Three hours, a private sea show. I love the feel of a private catamaran and that snorkeling gear is included, so you skip the packing panic. One drawback to plan for: even on a stable boat, you’ll still feel some movement if you’re prone to seasickness.

You’ll meet at Diamant – Glass Bottom Boat, Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, and the operator Monte Cristo Catamaran runs the day. If you’re staying in the south, pickup can be arranged, and the coverage goes out to about a 20 km radius from Puerto Colón. On board you get roomy sundecks, a flybridge with seating, and a restroom, with enough comfort to spend the whole sail just hanging out.

Wildlife spotting is the headline here—whales and dolphins are on the wish list—plus a real food-and-drinks setup that makes this feel like a celebration cruise. It’s the kind of outing that can run smooth from pickup through drop-off, with crews that keep an eye on people who start feeling seasick.

Key things to know before you go

• Private boat time from Puerto Colón with a crew-led day focused on your group only
• Snorkeling equipment included, and the captain takes you to the best water spots
• Lunch, snacks, and alcohol on board (beer and champagne are listed among drinks)
• Lots of space to relax: prow sundeck, flybridge seating, and an inside sofa option
• Wildlife chances for whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural habitat
• Weather matters, and free cancellation is available if you need to change plans

Entering Tenerife by private catamaran, not a crowded tour

This charter is built for people who don’t want to fight for space, line up with strangers, or wonder where your snorkeling gear is. You’re starting from Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje side), at Pantalan 6, next to the Diamant – Glass Bottom Boat. It’s also described as near public transportation, which can help if you’re not using hotel pickup.

Timing is short and sweet: about 3 hours at sea. That matters because a compact trip keeps energy high for snorkeling and sun time, without turning the day into a long, tiring slog. And since it’s a private activity, your group is the only group on board.

One important nuance: the price is listed per group up to 15, but the charter itself can accommodate up to 24 passengers. That’s great if you’re splitting costs across a larger party, and it also means the boat is designed for groups, not just couples. If you’re booking for fewer people, it’s still worth it if you care about privacy and having lunch and drinks included.

Pickup is offered for hotels in the south of Tenerife, and it covers up to a 20 km radius from Puerto Colón. So if you’re outside that pickup area, you’ll make your own way to the dock. The meeting point is clearly listed, so you can plan without guesswork.

How the captain finds whales, dolphins, and turtle territory

The sailing plan is flexible, which is exactly what you want in open water. Instead of a strict stop-by-stop schedule, you set your itinerary as you cruise along the coast, while the crew keeps an eye out for the best opportunities. That freedom is one reason private charters feel more “real”—you’re not stuck doing the same route no matter what the sea is doing.

The goal is to discover whales and dolphins swimming freely in their natural habitat. Sea turtles are also part of the possible sightings, and they’re the kind of animal you only get a chance at when you’re close enough to the right spots. You won’t get a guaranteed animal checklist here, but the whole outing is designed around wildlife chances rather than a fixed sightseeing route.

When you do get wildlife, positioning helps. I’d treat the trip like this: take breaks on the outer deck when wildlife activity is likely, then return to shaded spots when the sun is strongest. On a stable catamaran, that rhythm is easy because the boat doesn’t feel like it’s constantly fighting you.

Also, seasickness can happen even when the boat is stable. The vessel is described as very stable, but movement is still expected. If you’re sensitive, it’s smart to use something preventive (ginger tablets or Dramamine are suggested) before you board, not after you feel miserable.

Snorkeling made easy: gear included, captain-led water time

Snorkeling is one of the biggest practical wins in this experience. You don’t need to bring your own snorkeling equipment—snorkeling gear is provided. That’s a big deal in Tenerife because it cuts down on what you have to pack, clean, and carry on the dock.

Your captain will take you to the best snorkeling spots. The exact sites aren’t spelled out ahead of time, but that’s normal for wildlife-and-water days: the captain can react to conditions, visibility, and where the action is. This is also why the cruise’s flexible feel works in your favor.

You’ll want a simple readiness plan:

• Wear or bring your swimsuit ahead of time
• Pack sunglasses and sunscreen
• Bring a towel, since towels are not included

It’s worth repeating: the towel detail is easy to miss, and it’s the one thing you can’t always improvise at the dock. Bring one, or you’ll end up drying off awkwardly in the wrong place.

One more comfort note: the boat has a restroom on board. That matters when you’re moving from sun deck to swim time, especially if you’re traveling with family or trying to keep the day relaxed.

Lunch and drinks on board: what the food setup actually means

This isn’t a “snack and hope” boat day. You get lunch plus a range of drinks and snacks, served in an easy on-board style. The menu details are specific: tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and meat options are listed as part of the food selection. There’s also fruit, snacks, tapas, and other small bites.

For drinks, the info lists water, soda/pop, beer, and champagne. The tour description also calls out alcoholic beverages and lunch drinks, and one of the celebrations included Cava on board. So yes, you can treat this as a real party meal day, not just a fueling stop.

This is also where value shows up. A lot of boat trips charge extra for basic upgrades like decent food, and they often don’t include alcohol. Here, lunch and alcoholic drinks are included, plus soda/pop and bottled water. That makes it much easier to budget for your day.

Practical tip: eat at least once before snorkeling. If you hop in on an empty stomach, the combination of motion + sun + water can make the day feel longer than it needs to.

Wildlife spotting: what you should expect (and how to handle the uncertainty)

Whales, dolphins, and sea turtles are the headline possibilities, but wildlife is wildlife. You’re booking a nature encounter, not a guaranteed wildlife show. Still, this charter is built for the odds—your captain cruises the coast with wildlife watching in mind, and the crew is part of finding the right moments.

I like the way the experience frames the day: you’re not just looking from one camera-friendly spot. You’re moving through the coastline environment, so there are more chances to find activity. That matters for animals that surface briefly and move on.

If you want better odds of a sighting, keep your eyes up and your expectations flexible. When the crew signals or the surface looks active, shift your attention quickly. If the water is calmer, you’ll often see more detail without straining.

And if you’re lucky (as some groups have been), dolphins can show up in a way that feels like the sea is putting on a show for your celebration. One described 50th birthday day had dolphins popping up plus lots of drinks and excellent food—exactly the kind of energy you want from a private charter.

Comfort on the water: sundecks, shaded spots, and a restroom

A 3-hour boat day can still feel great or exhausting, depending on comfort. This catamaran is set up for relaxing. You get generous sundeck space at the prow (front of the boat) plus seating on the flybridge. There’s also an inside sofa area if you want a break from sun or wind.

Shaded areas are specifically noted, which is a big deal on Tenerife, where the sun can be intense even when the breeze feels cool. I’d plan on rotating: sun for short bursts, shade for recovery.

There is also a restroom on board. That sounds like a minor detail until you’re on a boat and need it. Having one reduces stress and keeps the trip feeling more like a day out than a logistical chore.

The one comfort warning: the boat is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. If anyone in your group uses a wheelchair, you’ll need a different plan.

Value and price: when this private charter makes sense

The price is listed at $1,792.13 per group, up to 15. For rough math, that’s about $120 per person if you max out the group size. But the better way to think about value is what’s included.

You’re getting:

• private transportation (hotel pickup within the listed radius, plus the boat day itself)
• lunch
• alcoholic beverages
• soda/pop and bottled water
• snacks
• snorkeling equipment
• all fees and taxes

When you compare that to typical day tours that tack on snorkeling gear rentals, separate meal costs, and drink upgrades, the math starts to look more fair. This charter also has the advantage of privacy and a crew that manages the day for your group.

Private also makes birthdays and family celebrations easier. One group celebrating a 50th birthday described everything as well organized, picked up on time, and made unforgettable by friendly crew attention and wildlife luck. If you care about that “everything taken care of” feeling, that’s a real part of the value—not just the boat.

Practical logistics that keep the day from feeling stressful

You’ll receive confirmation at the time of booking. The tour also uses a mobile ticket, which is usually a win when you’re traveling light. The experience is offered in English, which can matter for making sure you understand what to do during snorkeling time and where to position yourself.

Pickup depends on where you’re staying. If you’re in the pickup area (hotels in south Tenerife), you likely won’t have to taxi across town. If you’re not, you should plan to get to Puerto Colón yourself at the listed dock.

Service animals are allowed, and the experience is described as near public transportation. That’s useful if you’re arranging your day with a mix of transport options.

Also remember: this activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Since you’re booking a sea-and-snorkel experience, it’s worth planning on flexible dates rather than treating this as your only option.

What to bring for snorkeling and sun (and what they won’t provide)

Here’s the simple packing list that matches what the tour says you need:

• swimsuit
• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• towel

That last item is the one you’ll regret forgetting. Towels are not included, so bring one.

If you’re seasick-prone, consider prevention before boarding. The tour notes that the catamaran is stable but movement is expected, and suggests ginger tablets or Dramamine ahead of time. I also recommend you keep your phone tucked away while snorkeling, not because it’s guaranteed to fall in, but because it’s one less thing to worry about.

And dress smart for the dock. You’ll be moving between boat deck and swim time, so something quick-dry helps if you get splashed or want an easy cover-up.

Who should book this catamaran charter—and who might pass

This is a great fit if you want:

• privacy on the water (private group only)
• snorkeling without rental hassles
• lunch and drinks included
• wildlife chances without planning a full day around it

It’s also strong for celebrations. The strongest emotional feedback in the descriptions points to birthdays and “special day” energy, powered by friendly crew service, plenty of drinks, and the thrill of dolphins or whales showing up.

Who might rethink it:

• Anyone who needs wheelchair access, since the catamaran is not wheelchair accessible
• People who are extremely sensitive to boat movement, even with stability
• Anyone who forgets towel planning (it’s not included)

Should you book this private charter on Tenerife?

I’d book it if you want a 3-hour, low-planning day that mixes relaxation with actual activities: snorkeling with gear included, plus lunch and alcohol so you don’t end up nickel-and-diming your own fun. The private format is a big part of the appeal, and the boat setup—sundecks, flybridge, and restroom—supports a comfortable day even if the sea is a little active.

I’d hold off if your travel style depends on guaranteed wildlife sightings or if you’re traveling with mobility needs that the boat can’t handle. Also, don’t anchor your whole schedule to one date—weather can change the plan, and the experience is weather-dependent.

If you can line it up with good weather and you’ll bring the essentials (especially a towel), this is the kind of Tenerife day that feels like you paid for the convenience as much as the scenery.

FAQ

Where does the Private Catamaran Charter start?

The activity starts at Diamant – Glass Bottom Boat, Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Is pickup included for this tour?

Hotel pickup is available for hotels in the south of Tenerife. Pickup details cover a 20 km radius from the port of Puerto Colón. If you’re outside the pickup area, you make your own way to Puerto Colón.

How long is the catamaran charter?

The duration is about 3 hours.

What type of boat is used?

This tour uses a comfortable purpose-built catamaran that complies with safety regulations and is set up for good passenger comfort and views.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included, along with alcoholic beverages. Soda/pop and bottled water are also included, and listed drink options include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, there is a restroom onboard.

Can wheelchair users take this tour?

No. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible.

What should I do if I get seasick?

The vessel is stable, but some movement is expected. If you are prone to seasickness, the tour suggests using herbal ginger tablets or Dramamine prior to boarding.

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