Salt air and fish lines beat the usual sightseeing grind. This private family charter in Santa Cruz de Tenerife mixes trolling and bottom fishing with a relaxing lagoon break. You also get drinks on board, plus the chance to keep kids engaged when they are not holding the rod.

I love the setup for mixed experience levels. You do not need to be an expert to participate, because you’ll fish with professional gear and a captain who keeps the pace family-friendly. I also like the way the tour gives you two modes of fun: active fishing time, then a calm swim break in the lagoon.

One thing to plan for: the boat can be bouncy. If you’re prone to seasickness, take medicine before you head out, and be honest with yourself about your limits.

Key things to know before you go

• Private by design: the charter is for your group (up to 6), so you can fish at a comfortable pace.
• Two fishing styles: trolling and bottom fishing let you try different techniques in one outing.
• Seasonal target fish: barracuda, mahi mahi, bonito, and sometimes sailfish depending on the time of year.
• On-board comfort: fridge drinks plus snacks keep the experience from feeling like work.
• Lagoon break for the whole crew: anchor at a lagoon so you can swim and kids can fish using a float.
• Captain Ruslan’s family touch: he checks in for seasickness and may even let a child get hands-on with steering.

Where the Fishing Starts: Barco 33 and Gate 3

You’ll meet at the port area at Gate number 3, right in front of Cafe Victoria. From there, you’re heading straight to Barco 33, where the captain and crew handle the rest. If you’re driving, plan for paid parking at the port—this is not a “park anywhere for free” situation.

This is a great meeting style if your family wants a clear start. No long bus ride, no confusing transfers. You just show up, get aboard, and start working toward that first bite.

4 Hours at Sea: Trolling and Bottom Fishing for Real Action

The heart of this charter is simple: you fish. You’ll have time for trolling and bottom fishing, and the captain can adjust as you go. The goal is to maximize your odds, not to rush you through a checklist.

Trolling time

Trolling is all about staying in motion, running lines out behind the boat. It’s a fun technique for families because it keeps everyone involved—you can watch the gear, feel when something is happening, and trade turns without waiting forever.

The big payoff: when a fish hits, reeling becomes the focus. That’s when the “big catch” excitement kicks in, especially if the kids are old enough to handle the moment and not just watch from the rail.

Bottom fishing time

Then you drop into bottom fishing. This shifts the mood from hunt-and-chase to patience and “let’s see what’s nearby.” It’s also handy if you’ve got a mix of anglers in your group, because you can rotate attention while the action builds.

One family-focused detail that matters: the captain is there to help you make the most of your time on the water. You’re not left staring at a rod you do not know how to use.

What to expect with your catch

Depending on the season, you might target barracuda, mahi mahi, bonito, and even sailfish. Real talk: you can’t guarantee any specific species on a charter, but having those possibilities gives your trip a sense of “we came to fish, not just sail.”

The Captain Matters: Ruslan Keeps It Fun (and Safe)

This is a private tour, but the bigger difference is the captain’s approach. In a family group with four kids, the captain—Ruslan—checked regularly to make sure no one was getting sick. That kind of attention turns a potentially stressful trip into a smooth one.

Ruslan also made kids feel included. In one case, a boy was allowed to hold the boat’s handle during the experience. That’s not just cute—it helps kids see the day as theirs, not something happening at them.

And for practical comfort: the captain communicates in English, so you won’t be guessing what’s happening when the boat changes speed, gear gets adjusted, or you move between fishing spots.

On-Board Comfort: Drinks, Snacks, and Gear You Don’t Need to Pack

A fishing charter can easily feel like you’re stuck on a worksite with a cooler. This one tries hard to avoid that. Drinks are included: water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine. There’s also a fridge on board and snacks available.

That matters more than people think. When the day runs warm, kids get hungry faster, and adults start getting cranky. Having food and drinks ready keeps the energy up without forcing you to manage extra planning.

You also do not have to bring your own fishing gear. You’ll get the fishing equipment as part of the experience, which is a major value point if you’re traveling with limited luggage.

Lagoon Break: Swim Time, Masks, and Kids Fishing on a Float

When the fishing is done for the moment, the tour shifts gears. You’ll drop anchor in a lagoon so you can cool off. If you want a swim, you can do that. If you prefer to stay near the boat, you can still enjoy the change of pace.

You’ll have masks and goggles provided, so you’re not scrambling to find snorkeling equipment at the last minute.

For kids, there’s a built-in activity: children can catch fish on a float. That’s a smart design choice. It gives younger kids a chance to participate even if they’re not ready for the full fishing routine.

Bring bath towels if you plan to get in the water. It’s one of those small items that can make the difference between “fun and easy” and “why did we forget this?”

What You Might See in Santa Cruz de Tenerife Waters

Fishing is the main event, but the sea can surprise you. In one family story, they even saw a whale during the day. That doesn’t guarantee anything for your trip, but it does suggest the area can bring wildlife sightings along with the fishing.

If you’re the type who likes both action and atmosphere, this kind of charter works well. You’re not just staring at water—you’re interacting with it, then pausing long enough to notice what’s around you.

Price and Value for Families: $573 for Up to 6

The price is $573 per group, good for up to 6 people. That’s not a budget charter, but it can be strong value once you compare it to paying for multiple individual activities, plus the cost of bringing your own gear or hiring a guide multiple times.

Here’s the practical way to think about value:

• If your group is close to 6 people, the cost per person drops fast.
• You’re paying for a private boat experience, professional equipment, and captain time for four hours.
• Drinks are included, so you’re not adding surprise costs once you’re out at sea.

If you’re only two adults, the cost per person is higher. In that case, it’s still a memorable option if you really want the private pace and family-friendly setup.

Seasickness Reality Check and Other Smart Tips

Let’s talk about the one real downside: the boat can swing. The operator specifically flags seasickness risk. If you’re afraid you’ll get sick, take medicine before going out into the ocean rather than waiting until you feel bad.

Also, the tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness and not suitable for people over 95 years. That is not a small detail—if you fall into either category, you’ll be happier choosing a different kind of outing.

A few more practical notes:

• There is paid parking at the port, so plan your arrival with that in mind.
• Transfer is not included, so you’ll need your own plan to get to Gate 3 and Cafe Victoria.
• If you plan to swim, pack towels so you’re comfortable after.

Who This Private Charter Fits Best

This is ideal for families and small groups who want something active, not complicated. You’ll like it if:

• You want private time on the water rather than joining a larger group.
• Your family includes a mix of beginners and kids who need an engaging activity.
• You like the idea of trying two fishing styles in one trip.
• You want a day that includes both action and downtime.

It’s also a good fit if you care about comfort. Drinks are included, snacks are available, and there’s a lagoon break so the day doesn’t feel nonstop.

Should You Book This Private Family Fishing Tour?

If your family wants a four-hour outing that actually feels like an experience—not just a view—this is an easy yes. The combination of private charter, professional fishing gear, on-board drinks, and a lagoon swim break makes it feel complete.

Book it when:

• You have up to 6 people and want the private pace.
• Kids or first-time anglers are coming along.
• You’re willing to plan for motion sickness and bring what you need (especially towels).

Skip it if:

• You know you get seasick easily and cannot manage it.
• You’re expecting an all-land, low-motion trip with no ocean time.

FAQ

How long is the Santa Cruz de Tenerife private family fishing tour?

It runs for 4 hours.

Is this tour private?

Yes, it’s a private group experience.

What’s the group size limit?

The tour is priced for a group of up to 6.

What fishing methods will we try?

You can try trolling and bottom fishing.

What fish might we catch?

Depending on the season, you may have opportunities to catch barracuda, mahi mahi, bonito, and even sailfish.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks included are water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine.

Is there time to swim in a lagoon?

Yes. You’ll anchor in a lagoon where you can swim, and kids can fish using a float.

Are masks or goggles provided?

Yes. masks and goggles are included.

Where do we meet the captain?

Meet at Gate number 3, in front of Cafe Victoria.

Is transfer included and where can we park?

Transfer is not included. Parking at the port is paid.