Sun, sea, and a quick swim break. This Puerto Colón boat cruise is interesting because you explore Tenerife’s south coast from the water in a small Bellamar group while a friendly crew keeps the trip safe and moving. I like that you get dolphin and marine-life viewing plus real time to swim from the boat at the turtle cove; it’s not just a drive-by sightseeing session. One watch-out: if conditions are windy and choppy, some people can feel seasick, and wildlife sightings may be fewer.

You’ll depart from Puerto Colón, Dock number 5, on a comfortable boat (Bellamar) that holds up to 7 passengers plus crew. The trip runs about 3 hours, with snacks and drinks onboard, including beer, soft drinks, and water—nice when you just want to relax. It’s also not a good fit if you have mobility concerns, since it’s a boat and you may need to move around.

Key things to know before you sail BellaMar

• Dock 5 departures from Puerto Colón on the Bellamar, with a small group of up to 7 passengers
• A long wildlife-sailing window along Costa Adeje, with good odds for dolphins and other marine species
• Turtle cove anchoring time for swimming and snorkel, plus extra gear like stand up paddleboards
• Snacks and drinks included, including beer, soft drinks, and water, with an aperitif during the swim segment
• Crew-led safety briefing early on, then you’re free to enjoy the water
• Choose shared or private, depending on whether you want chatty company or just your own group’s vibe

From Puerto Colón Dock 5 to Costa Adeje: the 3-hour rhythm

This cruise is built for a simple goal: get you out past the shore so you can see Tenerife’s south coast the way most people never do. The whole experience is about time on the water rather than constant stops. You’ll leave Puerto Colón from Dock number 5 on the Bellamar, a smaller boat designed for a quieter, more personal feel than big tourist launches.

The schedule is paced in clear chunks. You’ll get underway along the south coast near Costa Adeje, with a safety briefing that’s short (about 10 minutes), then you shift into sightseeing mode. Mid-trip, the boat anchors at a cove for swimming and snorkel, which is the main payoff. The final stretch includes more sailing time and more drinks, so you’re not rushing at the end.

The one detail that matters for your day: because it’s only about 3 hours, you won’t have time to do a long, complicated plan before and after. If you’re staying in or near Puerto Colón, this is a good “one activity, done well” outing.

The first stop flow: safety briefing, then straight to the fun

Right after departure, you’ll have a quick safety briefing (around 10 minutes). This part isn’t a paperwork lecture. It’s more about getting you comfortable with boat movement, how the crew handles anchoring and water access, and what to expect during the swim segment.

Then the cruise transitions to the Costa Adeje sailing stretch, where the day’s energy really starts. You’ll spend about 1.5 hours on the wildlife-viewing part of the trip. If you’re into watching the ocean closely—birds, spray, sudden surface movement—that long window is exactly what you want.

Also, the boat holds up to 7 passengers plus crew, so you’re not stuck craning your neck over dozens of heads. You can actually look where the crew is pointing and keep an eye on the water.

Costa Adeje sailing: dolphins, marine life, and how to time your attention

This is the part you book for if you like wildlife spotting. The route runs along the southern coast near Adeje, between the area near Los Cristianos beach and the turtle cove area. That positioning helps keep the cruise moving through the waters where you might spot dolphins and other local marine species.

The cruise is set up for spotting: you get a long stretch where the crew focuses on dolphin watching, marine-life viewing, wildlife viewing, and simply sailing through the best areas. In calmer conditions, this is when your chances are best. The boat’s smaller size also helps you keep your bearings and not miss the moment when something breaks the surface.

One practical tip: treat this segment like a watch-and-wait. Don’t stare at one spot for too long. Scan wide, then lock in when you see motion. If the sea looks busy, check the waterline; that’s where marine life often shows up.

A small reality check from the experience you’re buying: if the sea is choppy, sightings can drop. One shared trip noted a week with fewer sightings and said conditions like wind and choppiness limited what they saw. That doesn’t mean you’ll see nothing—just that your results can vary more than on a perfectly calm day.

Turtle cove anchoring: swim, snorkel, and paddleboard time

The centerpiece of the itinerary is the turtle cove stop at Costa Adeje. The boat anchors there, and this is where you trade ocean views for getting in the water.

You’ll have time to swim and snorkel. The water access is from the boat, so you’re not walking across a beach with gear strapped on. That can be a big deal if you’d rather spend your energy actually enjoying the water instead of doing logistics.

You may also find stand up paddleboarding available during the swim window. So even if you’re not a snorkeler, you can still get a little extra fun out of it. The trip keeps this segment timed at about 1 hour, which is long enough to try snorkeling, take a swim, and still have time to relax.

What I like about this structure is that it builds a break into the trip. You’re sailing and searching first, then you stop for a reward. The crew stays attentive so you can relax instead of constantly managing your own safety.

One more thing to expect: if the sea is rough, water time might feel less comfortable. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible—it just means you’ll want to be honest with yourself about seasickness and motion.

Aperitif mode: snacks, beer, soft drinks, and what the boat experience feels like

Food and drinks are part of the value here. During the swim stop, you’ll have an aperitif, and you’ll also have beer plus soft drinks and water included. The overall snack setup is simple—there are snacks onboard—but it’s very much aimed at keeping you fueled while you’re out on the water.

The vibe on a small boat can be a little more personal than you might expect. In one experience, the guide even helped a group connect to the boat speakers, so they could set their own music. That’s not the reason to book—but it’s the kind of detail that makes the cruise feel less like a script and more like a real outing.

A couple of practical notes:

• Bring a plan for your day’s food. Snacks are included, but they are not a full meal replacement.
• Drinks are offered onboard; still, pace yourself, especially if you’re sensitive to motion.

And yes, this is a shared option too. But because the group stays small, the social feel is usually manageable. If you want zero small-talk and more privacy, the private option is worth considering.

Conditions matter: seasickness and dolphin chances on windy days

Let’s talk about the one drawback that comes up when people are deciding. If it’s windy and the sea is choppy, the ride can feel rough. One rider described a choppy day that made two people seasick and caused the group to adapt—asking to shorten the swim time because they weren’t feeling well.

This is why I recommend you match the day to your tolerance:

• If you’re fine with boats and don’t usually get motion sickness, you’ll likely enjoy this more, and you can take full advantage of snorkeling and paddleboarding.
• If you’re unsure about seasickness, consider bringing your own remedy (the cruise itself doesn’t list a medical kit).

Also remember the dolphin element is not a guaranteed show. When conditions are harsh, wildlife spotting may be harder. The crew will still do their best, but your outcome can shift with the weather.

In other words: your booking isn’t just for the scenery. It’s for a marine outing, and marine outings are always at the mercy of the sea.

Price and value: is $74 worth it?

At about $74 per person, you’re paying for a short, guided, sea-based excursion that includes:

• A small-boat ride (up to 7 passengers plus crew)
• Wildlife viewing time along the south coast
• A stop for swimming and snorkeling at turtle cove
• Drinks (including beer) and snacks

Is it expensive? It depends on what you compare it to. If you’re comparing it to a long ferry ride or a bus tour, then yes, boat time costs more. But if you’re comparing it to paying separately for a guided marine activity, gear access for snorkeling, and drinks and snack extras, the price starts to look more reasonable.

The biggest driver of value is simple: you’re buying time on the water plus a real swim stop. That’s what turns this from a quick photo trip into an actual experience.

For me, the sweet spot is couples, friends, and small families who want a calm, guided day without a big group circus. If you like swimming and you want the coast of Tenerife from sea level, this is a strong fit.

Who should book Bellamar, and who should skip it

This cruise fits best if you:

• Want a small group experience rather than a large tour boat
• Like wildlife spotting and being on the water during the best viewing stretch
• Plan to actually get in for a swim or snorkel (or try paddleboarding)
• Prefer an attentive crew and clear safety guidance

It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, based on the activity rules. Since this is a boat with water access, you’ll want to be confident moving around onboard.

Also, be aware of the rules: chewing gum, explosive substances, and nudity are not allowed. If you’re bringing anything besides swim basics, keep it clean and simple.

Should you book this Puerto Colón cruise?

Book it if you want a short, high-comfort marine day with snorkeling and swimming from the boat and a serious wildlife-viewing window. The small group size and the crew attention make it feel easier to enjoy. And if the sea is calm, this is the kind of Tenerife activity that feels like a real treat.

Skip it or adjust your expectations if you’re prone to seasickness or you know your tolerance for choppy water is low. Since conditions affect both comfort and sightings, your experience can tilt either way with the weather.

If you’re on Tenerife for a few days and you want one activity that changes your perspective fast, this is a smart choice—especially when you can align it with a forecast that looks kind to the sea.

FAQ

Where does the BellaMar cruise depart from?

The excursion departs from Puerto Colón, Dock number 5.

How long is the Puerto Colón boat cruise?

The duration is 3 hours.

Is this cruise shared or private?

You can choose a shared tour with a small group or book a private option for your own group.

Do you get time to swim or snorkel?

Yes. The boat anchors at turtle cove, where you can swim and snorkel. Paddleboarding may also be available during the stop.

What’s included for food and drinks?

Snacks are included, along with beer, soft drinks, and water.

What languages is the crew available in?

The driver/crew can speak Spanish, English, and Italian.

Is this activity suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What items or behavior are not allowed?

Chewing gum, explosive substances, and nudity are not allowed.