REVIEW · SPAIN FISHING TRIPS

World Class Fishing Charter Trip in Tenerife

4.5 · 110 reviews 4 hours (approx.) From $114 Operated by The Original Gavin Glen Fishing Tenerife · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Tenerife’s best feature on this trip is not the boat’s finish or comfort. It is the chance to fish with Captain Gavin, a man with 25 years of experience who knows how local water, weather, and fish behavior affect the day. His 25-foot boat carries up to six people, so this feels more like a small working fishing trip than a crowded harbor outing.

I like the small group size and the serious equipment, especially the fighting chair, outriggers, downriggers, live bait tank, and wireless trolling engine. I also like that beginners can learn the basics while experienced anglers can chase a personal best. The main caution is simple: this is a modest, functional boat, not a polished yacht, and some past outings have had problems with drinks, boat condition, or the exact mooring location.

Key things to know before booking

World Class Fishing Charter Trip in Tenerife - Key things to know before booking

  • Captain Gavin leads the trip: His 25 years of fishing experience shape the techniques used for different species and conditions.
  • Only six people fit aboard: The small capacity gives you more room to handle gear and ask questions.
  • The boat is built for fishing, not luxury: It reaches 22 knots and carries serious equipment, but comfort and finish are basic.
  • Possible catches include marlin and tuna: Amberjack, barracuda, and other species are also possible, though no catch is guaranteed.
  • The trip lasts about four hours: That works well as a half-day activity, but serious anglers may prefer a longer outing.
  • Expect some practical uncertainty: The boat has had mechanical trouble, and instructions have listed the wrong pontoon in the past.

A working fishing boat from Costa Adeje

World Class Fishing Charter Trip in Tenerife - A working fishing boat from Costa Adeje

The trip begins at Av. de Colón, 4, in Costa Adeje, on Tenerife’s southwest coast. The activity returns to the same meeting point, making it easy to fit into a day beside the harbor, beach, or hotel area.

You board a 25-foot offshore sportfishing boat designed for a maximum of six people. That limit matters. Fishing lines, bait, rods, and fighting gear take up room quickly, so a small party is far more comfortable than a large shared boat. It also lets Captain Gavin spend more time helping each person with technique.

The vessel is not presented as a luxury yacht, and you should not book it expecting padded lounges, polished cabins, or a wide open deck. This is a compact, practical boat built to reach fishing grounds and work the gear. It can reach 22 knots, which helps shorten the run from the harbor when conditions allow.

One useful detail: the boat has previously been found at pontoon 3 rather than pontoon 4, despite the meeting instructions. Check the location carefully on the day and allow a few extra minutes to find the right berth.

More Fishing Charters in the world:

Captain Gavin’s hands-on approach

World Class Fishing Charter Trip in Tenerife - Captain Gavin’s hands-on approach

Captain Gavin is the central part of the experience. His 25 years of fishing give him a broad base of local experience, and he adapts the plan to the fish you hope to catch, the season, and the sea conditions.

That flexibility is useful because sportfishing is not a fixed sightseeing route. You may be working one method for tuna, another for amberjack, and something different again when conditions change. Gavin’s role is to explain what to do, set up the equipment, and show you how the sea affects the approach.

For a beginner, that guidance can make the first outing far less confusing. Fishing from an offshore boat involves more than simply holding a rod. You need to understand how the bait is presented, how the line is managed, and how to respond when a fish takes it. The trip is designed to teach those choices as you go.

Experienced anglers may appreciate the chance to discuss local methods and target specific species. The wording of the experience allows for both first-timers and anglers pursuing a personal best, but you should keep your expectations sensible. A skilled captain improves your chances. He cannot control the fish.

The equipment you will use

The equipment list is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. The boat carries a fighting chair, which gives you support when handling a powerful fish. That is especially helpful for larger species, since holding a rod for a long fight can quickly become tiring.

Outriggers help spread lines away from the boat while trolling. Downriggers allow bait or lures to reach a chosen depth. A live bait tank keeps bait ready, and the wireless trolling engine supports a controlled presentation while the boat is working an area.

These tools also make the trip more educational. You get to see how a working setup differs from casual shore fishing. Captain Gavin can explain why one line is placed higher, why another is sent deeper, and how speed or sea conditions affect the spread.

The fishing equipment has not always been described positively. One particularly unhappy account reported old, disordered gear and poor bait, while other outings describe a clean boat and effective equipment. That contrast suggests you should confirm the boat’s current condition if the quality of tackle is central to your plans.

What the four-hour outing feels like

World Class Fishing Charter Trip in Tenerife - What the four-hour outing feels like

A four-hour trip gives you a useful taste of offshore fishing without committing a full day. After leaving Costa Adeje, the boat heads toward fishing areas selected according to the target species and conditions. The precise route is not fixed, which is part of the point.

You might spend much of the time trolling, waiting for a strike, adjusting lines, and learning the equipment. You could also work a different technique if the captain believes another method fits the water better. The trip is active in preparation and observation, even during periods when fish do not bite.

The boat’s speed of 22 knots can help maximize fishing time, but the actual time spent running depends on the day’s plan. Nothing in the experience promises a specific fishing ground or a guaranteed catch. If you need a certain species, ask Captain Gavin before departure about the best season and current conditions.

The trip ends back at the starting point. That makes the schedule straightforward, though four hours can pass quickly if you enjoy the process. Serious anglers who want longer periods on the water may find a half-day outing too short.

Marlin, tuna, amberjack, and barracuda

The headline species include marlin, tuna, amberjack, and barracuda. These are attractive targets, but they should be treated as possibilities rather than promises.

Tuna and marlin are the big draws for many anglers visiting Tenerife. A strike from either can turn a quiet morning into a serious fight. Amberjack and barracuda offer different challenges and may suit different tactics. The captain chooses methods based on the fish you want, the season, and the water.

You also need to accept the basic rule of fishing: sometimes the fish do not cooperate. One outing received praise for a friendly captain who tried everything possible even though nothing was caught. That is the fair way to judge a fishing trip. A blank day is disappointing, but it is not automatically poor guiding.

At the same time, the captain should keep the day organized and make a clear effort to put you in a position to catch something. If the fishing plan feels vague or the boat does not travel far from the harbor, the value drops quickly, especially at this price.

Comfort, drinks, and the practical side

World Class Fishing Charter Trip in Tenerife - Comfort, drinks, and the practical side

At $114.89 per person, the price sits in the range many people will consider reasonable for a small-group offshore charter. You are paying for a four-hour boat trip, a captain, fishing equipment, and the chance to use gear that would be expensive to arrange independently.

The value is strongest when you care about instruction and access to proper fishing equipment. Six people sharing the boat is also a better setup than a large party where each person gets little time with the rod.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a comfortable cruise or guaranteed action. The boat is modest, and the fishing may be slow. You should also clarify what refreshments are included before setting out. Several accounts describe drinks and snacks being provided, while others report no drinks, paid refreshments, or very limited supplies. One unhappy account described an opened soft drink, canned beer, and a single bag of chips for six people.

That inconsistency is worth addressing directly. Bring water and a snack unless the operator confirms otherwise. It is a small precaution that protects you from a long, hot four-hour stretch on the water.

Physical demands are moderate. You will need to move around a small boat, handle fishing gear, and cope with normal sea movement. The activity is not described as suitable for people needing a low-effort or highly accessible outing.

How the service has performed

World Class Fishing Charter Trip in Tenerife - How the service has performed

Captain Gavin’s best qualities are his effort, personal attention, and willingness to help people catch fish. A family outing received strong praise for a clean boat, drinks, snacks, and a captain who helped a teenager feel comfortable. That matters if you are introducing someone young or inexperienced to fishing.

The response to a mechanical problem was also positive on one occasion. When Gavin’s boat had trouble, he arranged a trip with another captain at no extra cost. That shows useful customer care, though it also confirms that equipment problems can occur.

You should balance those strengths against less favorable experiences. One account described an unmotivated guide and four hours without drinking. Another described an old and untidy boat, poor bait, limited movement from the harbor, and little clear fishing action. Those complaints are serious, not minor matters of taste.

The overall rating is 4.5 from 110 reviews, which points to many successful outings, but it does not erase the uneven reports. I would book this for the captain-led fishing experience, not for luxury or faultless operations.

Who will enjoy this trip most

World Class Fishing Charter Trip in Tenerife - Who will enjoy this trip most

This outing suits you best if you want a compact, hands-on fishing experience and are happy to let the captain decide the method. It works for a beginner who wants instruction and for an experienced angler who wants to try Tenerife’s waters without arranging a private expedition from scratch.

It can also work well for a family with an older teenager, provided everyone is comfortable with a basic boat and moderate physical activity. The small group limit gives a family more room to learn together.

I would hesitate if you need a spotless, spacious vessel, dependable refreshments, or a firm promise of a particular fish. I would also think twice if a full day of serious angling is your goal. Four hours is a useful introduction, not an all-day campaign.

Book as early as practical, since the trip is booked an average of 15 days ahead. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is offered in English.

Weather and cancellation basics

Fishing depends on safe sea conditions. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached and the operator cancels.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Within 24 hours, refunds are not provided, and changes are not accepted. The cut-off uses local Tenerife time, so check the clock carefully if your plans change.

Should you book the Tenerife fishing charter?

Book it if your priority is a small boat, serious fishing gear, and direct instruction from Captain Gavin. The price is fair when you value the equipment and personal attention, and the six-person limit is a real advantage.

Go in knowing that fishing is unpredictable and the boat is functional rather than luxurious. Bring water, confirm the pontoon and refreshment arrangements, and ask about the day’s target species before leaving the harbor.

For a first fishing outing or a short chance to test Tenerife’s offshore waters, this can be a rewarding choice. For a polished cruise, guaranteed fish, or a long expedition, choose something else.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip start?

It starts at Av. de Colón, 4, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the activity end?

The trip ends back at the meeting point in Costa Adeje.

How long is the fishing experience?

The outing lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat accommodates a maximum of six people.

What fish might I catch?

Possible species include marlin, tuna, amberjack, barracuda, and other fish.

Is the trip suitable for beginners?

Yes. Captain Gavin provides instruction on techniques for different fish and sea conditions, and the trip is intended for both beginners and experienced anglers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

More like this

Spain Fishing Trips, compared.

The full Spain Fishing Trips list →
Adeje: 3.5–Hour Professional Fishing Experience
★★★★★★★★★★4.3· 107 reviews· from $94

Adeje: 3.5–Hour Professional Fishing Experience

Read our review →
Fishing Trip all included
★★★★★★★★★★4.3· 77 reviews· from $165

Fishing Trip all included

Read our review →
Fishing trip, Tenerife Sea Passion
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 68 reviews· from $96

Fishing trip, Tenerife Sea Passion

Read our review →
Fuengirola: Fishing Trip with Drinks and Gear
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 38 reviews· from $106

Fuengirola: Fishing Trip with Drinks and Gear

Read our review →
Hiking Cliffs & Old Fishing Trails around Moraira OFFICIAL GUIDE
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 38 reviews· from $165

Hiking Cliffs & Old Fishing Trails around Moraira OFFICIAL GUIDE

Read our review →
Fuengirola: Bottom Fishing Trip with Drinks & Equipment
★★★★★★★★★★4.4· 20 reviews· from $105

Fuengirola: Bottom Fishing Trip with Drinks & Equipment

Read our review →
Fuengirola: Bottom Fishing with Jigging and Squid, 2, 4 and 6 hours
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 12 reviews· from $105

Fuengirola: Bottom Fishing with Jigging and Squid, 2, 4 and 6 hours

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Where to fish next

Pick a coast, a lake, or a hole in the ice.