Reviewed · CATAMARAN & SAILING CRUISES

Private boat tour

★ 5.0 · 6 reviews 3 hours (approx.) From $417 Operated by Ruslan Zavilohhin · Bookable on Viator
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This is one of those Tenerife days that changes your angle fast—from cliffs to open ocean in minutes. I like how the route mixes wildlife watching with real swim time in clear water.

Two highlights I’d choose again: the chance to spot pilot whale families around the coast, and the snorkeling/snorkel-friendly stops where you can see plenty of fish. It’s also set up for a small group, not a big crowded boat.

One thing to plan around: the outing depends on good weather, and you’ll get the best experience when the sea cooperates.

Key things to know before you go

  • Private boat for up to 8 means you’re not sharing space with strangers.
  • Barco 33 runs the route from Puerto Colón toward La Caleta, then onward to El Puertito de Armeñime.
  • Whale spotting is part of the plan, with a realistic possibility of pilot whales.
  • Snorkeling gear is included, plus snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks.
  • La Caleta is the main swim stop, with time to anchor and enjoy the bay.
  • No scuba equipment is included, so this is surface-focused water time.

Tenerife by boat: what this 3-hour private outing really gives you

A private boat tour in Tenerife sounds fancy, but what matters is what happens once you’re out there. This one keeps things simple: you leave from Puerto Colón, cruise to La Caleta for the big water and wildlife segment, then you finish at El Puertito de Armeñime for a shorter lagoon swim break.

I like the rhythm. The first stretch is for views and spotting—watching the coast change from “pretty from shore” to “wow, I’m right in front of it.” Then the schedule turns practical, with a real chunk of time to get in the water and look around.

The other value is the small-group setup. Up to 8 people per booking means the day feels calmer, and you can actually hear instructions when the captain points something out. The provider running the experience is Ruslan Zavilohhin, and the overall vibe is friendly and easygoing, which matters a lot on a short tour.

Price and value for a group of up to 8

Private boat tour - Price and value for a group of up to 8
It costs $417 per group for up to 8 people, which is how you should think about it: group value, not per-person value.

If you fill the boat with the full group size, that’s about $52 per person for a 3-hour private outing with snorkeling equipment plus snacks, bottled water, and drinks. That’s the part that makes it feel fair. If you don’t fill the group, it’s less of a bargain, but you still get the private format—no waiting around for everyone and no merging into a larger crowd.

Also, the tour includes WiFi, which sounds like a small thing until you’re hungry to keep your phone alive while you’re out on the water. The snorkeling kit is included too, so you’re not scrambling last-minute for gear.

Meeting at Av. de Colón 4 (Costa Adeje) and start-time reality

Private boat tour - Meeting at Av. de Colón 4 (Costa Adeje) and start-time reality
You meet at Av. de Colón, 4, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The start time is 10:00 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

That matters because a 3-hour total trip is tight. A smooth start sets the tone. Plan to arrive early enough to park, walk to the dock area, and settle in without stress.

You’ll get a mobile ticket after booking, and it’s offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation, which can help if you’re not driving.

Stop 1 at La Caleta: cliffs, pilot whales, and the main swimming window

Private boat tour - Stop 1 at La Caleta: cliffs, pilot whales, and the main swimming window
The first major segment is all about La Caleta—where you see Tenerife’s coast from the water and get time to actually enjoy it. The plan is to leave Puerto Colón and head toward La Caleta, then anchor in the bay there so you can switch from cruising to water time.

This stop is the heart of the tour for three reasons:

1) Views first. The cliffs look completely different when you’re close to them. You get a true ocean perspective, not a distant postcard angle.

2) Wildlife spotting is built into the route. This part of the coast can be a good place to observe whales, and pilot whales are specifically mentioned as a real possibility. On a short tour, that’s a big deal—because you’re not spending the whole day traveling somewhere far for a single look.

3) It’s the swim-and-snorkel stop. Once anchored, you can swim in crystal-clear water, and the snorkeling gear included makes it practical. You’ll have a chance to swim among fish, and turtles are possible from time to time.

A small consideration: because this is the main stop, it’s also where conditions matter most. If the water is rough, the time may feel choppier. The upside is that the tour depends on good weather anyway, so you’re not signing up for a hopeless sea day.

Ocean fish, possible turtles, and why the bay timing helps

Private boat tour - Ocean fish, possible turtles, and why the bay timing helps
La Caleta is set up like a classic “anchor and enjoy” situation: the boat throws anchor in the bay, and then you get your time in the water. That structure matters because it reduces the constant on-and-off movement that can make snorkeling sessions feel rushed.

The water here is described as crystal clear, and there’s an emphasis on marine life. You can expect to see plenty of fish while swimming. There’s also mention of occasional turtles, and the wording suggests it’s not guaranteed, but it happens often enough to be worth paying attention underwater.

Fishing is also part of the plan. If you’re curious, this is one of the rare chances to try fishing from the Atlantic side with a view of Tenerife’s coastline. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, the benefit is the setting: you’re not fishing from a generic harbor, you’re anchored off a bay with active marine life.

One note: scuba isn’t included. That’s consistent with the style of the day—surface snorkeling and swimming are the focus.

El Puertito de Armeñime: a shorter lagoon break after the open-ocean time

Private boat tour - El Puertito de Armeñime: a shorter lagoon break after the open-ocean time
After La Caleta, the tour continues along the southern coast and then heads to El Puertito de Armeñime. This second stop is shorter—about 30 minutes—so think of it as a quick reset.

El Puertito de Armeñime is described as having a beautiful lagoon. That makes sense for the time allocation: you’re getting a gentler, more contained water experience after the bigger open-coast segment. The plan here is time to swim and do underwater looking (no scuba equipment is included), and then you’re back on the boat to wrap up and return to the meeting point.

This second stop is a nice contrast. La Caleta is about cliffs, open ocean, and wildlife spotting potential. El Puertito de Armeñime is more about an easy swim break in a lagoon setting.

What’s included (and what that means for your day)

Private boat tour - What’s included (and what that means for your day)
This tour is built around convenience. Included items are snacks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, snorkeling equipment, and WiFi.

That combination changes how you plan. You don’t have to show up lugging gear, and you don’t have to decide whether you’re buying drinks on the dock. Snacking mid-ride can also keep the day pleasant—especially when you’re out for just 3 hours and don’t want to feel hungry the moment you get in the water.

Snorkeling equipment being included is especially important. A good snorkeling experience depends on having the basics ready so you can get your mask settled and start looking quickly. That’s exactly what you want on a schedule with two swim moments.

What isn’t included is scuba equipment. So if you’re thinking of full scuba sessions, this isn’t the right tour type. The day is designed for swimming and snorkeling time.

The captain and how wildlife spotting feels in practice

Private boat tour - The captain and how wildlife spotting feels in practice
The experience stands or falls on execution. Here, the captain’s attitude is a key strength. The overall impression is that the captain is friendly and gives clear, helpful explanations about the area, and that makes the wildlife time feel more than luck.

Pilot whale spotting works best when you know what to look for, and the day is structured so you’re paying attention during the coastal travel and the lead-up to anchoring. When the boat finds the right area, you’re positioned to enjoy what’s happening without turning it into a stressful game of chasing.

The snorkeling also earns high praise. People come away feeling that the water time was truly “worth it,” not just a quick dip. That’s usually because the tour builds in enough anchored time, and because the water is described as clear enough for marine life viewing.

Who should book this private Tenerife boat tour?

You’ll likely love this tour if you want:

  • A private boat experience without a huge group around you
  • A mix of whale spotting potential and snorkeling time
  • Time on the water that’s short enough to fit into a day plan, not a full-day commitment

It also makes sense if your group values comfort: snacks, bottled water, drinks, and WiFi are included, and snorkeling gear is provided.

This may be less of a fit if you want scuba or a long, multi-stop day. The structure is intentional: about 2 hours at the main stop and about 30 minutes at the lagoon, all within roughly 3 hours total.

Weather matters more than you think

Because the tour requires good weather, think of it as a plan for a calm, clear sea day. If conditions are poor, the experience can be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That’s good protection for your time. For the best experience, check the forecast close to departure and be ready for a reschedule if the sea is rough.

Should you book the private boat tour from Puerto Colón?

Book it if your Tenerife idea includes ocean views, real swim/snorkel time, and the possibility of pilot whales. The private up-to-8 format plus included snorkeling gear and onboard refreshments make it feel like the kind of tour you’d gladly repeat if you have the days.

Pass only if you’re set on scuba, or if your schedule is so tight that a weather-based change would throw you off. Otherwise, it’s an efficient, fun way to see Tenerife from the water—without spending your whole trip in transit.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

It’s about 3 hours total.

Where do you meet for the tour?

You meet at Av. de Colón, 4, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

Snacks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, snorkeling equipment, and WiFi are included.

Is scuba equipment included?

No. Scuba equipment is not included.

What happens if weather isn’t good?

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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