Small boats make the sea feel personal. This private charter in Tenerife South keeps things cozy on a sailboat for up to 7 passengers, with time to enjoy the scenery and jump in if you want. You’ll also have snorkeling equipment included, plus onboard lunch and snacks to make the whole outing feel like a real break instead of a quick hop.

What I especially like is how much quieter and more flexible it feels than big group boat trips. You’re not squeezed into a crowd, and you’re more likely to get meaningful conversation and local wildlife and area tips from the crew—Captain Diego is one name that comes up.

The one thing to keep in mind is that this experience needs good weather. If conditions are rough, your outing may be changed or refunded, so plan with a little breathing room.

Key things to know before you go

• Max 7 passengers means a calmer boat vibe and easier attention from the crew
• Snorkeling gear included makes it simple to get in the water when conditions allow
• Onboard lunch and snacks turn the trip into a half-day-feeling experience in just ~3 hours
• Playa del Puertito stop gives you a clear, fixed target for time in the water and views
• Private group only keeps your sailing away from the usual boat-tour crowds
• English offered plus a friendly captain approach for sightseeing explanations and tips

A private sailboat in Tenerife South, sized for real conversations

Tenerife South is full of sea views, but a lot of boat tours run like a conveyor belt: line up, sail, snap photos, repeat. This private charter changes the rhythm. With a sailboat that holds no more than 7 people, you’ll feel the difference right away—space to move, room to look around, and a calmer pace that fits a relaxed afternoon.

I also like the “small group alternative” angle because it’s not just about comfort. It affects what you notice. On a smaller boat, the captain and crew can point out what’s worth watching—wildlife, coastal details, or little local notes you’d likely miss on a larger tour where everyone is facing the same direction.

Still, understand what this kind of trip is: it’s a focused 3-hour outing, not an all-day island cruise. That’s a plus for some travelers and a mismatch for others, depending on how much time you want on the water.

From Puerto Colón to Playa del Puertito: how the 3 hours usually feel

Your trip starts in Puerto Colón, which is part of Playa de las Américas (Santa Cruz de Tenerife). The meeting point is straightforward: you begin there and the experience ends back at the same spot. In other words, you’re not dealing with a complicated transfer plan or a drop-off that forces you to figure out transportation afterward.

The heart of the schedule centers on Playa del Puertito. Even with only one named stop, the experience still gives you two valuable things: time to enjoy the coast from the water, and time to enjoy the water up close (especially if you snorkel). On a sailboat, travel between viewpoints often feels like part of the experience, not just the “in-between” time.

Here’s the practical expectation: you should come ready for a compact itinerary. If you like clear plans—meet at Puerto Colón, sail out, enjoy the scenery, spend time at Playa del Puertito, return—you’ll appreciate this format. If you were hoping for multiple stops and a longer cruise window, you’ll want to compare this to longer private charters.

Snorkeling gear plus lunch and snacks: the combo that makes it worth the price

One of the most compelling parts of this charter is that it doesn’t treat snorkeling like an add-on. Snorkeling equipment is included, so when you reach the stop—Playa del Puertito—you’re not stuck asking if you can get gear, finding out it’s limited, or paying extra for something you expected to be part of the experience.

It also helps that you’ll have lunch and snacks onboard. That changes the feel of a 3-hour sail. You’re less likely to spend the day hungry, distracted, or rushing to fit food around the tour. Instead, you can relax, watch the coastline, and take your time during the stop.

A small but real consideration: because the trip depends on weather, the captain may adjust how smooth or how long certain water time feels. But at least the basics are there—gear, food, and a plan that’s designed to work as a complete outing rather than a bare-bones boat ride.

The crew’s role: why captains matter more on small charters

On private charters, the captain is basically your tour guide and safety lead rolled into one. On this one, that matters because the boat is small enough for explanations to land. You’re not shouting across a deck. You’re more likely to hear about what you’re seeing, how to look for wildlife, and what locals tend to enjoy along the route.

One review name you can keep an eye out for is Captain Diego. Based on the feedback style people shared, the hosting approach seems to be personal and engaged—captains who enjoy explaining what’s going on and sharing local tips. That’s a big reason this charter earns such strong recommendation rates: 93% recommended and a 4.7 rating suggest a consistent experience, not a lucky one-off.

If you want a “just let me enjoy the view” trip, this still works. But if you like learning a bit—without it becoming a lecture—you’ll probably enjoy the way the crew talks to you on the water.

Price for up to 7: where the value really shows

The price is listed as $423.28 per group for up to 7 people. On the surface, that’s “private charter” pricing, so it can sound steep—until you do the math for the group size.

If you book with a full group of 7, the cost works out to roughly $60 per person for a 3-hour private sail with lunch/snacks and snorkeling gear included. Even with a smaller group, you’re still typically paying less per person than you would if you treated every piece—boat time, food, and snorkeling gear—as separate costs.

Here’s what you’re really buying with this price:

• Privacy (only your group is on the boat)
• Time on the water with a captain who can actually interact
• Included food so you don’t have to plan extra meals
• Included snorkeling gear, so the trip has a built-in activity

Also, this is an outing that people tend to plan ahead for—on average it’s booked about 52 days in advance. That’s a clue it’s not a last-minute throwaway. If your dates are firm, it’s smart to secure it early.

Stop by stop: what Playa del Puertito is for

Playa del Puertito is the main named stop, and that’s useful. It means you’re not guessing where you’ll spend your key water time. When you reach it, the experience naturally splits into two modes: enjoying the shoreline and scenery from the boat, and getting into the water if you want to snorkel.

With snorkeling gear included, you’re set up to make the stop active. You won’t have to scramble for equipment or depend on whether gear availability lines up. And because the boat is small, you’ll usually feel less pressured. You can take it at your pace—brief swim or longer look around, depending on conditions and comfort.

One drawback to consider: a coastal stop doesn’t always guarantee ideal underwater conditions. Weather and sea state matter, and this experience requires good weather. If conditions are less than perfect, snorkeling time may be limited or the experience may shift. That’s not a failure of the tour—just the nature of sea outings.

Who this charter fits best in Tenerife South

This private charter is a strong match if any of these sound like you:

• You want a calm, small-group boat experience without the crowd energy
• You’re traveling with friends or family and want your own space
• You want snorkeling available without planning extra gear
• You value onboard food so the trip feels complete
• You like learning from the captain through simple, practical sightseeing explanations

It may be less ideal if you need a long day at sea. With a 3-hour duration, it’s designed as a focused outing. Think of it as a highlight afternoon, not a full travel day.

It also makes sense for celebrations and romantic plans, since the private setup is built for that kind of vibe. The experience is described as being able to accommodate special events with advance contact, which is exactly what you’d want for a birthday surprise or anniversary outing.

Tips to get the most out of your 3 hours

I’ll keep this practical, because small charters reward preparation.

• Bring swim-ready basics even if you’re undecided. With snorkeling gear included, you’ll save time if you’re already prepared to get in the water.
• Plan your day so you’re not rushing afterward. The trip ends back at Puerto Colón, so you’ll have an easy return to your next activity, but it’s still nicer when you’re not sprinting across town.
• If you’re sensitive to sea conditions, keep it in mind that the experience depends on weather. Choosing a day with calmer conditions can improve the whole outing.
• If you want photos, treat the first sailing moments as your opportunity. With a small boat, you’ll often have better angles without the same congestion you get on larger tours.

Should you book this private charter in Tenerife South?

If you’re looking for an intimate boat trip that feels like a real outing—not a rushed group activity—this is an easy yes. The biggest wins are the combination of small group size (max 7), included snorkeling gear, and onboard lunch and snacks. Those three things together make the price feel more reasonable, because you’re not paying extra for the essentials.

I’d book it especially if you’re traveling with a group that can fill most of the boat. Private charters tend to be best when you’re not splitting costs unevenly across just one or two people. And since it’s been strongly rated—4.7 with 93% recommending—you’re not taking much of a gamble on quality.

The only solid reason to hesitate is weather dependency. If your schedule is tight or you can’t afford any shifting due to sea conditions, you’ll want a backup plan for the day you choose.

FAQ

How many people are on the private charter?

This is a private tour on a sailboat with a maximum of 7 passengers, and only your group participates.

How long is the experience?

The charter lasts about 3 hours.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can use it during the trip if you wish.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Puerto Colón (Playa de las Américas) and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket.

What’s the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.