Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Private Family Fishing Tour

The best part of this private fishing trip is its flexibility. You can troll for bonito, mahi mahi, barracuda, or even sailfish, then change pace with bottom fishing, a swim in a lagoon, or a cold drink on deck. Captain Ruslan also lets children take part, and one family even had a child briefly steer the boat.

I like the mix of real fishing and easy family time, plus the fact that the boat carries proper equipment, masks, goggles, water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine. A possible drawback is the motion: the boat can rock quite a bit, so seasickness medicine is wise before you leave port.

Four things to know before you book

• Bonito can become lunch: A family caught two bonito while trolling, and Captain Ruslan prepared them as sashimi on board. Another fish was taken home.
• You control the pace: Spend the four hours fishing, swimming, relaxing, or mixing all three.
• It works well for mixed groups: Keen anglers can fish while children and non-fishers enjoy drinks, snacks, or time in the water.
• Whale sightings are possible: One outing included a whale sighting, though wildlife can never be promised.
• The full boat is the best value: At $573 for up to six people, the price works out to $95.50 per person when you fill all six places.
• Prepare for open water: Bring bath towels and take seasickness medicine before departure if you are prone to motion sickness.

A private boat day from Santa Cruz

This is not a large fishing charter where you share a rail with strangers. Barco 33 takes your private group, up to six people, for four hours on the water. That small scale matters. You can ask to spend more time fishing, pause for a swim, or simply sit back with a drink without trying to fit into someone else’s plan.

The experience starts at gate number 3, in front of Cafe Victoria. You make your own way to the port, since transfers are not included. Paid parking is available there, which is useful if you have a rental car, though you should allow enough time to find the meeting point before departure.

Captain Ruslan leads the trip in English. He has a friendly, hands-on approach, checking that everyone is comfortable and helping beginners use the equipment. You do not need to arrive as an experienced angler. The boat carries the rods and fishing gear you need, and the captain can guide you through the basic techniques.

The private format is especially useful for families. A keen fisherman can keep working while someone else enjoys the drinks, and children can take part at a simpler level. On one family outing with four children, the captain checked often for seasickness, let one child briefly hold the wheel, and helped make the trip feel like a shared day rather than a specialist fishing session.

Trolling first, with the chance of a big catch

One of the main options is trolling. The boat moves while lines trail behind it, giving you a chance to catch faster open-water fish. Depending on the season and conditions, the possible catch includes barracuda, mahi mahi, bonito, and sailfish.

Fishing is never guaranteed, and the species list should be treated as a guide rather than a promise. Still, trolling gives the trip a sense of purpose from the moment you leave shore. You are not simply taking a scenic boat ride with a rod nearby. You are watching the lines, waiting for movement, and reacting when a fish takes the bait.

The equipment is provided, so you avoid the hassle of bringing rods or tackle on holiday. Captain Ruslan handles the practical side and can help you get started. That makes this a good choice if you have fished before but do not want to transport gear, and also if you are trying ocean fishing for the first time.

A successful catch can add a memorable food moment to the day. A family outing produced two bonito, which Captain Ruslan prepared as sashimi on the boat, while another fish was saved to take home. That kind of fresh catch is a special touch, but you should not book this expecting a guaranteed meal. The appeal is the process as much as the result.

Bottom fishing gives everyone a turn

If trolling is quiet, or if you want a more active style of fishing, you can switch to bottom fishing. The boat may move between several spots, giving more people a chance to catch something instead of leaving one line in the same place for the whole trip.

This is often the better choice for a family group with mixed experience. Trolling can demand patience while you wait for a larger fish. Bottom fishing offers more regular involvement, particularly for children who may lose interest if nothing happens for a long stretch.

The private setup also lets Captain Ruslan adjust the pace. You can spend time on both methods rather than committing the entire four hours to one technique. If you are bringing a serious angler, that flexibility is valuable. If you are bringing children, it can keep the day moving.

The main limit is that the catch depends on the sea, season, and conditions. The tour offers professional equipment and guidance, but no captain can control the fish. I would see the fishing as the heart of the experience, not as a guaranteed harvest.

A lagoon stop for swimming and a break

Fishing does not have to fill every minute. If you want a change of pace, the boat can anchor in a lagoon where you can swim. Masks and goggles are included, so you can look around in the water without packing your own equipment.

Bring your own bath towels. They are not listed among the included items, and you will want something dry after getting back on board. The swimming stop is optional, which helps if one person in your group wants water time while another prefers to remain on the boat.

Children can also catch fish from a float during the break. That gives younger members of the group something to do without requiring them to handle the larger fishing gear. The format sounds relaxed rather than rushed, with the day shaped around what your group wants at the time.

Keep in mind that swimming in open water is not the same as using a calm hotel pool. The boat can move noticeably, and anyone prone to seasickness should prepare before departure. If motion affects you, a swim stop may feel less appealing after a rough crossing.

Drinks, snacks, and a clean boat

The boat includes water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine. That is a useful inclusion on a four-hour outing, especially when part of your group is more interested in sitting in the sun than holding a fishing rod.

Snacks are also available on board. Sandwiches can be provided if you arrange them in advance, so do not assume a full lunch is included without making that request before the trip. For a longer family day, pre-ordering sandwiches makes sense. Otherwise, bring whatever additional food you need only if the operator allows it, and confirm ahead of time.

The boat was described as very clean, with a well-stocked fridge and snacks available. That matters more than it may sound. A cramped, untidy boat can make four hours feel long. A clean boat with cold drinks gives non-fishers a comfortable place to wait between activities.

The food element can also be part of the fun when the fishing goes well. Fresh bonito prepared on board is a memorable extra, but it remains dependent on the catch and should not be treated as a standard menu item.

What the four-hour schedule feels like

The full outing lasts four hours, starting and ending at Barco 33. The published route is simple: meet at the port, spend the time at sea, and return to the same boat location.

The first part is likely to focus on getting out and setting up the fishing equipment. You can then try trolling, move to bottom fishing, or adjust the plan with the captain. Since this is a private group, the day can respond to your energy and interests rather than following a rigid sightseeing timetable.

A lagoon stop can break up the fishing. You might swim, use the masks and goggles, or let children fish from a float. Back on board, drinks and snacks provide an easy pause before another round of fishing or the return to port.

Four hours is a sensible length for a family outing. It is long enough to try two fishing styles and include time in the water, but short enough that children or first-time boat passengers are less likely to tire completely. If you want a full-day fishing expedition, this is not that. It is a compact private experience with several activities built in.

One outing also included a whale sighting. That adds excitement, but wildlife is unpredictable. Think of it as a possible bonus, not part of the guaranteed program.

The cost and who gets good value

The group price is $573 for up to six people. If six people join, that comes to $95.50 each for four hours, including the captain, fishing equipment, drinks, and masks and goggles. For a private boat with no strangers, that is a fair price for a family or group of friends who will use the full capacity.

The value is weaker for a very small group. Two people would carry the full group cost between them, so compare the total against other boat options if you are not close to six passengers. The private nature is the main reason to choose this trip, not simply the lowest possible price.

You also save the cost and bother of renting fishing gear. Drinks are covered, and the captain provides the local know-how needed to try both trolling and bottom fishing. The ability to swim, relax, and change the plan adds value for groups where not everyone is an angler.

Transfers are not included, so factor in your own transport to the port. Paid parking is available, and the meeting point is gate number 3 in front of Cafe Victoria.

Seasickness is the serious consideration

The most important warning is motion sickness. The boat can rock, and open-water conditions may make the ride uncomfortable for anyone who is sensitive to movement. Take medicine before leaving if you know you are prone to seasickness, rather than waiting until you feel ill.

This is also not suitable for people over 95 years old. The provided information does not give a detailed accessibility assessment, so anyone with mobility or medical concerns should ask the operator directly before booking.

I would choose a calm-weather mindset and bring a towel, sun protection, and clothing that can handle spray. Only the towel is specifically required for swimming, but practical boat clothing will make the day easier. The captain speaks English, which helps when he is explaining the gear or checking how everyone is doing.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful if your schedule in Tenerife is still changing, though you should still check the available start time before booking.

Who should book the Barco 33 trip

I would recommend this for a family or friend group that wants more than a standard boat cruise. It suits beginners, experienced anglers, children, and non-fishers because the day can include fishing, swimming, snacks, and time to relax.

It is especially appealing if you can fill most or all of the six places. The price makes much more sense when shared, and the private format lets your group set the rhythm. Captain Ruslan’s friendly attention to children and first-time fishers is another reason families should consider it.

I would hesitate if you are highly prone to seasickness, dislike open-water motion, or want a guaranteed large fish. I would also compare prices carefully if only one or two people are going, since the $573 group rate is designed for a private group rather than a solo booking.

For the right group, this is a lively four-hour outing with a good balance of action and downtime. The chance to catch bonito, eat a fresh piece on board, spot a whale, and then swim in a lagoon gives the day more character than a simple fishing charter.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip meet?

Meet at gate number 3, in front of Cafe Victoria, at Barco 33 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

How long does the boat trip last?

The boat cruise lasts four hours and returns to Barco 33.

How many people can join the private group?

The private group can include up to six people.

What fishing methods can I try?

You can try trolling and bottom fishing. Possible catches include barracuda, mahi mahi, bonito, and sailfish, depending on the season.

Are drinks and fishing equipment included?

Yes. The captain, fishing equipment, water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine are included. Diving masks and diving goggles are also provided.

Can I swim during the trip?

Yes. The boat can stop in a lagoon where you can swim. Bring your own bath towel.

What should I do if I get seasick?

If you are prone to seasickness, take medicine before going out into the ocean. The trip is not suitable for people who are prone to seasickness.