Snorkeling from a sailing boat beats pool time. You’ll get a private sailboat charter on the 11.5-meter Jeanneau Sun Odyssey, then stop for an hour in crystal-clear, less-crowded bays where you can snorkel and see local sea life. It’s a short trip, but it feels like you stepped away from the usual beach scene.

One thing to keep in mind: the bay you anchor in can change based on weather and sea conditions, which affects whether you end up at Playa de Diego Hernandez or Pal Mar.

Key Points at a Glance

• Private charter on an 11.5-meter Jeanneau Sun Odyssey (up to 11 passengers) for a calmer, more personal experience.
• About an hour anchored in a hidden bay with snorkeling in clear water and time to swim.
• Snorkeling gear plus a paddleboard on board so you can switch between activities without waiting around.
• Onboard shade, a toilet, and a fridge—small comforts that matter when you’re out for 3 hours.
• Captain-led sailing along Costa Adeje with a photo stop to enjoy the coastline.
• Skipper Alex is specifically noted as engaging, including for keeping children involved.

Sailing Out of Puerto Colón: What the Private Charter Feels Like

There’s something special about starting in Puerto Colón instead of a crowded dock full of group tours. The moment you’re aboard, the day becomes simple: you’re on a private sailing trip with a captain, you’re not rushing to stay on a schedule that only fits strangers, and the boat does the work for you.

Your boat is a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey, 11.5 meters long and set up for a small group (up to 11 passengers). That size is a sweet spot. It’s big enough to feel like a real sailboat day, but not so big that you’re constantly dodging other groups.

And yes, this is the kind of trip that feels practical. The boat includes an awning for shade, a toilet onboard, and a fridge for drinks. Those details sound minor until you’re out in the sun and want things to stay comfortable.

Costa Adeje by Sail: The Best Kind of Photo Stop

Once you leave Puerto Colón, the sailing portion is where you get your “different point of view” moment. Costa Adeje looks great from the water, and that’s the whole idea here: slow down, let the coastline unfold, and take photos without the stress of finding a parking spot or a perfect viewpoint.

You’ll also get a photo stop. It’s short, but it’s timed as part of the sailing rhythm, so it doesn’t feel like a forced stop that breaks the day.

What I like about this setup is that the ride isn’t only about getting to snorkeling. The coast time is part of the value. In 3 hours, you don’t have time for five separate locations, so the plan stays focused: sail along Costa Adeje, do the water activities, then head back.

Choosing the Bay: Playa de Diego Hernandez or Pal Mar

Here’s where flexibility matters. Depending on the weather, you’ll head toward Playa de Diego Hernandez or Pal Mar. That choice isn’t just a detail—it changes how the day feels once you drop anchor.

If conditions are right, anchoring in a calmer, more protected spot makes snorkeling and swimming more enjoyable. If the sea is choppier, the crew will aim for a safer, practical bay for your group.

This is also one reason the trip stays at 3 hours. A long charter sounds tempting, but with sailing plus anchored water time, the best experiences are the ones that stay within a comfortable window. You get enough time to enjoy the water without turning it into a long, tiring ordeal.

The Snorkeling Window: About an Hour in Crystal-Clear Water

The main event is the anchored bay time—about one hour—set aside for snorkeling, swimming, and spotting local wildlife.

You’ll anchor in the most hidden and wild bays in the area (that’s the point): fewer crowds, more natural feel. The water is described as crystal clear, and having snorkeling gear on board means you can get in quickly once the boat is positioned.

You’ll have snorkeling gear available, including goggles and snorkels. This matters because it reduces friction. You’re not hunting for rental shops or relying on whether your own mask fits well. You just put on the gear, test it, and go.

Practical tip: if you’re with kids or first-timers, use the first few minutes to get comfortable in the water and to check visibility before you go exploring far. The hour passes fast, and confidence comes from little checks.

Paddleboard Time: A Fun Change of Pace

Besides snorkeling, you’ll also have a paddleboard on board. Stand-up paddleboarding isn’t just a bonus. It’s a way to enjoy the bay even if you don’t want to keep your face in the water the whole time.

The day includes stand-up paddleboarding during the Costa Adeje segment, with the water activity window described as about 1 hour. In practice, this usually gives you a natural mix: snorkel for a bit, then switch to paddleboard or swim while others rotate.

If you’re traveling with a group, this helps everyone feel included. Some people love snorkeling. Others prefer staying dry for the first part and then jumping in later.

Onboard Comfort: Shade, Toilet, and Drinks That Keep It Easy

A sailboat day can feel great or it can feel fussy, depending on whether basic comfort is handled. Here, it’s handled.

You’ll have:

• An awning for shade
• A toilet onboard
• A fridge to store drinks
• A setup that includes snorkeling gear and a paddleboard

Included items also keep the vibe low-stress: drinks and sandwiches are part of the charter, along with gas (so the captain isn’t juggling the bill mid-day).

What’s not included is also worth knowing. You’ll want to bring towels and sunscreen yourself. There’s no open bar, so plan on sticking to what’s included for drinks.

Captain and Group Size: Why This Works for Families

This is a private group experience, meaning you’re not being herded like luggage. Group size is capped at up to 11 passengers, which makes it easier for the captain to keep everyone on track and comfortable.

One review highlights that the skipper, Alex, was engaging and really helped keep the children involved. That’s a big deal. Kids can get restless fast on boats, especially when you’re balancing sailing time with water time. A captain who can keep attention while still running a safe trip is one of the best forms of value on a charter.

For adults, the captain’s role isn’t just navigation. It’s also managing when to anchor, when to snorkel, and how to keep the group moving smoothly without turning it into an assembly line.

Price and Value: Is $353 per Group Reasonable?

At $353 per group (up to 11), the pricing logic is simple: you’re paying for a private boat plus a captain for 3 hours. If you’re splitting that among multiple people, it can be a strong deal compared with paying per person for smaller “group tour” boats—especially in a setting where the best part (the bay anchor time) is shared more comfortably on a private charter.

The bigger question is whether it matches your goals. If you want:

• A quiet sailing day
• Real time for snorkeling and swimming
• Paddleboard time without waiting for a turn
• A captain who can actually focus on your group

…then the price starts to look fair. If you’re the type who just wants a quick beach dip and doesn’t care about sailing, you may find other options cheaper. But if you want the whole package—coast views plus water time—this is the kind of charter that justifies itself.

Safety and Rules: Know Them Before You Board

This charter has clear rules, and most of them are exactly what you’d expect on a boat with water activities. A few to keep in mind:

• No fishing
• No glass objects
• No littering
• No smoking indoors
• No shoes indoors
• No intoxication
• No bikes, and no mobility scooters
• Don’t feed animals, and avoid anything that could start a fire or create hazards

If you’re packing, skip anything fragile (glass is a no-go), and think about comfortable footwear that works on a boat. Since shoes indoors aren’t allowed, plan for what you’ll wear while moving around.

What a 3-Hour Day Looks Like, Step by Step

This is how the timing adds up in real life: short enough to feel energetic, long enough to do the water activities properly.

• Start at Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje) and set out on the sail.
• Sail along Costa Adeje, including a photo stop.
• Spend the core water time switching between swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.
• Anchor for about an hour in a hidden bay so you can use the snorkeling conditions and enjoy the water without rushing.
• Return to Puerto Colón.

Because the day is structured around anchored bay time, you get the most important part (snorkeling) without feeling like it’s just a quick, rushed splash-and-go.

Who Should Book This Private Snorkeling Sailboat?

I’d point you here if you want a sailing experience that feels personal, not scripted.

This charter fits especially well for:

• Families who want kids to stay engaged (skipper Alex is specifically mentioned for that)
• Couples who want a calmer alternative to crowded boat tours
• Small groups of friends who will split the cost and make it feel like good value
• People who care about snorkeling but also want the fun of sailing and a paddleboard

It may be less ideal if you only care about one activity and you’re trying to keep costs as low as possible. This is a “do it all” style trip—coast sailing plus water time.

Should You Book This Private Snorkeling Sailboat Charter?

Book it if your ideal day includes private sailing, about an hour anchored for snorkeling, and the chance to add paddleboard time without extra rentals. The onboard basics—shade, toilet, fridge, snorkeling gear—help the trip feel easy.

Skip it only if you’re expecting a long itinerary with lots of stops. This is 3 hours on purpose. You won’t do a big island-hopping day here. Instead, you’ll do one thing well: sail Costa Adeje, then enjoy clear-water bay time.

If you can go with the weather-based bay choice (Playa de Diego Hernandez or Pal Mar), you’re more likely to get the relaxed, fun day this charter is designed for.

FAQ

How long is the private sailboat charter?

The duration is 3 hours.

How many people can be on the boat?

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey is suitable for up to 11 passengers.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet at gate 2 Puerto Colón – Costa Adeje.

What boat is used for the charter?

It’s an 11.5-meter Jeanneau Sun Odyssey.

Where will we sail and anchor?

You’ll sail along Costa Adeje, then anchor at Playa de Diego Hernandez or Pal Mar depending on the weather.

What’s included for snorkeling?

Snorkeling gear is provided, including goggles and snorkels.

Is a paddleboard included?

Yes, there is a paddleboard on board.

What food and drinks are included?

Drinks and sandwiches are included.

Is open bar or towels included?

No open bar is included, and towels are not included. Sunscreen is also not included.