Tenerife: Catamaran Cruise with Brunch and Unlimited Drinks

A catamaran gives you a different view of Tenerife: from the water, the south coast’s beaches and cliffs unfold alongside a chance to spot pilot whales, dolphins, or flying fish. I like that this outing pairs the coastal ride with a Canarian-style meal and time for a swim, rather than making the boat trip just a sightseeing loop.

I also like the practical touches: pickup is available at select south Tenerife locations, and the crew provides live commentary in English or Spanish. Unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water are included, which helps make the $71 price easier to weigh against the cost of arranging transport and food separately.

One consideration: the boat heads out to sea, and the ride can be uncomfortable if you get seasick. Wine and cocktails cost extra, as do VIP seats, and snorkel equipment is not included.

At a glance: five things to know

• Wildlife is a possibility, not a promise. The route includes a 45-minute stretch near Punta Rasca for whale and dolphin watching.
• The swim stop is near Diego Hernández Beach. You’ll have about an hour there for lunch, swimming, or snorkeling.
• Food changes with the cruise length. The 3-hour option includes a sandwich, fruit, and cheesecake; the 4-hour option adds a suckling pig burrito and vegetable dumplings.
• Unlimited means beer, soft drinks, and water. Wine, cocktails, and champagne are not included.
• A VIP day bed is optional. You can book one for preferred seating, but the regular spots are still part of the cruise.

From south Tenerife to Marina del Sur

The outing starts with pickup at one of a number of designated spots in south Tenerife, including hotels and meeting points around Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, and Palm-Mar. Check your selected pickup point carefully. You’re asked to be there 10 minutes before the scheduled time, and the driver waits no longer than five minutes after it.

The coach ride to Marina del Sur takes about 45 minutes. That transfer is useful if you’re staying in the south and would rather not arrange your own transport to the marina. It also adds time to the day, so remember that the advertised 3- to 4-hour duration refers to the activity, not necessarily the entire outing from hotel pickup to drop-off.

At Marina del Sur, you board the catamaran and head west. The first stretch of the boat ride is listed as about 30 minutes. Find a spot, get comfortable, and take in the open-water views before the wildlife-watching portion begins.

Punta Rasca: keep watch for whales and dolphins

The cruise passes Punta Rasca Lighthouse, a useful coastal landmark and a focal point for looking out to sea. The itinerary allows about 45 minutes for whale and dolphin watching in this area. The crew provides live commentary about the islands and marine life as you go.

Wildlife sightings are never something you can count on, so treat them as a welcome possibility rather than the whole reason to book. The crew has been described as keeping a respectful distance from the animals instead of chasing them. That matters: seeing a whale or dolphin is more rewarding when the boat lets it carry on undisturbed.

Pilot whales and dolphins have been spotted on this cruise, along with flying fish and, on some outings, turtles. Bring your patience and keep your eyes on the water. If you see marine life, enjoy the moment; if the sea stays quiet, the coastline and the boat ride still make up the core of the trip.

One practical point: the route goes well out to sea, and the movement can be rough for anyone prone to seasickness. If that sounds like you, consider whether a long open-water trip is a good fit. A day bed may offer a place to lie down, but it is an optional paid upgrade, not a guaranteed part of the standard ticket.

Diego Hernández Beach: lunch and a swim

The main stop is near Diego Hernández Beach, where the boat pauses for about an hour. You can eat, swim, or snorkel, or simply stay aboard and rest. It’s the most hands-on part of the outing, and a chance to cool off after time in the sun.

Food depends on which duration you book. The 3-hour option includes a sandwich with roast turkey, seasonal fruit, and cheesecake. The 4-hour option includes a roast turkey sandwich, a suckling pig burrito, vegetable dumplings, and cheesecake. The meal is presented as inspired by local ingredients; it’s a convenient onboard lunch, not a restaurant-style tasting menu.

If you have dietary needs, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free menus are available by request. Contact the operator by the day before at the latest so the meal can be prepared. Don’t assume a special meal will be ready if you wait until boarding to ask.

You can swim or snorkel at the stop, but snorkel equipment is not included. Bring your own if you want to use it. A towel may also be useful, especially if you plan to swim; towels are mentioned as part of some VIP arrangements, not as a standard inclusion.

Along the coast: beaches, towns, and a Palm-Mar photo stop

After the beach stop, the catamaran continues along the coast, passing Playa de las Américas and Playa de Los Cristianos. Each section is listed as about 15 minutes. From the water, you get a quick view of these familiar resort areas without turning the trip into a long land-based sightseeing stop.

The route then includes Palm-Mar, with about 45 minutes set aside for a photo stop and boat cruise. The exact balance between stopping and moving along the coast can depend on how the outing runs, so think of this as a scenic stretch rather than a detailed visit to the town.

The cruise also passes the Cliff of Los Cristianos and returns to Marina del Sur, with the return boat segment listed at about 30 minutes. Taken together, the route gives you a useful look at Tenerife’s southern shoreline, from Punta Rasca to the resort towns and Palm-Mar. You’ll spend much of the outing on the water, so this works best if you enjoy sea views as much as swimming and wildlife spotting.

What the $71 price includes

At $71 per person, the main value is the combination of boat transport, live commentary, food, drinks, and pickup and drop-off at select south Tenerife locations. If you plan to swim, have lunch aboard, and enjoy a few included drinks, the package can make sense compared with arranging those pieces separately.

The included drinks are beer, soft drinks, and water. Wine, cocktails, and champagne are extra, despite the broader idea of Canarian wine appearing in the experience description. Budget for paid drinks if those matter to you. Bring cash as a backup, too: a card machine may not get a connection once the boat is at sea.

VIP seating is another extra. A day bed offers a more comfortable place to stretch out, and some VIP arrangements include perks such as towels and a cocktail. The upgrade is not essential; regular seating still lets you take the cruise, eat, swim, and enjoy the views. If lying down would help you manage seasickness or if you especially value a place to lounge, the extra cost may be worthwhile.

The outing has been described with around 50 people aboard on one trip, without feeling crowded. That gives you a rough sense of scale, not a guaranteed group size. The crew handles sailing, commentary, and service, so be patient if several people need help at once.

Choose the right duration and prepare for the sea

The 3-hour and 4-hour options differ in both time and food. Choose the shorter option if you want a boat ride, a swim opportunity, and a lighter lunch. The longer option adds the fuller brunch menu, including a burrito and vegetable dumplings, and gives you more time for the outing.

Both options involve time at sea, so consider your comfort on a moving boat before booking. Bring sun protection and anything you’ll want for a swim. The cruise does not include snorkel equipment, and the included drinks do not cover wine or cocktails.

Pickup is offered at select locations in the south, not everywhere on Tenerife. The list includes hotels and meeting points in areas such as Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, and Los Cristianos. Confirm the pickup and drop-off point when you book, and be ready early.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the booking offers a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those policies are useful if your plans are still taking shape, but they don’t change the main decision: do you want several hours on a catamaran, with a chance to swim and spot marine life?

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

This is a good fit if you want an easy half-day on the water, especially if you’re staying in south Tenerife and value pickup, food, and drinks in one booking. It suits couples, friends, and families who are happy to share a boat and enjoy a relaxed mix of coastal views, wildlife watching, and a swim stop.

It may be less appealing if you get seasick, want a quiet private outing, or expect a full meal and every drink to be included. It’s also not the right choice if you need snorkel gear supplied or want guaranteed whale sightings.

I’d book it for the combination of coast, swimming, and a meal without having to plan the transport separately. Choose the longer option if the fuller brunch matters to you, and consider a VIP day bed only if extra room to lie down is worth the added cost.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The cruise departs from Marina del Sur. Pickup and drop-off are available at select locations in south Tenerife.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts 3 to 4 hours, depending on the option you choose. The coach transfer to Marina del Sur takes about 45 minutes.

What food is included?

The 3-hour option includes a roast turkey sandwich, seasonal fruit, and cheesecake. The 4-hour option includes a roast turkey sandwich, a suckling pig burrito, vegetable dumplings, and cheesecake.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water are included. Wine, cocktails, and champagne are not included.

Can I swim or snorkel?

There is about an hour near Diego Hernández Beach for lunch, swimming, and snorkeling. Snorkel equipment is not included.

Are dietary menus available?

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free menus are available if you contact the operator by the day before the cruise.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.