A quiet morning on the Atlantic beats the usual tour crush. This private sailing yacht outing from Playa de las Américas pairs wildlife spotting with onboard sonar equipment, plus you get the boat basically to your group. I like the roominess for up to 11 people, and I especially like the mix of guided wildlife time and real downtime to swim and snorkel.

The main consideration is that it runs on good weather. If the sea’s too rough, your day can shift, and wildlife sightings can’t be forced on any marine tour.

Key highlights you should care about

• Private boat for up to 11 people: more space, less rushing, and a lower-stress vibe than big-group cruises
• Whales and dolphins with sonar equipment: your skipper isn’t only scanning with eyes
• Snorkeling kit + an anchor-and-swim stop: you get water time, not just looking from the deck
• Open bar with champagne and unlimited drinks: snacks and drinks are part of the plan, not an add-on
• Captain-led wildlife searching: sightings like pilot whales and sea turtles are built into the route
• 3-hour or 6-hour choice: you can match it to your energy level and schedule

Entering the marina at Puerto Colón: how the trip starts

Your tour starts at Puerto Colón, pantalan 2 in Costa Adeje area. Plan to arrive early enough to find the jetty without sprinting—this kind of small-boat sailing doesn’t wait around like a bus tour does.

At Tenerife Sailing Charters, you’ll get a briefing and a safety talk before you go anywhere. This matters more than you might think. On a sailing yacht, small movements feel bigger when you’re on deck, and a quick safety run-through helps you relax faster—especially if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who gets uneasy around open water.

If you want pickup, it’s offered, but you’ll need to contact the operator at least 24 hours before. Also note: hotel pick-ups aren’t listed as included, so if you’re picturing a driver collecting you directly from your lobby, confirm what’s actually offered for your specific address.

Who runs the boat

Your skipper is the key to the whole experience: spotting wildlife, steering you toward good conditions, and keeping the group comfortable. Names that show up in past feedback include Captain Guy, Juan Angel, and Maxi, and they’re described as friendly and focused on helping everyone have an easy time.

Whale and dolphin time on the Atlantic, with sonar gear

Once you’re aboard, you cruise away from the Playa de las Américas coast and head toward waters known for whale and dolphin sightings. The big feature here is the combination of lookouts plus sonar equipment. That means you’re not depending on perfect visibility alone. When conditions are choppy or the water is less clear, sonar can help guide the search.

You’ll keep an eye out for pilot whales, which are described as present in local waters year-round. You’ll also watch for dolphins and sea turtles. In practical terms, this route is set up for frequent wildlife encounters rather than a random sightseeing loop.

And yes, the wildlife time is the heart of the value. In the feedback I’m using to shape my expectations, the stand-out moments weren’t just seeing whales once. People describe seeing lots of whales and dolphins, and some trips included two turtles and even flying fish. That’s the difference between a cruise that passes by “maybe” habitat and one that actively searches.

What “private” changes for wildlife watching

With a group of up to 11, your skipper can slow down, reposition, and give everyone enough viewing time without the constant shuffle of a large boat. Everyone can stay in the best spot—no fighting for one side of the deck. If you’re traveling with friends or family, it also means you’re not trying to all see past strangers.

The open-bar cruise rhythm: champagne, snacks, and a planned swim break

Part of what makes this outing feel like a treat is the onboard routine. You’ll enjoy a glass of champagne and then unlimited wine, beer, sodas, and bottled water during the cruise, plus light snacks.

This isn’t just a perk—it changes your whole mood. When you’re floating on open water and waiting for wildlife, a relaxed pace helps. People report that the drinks are served as promised and that the atmosphere stays calm rather than chaotic.

At some point during the cruise, the skipper will drop anchor. This is where you get a real break from scanning the horizon. You can plunge into the sea for a swim, which is a big deal if you’d rather be in the water than just sitting on it. For many visitors, this “anchor moment” is the part they remember most after the animal sightings.

Quick reality check

Wildlife is nature, so it can’t be scheduled like a museum slot. But the boat plan includes enough time on the water—and the sonar helps the crew search—that your chances are built into how the tour runs.

Snorkeling gear and sea life chances

This yacht includes snorkeling equipment, and you can use it during the trip (there’s no separate snorkel tour bus or extra vendor stop). If sea conditions cooperate and you feel comfortable, you can explore underwater close up—especially around the area where the skipper anchors.

What you might see depends on the water and the day, but the tour is positioned for marine life like sea turtles and other underwater creatures near the surface. A couple of past experiences mentioned turtles and other sea life, which aligns with the idea that this is more than a token “grab a mask for 2 minutes” stop.

How to make snorkeling more enjoyable

If you plan to snorkel, I’d treat it like an activity, not a casual accessory. Give yourself time, keep an eye on where everyone is in the water, and remember you’ll be doing this from a moving boat later if the skipper repositions.

Also, bring what you need for sun protection—because you’ll be out on deck with open exposure, especially on an Atlantic sail.

Picking 3 hours or 6 hours: how duration changes the experience

This tour has a flexible format: you can choose a 3-hour or 6-hour cruise, with departures possible in the morning or afternoon.

Here’s how I’d think about the timing:

• 3-hour option: best if you want maximum wildlife focus with enough time for one swim/snorkel break. It’s also easier to fit into a day of beaches and errands around Tenerife.
• 6-hour option: best if you enjoy the sailing rhythm—less about rushing to the next thing and more about lingering on the water. You’ll generally get more total time for wildlife searching and for enjoying the deck.

For families, short can be smarter. For couples who want a slow, “we’re out here all day” feeling, longer can feel worth it.

And because this is a private booking for up to 11, the crew can pace you in a way that doesn’t feel like you’re stuck in a timeline with hundreds of other people.

Price and value for up to 11 people

The price is listed as $716.45 per group (up to 11 passengers) for the private yacht experience.

So what does that mean for value?

• If you fill the boat close to 11 people, you’re effectively paying around $65 per person.
• If you’re a smaller group, the per-person cost rises—but you’re still paying for privacy, onboard snacks and drinks, sonar wildlife searching, and a swim/snorkel setup.

The reason this can be good value is that it bundles the whole “day on a boat” experience into one price: champagne + unlimited drinks, plus equipment you’d otherwise rent, plus the skipper’s time and navigation in whale-and-dolphin waters.

If you’re used to paying separately for a catamaran ticket, drinks, and equipment, this can start to feel like a simpler deal—especially for groups who want a calmer vibe.

Practical details that matter once you’re on the water

A few things from the tour setup that you’ll want to know before you go:

• Language: offered in English
• Tickets: mobile ticket
• Food: snacks and refreshments are included; vegetarian option is available if you ask at booking
• Group size cap: maximum 11 per booking
• Service animals: allowed
• Transit access: the meeting point is near public transportation

A small tip for groups

When you’re booking as a group, set expectations early: decide who wants the best deck viewing spot, who plans to snorkel, and when you’ll rotate for shade. With only 11 people, you’ll still want to manage comfort, but it’s far easier than on large tour boats.

Who this yacht tour fits best

I think this is a strong match if you want:

• Wildlife time that feels personal: whale and dolphin watching with sonar, not just “look for something far away”
• A real swim break: anchor stop and sea time are part of the plan
• A family-friendly outing: past trips include families who swam, and the vibe described is relaxed
• Food and drinks included: you’re not tracking down bars or paying extra for soda

It might be less ideal if you want a highly structured, museum-style schedule with guaranteed sightings. This is nature watching. You’re paying for the search effort and the onboard comfort—not a promise of whales on a specific minute.

Should you book this private yacht tour from Tenerife?

If you’re booking around Tenerife and you care about wildlife, I’d lean yes—especially for a group. The biggest reason is the combination: private space for up to 11, a skipper actively searching with sonar equipment, and an onboard plan that includes champagne, unlimited drinks, snacks, a swim stop, and snorkeling gear.

Book it if your group wants a more local-feeling day on the Atlantic and you’d rather hang out on a yacht than be herded on a large cruise. Consider it thoughtfully if weather can be unpredictable during your dates, since the experience depends on good conditions to run.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht tour?

It runs for about 3 hours on average. The experience also offers a choice of a 3- or 6-hour cruise.

How many people can be on the yacht?

The yacht carries up to 11 passengers per booking.

Where do we meet, and where does it end?

You meet at Puerto Colón, pantalan 2, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, but you need to contact the operator at least 24 hours before the trip starts for pickup details. Hotel pick-ups aren’t listed as included.

What’s included in the price?

Beverages are included (including champagne), plus snacks and bottled water. You also get snorkeling equipment and sonar equipment for listening for whales and dolphins. It’s a private tour for your group.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available if you tell the operator when you book.

What’s the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

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