Tenerife: Catamaran Cruise with Brunch and Unlimited Drinks

The best part of this Tenerife catamaran cruise is the mix of open-sea time, wildlife watching, and a proper stop for swimming. From Marina del Sur, you sail west past Punta Rasca Lighthouse and along the southern coast, with the crew pointing out marine life and island landmarks.

I like the friendly, attentive crew and the fact that the boat does not simply rush from one photo stop to the next. I also like the generous drinks arrangement: beer, soft drinks, and water are included throughout the cruise. The main catch is seasickness, since the route heads well offshore, and the included alcoholic drinks do not cover wine or cocktails.

Key points to know

• Wildlife watching near Punta Rasca: You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish, with sightings depending on sea conditions and luck.
• A real Canarian meal: The four-hour option includes a turkey sandwich, suckling pig burrito, vegetable dumplings, and cheesecake.
• Swimming at Diego Hernández Beach: You get about an hour for lunch, a sea swim, and snorkeling, though snorkel gear costs extra.
• Pickup from south Tenerife hotels: A coach transfer is available from many hotels and resort areas, followed by the cruise from Marina del Sur.
• Unlimited does not mean every drink: Beer, soft drinks, and water are included. Wine, cocktails, and champagne cost extra.
• Extra comfort is available: VIP seating and Balinese-style day beds can be booked separately, but a standard place still gives you the main cruise experience.

Setting Out From Marina del Sur

Your day starts with pickup from one of many south Tenerife hotels and resort stops. The coach transfer can take about 45 minutes, so this is not a quick walk-up boat trip for people staying far from Las Galletas. You need to be at the designated pickup point 10 minutes early, and drivers wait only five minutes after the scheduled time.

The boat leaves from Marina del Sur, a useful departure point for reaching the quieter southern coast. The cruise itself lasts three or four hours, depending on the option you choose. The longer version gives you the fuller brunch and more time on the water, so I would choose it if the schedule allows.

Once the catamaran leaves port, the pace changes. You have open deck space, sea air, and broad views toward Tenerife’s coast. The crew provides live commentary in English and Spanish, covering the places you pass and the marine life you may spot.

This is a social cruise rather than a private sailing trip. One recent sailing had about 50 people, which was enough for a friendly atmosphere without making the boat feel packed. The crew usually has several jobs at once, including steering, serving drinks, helping with food, and talking about the sights. That means service can take a little time when everyone wants something at once.

Punta Rasca and the Search for Whales

The boat heads toward Punta Rasca Lighthouse, one of the most useful reference points on this part of the coast. The lighthouse marks a rocky, exposed stretch of southern Tenerife, and the views become more open as the catamaran moves away from the resort areas.

This is the main wildlife-watching section, with about 45 minutes set aside for the search. Sightings reported on recent sailings include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish. The exact animals are never guaranteed, but the crew appears to keep a respectful distance instead of chasing them aggressively.

That approach matters. You get a better chance to watch natural behavior, and the experience feels less like a fast pursuit. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole time looking through a screen. Flying fish can appear suddenly, while whales and dolphins may surface only briefly.

The sea can be noticeably rougher here than near the marina. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where you can see the horizon and consider bringing your usual remedy. One particularly useful tip is to think about your seating before departure. A side day bed can let you lie down, which may help if the boat’s movement bothers you.

Canarian Brunch at Diego Hernández Beach

The main food stop is Diego Hernández Beach, where the boat pauses for about an hour. This is your chance to eat, swim, and use the sea rather than simply look at it from the deck.

The four-hour option includes a brunch with several clearly local touches:

• Sandwich with roast turkey
• Suckling pig burrito
• Vegetable dumplings
• Cheesecake

The shorter three-hour option has a simpler food box with a roast turkey sandwich, seasonal fruit, and cheesecake. That is more of a snack than a full meal, so the four-hour choice offers better value if you want lunch included.

The food is presented as a box rather than a restaurant-style meal. I would set your expectations accordingly. It is practical boat food, easy to handle on deck, and enough for an afternoon outing, but it is not a long sit-down meal. The local ingredients and suckling pig burrito add a Canarian angle, which is more interesting than a standard packaged sandwich.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free menus are available if arranged by the day before. You should contact the operator in advance rather than assume a special meal can be prepared at the dock.

After eating, you can swim in the ocean or stay on board. Snorkel equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to look below the surface, or budget for a rental if available. The stop is a strong part of the trip for anyone who prefers active time to nonstop sightseeing.

Drinks, Seating, and the Onboard Rhythm

Unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water are included. This works well on a sunny boat trip, especially when you want to keep drinking water without watching every small purchase. The setup is less generous than the phrase unlimited drinks might first suggest, since wine, cocktails, and champagne are not included.

Canarian wine is mentioned as part of the experience, but the practical rule is simple: confirm what is included in your chosen package before ordering. Reviews of the cruise make clear that cocktails and wine require payment. Champagne offerings may also be separate, and a small bottle may not provide much for two people.

Standard seating is enough for most people. There are also VIP seats with priority access and preferred seating, plus paid day beds at the sides of the catamaran. The day beds are useful if you want to stretch out, sunbathe, or rest during the longer ride. They can also be helpful if you feel queasy and prefer to lie down.

Still, I would not say the paid upgrade is essential. A standard ticket includes the sea views, commentary, food, drinks, wildlife search, and swimming stop. Choose VIP or a day bed for comfort, not because you need it to receive the main experience.

One practical detail: bring cash as well as a card. Card payment may work at the marina, but the machine can lose its connection once the boat is offshore. You do not want a small onboard purchase to become an awkward problem.

Passing Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos

After the main stop, the catamaran continues along Tenerife’s resort coast. Playa de las Américas receives about 15 minutes, followed by another 15 minutes around Playa de Los Cristianos.

These sections are brief, but they help you see the southern resorts from a different angle. From the water, the shoreline gives you a broader view of hotels, beaches, marinas, and the shape of the coast. If you are staying in one of these areas, the boat ride provides a pleasant change from seeing the resorts at street level.

Do not expect a long beach visit at either place. The itinerary treats them as passing views and short cruise sections, not as stops where you get off and explore. This is useful to know if you are hoping for extra time on land.

The Cliff of Los Cristianos is another coastal feature on the route. The boat gives you time to take photos and listen to the commentary, but the focus remains on the full sailing rather than a detailed guided visit to each landmark.

Palm-Mar and the Return to Port

The catamaran continues toward Palm-Mar, with about 45 minutes for a photo stop and more time on the water. This is a good point to take in the coastline without rushing. You can use the open deck for photographs, return to your seat, or simply enjoy the breeze after the swimming and food stop.

The return to Marina del Sur takes about 30 minutes by boat. The cruise then finishes with transport back to your original pickup area, using the same general network of south Tenerife hotels and meeting points.

The overall timing can feel longer than the advertised three or four hours if you add the coach transfer. That is not a problem if you treat this as a half-day outing, but it matters if you have another fixed booking, airport transfer, or evening plan.

Is $71 Good Value?

At $71 per person, the price is fair for a package that combines transport, a three or four-hour catamaran cruise, commentary, food, swimming time, and unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water. You are paying for a complete outing rather than just a boat ticket.

The value improves if you use the pickup service and choose the longer option with the fuller brunch. It also works well for people who would otherwise pay separately for a wildlife trip, a boat ride, lunch, and drinks.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a quiet sailing trip with wine and cocktails. Those drinks cost extra, and a VIP seat or day bed also adds to the bill. Likewise, anyone expecting a restaurant meal may find the sandwich-box format modest.

I see the strongest value for couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want several activities in one outing. The swimming stop and wildlife search break up the cruise, while the drinks make it easy to settle in for the afternoon.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

You should consider it if you want:

• A social boat trip with a medium-sized group
• A chance to see whales, dolphins, turtles, or flying fish
• Swimming time at Diego Hernández Beach
• Hotel pickup from the south Tenerife resort area
• Food and basic drinks included in one price
• Commentary in English or Spanish
• A relaxed outing rather than a fast sightseeing circuit

I would be more cautious if you suffer badly from seasickness, dislike open-water travel, or want a quiet and private boat. The catamaran goes far enough offshore for the sea to move under you, and the crew has to serve a full group.

Smoking is permitted at the back of the boat according to onboard information, and there is a toilet available. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed beyond the drinks supplied or purchased through the operator, and nudity is not permitted.

Cancellation is flexible if your plans are uncertain: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That makes the booking less risky, especially when weather or holiday plans are still shifting.

My Take: A Strong Half-Day on Tenerife’s South Coast

I would book this cruise if I wanted one easy outing that combined sea views, wildlife, food, swimming, and drinks. The crew’s friendliness and careful approach to marine life add real value, and the route gives you more than a short loop outside the harbor.

Choose the four-hour option for the best food and the fullest use of the boat. Add a day bed only if stretching out matters to you. Otherwise, keep the standard ticket, bring water-resistant sunscreen, pack cash, and plan for possible motion sickness.

This is not a luxury yacht charter or a serious snorkeling trip. It is a well-rounded, good-value afternoon on the water, with enough variety to keep the ride from feeling repetitive.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Marina del Sur in Las Galletas, Tenerife.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from select locations in south Tenerife. You must wait at the designated pickup point 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

What food is included?

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

Which drinks are unlimited?

Unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water are included. Cocktails, wine, and champagne are not included unless purchased separately or covered by a selected upgrade.

Can I swim or snorkel?

You can swim at Diego Hernández Beach. Snorkel equipment is not included, so you need to bring your own or arrange equipment separately.

Can I request a special meal?

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