Renting a Boat in South Tenerife: With or Without a Licence, Where to Go and What You Need

Looking at South Tenerife from the mainland is a great holiday, but seeing it from the water is a whole different story. Among the questions travellers ask us most often when they arrive here for the first time, one stands out: "Do I need a boating licence to rent a boat?" The short answer: if you have one, you drive; if you don't, you can still go out, with a licensed skipper assigned by the supplier and at no extra cost.

How boat rental works, with or without a licence

If you hold a boating licence, the boat is yours to drive, so you choose the route and the stops. If you don't, the rental is still possible at the same price: the supplier assigns a licensed skipper who looks after the navigation while you and your group enjoy the sea. Either way, the boats are simple, stable and comfortable.

On board you will find everything you need to spend a few hours safely: cold drinks, spare life jackets, snorkelling gear for swimming stops, a Bluetooth stereo for music and a GPS navigator. The boats comfortably accommodate up to six people, making the outing perfect both for a couple looking for tranquillity and for a group of friends.

Where to go along the southern coast

Departing from the main ports in the south, such as Puerto Colón, the coast offers spectacular volcanic landscapes that change colour depending on the time of day. Sailing a few metres from the cliffs, finding a sheltered cove to stop for a swim or simply enjoying the silence of the open sea far from the crowded beach are moments that stay with you.

Unlike group excursions with fixed schedules, renting a boat gives you the freedom to decide where to stop and how much time to spend at each stop. It is an excellent way to experience the sea of Tenerife at your own pace, especially if it is your first time on the island and you want to explore the most hidden corners of the coast.

What you need and practical tips

To rent the boat, you just need a valid ID and to meet the minimum age required by local regulations. If you hold a boating licence, bring it with you; if you don't, there is nothing to do: the skipper is assigned by the supplier. We always recommend booking a few days in advance, especially in high season, perhaps aiming for morning or late afternoon slots when the light over the Atlantic is spectacular.

Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a light windproof layer: out on the open sea, the breeze makes itself felt even on the warmest days. For the rest, we take care of everything to ensure a safe and carefree outing on the water.

Want to discover the coast of Tenerife from the sea, with or without a boating licence? Message us on WhatsApp.