Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
A pirate boat trip in Tenerife is an outing on a boat decorated like an old ship, with themed entertainment for children, swimming and often food on board. It is mainly designed for families, although there are night-time versions for adults with a party atmosphere.
What matters is knowing which part is show and which part is sailing, and which ages each trip is designed for. This page helps you check.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Boat trip with pirate decoration and entertainment |
| Audience | Families with children; some night-time trips are for adults |
| Duration | About 2–3 hours, depending on the offer |
| Usual ports | South coast, such as Los Cristianos or Puerto Colón |
| Includes | Entertainment; swimming and food or drinks on many trips |
| Cetaceans | Only if the boat is authorised |
| Price | Depends on the duration, the food and the passengers’ ages |
What happens
- Boarding at the port.
- Themed entertainment: games, costumes, music or a pirate show, depending on the boat.
- Sailing along the coast.
- Swimming stop, on many trips, if the sea allows.
- Food or snack on board, on some offers.
- Return to port.
Two very different formats
| Format | Who it suits | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Family daytime trip | Children and families | Children’s entertainment, swimming and simple food |
| Night-time party | Adults | Music, drinks and a party atmosphere; not for children |
Make sure the trip you book is the family one if you are going with children.
Who it suits
- Families with children looking for a fun boat trip.
- Group children’s celebrations.
- Children who find it hard to sit still on a traditional excursion.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Anyone looking for nature or cetaceans: see the whale and dolphin watching trip.
- Anyone looking for peace and quiet: there is music and entertainment during the trip.
- Children who get seasick: choose short trips.
How to choose well
- Is it the family trip or the adults’ night-time trip?
- Which ages do they recommend?
- What does the entertainment include?
- Is there swimming? Are there children’s life jackets in all sizes?
- Is food or drink included? Are there options for children?
- Are dolphins advertised? Only if the boat has the Barco Azul (Blue Boat) badge and AROC authorisation.
- Is there hotel pick-up?
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | Included | In which language |
| Swimming | Common | Children’s life jackets |
| Food or snack | In some offers | Children’s menu and allergies |
| Transport | In some offers | Area |
Safety
- Life jackets in the right size for every child.
- Supervised swimming: only when the crew says so.
- Sun: sun protection and a cap for the children.
- Deck: keep an eye on children on the upper parts of the boat.
Weather
- In rough seas the trip may be shortened or cancelled.
- In many areas of the south the sea is usually calmer in the morning.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure.
- Duration and food included.
- Child fare depending on age.
- Transport from the hotel.
What to bring
- Swimwear and a towel for children and adults.
- Sun protection and a cap.
- A change of clothes.
- Seasickness remedy, if you need it.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Seeing the seabed without swimming | Glass-bottom boat |
| Stable catamaran with swimming and food | Tastingmaran excursion |
| Cetaceans as a family | Whale and dolphin watching |
| Going down to the seabed without diving | Submarine excursion |
Frequently asked questions
What ages is the pirate boat for?
Family trips are designed for children. Ask about the recommended age for each trip.
Are there pirate boats for adults?
Some night-time trips have a party atmosphere and are not for children.
Can you swim during the trip?
On many, yes, if the sea allows.
Is food included?
Some trips include food or a snack. Check this.
Do you see dolphins?
Only if the boat is authorised for cetacean watching.
How long does it last?
About 2 or 3 hours, depending on the offer.