REVIEW · TENERIFE
Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling
Book on Viator →Operated by Monte Cristo Catamaran · Bookable on Viator
Private catamarans in Tenerife hit different. You get the freedom of a private boat, plus a built-in day plan: lunch with drinks on board and snorkeling gear taken care of for you.
My two favorite parts are the relaxed setup (big viewing decks for sun and sea-breeze) and the chance to meet Tenerife’s wildlife out on the water rather than from a crowded shoreline. One thing to think about: this is weather-dependent, and you should expect some boat movement even on a stable catamaran.
In This Review
- Key takeaways before you book
- The short version: what this charter is really like
- Departing from Puerto Colón: the starting point matters
- The boat experience: decks, comfort, and a restroom onboard
- Wildlife spotting without the crowds
- Snorkeling: included gear and the best water time
- The food and drinks part: lunch that doesn’t feel like an afterthought
- Timing and pace: how the 3 hours usually feel
- Price and value: what you’re paying for (and why it can make sense)
- Who this suits best (and who might want to think twice)
- What to bring so the day stays easy
- Quick decision guide: should you book this charter?
- FAQ
- Where does the private catamaran charter depart?
- Is transfer pickup included, and how far does pickup go?
- What’s included in the snorkeling part?
- Is there a restroom onboard?
- Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
Key takeaways before you book
- Private by nature, not by marketing: your group stays together on a charter experience
- Snorkeling gear included: you won’t have to pack or hunt for equipment
- Your captain has flexibility: you decide on the itinerary while you’re sailing
- Wildlife spotting is the main event: dolphins, whales, and turtles are possible around the coast
- Lunch and alcohol are part of the package: snacks, fruit, tapas, and drinks keep the mood easy
- Plan for sea conditions: stable boat, but motion still happens for many people
The short version: what this charter is really like

This is a 3-hour private catamaran charter based out of Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje), with pickup offered within a 20 km radius from the port. You’ll head out from Diamant – Glass Bottom Boat at Pantalan 6, then cruise along Tenerife’s coast in search of marine life—dolphins, whales, and sometimes sea turtles—while you relax on deck.
What makes it feel like good value is that it bundles the stuff that usually adds up fast on day trips: transport, food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. Instead of juggling tickets and a “where do we eat” scramble, you’re just on the boat living the timetable.
And because it’s a private group experience, the pace is yours. You’re not stuck with fixed viewing times or waiting around for the next group to finish. It’s a small boat day, done properly.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Tenerife
Departing from Puerto Colón: the starting point matters
Getting on the water quickly helps the whole trip feel smoother. Your meeting point is at Diamant – Glass Bottom Boat, Puerto Colon, Pantalan 6, in Costa Adeje. The operator offers pickup for hotels in the south of Tenerife, and if you’re outside the pickup area, you’ll make your own way to Pantalan 6.
A nice practical detail: you’ll have a mobile ticket, and you can expect confirmation at booking time. Also, the service is listed as near public transportation, so you’re not stuck if you change plans last minute.
If you’re traveling as a group, this kind of meeting setup is where private charters score. You get fewer bottlenecks and less time herding people through a port.
The boat experience: decks, comfort, and a restroom onboard

This tour runs on a purpose-built catamaran that’s designed for comfort and views, and it includes a restroom onboard. Expect room to spread out: a generous sundeck area at the prow, plus a fly-bridge with lots of seating and even an inside sofa area.
Catamarans tend to feel steadier than many other boat types, and this one is described as very stable. Still, don’t assume it’s motion-free. If you’re prone to seasickness, plan for movement. You can use herbal ginger tablets or Dramamine before boarding, which is exactly the sort of preventative move that saves your day.
One more consideration: the boat is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. If that affects your group, it’s worth checking alternatives before you commit.
Wildlife spotting without the crowds

The main idea is simple: sail from Puerto Colón along the coast looking for whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural habitat. The operator notes that you’ll head straight out to the wildlife areas, and your captain will help guide where you spend time.
Here’s the honest way to think about it: you’re not guaranteed whales on every trip. But the hunt is part of the experience. If conditions are right, this kind of cruising gives you much better odds than a quick stop on land.
Also, I like that your time isn’t locked to one rigid stop. Because you can decide on your own itinerary while sailing, you can spend more time where the action is happening—rather than racing to a pre-set viewing point.
Snorkeling: included gear and the best water time

You don’t have to bring snorkeling equipment; it’s included as part of the charter. That’s a big deal for travelers who pack light, or for anyone who’s ever tried to borrow or buy gear last-minute on vacation.
Your captain will take you to the best snorkeling spots during the cruise. While the exact locations aren’t specified, the intent is clear: they’re choosing where the water conditions make sense for a dip. That captain-led approach is usually the difference between a fun swim and a frustrating one.
Practical tips that help:
- Bring your swimsuit ready to go.
- Pack sunscreen and sunglasses (salt + sun gets intense fast).
- Bring a towel, because towels are not included.
- If you’re snorkeling for the first time, start calm. Even clear water can feel colder than you expect once you’re actually in it.
And yes, you can swim—this isn’t just a sit-and-watch outing. You’ll have a real chance to get in the water.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Tenerife
The food and drinks part: lunch that doesn’t feel like an afterthought

This charter is designed for comfort, and food is part of that plan. You’ll get lunch plus an assortment of drinks and snacks. The inclusions list includes alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, snacks, and bottled water.
From the food description, you can expect items like tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection. Drinks are listed as including water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.
You’re also told there will be fruit, snacks, tapas, and more while you relax on deck. In other words, you’re not stuck eating one small boxed lunch and calling it a day. It’s more like a floating meal break—perfect for groups celebrating something, or just for anyone who wants a vacation that doesn’t revolve around restaurants.
A small caution: alcohol plus sun plus open water means hydration matters. The bottled water is included, so take advantage of it. Your future self will thank you when you’re back on shore.
Timing and pace: how the 3 hours usually feel

The duration is about 3 hours, and the experience ends back at the meeting point. That’s a good length for people who don’t want an all-day outing but still want a real time on the water.
A private charter also tends to feel faster (in a good way). You don’t lose time on long transfers between multiple stops. You get onboard, settle in, cruise for wildlife, eat while you’re sailing, then head toward snorkeling when conditions are right.
Because you decide on the itinerary as you sail, your captain’s choices can shape the feel of the trip. If the area is active with dolphins or turtles, the day might lean more toward observation. If conditions favor snorkeling, you’ll likely get a good time in the water.
Price and value: what you’re paying for (and why it can make sense)

The listed price is $1,792.13 per group, up to 15 people. At first glance, that can sound expensive—until you zoom out and look at what’s included.
You’re paying for:
- Private catamaran time (not shared)
- Pickup/transfer in the south of Tenerife area (within the stated radius)
- Lunch and alcoholic beverages
- Snorkeling equipment
- Snacks, soda/pop, and bottled water
- All fees and taxes
If you’re traveling as a family or a tight group, the math often becomes easier. Even if you’re only using the snorkeling and drinks portions, you’d still be spending money separately elsewhere. Where this becomes a strong deal is when you count the “hidden” cost of coordination—everyone ends up on the same boat, at the same time, with food already handled.
One detail to keep in mind: the operator says the private charter can accommodate up to 24 passengers. The price you see is for up to 15, so if your group is larger, confirm how headcount and pricing work before booking.
Who this suits best (and who might want to think twice)

This charter is a great match if you:
- Want a private outing without the stress of planning snorkeling stops
- Care about comfort (deck space, restroom onboard, shaded/inside seating)
- Like the idea of seeing dolphins, whales, or turtles without a rigid land-based schedule
- Are celebrating a birthday or group milestone and want an easy, memorable setting
It may be less ideal if you:
- Get strongly seasick and haven’t tried motion-prevention strategies before
- Need wheelchair access (the boat is not wheelchair accessible)
- Are expecting towels provided (you’ll need to bring your own)
What to bring so the day stays easy
The essentials are straightforward, and they’re worth following:
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A towel (not included)
If you’re seasickness-prone, add your preferred prevention method. The boat is stable, but stability isn’t the same as still water.
Quick decision guide: should you book this charter?
Yes, I’d book it if you want a short, high-comfort day at sea with real perks included—snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks—plus flexibility to spend time where the action is.
I’d hesitate only if your group has strong mobility requirements or if sea motion is a guaranteed problem. Otherwise, this is one of those Tenerife experiences where you spend your time doing the fun part, not organizing the fun part.
FAQ
Where does the private catamaran charter depart?
You’ll meet at Diamant – Glass Bottom Boat, Puerto Colon, Pantalan 6, Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. If you’re within the pickup area, hotel pickup is available for hotels in the south of Tenerife.
Is transfer pickup included, and how far does pickup go?
Pickup is offered for hotels in the south of Tenerife. If you’re not in the pickup area, you’ll need to get yourself to Puerto Colón. The pickup radius is listed as 20 km from the port of Puerto Colón.
What’s included in the snorkeling part?
Snorkeling equipment is included. The captain will take you to the best snorkeling spots during the cruise.
Is there a restroom onboard?
Yes, there is a restroom onboard for your convenience.
Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?
No, the catamaran is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.
What happens if the weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.






















