Which option for whom

  • You want to fish and nothing else. Book a charter built for deep-sea fishing, such as the GetYourGuide trip above, and read its listing for the departure port, the duration, the number of people and whether tackle and bait are included.
  • You want to see animals, not catch fish. A whale and dolphin cruise is the better fit: read Tenerife boat trips, Los Gigantes boat trip or Tenerife dolphin watching.
  • You want a sightseeing cruise rather than a fishing trip. Compare the catamaran option in Tenerife catamaran cruise.
  • You want to fish from your own boat. The board says boats are moored at five ports and that you need jetties if you bring your own. For hiring a boat it names Amarilla Golf and Marina San Miguel.

Ports and where to stay

Most of the island's marinas are in the south, according to the board. Marina Amarilla is about 10 minutes from Tenerife South airport. Marina del Sur is in Las Galletas, in Arona, and Puerto de Los Cristianos is another south-coast mooring: see Los Cristianos and Costa del Silencio. On the west coast, Puerto Deportivo Marina Los Gigantes is the port for Los Gigantes. Puerto Colón is in the Costa Adeje area: see where to stay in Costa Adeje.

Species and the rules on them

Blue marlin and tuna are the large species the board highlights. Four species are protected and may not be fished: bluefin tuna, hake, emperor fish and swordfish. Captains must declare albacore tuna, bigeye tuna and yellowfin tuna if they are caught. Fishing must follow the regulations of the Canary Islands Government's regional ministry for agriculture, livestock, fisheries and water, and fishing without the required licence is prohibited.

What the equipment looks like

The board describes specialised boats as carrying 10 m fishing lines, a fighting chair with four side rod holders, and rods rated from 30 lb to 130 lb with matching reels, including two electric reels with 2,000 m of steel wire. You do not need to bring any of this; it tells you that a boat described as specialised is set up for big-game fish.

The tournament

The Bertram Deep-Sea Fishing Tournament has been held since 2013. The board describes it as the only Spanish competition that qualifies competitors for the Offshore World Championships in Quepos, Costa Rica.

When to go

The fishing is possible all year, but the board puts the best marlin and tuna months at May to September, which are also the hottest months on the coast; see Tenerife in July and Tenerife in September. In winter, boat trips are also well placed for whale watching: see the best time to visit Tenerife.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Planning to fish from a boat that does not hold a collective licence. Without the required licence, fishing is prohibited.
  • Keeping a protected species. Bluefin tuna, hake, emperor fish and swordfish may not be fished.
  • Booking by rating alone. The GetYourGuide charter is rated 5.0 from only 4 reviews, but the price varies with date and group, so compare dates on the listing.
  • Expecting marlin in January. The board's best months are May to September.

FAQ

Can you fish in Tenerife in winter?

Yes. The board says deep-sea fishing can be done all year, though the best marlin and tuna months are May to September.

Do I need a fishing licence for a charter?

Not an individual one. Specialised charter vessels hold a collective licence covering the number of people they may carry.

Which fish can I not keep?

Bluefin tuna, hake, emperor fish and swordfish are protected. Albacore, bigeye and yellowfin tuna must be declared by the captain.

Where do fishing boats leave from?

The board names Marina San Miguel, Marina del Sur, Puerto de Los Cristianos, Puerto Colón and Puerto de Los Gigantes.

Can I rent a boat?

The board names Amarilla Golf and Marina San Miguel for boat rental.

The Tenerife Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.