REVIEW · TENERIFE
Tenerife: Private Boat Charter with Tapas & Drinks
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Libbys Waterfront SL · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Sun, snacks, and a private boat in Tenerife. This 3-hour charter takes you out of Puerto Colón on the south coast of the island, where you can chill on sun pads, cruise past rugged cliffs, and get a captain-led day that feels more like a friends’ outing than a tour stampede.
I love the easy onboard pace and the fact you get unlimited premium brand drinks plus tapas during the ride. It turns a simple boat trip into a proper afternoon with food and drinks built in.
One consideration: it’s not a good match if you’re prone to seasickness, since the trip runs on open water for about 3 hours.
In This Review
- Key Points to Know Before You Go
- Stepping Aboard Libby at Puerto Colón
- The South Coast Cruise: Rugged Cliffs, Caves, and Mountain Peaks
- Drinks and Tapas: How the Onboard Meal Actually Works
- Swimming and Snorkeling Time Without the Hassle
- Captain and Crew: Why This Feels Personal
- Price and Value for a Private Group Up to 6
- What to Bring (So You Actually Enjoy the Day)
- Who Should Book This, and Who Should Skip It
- Quick Practical Tips Before You Meet at Pantalan 3
- Should You Book This Private Boat Charter?
- FAQ
- How long is the private boat charter?
- Where do we meet?
- How much is it, and what’s the group size?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are drinks unlimited?
- Is snorkeling gear provided?
- What languages are spoken?
- What should I bring?
- What is not allowed onboard?
- Is it suitable for people who get seasick?
Key Points to Know Before You Go

- Private charter on the Rio 850 Cruiser named Libby: built for comfort, with seating up front and shelter below
- Cruise the south coast from Pantalan 3: rugged Atlantic scenery, mountain views, and hidden-cave vibes
- Unlimited premium brand drinks + tapas onboard: food and drinks are part of the experience, not an add-on
- Snorkeling gear included: you can gear up when the captain finds a good spot
- Time to anchor for swimming: you can jump in and cool off during the trip
- Captains actively look for sea life: dolphins, whales, and turtles have shown up on past charters
Stepping Aboard Libby at Puerto Colón

This is a true private setup, so you’re not squeezed into a crowd. You board the 30-foot twin-engine Rio 850 Cruiser called Libby at Puerto Colón, meeting at Pantalan 3. Once you’re aboard, the vibe is simple: relax, enjoy the views, and let the crew handle the driving.
The layout helps. Up top, there’s ample bow seating with comfy sun pads—great for sunbathing and snapping photos as the coast slides by. Inside, there are two interior cabins that give you real shade if the sun is too much. You’ll also find a private bathroom and a freshwater shower, which is a big quality-of-life upgrade after time in the water.
What I like most is the freedom. You can stay outside for the best coastal views, or duck inside when you want a break. That balance matters on a 3-hour trip, because you don’t want the whole experience to be either roasting hot or trapped inside.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Tenerife
The South Coast Cruise: Rugged Cliffs, Caves, and Mountain Peaks

Your day is built around the south coastline of Tenerife, and the scenery is the main event. Expect rugged Atlantic coastline views with mountain peaks in the mix. The coastline here has that dramatic, rocky feel—less postcard-smooth and more “island built on rock and wind,” which is exactly why it works so well from a boat.
You’ll cruise along and typically spot the kind of coastal details you’d miss from the road. Past charters have included hidden caves, and you’ll usually have moments where the captain slows the plan so you can look around and take it in.
Now, about sea life. This isn’t a guaranteed-animals situation, but captains often try to find it. In the experience history for this charter, groups have reported dolphins, pilot whales, and even a turtle, with at least a few departures described as “a lot” of whales. If you care about wildlife, this kind of flexible captain-led searching is exactly what you want.
One small realism check: you’re on a moving boat and the conditions aren’t described as calm, glassy water all day. If you’re sensitive to motion, that matters (more on this later).
Drinks and Tapas: How the Onboard Meal Actually Works

This is one of the best parts of the charter because it’s not just “snacks and water.” You get a selection of tapas onboard and unlimited premium brand drinks for the duration.
For me, the value here is that the food and drinks are folded into the experience. You’re not trying to budget for drinks mid-ride or scramble for a meal before you go. It also makes the whole timing feel easier. The boat trip is only 3 hours, and you don’t want half of that spent thinking about where you’ll eat next.
A few practical notes based on past experiences:
- The tapas are described like a snack board rather than a full sit-down meal, so if you’re hungry, eat something before you arrive.
- Groups have mentioned standout tapas like tomatoes, and they’ve also praised how generous the spread can feel.
- Most people talk about the drink flow positively, with unlimited premium brands being a core selling point.
Also, music has popped up as a fun add-on in some groups. Several people mentioned being able to connect their phone to play a playlist (Bluetooth came up). That’s not listed as a formal inclusion, but it’s clearly part of the laid-back atmosphere some crews allow.
Swimming and Snorkeling Time Without the Hassle
This charter includes snorkeling gear, plus there’s time to anchor and jump in. That combination is a big reason the trip feels more than “just sightseeing.”
Here’s what you should know before you plan your swim:
- The water may not be totally still, so it helps if you’re a confident swimmer.
- Past groups have enjoyed the chance to swim in the ocean and snorkel in a bay, usually when the captain finds a good spot and drops anchor.
The boat supports this in two ways. First, you’ll be able to rinse off thanks to the freshwater shower onboard. Second, having an interior space means you can cool down or warm back up between swim breaks.
What I consider the smartest approach: treat the water time like part of the pacing. Don’t rush to snorkel right away. Give yourself a few minutes to watch where the captain is headed and when they anchor. That way, you’re ready when the moment comes instead of fumbling with gear in a moving boat.
Captain and Crew: Why This Feels Personal

Even on short trips, the captain shapes everything. This charter is run with a captain and crew, and many past groups highlighted how friendly and informative the captain was—naming captains like Robert, William, Noel, Havier, and others.
You’ll usually get:
- a guided feel while cruising (especially about local spots and what you might be seeing)
- active effort to create good moments, like steering toward dolphins or stopping for snorkeling
One review also mentioned the group was able to have a go at steering, which is the kind of small hands-on thing that can turn a nice trip into a memorable one. You shouldn’t count on it every time, but it signals the overall tone: welcoming, not stiff.
Safety-wise, the boat has a proper crew structure, and because it’s private, you’re not managing a crowd. That typically means fewer “everyone line up” moments and more relaxed boat-life flow.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Tenerife
Price and Value for a Private Group Up to 6
At $530 per group (up to 6 people) for a 3-hour private charter, the math gets interesting fast.
If you fill all 6 spots, you’re looking at about $88 per person—but the real value isn’t just the per-person number. It’s what you get attached to the boat time:
- private boat access for the group
- unlimited premium brand drinks
- tapas
- snorkeling gear
- fuel, captain, and crew
- a boat with onboard comfort, including bathroom and shower
In plain terms, you’re paying for privacy plus a packaged food-and-drink setup. If you compare that to paying separately for boat time and meals/drinks on top, the charter can feel like a straightforward deal.
But there’s also one reality: this price is per group, not per person. If you’re only 2 people, it’s still a fine experience—just more of a splurge relative to a shared tour.
My “value check” advice: if you’re traveling as a small group (friends, family unit, celebration crew), this format usually wins.
What to Bring (So You Actually Enjoy the Day)

The tour gives you snorkeling gear and takes care of the boat basics, but you should bring the essentials:
- hat
- swimwear
- towel
- camera
- sunscreen
- comfortable clothes
Also consider water shoes if you plan to spend time in and out of the sea, since you’ll be jumping in and out at anchor (not just wading at a dock). Not listed as required, but it can make the experience easier.
And plan your outfit for sun + water. You’ll be on the south coast, so you want to protect your face, shoulders, and legs. The interior cabins help, but you’ll probably spend plenty of time outside.
Who Should Book This, and Who Should Skip It

This charter fits best if you want:
- a private outing without waiting for other groups
- an easy onboard plan with tapas + unlimited drinks
- time to swim or snorkel from a real boat stop
- a captain-led route along the south coast with a chance at sea life sightings
It may not fit if:
- you’re prone to seasickness. This one is clearly not aimed at that, since it’s not described as a gentle, motion-free harbor cruise.
If you’re celebrating something—birthday, milestone, group trip—this format also tends to work well because everyone can stay together on the boat and enjoy the same pace.
Quick Practical Tips Before You Meet at Pantalan 3
A few small things that can save you stress:
- Arrive with enough time to find Pantalan 3 at Puerto Colón. The meeting point is specific, and you don’t want to be late with a group.
- Skip your best outfit shoes: high-heeled shoes aren’t allowed.
- Don’t plan to light up: smoking isn’t allowed.
- Don’t bring outside alcohol or drugs: alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed (even though drinks onboard are included).
Also, remember that transportation to and from the harbor isn’t included, so you’ll want a plan for getting there. If you’re staying in Adeje or nearby, map it out before you go—harbor parking and timing can vary.
Should You Book This Private Boat Charter?
If you’re looking for a 3-hour Tenerife experience that feels like a small-group day on the water—built around comfort, tapas, unlimited premium drinks, and time to swim/snorkel—I think this is a strong pick.
I’d book it especially if:
- you have a group of up to 6 and want privacy
- you care about coastline views plus a good onboard food-and-drink setup
- you’re hoping for sea life sightings and want a captain who will look for them
I’d hesitate if:
- you know you get seasick easily
- you want a full meal instead of tapas-style snacks
Bottom line: this is a relaxing, well-packaged private charter with the parts that matter most—time on the coast, comfort onboard, and fun built in.
FAQ
How long is the private boat charter?
It lasts 3 hours.
Where do we meet?
The meeting point is Pantalan 3.
How much is it, and what’s the group size?
It’s $530 per group, for a group size of up to 6.
What’s included in the price?
Included are the private boat charter, unlimited premium brand drinks, tapas, snorkeling gear, fuel, and a captain and crew, plus a private bathroom.
Are drinks unlimited?
Yes. The charter includes unlimited premium brand drinks.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included.
What languages are spoken?
The live tour guide/captain support is listed in English and Spanish.
What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.
What is not allowed onboard?
Smoking is not allowed, and high-heeled shoes aren’t allowed. Alcohol and drugs are also listed as not allowed.
Is it suitable for people who get seasick?
It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

































