REVIEW · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Tenerife: rent a boat without license
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by AD Boat Rental · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Boat time in Tenerife, no license needed. This license-free rental lets you cruise in a new Compass 160e while you set your own pace along the south coast. I love how straightforward it feels, and I also like that snorkel gear comes included.
There is one catch: you are the skipper. This is set up for self-handling, so you’ll want to listen closely during the start-up and follow local rules without rushing.
For 2 hours with a private group (up to 6), you’re free to focus on the scenery around Los Gigantes, Masca, and Teno, starting at Harbour 7. Think: a clean, comfortable day on a real boat, with shade, music, and the basics handled.
In This Review
- Key things I’d mark on your plan
- A license-free boat day on Tenerife’s south coast
- Your boat: the Compass 160e and why it matters for comfort
- What the route feels like: Los Gigantes, Masca, and Teno in one loop
- Los Gigantes: cliffs you can’t ignore
- Masca: coastline mood and photo opportunities
- Teno: the quieter side of the south
- Snorkeling on Tenerife’s south beach: what’s included and what to plan
- Onboard extras that make the 2 hours feel like more
- Bluetooth music and shade
- GPS, fridge, water, and ice
- Fuel included and full insurance
- Meeting point and how to arrive ready (Harbour 7)
- Who this boat rental without a license is best for
- Price and value: $336 for up to 6 people
- Should you book this Tenerife license-free boat rental?
- FAQ
- Do I need a license to rent this boat in Tenerife?
- How long is the rental?
- What boat do you use?
- What’s included for snorkeling?
- Where do we meet?
- What group size is this for?
- Is fuel included in the price?
- FAQ (cont.)
- Is free cancellation available?
Key things I’d mark on your plan

- New Compass 160e boats: comfortable, versatile, and easy to handle for a self-drive day.
- Snorkel stop with included equipment: gear is provided, so you only need to show up ready.
- Los Gigantes, Masca, and Teno focus: the route is built around Tenerife’s south-coast viewpoints.
- Fuel included: less mental math, more time enjoying the water.
- Onboard comfort extras: Bluetooth music, fridge, water, and ice are included.
- Full insurance for all passengers: reduces stress when you’re captaining your own route.
A license-free boat day on Tenerife’s south coast

This experience is built for people who want the freedom of a boat without the hassle of a license process. In practical terms, it means you’re not waiting around for a crew schedule or watching someone else drive while you hope for the right angles. You choose when to slow down, when to reposition, and when to spend your time on the water.
The south of Tenerife is the star here, with three big names on the route: Los Gigantes, Masca, and Teno. Even if you don’t know the coastline well, these are the kind of places you recognize fast once you’re out there, because the scenery is dramatic and the coast is easy to spot from the sea.
I also like the human touch behind it. In the feedback, the host is described as friendly and pedagogical, which matters when you’re getting started on a boat you’ll be handling yourself. That kind of teaching style can make a first-time skipper feel confident fast.
The only real consideration is mindset. This isn’t a sit-back-and-watch setup. You’ll get the freedom, but you also own the attention and decision-making during those 2 hours.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Tenerife
Your boat: the Compass 160e and why it matters for comfort

The boat for this rental is the Compass 160e, described as brand new and designed to be comfortable and easy to handle. That’s a big deal. When you’re captaining on your own, the difference between “fine” and “pleasant” is usually the control feel and how the boat supports you while you move around.
A feature I’d personally watch for is the bow solarium, which becomes a table. This is exactly the kind of detail that turns a simple cruise into a hangout. If you’re traveling as a couple or with friends, having a place that works for lounging and eating makes the time feel longer, even though the duration is just 2 hours.
The package is also clearly aimed at a full day at sea, just compressed into a short window. You get:
- Stereo with Bluetooth music
- Latest-generation GPS
- Bimini for shade
- Fridge, water, and ice
- Snorkeling equipment
Those items aren’t “nice extras” so much as they reduce friction. Music makes it feel like your day, shade keeps things comfortable, and the GPS helps you navigate confidently during a self-drive outing.
What the route feels like: Los Gigantes, Masca, and Teno in one loop

The plan is simple: you explore Tenerife’s south by yourself for 2 hours, with Los Gigantes, Masca, and Teno in the mix. Since the experience is self-sail, the real value isn’t a strict checklist of stops. It’s the ability to shape the day around what you care about most—cliffs, coastline scenery, or quiet time.
Los Gigantes: cliffs you can’t ignore
Los Gigantes is famous for a reason, and from the water the cliffs hit harder than they do from shore. This is the part where you’ll likely want to slow down and look longer, because the scale is the main story.
The upside of including Los Gigantes is that you get a visually high-impact area even in a short outing. The potential drawback is that if you’re prone to feeling motion on the water, you might spend more time holding steady while you take in the views rather than wandering around.
Masca: coastline mood and photo opportunities
Masca is the “character” stop. It’s less about one single landmark and more about the vibe of the coast when you’re moving along it by boat.
In a self-drive format, Masca works well because you can approach at your own speed—pause for photos, then move on before you feel rushed. The only caution is the same as anywhere: you’ll need to keep an eye on how quickly your two hours are stacking up, especially if you stop often for shots.
Teno: the quieter side of the south
Teno rounds out the loop with a different feel from the flashier cliff areas. Even without detailed timing on each segment, the idea is that you get variety: big scenery, then a more laid-back coastline feel.
This is also where you can make your own call about balance. If you’re all about snorkeling, you’ll want to keep enough time buffer to enjoy that stop without feeling like you’re racing the clock.
Snorkeling on Tenerife’s south beach: what’s included and what to plan

Snorkeling is one of the headline highlights, and it’s tied to the best beach area on Tenerife’s south side. The key point for you is that snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t need to rent gear separately or worry about whether the mask fits.
What you can do with this stop is simple:
- Put the gear on and explore at your own pace
- Use the included gear without booking another activity
- Keep the stop flexible since you’re captaining the schedule
The main practical drawback? Since the snorkeling is tied to a beach location, conditions can change. If the water is rough or visibility isn’t great that day, you may have to adjust expectations and treat it as a “try and see” moment rather than a guaranteed perfect-session.
Still, having gear included removes one common travel hassle. For a 2-hour rental, that matters because you don’t want to spend half your experience getting ready for the water.
Onboard extras that make the 2 hours feel like more
This is one of those boat rentals where the setup looks designed for real comfort, not just transportation.
Bluetooth music and shade
Bluetooth music plus a real stereo system gives you control of the vibe. You can keep it chill, or turn it into a mini party—no fighting for volume controls.
Shade is also included via a bimini, which means you’re not stuck cooking in the sun if the weather runs warm.
GPS, fridge, water, and ice
The latest-generation GPS helps your self-drive day feel calmer. It’s not just about finding your way; it’s about having confidence that you can reposition without stress.
The fridge, water, and ice round out the “you can actually stay comfortable” part. Even if you’re only out for 2 hours, these details matter because they help you avoid the usual day-on-the-water problem: you start thirsty and warm, then wish you had packed more.
Fuel included and full insurance
Fuel is included, so you’re not trying to estimate spend mid-trip. Full insurance for all passengers also reduces the worry factor—especially useful if you’re traveling with people who are a bit nervous about a self-driven boat day.
Meeting point and how to arrive ready (Harbour 7)
You meet at Harbour number 7. The practical advice here is to arrive with enough buffer time to find the correct dock area and settle quickly before you’re out on the water.
Because this is a private group experience, you’ll feel the “your time starts when you’re aboard” rhythm. If you arrive late, it tends to shrink the fun, since the rental window is fixed at 2 hours.
Who this boat rental without a license is best for

This fits best if you want freedom, not a rigid group tour. If you’re traveling with friends or family and you’d rather control the pacing, this kind of private, self-sail setup is a strong match.
It’s especially good for:
- Couples who want a scenic cruise with snorkel time
- Small groups up to 6 who want comfort without paying for separate tours
- People who feel confident learning quickly, especially with a friendly teaching approach
The biggest mismatch would be for travelers who want everything managed for them start to finish. Since you’re driving, you’ll need a calm, attentive style during the handover and the ride.
Also, keep expectations realistic about duration. Two hours is great for a highlight loop, but it’s not for long, stop-everywhere exploration. Use that to your advantage: pick what matters most—cliffs, snorkeling, or just chilling on the solarium-table setup.
Price and value: $336 for up to 6 people
The price is $336 per group for up to 6 people, for a 2-hour boat rental. That’s not “cheap” in the way a bus ticket is cheap, but boat pricing rarely works like that.
The value angle is simple math: if you fill the boat with the max group size, you’re paying about $56 per person. Even if you have fewer people, you still benefit from a package that includes fuel, snorkeling equipment, GPS, shade, and onboard basics like water and ice.
What makes it feel like good value is that you’re getting a real vessel experience with comfort items (fridge, music, bimini) and the freedom to move on your own schedule. Many paid activities add extras at checkout; here, the essentials are built in.
With a rating of 4.9 from 12 reviews, the signal is consistent: people are happy with the cleanliness, the boat condition, and the host’s friendly, teaching approach. That’s the kind of feedback that often shows up when the experience is well-run, not just “pretty in photos.”
Should you book this Tenerife license-free boat rental?
Book it if you want a short, high-reward window on the south coast with the freedom to steer your own pace. I’d especially recommend it if your group wants to mix viewpoints around Los Gigantes, Masca, and Teno with an included snorkel stop, without juggling extra reservations.
Skip it if you’re looking for a full-day itinerary or you strongly prefer being a passenger the entire time. This is a self-drive experience, so if the idea of handling the boat (even with guidance) feels stressful, you might enjoy a crewed option more.
If you do book, aim to make the 2 hours count: decide what you want most (cliffs, photos, snorkeling, or pure lounging on that bow solarium) before you head out, then let the flexibility do the rest.
FAQ
Do I need a license to rent this boat in Tenerife?
No. This is a license-free boat rental, and you sail yourself.
How long is the rental?
The duration is 2 hours. You can check starting times based on availability.
What boat do you use?
The boat is a Compass 160e. It’s described as brand new and designed to be comfortable and easy to handle, with GPS and a bimini.
What’s included for snorkeling?
Snorkeling equipment is included, along with fuel. You’ll also have water and a fridge onboard.
Where do we meet?
You meet at Harbour number 7.
What group size is this for?
It’s listed as a private group, up to 6 people.
Is fuel included in the price?
Yes. Fuel is included.
FAQ (cont.)
Is free cancellation available?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.




























