REVIEW · TENERIFE
World Class Fishing Charter Trip in Tenerife
Book on Viator →Operated by The Original Gavin Glen Fishing Tenerife · Bookable on Viator
Offshore fishing in Tenerife is serious fun. This 4-hour charter from Costa Adeje is built around one thing: getting you onto fish (and teaching you how), from the first cast to the final reel.
I love the hands-on approach with Captain Gavin. You’re not just along for the ride—you’re learning how to fish this water and how to adjust when the sea changes. And I also like the tight group size, with a maximum of 6 on a 25’ offshore boat, so you get attention instead of just standing around.
One thing to think about: this is a functional fishing setup, not a luxury yacht, and refreshment details can be inconsistent. If you care about drinks/snacks being included in a specific way, confirm what’s provided before you go.
In This Review
- Key Points at a Glance
- Why Costa Adeje Offshore Fishing Feels Personal
- Captain Gavin and the Small-Group Advantage
- What 4 Hours on the Water Actually Looks Like
- The Boat and Gear: Fighting Chairs, Downriggers, Live Bait
- Target Species: Marlin, Tuna, Amberjack, Barracuda (Plus More)
- Fitness and Weather: What You Should Be Ready For
- Price and Value: Is $114.89 Worth It?
- Customer Service in the Real World (Including Mechanical Changes)
- Who This Charter Suits Best (And Who Should Pass)
- Should You Book This World-Class Fishing Charter in Tenerife?
- FAQ
- Where does the fishing charter start?
- How long is the charter?
- What language is the tour offered in?
- How many people are on the boat?
- What fish species might I catch?
- Do I need to be physically fit?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
- Can I cancel and get a full refund?
Key Points at a Glance

- Captain Gavin’s 25 years of experience and a focus on teaching you techniques for different fish
- Maximum of 6 anglers on a 25’ offshore sportfishing boat, so you’re not lost in a crowd
- Serious fishing gear like fighting chairs, downriggers, downrigging-style tactics, and a live bait tank
- Fast offshore travel (up to about 22 knots for its class), helping you reach productive waters
- Fishing targets vary by season and conditions, from marlin and tuna to amberjack and barracuda
- Bring-weather reality: the trip depends on good conditions, and the operator can reschedule if needed
Why Costa Adeje Offshore Fishing Feels Personal

Costa Adeje is the kind of place where you can book fancy-sounding tours all day long. This one keeps it simple. You meet at Av. de Colón, 4 in Costa Adeje, you head offshore, and you spend your time fishing, not touring.
The best part for me is the coaching vibe. Captain Gavin is described as having a lifelong passion for the sport, and that shows in how the trip is run. If you’re a beginner, you’re guided through technique and setup. If you’re already fishing, you still get value because you’re shown what to do for these specific conditions.
This charter also leans into a practical reality: Tenerife fishing is about timing, sea state, and bait. The captain doesn’t promise a guaranteed catch. But he does everything you’d want from a guide—find likely spots, use the right gear, and teach the why behind it.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife
Captain Gavin and the Small-Group Advantage
The operator is The Original Gavin Glen Fishing Tenerife, run around one main person: Captain Gavin. The setup is built for direct interaction. With a maximum of 6 travelers, it’s easier for him to notice what’s working, what’s not, and who needs help with knots, stance, or keeping line tension under control.
On a smaller boat, you also get faster feedback. If you set up in a way that won’t hold in current, you can correct it before you waste half the trip. If your bait presentation isn’t landing the way it should, you learn how to adjust in real time.
A minor detail that matters: the boat is moored at a specific pontoon, and there can be confusion if you only rely on written directions. One practical tip for you: when you arrive, double-check which pontoon the boat is tied to and ask on the spot. It saves stress, especially if it’s busy around departure.
What 4 Hours on the Water Actually Looks Like

This trip is about 4 hours on the water, give or take based on conditions. That means you’re not spending long stretches in “transit mode.” Instead, the schedule is geared toward getting to fishing spots quickly and then maximizing time where bites are most likely.
You’ll start on shore with the expectation that the day is about technique and action. Once you’re offshore, the focus shifts to gear and bait use—how to fish for the species you’re targeting and how to respond when the sea state changes.
Here’s the reality check you should keep in mind: fish behavior varies. Even on great trips, you might feel like the ocean is teasing you before it gives up a real hit. When that happens, the best guides adjust—bait type, depth, and method.
One of the more encouraging themes around this experience is that Gavin tries hard to make sure everyone gets a chance. You’re not treated like extra weight. The goal is that at least some people come back with fish—and if the fishing doesn’t cooperate, you’ll still get something valuable: you’ll learn how to think like a fisherman here.
The Boat and Gear: Fighting Chairs, Downriggers, Live Bait

This charter uses a 25’ offshore sportfishing boat that holds up to 6 guests. It’s described as fast for its class (around 22 knots) and built for function, not comfort theater. It’s not positioned as a luxury yacht. It’s a working fishing boat.
What makes it worthwhile is the equipment. You’ll have access to tools designed to increase your chances and make the process safer and more controlled:
- Fighting chairs: helpful when the fish hits and you need a stable stance while keeping tension
- Downriggers: key for controlling depth, especially when species move up and down
- Live bait tank: lets the captain keep bait in good condition
- Outriggers and a wireless trolling engine: support for moving tactics and controlled line setups
If you’ve never fished with downriggers or fighting chairs, you’ll learn quickly. The payoff isn’t just the tools—it’s how the captain uses them as part of a plan, instead of random casting.
And because the captain chooses gear based on season and conditions, you don’t get a one-size-fits-all fishing lesson. You get a Tenerife-specific approach, tuned to what the ocean is doing that day.
Target Species: Marlin, Tuna, Amberjack, Barracuda (Plus More)
The species list is a big part of the appeal. You may go after marlin, tuna, amberjack, barracuda, and other species depending on season and conditions. That matters because “offshore sportfishing” can mean different things in different places.
In Tenerife, the season and sea state are what drive what you can realistically target. That’s why Captain Gavin’s experience matters. He’s not only using equipment; he’s choosing tactics that make sense for what’s available.
Even if your exact target doesn’t bite, this kind of trip can still be a win because you learn the method. If you’re new, you’ll walk away understanding why different species want different presentations. If you’re returning, you’ll be better at reading the water next time—what to try when the bites go slow.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife
Fitness and Weather: What You Should Be Ready For

This is moderate physical activity. You should be comfortable standing and moving a bit during offshore travel, handling a rod, and staying balanced when the boat turns or speeds up. It’s not extreme climbing or anything like that—but you shouldn’t plan it like a total couch-and-camera tour.
Weather also matters. The trip requires good weather, and the operator may reschedule or offer a full refund if the activity is canceled due to poor conditions. That’s a common ocean reality. The smart move is to plan this on a day you can be flexible.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider coming prepared. Nothing in the booking info guarantees a smooth ride every minute. Offshore speed and sea conditions are part of the experience.
Price and Value: Is $114.89 Worth It?

At $114.89 per person for about 4 hours, the value depends on what you want from your Tenerife trip.
If you’re hoping for a casual sightseeing cruise, this isn’t it. You’re paying for a fishing-focused boat, gear, and a captain who works to put you on the right spots. That can feel expensive—until you compare it to trying to fish on your own with the wrong equipment and no local plan.
This charter also has two “value multipliers” that matter:
- Small group size (max 6) helps ensure you’re not just buying a ticket—you’re buying time and attention.
- Hands-on technique instruction turns the outing into a learning experience, not just a toss-a-line adventure.
The only value red flag is refreshment expectations. Some people report disappointment when they expected drinks/snacks to be included. Others describe snacks and drinks during the trip. So treat food and drink as a bonus, not the main product.
My advice: if you like this kind of trip, confirm what’s included for drinks/snacks and then pack a bit extra if it matters to you. That simple step protects your budget and keeps the day focused on fishing.
Customer Service in the Real World (Including Mechanical Changes)

Boats are machines, and the sea is unpredictable. One detail worth knowing is that when mechanical issues came up, the captain handled it by arranging an alternative so the fishing day could still happen without extra cost. That tells you something about how the operator thinks: keep the experience moving and protect your time.
You should still go in with realistic expectations. This is offshore sportfishing, not a theme-park ride. When things go wrong, a great guide responds fast, and Gavin’s reputation here leans in that direction.
Who This Charter Suits Best (And Who Should Pass)
This is a great fit if you want:
- a proper fishing setup with real offshore gear
- a guide who’s willing to teach techniques for different fish and conditions
- a smaller boat experience where you actually get help
It’s also a strong choice for families or groups with mixed experience levels. If you’ve got someone new on board, the style described here seems designed to make them feel comfortable and supported.
You might want to think twice if:
- you’re expecting a luxury onboard experience
- your main goal is drinks/snacks and long lounging
- you need guaranteed fish on every trip (the ocean doesn’t do that)
For best odds, plan the day as an active activity. Bring patience. Then bring your best effort.
Should You Book This World-Class Fishing Charter in Tenerife?
I’d book this if your priority is a serious fishing day with coaching on Tenerife tactics. The small-group format, the specific gear, and the way Captain Gavin guides beginners and supports experienced anglers all point to a good return on your time.
Before you go, do two quick checks:
- Confirm what’s included for drinks/snacks, especially if you’re counting on them
- When you arrive, verify which pontoon the boat is tied to so you don’t lose minutes before departure
If you want a straightforward offshore charter where the captain’s passion is part of the product, this one fits the bill. If you want pampering or guaranteed catches, you’ll be better off looking elsewhere.
FAQ
Where does the fishing charter start?
The trip starts at Av. de Colón, 4, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
How long is the charter?
It runs for approximately 4 hours.
What language is the tour offered in?
The experience is offered in English.
How many people are on the boat?
The maximum group size is 6 travelers.
What fish species might I catch?
Depending on season and conditions, you may target marlin, tuna, amberjack, barracuda, and other fish species.
Do I need to be physically fit?
The activity requires a moderate physical fitness level.
What happens if the weather is poor?
If the trip is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Can I cancel and get a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Changes within 24 hours aren’t accepted, and late cancellations aren’t refunded.





























