Tenerife: South Island Boat-Trip and Sea Excursion

The best part of this Tenerife outing is the private boat setting. Instead of sharing a large vessel with dozens of people, you have the whole motorboat for your group of up to eight. Ruslan, the usual guide, keeps the trip personal while searching for dolphins and other sea life along the southern coast.

I like the chance to combine open-water scenery with a proper swim stop at La Caleta lagoon. I also like the useful extras: fishing lines, snorkels, soft drinks, snacks, and, according to recent experience, a toilet on board. The main drawback is price. At $412 per group, it is costly for one or two people, but a full group of eight brings the cost to $51.50 each.

Key points to know

• Private boat for up to eight: A good choice if you want your own space instead of a crowded shared cruise.
• Three hours from Puerto Colon: The route follows southern Tenerife’s coast before stopping at La Caleta lagoon.
• Swimming and snorkeling included: Bring a towel and expect free time in clear water among fish.
• Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed: Dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and other sea life may appear, but nature sets the schedule.
• Fishing lines and soft drinks are provided: These small extras make the stop more varied, especially for families.
• Ruslan is a key part of the experience: He speaks English, Estonian, and Russian and is described as friendly and attentive.

Leaving Puerto Colon on a private motorboat

Your trip begins at Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje, at pontoon 4. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the port. Allow enough time to find the correct pontoon, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the marina.

The boat is a fast white motorboat, and the private format changes the feel of the trip from the moment you board. You are not joining a large party with a fixed crowd. Your group can sit together, ask questions, take photos, and decide how to enjoy the quieter parts of the ride.

The first stretch takes you away from the port and out along the south coast. You get open views of Tenerife from the water, with the Atlantic breeze and rolling waves replacing the usual road and resort views. If you are staying in Costa Adeje, this is an easy way to see the coast from a fresh angle without committing to a full-day sailing trip.

The boat is fast enough to make the ride feel active, but three hours is still a manageable length. You get a real sea excursion rather than a quick harbor loop, yet you are back at the port within half a day.

Watching for dolphins and other sea life

Wildlife watching is part of the route, not a guaranteed show. The crew searches for dolphins and other animals living in the waters around southern Tenerife, while you keep watch and take photos.

That uncertainty is worth understanding before you book. A recent outing saw three pilot whales and one turtle, but very little else. That was not a failure of the crew. Sea animals move freely, and no boat operator can promise a particular sighting.

You might see dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, or nothing more than seabirds and the broad Atlantic. I would book this for the boat ride, coastline, swim stop, and private setting first. Treat wildlife as a welcome bonus.

This approach also makes the guide matter. Ruslan is described as attentive and good at explaining the marine environment. He works to locate sea life and points out photo opportunities, which helps you stay engaged instead of simply sitting on the boat waiting.

Keep your camera ready, but do not expect every photograph to be perfect. Animals surface quickly, the boat may be moving, and bright sunlight can make the water hard to read. Sunglasses are essential, both for comfort and for cutting glare.

The La Caleta lagoon swimming stop

The most active part of the trip comes at La Caleta lagoon, where the boat stops so you can get into the water. You have free time to swim, and the clear water may allow you to see fish around you.

This stop gives the outing a useful rhythm. The first section is about moving along the coast and watching for wildlife. The lagoon lets you slow down, cool off, and enjoy the water rather than spending all three hours seated.

Bring your own towel. The activity information specifically advises sunglasses and a towel, and you will want both. A swimsuit is also a practical choice, although the stated packing advice highlights the towel and sunglasses.

Snorkeling equipment is available, and the provided gear has been a major plus for people who want more than a quick swim. You can look beneath the surface for fish without needing to bring your own mask and snorkel.

Still, conditions can change. Clear water and fish were part of the experience described, but visibility and marine life depend on the day. The lagoon is best viewed as a pleasant swimming stop, not a guaranteed snorkeling site with a specific underwater display.

Fishing, snacks, and drinks on board

Fishing lines are available during the lagoon stop. This is a simple extra, but it helps keep the activity interesting for a mixed group. One person can swim, another can snorkel, and someone else can try fishing from the boat.

Families may find this especially useful. Younger children may not want to stay in the water for the whole stop, while adults may prefer to relax and watch the coast. The fishing option gives everyone something different to do.

Soft drinks are included throughout the cruise. Water and other drinks have also been available on board, along with snacks. One outing included beer and sparkling wine, but the official inclusion is soft drinks, so you should not book this expecting a full bar service.

The boat has been described as clean and well equipped, with a toilet on board. That matters on a three-hour trip, particularly for families or anyone who prefers not to be far from basic facilities.

This is not a meal cruise. Snacks and drinks are welcome comforts, but you should plan around a light refreshment service rather than a full lunch.

What the private group format is worth

The $412 price is for the boat, not for one passenger. With eight people, the cost works out to $51.50 each. For four people, it is $103 each, and for two people, it is $206 each.

That calculation is the key to judging value. A full family group or a group of friends can get a reasonably personal three-hour outing for the price. A couple may still love the privacy, but the per-person cost becomes high compared with a shared boat trip.

The private format is valuable if you care about space, flexibility, and a quieter atmosphere. You avoid being one small group inside a much larger crowd. You can spend the lagoon stop swimming, fishing, snorkeling, or relaxing without trying to follow the preferences of dozens of strangers.

It is also a good fit for a celebration. The activity is specifically promoted as a birthday option, and one group used the relaxed lagoon stop as part of a marriage proposal. A sunset or evening version may also be available, but you should confirm the exact timing before booking because the stated duration is three hours and the listed activity focuses on daytime departures.

The tradeoff is simple: you pay for the boat and privacy. If your main goal is merely to see dolphins at the lowest possible price, a shared cruise may cost less. If you want the boat to feel like part of your holiday, the private arrangement makes more sense.

Ruslan’s role and available languages

Ruslan is the guide most closely associated with this trip. He speaks English, Estonian, and Russian, which is useful for multilingual groups. The tour information also lists those three languages for the live guide.

His role goes beyond steering the boat. He helps locate marine life, explains aspects of the sea environment, assists with the equipment, and keeps drinks and snacks available. His friendly manner has been especially important to the experience, with visitors describing him as welcoming and attentive.

That personal contact is one of the strongest reasons to choose a private trip. On a large boat, you may receive a short safety briefing and little individual attention. Here, the guide can spend more time with your group and help you make the most of the swim and fishing stop.

The experience is not a formal marine biology tour. If you want long scientific lectures or a specialist research trip, this may feel light. It is better suited to people who want clear explanations, a pleasant boat ride, and help spotting animals without turning the outing into a classroom.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and small groups of friends who value privacy. It also suits anyone who wants several activities in one short trip: coastal sightseeing, wildlife watching, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and casual refreshments.

Families with children may appreciate the range of choices. The boat has been enjoyed by a group with children aged 5, 7, and 10, and the private setting means you are not worrying about disturbing a large shared group. Parents should still judge swimming ability and comfort at sea for themselves.

It is also a strong choice for a birthday, proposal, or relaxed celebration. The lagoon, drinks, and private boat create a more personal setting than a standard sightseeing cruise.

I would be more cautious about recommending it to anyone who dislikes open water, motion, or uncertainty. The Atlantic can be lively, and animal sightings cannot be scheduled. You also need to be comfortable boarding a boat and moving around without wheelchair access, since the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Timing, meeting point, and what to bring

The trip lasts three hours, with departure times based on availability. It starts at Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje, at pontoon 4, postcode 38660, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the port independently, and it is worth checking the exact meeting instructions before you set out. The provider can be contacted at +34 603 111 058.

Pack lightly, since a boat is not the place for bulky bags. Your essentials are:

• Sunglasses
• Towel
• Swimwear
• Camera or phone for photographs

A towel is particularly important because the swimming stop is a central part of the outing. Sunglasses help with glare on the water and are listed among the required items.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms help if your plans are still shifting, but you should still check the available departure time before committing to a particular day.

The main limitations to consider

The price is the clearest concern. The trip makes the most financial sense when you can fill most of the eight available places. With only two people, you are paying a premium for privacy.

Wildlife is another variable. You may see dolphins, pilot whales, or turtles, but you may also see very little. The crew can search, but they cannot control animal movements. Keep your expectations focused on the sea experience rather than a guaranteed encounter.

The tour also depends on the water and weather. The provided information does not promise a particular sea condition, so anyone prone to motion sickness should think carefully before booking a fast boat trip. The Atlantic setting is part of the appeal, but it can also make the ride less comfortable for some people.

Finally, this is not an accessible option for wheelchair users. The meeting point is at the port, and the activity does not include hotel transportation.

Should you book Barco 33?

Book it if you want a private three-hour outing with a friendly guide, a fast boat, a real swimming stop, and several ways to enjoy the water. A full group of eight gets the strongest value, and families or friends can split the cost while keeping the boat to themselves.

I would also choose it for a birthday, proposal, or small celebration. Ruslan’s helpful style, the lagoon stop, fishing lines, snorkels, snacks, and drinks give the trip more substance than a simple coastal ride.

Skip it if your budget is tight, you are traveling as only one or two people, or your main goal is a guaranteed dolphin sighting. For everyone else, this is a lively and personal way to see southern Tenerife from the Atlantic, with enough time in the water to make the boat ride feel like a complete half-day experience.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The trip starts at Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje, Tenerife, at pontoon 4. The listed address is 38660 Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

How long does the experience last?

The boat trip lasts three hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private group can include up to eight people.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach Puerto Colon yourself.

What can I do during the trip?

You can watch for dolphins and other sea life, enjoy the coastline, swim at La Caleta lagoon, use snorkeling equipment, try fishing, take photographs, and enjoy soft drinks.

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks are included. Snacks are also available, and some outings have included water, beer, and sparkling wine.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Bring a towel if you plan to swim. Sunglasses are also specifically recommended.

Is the experience suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, according to the stated booking terms.