Tenerife: Catamaran Cruise with Brunch and Unlimited Drinks

Tenerife’s south coast is best seen from the water, and this catamaran trip gives you several good reasons to leave the resort pool. You’ll look for pilot whales and dolphins near Punta Rasca, stop for a swim by Diego Hernández Beach, and pass the cliffs and beaches around Los Cristianos and Palm-Mar. The boat carries about 50 people on a typical outing, enough for a social feel without feeling packed.

I like the Canarian brunch, which goes beyond the usual boat-trip sandwich with roast turkey, a suckling pig burrito, vegetable dumplings, and cheesecake on the four-hour option. I also like the simple drinks deal: beer, soft drinks, and water keep flowing without a running tab. The catch is that wine, cocktails, champagne, and snorkel gear cost extra, and the open sea can be rough if you suffer from seasickness.

Key things to know before you book

• Marine life is a real possibility: The route passes Punta Rasca, where you may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or flying fish.
• The longer option has the better meal: The four-hour trip includes roast turkey, a suckling pig burrito, vegetable dumplings, and cheesecake.
• Swimming is built into the day: You can get into the sea near Diego Hernández Beach, though snorkel equipment is not included.
• Unlimited does not mean every drink: Beer, soft drinks, and water are included. Wine, cocktails, and champagne are extra.
• A paid day bed can change the comfort level: VIP or preferred seating may include better placement, towels, and other extras, depending on the option selected.
• Transfers save hassle: Pickup and return are available from many hotels and meeting points in Tenerife’s south.

A relaxed boat day from Marina del Sur

The experience begins with pickup from selected hotels and meeting points around Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, and nearby resorts. The coach ride to Marina del Sur takes about 45 minutes, so the total time away from your hotel is longer than the advertised three or four hours on the boat.

You need to be at your pickup point 10 minutes early. Drivers wait no more than five minutes after the scheduled time, so this is not the morning to wander down from breakfast at the last moment. The long list of pickup points is useful, but check your exact location carefully when booking.

At Marina del Sur, you board the catamaran and head west along Tenerife’s southern coast. The boat gives you open views, a sea breeze, and room to move between shaded and sunny areas. The crew provides live commentary in English and Spanish, covering the coast, passing sights, and marine life.

This is not a silent sailing trip. The crew is working while they serve food and drinks, steer the boat, and point out animals, so the pace can feel active rather than polished and formal. That is part of the appeal. The outing has a friendly, easygoing feel, with a crew that keeps the day moving.

Punta Rasca is the main wildlife window

After roughly 30 minutes on the water, the route reaches Punta Rasca Lighthouse. This is the main section for watching whales and dolphins, and the boat may also pass areas where turtles and flying fish are visible.

Pilot whales are a frequent highlight on this stretch of Tenerife’s coast, but marine wildlife is never guaranteed. You are looking at open water, not visiting an aquarium, so sightings depend on the animals and the conditions that day. Keep your phone ready, but do not spend the whole time staring at its screen.

A good detail here is the crew’s approach to wildlife. The boat keeps a respectful distance instead of chasing animals aggressively. That makes the experience better for the animals and gives you a calmer chance to watch them. It also means the boat may not always position itself exactly where you expect.

If you are prone to seasickness, pay attention during this part. The catamaran goes well out from the coast, and one passenger had a particularly uncomfortable time on the open sea. Sit where you feel most stable, look toward the horizon, and consider choosing a place where you can lie down if that option is available.

Canarian brunch near Diego Hernández Beach

The cruise then heads toward Diego Hernández Beach, where the boat pauses for lunch, swimming, and snorkeling. The four-hour brunch includes a roast turkey sandwich, a suckling pig burrito, vegetable dumplings, and cheesecake. It is a filling, casual meal rather than restaurant dining, but it gives the menu a clear Canarian touch.

The three-hour option has a smaller meal: a roast turkey sandwich, seasonal fruit, and cheesecake. Check which duration and food package you are selecting, since the difference matters if lunch is a major reason for booking.

You can eat on board while looking out at the coast, then rest or get into the water. Swimming is one of the strongest parts of this trip. The sea gives you a chance to cool off after sitting in the sun, and the stop breaks up the wildlife watching and coastal sightseeing.

Snorkel equipment is not included, so bring your own only if the operator allows it, or be prepared to swim without gear. The supplied information confirms swimming and snorkeling as activities, but it does not promise equipment rental on board.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free meals are available if arranged no later than the day before. Do not wait until boarding to mention a dietary need. The meal is part of the experience, so advance notice is important.

Unlimited drinks, with a few boundaries

Beer, soft drinks, and water are included without a stated limit. That is useful on a sunny boat trip, especially after swimming, and it makes the $71 price easier to judge. You are not forced to buy each drink separately as the afternoon goes on.

The drinks policy is narrower than the phrase unlimited drinks might suggest. Wine, cocktails, and champagne are not included. If you want a cocktail or sparkling wine, budget for it separately. One special package may include a cocktail, but that depends on the option you choose.

Bring some cash as a backup. Card payment may be possible, but the payment machine can lose its connection once the boat is offshore. This is a small practical point, yet it can save an awkward moment if you want to buy an extra drink and the signal disappears.

Alcohol and drugs are not permitted in the general activity rules, so follow the crew’s instructions about what can be brought on board. Nudity is also not allowed.

The coast from Playa de las Américas to Palm-Mar

After the beach stop, the catamaran passes Playa de las Américas and Playa de Los Cristianos. These popular resort areas look different from the sea. You see the shape of the shoreline, beaches, harbor areas, and the built-up resorts from a wider angle.

The route also includes Palm-Mar, where there is a photo stop and a longer stretch of coastal cruising. This is a good time to take pictures without the pressure of a formal sightseeing stop. The route passes Punta Rasca Lighthouse, Diego Hernández Beach, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, and Palm-Mar before returning to Marina del Sur.

Do not expect every stop to work like a shore excursion. Some are passing views from the catamaran rather than places where you get off and explore. The value lies in the changing views and the relaxed rhythm of the day, not in collecting long visits at each location.

The boat returns to Marina del Sur in the afternoon, followed by drop-off at the selected hotel or meeting point. Return locations cover the same broad resort area as the morning pickups.

What the seating options really mean

Standard seating is enough for most people. You still get the boat ride, commentary, food package, drinks, wildlife search, and swimming stop. Several people found that the regular experience did not feel crowded, even with around 50 people on board.

A VIP seat, preferred seat, or Balinese-style day bed costs extra unless it is already part of your booking. The benefit is comfort and a better place to stretch out, not a completely different cruise. Some upgraded options may include towels, a cocktail, or preferred access, but check the exact package because the inclusions vary.

A day bed makes the most sense if you want to lie down, if you are sensitive to motion, or if you plan to spend much of the cruise relaxing rather than moving around. It is less important if you expect to stand, swim, take pictures, and sit in different places.

The crew has been praised for being friendly and helpful, but there are only about four staff members handling service, commentary, and navigation. Be patient when they are busy. This is a working boat, not a private yacht with a personal attendant for every passenger.

Is $71 a fair price?

At $71 per person, this is a reasonable half-day boat outing if you use the included features. The price covers transport from many south Tenerife hotels, the catamaran, live commentary, a meal, and unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water. Add the wildlife search and swimming stop, and the package offers more than a simple coastal cruise.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and groups who would otherwise pay separately for transport, lunch, drinks, and a boat ride. It is also handy if you are staying inland from Marina del Sur and do not want to arrange a taxi.

The price looks less attractive if you do not drink beer or soft drinks, do not want to swim, and mainly want a quiet sightseeing cruise. In that case, a shorter or simpler boat trip might suit you better. Also remember that cocktails, wine, champagne, snorkel equipment, and preferred seating are extra.

The four-hour version is likely the better buy if the Canarian meal and swimming time matter to you. The three-hour option works well if you want a shorter outing or are concerned about spending too long at sea.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most?

I would choose this for anyone who wants several Tenerife experiences in one outing: open-water views, a chance to see whales and dolphins, a casual local-style meal, swimming, and hotel transfer.

It suits you especially well if you:

• Want a social boat trip rather than a private charter
• Enjoy sitting in the sun and sea air
• Like having food and drinks included
• Are happy with a wildlife search where sightings are possible, not guaranteed
• Want to swim but do not need a full snorkeling excursion
• Prefer an organized pickup from a south Tenerife hotel

I would think twice if you get badly seasick, dislike group activities, or expect luxury food and table service. The catamaran is comfortable, but it can be lively, exposed, and busy with a small crew serving many people.

Book a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-free meal by the day before. Bring sun protection, a swimsuit, and a towel unless your selected upgraded package confirms that one is included. Keep your camera handy for the wildlife section, but make room for simply watching the sea.

Final call: a good-value afternoon on Tenerife’s coast

I would book this catamaran if you want a well-organized outing with a friendly crew, a real chance of seeing marine life, and enough food and drinks to avoid constant extra spending. The strongest moments are the whale and dolphin search near Punta Rasca, the swim by Diego Hernández Beach, and the changing views of Tenerife’s southern coast.

Choose the four-hour option for the fuller brunch and more relaxed pace. Consider a day bed if you are prone to seasickness or want to stretch out. Skip the upgrade if you mainly want the water, wildlife, and included meal. Just remember that unlimited drinks means beer, soft drinks, and water, not wine and cocktails.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Marina del Sur after pickup from selected hotels and meeting points in Tenerife’s south.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise option lasts three or four hours, depending on the package you select. The coach transfer to Marina del Sur takes about 45 minutes and adds to your total time away from the hotel.

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, a suckling pig burrito, vegetable dumplings, and cheesecake.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water are included. Cocktails, wine, and champagne are not included unless a specific upgraded option says otherwise.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The boat stops near Diego Hernández Beach for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkel equipment is not included.

Can I see whales and dolphins?

The cruise includes a wildlife-watching section near Punta Rasca Lighthouse. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or flying fish, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.

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.