REVIEW · TENERIFE
World Class Fishing Charter Trip in Tenerife
Book on Viator →Operated by The Original Gavin Glen Fishing Tenerife · Bookable on Viator
If you like the idea of fishing with purpose, Tenerife delivers. This offshore sportfishing trip pairs a small boat with real coaching from Captain Gavin. You’re not just watching someone else fish—you’re learning why certain techniques work in certain water.
I love two things about this charter. First, the pace feels built for action: a 25-foot offshore boat (up to 6 people) runs fast enough to reach good spots, and the setup is meant for serious game fishing. Second, the captain’s whole approach is hands-on—he teaches you methods for different species and conditions, whether you’re brand new or aiming for your personal best.
One consideration: the trip is a functional fishing boat, not a luxury yacht. Some people report the comfort and snacks/drinks details didn’t match expectations, so if you’re sensitive to boat feel or you want guaranteed refreshments, plan accordingly.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth your attention
- Costa Adeje departure: getting on the water fast
- Captain Gavin’s coaching style: learning why the technique changes
- Gear that’s built for game fish, not toy fishing
- What you might catch off Tenerife (and why season rules everything)
- The 4-hour rhythm on the water: action beats sightseeing
- Comfort, cleanliness, and the reality of a working fishing boat
- Price and value: is $114.89 worth it?
- Who should book this Tenerife charter—and who might prefer a different style
- Should you book Captain Gavin in Costa Adeje?
- FAQ
- How long is the fishing charter in Tenerife?
- Where does the charter start?
- What’s the price per person?
- What language is the experience offered in?
- How many people are on the boat?
- What fish are you hoping to catch?
- What fishing gear and equipment is used?
- Is cancellation allowed, and what happens with weather?
Key highlights worth your attention

- Small group (max 6): more hands-on time and less waiting around.
- 25-foot offshore sportfishing boat: built for offshore runs and game-fishing gear use.
- Fishing coaching for your level: beginner-friendly first casts plus technique tips for experienced anglers.
- Serious tackle on board: fighting chairs, downriggers, outriggers, live bait tank, and a wireless trolling engine.
- Target species in Tenerife waters: possible marlin, tuna, amberjack, barracuda, and other game fish.
- Captain Gavin’s Tenerife know-how: he chooses spots based on conditions and seasons.
Costa Adeje departure: getting on the water fast

This trip starts in Costa Adeje, at Av. de Colón, 4, 38660 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. That location is close to public transport, which matters if you’re not taking a taxi straight to the harbor.
You’ll be heading out on a 25-foot offshore sportfishing boat that carries up to 6 guests. The big advantage of a small group is simple: you don’t disappear into a crowd. Even if you only cast a few lines, you still feel like part of the action.
Another practical detail: the boat’s run speed is listed at about 22 knots, and that affects your whole experience. In practical terms, it means you’re more likely to spend your time fishing rather than sitting far offshore in slow transit. You also get a quick sense of motion offshore, so if you’re prone to seasickness, consider prepping ahead of time.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
Captain Gavin’s coaching style: learning why the technique changes
The heart of this charter is the guide. You’re fishing with Captain Gavin, who’s described as a long-time angler with a deep passion for fishing in Tenerife. What you’re really buying here isn’t just access to the sea—it’s the translation between fish behavior and real fishing technique.
Here’s how that typically shows up for you:
- You get instruction that’s tied to the species you’re trying for and the sea conditions you’re seeing.
- The captain helps you choose an approach based on what’s happening out there, not just generic “try this lure” advice.
- If you’re a beginner, the focus tends to be on getting you comfortable with the basics and participating.
- If you’re more advanced, you’re more likely to get method tweaks—how to run lines, react when a bite comes, and use the gear correctly.
Small boat + active instruction is why this trip can feel different from a “sit and watch” charter. Even when the fish are quiet, you’re not stuck with nothing to do.
Gear that’s built for game fish, not toy fishing

On paper, this is a modest working vessel. In practice, the gear list is what makes it feel serious.
You can expect equipment such as:
- Fighting chairs: designed for controlling strong fish. This matters because game fish don’t just pull—they grind, surge, and change direction.
- Downriggers and outriggers: tools used to position lines at the right depths and spreads, which is a big deal when fish are holding at specific layers.
- Live bait tank: a live bait setup can help when conditions call for bait presentation rather than just artificial lures.
- Wireless trolling engine: useful for controlling movement and line behavior while you’re fishing.
Why this matters for you: a lot of people book a charter hoping to “catch something big.” With this sort of tackle on board, you’re more likely to be fishing the way game-fishing anglers actually fish. It’s also a safer-feeling setup, since fighting chairs and proper line management reduce chaos when a fish is on.
One more practical note from the way the trip is described: the boat is meant to get you to the best spots for the specific techniques used in different conditions. That reinforces the idea that the gear isn’t just there for show—it’s there for execution.
What you might catch off Tenerife (and why season rules everything)

The charter targets species that are real possibilities in Tenerife waters: marlin, tuna, amberjack, barracuda, and other fish species depending on the season and conditions.
That last part—season and conditions—isn’t a throwaway line. It’s the key to managing expectations. Offshore fishing can be streaky. Even with the right gear and the right guidance, fish may not bite that day.
What I like about this setup is that the captain’s approach adapts. Instead of forcing one method regardless of what’s happening, the trip is framed as technique-driven. So even if you don’t land your top-choice fish, you’re still learning why the captain changes course, tactics, or line placement.
If your goal is a specific species (say tuna or marlin), you’ll get the most out of this trip by treating it like a season-based mission, not a guaranteed headline moment.
The 4-hour rhythm on the water: action beats sightseeing
This experience runs about 4 hours and ends back at the meeting point. That’s a good length for offshore sportfishing because it fits a “go out, work a few spots, then return” rhythm without turning into an all-day endurance test.
Here’s what the trip typically feels like in sequence:
- Boarding and setup: you’ll get oriented on how the fishing works on this boat and what you’ll be doing.
- Offshore run to fishing spots: the faster cruise helps compress fishing time into the middle portion of the trip.
- Technique time: this is where Captain Gavin’s instruction is meant to show—how to fish when the sea state changes and what to do when bites happen.
- Actual fishing: you’re using the equipment properly, not just holding a rod and waiting.
- Wrap-up and return: you come back to the same point where you started.
You should also expect a working-boat atmosphere. The trip is described as functional and focused on getting down to fishing. So even when things are organized, the vibe is still “offshore sportfishing” rather than “shore excursion.”
Comfort, cleanliness, and the reality of a working fishing boat

Let’s talk expectations, because this is where experiences can diverge.
The boat is described as modest and functional—not a luxury yacht. You’re likely to feel the wind, salt spray, and boat movement more than on a smoother, high-end cruising vessel. The charter also lists moderate physical fitness as a requirement, which makes sense: managing lines, staying balanced during bites, and moving around in a small space can take effort.
Most of the vibe sounds like it’s set up for fun and participation—especially with Captain Gavin encouraging everyone to catch fish. But there are also mixed signals in the details people mention, like comfort and refreshment expectations.
Here’s my practical advice:
- Dress for ocean wind and spray, even on a good weather day.
- Bring anything you need for comfort. If you’re particular about snacks or drinks, don’t rely on wishful thinking—ask before you go what’s actually provided.
- If you’re worried about getting seasick, plan for it ahead of time. Offshore motion is part of the deal.
Small boats also mean you’ll want to pay attention to where you dock at the harbor. One person notes the boat was moored on pontoon 3 rather than 4 compared to instructions they received. So when you arrive, don’t assume the first sign you see is perfect—check in and confirm the exact spot.
Price and value: is $114.89 worth it?

At $114.89 per person for about 4 hours, this charter sits in a category that can either feel like great value—or steep—depending on your priorities.
For what you’re paying, the value story is strong:
- Max 6 people: smaller group usually means better instruction and more chances at hands-on fishing.
- Offshore sportfishing gear: fighting chairs, downriggers, outriggers, live bait tank—this isn’t typical “basic rods and luck” cruising.
- Coaching across skill levels: you’re not just paying for a boat ride.
Where value can feel weaker for some people is if your expectations are “luxury comfort” or “guaranteed refreshments,” or if you’re the type who needs a strong chance of landing a specific trophy species. This is fishing, not a theme park. Some days are quiet.
If you want a charter with technique teaching, a small group, and real sportfishing tackle, this price can make sense. If you’re mainly seeking a comfortable, hands-off outing with predictable amenities, you might be happier elsewhere—or bring your own comfort items.
Who should book this Tenerife charter—and who might prefer a different style

This trip fits best if you’re one of these types:
- You want hands-on learning—from first-timer to serious angler.
- You like the idea of a small-group offshore mission rather than a big-boat crowd experience.
- You’re okay with a working-fishing-boat feel and you’d rather pay for gear + technique than plush extras.
You might want to think twice if:
- You’re very sensitive to comfort and want a more polished yacht experience.
- You need strict consistency on snacks/drinks, or you’re expecting a super relaxed “vacation cruise” vibe.
- You’re booking with unrealistic expectations about catching a particular fish every time.
And there’s a nice middle ground: if you’re bringing a teenager, first-timer, or someone who’s curious, the structure is designed to help people feel included in the action.
Should you book Captain Gavin in Costa Adeje?
If your goal is real sportfishing on a small boat with instruction built around the day’s conditions, I’d say you should seriously consider booking. The combination of Captain Gavin’s coaching focus, game-fishing tackle, and a tight group size is the kind of recipe that can turn a short trip into a lasting skill boost.
Just go in with two smart expectations: this is a working offshore setup, and fishing outcomes depend on season and conditions. If you want, send a message ahead of time asking what refreshment/snack setup is actually planned and double-check the day’s dock point.
Book it if you’re ready for hands-on offshore fishing and you’d rather have a focused mission than a luxury cruise. Skip it if you want guaranteed trophy catches or you’re not okay with the feel of a functional fishing boat.
FAQ
How long is the fishing charter in Tenerife?
The trip lasts about 4 hours and ends back at the meeting point.
Where does the charter start?
It starts at Av. de Colón, 4, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
What’s the price per person?
The price is $114.89 per person.
What language is the experience offered in?
The charter is offered in English.
How many people are on the boat?
The boat has a maximum of 6 travelers.
What fish are you hoping to catch?
Depending on season and conditions, you may target marlin, tuna, amberjack, barracuda, and other fish species.
What fishing gear and equipment is used?
The charter includes equipment such as fighting chairs, downriggers, outriggers, a live bait tank, and a wireless trolling engine.
Is cancellation allowed, and what happens with weather?
There’s free cancellation, and the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.









