⚠️ Please note: permit status changes over time. Before booking, check our updated list of legally registered boats at our website.
Puerto Colón, one of the busiest tourist marinas in southern Tenerife, has introduced stricter regulations for boat trips and watersports activities. The new measures aim to improve safety, strengthen oversight, and ensure that tourism activities in the harbour operate under clear and transparent rules.
Located in Costa Adeje, Puerto Colón is a key departure point for whale watching tours, recreational boat trips, and watersports such as jet skiing and parasailing. With the continued growth of tourism in Tenerife, managing these activities responsibly has become increasingly important.
New Permit System for Boat Trips and Watersports
Under the updated regulations, companies offering tourist boat trips or watersports activities must now obtain official permits to operate from Puerto Colón. These permits define the type of activity allowed, the vessels used, and the operational conditions that businesses must follow.
The new system is designed to ensure that all operators meet the same legal, safety, and operational standards. By introducing clearer requirements, port authorities aim to improve oversight and ensure that tourism businesses operate in a more structured and responsible way.
Supporting Responsible Marine Tourism in Tenerife
Stronger regulation at ports such as Puerto Colón also supports broader efforts to promote responsible marine tourism in Tenerife.
The waters off the south coast of the island are internationally known for whale watching, particularly in the marine area between Teno and Rasca, where resident populations of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live year-round.
While whale watching itself is already subject to specific permits and operational rules, improved management at departure points helps reinforce these protections by ensuring that only authorized operators run excursions.
A Positive Step for Tourism Management
The introduction of stricter rules at Puerto Colón demonstrates how local authorities are working to balance tourism growth with effective governance.
For visitors, these measures help ensure that excursions operate under clear safety and operational standards. For the tourism sector, they promote fair competition among businesses that comply with the rules.
As demand for ocean-based activities continues to grow in Tenerife, transparent regulation and proper permitting will play an important role in protecting both visitors and the marine environment.
Canary Green’s tips to enjoying sustainable tourism in Canary Islands
Visiting Canary Islands on holiday doesn’t give you free rein to leave your values and principles at home. We encourage travellers to seek out sustainable options and keep up with environmental practices while travelling. Our top tips for a relaxed and wholesome stay include:
- Consider green transport options. Are you able to take a ferry to the island instead of flying? While you are here is a car necessary? Investigate public transport links or choose green options such as electric cars, green-hydrogen cars or e-bikes.
- Choose destinations that value sustainability and choose green alternatives such as solar power, recycling and energy-efficient architecture. This extends to places that value workers’ rights and the impact on the local community.
- Bring your own water bottle with you and refill it instead of buying single-use plastic bottles.
- Make use of the recycling when out and about and don’t just throw your rubbish in the nearest bin.
- Take advantage of local knowledge and immerse yourself in the culture through campaigns such as #Ilovecanarias and #meatfreemondaycanarias.
- Most of all, have fun and enjoy your time in the Canary Islands.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone involved in this Canary Green project where our aim is to help promote sustainable tourism in the Canary Islands.
Do you want us to find you more sustainable choices? Please support us and donate today!
- John Beckley; Founder of Canary Green non profit
- Canary Green non profit:
- Media communication & partnerships coordination: Aurora Bus
- Marine & coastal project manager: Daphne Geißen
- AI consultant: Sebastian Betz
- Media communication & partnerships coordination: Catarina Tuerlings Pires
Sustainable Development Associate: Claudia Scharff
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