What Is Actually Included in a Boat Tour in Tenerife — and What Do Most Operators Quietly Leave Out?
"What's included?" is the most important question you can ask before booking a boat tour in Tenerife — and it's the question most operators answer vaguely. "Drinks included" might mean two warm beers from a cooler that hasn't seen ice since morning. "Snorkelling equipment" might mean three pairs of cracked goggles shared among twelve people. "Professional crew" might mean a captain who drives the same route regardless of conditions, dolphins, or passenger interest.
On Tenerife, where over 200 charter operators compete for tourist bookings, the gap between what's advertised and what's delivered is wider than anywhere else in the Canary Islands. At AMAR Yacht, we publish exactly what every charter includes because ambiguity benefits bad operators, not good ones. Different vessels offer different levels of service — that's honest and expected. What shouldn't happen is discovering the difference after you've left the marina.
The Non-Negotiable Baseline — Standard Inclusions These are standard across the entire crewed fleet, from our entry-level charters to flagship yachts like the Tigresa and Paladio:
- Professional Crew: A licensed captain (and often a mate/hostess on larger vessels) who manages navigation, anchoring, and service. (Exception: The Atlanca is a self-drive bareboat).
- Drinks & Alcohol: cava or wine, refreshing soft drinks, and water are included on every crewed charter. The variety and premium quality of the alcohol scale with the vessel you choose.
- Snacks & Tapas: Light bites and snacks are always included to complement your drinks. Again, the quality of the spread varies depending on the yacht class.
- Snorkelling Gear & Water Toys: Masks and snorkels are provided for swimming stops. Additionally, several of our yachts include paddleboards (SUP) for you to explore the anchorages.
- Fuel & Port Fees: The price you are quoted includes the fuel for the agreed route and the mooring fees at the departure port. No surprise fuel surcharges at the end of the day.
(Note: Following post-COVID health and safety protocols, AMAR no longer provides shared towels. Please bring your own).
Vessel-Specific Inclusions — What Changes as You Upgrade?
The ocean is the same, but the platform changes everything. Here is how inclusions scale across the AMAR fleet:
Atlanca (Bareboat — Up to 5 Guests)
The pure, self-drive ocean experience. You are the captain. No license is required. No crew, no food, and no alcohol are included — just the boat, safety equipment, and the freedom to explore.
Libby's Waterfront (Up to 7 Guests)
Fast, intimate, and crewed. Includes the standard baseline: captain, cava/wine, soft drinks, snacks, and snorkelling gear. Perfect for a 3-hour coastal sprint and sunset cruising.
Blue Jack (Sailing Yacht)
The authentic sailing experience. Includes the standard crewed baseline, but the true inclusion here is the atmosphere — wind-powered travel, the sound of the hull moving through water, and a completely relaxed pace.
Oh la la (Up to 12 Guests)
The mid-size luxury standard. Ample deck space, premium drink selections, upgraded tapas, and a crew dedicated to hosting medium-sized groups, birthdays, or celebrations. Tigresa & Paladio (VIP Private — Flagships) The ultimate luxury statement. Booking these vessels includes ultra-premium catering, top-shelf alcohol, paddleboards, and VIP service standards. For full-day charters, the experience is completely bespoke.
What to Ask Any Operator Before You Book
These five questions separate professional charters from operations cutting corners. Ask them directly — a good operator answers immediately and specifically:
- How many passengers will be on the boat? On shared/group tours, the answer matters enormously. A "boat tour" with 20 people aboard means you're standing in a crowd, not sitting on a deck. We offer both exclusive private charters and premium shared tours. Passenger numbers are kept significantly lower than on mass-market boats. Exact numbers depend on the vessel and tour format.
- What brand and condition is the equipment? Fishing tackle, snorkelling gear, safety equipment — quality varies wildly between operators. Ask what brands they use and when the equipment was last replaced. Worn-out reels lose fish. Cracked masks leak. Old life jackets don't inspire confidence.
- Is the captain the regular boat operator or a freelancer? Some operators hire freelance captains who rotate between boats and don't know specific vessels or waters. AMAR's captains operate the same vessel consistently and know South Tenerife waters from daily experience.
- Are drinks and food included, and what exactly does that mean? "Drinks included" can mean anything from unlimited cold beer to two bottles of warm water. Ask specifically: what drinks, how many, are they chilled? If food is advertised, ask what food — a platter of cold cuts is not a meal.
- What additional costs are there once on board? The honest answer should be "none" or a specific, small list (optional photos, optional premium drinks). If the operator can't answer clearly, the costs will appear on the boat when you can't refuse.
What Most Operators on the Island Leave Out — the Red Flags
Tenerife's charter market has a quality problem that affects tourists daily. These are the most common gaps between advertising and reality:
"Luxury tour" at €50 per person. At that price point, you're sharing a vessel with 15–20 other people. The boat is not luxury — it's a workhorse that runs 3–4 trips daily with minimal cleaning between groups. Drinks may be warm. Towels may be damp. The crew is managing logistics for a crowd, not providing personal service.
"All equipment included" without specification. This often means the minimum to legally operate: life jackets and a first aid kit. Snorkelling gear may be old, mismatched, or insufficient for the group size. Fishing tackle may be bargain-grade gear that can't handle the fish in these waters.
"Professional crew" without context. A captain with a valid license is the legal minimum, not a quality signal. Professional means knowing where dolphins are this week, which coves are sheltered from today's wind direction, when to adjust the route because conditions changed, and how to read whether your group wants conversation or silence.
Hidden extras on the water. Photos sold for €20–40 after being taken without asking. "Premium" drink upgrades are offered once aboard. Tips are presented as mandatory. These are not standard industry practices — they're signs of an operation that profits from pressure, not quality.
AMAR has no hidden costs. The price discussed at booking is the price you pay. Tips are appreciated but never expected or solicited.
What You Need to Bring — the Short List Because AMAR handles the logistics, your packing list is minimal:
- Towels: We do not provide towels due to health and hygiene protocols. 2. Sunscreen: Essential for the Atlantic sun (preferably reef-safe). 3. Hat / Cap: For shade while cruising. 4. Swimwear: Wear it under your clothes for easy changing. 5. Comfortable shoes. Deck shoes or sandals with grip. No heels, no flip-flops on fishing charters. Barefoot is fine on most vessels. 6. A light layer. Even in summer, the wind on the water can feel cool, especially during return trips in the late afternoon. A light jacket or long-sleeved shirt is enough. 7. Seasickness precaution. If you're prone to motion sickness or unsure, take medication 30–60 minutes before boarding. The sea off South Tenerife is sheltered and generally calm, but sensitive individuals should prepare. 8. Your phone or camera. Waterproof case recommended. The crew doesn't take your phone to snap photos — that's your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About What's Included Are alcoholic drinks included? Yes. Alcohol (such as cava, wine, or beer) and refreshing soft drinks are included on every crewed charter, along with a selection of snacks. The specific selection and premium quality vary depending on the yacht. (Note: The Atlanca bareboat does not include food or alcohol).
Is food included in the charter price?
Yes, snacks and tapas are included on all crewed yachts. For longer trips, the inclusions expand. On select yachts, charters of 5 hours or more include a full meal, such as freshly prepared traditional paella.
Is there a toilet on the boat?
All AMAR vessels have onboard toilet facilities. The Tigresa, Oh la la, and Royal Ocean have enclosed heads. Smaller vessels have basic marine toilets.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not included and never solicited. If you feel the crew delivered exceptional service, a tip is appreciated but entirely at your discretion.
Can I bring children?
Absolutely. A yacht charter is an unforgettable experience for children and creates memories that last a lifetime. They love watching whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, swimming in the open ocean, and sometimes the captain will even let them "steer" the yacht under careful supervision.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Rescheduling due to weather is always free — the captain makes the call on the morning of your charter. For personal cancellations, AMAR's policy is discussed at booking and depends on the notice period. No surprise fees.
Are there hidden costs?
No. The price confirmed at booking is the price you pay. No photo surcharges, no fuel supplements, no mandatory tips, no surprise upgrades. If an additional service is available (extended catering, decorations), it's quoted and agreed upon before the charter.
Book with AMAR Yacht — Know Exactly What You're Getting The Art of Loving the Ocean starts before you board — with clarity about what's included, honest answers to every question, and zero surprises on the water. Whether you choose the Atlanca for a simple afternoon or the Tigresa for a fully curated experience, the standard is the same: clean vessel, professional crew, cold drinks, working equipment, and a charter that was prepared for you specifically. WhatsApp / Phone: +34 659 987 284 Email: amartravel@gmail.com
Ask us anything before booking. A clear answer now is worth more than a complaint later.