Tenerife: Catamaran Cruise with Brunch and Unlimited Drinks

Tenerife’s southern coast is at its best from the water, where cliffs, beaches, lighthouses, and open sea unfold at an easy pace. This catamaran cruise combines whale and dolphin watching with a Canarian meal, a swim stop, and drinks included in the price.

I like the relaxed format and the respectful approach to marine life, with the crew keeping their distance rather than chasing animals. I also like the practical hotel transfers from much of south Tenerife. The main drawback is that the free drinks are limited to beer, soft drinks, and water, while wine, cocktails, and champagne cost extra. If you get seasick, the time offshore may also be a concern.

Key points to know before booking

• Marine life comes with the scenery: Pilot whales, dolphins, flying fish, and turtles have all been spotted on recent outings, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• The four-hour option includes the fuller meal: Expect a turkey sandwich, suckling pig burrito, vegetable dumplings, and cheesecake.
• Unlimited does not mean every drink: Beer, soft drinks, and water are included. Wine, cocktails, and champagne are not.
• The swimming stop is at Diego Hernández Beach: Bring swimwear, but bring or arrange your own snorkel equipment because it is not included.
• A paid VIP bed changes the comfort level: Preferred seating and day beds are available as an upgrade, though standard seating still gives you access to the main cruise.
• Transfers cover many south Tenerife hotels: Pickup is offered from 32 listed locations, but you must be ready 10 minutes early.

Setting out from Marina del Sur

The trip begins with pickup from a long list of hotels and meeting points in Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, Palm-Mar, and nearby parts of south Tenerife. The coach ride to Marina del Sur takes about 45 minutes, so the experience takes longer than the advertised three or four hours once transport is added.

That transfer is useful if you are staying at one of the listed hotels. It saves you the trouble of arranging a taxi to Las Galletas, though the number of pickup points means the morning or afternoon can feel less direct. Your driver will wait only five minutes after the scheduled pickup time, so arrive at the designated point at least 10 minutes early.

Marina del Sur is the departure point for the catamaran. From here, the boat heads west along Tenerife’s southern coast. The open deck gives you a broad view of the island, with the sea breeze and volcanic shoreline doing much of the entertaining before the wildlife search begins.

A group can number around 50 people, based on one recent outing, but the catamaran does not necessarily feel packed at that size. There are indoor and outdoor areas, toilets, and room to move around. Smoking is allowed at the back of the boat, according to the information provided, which is worth knowing if you prefer a completely smoke-free setting.

Searching for whales near Punta Rasca

The first major section of the cruise heads toward Punta Rasca Lighthouse. This is the point where the crew begins looking more closely for marine life, with live commentary in English and Spanish.

The southern waters around Tenerife are known for whale and dolphin sightings, and the boat’s route provides a good chance to see animals in their natural setting. Recent outings have included pilot whales, dolphins, flying fish, and turtles. That is a strong mix, but you should treat wildlife as a possibility rather than a promise. The sea decides what appears.

The crew’s handling of the animals is an important part of the experience. The boat keeps a respectful distance instead of racing after every fin or splash. That makes the outing calmer and avoids turning the wildlife search into a noisy chase.

You may spend part of this section simply scanning the water. Bring patience. A whale may surface for only a few seconds, and flying fish can be even quicker. The commentary helps by pointing out what you are seeing and adding context about the marine life and the island.

This is also the part of the trip most likely to trouble anyone prone to seasickness. The boat goes well offshore, and the open water can move more than the sheltered harbor. If you know you are sensitive to motion, consider taking your usual precautions before departure and choose a comfortable seat where you can lie down if available.

A Canarian meal at Diego Hernández Beach

The boat continues to Diego Hernández Beach for the food and swimming stop. The cruise offers two food formats, depending on the option you book.

The three-hour version includes a snack box with a roast turkey sandwich, seasonal fruit, and cheesecake. The four-hour version provides the more substantial brunch: a roast turkey sandwich, a suckling pig burrito, vegetable dumplings, and cheesecake.

Calling the longer meal 100% Canarian may set an expectation of a traditional island feast, but the actual format is a practical boxed meal served on a boat. That is not a criticism. A sandwich, burrito, dumplings, and dessert are easier to handle at sea than a formal hot lunch, and the portions are suited to a half-day outing.

The use of local inspiration gives the meal some connection to Tenerife, especially through the suckling pig burrito and indigenous ingredients. Still, I would book this for the coastal cruise and marine life first, with brunch as a useful part of the package rather than as a stand-alone food tour.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free menus are available, but you must contact the operator no later than the day before so the right food can be prepared. Do not wait until you board.

At Diego Hernández Beach, you can swim or relax on the boat. Snorkeling is listed as part of the stop, but snorkel equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to explore below the surface. The water may be the highlight of the day for confident swimmers, especially after sitting in the sun and watching the sea for several hours.

You should also remember that the boat does not provide the same easy access as a beach day. Getting in and out of the water may require more care, and the crew will give the practical instructions for the stop. If you prefer not to swim, you can stay aboard and enjoy the views.

Unlimited drinks, with a few limits

Beer, soft drinks, and water are available without an extra charge throughout the cruise. That is useful on a sunny boat, where keeping hydrated matters, and it adds real value to the $71 price.

The word unlimited needs a close look. Wine, cocktails, and champagne are not part of the standard drinks package. Some premium options may be purchased separately, and one account mentions a small champagne bottle that was not enough for two people to have generous glasses. Bring cash as well as a payment card if you plan to buy extras, since card connections may fail once the boat is out at sea.

The drinks work best as a simple refreshment package, not as an all-inclusive bar experience. If you mainly want cold beer, water, and soft drinks, the arrangement is straightforward. If you expect cava, cocktails, or wine to flow freely, you will need to budget more.

The crew has several jobs at once: serving food and drinks, steering the boat, and explaining the sights. Service can therefore be friendly and helpful without being instant at every moment. That is normal on a small crewed vessel and a good reason to be patient during busy periods.

Coast views from Playa de las Américas to Los Cristianos

After the beach stop, the catamaran passes Playa de las Américas and Playa de Los Cristianos. These resort areas look different from the water, with their beaches, hotel-lined shore, and working harbor activity set against Tenerife’s volcanic slopes.

The boat spends around 15 minutes at each area, giving you time for photos and a change of view rather than a full shore visit. You will not be getting off to explore the resort streets, shops, or beaches. This is a coastal sightseeing cruise, so the value comes from seeing familiar places from a new angle.

The route then continues toward Palm-Mar, where there is another photo stop and a longer stretch of boat time. The changing shoreline keeps the return trip from feeling like a simple retracing of the outward route.

The sea is often the main subject here. You can watch the wake, look back toward the coast, and listen to the commentary. On a clear day, the mix of dark volcanic rock, pale beaches, and resort buildings gives you a useful sense of how south Tenerife is arranged.

Standard seating or a paid day bed

The regular ticket gives you access to the catamaran, food or snacks according to the selected duration, commentary, and included drinks. That is enough for most people, especially if you plan to move around, swim, take photos, and spend time outside.

A VIP option offers priority access and preferred seating. Paid Balinese-style day beds are also available, with one recent account describing the extra space as especially helpful during the longer cruise. Some premium arrangements include towels and an additional drink, but you should check exactly what is included when booking.

I would consider the upgrade if you are prone to seasickness, want to lie down, or place a high value on personal space. It may also suit couples looking for a quieter place to stretch out. But standard seating does not make the main experience disappear. You still get the coast, wildlife search, meal, swim stop, commentary, and drinks.

Bring sun protection, swimwear, and a towel unless your selected upgrade specifically includes one. The boat offers plenty of sun exposure, and the combination of sea breeze and warm weather can make you underestimate how quickly you burn.

Is $71 good value?

At $71 per person, this is a fair price for a three to four-hour boat experience that includes hotel transfer from selected locations, a catamaran cruise, live commentary, food, and unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water.

The transfer matters. A separate taxi to and from Las Galletas could add noticeably to the cost, particularly for a solo visitor or anyone staying farther up the coast. The meal and drinks also make the price easier to justify than a basic sightseeing cruise.

The value is weaker if you do not drink beer or soft drinks, do not care about the meal, and mainly want a short ride along the coast. You will also spend extra if you want wine, cocktails, champagne, snorkel gear, or a VIP bed.

I see this as a good middle-ground excursion. It is more relaxed than a high-speed wildlife boat, more social than a private charter, and more complete than a basic harbor trip. The strongest value comes from combining several small pleasures: sea views, wildlife watching, lunch, swimming, and transport in one booking.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it for couples, families with older children, and solo visitors who want an easy half-day at sea without planning each part separately. It also suits anyone who prefers a gentle social outing with food and drinks rather than an action-heavy water activity.

The cruise is especially appealing if you are staying near Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, or another listed pickup point. You can be collected, taken to the marina, and returned to the same general area.

I would think twice if you have serious seasickness, dislike open water, or want a quiet private sailing trip. A group of roughly 50 people can feel friendly and manageable, but it is not an intimate charter.

The food is convenient and locally inspired, though not a restaurant meal. The drinks are generous within their limits, but not a full premium bar. Keep those details in mind and the experience is easier to judge fairly.

Practical details that matter

The cruise is offered in three-hour and four-hour versions, with the longer option providing the fuller brunch. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Live commentary is provided in English and Spanish. Pickup and drop-off are available from 32 south Tenerife locations, including major hotels and several meeting points.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed beyond the supplied drinks service, and nudity is not permitted.

The crew has been praised for being friendly, organized, and careful around wildlife. That combination matters more than flashy extras on a boat trip. You want a captain who prioritizes safe handling, a crew who keeps food and drinks moving, and commentary that helps you notice what is in the water.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a well-rounded half-day on Tenerife’s southern coast, with a real chance of seeing pilot whales or dolphins, a swim at Diego Hernández Beach, and food and basic drinks included.

Choose the four-hour version if the Canarian brunch and longer time at sea appeal to you. Pay for VIP seating only if lying down, having extra space, or securing preferred access is important. If you are happy with beer, soft drinks, and water, $71 is a sensible price. If you want a premium bar or a private experience, look elsewhere or prepare for added costs.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The catamaran departs from Marina del Sur in Las Galletas, on Tenerife’s southern coast.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from selected south Tenerife hotels and meeting points. The listed locations include areas around Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, Palm-Mar, and nearby resorts.

How long does the experience last?

You can choose a three-hour or four-hour cruise. Hotel transportation is additional time, with the coach ride to Marina del Sur taking about 45 minutes.

What food is included?

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

Are vegetarian or allergy-friendly meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free menus are available if you contact the operator no later than the day before the cruise.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water are included. Cocktails, wine, and champagne are not included in the standard package.

Can I swim or snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The cruise includes a stop at Diego Hernández Beach for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkel equipment is not included, so bring your own if needed.

Is VIP seating included?

No. A VIP seat with priority access and preferred seating costs extra unless you select that option when booking.

What languages are used for the commentary?

Live commentary is available in English and Spanish.