Tenerife: Shared Yacht Cruise with Champagne and Tapas

Small boat, big views. This three-hour cruise from Puerto Colón gives you a polished yacht outing without paying for a full private charter. I like the intimate limit of 10 people and the attentive crews, with names such as Juan, Maxi, Michelle, Martina, and Raúl appearing often in the feedback. I also like the generous food and drink setup, from champagne and cava to tortilla española, jamón, cheese, bread, and fruit.

The main consideration is the sea itself. This is not a good choice if you are prone to seasickness, and wildlife sightings can never be promised. The water-sports setup also deserves a quick check before you go, since one recent booking noted that paddleboards were not available despite being advertised.

Quick reasons to consider this cruise

• Beneteau Antares 42: You sail on a proper 42-foot yacht rather than a crowded sightseeing boat.
• Small group of up to 10: Even a full departure should feel personal, with room to sit, eat, swim, and move around.
• Champagne and Spanish tapas: Drinks are included, along with tortilla española, Spanish jamón, cheese, baguettes, and fruit.
• Wildlife opportunities: The route may bring dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, or other marine life into view.
• La Caleta water stop: You get time for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding near the coast.
• $100 value: The price is strong if you want food, drinks, crew, fuel, and water equipment bundled into one half-day outing.

Why this yacht trip feels different from a big boat tour

Tenerife has no shortage of boat excursions. Some carry large crowds and focus on a set route with limited personal service. This one takes a different approach: a shared charter on a Beneteau Antares 42, with no more than 10 people aboard.

That size matters. You are not fighting for a seat or waiting for dozens of people to climb into the water. A group of four, six, or eight can make the yacht feel almost private. In one especially fortunate case, a party of five had no other bookings and enjoyed what was effectively a private charter.

You should not assume that will happen. The normal maximum is 10, and the trip needs at least four people to operate. If fewer than four book, the operator reschedules the outing for another day. Still, even a full boat is far more intimate than a large party cruise.

The yacht itself adds a touch of comfort. The Beneteau Antares 42 offers a stable base for sightseeing, meals, and time in the water. This is still an Atlantic boat trip, not a floating restaurant, so expect movement and wind. But the vessel gives you a more relaxed setting than a packed excursion boat.

Boarding at Puerto Colón and the 10:30 start

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, at Pantalán Número 2. You should arrive 15 minutes before departure and wait at the top near the gate. That last detail is useful, since marinas can be confusing when you are standing beside the water but not at the correct access point.

The scheduled departure is 10:30 AM, although you should check the booking option for the exact available time. Pickup and drop-off at Puerto Colón may be included if you select that option. Hotel pickup is also available on some arrangements, with instructions to wait outside your hotel reception for a staff member.

Do not treat transport as automatic. One booking included a taxi ride to and from the marina instead of the expected transfer. The cost was described as minor, but it is still worth checking your selected option before the day of the cruise.

Once aboard, you receive a welcome glass of champagne. It sets the tone immediately, but the cruise is not only about drinking. The crew combines the food, wildlife viewing, swimming, and simple water activities into a fairly easygoing morning or afternoon on the Atlantic.

The first 45 minutes: coastline, safety, and wildlife

The opening part of the cruise is a chance to settle in. There is a safety briefing, a short introduction to the boat, and time to look back at Tenerife from the water. The shoreline gives you a different view of the resort coast, with the sea creating distance from the roads, hotels, and promenades.

The crew also watches for marine life. Tenerife’s waters are known for sightings of dolphins and pilot whales, and the reports from this excursion include dolphins, turtles, flying fish, pilot whales, and even orcas on one outing. That is an exciting possibility, but not a guarantee. Wildlife moves on its own schedule, and you should think of sightings as a bonus rather than the main product.

The crew’s conduct around animals is important. Juan was praised for explaining local wildlife and for keeping a respectful distance from pilot whales. That makes the trip more than a simple search for a photograph. You may learn about the animals and watch them without the boat crowding them.

The guides also seem to make a real difference. Juan, Maxi, Michelle, Martina, Raúl, Eduardo, and other crew members were repeatedly described as friendly, attentive, and well informed about the area. The service style is hands-on, with drink refills, help in the water, and support for people who feel unwell.

La Caleta for swimming, snorkeling, and water play

The main stop is around La Caleta, where the yacht spends about an hour and a half. This is the heart of the experience. You get time for swimming, snorkeling, marine-life viewing, and stand-up paddleboarding rather than just a quick dip beside the boat.

Snorkeling gear is included, and paddleboards and sea scooters are listed as part of the equipment. Some outings included electric water toys, and the sea scooters give you another way to move around without simply floating beside the yacht. If you like active breaks, this stop adds genuine value to the champagne-and-tapas format.

There is one important wrinkle. A booking from September reported that the slide shown in promotional photographs was not available, although other activities were offered. Another booking said the paddleboards were not included on that particular trip, despite the activity description. I would confirm the current equipment with Tenerife Sailing Charters before booking if the water toys are a major reason for your choice.

The timing can also vary in feel. One booking described a single swimming stop, while other comments referred to plenty of time in the water and several swim opportunities. The stated plan gives you a long La Caleta stop, but weather, sea conditions, wildlife activity, and the captain’s judgment can affect the exact rhythm.

For many people, this stop is more valuable than an elaborate onboard program. You can swim in the Atlantic, use the snorkel gear, try a paddleboard, and return to the deck for food and a drink. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. A camera is also worth packing, but keep it secure around the water.

Tapas and free-flowing drinks on deck

Food is simple, Spanish, and well suited to a boat. The spread includes fresh baguettes, tortilla española, Spanish jamón, cheese, and fresh fruit. You are not getting a formal restaurant lunch, but you are getting enough to make the three-hour trip feel properly catered.

The tortilla española is a welcome local touch. It is a classic Spanish potato omelet, filling without being fussy. The bread, cheese, and jamón make easy deck food, while fruit helps keep the meal from feeling too heavy in the sun.

Drinks include champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. Several bookings praised the steady supply of cava and drinks, and one described the food portions as plentiful. The tone is celebratory, but you can also keep things quiet with water or a soft drink while looking out over the coast.

Vegetarian choice is the clearest food limitation. One booking suggested adding more vegetarian sandwiches or wraps instead of relying mainly on ham. If you do not eat meat, contact the provider before you go and ask what alternatives are available. The supplied menu does include cheese, fruit, bread, and tortilla, but a full vegetarian meal is not specifically promised.

At $100 per person, the food and drinks help justify the price. You are also paying for a captain, full crew, fuel, a yacht, safety equipment, snorkeling gear, and access to water activities. A cheaper boat outing may exist, but it may not include unlimited drinks, tapas, or such a small group.

The best value comes when you use the whole package. If you only want a short ride and do not drink alcohol, the price may feel less compelling. If you want a comfortable half-day on the water with lunch, swimming, and wildlife viewing, the bundle is much stronger.

The return cruise and the changing view of Tenerife

After La Caleta, the yacht spends about 45 minutes returning toward Tenerife and Puerto Colón. This final stretch is slower and more relaxed. You can dry off, finish the tapas, take photographs, and watch the coast pass by.

The return is also a good time to ask the crew about the places and animals you saw. Several crew members were praised for local knowledge and for explaining the different kinds of dolphins and whales. You may not get a formal lecture, but the conversation-led approach suits a small boat.

Drop-off is listed at Puerto Colón, Pantalán 2, with Playa de las Américas also shown among the possible drop-off locations. Check your specific booking details so you know where the activity ends and whether transport back to your hotel is included.

Seasickness, sun, and other practical concerns

If you are prone to seasickness, think carefully before booking. The activity specifically lists it as unsuitable for people who suffer easily. One participant became very sick, although the crew helped by suggesting a better place to sit. Another family received support when a daughter felt unwell.

You can improve your chances by choosing a seat with a clear view, staying hydrated, and asking the crew for advice as soon as you feel uncomfortable. The boat is not a guarantee against rough water, however. If motion sickness can ruin your day, a land-based Tenerife activity may be wiser.

Sun protection is just as important. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a camera. You should also expect your belongings to get wet around the swimming stop, so use a waterproof bag for phones and valuables.

The yacht’s alcohol service deserves sensible use. Champagne, wine, and beer are included, but the sea, sun, and movement can catch up with you quickly. Drink water too, especially if you plan to swim or use the sea scooters.

This is not a full scuba-diving excursion, even though scuba diving appears among the possible activities in the itinerary. The clearly listed equipment includes snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and sea scooters. Ask ahead if scuba equipment or a scuba session is important to you.

Who will enjoy the cruise most

I would choose this trip for couples, small groups of friends, and families who want a comfortable yacht outing rather than a large party boat. It also suits people who like a mixture of activities: a little sightseeing, a little wildlife watching, a swim, some tapas, and time to sit with a drink.

It is a particularly good fit for a special morning or final holiday outing. The small group and attentive crew can make the occasion feel personal without the cost of hiring an entire yacht.

Families should note that the boat combines alcohol service and water activities, so adults will need to keep an eye on children. Life jackets and full safety equipment are included, but everyone should follow the captain’s instructions.

I would not choose it if your main goal is a long snorkel session, guaranteed whale watching, or a full day of water sports. The cruise lasts three hours, and the exact animal sightings and equipment available can vary.

Booking details and value at $100

The price is $100 per person. That is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife, but the comparison needs to be fair. The fare includes fuel, captain and crew, champagne on boarding, all-inclusive drinks, tapas, snorkeling gear, life jackets, and use of the listed water equipment.

The group limit is the strongest value point. Paying for a shared cruise usually means accepting a crowd, but here you are sharing with no more than nine other people. If your group is small and the boat does not fill, you could get an especially private-feeling outing.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife plans are still shifting. The operator requires at least four people for the cruise to run, so be prepared for a rescheduled date if the minimum is not reached.

English and Spanish are available, and the activity has a live guide. That makes it easier to ask questions about the coast, marine life, and safety during the trip.

Should you book this Tenerife yacht cruise?

I would book it if you want a small, social yacht trip with good food, flowing drinks, a swimming stop, and a real chance of seeing marine life. The crew service receives the strongest praise, and names such as Juan, Maxi, Michelle, and Raúl come up often for their care and local insight.

The decision is less clear if you dislike boats, get seasick, need guaranteed water equipment, or want a meat-free meal without arranging it in advance. Confirm the pickup, paddleboard and sea-scooter availability, swimming plan, and vegetarian options before paying.

For most visitors who want a relaxed three hours away from the resort shoreline, the $100 fare is fair. You get the feel of a private yacht without needing to hire one, and that is the main reason this cruise earns serious consideration.

FAQ

Where does the yacht cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, Pantalán Número 2. Arrive 15 minutes before departure and wait at the top near the gate.

How long is the yacht cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours. The scheduled departure time is 10:30 AM, but you should check the available start time for your selected option.

How many people can join the cruise?

The group is limited to 10 participants. At least four people are required for the trip to operate.

What happens if fewer than four people book?

The trip will be rescheduled for another day if fewer than four people book.

What food is included?

The food includes fresh baguettes, tortilla española, Spanish jamón, cheese, and fresh fruit.

Which drinks are included?

Champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included. You also receive a welcome glass of champagne when boarding.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

The route includes time for swimming and snorkeling near La Caleta. Snorkeling gear is provided.

Are paddleboards and sea scooters included?

Paddleboards and sea scooters are listed as included equipment. Availability can vary, so confirm the current setup if these activities are important to you.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup and drop-off at Puerto Colón are available if that option is selected. Some options may offer hotel pickup, with instructions to wait outside your hotel reception.