Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Private Family Fishing Tour

Big fish are only part of the fun. This private four-hour cruise from Santa Cruz de Tenerife gives your group room to try trolling and bottom fishing, swim in a sheltered lagoon, or simply enjoy the sea with a cold drink. Captain Ruslan gets special praise for his calm, friendly care, including checking often for seasickness and helping children feel involved.

I like the flexible pace and the fact that the boat is reserved for your family or friends. I also like the small touches: a stocked fridge, fishing gear, masks, goggles, and the chance to eat a catch fresh on board. The main drawback is the rough ride, so anyone prone to seasickness should take medicine before departure.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to six: You get the vessel and captain for your own group, rather than sharing the day with strangers.
• Two kinds of fishing: Trolling targets moving fish such as bonito and mahi mahi, while bottom fishing gives beginners more frequent chances to catch something.
• Captain Ruslan’s family-friendly approach: He speaks English, checks on passengers often, and may let children take part in simple boat tasks.
• Fresh catch can become part of lunch: One family caught bonito, had some prepared as sashimi on board, and took another fish home.
• A swim break is built into the day: You can stop at a lagoon for swimming, while children can fish from a float.
• Bring towels and seasickness medicine: These two small preparations can make a major difference to your comfort.

Setting out from Barco 33 in Santa Cruz

Your meeting point is Gate 3, in front of Cafe Victoria, at Barco 33. This is a practical place to begin, but you should allow enough time to find the correct gate and get settled before the boat leaves. Transfer service is not included, and paid parking is available at the port if you arrive by car.

The four-hour outing starts and ends at the same marina. That keeps the day simple. You are not losing time to hotel pickups or a second port, and you can plan another Santa Cruz activity around the cruise if you wish.

The boat is private for your group, with room for up to six people. That matters most for families. A nervous child can stay close to a parent, keen anglers can keep fishing, and anyone who prefers to sit back is not forced to follow a shared group schedule.

The captain is an important part of the outing. Ruslan speaks English and has been praised for sending a message before the trip to confirm the arrangements. He is also described as friendly and well prepared, which helps when a day at sea includes several different activities and passengers with different levels of experience.

Trolling first: the search for a larger catch

Trolling means fishing while the boat moves, with lines set behind the vessel. It is the part of the trip that offers the biggest burst of excitement because you are waiting for a fast fish to strike.

Depending on the season and conditions, possible catches include barracuda, mahi mahi, bonito, and even sailfish. That list is an opportunity, not a promise. Fish are wild, and a successful day depends on timing, sea conditions, and luck. Still, the professional equipment gives beginners a proper chance to take part instead of treating the activity like a token add-on.

One family caught two bonito during trolling. Ruslan prepared part of the catch as sashimi for them to eat right away, and they kept another fish to take home. That kind of moment gives the trip a clear sense of place. You are not just casting lines for an hour, then moving on. If the catch is suitable and the captain agrees, the fish can become part of the meal and the story you take home.

You should also be ready for quiet periods. Trolling requires patience, and a fish may not appear on schedule. The private format helps here because you can talk, enjoy a drink, watch the water, or let children take a break without worrying about holding up a larger group.

Whales have also been spotted during one family outing, but you should treat that as a lucky extra rather than a planned part of the tour. The main purpose is fishing, with wildlife sightings possible along the way.

Bottom fishing gives beginners a better rhythm

The second fishing style is bottom fishing. Instead of waiting for a fast-moving fish to strike behind a moving boat, you lower baited lines toward the seabed. This usually gives the day a more hands-on rhythm, especially for children and first-time anglers.

Ruslan may change fishing spots if the action is slow. On one outing, the group moved between several points and everyone managed to catch a fish. That detail is useful because it shows the captain is not simply dropping anchor in one place and hoping for the best.

Bottom fishing is often the more inclusive part of the day. Trolling can produce a dramatic catch, but bottom fishing gives each person a chance to hold a rod, feel a bite, and bring something up. For a family, that can matter more than landing the largest fish.

You should still keep your expectations sensible. The information provided does not promise a particular number or species of fish. What you do get is professional equipment, a captain guiding the activity, and time to try more than one method.

If some people in your group are serious anglers and others are not, this combination works well. The keen fisherman can focus on trolling, while a child or beginner can try bottom fishing with help. The boat is not built around one narrow idea of what a fishing trip must be.

The lagoon stop: a welcome break from the rods

At some point, you can stop at a lagoon for swimming or a swim with masks and goggles. The pause breaks up the four-hour outing and gives non-anglers something active to do.

This is also where the private setup pays off. You can decide as a group how long to fish and when to take a break, within the captain’s judgment and the day’s conditions. If you have small children, the lagoon stop may be the part they remember most.

Children can also catch fish from a float while the boat is stopped. That provides a gentler introduction than standing at the rail during open-water trolling. It keeps them included even if they lose interest in the main fishing session.

Bring your own bath towels. They are not listed among the included items, and wet clothes can make the ride back uncomfortable. The boat provides masks and goggles, but you should not assume that personal swim equipment or towels will be available for everyone.

Swimming is optional. You can stay on board with a drink, watch the fishing, or simply enjoy the pause. If you are uncomfortable in open water, there is no need to force yourself into the lagoon to get value from the trip.

Drinks, snacks, and a possible fresh lunch

Water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine are included. That is useful on a four-hour boat outing, when buying refreshments separately would be awkward or impossible once you are away from the port.

A fully stocked fridge was specifically appreciated during one family trip, along with snacks. The available information does not give a full snack menu, so I would treat the food as a helpful extra rather than a substitute for a full meal.

Sandwiches can be arranged in advance. You need to request them before the trip, so do not wait until boarding if your group will want something more filling. This is especially sensible for families with children, since fishing and swimming can make everyone hungry.

The possibility of eating a catch fresh on board adds something special, but it depends on catching a suitable fish and on the captain’s preparation. The bonito sashimi was a memorable touch for one family, not a guaranteed menu item.

Beer and white wine make the cruise pleasant for adults, but drink lightly if the sea is moving. Alcohol can make seasickness worse, and the boat may rock more than you expect. Soft drinks and water are the wiser choice for anyone who already feels uneasy.

How rough is the boat ride?

This is the most important practical warning. The boat can move quite a lot, and a family specifically described it as very rocking. The trip is not a good match for anyone who regularly gets seasick unless they are prepared to manage it.

Take seasickness medicine before leaving if you are prone to motion sickness. Waiting until nausea begins is often too late. Choose a light meal beforehand, keep water nearby, and tell Ruslan early if you feel unwell so he can check on you and adjust the plan when possible.

The captain’s attentive style helps. During one family outing with four children, he repeatedly asked how everyone was feeling and made an effort to keep the whole group comfortable. That kind of care can make a real difference, especially when children are new to a moving boat.

The operator lists the trip as unsuitable for people prone to seasickness and for anyone over 95 years old. This is a clear sign to take the physical demands seriously. You should also think about how comfortable each member of your group is with a moving deck, open water, and several hours away from shore.

What the $573 group price really means

The price is $573 for a private group of up to six people. If six people fill the boat, that works out to about $95.50 per person for four hours, including the captain, fishing equipment, drinks, and swimming masks and goggles.

That is a fairer value for a full group than for a couple traveling alone. Two people would still pay the full group rate, so the experience makes the most financial sense for a family or group of friends who can share the cost.

You are paying for privacy as much as for fishing. A shared fishing boat may cost less per person, but you would have less control over the pace and less space to relax between catches. Here, the non-fishing members of your group can have drinks, swim, or watch without being treated as passengers waiting for the real activity to begin.

The value also depends on how much you use the boat. If your group wants a private sea outing with more than one fishing method, a swim stop, and drinks included, the price is easier to justify. If only one person wants to fish and everyone else would rather stay on land, another activity may be a better buy.

Remember that transfers are not included. You must make your own way to Barco 33, and parking at the port costs extra. Those costs are small compared with the boat price, but they belong in your day’s budget.

Who will enjoy this four-hour cruise most?

This outing suits families and close groups who want to spend time together without everyone having the same interests. The private boat lets serious anglers fish while other people enjoy the scenery, drinks, or swimming.

It is especially well suited to families with children. The mix of trolling, bottom fishing, a lagoon stop, and float fishing gives young passengers several ways to take part. Ruslan’s attention to seasickness and his willingness to involve children add to that appeal.

Beginners should feel comfortable here. You do not need to arrive with your own rods or a detailed knowledge of fishing. The captain provides professional equipment and guides the activity, while the two fishing styles offer different levels of challenge.

Experienced anglers may enjoy the chance to troll for mahi mahi, bonito, barracuda, or seasonal sailfish. Still, the trip is only four hours, so it is not a full-day offshore fishing charter. If your main goal is to spend the entire day pursuing a trophy fish, you may want a longer specialist trip.

This is less suitable for solo visitors, couples who do not want to pay a private-group price, or anyone who feels ill on a moving boat. It is also not the right choice if you need hotel transportation or a fully planned meal without advance notice.

Small preparations that improve the day

A little planning keeps the focus on the fun:

• Bring bath towels if you plan to swim.
• Take seasickness medicine before departure if you need it.
• Arrive at Gate 3, in front of Cafe Victoria, with time to locate Barco 33.
• Request sandwiches in advance if your group wants them.
• Budget for paid port parking if you are driving.
• Wear clothing you do not mind getting wet or fish-scented, since swimming and handling a catch are possible.

The captain speaks English, and the trip is offered as a private group. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility if your Tenerife plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Santa Cruz fishing tour?

I would book this for a family or group of friends who want a flexible half-day on the water rather than a narrow fishing contest. The strongest reasons are the private boat, the choice between trolling and bottom fishing, the lagoon break, and Ruslan’s careful approach with children and seasick passengers.

Book it with realistic expectations. You may catch bonito or another exciting fish, and you might even spot whales, but neither is guaranteed. The sea can be rough, and the $573 price is best shared among six people.

If your group can fill the boat, prepare for motion, bring towels, and request sandwiches ahead of time, this offers a personal and lively way to experience the waters off Tenerife. If seasickness is a serious concern, choose a land-based activity instead.

FAQ

How long is the private fishing tour?

The boat trip lasts four hours. It leaves from Barco 33 and returns to the same location.

Where do I meet the captain?

Meet at Gate 3, in front of Cafe Victoria, at Barco 33.

How many people can join the private tour?

The price covers a private group of up to six people.

What types of fishing can I try?

You can try trolling and bottom fishing. Possible catches include barracuda, mahi mahi, bonito, and seasonal sailfish.

Are drinks and fishing equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes the captain, fishing equipment, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, masks, and goggles.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The boat can stop at a lagoon for swimming. Bring your own bath towel, and request sandwiches in advance if you want them.