Tenerife: Private Boat Charter with Tapas & Drinks

Three hours can feel like a proper escape. This private charter takes you from Puerto Colón along Tenerife’s rugged south coast aboard the 30-foot twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser Libby. I like the small-group setting and the chance to shape the outing around swimming, wildlife, music, or simply sunbathing. I also like that fuel, crew, snorkeling gear, tapas, and drinks are included.

The boat carries up to six people, so it works especially well for a family group, birthday, or group of friends. Guides such as William, Noel, Robert, Havier, and Javier have been praised for being friendly and attentive. The main consideration is the open Atlantic: if you are prone to seasickness, this is not the right outing, and the supplied reviews suggest that the drinks selection may sometimes be limited to beer and wine despite the advertised premium brands.

Key points to know before booking

• Private Rio 850 Cruiser: You get Libby, a 30-foot twin-engine boat reserved for your group of up to six.
• Wildlife is a real possibility: Pilot whales, dolphins, and a turtle have been spotted, but sightings cannot be promised.
• Swimming and snorkeling add value: The crew may stop in a suitable bay, though the sea is not still water and swimming suits confident swimmers.
• Food is light rather than a full meal: Tapas are included, but you may want to eat beforehand if you need a substantial lunch.
• Sunset departures are available: A 6:30pm outing can be especially appealing if you want the ocean and sunset together.
• The price works best for six: At $530 per group, the cost is far more attractive when split among a full group.

Setting out from Puerto Colón on Libby

The meeting point is Pantalan 3 at Puerto Colón in Adeje, on Tenerife’s south coast. You make your own way to the harbor because transportation to and from the marina is not included. That is easy enough if you are staying nearby, but remember to allow time to find the correct pontoon.

The boat is a Rio 850 Cruiser, around 30 feet long, with twin engines. It is compact enough to feel personal, yet it has useful comforts for a three-hour trip: bow seating, sun pads, two interior cabins, a private bathroom, and a freshwater shower.

I would think of Libby as a comfortable private day boat, not a large cruise vessel. That distinction matters. You will not have dozens of people around you, a crowded buffet, or a formal entertainment program. Instead, your captain can keep the day relaxed and adapt the pace to your group.

The bow is the main place to sit when the sun is out. It gives you a good position for coastal views and a pleasant spot to stretch out. If the heat becomes too much, the cabins provide shelter. The interior is also useful if the sea becomes choppy or you simply want a break from the sun.

Following Tenerife’s rugged southern coast

Once clear of Puerto Colón, the route follows the southern coastline. This is one of the strongest parts of the trip because Tenerife looks very different from the water. From the boat, you see dark Atlantic rock, irregular cliffs, mountain peaks, and coastal sections that are difficult to appreciate from a road or resort promenade.

The route is not presented as a rigid list of shore stops. It is better understood as a moving coastal outing, with the captain choosing how to spend the time based on sea conditions, wildlife, and your group’s interests. You might spend more time watching the water, viewing caves, or stopping for a swim.

I like that this format leaves room for a slower pace. A private charter should not feel like a race between marked points. You can sit forward with a drink, listen to music, take photographs, and let the coastline pass at a comfortable speed.

The mountain views are another reason to keep your camera handy. Tenerife’s southern shore combines high volcanic slopes with the Atlantic, creating a strong contrast between the dry island terrain and the open water. The boat gives you a fresh angle on the island, even if you have already spent several days exploring it by land.

Wildlife sightings and the right expectations

The waters off southern Tenerife are well known for marine life, and this outing gives you a chance to look for it in a small boat rather than from a large vessel. Different outings have produced sightings of pilot whales, dolphins, and a turtle. One morning produced a large number of pilot whales, while other trips included dolphins swimming near the boat.

That is a major attraction, but you should keep your expectations sensible. Wildlife is wild. A captain can take you toward reported activity or slow down when animals appear, but no private charter can guarantee a sighting.

The small boat can make wildlife watching feel more personal. Captains including Noel and William have been praised for steering closer when appropriate and explaining what you are seeing. The value here is not only the animal itself, but also having a crew member who pays attention and helps you notice movement on the water.

If you are mainly interested in whales and dolphins, consider choosing a daytime departure when you have the best light for watching and photographs. If you care more about atmosphere, the sunset slot may be the better fit. A 6:30pm departure was especially appreciated for the changing light over the ocean, though a late trip may offer less time for clear wildlife viewing.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the Atlantic

A stop for swimming can turn a pleasant boat ride into a more active outing. The crew carries snorkeling equipment, and several trips included time in a sheltered bay for swimming and looking underwater. You can also use the freshwater shower afterward.

Do not treat this as a pool outing. The Atlantic is moving water, and one family group specifically noted that swimming was best for people who are confident in the sea. If you are not a strong swimmer, you can remain on board and enjoy the views without feeling pressured to get in.

The snorkeling gear is included, which improves the value of the charter. Still, the main appeal is the overall combination of boat time, scenery, food, and the chance to swim. This is not described as a specialist snorkeling trip with a long underwater session or a set of named reefs.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a hat. Comfortable clothing is more useful than anything formal. High-heeled shoes are not allowed, and smoking is not permitted on the boat.

Tapas, drinks, and the practical value of lunch

Food and drinks are included in the $530 group price. You receive a selection of tapas along with advertised unlimited premium-brand drinks. That makes the experience feel more like a hosted private outing than a simple boat rental.

The food appears to be a snack board or light tapas spread rather than a full meal. Tomatoes were singled out as a particularly good part of the food, and several outings were praised for generous tapas. I would still eat something before boarding if you have a large appetite or are booking near lunchtime.

There is one detail worth checking before you pay. The advertised package refers to unlimited premium drinks, but one four-star assessment reported that the selection was limited to beer and wine, with no spirits or cider. Other outings included cava and accommodated different alcohol preferences, so the exact drinks available may vary.

You can also bring your own sense of occasion without bringing prohibited items. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed as outside items, and smoking is prohibited. If you want a particular drink, it is sensible to confirm the available choices in advance rather than assume every premium brand or spirit will be on board.

The drinks are most valuable when you are splitting the cost with a group. For two people, the per-person price is high. For six, $530 works out to about $88 per person before considering the private boat, crew, fuel, food, drinks, bathroom, and snorkeling equipment.

A relaxed crew makes the difference

A private charter depends heavily on the captain and crew. The strongest pattern here is not a formal commentary program, but attentive service and a friendly tone.

William has been praised for clear communication, accommodating drink preferences, and creating a comfortable atmosphere. Noel has been described as friendly, helpful, and good at explaining marine life. Robert received praise for taking care of a birthday group and even allowing passengers to have a go at steering.

Havier was singled out for making a group feel welcome and safe, while Javier has also been praised for being warm and informative. Since the crew member can shape the mood of the whole three hours, these details matter more than a long list of onboard features.

You may be able to connect your own music by Bluetooth, which is a nice touch for birthdays or friend groups. It lets you set the mood without turning the trip into a loud party boat. Keep the volume considerate, especially if you want to hear the captain or watch for wildlife.

The charter can also suit a celebration. A 60th birthday group anchored for a swim, watched dolphins, enjoyed tapas, and even took turns steering. That kind of flexibility is difficult to get on a standard shared excursion.

Choosing the best departure time

The operator offers several departure times, so think about what you want from the water.

A morning trip is a good choice if you want the clearest part of the day for wildlife watching and swimming. It may also suit families who prefer to keep the afternoon free.

An afternoon trip gives you warmer, slower holiday energy. You can spend the day at your accommodation or exploring Adeje, then head to the harbor for a few hours on the Atlantic. The drinks and tapas fit naturally into this time slot.

The sunset departure is the most atmospheric option. The 6:30pm trip received praise for its changing light and ocean views. The tradeoff is that fading light may make snorkeling and wildlife watching less central. Pick sunset for the mood, daytime for the best chance of seeing the water clearly.

The trip lasts three hours, which is long enough to feel worthwhile without taking an entire day. You get time for the coast, a possible swim, food, drinks, and wildlife watching, but you are not committing to a full-day charter.

Who gets the best value from this charter?

I would recommend this outing most strongly to a group of four to six people. The private format becomes much better value as more people share the fixed group price, and six friends can use the boat’s space efficiently without it feeling crowded.

It is also a good choice for a special occasion. Birthdays, anniversaries, family visits, and a final afternoon in Tenerife all fit the mood. The crew’s willingness to help with music, swimming, steering, and drink preferences adds a personal touch.

Families can enjoy it too, but consider the child’s comfort on moving water. The boat has sheltered cabins and a bathroom, which helps, but the trip is still an Atlantic outing. Anyone who dislikes waves or feels seasick should think carefully before booking.

Couples can have a lovely time, especially if privacy matters more than low cost. Still, two people pay the same group price, so a shared whale-watching trip may be cheaper if you do not need a private boat.

This is less suitable if you want a formal meal, guaranteed wildlife, a long snorkeling session, or a large party atmosphere. The tapas are light, the boat is compact, and the sea conditions shape the day.

Booking details worth knowing

The price is $530 for a private group of up to six, with a three-hour duration. The package includes the boat, captain and crew, fuel, tapas, premium-brand drinks, snorkeling gear, a private bathroom, and a freshwater shower.

English and Spanish are available. The group is private, so you do not share the boat with unrelated people. You need to arrange your own transport to Pantalan 3 at Puerto Colón.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Tenerife plans are not fully settled.

Take a camera, but protect it from spray. Wear comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen, a hat, swimsuit, and towel. Leave high heels at home, and do not bring drugs or plan to smoke onboard.

Should you book Libby?

I would book this charter if you have a group of friends or family who want privacy, coastal views, drinks, and the freedom to swim or listen to your own music. The best parts are the small boat, flexible pace, attentive crew, and strong chance of seeing dolphins or pilot whales.

I would hesitate if you are prone to seasickness, want a full meal, or are mainly seeking a guaranteed whale sighting. Check the drinks selection before booking, and choose a daytime departure for wildlife or the 6:30pm slot for sunset.

For a full group of six, this is a convincing value at about $88 each. It offers more control and personal space than a standard boat outing, while still keeping the planning simple. For a private celebration on Tenerife’s south coast, Libby is an easy choice.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

The charter departs from Pantalan 3 at Puerto Colón in Adeje, Tenerife.

How long is the private boat charter?

The experience lasts three hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The boat can be booked for a private group of up to six people.

What boat is used for the trip?

The charter uses a 30-foot twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser named Libby.

What is included in the price?

The package includes the private boat, captain and crew, fuel, tapas, unlimited advertised premium-brand drinks, snorkeling gear, a private bathroom, and a freshwater shower.

Is transportation to the harbor included?

No. You are responsible for arranging transportation to and from Puerto Colón.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?

Swimming and snorkeling may be part of the outing, and snorkeling gear is included. The sea is not still water, so swimming is recommended for confident swimmers.

Can I see whales or dolphins?

You might see pilot whales, dolphins, or a turtle. Sightings have occurred, but they are not guaranteed.

Are different departure times available?

Yes. Several departure times are available, including a 6:30pm sunset departure. You need to check availability for the exact starting times.

What languages are available?

The tour is available in English and Spanish.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who should avoid this trip?

The experience is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. High-heeled shoes, smoking, alcohol brought from outside, and drugs are not allowed.