Puerto Colon: License-Free Self-Drive Boat in Tenerife

The best part of this Tenerife outing is simple: you drive the boat yourself. From Puerto Colón, you can cruise the coast, stop in a quiet cove, swim, snorkel, and set your own pace without hiring a licensed skipper. The boat carries up to six people, so it works well for a family or a small group of friends.

I like the included fuel and GPS, since they remove two common worries from a self-drive boat trip. I also like the practical extras: snorkel masks, a fridge, canopy, life jackets, drinks, and Bluetooth music. The main thing to watch is the permitted cruising area. One passenger found it more limited than expected, and a pickup-point mix-up caused a delay.

Key points to know before you book

• You can drive without a boating license: The boat is designed for easy handling and private use by up to six people.
• Puerto Colón departure: Meet at Gate 3, and double-check the exact pickup instructions before setting out.
• Useful equipment is included: Fuel, GPS, life jackets, a soft drink, snorkeling gear, a fridge, canopy, and music come with the boat.
• You choose the rhythm: Cruise, anchor in a calm cove, swim, snorkel, or simply sit in the sun.
• Allow for a limited operating zone: The outing gives you freedom, but not unlimited access to all of Tenerife’s coast.
• Staff service has been a strong point: Eric in particular has been praised for making the booking and handover feel easy.

Taking the helm at Puerto Colón

This is not a standard sightseeing cruise where you sit back while someone else handles the boat. You are given the controls after a briefing, then set off along Tenerife’s coast in a small boat built for up to six people.

That arrangement makes the experience feel personal from the start. You can spend more time moving along the water, or stop and enjoy a swim. You are not tied to a large group’s schedule, and you do not need to wait for a guide to choose the next stop.

The meeting point is Gate 3 at Puerto Colón. That detail matters. One booking had the wrong pickup point listed, leading to a 15-minute delay and extra walking. I would check the gate and meeting instructions carefully before leaving your hotel, especially if you are carrying towels, food, or beach gear.

The staff member Eric has received especially warm praise for the handover and general service. That is useful here because a self-drive boat is only as good as the initial briefing. You want clear instructions on steering, stopping, GPS use, anchoring, and the area where you may operate.

What the briefing and boat handover are like

Before leaving, you receive a briefing and life jacket. The briefing is an important part of the outing, not a box-ticking exercise. If you have never handled a small motorboat, listen closely and ask about anything that feels unclear.

The boat is described as easy to maneuver and does not require a navigation license. That makes it accessible to people who want a taste of boating without committing to a full boating course or chartering a larger vessel.

You also receive a GPS system. I like having this onboard because it gives you a reference point while you explore. Still, GPS does not replace the instructions from the staff. The most important practical question is not simply where you can go, but where you are expected to stay.

The permitted area may feel limited if you arrive hoping to cover a large stretch of Tenerife’s shoreline. One passenger specifically found the sailing zone narrower than expected. Think of this as a compact coastal outing with freedom inside a defined area, not an all-day expedition around the island.

Cruising the Tenerife coast

Once you leave Puerto Colón, the main pleasure is the change of pace. You are close to the sea rather than watching it from a promenade or resort beach. The boat gives you a different view of the coast and lets you decide how much time to spend moving and how much time to spend stopped.

The description promises crystal-clear water, quiet coves, and natural coastal scenery. Exact stops are not fixed in the information provided, so you should not book this expecting a named beach or guaranteed wildlife sighting. Instead, the appeal is the ability to look for a suitable calm spot within the allowed operating area.

I would use the first part of the trip to get comfortable with the controls. Keep the speed modest until everyone understands how the boat turns and stops. Then settle into the outing. The person driving gets the active role, while the rest of your group can enjoy the views, music, drinks, and conversation.

The boat’s canopy is useful in Tenerife’s strong sun. It gives you a shaded place to sit when the heat builds, though you will still want sunscreen and a towel. The boat also includes life jackets, which should be used according to the staff briefing and local safety instructions.

Finding a cove and anchoring for a swim

The anchor lets you pause in a quieter spot rather than keeping the motor running. This is where the trip shifts from a short boat ride to a proper sea outing. You can stop, cool off, put on the snorkeling masks, and enjoy the water at your own pace.

The supplied information does not promise a particular cove, water depth, marine species, or underwater attraction. I would treat snorkeling as a pleasant option rather than the sole reason to book. Conditions can affect visibility, and your actual stop depends on the permitted area and the day’s instructions.

A cove stop works best for groups with mixed interests. One person can swim, another can snorkel, and someone else can remain under the canopy with a drink. Because the boat is private or arranged for a small group, you do not have to fit every activity into the same few minutes.

Bring your own towel. A credit card and passport or identity card are also required, with a copy of the ID accepted. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, so plan your onboard refreshments accordingly. The included soft drink is a useful start, and the fridge gives you space to keep additional non-alcoholic drinks or food cool.

Snorkeling, shade, and the small comforts

The equipment list is more practical than flashy. You get snorkeling masks, life jackets, a fridge, a canopy, GPS, and a Bluetooth audio system. These details matter because a small boat can become uncomfortable when it lacks shade, storage, or a way to keep drinks cold.

The fridge lets you bring lunch or snacks, although the activity only specifically includes a soft drink. If you plan to stay out for four hours, food and extra drinks make sense. Pack items that are easy to handle onboard and keep everything secured while the boat is moving.

The Bluetooth system lets you add your own music. Keep the volume sensible so the group can still hear instructions and communicate while underway. Music is a nice extra, but safety and clear communication should come first.

The canopy is another valuable feature. Tenerife’s sun can feel strong even when the air is comfortable, and the shaded area gives you a break during a longer booking. I would still bring sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. The equipment makes the boat more comfortable, but it does not turn it into a fully enclosed cabin.

One hour or four hours?

The duration ranges from one to four hours, with starting times depending on availability. That range gives you flexibility, but it also makes the choice important.

A one-hour booking suits you if you want a quick taste of self-driving a boat, have a tight schedule, or are unsure how much time your group wants on the water. It may feel short once you include the briefing and departure process, so do not expect a long coastal outing in that time.

Two hours gives you a better balance. You can learn the controls, cruise, stop for a swim, and return without turning the activity into a major part of the day. For many visitors, this is likely the most comfortable option.

A three- or four-hour booking makes more sense if you want a relaxed day at sea. You can spend less time watching the clock and more time anchored with food, drinks, and snorkeling. The tradeoff is that you must be comfortable with the defined sailing area. A longer booking does not necessarily mean you can travel farther.

Check the exact duration and price before paying. The advertised price is $71 per person, but the supplied details do not clarify whether that figure applies to every duration. The final cost may also depend on the date and number of people, so confirm the total for your group of six.

Is $71 per person good value?

At $71 per person, the value depends heavily on how many people share the boat and how long you book it. With six people, the listed rate would come to $426 if everyone is charged individually. That is not a cheap casual boat ride, but it includes fuel and a useful set of equipment.

You are paying for private control of the boat, not just a seat on a scheduled cruise. Fuel, GPS, snorkeling masks, life jackets, a soft drink, fridge, canopy, and music are included. You also avoid the cost and effort of obtaining a boating license for this particular outing.

The value improves if you use the boat for several hours and fill all six places. A one-hour booking at the same per-person price would feel less generous, especially once the briefing and return are counted. A longer booking gives you time to cruise, stop, swim, eat, and make full use of the boat.

I would compare the final total with larger shared cruises in the Puerto Colón area. Those may offer a guide or a fixed route, while this experience gives you control and privacy. If your group cares more about freedom than commentary, the price can make sense. If you mainly want a short view of the coast, a shared cruise may be more economical.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this to friends or family who want an active outing and are happy to share responsibility for the boat. The six-person capacity is a good size for a small group, giving everyone room to take part without creating a large-party feel.

It also suits you if you like flexible plans. You can cruise for a while, anchor for swimming, listen to music, and bring food for a longer session. The experience is less suitable if you want a fully narrated tour, a guaranteed route, or unlimited access along Tenerife’s coastline.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but practical boarding details are not supplied. If someone in your group uses a wheelchair, ask the operator about the exact boarding arrangement before booking. That is a sensible step for any small boat activity.

Children under two, pregnant women, and people over 297 pounds, or 135 kilograms, should not take part. The restrictions are clear, so check your group before reserving.

Practical details that can save you trouble

Bring a towel, credit card, and passport or identity card. A copy of the ID is accepted, which may be easier than carrying the original, but follow the operator’s current instructions.

Do not bring alcohol or drugs. The boat includes a soft drink, and you can use the fridge for additional food and non-alcoholic drinks. For a longer trip, I would pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat, even though only some of these items are specifically required.

Give yourself enough time to find Gate 3. The incorrect pickup-point information caused one party a 15-minute delay and unnecessary walking. I would save the meeting details on your phone and confirm them directly if anything looks unclear.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That helps if your Tenerife schedule is still changing. Starting times depend on availability, so check the calendar before building the rest of your day around the boat.

What the service is like

The strongest positive detail is the personal service. Eric has been singled out for making the process from booking to meeting feel smooth, and another booking described the staff as excellent. One group enjoyed the experience enough to book again for the following week.

That does not erase the logistical issue at the meeting point. A strong staff handover is especially important for a self-drive activity, and one report described confusion when the voucher could not be handled immediately. I would keep the booking confirmation ready and allow a little extra time at the port.

The overall rating is 4.7 out of 5 from five ratings, which points to a very good early reception but is still a small sample. I would place more weight on the practical pattern: people liked the friendly staff and the boat itself, while the main caution concerned the meeting instructions and limited operating zone.

Should you book the Puerto Colón boat?

Book it if you want a private, hands-on sea outing for up to six people and like the idea of choosing when to cruise, stop, swim, and snack. The included fuel and equipment make planning easier, and the boat’s canopy, fridge, GPS, and music add real comfort rather than empty decoration.

Think twice if you expect to roam freely along the entire Tenerife coast. The allowed area may be limited, and the exact route is not presented as a fixed sightseeing itinerary. I would choose the two-to-four-hour option for the best value, confirm the price for your chosen duration, and verify Gate 3 before arrival.

For a small group that wants control rather than a standard cruise, this is a promising choice. Go in knowing its boundaries, and the outing should deliver a relaxed taste of Tenerife from the water.

FAQ

Where does the boat experience meet?

The meeting point is Gate 3 at Puerto Colón.

How many people can use the boat?

The boat is suitable for up to six people.

Do I need a boating license?

No. The boat is license-free and designed to be easy to maneuver.

How long does the activity last?

The duration ranges from one to four hours, depending on the option and availability.

What is included with the boat?

Fuel, a soft drink, a briefing, life jackets, a fridge, Bluetooth music, GPS, snorkeling equipment, and the boat are included.

Can I bring food and extra drinks?

Yes. You can bring food and additional drinks, and the boat has a fridge to keep them cool. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, credit card, and passport or identity card. A copy of the ID is accepted.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who cannot take part?

The activity is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, or people over 297 pounds, or 135 kilograms.