REVIEW · TENERIFE
Private Yacht Excursion from Puerto Colon 3 hours
Book on Viator →Operated by Barco de Vela de Lujo Roulette · Bookable on Viator
Whales, wind, and a private yacht in Tenerife. This 3-hour cruise from Puerto Colón nails the basics: hotel pickup that keeps the day easy, and an open bar with snacks and lunch served by a helpful crew. The one thing to weigh is that swim and snorkeling stops depend on sea conditions, so rougher water can mean you stay aboard.
What makes this one more fun than the usual catamaran shuffle is how personal it feels for a group capped at 8. You’re out on the North Atlantic with time for a secluded bay stop, plus the chance to spot dolphins and whales, with turtles showing up on the more lucky days.
You’ll start at Av. de Colón, 5 in Costa Adeje, head out from Puerto Colón, then return with drop-off near your hotel in the same area. It’s a clean, no-stress plan for couples and small families who want a premium Tenerife experience without turning it into a whole day.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll care about
- Getting on board: Puerto Colón to your cabin-moment
- The 3-hour cruise rhythm: drinks, photos, and marine-life hunting
- The swim and snorkel stop: when conditions decide your plan
- Food and drinks: the part that makes it feel like a treat
- The crew’s style: VIP attention without feeling stiff
- Value for money: $543.07 per group and what you get for it
- Who this private yacht trip fits best (and who might not love it)
- Practical tips to get the most out of your 3 hours
- Should you book this private excursion from Puerto Colón?
- FAQ
- How long is the private yacht excursion?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is it really private, or is it mixed with other groups?
- Do you pick up from hotels in Tenerife?
- Is there any extra fee not included in the price?
- What if I need to cancel?
Key highlights you’ll care about
- Private boat for up to 8 so the crew can focus on you
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within 20 km of Puerto Colón
- Open bar plus lunch and snacks, with snorkeling gear included
- North Atlantic whale and dolphin spotting, with photos taken on board
- Sail power when conditions allow, reducing noise near marine life
- Family-friendly touches, including kids having a turn at the helm
Getting on board: Puerto Colón to your cabin-moment
This tour is built around convenience. You get picked up from your Tenerife accommodation (within 20 km of Puerto Colón), then travel to Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje by a private, air-conditioned vehicle. That matters because it removes the usual “hunt for the meeting point” stress, especially if you’re traveling with kids or you just want to start relaxing immediately.
At the marina, you board a luxury yacht and meet your skipper and crew. You’ll get a safety briefing and a quick orientation, then you’re free to enjoy the space. The vibe is part lounge, part adventure: you’re on the water, but you’re also well taken care of. One of the consistent details is that the crew moves fast to serve drinks and food, so you’re not stuck waiting while the boat is getting ready.
A small but real detail: the crew name that pops up in experiences is Salvador (with Ramon mentioned as support). When you’re dealing with a captain who knows how to handle the timing—when to sail under sail power and when to slow down—that’s not just nice. It often improves your odds of getting closer to animals without disturbing them.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
The 3-hour cruise rhythm: drinks, photos, and marine-life hunting
Three hours can sound short on paper. On this kind of trip, it works because it’s focused. You’re not spending half the time on logistics; you’re spending it on the sea.
Once underway, expect a straightforward rhythm:
- Open bar while you cruise
- Crew-served snacks and lunch
- Photo taking from aboard when you’re out there spotting wildlife
- Intermittent stops for swimming and snorkeling
The operator’s approach to marine life comes through in how the boat is run. There’s a strong emphasis on reducing noise when animals are nearby. In one shared experience, the captain mentioned using sail power when coming back, and another note highlighted that the team turns off the engine when close to the area where marine animals are present. Even if you’re not a boat nerd, you’ll feel the difference: the day feels calmer, and the wildlife moments feel less interrupted.
And wildlife is the reason you’re here. You might see dolphins and turtles in the bays, and whales are a realistic possibility when conditions line up. The most frequently mentioned sightings include pilot whales, and in some cases guests also reported rarer extras such as hammerhead sharks and even giant squid egg cases. Not every trip will deliver the full wish list, but the variety of sightings suggests the crew is actively looking, not just cruising.
The swim and snorkel stop: when conditions decide your plan
There’s usually a break in the action for a swim or snorkeling moment. Think of it as your “secluded bay” interlude—quiet water, a pause from the main route, and a chance to look down into the marine life.
Snorkeling gear is included, which is a big value add. You don’t have to pack your own mask and fins, and you can spend your mental energy on the fun part: getting in the water and enjoying what’s right below you.
That said, sea conditions are real. One experience notes that a stop for swimming was skipped because the water got rough at the moment. So here’s my practical advice: come ready to be flexible. If you can swim, do it. If you can’t, the boat time still isn’t wasted—you’ll still have the views, the crew service, and the wildlife search.
Also, remember the timing is short. If snorkeling is important to you, try to be ready right when the crew indicates it’s time. On a private 3-hour outing, that window can be quick.
Food and drinks: the part that makes it feel like a treat
This trip is built for indulgence, and the catering is a major reason. You get unlimited drinks (open bar) plus snacks and lunch, and alcoholic beverages are included as part of that package.
Food highlights people remember include:
- Homemade paella, mentioned as a standout
- A lunch that feels like an actual meal, not just a snack tray
- Added birthday touches when a celebration was arranged
One note: snack expectations can vary. A guest pointed out that the snack selection felt limited, with potato chips being the main item. If you’re traveling with kids (or you just like a wider snack variety), it’s worth going in with flexible expectations and asking what’s available. That way you’re not disappointed if the snack spread is simple that day.
What I like most is that the food and drinks match the pacing of the cruise. You’re not stuck eating before you leave or after you come back. It’s integrated, so you’re always refreshed during the wildlife hunt.
The crew’s style: VIP attention without feeling stiff
The service here is a key strength. Multiple experiences describe the crew as warm and genuinely invested, with hosts who explain what you’re seeing and keep the day moving.
If you care about animals and want context, the crew approach matters. Captains who talk clearly about marine life and local details help you notice more. In one account, the captain gave facts while navigating, and the day ended up feeling both fun and educational without turning into a lecture.
There are also small human touches that make it feel special:
- Music and a party mood on board for celebrations
- Kids getting a turn at the helm, which is a bigger deal for kids than it sounds
- Photo moments supported by the crew, so you’re not juggling a camera while looking for dolphins
Even when someone got sea sick due to rougher waves, the tone stayed positive and the mood didn’t collapse. That’s worth noting, because on a boat trip, attitude matters.
Value for money: $543.07 per group and what you get for it
Let’s talk price plainly. The cost is listed as $543.07 per group (up to 8) for about 3 hours. On a per-person basis, that can work out fairly well if you’re traveling with friends or family and you’ll actually use the private format.
The “value” isn’t just the yacht. It’s the bundle:
- Pickup and drop-off within 20 km of Puerto Colón
- Open bar and included lunch
- Snacks plus snorkeling gear
- A crew focused on service during the whole outing
So where’s the catch? Two places:
- Time is short. You’re paying for a focused 3-hour window, not a half-day that stretches and includes multiple long excursions.
- There’s an extra cost note: a 1.20€ per hour parking fee is payable at tour check-in (not included in the listed price).
If you want the comfort of private service plus the realistic possibility of whale and dolphin sightings, this can be a strong deal. If you want a long itinerary with multiple stops on land, you may find a longer excursion better suited.
Who this private yacht trip fits best (and who might not love it)
This experience is a great fit if you’re one of these types:
- Couples who want a premium Tenerife outing with time to relax
- Families with children who will enjoy the boat experience and the chance to steer
- Small groups who can split the group cost across up to 8 people
- Wildlife lovers who are okay with the “with luck” part of marine life spotting
It may not be the best match if:
- You hate any chance of going out on open water with changing conditions
- You want to maximize sightseeing stops beyond the coast and sea time
- You’re on a tight budget and won’t benefit from the private group cap
Practical tips to get the most out of your 3 hours
A few real-world suggestions make this smoother:
- Bring swim-ready basics even if you’re not guaranteed to snorkel. You’ll know quickly if conditions allow it.
- If you’re celebrating a birthday or special occasion, mention it ahead of time. People have shared that cake and decoration can happen on board when arranged.
- If snack variety matters to you (especially with kids), plan for simple options and ask what’s available.
- Pack or wear something comfortable for sun and sea movement. Even the best crew can’t control waves, and you’ll enjoy the trip more if you’re prepared.
Should you book this private excursion from Puerto Colón?
If your top priorities are privacy, easy pickup, and a short, high-comfort outing that might deliver dolphins and whales, I think you should seriously consider booking. It’s the kind of trip where the details add up: crew service, included lunch, open bar, and the chance to swim and snorkel in quieter spots.
If you’re the kind of traveler who needs certainty—like guaranteed whale sightings or guaranteed snorkeling—then this one will feel less predictable. But marine wildlife doesn’t run on schedules, and the crew’s marine-friendly approach plus the focused time window is exactly how you maximize your odds in the real world.
FAQ
How long is the private yacht excursion?
The experience runs for about 3 hours.
What’s included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off within 20 km of Puerto Colón, a private tour for your group, unlimited drinks via an open bar, snacks, snorkeling gear, lunch, and alcoholic beverages.
Is it really private, or is it mixed with other groups?
It’s private. Only your group participates.
Do you pick up from hotels in Tenerife?
Yes. Pickup is offered from accommodations within 20 km of Puerto Colón. You need to request pickup at the time of reservation.
Is there any extra fee not included in the price?
Yes. A 1.20€ per hour parking fee is payable at check-in.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
