Tenerife offers some of the most productive fishing waters in the Atlantic, with the ocean floor dropping to over 2,000 metres just a few nautical miles from shore. That steep underwater terrain is what makes fishing here different from most European destinations — you reach deep-water species like yellowfin tuna, blue marlin, and wahoo without spending half your day in transit. A standard 4-hour fishing tour departing from Puerto Colón gets you into open water within 15–20 minutes.
At AMAR Yacht, we operate a dedicated professional fishing fleet — Makestrike, Barco 33, No Limits One, No Limits Two, and super yacht TANOA — purpose-built for the waters off South Tenerife. Our approach is built on one principle — The Art of Loving the Ocean — which means every trip runs on professional equipment, experienced captains, and respect for the fishery. Unlike the Mediterranean, where fishing seasons are short and heavily weather-dependent, the Canary Islands' current system brings warm and cold water species past Tenerife in every month. What changes is which species are most active, not whether the fishing is worthwhile.
We offer two formats: Private Fishing Charters for groups who want the entire boat exclusively, and Shared Ticket Fishing for individual anglers and smaller groups who want to join a crew of like-minded enthusiasts without chartering a whole vessel.
We offer four distinct formats to match your ambition: Shared Ticket Fishing for individual anglers, 4-Hour Private Charters for focused coastal action, 8-Hour Private Expeditions for dedicated big game hunters, and an exclusive 6-Day VIP Fishing Tour that combines trophy fishing with luxury villa accommodation. This guide covers what you can target, how to choose the right format, and what separates a productive day on the water from a disappointing one.
How a 4-Hour Fishing Tour from Puerto Colón Actually Works
The 4-hour format is the standard for a reason. It's long enough to reach productive fishing grounds, work several techniques, and land a quality catch — without turning into an endurance test for families or first-timers.
Step 1: Board at Puerto Colón Marina
You meet the crew at the marina at 8:45 AM, with departure strictly at 9:00 AM. Morning departures are preferred because the sea is usually calmest before noon and fish are more active in cooler water temperatures. The crew briefs you on safety, explains the gear, and discusses what species you might target based on current conditions.
Step 2: Transit to Fishing Grounds (30–40 Minutes)
The boat heads south-southwest toward the deep-water shelf. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to reach the 300–1,000+ metre drop-offs where pelagic predators hunt.
Step 3: Lines In, Techniques Adjusted to Conditions
The captain reads the conditions — water temperature, current direction, bird activity, bait movement — and decides the approach. Trolling is the most common technique on a 4-hour trip: the boat moves at 5–8 knots while lines trail behind with lures or live bait. If bottom fish are active, the crew may switch to jigging or bottom fishing over reef structures. On premium vessels like the Makestrike and Tanoa, the captain uses advanced underwater radars to track temperature breaks and baitfish concentrations, adjusting the spread constantly.
Step 4: Fish, Learn, Adjust
A good captain adjusts constantly — changing speed, depth, lure colour, and position. On an AMAR charter, the crew actively teaches you: how to feel a strike, how to set the hook, when to reel, and when to let the fish run. First-timers regularly land serious fish on their first outing because the crew handles the technical work while you focus on the fight.
Step 5: Return to Marina
The boat heads back to Puerto Colón. If you've caught an edible species like tuna or dorado, you can keep it. Note: the crew does not clean, fillet, or prepare the fish on board. You take your fresh catch whole. If you want to eat it the same day, ask Ksenia (your AMAR booking manager) — she will recommend the best local restaurants near the marina that will happily cook your catch for a small fee.
What Species Can You Realistically Catch?
Tenerife is excellent for ocean fishing, but expectations must match the logistics.
- Year-round pelagics: Yellowfin tuna, barracuda, dorado (mahi mahi), amberjack, and smaller tuna species. These are realistic targets for a 4-hour trip.
- Blue Marlin reality check: You cannot reliably target Blue Marlin on a 4-hour trip. To catch a trophy marlin, the boat must travel far offshore toward the island of La Gomera, where the major temperature breaks occur. This requires an 8-hour private charter or a multi-day fishing tour.
- Realistic catch: Most groups land between 2 and 8 fish on a 4-hour trip, depending on conditions. Blank trips are rare, but this is the open ocean, not an aquarium. For a complete breakdown of every species available in these waters, including identification, peak season, and best techniques, read our Fish Species Guide for Tenerife.
Four Ways to Fish with AMAR
- Shared Ticket Fishing — Join the Crew
For solo anglers or couples who want to fish without chartering an entire boat. AMAR offers Shared Ticket fishing exclusively on our No Limits vessels. You buy a ticket, join a small group of like-minded enthusiasts, and share the cost. The crew rotates anglers so everyone gets time on the rod.
What's included:
- Professional fishing tackle,
- bait,
- captain,
- crew,
- the full fishing experience.
The same equipment and expertise as a private charter — the difference is exclusivity, not quality.
2. 4-Hour Private Charter — The Coastal Sprint
Your group gets the entire vessel exclusively. This is perfect for families, beginners, or groups who want to fish in the morning and have the afternoon free. You target tuna, dorado, and wahoo relatively close to the Tenerife coast.
3. 8-Hour Private Charter — The Big Game Expedition
This is mandatory if you want to hunt Blue Marlin or 100 kg+ Bigeye Tuna. A full day gives the captain the 30-40 minutes needed to reach the deep waters near La Gomera, set a professional trolling spread, and wait for the bite.
4. The VIP Fishing Tour (Multi-Day)
For high-net-worth groups (up to 6 guests) who want the ultimate turnkey fishing retreat. This includes 5 nights in a private villa, a personal chef, 3 full days of heavy-duty professional fishing, and extras like a helicopter tour and wine tasting.
4 Hours or Full Day — Which Format Fits Your Trip? 4-hour trip (the standard): Best for first-timers, families with children, and anyone who wants genuine deep-sea fishing without committing an entire day. You reach productive water, fish actively for roughly 3 hours, and still have time to explore the island afterward. Available as a private charter. Full-day trip (8 hours): Serious big game territory. A full day lets the captain take you to distant spots, try multiple techniques, and wait for the big fish that often bite during the late morning or early afternoon feed. If blue marlin or large yellowfin tuna is the goal, a full day significantly improves your chances. Read more about our full-day fishing charters and our Big Game Fishing guide.
What's Included — and What to Ask Before Booking Anywhere On every AMAR fishing tour — private or shared — the following is standard: professional-grade rods, reels, tackle, and lures (Penn and Shimano equipment, maintained before every trip). Bait — live and artificial — based on the captain's assessment. Safety equipment, life jackets, and first aid. Light refreshments (water, soft drinks). An experienced captain and crew who handle boat operation, tackle setup, and fish handling.
What varies by format:
- private charters offer full flexibility in route, timing, and species targeting.
- shared tickets follow the captain's optimised route for the best fishing available that day.
Before booking any operator on the island, ask five questions:
- How many passengers will be on the boat?
- What brand and condition is the equipment?
- Is the captain the boat's regular operator or a hired freelancer?
- Are drinks included or extra?
- When was the vessel last serviced?
These questions separate professional operations from the ones cutting corners — and there are plenty of the latter in Tenerife's marinas. For a detailed comparison, check our What's Included in a Sea Tour guide.
Why Tenerife — the Geology That Makes These Waters Exceptional The island sits on the edge of the mid-Atlantic ridge, where the ocean floor drops sharply from the coastline. This creates an upwelling effect — deep, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface along the underwater cliffs, attracting baitfish, which attract predators. That food chain happens close to shore, which is why you spend your time fishing, not driving to a fishing spot.
The Canary Current brings cool, oxygen-rich water down from the north, while warmer equatorial flows push up from the south. The mixing zone around Tenerife creates year-round habitat for both temperate and tropical species — dorado (warm-water) and bigeye tuna (deep, cold-water) on the same trip, same day. Sea conditions off South Tenerife are also unusually sheltered. The island's volcanic mass blocks the dominant northeast trade winds, creating a calm corridor along the southern and western coasts — from Los Cristianos through Costa Adeje to Puerto Colón. Fewer cancelled trips, calmer seas, and more comfortable fishing than most Atlantic destinations.
For month-by-month details on what to fish and when, see our Tenerife Fishing Season Calendar.
Who Is a 4-Hour Fishing Tour Really For — and When to Choose Something Else A 4-hour charter works when: You're visiting Tenerife on holiday and want real ocean fishing without dedicating an entire day. Your group includes beginners or children. You want professional equipment, an experienced crew, and actual fishing — but you also want to see the island afterward. Both private charters and shared tickets are available in the 4-hour format.
A 4-hour charter is not the right choice when: You're specifically targeting blue marlin and need maximum time on the water — book a full day on the Makestrike. You get severely seasick and haven't tested yourself on the water before — consider a shorter coastal experience first. You want a party boat with music and unlimited drinks where fishing is an afterthought — that's a different product, and we don't offer it.
AMAR does not operate overcrowded shared boats. Even our Shared Ticket Fishing keeps groups small and professional. Every trip — private or shared — runs with quality equipment, an experienced crew, and a captain who reads the water. The distinction between AMAR's shared fishing and the mass-market "fishing tours" on this island is something you feel from the moment you board.
How to Choose the Right Fishing Format If you've never fished before →
A 4-hour morning trip. Mornings are calmer, the crew teaches you hands-on, and you'll catch fish.
If you're an experienced angler targeting specific species →
Private charter on the Makestrike, full day. Tell us what you're after when booking — the captain prepares a targeted tackle.
If you're a solo traveller who wants to fish →
Shared Ticket Fishing. Join a small group of anglers, share the cost, and fish professionally. No need to charter a whole boat.
If you're booking for a family with young children (under 8) →
Private charter, 4 hours. The crew adjusts the experience for kids. See our family fishing guide.
If budget is your primary concern →
Shared Ticket Fishing is the most affordable option for genuine professional fishing. But check any operator's passenger count — AMAR keeps shared groups small. Mass-market "fishing tours" with 15+ people mean you'll spend more time watching than fishing.
If weather conditions are poor →
We reschedule. No responsible captain takes a boat out just to collect a fee. If the sea is unsafe or the fishing will be unproductive, we'll tell you directly and find a better day.
If you want to combine fishing with whale watching →
Book them on separate days. The boats, routes, and techniques are completely different. Combining them means doing neither well.
Our Fishing Fleet and Standards AMAR Yacht's fishing fleet operates from Puerto Colón with equipment that matches the ambition.
We don't pretend every boat is the same. We match your ambition to the right hull and equipment.
- Makestrike & Tanoa (The Super Yachts): These are AMAR's flagship professional fishing yachts. They are loaded with advanced underwater radars, premium heavy-duty tackle, and fighting equipment. If you are booking an 8-hour trip to hunt marlin, these are the ultimate platforms.
- No Limits One & No Limits Two (The Workhorses): Excellent, reliable offshore vessels that go out every day. While not classified as "super yachts," they are serious fishing machines with great crews. These are the only boats we use for our Shared Ticket trips, and they are fantastic for 4-hour private charters.
- Barco 33 (The Simple Option): A straightforward, no-frills boat equipped with fishing rods. Perfect for a budget-friendly, relaxed private fishing trip where you just want to get on the water and catch some fish without needing advanced big game technology.
Our captains fish these waters daily. They know where the shelf edges run south of Adeje, how the temperature breaks shift between the Canary Current and equatorial flows week by week, and where the bait concentrations form after weather changes. That accumulated local knowledge is the most important piece of equipment on the boat.
Some days are extraordinary — blue marlin on the first pass, tuna doubles on the troll. Some days the ocean is slower. We give you the best possible chance every time, with equipment and crew that match the opportunity. What we don't do: overload boats, recycle worn-out gear, or send you out with a captain who doesn't know these waters.
At AMAR, The Art of Loving the Ocean isn't a slogan — it's how we operate. Whether you're on a private charter or a shared ticket, the standard is the same: professional vessel, professional crew, professional fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fishing Tours in Tenerife Do I need fishing experience to book a tour?
No. All AMAR fishing trips — private and shared — include professional equipment and hands-on crew instruction. Beginners regularly land serious fish on their first trip because the crew handles all technical preparation.
What fishing gear is provided?
Professional-grade rods and reels (Penn, Shimano), live and artificial bait, trolling lures, jigging tackle, fighting belts, and all safety equipment. You bring sun protection and a camera — nothing else.
How much does a fishing trip cost?
Private charters vary by vessel and duration — contact AMAR for current rates. Shared Ticket Fishing offers a more affordable per-person option for individuals and small groups. All formats include professional equipment, bait, and crew. WhatsApp: +34 659 987 284.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, except for billfish (marlin), which are strictly catch-and-release. You can take your edible catch with you, but the crew does not clean the fish. Ask Ksenia for restaurant recommendations to have it cooked.
When is the best season for fishing in Tenerife?
Year-round. Peak big game season (marlin, large tuna) runs from June through October. Winter brings bigeye tuna and wahoo. There is no dead season — only shifts in which species are most active. See the monthly fishing calendar.
What is the difference between private and shared fishing?
Private gives your group exclusive access to the vessel, crew, route, and equipment. Shared puts you alongside other anglers on the same professional boat — same quality equipment and crew, shared cost. Private is better for families, specific targets, and celebrations. Shared is ideal for solo anglers, couples, and budget-conscious enthusiasts.
Is deep-sea fishing in Tenerife safe?
Licensed operators comply with Spanish maritime safety standards, including vessel inspections, crew certification, and mandatory safety equipment. South Tenerife waters are sheltered from trade winds, making conditions calmer than most Atlantic fishing destinations.
How far offshore do fishing boats go?
Most charters operate 2–10 nautical miles offshore. Tenerife's steep underwater topography puts deep water (300–1,000+ metres) within 30–40 minutes of Puerto Colón. Far less transit time than most deep-sea fishing destinations worldwide.
Are Shared Tickets available on all boats?
No. Shared Ticket Fishing is operated exclusively on our No Limits vessels to ensure a consistent, quality experience for group members.
Book Your Fishing Tour with AMAR Yacht The 4-hour tour from Puerto Colón is the starting point — all equipment included, beginners genuinely welcome, year-round availability. Whether you need a Shared Ticket on the No Limits, a 4-hour family trip on the Barco 33, or an 8-hour marlin hunt on the Tanoa, we have the right boat for your goal.
WhatsApp / Phone: +34 659 987 284
Email: amartravel@gmail.com
Tell us what you want to catch and your group size. We'll match you with the right format.