Is a Private Catamaran Charter in Tenerife with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling Worth It?
Quick answer
This private three-hour catamaran charter from Puerto Colón is a convenient, all-inclusive option for groups of up to 15 travelers who want a short, comfortable outing with hotel transfer, lunch, drinks and snorkeling gear included. It suits families and small groups who value privacy and a fixed time frame, but it is not a full-day sailing experience and the price is per charter rather than per person.
If you are short on time in Tenerife and want a private, hassle-free morning or afternoon on the water, this three-hour catamaran charter with hotel transfer, buffet lunch, drinks and snorkeling gear can be a sensible choice. It is a private charter for up to 15 travelers, so you and your group have the boat to yourselves, and the operator handles pickup and drop-off within a 20 km radius of Puerto Colón. The main trade-off is that three hours is a short window, and the price is listed from 1,690 USD per charter, so the value depends on how many people you are splitting it with.
What exactly is included in this private catamaran charter?
The charter bundles the practical essentials so you do not have to arrange them separately. According to the verified listing, the following are included:
- Private transportation (hotel pickup and drop-off within 20 km of Puerto Colón)
- Buffet-style lunch
- Snacks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Soda/pop and bottled water
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- All fees and taxes
Not included are towels, sunscreen and personal sun protection items, and gratuities for the crew. Bringing your own towels and reef-safe sunscreen is a simple way to avoid extra costs on the day.
How long is the trip, and what does three hours actually feel like?
The charter is listed as three hours. In practice, that time covers boarding, a coastal sail, a stop for swimming and snorkeling, and the return to Puerto Colón. Because hotel transfer is included, your total door-to-door time will be longer than three hours once pickup and drop-off are factored in.
Three hours is enough for a relaxed introduction to the coastline and a snorkel stop, but it is not a full-day excursion. If you are looking for a long, slow day on the water with multiple swim stops, this may feel rushed. If you mainly want a short, comfortable outing that fits around other plans, the fixed duration is an advantage.
Who is this private charter best suited for?
This experience works well for:
- Small groups and families who want the boat to themselves rather than sharing with strangers.
- Time-tight travelers who want a single, well-organised activity without planning transfers, food and gear separately.
- Mixed-age groups, since infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller according to the accessibility notes.
- Groups of up to 15 travelers, which is the maximum number stated in the restrictions.
It is less suited to travelers who want a full day at sea, multiple anchorages, or a party-style atmosphere. The listing describes a relaxed private charter with lunch and drinks, not an all-day boating event.
How does the price work, and when does it make sense?
The price is listed as from 1,690 USD, which is a per-charter figure rather than a per-person ticket. That changes the maths considerably. For a group of 10 to 15 people, the cost per person can compare reasonably with shared group tours once you factor in the private boat, transfer, lunch and drinks. For a couple or a solo traveler, the per-person cost is high.
Before booking, confirm the final price for your group size and date directly with the operator, because the 'from' price is a starting point and may vary by season or availability. Also check whether the transfer radius covers your hotel; pickup is only included within 20 km of Puerto Colón.
Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling
★ 4.8 from 64 reviews
What about wildlife spotting and snorkeling?
The description mentions the chance to spot local marine life such as whales, sea turtles and dolphins, and snorkeling gear rental is included. It is important to treat wildlife sightings as a possibility rather than a guarantee. Marine life is wild, and no operator can promise specific sightings on a given day.
Snorkeling is listed as included equipment, but the description does not specify the number of snorkel stops or the exact locations. If snorkeling is a priority for your group, ask the operator in advance about the typical stop and the conditions. Bring your own towel and sun protection, as neither is provided.
Where does the tour start, and how does hotel pickup work?
The meeting point is Dock #6, and the operator asks guests to arrive 15 minutes before departure, where an employee will meet them. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included within a 20 km radius of the port of Puerto Colón. If your accommodation is outside that radius, you will likely need to make your own way to the dock.
Because pickup times depend on your hotel's location, expect the operator to confirm a pickup time after booking. Build in a little flexibility, especially if you are coordinating a larger group.
What are the practical limitations to know before booking?
This is a well-rounded short charter, but it is not everything for everyone. Key limitations:
- Short duration: three hours on the water limits how much you can see and do.
- Group size cap: the maximum is 15 travelers, so larger parties cannot be accommodated on one charter.
- Transfer radius: pickup is only included within 20 km of Puerto Colón.
- Exclusions: towels, sunscreen and gratuities are not included.
- Wildlife is not guaranteed: sightings depend on the day.
The cancellation policy is standard: for a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. That gives you some flexibility if plans change.
For a group of up to 15 people who want a short, private, all-inclusive outing with transfer, lunch, drinks and snorkeling gear, this three-hour catamaran charter is a practical and comfortable option. It is less compelling for couples or solo travelers paying the full charter price, and it is not a substitute for a full-day sailing trip. If your priorities are privacy, convenience and a fixed time frame, it is worth considering; if you want a longer day on the water or guaranteed wildlife sightings, look at alternatives and set expectations accordingly.
Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling
★ 4.8 from 64 reviews