Tenerife by boat beats any bus ride. This private boat charter on the Rio 850 Cruiser Libby is a simple, good-value way to see the south coast of Tenerife from the water, with tapas and unlimited premium drinks as you go. You’re not crammed in with strangers, and the route is guided by a captain and crew who know where to point the boat.

I especially like the chance to take in the rugged Atlantic coastline plus mountain views without any fuss, because the boat does the scenic work for you. The onboard setup is also practical: plenty of sun space up front, and sheltered interior cabins if the sun gets loud.

One possible drawback: it’s not a great fit if you’re prone to seasickness, and one review noted the drink selection may feel more like beer or wine than full spirits—so it’s worth asking what’s included before you go.

Key highlights to look forward to

• 30-foot Rio 850 Cruiser Libby sailing from Pantalan 3 in Puerto Colón (Adeje)
• Unlimited premium brand drinks plus a tapas selection onboard
• Snorkeling gear included, with stops where jumping in is part of the fun
• Two interior cabins, private bathroom, and freshwater shower for comfort
• Sea-life spotting in good conditions, with captains named Robert, William, Noel, and Javier mentioned in past trips

Getting on Libby at Pantalan 3, Puerto Colón

This experience starts in Puerto Colón (Adeje), and your meeting point is Pantalan 3. The time here matters because it’s a 3-hour window, so you’ll want to arrive a little early, be ready to board quickly, and settle in before the boat heads down the coast.

What you’re looking for is the boat itself: the 30-foot twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser named Libby. In plain terms, it’s big enough to feel like a real outing but small enough to move easily and feel personal. Once you’re aboard, you’ll get a captain-led experience with English and Spanish support, and the crew handles the boat work while you focus on enjoying the coast.

Before you go, I’d pack like it’s a beach day plus a short boat ride: hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, camera, and comfortable clothes. High-heeled shoes aren’t allowed onboard, so think sandals or sneakers you don’t mind getting damp.

The south-coast route: rugged cliffs, caves, and mountain views

Most people pick a private charter for one thing: the views. And on this trip, you get to see Tenerife’s south coast from a place buses and walking tours can’t reach. You’ll meander along the rugged Atlantic shoreline, with mountain peaks in the mix, plus chances to pass hidden caves as you cruise.

The practical upside of this style of sailing is timing. Instead of being stuck at a single photo stop, you’re moving through a changing coastline. If you like to watch light shift on rocks and cliffs, you’ll get that here naturally as the boat follows the shore.

You also get the benefit of crew guidance. Past trips mention captains steering closer to sea life (dolphins and whales) and positioning the boat for easier viewing. That means you’re not just looking out at random water—you’re usually looking from the best angle available in that moment.

Onboard comfort: bow sun pads, interior cabins, and your own bathroom

The boat layout is one of the reasons this charter feels comfortable even when the sun is strong. Up front, you’ve got ample seating on the bow with sun pads, which is where most people end up for that slow, do-nothing feeling.

If you want shade, you’re not stuck. There are two interior cabins that provide shelter from the sun if you need a break. That’s a big deal on Tenerife, because even on a pleasant day, you can go from fine to toasty fast.

You also get real convenience items that make a difference for a 3-hour trip:

• A private bathroom onboard
• A freshwater shower onboard

So if you swim, rinse off, and get comfortable again, you’re not ruining the rest of your day. It’s the kind of small comfort that you notice most after you’ve been out on boats where nothing is easy.

Tapas and premium drinks: the onboard meal rhythm

This is a drinks-and-snacks experience, not a full restaurant-style lunch, and that’s okay—because you’re on a boat where the day’s main event is the coast. You’ll get a selection of tapas onboard, plus unlimited premium brand drinks during your charter.

In practice, this works best like a long aperitivo: you graze while you cruise, snack while you wait for the captain to find a good bay or sea-life spot, then you refuel again after a swim. Several past groups mentioned that the tapas felt generous, and one person called out tomatoes as especially good.

One caution, based on a real review: while the booking includes unlimited premium brand drinks, one group felt the options were mostly beer or wine with no spirits or cider. That doesn’t mean it’s always like that, but it does mean you should confirm drink options if your idea of premium includes specific spirits or mixers.

The good news is the overall setup still feels like a party-with-a-captain vibe. A couple of reviews also mentioned connecting a phone to play music via Bluetooth. That can turn a scenic cruise into a more personal afternoon—just keep it at a volume the whole boat can enjoy.

Swim and snorkel: using the included gear without overthinking it

Snorkeling gear is included, and the charter is designed so you can enjoy swim time as the boat anchors in suitable spots. Reviews mention snorkeling and swimming in bays, plus a captain taking the group out to follow dolphins.

Here’s the practical part: the water may not be completely calm. One review notes the swim wasn’t in still water, and it recommends swimming for good swimmers. If you’re even slightly unsure about open-water comfort, I’d stick to wading and keep your snorkeling shallow and short.

Also, bring your towel and a change of clothes if you can. Even with a freshwater shower onboard, you’ll feel better when you’re not drying off with the salt air.

If you’re prone to seasickness, swim stops can make it worse. That’s not about bravery; it’s just motion. If you’ve had issues on boats before, seriously consider whether this is right for you.

Spotting dolphins and whales: when the captain finds the action

One of the big reasons this charter gets such high marks is sea-life spotting. Multiple reviews mention seeing dolphins, including turtles, and others specifically call out whales—one person described a huge number of pilot whales.

A key thing here: the captain’s role isn’t just driving. Reviews include details like the boat being taken out to follow dolphins, and captains steering closer to improve viewing. When you’re on a small craft, those micro-adjustments matter.

What you should do as a passenger is simple:

• Keep your eyes up while moving along the coast
• Be ready for quick changes in position
• Ask where to look when the captain announces a sighting

This is nature, so you can’t guarantee whales every time. But you can choose a boat charter where the crew is actively scanning and positioning the boat for better chances. That’s exactly what you want if your priority is more than just scenery.

Choosing the best 3-hour slot for your mood

The charter runs for 3 hours, and there are variety of departure times available. That matters because Tenerife looks different depending on the hour, and the pace of your day changes too.

For example, one group booked the 6:30pm sunset-style slot and called it a great end-of-day plan, with sun setting over the ocean. If you want the day to feel romantic and slow, late afternoon usually does the job.

If you’re on holiday with a full schedule, choose a departure time that fits your energy. A morning or early afternoon slot can work well if you want to swim and snorkel while you still have time afterward for a meal on land. The best choice depends on whether you want your boat trip to be the highlight of your day—or the easiest highlight you can fit in.

Price and value: $530 for up to 6 people

At $530 per group (up to 6 people), you’re paying for privacy, a professional captain and crew, and the extras that usually cost money separately.

What’s included that makes the price easier to swallow:

• Private boat charter
• Captain and crew
• Fuel
• Tapas
• Unlimited premium brand drinks
• Snorkeling gear
• Private bathroom and freshwater shower

So instead of buying a bunch of separate tickets—boat ride, drinks, and a guided element—you get one packaged afternoon. For groups of 4–6, it often comes out to a lot less than it would if you tried to recreate the same experience through public tours and restaurant spending.

Two ways to judge value before booking:

• If your group wants a true private outing, this price can feel like a bargain compared with less flexible options.
• If your group cares a lot about specific drink types (spirits vs. beer/wine), confirm what premium means for your date so you’re not surprised.

Who this charter suits best (and who might not)

This is a strong match if you want:

• A private group plan with a captain and crew
• A relaxed 3-hour outing with drinks and tapas
• Sunbathing up front with shade available inside
• A chance to swim and snorkel with gear included
• A realistic shot at dolphins or whales (depending on conditions)

Reviews also mention birthdays and friend groups, which fits the vibe. There’s enough comfort for celebrating, and enough flexibility for keeping things chill rather than structured.

It’s probably not the best fit if:

• You’re prone to seasickness (explicitly noted as not suitable)
• Your group needs a fully calm swimming environment (one review suggests swimming conditions weren’t still water)
• You want a strict restaurant-style meal schedule (this is tapas, not a full sit-down)

Also, remember the small rules that make the trip smoother: no smoking, no alcohol and drugs, and avoid high heels onboard.

Should you book this Tenerife boat charter?

I’d book this if you want a private way to see Tenerife’s south coast without turning the day into logistics homework. The combination of a real boat experience, onboard snacks and drinks, included snorkeling gear, and comfort features like two interior cabins plus a private bathroom makes it feel like more than a basic outing.

I’d hesitate only if seasickness is a major issue for you, or if your group has very specific expectations about drink selection (since there’s some variation in what people felt they received). If that’s you, ask ahead and plan accordingly.

If your goal is a memorable afternoon—sun on your face, coastline views, and the possibility of dolphins or even whales—this is the kind of outing that tends to earn repeat bookings.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

It lasts 3 hours.

How much does the charter cost?

The price is $530 per group for up to 6 people.

Where is the meeting point in Puerto Colón?

The meeting point is Pantalan 3.

What’s included in the price?

The charter includes the private boat, captain and crew, fuel, unlimited premium brand drinks, tapas, snorkeling gear, and onboard facilities like a private bathroom and freshwater shower.

Is there a private bathroom onboard?

Yes, the boat has a private bathroom.

Do you provide snorkeling gear?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

Is the boat trip suitable if I get seasick easily?

No. It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

What is not allowed during the activity?

Smoking is not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

How does cancellation work?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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