Champagne cruises are a Tenerife thing, and this one does it right. You’ll sail out of Puerto Colón on a shared Beneteau charter where the drinks start immediately and the coastline stays the star.

What I like most is the easy pace with all-inclusive champagne and tapas, plus the chance to get active in the water using the onboard gear. One thing to consider: the trip isn’t ideal if you’re prone to seasickness, since you’ll be out on open Atlantic water for the full 3 hours.

Key points to know before you go

• Welcome champagne as soon as you step aboard, before you even get your bearings
• All-inclusive drinks (champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, water) so you can relax without counting rounds
• Spanish tapas spread with tortilla española, jamón, cheese, fruit, and bread
• Water toys included: paddleboards, sea scooters, plus snorkeling gear for the swim stop
• Small group size (no more than 10) that feels relaxed instead of rushed
• Wildlife watching is part of the route, with respectful spotting for dolphins and whales

Puerto Colón’s 10:30 departure: the vibe you want on vacation

The best part of this yacht cruise starts right at pickup. You’re heading to Puerto Colón Patalan Nº2, and the timing matters: arrive about 15 minutes early, and go to the top by the gate so you don’t lose time to walking around the marina.

At 10:30 AM, the boat leaves on a fairly tight schedule, which helps keep the whole experience feeling “holiday smooth.” In many Tenerife days, you’re either sightseeing all day or hiding from the sun. Here, you get the sea perspective without committing to a full-day expedition.

And yes, there’s a payoff to that early start: you’re on the water while the coastline still feels fresh, before late-morning crowds build up on the land. It’s a smart move if you want to trade heat and traffic for sea air.

The Beneteau Antares 42 and a small-group experience you’ll notice

This is a shared cruise, but it doesn’t feel like the typical “group bus to boat chaos” setup. The charter runs with a minimum of 4 people, and when it goes, it stays intimate—up to 10 participants. That headcount changes everything: fewer people means more personal attention when you want a drink topped up, a hand clarifying how to use the gear, or advice on where to sit for the best views.

The boat is a Beneteau Antares 42, a size that’s big enough to feel stable and comfortable, but still small enough that the crew can manage things without turning it into a production. Expect a straightforward flow: a safety briefing, then you’re basically cruising, grazing on tapas, and looking for wildlife.

One important practical note: the trip isn’t marketed for people who are very sensitive to motion. If you know you get sea sick easily, plan accordingly.

Champagne and tapas: what “all-inclusive” means in real life

You start with a glass of champagne right when you board. It’s not a token sip, either—the cruise is built around an all-inclusive setup: champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included throughout the 3 hours.

The food is Spanish tapas, served with the kind of “snack-lunch” logic that works perfectly on a boat. You’ll have items like Tortilla Española, jamón, cheese, fresh fruit, baguettes, and other bite-sized options that keep the atmosphere casual. It’s not a formal meal with courses. It’s the right format for being out at sea, where you want fuel for swimming time but you don’t want something heavy.

A detail I appreciate here is the balance. Some cruises do drinks-first and food-later. This one plans the food into the ride—so you can snack while you’re watching the coastline, and then again when you’re relaxing at the swim stop.

The wildlife route: spotting dolphins and whales with respect

This cruise isn’t just “out on the water and hope for the best.” The schedule includes dedicated time for marine life viewing, including about 45 minutes of wildlife-focused cruising.

What you might see depends on the day, but the overall route is clearly timed for animals. In the broader experience of this itinerary, dolphins are a common highlight, and larger marine life can show up too. The crew also emphasizes safe, respectful distance around wildlife—exactly what you want when you’re trying to get close without disturbing animals.

Here’s the practical part for your camera roll: bring your eyes as much as your lens. The best sightings often happen quickly. If you want dolphin action, you’ll do better shifting positions rather than standing in one spot all the time.

Also, if you’re the type who gets serious about comfort, you’ll appreciate that the crew is running safety checks and briefing you before the water activities. That means you’re not spending your first hour figuring out what’s going on.

Stop one: the Tenerife sightseeing stretch and photo moments

After the initial sailing, you’ll get a mix of coastline viewing and guided context. The itinerary includes guided tour, free time, and photo stops, plus that added marine life viewing time.

Think of this segment as the “settle in” portion. The sea breeze is still new, the drink is cold, and the snacks are coming. It’s also your chance to get oriented to what the coastline looks like from the water—Tenerife feels bigger and more dramatic when you’re not looking at it from roads or viewpoints.

One drawback possibility to keep in mind: because this is a shared charter with a set timetable, you can’t expect endless drifting. If you hate being on a clock at sea, this may feel a bit structured. On the upside, the schedule leaves room for the main payoff at the swimming cove.

La Caleta swim time: where the cruise turns into a water adventure

The highlight for most people is the longer stop at La Caleta. You’ll have about 1.5 hours there, with time for swimming, snorkeling, marine life viewing, and stand-up paddleboarding.

This is also where the included gear matters. You have snorkeling gear, and you can use the paddleboard and sea scooters. If you want a day that’s more than just “watch from the rail,” this stop is why you picked a yacht cruise instead of a boat tour.

A few tips based on how these activities usually work on small charters:

• Wear sunscreen early. Once you’re in the water, it’s easy to forget your back shoulders.
• Keep your towel ready and dry—getting on and off smoothly makes the experience feel effortless.
• If the water is busy, stick to the plan the crew gives you so you don’t end up circling when you could be swimming.

About scuba: the itinerary lists it as part of the stop activities. Still, the included gear you’re told about is for snorkeling. If scuba is a priority for you, ask the crew what’s available during your specific sailing so you don’t arrive expecting equipment you might not have.

Photo stop included? Yep. You’ll get time set aside for it, but the real value is the water time. La Caleta is where the cruise shifts from sightseeing to “I’m actually doing something.”

How the sea scooters and paddleboards fit into your day

People tend to love the paddleboard part because it’s low effort and high fun. You get a quiet glide, and you can look around for fish and marine life without feeling like you’re in workout mode.

Sea scooters add a different kind of thrill. They help you cover a little more water with less paddling. The key is to use them safely and follow the guidance given during the briefing—on small boats, the crew’s job is to keep it fun and controlled.

If you’ve got kids or teens, this is one of the best ways to “make the boat real” rather than just sitting and watching adults eat tapas. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, these activities can also be a great icebreaker—everyone’s sharing the same water space, and the crew can help get you started.

Crew names to look out for and why that matters

One reason people rate this cruise so highly is consistency in service. On these charters, you’ll often meet crew members like Juan and Michelle, and captains/guides such as Maxi, Martinez, Raúl, and Eduardo. That matters because it’s not just friendliness—it’s rhythm.

The best sign of a good crew is how smoothly they manage:

• drink timing (so you don’t have to hunt for refills),
• safety briefings (so you feel confident in the water),
• and wildlife etiquette (so sightings feel respectful rather than chaotic).

When the crew knows the waters well, you also feel it in the pace: you’re not just “sailing around.” You’re doing the right things at the right times.

Timing and what the 3 hours feel like

Duration is 3 hours, which is ideal for a half-day plan. You’re not spending your morning stuck in logistics for too long, and you still have the rest of the day to explore Tenerife on land.

Because the cruise includes both sailing and a set swim stop, the time is used efficiently:

• you get your welcome drink early,
• wildlife viewing happens during the route,
• La Caleta gives you real water time,
• then you return with the feeling that you did something memorable, not just pretty.

If you hate “drag time,” this is a good length. If you love slow travel and long lingering at sea, you might wish it were longer—but that’s the tradeoff for the price and small-group structure.

Meeting point, pickup options, and how not to lose time

You’ll meet at Puerto Colón Patalan Nº2. Instructions are clear: arrive around 15 minutes early and stay near the top where the gate is.

Pickup is optional. If you choose it, you wait outside your hotel reception, and staff approach you at the agreed time. If you don’t choose pickup, plan to handle the short marina transfer yourself.

This kind of cruise rewards people who move quickly and show up ready. If you’re late, the boat doesn’t wait. Keep it simple: hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel, and you’re set.

What to bring for a smoother day at sea

The list is basic, but it’s a smart one:

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen

If you want the day to feel effortless, add one practical habit: keep your sunscreen and sunglasses where you can reach them fast, because you’ll be in and out of the sun and water.

Price and value: why $100 can feel like more than it costs

The price is about $100 per person for a 3-hour shared yacht cruise, and the value comes from what’s included—not just the boat ride.

Here’s what you’re really paying for:

• a premium sailing format on a Beneteau Antares 42,
• welcome champagne plus ongoing all-inclusive drinks (champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, water),
• a meaningful tapas spread with items like Tortilla Española and jamón,
• water toys (paddleboards and sea scooters),
• and snorkeling gear, plus scheduled swim time.

When cruises charge similar amounts but don’t include the water activities or keep the food minimal, it can feel like you’re paying for views only. This one builds in the “do something” part, which is why it lands well for couples, small groups, and families who want action without planning an entire day.

And because the group stays small (up to 10), you’re more likely to feel the service is for you, not for a crowd.

Who should book this cruise (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if you want:

• a half-day activity that feels special,
• a small group atmosphere,
• and a mix of relaxing plus water time.

It’s also a smart choice if you like wildlife viewing but don’t want the full intensity of a dedicated wildlife tour. The itinerary is built around marine life time without turning it into a lecture marathon.

Skip it if:

• you’re prone to seasickness,
• or you need long, slow hanging-out time (the schedule is structured).

If you’re celebrating something, this is also an easy win. Champagne at the start plus a fun swim stop makes it feel like a treat without requiring planning.

Should you book the Tenerife yacht cruise with champagne and tapas?

If you’re looking for a Tenerife experience that hits the sweet spot—good value, small-group comfort, and real time in the water—this one is worth serious consideration.

Book it if you’ll use the inclusions: drinks, tapas, paddleboard time, sea scooters, and snorkeling gear. The experience works best when you’re willing to be active and enjoy the ride rather than just watch it.

Think twice if motion is a problem for you, or if you only want a quiet “sit and stare” cruise. In that case, you may be happier choosing a calmer land-based plan.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife shared yacht cruise?

It lasts 3 hours.

What time does the cruise depart?

The departure time is listed as 10:30 AM.

Where do I meet the crew?

You meet at Puerto Colón Patalan Nº2, about 15 minutes before departure time, staying at the top near the gate.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is optional. If selected, you wait outside your hotel reception and staff approach you at the agreed time.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group with a maximum of 10 participants.

What’s included for food and drinks?

You get welcome champagne and all-inclusive drinks including champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water, plus Spanish tapas such as baguettes, Tortilla Española, jamón, cheese, and fresh fruit.

What water activities are included?

The cruise includes use of paddleboards, sea scooters, and snorkeling gear, with swimming and marine life viewing time built into the itinerary.

Do dolphins and other wildlife have a chance?

The cruise includes opportunities for dolphin watching, and the itinerary includes marine life viewing time.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, and sunscreen.

Is it suitable for people who get seasick?

No. It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

What if the minimum number of guests isn’t reached?

A minimum of 4 people is required. If fewer book, the trip is rescheduled for another day.

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