Champagne first, dolphins maybe next. This shared yacht cruise on Tenerife makes a splash right from Puerto Colón, with champagne and Spanish tapas served as you ease out along the coast. The whole thing runs on a simple rhythm: enjoy the views, eat well, and let the crew handle the rest.

What I love most is the small group feel. Even when you’re sharing, it caps at about 10 people, so you’re not fighting for space on deck, and you actually get time to chat with the captain and guides like Juan, Michelle, Maxi, Raul, and Martina. The other standout is the chance to use the water gear—paddleboards and sea scooters—so the cruise turns from scenery into real water time.

One thing to weigh: it’s not suitable if you’re prone to seasickness, and the sailing can include time out on open water for wildlife watching. If you’re sensitive, plan carefully (and sit where you’ll feel the most stable).

Key highlights at a glance

• Champagne welcome plus all-inclusive drinks while you’re underway
• Beneteau Antares 42 with a crew that keeps the pace relaxed
• Spanish tapas including Tortilla Española, jamón, cheese, fruit, and baguettes
• Paddleboards and sea scooters plus snorkeling gear available for water stops
• Marine life viewing built into the route, with real odds for dolphin sightings
• Group limit keeps the experience feeling personal rather than crowded

Your money’s best spent on the water time in Puerto Colón

This isn’t a “stand around and look” cruise. For about $100 per person you get a 3-hour shared charter on a proper yacht (a Beneteau Antares 42) with enough included extras to feel more like a private outing than a budget trip.

You’ll board in Puerto Colón and head out at 10:30 AM. From there, the focus is on moving along the coast, stopping for swimming and wildlife viewing, and giving you plenty of time to enjoy the gear that’s provided.

And because it’s a shared trip with a minimum of 4 people, the operator is basically filtering for days when the boat can run smoothly. If fewer than 4 book, you’re rescheduled to another day—so you’re not stuck on a half-formed experience.

Meeting, pickup, and how to not lose time

The meeting point is Puerto Colón Patalan Nº2. Show up about 15 minutes early and head to the top area by the gate so staff can find you quickly.

Pickup is optional. If you choose it, you’ll wait outside your hotel reception and staff will come to you at the agreed time. If you don’t pick that option, you’ll handle getting to the port yourself.

Once you’re aboard, you’ll get a safety briefing and life jackets are included, along with full safety equipment. It’s not scary; it’s the kind of quick, practical rundown that helps everyone enjoy the water time without worrying.

Champagne and all-inclusive drinks that don’t feel stingy

One of the easiest wins on this cruise is how the drinks are handled. You get a welcome glass of champagne when you step aboard, and throughout the trip the menu stays open: champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.

In real terms, that means you don’t have to keep deciding what’s worth paying for. You can pace yourself—sip something bubbly at departure, then switch to something lighter during the longer stretches of sailing and wildlife spotting.

It also changes the vibe. A lot of boat tours feel like a snack-and-sit event. Here, drinks are part of the experience, so you’re more likely to linger on deck and relax.

The Tenerife sailing stretch: wildlife viewing with structure

The cruise is built around movement and timed moments. After boarding, you’ll get underway with a mix of sightseeing and marine life viewing, plus onboard guidance as you go.

A key part of the schedule includes about 45 minutes of wildlife viewing while you’re still out at sea. That’s where the captain’s job matters. The crew can point out what they’re seeing and what to look for, and they also give reminders about respectful distance around animals—especially the larger, more sensitive species.

This section of the trip is also a good moment to pick your comfort spot. If you’re even mildly prone to seasickness, you’ll want to avoid the most roll-prone area and stay where you feel steady. The cruise description flags that it’s not suitable for people who are sensitive, but within that limit, comfort choices still matter.

La Caleta photo stop and the big water window (1.5 hours)

The route includes a stop near La Caleta, with a photo stop and a shift into more active water time. Think of this as the “do something” part of the day.

You’ll get around 1.5 hours for water activities. The schedule includes swimming and snorkeling, plus stand-up paddleboarding time and other water options. Snorkeling gear is included, and paddleboards and sea scooters are provided.

One practical note: the itinerary lists scuba diving as an activity, but only snorkeling gear is explicitly included in what you receive. So if you’re hoping for scuba, treat that as something you should confirm with the crew on the day.

Swimming and snorkeling setup

This is where the water can feel crystal clear and the Atlantic life can be easier to spot. You’ll have gear, and you’re not on your own. The crew supports you as you get in and get settled.

If you want a “try it without committing to gear shopping” moment, this stop is it. You can swim casually, snorkel if you brought your own comfort plan, or just go for the fun float-and-look option.

Sea scooters: why they’re a big deal

The sea scooters are a highlight because they change the effort level. They’re ideal if you want to explore underwater for longer without turning the outing into a workout.

You don’t need to be an experienced swimmer either, but you do need to follow the crew’s instructions and keep it safe around others. When it’s done right, it feels like you’re cruising above the seabed instead of fighting the water.

Paddleboarding time for people who want more than floating

Not everyone wants to snorkel, and not everyone wants to just sit on deck. The cruise gives you paddleboard time, which is a nice middle ground: you can stay above the surface, move at your own pace, and still get that “I’m part of the water” feeling.

Because paddleboards are provided, you don’t have to rent or bring anything extra beyond what you’ll be told to pack. That simple convenience is part of why this cruise feels like good value.

And it’s also a social activity in a small-group setting. With fewer people onboard, it’s easier to avoid the awkward waiting around you get on larger boats.

Tapas lunch on a moving yacht: simple, satisfying, and Spanish

You’ll be eating while the scenery rolls by. The included tapas spread is built for a group at sea, not for a formal meal.

Expect the classics:

• Tortilla Española (a true Spanish staple)
• Spanish jamón
• Cheese
• Fresh fruit
• Baguettes and other tapas-style bites

The nice part is that it’s filling enough to keep you happy during the swim and wildlife window, but not so heavy that you feel stuck. If you’re the type who hates “tour snacks” that vanish in two bites, you’ll likely appreciate this spread more than you expect.

And because drinks are all-inclusive, you can match food to what you’re in the mood for—something bubbly at the start, then wine or beer as the afternoon light hits.

The crew makes it feel personal on Beneteau Antares 42

On a shared cruise, the difference between good and great is often just how the crew runs the boat. This one tends to earn strong praise for attention and calm service.

You might meet captain and guides like Juan and Michelle. Other crew names that show up often include Maxi, Raul, Martina, and Eduardo/Edouardo. No matter who’s on deck, the common theme is that the guides help you find the wildlife, explain what you’re looking at, and keep your drink and snack rhythm moving.

You’ll also see evidence that they’re thinking about the whole group. Sea time is structured, safety checks are included, and there’s support during water activities. If someone on board feels rough, crew guidance can matter—like steering you toward a steadier spot and keeping you included in the experience.

What it’s like for wildlife watching (and what to expect realistically)

The cruise includes opportunities for dolphin watching, and the route has multiple segments focused on marine life viewing. In practice, that means you should look out throughout the sailing, not just at one “magic moment.”

You may also spot other animals beyond dolphins, since the schedule calls out wildlife viewing and marine life viewing at different times. Real sightings can vary by day and conditions, but you’re not taking a blind punt either—the captain and crew are actively watching.

A helpful mindset: treat this as a respectful wildlife search. Keep an eye out, follow the crew’s guidance, and don’t expect the sea to deliver the exact same show every time.

Practical tips so you enjoy the whole 3 hours

This cruise is short, so small choices matter.

Bring:

• Sunglasses and a hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen (the deck sun can sneak up fast)
• A camera for wildlife and coast views

If you’re planning for water time, also keep in mind that you’ll want comfortable movement from deck to water. Your day becomes a set of transitions: sailing → wildlife watching → La Caleta water time → sailing back.

Finally, be honest about seasickness. The cruise isn’t recommended for people who get sick easily. If you fall into that category, skip it or talk with your doctor about prevention—don’t gamble with a 3-hour exposure.

Should you book this Tenerife yacht cruise?

I’d book it if you want a short, high-value Tenerife experience that combines real relaxation with real water play. The combination of a champagne welcome, all-inclusive drinks, and included water toys (paddleboards and sea scooters) is a strong mix for the price.

You should think twice if you:

• Are very prone to seasickness
• Expect a super long, all-day lineup of stops
• Want scuba diving as a sure thing (snorkeling gear is included; scuba is listed on the schedule, but not explicitly included)

If you’re flexible and you want a small-group yacht outing from Puerto Colón—one where the deck time actually turns into time in the water—this is the kind of cruise that can easily become a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

What time does the yacht cruise start, and how long is it?

The cruise departs at 10:30 AM and lasts 3 hours.

Where do I meet the crew?

Meet at Puerto Colón Patalan Nº2, about 15 minutes before departure time. Go to the top area where the gate is.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional. If it’s selected, you wait outside your hotel reception, and a staff member approaches you at the agreed time.

Are drinks and tapas included in the price?

Yes. Drinks are all-inclusive and include champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. Food includes Spanish tapas, such as Tortilla Española, jamón, cheese, fresh fruit, and baguettes.

What water activities are included?

You’ll have access to paddleboards, sea scooters, and snorkeling gear. Life jackets and safety equipment are also provided.

Do you have a chance to see dolphins?

Yes. The experience includes opportunities for dolphin watching, along with scheduled marine life viewing.

What if there aren’t enough people booked?

A minimum of 4 people is required for the trip to run. If fewer than 4 people book, you will be rescheduled for another day.

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