A calm, close-to-nature way to spend Tenerife time. This private sailing yacht charter turns the coastline into your backdrop while you look for dolphins, whales, and turtles from the deck or enjoy a snorkeling stop if weather allows. I like that it stays low-key and relaxed, with personalized attention, plus included food and drinks. One thing to keep in mind: this is a “sailing and ocean time” trip, so you’ll want to check in about the boat’s condition and what sailing looks like on the day.

What really stands out is how much you get for a short half-day—snacks and drinks, including alcoholic options, plus onboard snorkeling gear and life vests. Most trips like this are won or lost on the skipper’s comfort level with the area, and the onboard guidance here seems to matter a lot. The main drawback is that sailing quality can vary, and if you’re expecting lots of active sail use, it’s worth confirming that the boat is in top shape.

Key Highlights Worth Your Time

• Private charter feel: smaller, quieter outing with personalized attention for your group up to 11 people
• Marine life spotting: dolphins and pilot whales are a big theme, with turtles also on the radar
• Snacks and drinks included: beer, wine, cava, soft drinks, water, plus ham and cheese baguettes and seasonal fruit
• Snorkeling option on board: gear and life vests are provided, with swimming allowed when conditions permit
• Onboard Wi‑Fi: useful for quick messaging and sharing photos without hunting for signal

From Puerto Colón Onto the Water: What the 3 Hours Feels Like

This charter is built for people who want the ocean vibe without the crowd noise. You start at Puerto Colón (Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife), and the experience ends back at the same meeting point. In practice, that makes the timing easy: you’re not committing to a long full-day plan just to be near water.

The day-to-day rhythm is pretty simple. You board, settle in, and head out for around 3 hours of ocean time. During that window, the core “itinerary” is really two things: cruising for views and watching for whales and dolphins, then swapping between relaxing onboard and (optionally) snorkeling or swimming when conditions allow.

Because this is private, the tone stays flexible. If your group wants extra time looking for marine life, the trip can usually slow down. If your group wants movement—photos, sun time, a quick swim—there’s room for that too. You’re not stuck waiting for the next group’s schedule.

What’s Included (And Why It Matters): Food, Drinks, and Snorkel Gear

For a short outing, inclusion is where you feel the value. This charter provides a full snack-and-drink spread, not just a token drink. You’ll find ham and cheese baguettes, fresh seasonal fruits, and a drinks list that includes beer, wine, cava, soft drinks, and water. Vegan and vegetarian options are available, which is a big deal when you’re feeding a group without taking chances.

Then there’s the snorkeling side. You get snorkeling equipment onboard and life vests for safety. You still need to respect conditions—this activity notes snorkeling and swimming is weather permitted—but having gear already there means you’re not scrambling once you’re on the water.

One smart way to think about this: on a private charter, time is the expensive part. When food, gear, and vests are handled for you, you spend more of the clock enjoying the sea and less time preparing.

The Marine Life Watching: Dolphins and Pilot Whales Are the Big Score

This trip is explicitly about whale and dolphin watching, and the Tenerife coastline is a strong place to look. Dolphins and whales aren’t guaranteed, but the feedback you’re likely hoping for here is real: multiple outings focus on pilot whales, including cases where people saw many and even smaller groups.

If your group has even a small interest in wildlife, this is the easiest kind of marine day. You don’t need to hunt, you don’t need specialized gear, and you don’t need to time a whole independent activity. You’re just out on the water with a skipper who’s working the local waters.

What I like about this setup is that it’s “close and calm.” You’re on a yacht, so you can watch without being shoved into a noisy viewing deck. You can also shift your attention quickly—eyes up for surface activity, then back to relaxing.

Turtles are also part of the promise. In real life, you may or may not spot them, but knowing they’re on the list helps you keep your eyes open beyond dolphins and whales.

Snorkeling and Swimming Without the Fuss (When Weather Allows)

Snorkeling here is an option, not a hard requirement. When weather permits, you’ll have the chance to swim and use the gear on board. The life vests matter—especially if you’re traveling with people who want extra confidence in the water.

For many visitors, snorkeling is the “memory maker” moment: calm water, clear views, and that quick shift from sailing to actual underwater peeking. The drawback is simple: conditions decide everything. If the sea is rough or visibility is poor, you may get more deck time than water time.

If you’re booking with mixed experience levels—strong swimmers and non-swimmers—this is still workable. The option is there, but the trip also works as a laid-back cruise even if nobody does the water part.

Comfort and Vibe: Quiet Sailing, Social Time, and Onboard Wi‑Fi

One of the strongest selling points is how quiet this kind of sailing can feel. The description calls out that you won’t be disturbed by unnecessary noises, and that matches what private charters are usually like: fewer people, less commotion, more room to talk.

You also get onboard Wi‑Fi, which sounds minor until you’re on the water and want to quickly message family or pull up a map without losing the day to phone dead-zones. It’s not something you “need,” but it adds comfort if you like keeping in touch.

On a personal level, I think Wi‑Fi + drinks is a nice pairing. You can enjoy the moment and still handle the small stuff—photos, quick updates, or reading something light—without feeling locked into an off-grid day.

The Boat and the Sailing Experience: Check the Details Before You Expect Full-On Sail Time

Here’s the honest watch-out: one of the feedback points wasn’t about dolphins or food. It was about the condition of the sailboat—old ropes, a cabin that didn’t feel tidy, and a mainsail issue that meant it didn’t sail as expected. That doesn’t reflect every outing, but it’s the one warning flag you should take seriously if your goal is big, active sailing.

So how do you handle this? Ask before you board what the sailing plan typically looks like on your sailing day. If the crew can confirm the boat is set up to sail properly, you’re in good shape. If not, adjust your expectations: you may be enjoying mostly motor/steady movement plus wildlife watching, rather than lots of visible sail work.

This matters because it changes the kind of photos you’ll get too—full sail views vs. mostly deck-and-coast shots. The dolphins and whales still make the trip worth it for most people, but your satisfaction will depend on what you came for.

Who This Private Charter Fits Best (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a strong match for:

• Couples, families, and small groups who want together time without crowds
• People who care about marine life but don’t want the “full-day expedition” format
• Travelers who want included food and drinks—plus the convenience of gear on hand
• Groups where some people want snorkeling and others want to stay comfortable on deck

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re booking mainly for dramatic sailing performance and want lots of sail use
• Your group has a strict plan that depends on snorkeling no matter what (weather decides)

If your group is flexible, you’ll likely appreciate how this works as a mix of wildlife watching, sun time, and simple onboard comforts.

Cost and Value: Why $74 for 3 Hours Can Make Sense

At $74 for about 3 hours, the value depends on how you group up and what you’ll actually use. Since the charter is private with a stated maximum capacity of 11 passengers, this can become cost-effective when you split the total among friends or family.

You’re not just paying for boat time. You’re also getting:

• Food and drinks, including alcoholic options
• Snorkeling gear and life vests
• A focused wildlife watch window
• Onboard Wi‑Fi

That package matters because it removes several “extra costs” you’d normally deal with on a tour day—snacks, drinks, and renting gear. The other value factor is time: three hours is long enough to feel like an outing, short enough that you’re not giving up your entire day.

Still, remember the boat-condition note. If sailing quality is a top priority for you, it’s worth confirming the day’s setup before you assume you’ll get a full sail experience.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Charter Day

These are the practical things that help you enjoy the trip instead of just waiting for it:

• Bring sunscreen and a light layer even in warmer months; you’ll be exposed on open water.
• Have your snorkeling decision ready before you’re far out, since weather controls what happens.
• Plan for wildlife focus: keep your eyes up and give the skipper room to position the boat for viewing.
• If your group cares about the sailing aspect, ask how often the yacht actually sails on the route that day.
• With drinks included, pace it. You want energy for photos and for any water time.

Should You Book This Private Yacht Charter?

I’d book this if you want a relaxed private outing that centers on views and marine life, with snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear already handled. The strongest reason to say yes is the format: you’re out on the water for a compact window, and you’re set up to enjoy it whether you snorkel or just soak up the deck time.

I’d think twice only if you’re specifically chasing the most dramatic sailing performance as your top goal. One clear piece of feedback points to a mismatch between expectations and the boat’s setup on at least one day—so ask questions, then sail with the right mindset: this is best seen as wildlife-and-coast time first, sailing spectacle second.

If you’re traveling with a group that wants comfort, convenience, and a real chance at seeing dolphins or pilot whales, this private charter from Puerto Colón is the kind of Tenerife experience that feels worth the time.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht charter?

It’s approximately 3 hours on the water.

Where does the charter start and end?

It starts at Puerto Colón (Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain) and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included with the price?

The charter includes snacks and drinks, including alcoholic drinks, plus ham and cheese baguettes, fresh seasonal fruits, and vegan and vegetarian options. Snorkeling gear and life vests are also provided.

Is snorkeling available?

Snorkeling and swimming are available when weather permits, and snorkeling gear is on board.

Is Wi‑Fi available during the trip?

Yes, Wi‑Fi is available on board.

How many people can go on this charter?

The maximum capacity is 11 passengers.

Can most travelers participate?

Yes, most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.

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.

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