Luxury 3 Hour Yacht Private Charter

The best part of this private charter is the freedom to enjoy Tenerife’s Atlantic waters without sharing the boat with a large crowd. From Puerto Colón, you have space to sit at the front, back, or on the upper deck, watch for pilot whales and dolphins, and stop for a swim when sea conditions allow.

I like two things right away: the private format, which makes this a good choice for a family or small celebration, and the open drink service, with cava, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water included. The crew also gets strong marks for friendly service, with Yuri named as a particularly helpful skipper.

There are two points to check before paying. The advertised boat type has caused confusion, and the food is a light cold snack rather than a full meal. Wildlife sightings are common in these waters, but never guaranteed, and rough seas can change the feel of the trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to 11 people: Your group has the yacht to itself rather than joining a large public sailing.
• Three hours from Puerto Colón: The trip begins and ends at Soñador Sailing Yacht, at Pantalan 0 in Costa Adeje.
• Whales and dolphins are the main event: Pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and even a fin whale have been seen, but nature sets the schedule.
• Swimming and snorkeling depend on conditions: Equipment is provided, but a rough sea or a shortened wildlife search may prevent a water stop.
• Drinks are part of the price: Bottled water, beer, wine, cava, and soft drinks are included, along with snacks.
• Confirm the vessel: Some bookings have involved a yacht or sailboat rather than the expected catamaran.

Setting sail from Puerto Colón

You meet at Soñador Sailing Yacht, Puerto Colón, Pantalan 0, in Costa Adeje. The activity returns to this same point, and pickup is not included, so plan your own way to the marina.

Puerto Colón is a practical departure point for the Costa Adeje resort area. The meeting point is near public transportation, but the supplied details do not include a hotel transfer. Bring your booking confirmation on your phone, as the tour provides a mobile ticket and confirmation at the time of booking.

The boat has several places to settle in. You can sunbathe at the front, sit toward the back, or head to the roof for a higher view. That spread matters on a private charter because people can move around without competing for one small viewing area.

I would arrive ready for changing conditions. Bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and something light to cover your shoulders. You are on the Atlantic, not a sheltered hotel pool, so the wind and motion can change during the three-hour outing.

A private yacht, with one important booking check

The private setup is the strongest practical reason to consider this trip. A group of up to 11 can celebrate a birthday, spend time with children, or simply enjoy a quieter boat day without strangers joining the party.

The advertised description presents the vessel as a luxury catamaran, but the boat type has not always matched that wording. One booking involved a regular yacht or sailboat instead. The operator explained that a system error caused the confusion, said a refund had been offered, and noted that a catamaran would cost much more.

That makes a simple prebooking question worthwhile: ask exactly which boat will be used on your date. The difference affects seating, motion, room on deck, and your expectations of luxury. You may still have a fine trip on a sailing yacht, but it is better to know what you are buying.

The boat used on the day has enough sunbathing space for the advertised group size, with good sight lines from several parts of the deck. The larger the group, the better the value becomes, since the $600.12 price is charged per group rather than per person.

At the maximum of 11 people, the listed price works out to roughly $55 per person. For three people, it is about $200 each, so the charter makes more financial sense for a family group or a full party than for a couple. Compare that cost with a shared boat if you care more about seeing whales than having the yacht to yourself.

Three hours of Atlantic wildlife watching

The main sailing section takes you out from Las Galletas toward the open Atlantic, with whale and dolphin watching as the central goal. The waters around southern Tenerife are known for regular sightings of pilot whales, and the trip has also produced bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and a large fin whale.

Those are impressive possibilities, but you should keep your expectations sensible. Marine animals move freely, and there is no promise that they will appear during your sailing. One trip saw no whales or dolphins at all, and the operator acknowledged that this can happen.

This is also not a wildlife park where the crew can call animals to a fixed viewing point. The boat needs to keep a respectful distance, and the time spent near animals may feel brief. One person found the whale encounter too short, while others saw several kinds of cetaceans and considered the sighting the highlight of their holiday.

If whale watching is your top priority, an early departure may be worth requesting. The operator says the sea is usually calmest first thing in the morning. That does not guarantee sightings, but calmer water can make the search more comfortable and improve your view from the deck.

The wildlife portion is best treated as a patient search mixed with sailing time, not a guaranteed performance. Keep your eyes on the water, but also enjoy the changing view from the yacht and the simple pleasure of being offshore.

Swimming and snorkeling from the boat

The schedule includes time for a swim and possibly a snorkel. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring your own gear if the conditions allow a water stop.

The wording matters here: snorkeling is an included possibility, not a fixed promise. One person reported no snorkel stop, while other outings included time for swimming from the boat. The captain may need to shorten or skip this part because of wind, swell, timing, or the need to return safely.

Bring your swimsuit even if swimming is not your main aim. A quick dip can be a welcome break after sitting in the sun, and children may enjoy it more than the wildlife search. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the activity is described as suitable for most participants.

The supplied information does not specify a water temperature, ladder arrangement, or dedicated instruction for beginners. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew about the conditions before getting in. Keep in mind that this is a yacht stop in the sea, not a supervised beach swimming session.

Drinks, cava, and the reality of the food

The drinks package is generous for a three-hour private sail. You receive bottled water, unlimited beer, wine, cava, and soft drinks. Cava is a useful touch for birthdays or other celebrations, and it helps make the private charter feel more special than a basic boat transfer.

The service should still be viewed in practical terms. One person reported that drinks were offered late, and the operator said this was unusual and would be investigated. If refreshments matter to you, ask for them early rather than assuming someone will immediately bring a drink to your seat.

The food is described as snacks or tapas, but it is not a full lunch. The operator clarified that the meal is a cold snack, sometimes a sandwich or pizza. Feedback ranged from quality tapas to a small cold flatbread, so I would plan on light bites rather than a substantial meal.

That distinction affects value. The included food is handy, but it should not replace breakfast or lunch. Eat before boarding, especially if you are prone to seasickness or are booking a morning trip. You can then enjoy the snacks as part of the outing instead of relying on them to keep you full.

What the crew adds to the day

Crew service is one of the most praised parts of this charter. The skipper is described as friendly and helpful, and Yuri was singled out by name as the best part of one outing. Another captain was praised for explaining the sailing and responding well during the wildlife search.

The operator says its main captain has been with the company for more than seven years and is highly qualified for sailing yachts. That offers some reassurance, but it does not remove the need for basic communication before departure.

One serious complaint concerned rough water, the absence of a safety briefing, and uncertainty about life jackets. The operator replied that 12 life jackets were on board and available, and that boats do not sail when weather is judged unsafe. Since this is important, I would ask where the life jackets are stored and listen for the safety instructions before leaving the marina.

That is not being difficult. A short safety briefing is normal on any boat, especially one carrying children or people unused to sailing. Weather can also feel different from one part of Tenerife to another, so the operator’s decision to sail does not mean every passenger will find the sea comfortable.

Timing, comfort, and sea conditions

Three hours is a sensible length for a first sailing outing. It gives you enough time to reach the wildlife area, spend time looking for animals, and possibly stop for a swim without committing to a full-day charter.

The tradeoff is that the day can feel rushed if the wildlife search takes longer than expected. A whale sighting may be brief, and a swim stop may be dropped if the captain needs to adjust the route. The short duration is convenient for families, but people who want a slow, full-day sailing should look elsewhere.

Sea conditions are the biggest comfort variable. One outing was described as calm and pleasant, while another felt dangerous to the person aboard because of wind and swell. The operator said poor weather can cancel the trip, with a different date or full refund offered, but you can still experience ordinary sea motion on a trip that goes ahead.

If you are sensitive to movement, choose a morning sailing if available, eat lightly beforehand, and sit in a central part of the boat when possible. The supplied details do not promise a specific seating location, so ask the crew where the ride will feel most stable.

Who will get the most from this charter

I would choose this for a family group, a birthday, or friends who want their own space on the water. The drink package, private deck, and flexible feel suit a celebration better than a rigid shared excursion.

It also fits people who care about comfort and room to move. You can spread out across the front, roof, and back of the yacht instead of trying to find one open seat on a crowded boat.

I would be more cautious if your only goal is guaranteed whale watching. You may see several species, but you may also spend three hours without a sighting. A shared trip may offer better per-person value if you do not need privacy.

Likewise, do not book this expecting a luxury meal. The boat may feel special, and the drinks are a real benefit, but the food is a light snack. Confirm the vessel before paying, particularly if the catamaran design is central to your plans.

The tour is offered in English. Children can participate with an adult, and most people can take part, though the information does not describe wheelchair access or specific arrangements for mobility limitations. Ask the provider directly if you need those details.

Cancellation and simple planning details

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted and are not refunded.

The trip requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If the provider cancels for either reason, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund. The cut-off times use Tenerife local time.

The activity ends back at the meeting point. Souvenir photos are not included, though they are available to buy. A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation arrives when you book.

Should you book the three-hour Tenerife yacht charter?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost, want private time on the Atlantic, and will enjoy the day even if the whales stay out of sight. The boat space, friendly crew, included drinks, and chance to swim make this more than a simple wildlife ride.

Think twice if you need a guaranteed sighting, a full meal, or a particular catamaran. Ask about the vessel, departure time, sea conditions, food, and safety briefing before you commit. With those expectations clear, this can be a relaxed and memorable three hours from Costa Adeje, especially for a celebration or family outing.

FAQ

Where does the yacht charter begin?

It begins at Soñador Sailing Yacht, Puerto Colón, Pantalan 0, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the activity end?

The charter ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the charter last?

The sailing lasts approximately three hours.

Is the boat private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates. The group limit is up to 11 people.

What drinks are included?

Bottled water, beer, wine, cava, and soft drinks are included without a stated limit.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, although a snorkel stop depends on sea conditions and the timing of the trip.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The main aim is to look for whales and dolphins, but sightings depend on the animals and conditions. One trip recorded no sightings.

Are children allowed?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants can also lead to an alternative date or a full refund.