Private family fishing in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the kind of outing that turns a normal vacation day into a story you keep telling. You’ll sail out from Barco 33, then switch between trolling and bottom fishing with real gear and a calm, family-friendly captain. It’s part sport, part hanging out with the sea.

I love that you control the pace. You can fish hard for a while, then cool off when the boat drops anchor and you get lagoon time.

The main consideration is seasickness. The boat can move, and the operator recommends taking medicine before you head out if you’re prone.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Private family setup for up to 6 people, with a captain focused on your group
• Trolling plus bottom fishing using professional equipment
• Lagoon break for swimming and kid-friendly fishing on a float
• Food and drinks on board: water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, plus snacks
• Seasonal catch potential including barracuda, mahi mahi, bonito, and even sailfish

Setting sail from Barco 33: what the 4 hours feels like

This is a straightforward, half-day ocean plan. The tour runs for 4 hours, and it starts at Barco 33. Your meeting point is Gate number 3 in front of cafe Victoria, so you can get oriented quickly before you find the boat.

In practice, the day feels like a mix of guided sport and family time. You’re not stuck listening to a lecture for hours. Instead, the captain runs the boat, adjusts the fishing approach, and keeps your group in the loop so you’re not just sitting there hoping something happens. If you’ve never fished from a boat before, that’s a big deal. If you have fished before, you still get the comfort of a pro handling the setup and helping you do the right things in the right order.

Because it’s private, you also have a real chance to make it work for your crew. If kids are restless, you can shift to something lighter sooner. If adults want to stay locked in on fishing, the captain can keep pushing the action while staying safe and on schedule.

Captain Ruslan makes it feel personal (especially with kids)

A standout theme in how this tour runs is that the captain treats your group like a team, not a number. Captain Ruslan has been praised for checking in about seasickness with families, and for speaking English clearly enough that everyone feels included.

There’s also a hands-on vibe that’s perfect for kids. One family said their son got to hold the boat handle briefly, which is the kind of moment that turns a trip into a memory. The captain also changes tactics during bottom fishing so the whole group has a shot at catching fish, not just one lucky person.

You’ll also get better odds if you communicate your preferences early. If your goal is mostly fishing, tell the captain. If your goal is a fun day at sea with some fishing on the side, say that too. The whole setup is built for flexibility: trolling when conditions suit it, bottom fishing when you want that steady “wait and feel the tug” style, then a lagoon stop when it’s time to reset.

Trolling and bottom fishing: how your hands-on time actually works

You’ll try two fishing styles during the outing: trolling and bottom fishing. That matters because they’re different experiences.

With trolling, you’re chasing movement. The boat is set up and you reel in when the lines go active. It’s the more adrenaline-leaning part of the tour, and it’s often the section that hooks kids fast because something is happening continuously.

With bottom fishing, it’s more patient and methodical. You’ll fish from anchored or slow-positioning setups, and the captain can shift between fishing spots to find what’s working. One group highlighted that changing points helped everyone catch fish, which is exactly what you want on a private day when you’re paying for the time on the water.

As for what you can catch, the species list is tied to the season. You might go after barracuda, mahi mahi, bonito, and in some seasons even sailfish. Even if you don’t land every species on the list, the bigger win is that you’re using the right fishing methods with professional equipment instead of doing guesswork.

The lagoon stop: swim time that breaks up the fishing day

If fishing isn’t the only goal, this tour gives you a clean reset. When you’re done (or just tired), the boat drops anchor in a lagoon for a break.

You can swim, and you’ll have masks and goggles for underwater time. The goal here isn’t a deep technical lesson. It’s a fun change of pace that lets kids and adults recharge without leaving the boat experience behind. One review even mentioned a lagoon setup where children could catch fish using a float. That’s huge for families because it keeps the kids engaged even if the main fishing is slower.

The lagoon break also helps with the biggest downside of any fishing trip: fatigue. Ocean time can tire you out. A short swim break makes the remaining fishing or the final wrap-up feel more relaxed instead of rushed.

One more practical note: if you plan to swim, bring bath towels. It’s specifically called out, and you’ll thank yourself when everyone’s damp and ready to get comfy again.

What you get on board: drinks, snacks, and gear

This isn’t a bare-bones fishing trip. It’s set up like a comfortable day on the water.

Included on board:

• Captain
• Fishing equipment
• Drinks: water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine
• Masks and goggles for underwater time

Snacks are part of the experience too, and there’s a chilled-fridge setup. If you want sandwiches, they can be provided if you request them in advance. That’s a good idea for families with kids, or if you know your group gets hungry and you’d rather not wait for a shore meal later.

The gear aspect is also worth emphasizing. You’re not trying to assemble anything or improvise. You’re using professional equipment, which is one reason people actually catch fish instead of just spending the whole trip fiddling with lines.

And yes, the boat itself matters. Families described it as clean and well kept, and that sets the tone for the day. When the boat feels comfortable, you stay focused on fishing and enjoying the lagoon stop.

Seasickness and suitability: when this tour is a no-go

Let’s talk about the part you can’t ignore: the sea can be bouncy. The operator specifically advises that if you’re afraid you’ll get seasick, take medicine before you go out into the ocean.

That’s not a “maybe.” If you know you get motion sickness, plan for it. If you don’t, still be cautious—ocean conditions aren’t always calm.

This tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and it also isn’t recommended for people over 95 years. If you’re booking for a multi-generation group, double-check that everyone fits the safety guidance before you commit.

Also plan your timing and expectations. This is a 4-hour outing on the water, so you’re signing up for motion. If you’re okay with that and take precautions, you’ll likely enjoy the mix of fishing and swimming without it turning into a miserable slog.

Price and value: $573 for up to 6 people

The price is $573 per group, up to 6 people. On the surface, that sounds like a splurge. But it’s private, and you’re paying for the boat time plus captain plus gear plus drinks during the entire half day.

Here’s the practical value angle: if you compare this to a shared fishing trip, the big difference is control. You can keep kids engaged, switch techniques, and get a captain focused on your group. The included drinks also reduce add-on costs that pop up on boat days.

This price makes most sense when:

• You’re a family (especially with kids) who wants a guided, low-stress day
• You have a small group where everyone benefits from a private captain
• You want real fishing time without wasting hours on transfers or waiting around

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, you might feel the cost more. But if you’re splitting among up to 6 people, it can land in the “worth it” category because you’re not buying individual tickets—you’re buying a private fishing experience.

Quick tips to make the day smoother

A few small moves help you get a better day out on the water:

• Plan for motion: take seasickness medicine before heading out if you’re prone.
• Bring bath towels if you want lagoon swim time.
• Request sandwiches in advance if that’s on your plan.
• Use the meeting point: Gate number 3 in front of cafe Victoria, near the port action.
• Know parking is paid at the port, so don’t rely on free spots nearby.
• Budget for transfers: transfer isn’t included, so you’ll want your own plan to reach the port.

Do these, and you’ll spend more of the 4 hours fishing, swimming, and relaxing instead of dealing with avoidable hassles.

Should you book this private family fishing tour?

I’d book it if your group wants a private, family-first fishing day that’s not just about casting lines. The mix of trolling and bottom fishing, plus the lagoon break for swimming and kid-friendly fishing, makes it a stronger “everyone wins” setup than many fishing tours.

Skip it if anyone in your group is likely to get seasick easily, or if you’re looking for a calm sightseeing cruise with minimal ocean movement. This is a real fishing outing—just with a friendly captain and plenty of comfort onboard.

If you’re aiming for a memorable Tenerife day that feels active but still relaxed, this one checks a lot of boxes.

FAQ

How long is the Santa Cruz de Tenerife private family fishing tour?

The tour lasts 4 hours.

What is the group size limit?

It’s priced per group up to 6 people.

Is the tour private or shared?

It’s a private group experience.

What’s included in the price?

You get the captain, fishing equipment, drinks (water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine), and masks and goggles.

What fishing methods will you try?

You’ll have a chance to try trolling and bottom fishing.

Where do we meet the guide?

Meet at Gate number 3 in front of cafe Victoria.

Is transfer included from your hotel or elsewhere?

No. Transfer isn’t included.

What should I bring if I want to swim in the lagoon?

Bring bath towels if you plan to take a swim.