushed.
What I also love is how well it’s stocked for being out at sea: snacks and drinks are included (including alcoholic options), plus fresh fruit and baguettes with vegan and vegetarian options. The Wi‑Fi on board is a nice extra if you want to share photos. One thing to consider: this is a yacht charter, but the condition of the sail setup can vary—if you’re expecting full-on sailing time, it’s smart to ask what the skipper plans to do on your specific day.
In This Review
- Key Highlights to Know Before You Go
- Puerto Colón Yacht Vibes: What This 3-Hour Charter Really Feels Like
- Marine Life Watching Around Tenerife: Where the Magic Happens
- Snorkeling and Swimming When Weather Allows: Simple, Supported, and Fun
- Onboard Comfort: Snacks, Drinks, and Wi‑Fi That Make the Trip Feel Easy
- Private Charter for Up to 11: Group Size, Space, and Attention
- Price and Value: Why Around $74 Can Make Sense Here
- Practical Tips for Booking and Having a Great Day on the Water
- Should You Book This Tenerife Private Yacht Charter?
- FAQ
- How long is the private yacht charter?
- Where does the charter start and end?
- Is the charter really private?
- What’s included for food and drinks?
- Is snorkeling gear provided?
- Are life vests provided?
- Is Wi‑Fi available?
- What marine life might you see?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

- Private charter for up to 11 people with personalized attention from the skipper
- Marine life spotting with a real focus on whale and dolphin watching
- Optional snorkeling and swimming when weather permits, with gear on board
- Food and drinks included, including beer, wine, cava, and snacks (vegan/vegetarian available)
- Wi‑Fi on board plus life vests for added peace of mind
Puerto Colón Yacht Vibes: What This 3-Hour Charter Really Feels Like

This charter starts and ends back at Puerto Colón, in the Playa de la Américas area. That’s a practical detail: you’re not transferring between multiple stops or hopping between boats. After you meet your skipper, you settle into a slower rhythm—out of the noise and clutter of the harbor, and into the steady motion of the coastline from the water.
Expect a ~3-hour window on the ocean. The exact timing is roughly half-day, and it’s listed as availability on request, so if you have a tight schedule, confirm your preferred time when booking. Once you’re moving, the biggest difference versus a big group cruise is how your space stays yours. You can lean into the views, take photos without shoulder-to-shoulder pressure, and actually hear yourself think.
One more comfort factor: you’ll have life vests available onboard. That helps if you want the option to swim or snorkel without scrambling for gear. And yes, Wi‑Fi is included, so you can keep things connected if you want—though I’d use it mostly for quick updates, then let the sea time take over.
Marine Life Watching Around Tenerife: Where the Magic Happens

The promise here is clear: look out for dolphins, whales, and turtles from the yacht. And the way the trip is set up makes that goal feel achievable. You’re not just cruising while someone points vaguely at the horizon. The skipper’s role is to get you close enough for real sightings.
In practice, I’d think of this as a scanning-and-waiting kind of experience. Dolphins can show up in quick bursts—sometimes right near where you’re sitting, other times you need patience and good positioning. Whales (including pilot whales) are larger and more noticeable once they surface, but they still require the right conditions and a careful approach.
If marine life is your top reason for booking, this is where value really shows up. You’re paying for time on the water with the intention of spotting animals, not just for the boat ride itself. Keep your expectations flexible, though. The ocean has its mood, and sightings depend on weather and sea conditions.
Tip for enjoying it: give your eyes a break from screens and keep watch around the boat’s sides. The best moments often happen when you’re ready for sudden movement, not when you’re reacting late.
Snorkeling and Swimming When Weather Allows: Simple, Supported, and Fun

You can add snorkeling and swimming if weather permits. The key point is that snorkeling gear is on board, so you’re not relying on rentals or bringing your own setup. That matters because a spontaneous swim is only fun if everything is easy.
Life vests are provided, which gives you extra confidence—especially if your group includes kids, casual swimmers, or anyone who just wants the comfort of extra flotation. The experience is private, so you’re more likely to get straightforward guidance from the skipper based on your comfort level.
What to consider: snorkeling is “weather permitted,” which means conditions can change. If the sea is rough or visibility is limited, you may spend more time watching marine life from the yacht instead. That’s not a loss—Tenerife’s coastline from the water is part of the point—but it’s smart to plan your mindset around both options.
Bring basics you’ll actually use: a towel (if you have one), sunscreen, and water-friendly footwear if you like to step around comfortably. If you’re doing photos, consider a waterproof phone case. You’ll be on the water long enough to want your phone protected.
Onboard Comfort: Snacks, Drinks, and Wi‑Fi That Make the Trip Feel Easy

Food and drink inclusion is a major part of why this charter hits a sweet spot for value. On board, you’ll have beer, wine, soft drinks, cava, and water. You’ll also get ham and cheese baguettes plus fresh seasonal fruits. Vegan and vegetarian options are available, which is a big deal for a small charter where food choices can otherwise get awkward.
This matters because you’re not spending your time on a trip like this hunting for a snack or worrying about whether you’re going to be hungry later. You can focus on the experience while the boat handles the basics.
Wi‑Fi is included as well. It’s not the main attraction, but it’s useful for logistics—checking messages, sharing photos, or keeping someone in your group updated.
One small detail I’d watch: if drink temperature matters to you, pay attention to how beverages are served. A prior guest noted that they preferred rosé served colder. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s the kind of small comfort you can control by asking the skipper how drinks will be handled on your trip.
Private Charter for Up to 11: Group Size, Space, and Attention

This yacht charter has a maximum capacity of 11 passengers. That’s the sweet spot for “private” without feeling like you’re on an oversized ship. It usually means more room to move, more flexibility with how long you spend near sightings, and a better chance you’ll get real conversation from the skipper.
Personalized attention is part of the pitch, and it shows up in the way your skipper approaches whale and dolphin watching—taking the time to get close and positioned well, rather than just doing a quick pass. That calm approach is exactly what you want if you’re bringing family or people who might not love loud tours.
If you’re booking for a mixed group—like a mix of swimmers and non-swimmers, or adults plus kids—private format helps. You can split your attention between cruising, marine life spotting, and optional snorkeling without the pressure of managing a large schedule with strangers.
Also worth noting for planning: service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. So even if you’re not driving, this is more workable than some remote marina starts.
Price and Value: Why Around $74 Can Make Sense Here

At about $74, the big question is what you’re really getting for the money. Here’s the honest way I’d judge it: this price bundles several things that typically cost extra on Tenerife—time on a yacht, snacks and drinks, and snorkeling gear.
Because food and drinks are included (including alcoholic options), you avoid the common “starter cost” trap where you pay for the boat ride and then everything else adds up. And since the charter is private, that included attention and flexibility are part of the value equation, not just the amenities.
You’re also paying for a mission: dolphin and whale watching, with turtles listed as a possibility too. That’s the difference between a casual sightseeing cruise and something with a clearer purpose. If your top goal is marine life—especially if you want the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins—this can be a good use of half a day.
Now the balance: one guest reported disappointment because the boat didn’t feel like it was actually sailing, with concerns about sail condition and overall presentation. That doesn’t automatically mean every trip has the same issue, but it is worth keeping in mind. If sailing is your dream part, ask the skipper what you can expect that day and whether the sails will be used as planned.
Practical Tips for Booking and Having a Great Day on the Water

Weather matters here. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the right structure for ocean plans, where wind and swell can change everything quickly.
Because it’s listed as availability on request for the 3-hour sailing time, I’d do two things when planning:
- Confirm your start time early so you don’t get stuck with a schedule mismatch.
- Have a flexible mindset if sea conditions limit snorkeling.
When you board, look around and get a quick feel for the boat. If you strongly prefer sailing motion over just motor cruising, ask directly about what the skipper expects to do. You don’t need to be technical—just make sure the day matches your idea of what you’re buying.
Also, if you’re sensitive to comfort, consider the clothing basics: sun protection, a layer for sea breeze, and a way to keep your phone or glasses protected. You’ll be out long enough for the sun to do its work, and the wind can change quickly along the coast.
Finally, use the privacy. This isn’t a “photo stop and go” setup. Take time with your group. Let the skipper handle navigation and animal spotting, and you enjoy the stillness.
Should You Book This Tenerife Private Yacht Charter?

Book it if you want a calmer, more personal way to experience Tenerife from the water. It’s a good fit for couples, families, and friend groups up to 11 who care about dolphins and whales, want snacks and drinks included, and like the option of snorkeling without extra hassle.
Skip it—or at least ask tougher questions—if your main dream is guaranteed sailing time in good sailing condition every day. Ocean days can vary, and one past guest raised concerns about sail readiness and overall boat condition. If sailing is a must-have, confirm what’s planned before you commit.
If your priority is a half-day private yacht experience with marine life potential and easy onboard comfort, this is the kind of outing that can turn into a standout Tenerife memory—especially the moments when the animals show up and everyone goes quiet, just watching the sea do its thing.
FAQ
How long is the private yacht charter?
It’s about 3 hours (approx.). Duration is listed as availability on request.
Where does the charter start and end?
It starts at Puerto Colón (Puerto Colón, Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife) and ends back at the same meeting point.
Is the charter really private?
Yes. It’s described as a private charter with personalized attention.
What’s included for food and drinks?
Snacks and drinks are included, including beer, wine, soft drinks, cava, water, ham and cheese baguettes, and fresh seasonal fruits. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes. Snorkeling gear is available on board, and snorkeling and swimming are offered when weather permits.
Are life vests provided?
Yes, life vests are provided on board.
Is Wi‑Fi available?
Yes, Wi‑Fi is included on board.
What marine life might you see?
You may see dolphins, whales, and turtles from the comfort of the yacht.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.










