REVIEW · TENERIFE
Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Private Family Fishing Tour
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Barco 33 · Bookable on GetYourGuide
One sentence says it best: Fishing off Tenerife feels like a movie. This private family fishing tour turns the usual sightseeing day into hands-on time on the water, with trolling and bottom fishing plus a lagoon break when you want a breather.
I especially love the family-friendly setup and the way the captain keeps everyone included. You also get real comfort on board—drinks, snacks, and clean gear—so the day stays fun even when the fish aren’t cooperating.
The main consideration is motion sickness. The boat can be pretty bouncy out on the ocean, and the tour isn’t a fit if you’re prone to seasickness.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Why Santa Cruz de Tenerife fishing feels different
- Starting from Barco 33: what the first hour sets up
- The fishing rhythm: trolling for the big bites
- Bottom fishing: more chances, more action for kids
- Lagoon break: swim time without leaving the story
- Drinks and snacks: why this isn’t just a working boat day
- Captain Ruslan and the human side of fishing
- Price and value: $573 for up to 6
- Seasickness, age limits, and what to pack
- Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)
- Should you book this Santa Cruz de Tenerife private fishing tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Santa Cruz de Tenerife private family fishing tour?
- How much does the tour cost?
- Is this a private tour?
- Where do we meet?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is there food included?
- Can children participate?
- Is there swimming during the tour?
- Do we need to bring anything?
- Is transport included?
Key things to know before you go

- Private group up to 6: you’re not competing for space or attention.
- Trolling + bottom fishing: more chances to catch something (and keep kids interested).
- Professional equipment: rods, tackle, and methods suited to the type of fishing that day.
- Lagoon time for a swim break: you can shift from fishing mode to water time.
- On-board drinks and snacks: water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, plus refreshments on board.
Why Santa Cruz de Tenerife fishing feels different

Santa Cruz de Tenerife sits on the edge of big Atlantic possibilities. And this tour uses that location in a practical way: you go far enough to do proper trolling and bottom fishing, then you get a calmer moment with a lagoon stop.
What makes it work for families is simple. You’re not doing a long hike or sitting through a lecture. You’re on a boat, doing short, active tasks. When kids get restless, the day naturally gives you another focus—casting, watching float action, or taking a swim break.
Also, it’s not just a fishing trip in theory. The on-board experience is planned: drinks are included, equipment is ready, and the captain guides the whole rhythm so you’re not guessing what to do next.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
Starting from Barco 33: what the first hour sets up

Meet up at Gate number 3 (in front of cafe Victoria) and you’ll head to Barco 33 as your launch point. From there, the day runs on a steady 4-hour arc, built around two main fishing styles and a downtime stop.
The best part about the setup is that the day doesn’t demand you be an expert. It’s built to work for beginners and experienced anglers. You get pro equipment, and the captain handles the tricky parts like timing and where to fish based on conditions and season.
One more small but important detail: if you plan to swim in the lagoon, bring a towel. It’s one of those “you’ll be glad you remembered” items, especially with kids.
The fishing rhythm: trolling for the big bites

Your first fishing mode is trolling, which is a great way to get the energy up early. Trolling lets you cover ground and put your bait or lure where fish are actively moving. It also keeps everyone involved because you can rotate roles—handling a rod, watching line behavior, and learning what to look for.
The payoff can be immediate. In one example, the captain Ruslan helped a family land two bonito while trolling. They even had one turned into sashimi right there, then brought another fish home. That’s the kind of outcome that makes a private tour feel worth it—not because it’s guaranteed, but because you’re set up to have a real shot.
Keep expectations realistic. The tour may target species like barracuda, mahi mahi, bonito, and even sailfish depending on the season. Some days will be heavier on certain species than others, but trolling is one of the best ways to increase your odds of a memorable catch.
Bottom fishing: more chances, more action for kids

After trolling, the day shifts into bottom fishing. This changes the feel of the trip: instead of traveling and searching, you settle in and focus on what’s happening near the seabed.
Bottom fishing is often ideal for families because it encourages patience without turning the day passive. You’ll typically move between points to improve your chances, so everyone gets time fishing rather than only watching.
In a real family outing, the captain repositioned to multiple spots and helped get catches for everyone. That matters because the goal isn’t just to land one trophy fish. It’s to keep the group engaged until the end of the day.
And for younger kids, the tour adds a clever “light activity” option during lagoon time: they can catch fish using a float. It’s a way to keep small hands busy even if they don’t handle hooks or heavy gear.
Lagoon break: swim time without leaving the story

When fishing needs a reset, the boat drops anchor in a lagoon. This is where the day becomes more than just angling.
You can swim (and with the provided masks and goggles, you can also spend time looking underwater). The point is recovery: salty ocean air, hands getting tired, and the kids needing a change of pace. A lagoon stop gives you that.
It also helps you recharge mentally. On a long day at sea, the best experiences are often the ones where you’re not always waiting for the next bite. The lagoon stop turns the tour into a full “boat day” with variety.
Don’t forget towels if you want to get in the water. It’s listed as a practical must-bring, and once you see how the lagoon break is handled, you’ll understand why.
Drinks and snacks: why this isn’t just a working boat day

A private fishing tour can be either relaxed or stressful, depending on what’s provided. This one leans relaxed.
Included drinks are water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine. That matters because you’re out for 4 hours, not 45 minutes. Having drinks on board keeps the day comfortable, especially when the sun hits and you’ve been moving around.
There’s also food support. Sandwiches can be provided if you request them ahead of time, and snacks are available on board. One family also noted that the fridge was well-stocked, which is a sign the boat experience is set up for real time at sea, not just token refreshments.
For me, this is part of the value. When you’re paying a premium for a private group tour, comfort and pacing are where you feel it.
Captain Ruslan and the human side of fishing

The captain makes a bigger difference here than you might expect. Fishing isn’t hard physics, but it is coordination: knowing where to go, how to explain what you’re doing, and how to keep everyone calm and safe.
One family specifically praised Ruslan for checking in about seasickness and adjusting so kids stayed comfortable. He also let a child briefly take the boat’s handle, which is small in logistics but big in memory. That kind of involvement is what turns a tour into a family story you’ll repeat later.
He was also described as friendly and with good English, plus the boat was clean and the supplies were ready. If you care about communication and a captain who runs a smooth show, this is the type of experience that fits.
Price and value: $573 for up to 6

At $573 per group (up to 6 people) for a 4-hour private outing, this is not a budget activity. But it can be good value depending on how you travel.
Here’s the practical math: if you’re a family of four (or a group of friends), you’re effectively sharing the cost of a private captain and a fishing-focused boat day. You’re also getting included gear, drinks, and lagoon time—so you’re not piecing together separate tours or adding lots of rentals.
If you’re only one person, it will feel expensive. But if you’re traveling with kids and want a private experience where the captain can focus on your group, the price starts to make more sense.
The biggest value driver is variety. You’re doing trolling, bottom fishing, and lagoon swim time in one package, with the boat handling all the complicated parts.
Seasickness, age limits, and what to pack
Let’s talk practical risk. If you’re prone to seasickness, don’t brush this off. The tour advises taking seasickness medicine before going out into the ocean, and it’s listed as not suitable for people who are prone to seasickness.
Also, there’s an age limit: it isn’t suitable for people over 95 years.
What to bring:
- Bath towels if you plan to swim in the lagoon
- Any seasickness medication you typically use
- Sunscreen and sunglasses, since you’ll be outside for 4 hours
And a heads-up on logistics: there is paid parking at the port, which matters if you’re driving to meet up.
Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)
This fits best if you want a private Santa Cruz de Tenerife experience that’s active, family-friendly, and built around hands-on fishing rather than passive sightseeing.
You’ll likely enjoy it if:
- you’re traveling with kids or a mixed-experience group
- you want a guided day with professional equipment
- you’re okay with some boat movement and time outdoors
- you want both fishing and a lagoon swim break
You should skip it if:
- you’re very prone to seasickness and don’t have a plan for it
- you’re traveling with someone over the listed age limit
Should you book this Santa Cruz de Tenerife private fishing tour?
If your dream day is a boat outing with real fishing attempts, included refreshments, and a lagoon break, then yes, this is an easy one to consider. The private format is a big part of the appeal: you get attention, you get a smoother experience for kids, and you can tailor the day to the group’s energy level.
I’d book it if you’re comfortable taking motion seriously and you want an experience that feels personal rather than crowded. Between trolling, bottom fishing, and the lagoon swim time, you’re paying for variety plus the convenience of having everything handled aboard.
If you want, tell me your travel month and group size (and whether anyone gets seasick). I can help you think through whether trolling-first or bottom-fishing-first days are likely to match your goals, and what to prioritize for maximum fun.
FAQ
How long is the Santa Cruz de Tenerife private family fishing tour?
It’s a 4-hour tour.
How much does the tour cost?
The price is $573 per group, up to 6 people.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s a private group experience.
Where do we meet?
The meeting point is Gate number 3, in front of cafe Victoria, at the port area for Barco 33.
What’s included in the price?
Included are the captain, fishing equipment, drinks (water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine), and masks and goggles.
Is there food included?
Drinks are included. Sandwiches can be provided if you request them in advance.
Can children participate?
Yes. Children can catch fish on a float during the lagoon stop.
Is there swimming during the tour?
Yes. The boat stops in a lagoon where you can swim (and use the provided masks and goggles if you want to go underwater).
Do we need to bring anything?
If you plan to swim, bring bath towels. If you get seasick easily, take seasickness medicine before heading out.
Is transport included?
No, transfer is not included.







