Fishing trip, Tenerife Sea Passion

Tenerife’s traditional fishing harbour at Playa San Juan gives this trip a more local start than the island’s larger marinas. You fish along the coast, try bottom fishing or jigging, and may move into deep water using electric reels and lines set at several depths. The small boat group keeps the outing personal.

I like the maximum of 11 people, which makes it easier to get help with the gear. I also like the choice of fishing styles, from light tackle close to shore to deep-sea fishing at 200 to 600 metres. That variety gives the captain room to adapt to the day.

The main caution is simple: fish do not follow a timetable. Weather can force a postponement, and catches are never guaranteed. A few booking and departure changes have also caused frustration, so check your final port and start time carefully before setting out.

Key points to know before you book

• Traditional departure point: The boat leaves from Puerto de Playa San Juan, one of Tenerife’s last traditional fishing harbours.
• Small group size: The maximum is 11 people, with a close, familiar feel onboard.
• Three fishing approaches: Try bottom fishing, jigging with artificial bait, or deep-sea fishing with electric reels.
• Four-hour schedule: The 10:00 am start and half-day length fit neatly into a wider Tenerife holiday.
• Equipment and drinks included: You do not need to arrange fishing gear separately.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, but communication about changes has been uneven.

Starting at Playa San Juan’s old fishing harbour

The setting is one of the best reasons to choose this trip. Puerto de Playa San Juan is not presented as a large tourist marina. It is a working fishing harbour, and that gives the morning a more genuine Tenerife feel before you even leave land.

You meet at Sea Passion Charter & Fishing, at Puerto Pesquero de Playa San Juan, 38687 Playa San Juan. The listed start time is 10:00 am, and the boat returns to the same point after about four hours.

That return to the same harbour makes planning easy. You can leave your car or arrange transport with a clear destination, then continue with your day after lunch. The meeting point is near public transportation, though the supplied information does not specify routes or schedules, so check those details for your date.

One practical point deserves attention. A previous trip had to use a nearby port, with the departure moved earlier, and the passengers had trouble locating the boat. On another occasion, poor weather led to repeated postponements. These are not reasons to dismiss the trip, but they are reasons to check your email and booking messages shortly before departure.

If the port changes, confirm the exact location, departure time, boat name and contact number. At the harbour, ask for Raoul if that is the contact name on your final instructions. Bring your booking confirmation with you, especially if there is any confusion about payment or the meeting point.

What four hours on the water includes

This is a half-day fishing outing rather than a full-day expedition. That is a useful balance for most people. You get enough time to try several methods, but you do not give up an entire day of sightseeing, beach time or a visit to another part of Tenerife.

The boat remains offshore for the main part of the trip, with the captain choosing fishing spots along the coast or heading into deeper water. The captain’s long experience around the Canary Islands is important here. Fishing grounds and sea conditions can change, so a fixed plan would make less sense than adjusting the route.

The group limit of 11 is another practical advantage. A larger boat with many people can mean limited room at the rail and slower help when a line tangles. Here, the smaller number should make it easier for you to get attention, especially if you are new to fishing.

The available information does not promise a particular species or a guaranteed catch. That matters. You might catch tuna, barracuda or smaller deep-water fish, but you may also spend much of the trip waiting. One outing produced tuna or barracuda and several fish from deep water, while another caught nothing. That is normal for real fishing, but you should book this as time on the sea with a chance of fish, not as a guaranteed haul.

Choosing between bottom fishing and jigging

Bottom fishing takes place at different spots along the coast while the boat is held steady. The tackle is light, which makes this a good starting point if you have little fishing experience or prefer a more active, hands-on method.

The crew can also use jigging, a method that relies on artificial bait. Jigging gives you something to do between bites and can feel more engaging than simply waiting with a stationary line. It still depends on conditions, the fish in the area and the captain’s choice of spot.

This part of the trip may suit mixed groups particularly well. An experienced angler can work on technique, while a beginner can learn the basics without needing to bring specialized equipment. The supplied information says the fishing equipment is included, and one detailed account praised the condition of the gear.

Do not expect a quiet sightseeing cruise with fishing as a minor extra. The central purpose is to fish, and the rhythm may include waiting, checking bait, moving to another location and trying again. The views of Tenerife’s coast are an added benefit rather than the main program.

Moving out to 200 to 600 metres

The deep-sea option is the most distinctive part of the trip. The boat can fish at depths between 200 and 600 metres, using an electric reel and the equipment provided onboard. The boat may also travel at about 8 knots with several lines set at different depths.

That method gives you access to water well beyond ordinary shore fishing. It also changes the feel of the outing. You are not just casting near the harbour or working a single shallow spot. You are fishing a large vertical range, with several lines giving the captain more chances to locate fish.

Electric reels are especially useful at these depths. Bringing a heavy line up from several hundred metres would be demanding, even for a strong angler. Here, the supplied equipment makes the method available to more people, including those who want to try deep-water fishing without buying specialist gear.

The tradeoff is that deep-sea fishing can involve long periods of waiting and a boat ride away from the coast. If you are prone to seasickness, consider that before booking, although the supplied information does not state what motion-sickness measures are available. The trip requires good weather, and the captain may change plans when conditions are not suitable.

A small boat group changes the experience

The maximum group size is 11. That number is large enough to create a social outing but small enough to avoid the feel of a crowded fishing party. You should have a better chance of speaking with the captain and getting help when you need it.

The captain is described as experienced in the local fishing area and familiar with the Canarian coast. That local knowledge has real value because the captain decides where to fish, how deep to work and when to change methods. It also gives you a chance to hear about the sea and fishing culture around Tenerife rather than simply following a preset route.

The atmosphere can be friendly and informal. One account described a pleasant captain and a comfortable boat, while another praised the equipment and the cool drinks available onboard. Drinks are included, but snacks are not promised. Bring something to eat if you need food during the four-hour outing.

The boat’s size and layout are not described in detail, so you should not assume there is a large cabin, spacious seating area or extensive shade. This is a fishing charter, not a luxury yacht cruise. Wear practical clothing that can handle sea spray and bait, and use sun protection.

What the price means at $96.54

At $96.54 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Tenerife. The value depends on how much you want the fishing itself. You are paying for a small group, a four-hour boat trip, fishing gear, drinks and access to several fishing methods.

The cost makes more sense for someone who would otherwise need to hire equipment, arrange a boat independently and find a captain familiar with local waters. The maximum of 11 also matters. A lower price on a much larger boat may give you less personal space and less help with the tackle.

For a family or mixed-ability group, the included equipment removes one layer of planning. For a serious angler, the attraction is the chance to try deep-water fishing with an electric reel rather than simply taking a scenic cruise.

There are limits to the value. Fish are not guaranteed, snacks are not included, and one detailed account described a disagreement over an additional charge at the port. The operator later said the passenger should have shown the platform purchase ticket and described the extra request as a mistake. To avoid confusion, keep your confirmation handy and clarify any extra charge before paying.

Weather and schedule changes need attention

This experience depends heavily on sea conditions. If poor weather makes the trip unsafe, you are offered a different date or a full refund. That is the correct policy for a boat trip, but a postponement can still disrupt your holiday plans.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and cancellations inside that window are not refunded unless the operator cancels because of weather.

The weak point is communication when plans change. At least one departure was postponed several times, while another was moved to a different port and an earlier hour. The passengers eventually found the boat, but only after making extra calls and asking another captain for help.

I would not book this on the same morning as a flight, ferry or fixed-time excursion. Leave room in your schedule. Check messages the evening before and again on the morning of the trip, especially if the forecast is unsettled.

Who will enjoy this most

This outing is a good match for you if you want:

• A small-group fishing trip rather than a large party boat
• A chance to try several fishing methods in one morning
• Deep-water fishing without bringing your own electric reel
• A local harbour setting and views from the coast
• A half-day activity that leaves the afternoon free
• A fishing experience suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers

It is less suitable if you need a guaranteed catch, strict departure arrangements or a polished luxury cruise. It may also disappoint you if you mainly want a sightseeing boat ride, since the focus is fishing and the amount of scenery time depends on the day’s fishing plan.

The trip is also a reasonable choice for a serious recreational angler who wants to test local waters. The information does not promise large game fish, and you should not book it expecting a trophy catch. Still, the mix of light tackle, jigging and deep-water equipment gives you more variety than a basic coastal fishing trip.

My take on the overall value

The strongest parts are the small group, the traditional departure harbour and the range of fishing methods. The captain’s local experience and the included equipment add practical value, especially if you are new to fishing in Tenerife or do not want to transport gear.

The biggest risks are outside your control. The fish may not bite. The sea may force a cancellation. A port or departure time may change. Those risks are part of the activity, but clear communication is essential, and the past confusion means you should take a few minutes to confirm the final details yourself.

The public rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 68 ratings, with 91 percent recommending the experience. That points to a strong overall record, while the low scores highlight real concerns about postponements, unclear meeting arrangements, food expectations and an extra payment request.

Should you book Sea Passion Charter & Fishing?

Book it if you want a four-hour working fishing trip with a small group, included gear and a real chance to try deep-water fishing off Tenerife. I especially like it for people who value local harbor character and prefer an intimate boat over a crowded excursion.

Skip it if you need certainty. Fish may not appear, weather may change the plan, and past communication about ports and times has not always been smooth. Confirm the final details, carry your booking proof and keep your schedule flexible. With those precautions, the trip offers a fair chance to spend a memorable morning on the Canarian sea.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip start?

It starts at Sea Passion Charter & Fishing, Puerto Pesquero de Playa San Juan, 38687 Playa San Juan, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What time does the trip begin?

The listed start time is 10:00 am.

How long does the fishing trip last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours and ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join?

The maximum group size is 11 people.

What types of fishing are available?

The trip can include bottom fishing, jigging with artificial bait and deep-sea fishing at depths of approximately 200 to 600 metres.

Are fishing equipment and drinks included?

Yes. The deep-sea fishing option includes the equipment and drinks onboard. Snacks are not included in the supplied information.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.