Review · TENERIFE

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling

5.0 · 63 reviews 3 hours (approx.) Operated by Monte Cristo Catamaran · Bookable on Viator
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The best part of this Tenerife outing is the freedom to shape the sailing time around your own group. From Puerto Colón, you can watch for whales and dolphins, stop for a swim, or simply stretch out on the catamaran with views of the island’s volcanic coast. The private setting makes it a good fit for a birthday, family gathering, or group of friends.

I like the included snorkeling equipment, since you do not have to pack bulky gear, and I like that lunch, snacks, soft drinks, beer, and champagne are part of the price. The crew has also earned strong praise for punctual pickup and for helping people who felt seasick. The main drawback is the short three-hour duration, which can feel tight if you want serious wildlife watching, a long swim, and a relaxed meal.

Key points to know before you book

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Key points to know before you book

  • Private sailing from Puerto Colón: Your group has the catamaran to itself, with a flexible route along Tenerife’s south coast.
  • Whales and dolphins in open water: Wildlife sightings are possible, but no boat can promise a particular animal on a particular day.
  • Swimming and snorkeling included: Equipment is supplied, and the captain chooses a suitable place to stop.
  • Food and drinks are built in: Expect tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, a meat selection, water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.
  • Hotel pickup covers southern Tenerife: Pickup is available within 20 kilometers of Puerto Colón, or you can meet the boat at Pantalan 6.
  • Best for small celebrations: The price is $1,792.13 per group, so the value improves sharply when you fill the boat with family or friends.

Setting off from Puerto Colón

Your starting point is Diamant, the glass-bottom boat area at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, in Costa Adeje. The marina is in one of the main resort areas on Tenerife’s south coast, and the boat returns to the same place after the outing.

If you are staying in southern Tenerife, private transportation can collect you from a hotel within a 20-kilometer radius of the port. That is useful for a group, since nobody has to arrange separate taxis or worry about finding the marina. The pickup time is confirmed before the day, and the crew has been praised for arriving on time and keeping the group updated.

If you are staying outside the pickup zone, you will need to make your own way to Puerto Colón. Allow enough time to find Pantalan 6. A marina meeting point is simple once you are there, but ports can have several boat operators, so keep the departure details handy.

The catamaran is built for comfort and open views. You have a forward sundeck, a flybridge with seating, and an indoor sofa. There is also a restroom onboard, which matters on a three-hour trip when you may be drinking, eating, and spending much of the time away from shore.

A private boat changes the feel of the trip

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - A private boat changes the feel of the trip

The key difference here is privacy. You are not joining a large public cruise with a fixed program and strangers around every table. The charter is for your own group, and the route can be adjusted to suit the day.

The capacity information needs a little care. The price is presented for a group of up to 15 people, while the operating information says the catamaran can accommodate as many as 24 passengers. If your party is larger than 15, confirm the final price and capacity before paying. For a group of 10 to 15 people, the cost works out far better per person than it first appears.

At $1,792.13 per group, this is not a cheap way for one or two people to get on the water. For a birthday, reunion, or family day, though, the price includes private transport, crew, food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the boat itself. Split among a full group, it can compare well with booking several separate activities and paying for meals and taxis on top.

A private boat also gives you room to set the pace. If one person wants to swim while another prefers the shade, both options are available. If several people are prone to seasickness, the crew can pay closer attention than they might on a crowded public sailing.

Watching for whales and dolphins

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Watching for whales and dolphins

The boat heads from Puerto Colón toward the waters off Tenerife’s south coast, an area known for regular marine wildlife sightings. You may see whales, dolphins, and possibly sea turtles in their natural setting. The open-water views also give you a different angle on Tenerife, with the island’s mountains rising behind the coast.

Wildlife watching requires patience. A private charter gives you more control over the route, but it cannot guarantee that animals will appear beside the boat. Keep your expectations sensible: this is a scenic boat trip with a chance to see marine life, not a controlled animal encounter.

The crew’s role matters here. They know the sailing area and can look for signs of wildlife while also judging sea conditions and the time available for swimming. On a three-hour trip, you may need to choose between spending longer searching for animals and spending more time at a swimming stop.

Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, and keep them close rather than buried in a bag. The sun can feel strong on the water, even when the temperature on shore seems mild. A phone or camera is useful, but keep it secure when the boat is moving.

Swimming and snorkeling in clear coastal water

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Swimming and snorkeling in clear coastal water

At some point, the captain can take you to a suitable snorkeling area. The equipment is included, so you do not need to bring a mask, snorkel, or fins. You should bring your own swimsuit and towel, since towels are not supplied.

This stop is a chance to cool off and see the coast from water level. The quality of the snorkeling will depend on the exact location, visibility, currents, and weather on the day. The main appeal is the easy combination of a private boat, a swim, and a chance to use the gear without arranging another activity.

You do not have to swim if you would rather remain onboard. The catamaran has spacious areas for sitting in the sun, along with shaded seating and an indoor sofa. That makes the outing workable for a mixed group, though the catamaran is not wheelchair accessible.

Some movement on the water is normal. A catamaran is stable, but it is still a boat. If you are prone to seasickness, the operator suggests considering ginger tablets or Dramamine before boarding. Eat lightly before departure, stay hydrated, and choose a seat where you feel comfortable. A private charter is especially helpful if someone in your group needs a quiet place to recover.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks on the boat

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Lunch, snacks, and drinks on the boat

Food is more substantial than a packet of crisps and a drink. The selection includes tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection, along with fruit and other snacks. Lunch is served onboard, so you do not lose sailing time looking for a restaurant.

Drinks include bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. Alcohol is part of the package, but pace yourself. The combination of sun, movement, and alcohol can make seasickness worse, and you still want to enjoy the swim and the views.

The meal works best as a relaxed part of the trip rather than a formal dining occasion. You can eat while the boat is underway or during a calmer period, depending on the crew’s plan and the sea conditions. If anyone in your group has strict dietary needs, ask about the available food before departure, since the supplied information does not list special-diet options.

For a birthday or other celebration, the food and drinks add real value. You are not paying for a private boat and then buying every item separately. The included spread also means you can focus on the day instead of organizing a picnic.

The boat’s best places to sit

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - The boat’s best places to sit

The forward sundeck is the natural spot for sun and open views. It is a good place to watch the coast and scan the water, though you will want sunscreen and a hat.

The flybridge provides another high viewpoint with plenty of seating. It can be a good compromise if you want fresh air and a view without lying in full sun. Inside, the sofa offers shelter and a quieter place to sit, especially for anyone feeling unwell.

Because the boat has several seating areas, your group does not have to stay in one place. You can move around during the trip, though you should take care when the catamaran is underway. Ask the crew where it is safest to sit while the boat is moving.

The restroom is a practical benefit, not a luxury detail. Three hours is long enough for most people to appreciate having one onboard, particularly when the charter includes drinks.

What makes the crew important

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - What makes the crew important

The crew is central to this outing. You are relying on them for safe handling of the boat, wildlife spotting, food service, route decisions, and help with swimming and snorkeling.

The strongest praise has focused on the practical care shown from pickup through drop-off. The crew has helped people who became seasick and made sure groups were looked after onboard. That kind of attention can make the difference between a pleasant day and a difficult one, especially when you have children, older relatives, or anyone who is uncertain about being at sea.

No individual guide names are provided, so you should not book expecting a named marine biologist or a formal wildlife lecture. This is a private sailing charter with an experienced crew, not a specialist research excursion. You can still ask questions about the animals, route, and sea conditions as you go.

The flexible itinerary is another advantage. You can tell the crew what matters most to your group, such as wildlife, swimming, lunch, or a slower cruise along the coast. The captain will still need to make the final call based on weather and safety.

How three hours feels in practice

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - How three hours feels in practice

Three hours is enough time to leave Puerto Colón, travel along the coast, look for wildlife, stop for swimming, eat, and return. It is not enough time to linger at every stage.

If wildlife watching is your top goal, you may want to spend more of the sailing time scanning the sea. If swimming matters most, tell the crew early so the route can allow for a proper stop. A group that wants a long meal, several swims, and a lengthy wildlife search may find the schedule rushed.

The short duration is also a strength for people who are unsure about a full-day boat trip. You get a taste of sailing without committing an entire day or carrying a large amount of food and equipment. Families often appreciate that limit, particularly when children may lose interest after several hours.

The best way to approach the day is to choose one or two priorities before boarding. The private format gives you flexibility, but three hours still requires a little planning.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Bring a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. Towels are specifically not included, and you will want one after snorkeling or swimming.

You should also bring any medication you normally use for motion sickness. Ginger tablets or Dramamine are suggested for people who are prone to seasickness, but take medication only as appropriate for you and according to its instructions.

The boat supplies snorkeling equipment, lunch, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. That means you do not need to pack a full picnic or your own mask and snorkel.

Service animals are allowed, and the boat is near public transportation. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible, so check this carefully before booking if anyone in your group has mobility needs.

Who will get the most from this charter

This outing suits a group that wants privacy and a flexible day on the water. It is especially well matched to birthdays, family celebrations, and groups of friends who want to eat, drink, swim, and watch for marine life together.

It also works for a mixed group. Strong swimmers can use the snorkeling gear, while others can sit under cover or enjoy the views from the flybridge. The restroom and included food make it easier than arranging a bare-bones boat rental.

I would think twice if you are traveling alone or as a couple and mainly want the least expensive way to see whales. The private price is hard to justify for a very small party. A public cruise may be better value in that case, though it will not give you the same privacy or control over the route.

I would also be cautious if your main goal is a long snorkeling session or a full-day sailing adventure. Three hours gives you a pleasant sample of the coast, but it does not allow unlimited time for every activity.

Cancellation and weather details

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund.

The charter depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy is useful for a boat trip, since sea conditions affect both comfort and safety.

Should you book this Tenerife catamaran?

Book it if you can fill much of the boat and want a private celebration with transport, food, drinks, swimming, and a chance to see whales or dolphins. The strongest reasons are the personal space, flexible route, capable crew, and the fact that the main extras are already covered.

Think carefully if you are a small party, have limited mobility, or want a long wildlife or snorkeling session. For the right group, this is a polished and easygoing way to spend three hours off Tenerife’s south coast. The value comes from sharing the cost and using the private setting well.

FAQ

Where does the private catamaran charter depart?

The boat departs from Diamant, the glass-bottom boat area at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, 38660 Costa Adeje, Tenerife. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup is available within a 20-kilometer radius of Puerto Colón in southern Tenerife. If you stay outside that area, you must make your own way to the port.

How many people can join the private charter?

The price is listed for a group of up to 15 people. The operating information says the catamaran can accommodate up to 24 passengers, so larger groups should confirm the final capacity and price before booking.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the captain can take you to a suitable place for swimming and snorkeling.

What food and drinks are included?

The package includes lunch, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. Food can include tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection.

Is there a restroom and shaded seating onboard?

Yes. The catamaran has a restroom, a forward sundeck, a flybridge with seating, and an indoor sofa. These areas provide both open-air and sheltered places to sit.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed.

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