Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
A sailing excursion along the Tenerife coast is a trip of about 2 to 4 hours on a sailing boat with a skipper, usually from the south of the island, sailing along the coast with a stop to swim or snorkel. It can be shared with a small group or private for your party.
What sailing offers is the pace: once the engine is off, the trip is quieter and calmer. This page helps you decide whether it is the right format for you and what to check before booking.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Sailing trip along the coast with a skipper |
| Format | Shared in a small group or private |
| Capacity | Around 11 passengers at most on the offers reviewed |
| Duration | About 2–4 hours; also at sunset |
| Usual port | Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje) and other ports in the south |
| Includes | Skipper, drinks and snacks on many offers; snorkelling on some |
| Cetaceans | Only if the sailing boat has specific authorisation |
| Price | Depends on the format, the duration and what is included |
What sailing offers compared with a motorboat
| Aspect | Sailing boat | Motorboat |
|---|---|---|
| Pace | Relaxed, depends on the wind | Faster and steadier |
| Noise | Silence when under sail | Engine noise |
| Group | Small | From small to large |
| Space | More limited | Variable |
| Seasickness | Heeling (leaning over) in the wind | Depends on the size |
Sailing boats also have an engine for leaving and entering port or when there is not enough wind.
What happens
- Meeting at the port and safety briefing.
- Motoring out of the port.
- Sailing if the wind allows; on some trips you can help with the manoeuvres.
- Anchoring in a bay for swimming or snorkelling.
- Drinks and snacks on board.
- Return to port.
Available formats
| Format | What sets it apart | Suits you if… |
|---|---|---|
| Shared | Small group with other people | You are travelling as a couple or in a small group |
| Private | Your group only | Celebrations or groups up to the boat’s capacity; see the private boat |
| At sunset | Late-afternoon trip | See the sunset boat trip |
| With whale watching | Sailing boat authorised for whale watching | See the whale and dolphin watching trip |
Who it suits
- Couples and small groups looking for a relaxed trip.
- People who want to try sailing.
- Anyone who prefers a few passengers to a large catamaran.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- People who get seasick easily: a sailing boat heels in the wind. A large catamaran is more stable.
- Reduced mobility: getting on board and moving around a sailing boat requires agility.
- Young children: check that there are life jackets in their size and that the trip is short.
- Anyone looking for speed: see the speedboat sea safari.
How to choose well
- What is the maximum number of passengers?
- Duration and route?
- What is included? Drinks, snacks, snorkelling gear, towels.
- Is it mostly under sail or mostly under engine?
- Can you take part in the manoeuvres?
- Is it authorised for whale watching? Barco Azul and AROC.
- What happens if there is no wind or too much?
- Cancellation policy?
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Skipper | Included | Language |
| Drinks and snacks | Common | What it includes |
| Snorkellingling | On some trips | Sizes |
| Swimming | Common | Depends on the sea |
| Transport | In some offers | Area |
Safety and requirements
- Life jackets for everyone.
- Heeling: hold on when the boat leans over and follow the skipper’s instructions.
- Footwear: soft, non-slip soles.
- Sun: there is little shade on board many sailing boats.
Weather and sea
- The wind decides how much of the trip is under sail. With no wind, the engine is used; with too much, the skipper may shorten or cancel the trip.
- In many areas of the south, the wind picks up during the afternoon.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure: the duration, the format and what is included all vary.
The price depends on:
- Shared or private.
- Duration.
- Drinks, snacks or a meal.
- Season.
What to bring
- Swimwear, towel and a change of clothes.
- Sun protection, a cap and sunglasses.
- A light jacket.
- Soft-soled shoes.
- Motion sickness remedy, if you need one.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| More stability and space | Tastingmaran excursion |
| A boat just for your group | Private boat in Tenerife |
| Sunset from the sea | Sunset boat trip |
| Seeing cetaceans with an authorised operator | Whale and dolphin watching |
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to know how to sail?
No. The skipper steers the boat. On some trips you can help if you like.
How many people are on board?
Around 11 at most on the offers reviewed.
Is it always under sail?
It depends on the wind. The engine is used to leave port or when there is not enough wind.
Will I get carsick?
A sailing boat leans over in the wind. If you are prone to seasickness, take precautions or choose a catamaran.
Do you see dolphins?
Only if the sailing boat is authorised for whale watching.
Can I swim?
Most trips include a swimming stop if the sea allows.
Are there private sailing boats?
Yes. You can hire the sailing boat with a skipper just for your group.