If you want Tenerife by sea, this is a smart way to do it. You’re in a license-free self-drive boat along the coast, with GPS to help you find your way and time to drop anchor in quieter water for swimming and snorkeling.

What I like most is that it feels flexible, not rushed. You get a real briefing, then you can pace your own day—cruise, pause, swim, and hang out with music and cold drinks.

One thing to plan for: your cruising options can feel limited depending on where you’re allowed to go. Also, make sure you’re at the right pickup point (Gate number 3), because a pickup mix-up can cost time.

Key points to know before you book

• License-free self-drive means you can steer yourself without a boating license
• Up to 6 people makes it great for small groups and families who want privacy
• GPS, anchor, and snorkeling gear are included so your day stays low-stress
• Fridge + Bluetooth music help you turn the trip into a proper hangout
• Expect crystal-clear water and calm coves where you can stop and relax

Puerto Colón self-drive in Tenerife: what this day is really like

This is a simple idea done well: you rent a small boat for up to six people and drive it yourself along Tenerife’s coastline. No license. No skipper. No waiting for someone else’s timeline. You get a structured start (a briefing), and then it’s mostly about your choices—how long you cruise, where you pause, and when you switch from sightseeing to swimming.

The boat is set up for comfort for a day at sea. There’s a canopy for sun protection, life jackets for safety, and onboard extras that make it feel like a mini floating lounge. The big practical win is that several things you’d usually have to figure out—GPS, snorkeling masks, and basic drinks—are already included.

This is the kind of activity you book when you want the coast without the usual tour-tram schedule. You’re not just looking at the water from shore. You’re living in it.

Finding Gate 3 and getting your briefing with Eric

Your starting point is clearly marked: Gate number 3. That matters more than people think, because a boat rental only works smoothly if you’re on time and at the right place. One of the best signals you’ll get is how the team handles the handoff from the booking to the actual boat.

In particular, I’ve seen this run smoothly when people meet Eric right at the pickup flow. The experience tends to feel easy when the handover is handled quickly and clearly—exactly what you want when you’re planning a short window like 1 to 4 hours.

My practical advice: arrive a bit early and double-check the exact gate number in your head before you walk in. If you show up ready with your ID and booking details, you’ll waste less time asking questions and more time enjoying the water.

The boat setup: comfort, safety, and easy steering

This is a self-drive boat, so you’ll spend your time doing three main things:

1) getting oriented using the GPS,

2) cruising the coastline at your own pace,

3) using the anchor when you want to stop.

The boat is described as easy to maneuver. Even so, you should treat it like any rental: slow down at the start, get a feel for how it handles, and don’t rush your first turn. The inclusion of GPS is a real help here. It reduces stress if you’re not used to navigating in coastal areas.

Safety basics are covered. Life jackets are available onboard. Fuel is included, which removes a common headache—no fuel math, no surprise costs mid-day.

Comfort details are also practical:

• a canopy for sun
• a fridge if you bring extra food or drinks
• a Bluetooth audio system so your playlist becomes part of the day

That fridge detail is underrated. Tenerife weather can be warm even when you’re cruising. Being able to keep extra drinks cool means you can pack like a picnic without worrying.

Your Tenerife sea time: how the day flows on the water

The duration is flexible: 1 to 4 hours, depending on what you book and what’s available. That range changes how you should plan your priorities.

The short version (about 1–2 hours)

If you only have a short window, you’ll want a simple plan:

• Get oriented with the GPS fast
• Cruise long enough to enjoy the coastline
• Find a calm spot and make snorkeling and relaxing the main event

With a short rental, don’t over-plan. The goal is quick fun with minimal fuss.

The longer version (3–4 hours)

With more time, you can make it a real experience rather than a quick splash:

• Cruise along the coast at a comfortable pace
• Pause in quieter water using the anchor
• Spend actual time snorkeling and relaxing
• Keep snacks and drinks cold in the fridge

This is where the “hidden coves” idea becomes more than marketing. A longer timeline lets you take advantage of still-water stops instead of just passing by them.

In both cases, drinks are included—soft drinks—so you can hydrate without digging into your own supplies right away.

Snorkeling and coves: what you’re aiming for underwater

The experience includes snorkeling masks, and the itinerary is built around the idea of stopping in tranquil areas. When the boat anchors, you’re positioned for easy entry and a relaxed swim rather than a strenuous effort.

Here’s how to make snorkeling feel worth your time:

• Put your mask on as soon as you stop so you’re not rushed
• Bring a towel and keep it ready for an easy rinse and drying
• Take a few minutes to float and adjust before trying to move around much

The point isn’t athletic performance. It’s easy exploring of the underwater world in clear water.

Also: snorkeling gear is included, which is the kind of detail that saves you from last-minute packing. If you’ve ever tried to find rental masks right before a trip, you’ll appreciate having this handled.

Food, fridge, and music: turning a boat ride into a hangout

This is not only about moving from point A to point B. It’s also about staying comfortable while you’re paused.

You get soft drinks included, and the boat has a fridge if you want to bring food or extra drinks. That means you can do a low-effort snack setup—something simple like sandwiches and fruit, plus chilled drinks—without needing to buy everything at the last minute.

The Bluetooth music system adds another layer. You’re out on open water, not in a crowded space. Music at a reasonable volume can make the whole trip feel like your own private coastal party, just with a safety-first vibe.

One small caution: the activity says alcohol and drugs are not allowed. If your group tends to turn “holiday” into “party,” set expectations before you go.

Price and value: is $71 per person fair?

At about $71 per person, the value depends on how many people are in your group and how you compare it to alternatives.

Here’s what’s meaningful about the pricing:

• Gasoline is included, so you’re not paying extra for fuel
• GPS, snorkeling masks, and basic drinks are included
• You get your own small boat for up to 6, not a crowded speed-tour setup
• Comfort features like canopy and onboard music reduce the need to bring extras

If you were to recreate this day on your own—boat rental plus fuel plus snorkeling gear plus navigation help plus a way to chill drinks—you’d likely spend more and spend time solving problems instead of enjoying time on the water.

So the best value is for groups that genuinely plan to use the full time: cruising, one or two swim pauses, and snacks. If your plan is mostly to look from the boat without stopping, a shorter booking can make more sense.

Who this is perfect for (and who should rethink it)

This works best if you want:

• control over your schedule
• a self-drive experience without a license
• a small-group day with swimming and simple amenities

It’s also a great choice for couples who want privacy or friends and families up to six people who want to stay together without joining a larger group.

It may not fit if:

• you need a lot of kid-friendly structure (it’s not suitable for children under 2)
• you’re traveling with someone who is pregnant (not suitable)
• you have concerns about self-navigation and a short briefing before you drive

There’s also a stated weight limit of 297 lbs (135 kg).

Small-group logistics: what to watch on pickup day

Boat days are only as smooth as your first 20 minutes.

The experience is private or small groups, so the handoff should feel personal. Still, it’s worth being alert. One issue that can happen is an incorrect pickup point, which can lead to delays and extra walking. That’s avoidable if you stay focused on Gate number 3 and arrive a few minutes early.

Another practical point: keep your identification ready. The activity asks you to bring a towel and bring a passport or ID card (a copy is accepted). A credit card is also listed, so have one handy.

If you show up with the right documents and the correct gate, the whole day tends to flow.

Practical tips that make your day better

These are small things that can save you time and keep the mood relaxed:

• Bring a towel so drying off after snorkeling doesn’t become a scramble
• Have your ID/passport ready; a copy is accepted
• Pack a simple snack plan if you want to use the fridge
• Use the GPS early, then cruise calmly instead of starting fast
• Plan your expectations around the 1–4 hour window: short = one main stop, long = multiple pauses

And if you’re driving for the first time, give yourself the first few minutes to settle in. You’ll enjoy the views more when you’re not thinking about the controls.

Weather and sea conditions: how to adjust your expectations

This is a coastline activity, so conditions matter. The description emphasizes crystal-clear waters and tranquil coves, which is what you want, but wind and swell can change how comfortable it feels to anchor and swim.

If the water feels choppy, focus on cruising the coast and enjoy the scenery from onboard. If it’s calmer, that’s when snorkeling and longer anchored pauses become the highlight.

The canopy helps when the sun is strong. Still, bring your own sun habits—hat, sunscreen, and hydration—even though drinks are included.

Should you book Puerto Colón’s license-free boat?

I’d book this if you want a flexible, small-group sea day in Tenerife without the expense and crowding of bigger tours. The inclusions are built for an easy day: GPS, snorkeling masks, anchor time, fridge option, music, and basic drinks. That’s a lot of value packed into a simple format.

You might hesitate if you’re expecting unlimited cruising range or a fully guided experience at every step. It’s self-drive, and your time is limited by the rental window. Also, be careful with pickup details—use Gate number 3 and go in prepared.

If your goal is freedom to explore Tenerife’s coast and stop in quieter water for swimming, this is one of the more practical ways to do it.

FAQ

Do I need a boating license to drive the boat?

No. It’s described as a license-free self-drive boat, and you can steer the boat yourself without a navigation license.

How many people can the boat take?

The boat is for 6 people.

How long is the experience?

Duration is 1 to 4 hours. You can choose based on availability for starting times.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are gasoline, soft drink, briefing, life jacket, fridge, music, GPS, snorkeling masks, and the boat for 6 people.

Where do I meet the group?

The meeting point is Gate number 3.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a towel, a credit card, and your passport or ID card (a copy is accepted).

Is alcohol allowed on board?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Who is this not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 2 years, pregnant women, and people over 297 lbs (135 kg).

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it’s listed as wheelchair accessible.

What are the rules on cancellation?

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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