The best part is how fast this turns sightseeing into doing nothing—private, calm, and built around the south coast’s dramatic rock and sea. I like that you’re on the 30-foot Rio 850 Cruiser named Libby, with comfy sun pads on the bow plus shelter in two interior cabins, and that captains like William and Noel keep the ride easy while pointing out sea life. Still, if you’re prone to motion sickness, this isn’t the kind of outing you want to gamble on.

For me, the value is strongest when you divide the cost across a full group of up to six. You get a captain and crew, a private bathroom with a freshwater shower, snorkeling gear, and the onboard meal-and-drinks setup with tapas and unlimited premium brand drinks. The one thing to keep in mind: transportation to the harbor isn’t included, so plan how you’ll get to Pantalan 3 in Puerto Colón.

Key things to know before you go

• 30-foot Rio 850 Cruiser (Libby) leaves from Pantalan 3 in Puerto Colón, Adeje
• Private group up to 6 means you’re not squeezed with strangers
• Sun on the bow, shade inside thanks to two interior cabins
• Tapas + unlimited premium drinks make the trip feel like a floating lunch (not a snack stop)
• Snorkeling gear and a swim break are built into the experience
• Sea life is common based on multiple trips, including dolphins, turtles, and pilot whales

Libby From Puerto Colón: What Makes This Tenerife Private Boat Charter Work

This is a straightforward, three-hour private boat charter designed for people who want views without the stress. You start at Puerto Colón, then your captain and crew take you down Tenerife’s south coast for a mix of scenic cruising, photo moments, and time to get in the water.

The private part matters more than you’d think. With your own group, the captain can plan around your pace—when to slow down for a view, when to anchor for a swim, and when to give you shade breaks. It also makes the onboard vibe easier to manage, especially if you’re traveling with friends or celebrating something.

Another practical win: the trip is long enough to feel like an activity, but short enough to stay flexible. Three hours is ideal for a holiday day when you don’t want to lose half of it to transfers and waiting around.

And yes, the boat name is Libby. It’s a 30-foot twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser with seating that works for both sun-lovers and people who want to cool down.

The Boat Setup: Sun Pads, Two Interior Cabins, and a Real Bathroom

I like that this charter isn’t all about one surface. You have choices.

On the outside, the bow has ample seating and comfy sun pads—great for watching the coastline slide by and for that classic Tenerife photo where you can capture cliffs, sea, and sky in one frame. If the sun gets too strong, you can move inside without the hassle of going ashore.

Inside, there are two interior cabins that provide shade if you need a break. That matters in the Canaries, where strong midday sun can turn a relaxing outing into a heat contest. There’s also a private bathroom and a freshwater shower onboard. The shower part is a big quality-of-life detail. It helps you rinse off after snorkeling or a swim so you don’t spend the rest of your day feeling salty.

The boat is also set up for comfort over long speeches. You’re not standing in one narrow corridor or forced into a cramped seating arrangement for the whole trip. You can shift positions as the captain changes direction or as the sea state changes.

The Route Along Tenerife’s South Coast: Rugged Atlantic Views and Cave Time

The core experience is riding along Tenerife’s rugged south coastline with mountain views in the background. Expect dramatic rock formations and that feeling that the land drops straight into the Atlantic.

Your captain will also look for scenic moments like hidden caves. The key word here is time. You’re not rushing through a highlights list. You’re spending a chunk of time on the water, so you actually get to enjoy each section of coast as it comes into view.

One of the most consistent payoffs: sea life. From the experiences shared with this charter, people often report seeing dolphins and other marine animals. Some trips include pilot whales, plus sightings like turtles. You can’t count on any one species every time, but the boat style and cruising pattern make it realistic to have those moments.

If you’re the kind of person who loves watching behavior rather than just spotting a landmark, you’ll appreciate that the captain can slow down when there’s something worth seeing.

Tapas and Unlimited Premium Drinks: How the Onboard Food and Drinks Fit the 3 Hours

This charter is built around the idea that eating should happen during the fun, not as a separate plan.

You’ll have a selection of tasty tapas onboard along with unlimited premium brand drinks. The drinks part is a major value driver here. A private boat with food and drinks is usually priced like a splurge; this one stays within reach specifically because it includes both and doesn’t feel stingy.

The tapas are served as a snack-board style meal, so I’d treat them as a light lunch rather than a full dinner. If you’re traveling with a big appetite, eat something beforehand so you’re not hungry when the boat is cruising.

One small thing to clarify if drinks matter to your group: there has been at least one note that the drinks can be beer or wine rather than spirits or cider. The charter description says premium brand drinks are included, so if your group has strong preferences, it’s worth asking ahead of time what’s actually on offer for your sailing.

On the plus side, multiple people also liked the personal touch: some captains allow your own music, and there are mentions of Bluetooth pairing. That turns the boat from a sightseeing ride into a mini celebration.

Snorkeling Gear and the Swim Stop: What It Means for Your Day

The charter includes snorkeling gear, and it also includes a chance to jump in during the ride. The biggest practical point: this isn’t always a glass-water lagoon. Some experiences note that the water isn’t completely still, so you should be comfortable in open water.

That’s why I think this activity fits best for people who are:

• confident swimmers or willing to take it slow with flotation
• happy to spend part of the trip moving between boat and water
• snorkeling for fun, not for a strict checklist of dive sites

The upside is that the swim break is usually timed to where the scenery is good and the sea activity is happening. When you’re out on a private boat, you don’t waste time relocating or waiting for the group to assemble. You get in, you cool off, you rinse, and you’re back to enjoying the coast.

Afterward, use the onboard freshwater shower if you want to keep your travel day comfortable. It’s one of those details that feels small until you’re actually on the boat and realize you won’t be dealing with seawater all afternoon.

Departure Times and Timing: Why the Right Slot Changes Everything

You get a choice of departure times, which means you can match the trip to your energy level.

A sunset-slot style outing can feel special because you’re on the water when the light softens and the coastline takes on warmer tones. One experience noted a 6:30 pm booking for a sunset-focused ride, and that’s exactly the kind of timing that works well with a private boat charter.

If you prefer clearer visibility for photos and easier water moments, an earlier departure can make sense. The route is still along the south coast, so you’ll get similar views; the difference is the feel of the day and how strong the sun is.

My advice: pick the time based on your group’s mood. If you’re celebrating or want romance, go later. If your priority is swimming and snorkeling comfort, go earlier.

Captain and Crew Interaction: When It Feels Personal Instead of Scripted

This charter runs with a captain and crew, and the human touch shows up in the details.

Multiple accounts highlight captains who feel friendly and attentive, with people describing the crew as careful about safety and genuinely good at running the outing. You’ll also see mentions of captains sharing information about what you’re seeing.

There are also little moments that make a private trip feel memorable:

• time being taken to steer closer when sea life appears
• anchoring so you can jump in or snorkel comfortably
• chances to try steering the boat
• personal music options via Bluetooth

If you want a trip that feels like a collaboration rather than a rigid tour script, this is the setup that makes that possible.

Price and Value: $530 for Up to 6 People (What You’re Really Paying For)

At $530 per group up to six, the headline cost can look high if you’re thinking per person. But it’s more sensible when you spread it across the group and look at what’s included.

You’re paying for:

• a private boat charter (not shared)
• a captain and crew to run the vessel and find the best moments
• tapas and unlimited premium brand drinks
• snorkeling gear
• fuel
• onboard comfort that includes a private bathroom and freshwater shower

If you fill the group (six people), you’re effectively looking at a lower per-person price than most private experiences that only give you transportation and a short activity. The unlimited drinks and snacks are a real part of the value, especially if you’d otherwise pay for food and drinks separately while spending hours on a shore-based plan.

Transportation to the harbor is not included, so factor that in. If you’re coming from within Adeje, it may be easy to handle. If you’re staying farther away, it can add cost and planning time.

Practical Stuff: What to Bring, What’s Not Allowed, and Who Should Skip This

Bring the essentials for a sun-and-sea outing:

• hat
• swimwear and a towel
• camera
• sunscreen
• comfortable clothes

Wear something easy to move in. There’s also a specific no list: high-heeled shoes aren’t allowed, and smoking isn’t allowed. Alcohol and drugs are also listed as not allowed, which you should interpret as no outside alcohol or illegal substances.

Most importantly, consider seasickness. The charter is not suitable for people prone to it. If you’ve had trouble on boats before, treat this as a firm warning.

If you have mobility or comfort needs, the boat does offer sheltered interior cabins and a private bathroom, which is a plus for people who don’t want to stay outside the whole time. Still, it’s a boat, so you’ll want to plan for salt air, movement, and stepping around the deck.

Should You Book This Tenerife Private Boat Charter?

Book it if you want:

• a private 3-hour water experience with minimal hassle
• south-coast views, plus a realistic chance of dolphins or whales
• tapas and drinks that make the trip feel like a complete outing
• snorkeling gear without booking a full tour day
• onboard comfort that includes shade and a private bathroom

Skip it or think twice if:

• you’re prone to seasickness
• your group expects a guaranteed calm swimming environment
• you’d rather do a cheaper, shared boat tour and spend your budget elsewhere

If your group can fill the charter up to six, this is one of those Tenerife activities where the math starts to look good fast. You’re buying time on the water, comfort onboard, and the kind of flexible, captain-led pace that usually costs more in other formats. For many people, it ends up being one of the easiest “best day” choices because it doesn’t require complicated plans.

FAQ

How long is the private boat charter?

The duration is 3 hours.

Where does the boat depart from?

The meeting point is Pantalan 3.

What boat is used for this Tenerife charter?

It’s a 30-foot twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser named Libby.

Is this a private group experience?

Yes. It’s a private group charter.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the private boat charter, unlimited premium brand drinks, tapas, snorkeling gear, fuel, and captain and crew. A private bathroom is also onboard.

What is not included?

Transportation to and from the harbor is not included.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included.

Is there a bathroom onboard?

Yes. There is a private bathroom onboard, and a freshwater shower as well.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

Is this suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. It isn’t suitable for people prone to seasickness.