Tenerife: Catamaran Cruise with Brunch and Unlimited Drinks

The best part of this Tenerife outing is the mix of open-sea wildlife watching and a proper swim stop. You cruise west from Marina del Sur, pass Punta Rasca Lighthouse and the cliffs near Los Cristianos, then pause near Diego Hernández Beach for food and time in the water.

I like the relaxed setup, with unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water, and I like that the crew keeps its distance from marine life instead of chasing animals for a closer look. The main caution is the sea itself. The catamaran heads well offshore, so anyone prone to seasickness should prepare carefully.

Key points to know before booking

• Marine life is a real possibility: Dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and flying fish have all been seen on recent trips, though wildlife can never be guaranteed.
• The 4-hour menu is more substantial: It includes a roast turkey sandwich, suckling pig burrito, vegetable dumplings, and cheesecake. The 3-hour option has a sandwich, fruit, and cheesecake.
• Drinks have limits despite the word unlimited: Beer, soft drinks, and water are included. Cocktails, wine, and champagne cost extra.
• Swimming is part of the appeal: The stop near Diego Hernández Beach allows time for swimming and snorkeling, but snorkel equipment is not supplied.
• A VIP bed costs extra: Standard seating still gives you the main cruise, food, drinks, and commentary, but a paid bed gives you a more comfortable place to stretch out.
• Transfers save effort: Pickup and return are available from many hotels and meeting points in Tenerife’s south, with the ride to the marina taking about 45 minutes.

Setting out from Marina del Sur

Your day begins with pickup from one of many south Tenerife hotels and meeting points. The list covers much of the Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, and Palm-Mar area, including major hotels such as Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife, Sheraton La Caleta, Hotel Riu Palace Tenerife, H10 Costa Adeje Palace, and Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque.

The coach ride to Marina del Sur takes about 45 minutes. That is useful if you do not have a car, though it adds a fair bit of time to a trip advertised as three to four hours on the water. Be ready at your assigned point 10 minutes early. Drivers wait no more than five minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

Marina del Sur is in Las Galletas, on Tenerife’s southern coast. Once aboard, the catamaran heads west, leaving the harbor behind and opening up views of the volcanic coastline. The boat gives you several ways to spend the time: sit in the sun, watch the water, listen to the live commentary, or settle into a quieter spot and let the sea breeze do its work.

The crew speaks English and Spanish. Commentary covers the coast, passing landmarks, and the marine life you may encounter. It is not a museum-style lecture, and that suits this trip. The point is to keep your eyes moving across the water while learning what you are seeing.

Looking for whales and dolphins near Punta Rasca

The first major wildlife section takes place around Punta Rasca Lighthouse. The schedule allows about 45 minutes for dolphin and whale watching, although the exact pace depends on sea conditions and animal sightings.

Pilot whales and dolphins are the main prize. Turtles and flying fish have also been spotted. One useful detail is the crew’s approach to wildlife. The boat operators are reported to keep a respectful distance rather than harassing animals or chasing them from one place to another. That makes the encounter calmer and more responsible, even if it means you will not always get a close view.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a search for wild animals, not a guaranteed performance. Bring patience, scan the water, and listen for announcements from the crew. A phone camera may catch a fin or splash, but the best part is often simply seeing the animals move freely in their own setting.

The boat can be stable, but open water is still open water. A passenger who suffers from motion sickness may have a difficult time, especially as the catamaran goes farther from shore. If that is you, sit where the motion feels easiest, avoid drinking alcohol early in the trip, and bring any medication you normally use. The supplied information does not specify a preferred seating area, so ask the crew when you board.

Canarian food, served in a practical box

Food is included, but the exact offering depends on your selected duration. The 3-hour option includes a roast turkey sandwich, seasonal fruit, and cheesecake. The 4-hour brunch adds a suckling pig burrito and vegetable dumplings, alongside the roast turkey sandwich and cheesecake.

The food is described as 100 percent Canarian and inspired by local ingredients. At the same time, you should picture a neatly presented boxed meal rather than a long restaurant brunch with table service. That is not a complaint. A sandwich-based meal works well on a moving boat, and it lets you eat without interrupting the cruise.

The longer option offers better value for anyone who wants a fuller meal. You get an extra savory course and more time on the water, making it the stronger choice if the schedules and prices are close. The shorter version makes sense if you mainly want the coast, wildlife, and a quick swim.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free menus are available. You need to contact FIVESTARBOAT no later than the day before so the right meal can be prepared. Do not wait until boarding, since special meals require advance notice.

Swimming near Diego Hernández Beach

After the wildlife search, the catamaran heads toward Diego Hernández Beach. The schedule allows about an hour for lunch, swimming, and snorkeling. This is the trip’s most active pause, but you can also stay aboard and rest if you prefer.

The water is a major reason to choose this outing over a simple sightseeing cruise. You can cool off, enjoy the salt water, and return to the boat for food and drinks. Snorkeling is listed as an activity, but equipment is not included, so bring your own gear if you want to explore below the surface.

There is no promise of a particular water temperature, calmness, or visibility. Sea conditions can change, and the crew may adjust how long people spend in the water. Follow the staff’s instructions, especially when climbing back aboard.

A towel is not listed among the standard inclusions. One passenger who paid for a VIP bed appreciated having a towel included with that upgrade, but you should not assume the same applies to ordinary seating. Pack a towel unless your chosen option specifically provides one.

The southern coast from the water

The route gives you a moving view of several well-known parts of Tenerife’s south coast. After the beach stop, the catamaran passes Playa de las Américas and Playa de Los Cristianos, with about 15 minutes assigned to each section.

From the water, these resort areas look different from the shore. You see the curve of the coast, the beaches, harbor areas, and the built-up strip from a wider angle. The boat is not stopping for a land visit, so think of these sections as scenic cruising and photo opportunities rather than walking tours.

The trip then continues toward Palm-Mar for a photo stop and a longer cruise section of about 45 minutes. Palm-Mar provides another chance to watch the coast and take pictures without the pressure of a formal sightseeing stop.

The route also includes the Punta Rasca Lighthouse and the Cliff of Los Cristianos. These landmarks give the commentary a useful structure and help you track where you are along the coast. You will not be touring historic buildings or going ashore, but the sea-level view gives you a good feel for the shape of Tenerife’s southern edge.

What unlimited drinks really means

The included drinks are beer, soft drinks, and water. That is enough to keep you refreshed through a sunny afternoon, especially after swimming.

Cocktails, wine, and champagne are not part of the basic package. This detail matters because the trip’s description refers to Canarian wine in its general presentation, while the included list specifically limits unlimited drinks to beer, soft drinks, and water. Treat wine and cocktails as paid extras unless your booking option clearly says otherwise.

One passenger found that a small champagne bottle provided only about two small glasses between two people. If you want something celebratory, check the price and serving size before ordering. It is better to know what you are buying than to assume a full bottle is included.

Bring some cash as well as a card. Card payment is available, but the connection can fail once the boat is offshore. The crew can be busy steering, serving drinks, and giving commentary, so paying quickly and keeping your requests simple helps everyone.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed as general prohibited items, which refers to the activity rules. The included beer is part of the organized service, but excessive behavior will not suit the setting. Nudity is also not permitted.

Standard seating or a VIP bed?

Standard seating gives you the core experience. You get the catamaran cruise, live commentary, food according to your selected duration, included drinks, the swim stop, and the wildlife search.

A VIP option adds priority access and preferred seating. Some trips also offer Balinese-style day beds, which are useful if you want to lie down during the cruise. That extra comfort can make a real difference on a long afternoon at sea, especially if you feel queasy or simply want to rest rather than sit upright.

You do not need a VIP bed to enjoy the route. Standard passengers still have access to the main facilities and views. I would consider the upgrade if you value a place to stretch out, want a towel included, or plan to spend much of the trip relaxing. If you are mainly interested in swimming and wildlife, the basic option may be enough.

Smoking is permitted at the back of the catamaran according to one onboard account, and toilets are available. If smoke bothers you, choose a position away from the rear area.

Is $71 good value?

At $71 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the main inclusions. You are paying for transport from selected south Tenerife locations, a catamaran outing, live commentary, food, unlimited beer, soft drinks and water, a wildlife search, and time for swimming.

The value is strongest for people who want several activities in one half-day. Booking a separate transfer to Las Galletas, a wildlife cruise, a meal, and a swim stop could cost more and require more planning. Here, the day is arranged around one route.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink beer or soft drinks, have no interest in swimming, or mainly want a quiet coastal cruise. It is also important to compare the 3-hour and 4-hour choices carefully. The longer version gives you more food and more time, so it is likely the better buy for a modest price difference.

Remember the extras: snorkel equipment, cocktails, wine, champagne, and VIP seating are not included in the standard price. Those add-ons can change the final cost.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and groups who want an easy half-day on the water rather than a specialist sailing trip. The format is social but not necessarily cramped. One recent outing had around 50 people and still felt comfortable, though group size can vary.

It suits you if you enjoy wildlife watching but understand that nature sets the schedule. It also works well if you want a swim without booking a full-day boat trip.

The cruise is less suitable if you get severe seasickness, dislike organized transfers, want a quiet luxury setting, or expect unlimited cocktails and wine. It is also not the best match for someone seeking a serious snorkel excursion, since equipment is not included and the stop is only one part of the day.

The many pickup points are handy, but check your exact meeting location. A short taxi ride may be needed if your hotel is not listed. The return uses the same broad group of south Tenerife drop-off points.

Final decision: book it if the sea is your priority

Book this catamaran cruise if you want a well-organized mix of wildlife watching, swimming, food, and drinks without arranging each piece yourself. Its strongest qualities are the friendly crew, the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, the respectful approach to wildlife, and the simple pleasure of floating along Tenerife’s coast with a cold drink in hand.

Choose the 4-hour option if you want the fuller Canarian meal and more time aboard. Consider the VIP bed if comfort matters or you are prone to motion sickness. Skip the upgrade if you would rather spend the money on your hotel or another activity.

My practical advice is simple: bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, cash, and a seasickness remedy if needed. Contact the operator about special diets before the day of departure, and remember that unlimited does not mean every drink on the menu. With those details clear, this is a good-value way to see Tenerife from the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

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

How long does the experience last?

The activity is available as a 3-hour or 4-hour option. Check the available start times when booking.

What food is included?

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

Which drinks are unlimited?

Unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water are included. Cocktails, wine, and champagne are not included.

Can I swim or snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The stop near Diego Hernández Beach includes time for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkel equipment is not provided.

Are special diets available?

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free menus are available. Contact FIVESTARBOAT no later than the day before the cruise.

Is VIP seating included?

VIP seating with priority access and preferred seating is not included unless you select that option when booking. Some upgraded options include a day bed and additional comforts.