Tenerife: Catamaran Cruise with Brunch and Unlimited Drinks

The Atlantic puts on the show. This catamaran trip from Las Galletas combines coastal scenery and marine-life watching with a relaxed meal, a swim stop, and unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water. I especially like the respectful approach to whales and dolphins, plus the easy hotel pickup from Tenerife’s south coast. The main catch is simple: wine, cocktails, snorkel gear, and VIP seating cost extra, and rough water can trouble anyone prone to seasickness.

You get a choice of a shorter three-hour outing with snacks or a four-hour version with a fuller Canarian brunch. The crew speaks English and Spanish, and the trip works well for couples, families, and anyone who wants a social half-day at sea without arranging transport or food separately.

Five things to know before you book

• Wildlife watching near Punta Rasca: The route is used for dolphin and pilot whale sightings, with flying fish and other marine life also possible.
• Two food options: The three-hour trip includes a turkey sandwich, fruit, and cheesecake. The four-hour version adds a suckling pig burrito and vegetable dumplings.
• Unlimited means beer, soft drinks, and water: Wine, cocktails, and champagne are not included.
• A swim stop at Diego Hernández Beach: You can get into the ocean, relax on board, or snorkel if you bring or arrange your own equipment.
• Pickup covers many south Tenerife hotels: The bus ride to Marina del Sur takes about 45 minutes, so the total outing takes longer than the time spent on the boat.
• Extra comfort is available: VIP seating and Balinese-style daybeds can be added, but the standard seating still gives you access to the main cruise.

What this catamaran trip is really like

This is not a quiet sailing lesson or a small private yacht charter. It is a friendly shared boat outing built around three things: ocean views, wildlife watching, and an easygoing food-and-drinks setup.

The catamaran leaves from Marina del Sur in Las Galletas and heads west along Tenerife’s southern coast. You pass beaches, volcanic shoreline, cliffs, and working coastal scenery while the crew gives live commentary in English and Spanish. The tone is casual rather than academic, which suits a trip where people are also eating, sunbathing, chatting, and watching the water.

A group of around 50 people has been reported on one sailing. That is large enough to create a sociable mood but not necessarily so large that the boat feels packed. The exact feel depends on the departure and how many people book VIP seating or daybeds.

I like the fact that the crew does more than simply point toward wildlife. The boat operators have been praised for keeping a respectful distance from dolphins and pilot whales instead of chasing them. That matters. You get a better experience when the crew treats the animals as wild creatures rather than a guaranteed performance.

Pickup from Tenerife’s south coast

Pickup is included from a long list of hotels and meeting points in Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, Palm-Mar, and nearby areas. You wait at the designated location 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The driver only waits five minutes after that, so this is not the moment to stroll down from breakfast with a coffee in hand.

The bus ride to Marina del Sur takes about 45 minutes. That is useful if you are staying around Costa Adeje, since you avoid arranging a taxi and finding the port yourself. It also adds real time to your day. A three-hour cruise is not a three-hour door-to-door activity once pickup and drop-off are included.

The transfer returns you to the same general group of hotels and meeting points in the afternoon. Check your exact pickup and drop-off location carefully, especially if you are staying in a large resort with several entrances.

Leaving Marina del Sur for the open coast

The first part of the cruise takes around 30 minutes as the catamaran leaves the marina and travels along Tenerife’s southern shore. This is when you settle into the boat, find your seating area, and get used to the movement of the sea.

The catamaran gives you several ways to spend the time. You can sit in the main seating area, move around to take photographs, stretch out in a paid daybed, or simply watch the coast slide past. The sea breeze and sun are a large part of the appeal, so bring sun protection even if the day feels mild at the port.

This is also when you should think honestly about seasickness. The boat goes well away from the shore during the wildlife section. One passenger had a very unpleasant day because of the motion, while another specifically recommended a place where they could lie down. If you are sensitive to movement, choose a seat where you can rest, avoid drinking too quickly, and keep your attention on the horizon.

Punta Rasca Lighthouse and the wildlife search

The catamaran spends about 45 minutes around Punta Rasca Lighthouse, a useful section for looking for dolphins and whales. The lighthouse gives the route a clear coastal marker, while the open water provides the best chance of spotting marine life.

Sightings are never guaranteed, and the sea does not run on a tour schedule. Still, this is the part of the trip that has created the strongest memories. Pilot whales and dolphins have been seen, along with flying fish and, on some outings, turtles. You should treat these as welcome possibilities rather than promised attractions.

The crew provides live commentary as you search. That keeps the wildlife portion from feeling like a silent wait for a fin to appear. Bring patience and keep scanning the water yourself. A pair of sunglasses helps with glare, and a camera with a quick shutter is more useful than a long list of planned shots.

I also appreciate the reported restraint around the animals. When a boat keeps its distance, sightings can feel more natural, even if you get fewer close-up photographs.

The Diego Hernández Beach stop

The boat then reaches Diego Hernández Beach for about an hour. This is the practical heart of the trip, since you can eat, swim, and snorkel in the same stop.

The water is described as clear and bright blue in the feedback, and swimming has been one of the most praised parts of the outing. If you want to get in, have your swimwear under your clothes and keep a towel handy. Snorkel equipment is not included, so bring your own or be prepared to enjoy the water without it.

The stop also gives you permission to do nothing. You can remain on deck, eat your meal, and enjoy the sun without joining the swim. That makes the cruise easier for mixed groups, since one person can swim while another prefers dry land, or in this case, dry boat.

Do not expect a secluded beach visit in the usual sense. You are experiencing the coast from the catamaran, not spending the whole hour ashore. The appeal is the water stop and the view, not a long beach walk.

Brunch with a Canarian touch

Food changes with the length of the booking. The three-hour option includes a snack box with a roast turkey sandwich, seasonal fruit, and cheesecake. The four-hour version offers a more substantial spread: a roast turkey sandwich, a suckling pig burrito, vegetable dumplings, and cheesecake.

The longer menu gives the meal a stronger local angle, especially with the suckling pig burrito and the claim that the brunch is fully Canarian in character. It is still boat food, not a restaurant tasting menu. Think of it as a well-presented, convenient meal that lets you stay on the water rather than stopping at a separate restaurant.

The food has been described as good and well presented. For most people, it should be enough for a half-day cruise, especially with fruit and a sweet course included. If you have a large appetite, eat a proper breakfast first. The meal is included for convenience, not designed as an all-day feast.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free menus are available, but you need to contact FIVESTARBOAT in advance. The latest point given is the day before the trip. Do not wait until you are boarding, since special meals need to be prepared ahead of time.

Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos from the water

After the food and swim stop, the route passes Playa de las Américas and Playa de Los Cristianos. Each section lasts about 15 minutes as the boat cruises past.

From the sea, these resort areas look different from the hotel streets and shopping promenades. You get a broad view of the built-up coast, beaches, and waterfront activity without dealing with traffic or crowds on land. The stop is brief, so think of it as a moving viewpoint rather than a proper visit.

This part adds variety to the cruise. The route is not only open ocean and cliffs. You also see the developed side of southern Tenerife, which helps you understand how the resort towns fit into the coast.

Palm-Mar and the ride back

The Palm-Mar section takes about 45 minutes and includes a photo stop. It is a good chance to photograph the shoreline, volcanic formations, and the changing light across the water.

The final boat ride back to Marina del Sur takes around 30 minutes. By then, the day usually shifts into a slower rhythm. You have had the wildlife search, meal, swim, and coastal views, so the return is mainly time to sit back and finish your drinks.

The full cruise is advertised as three to four hours, depending on the option you select. The longer version makes more sense if you want time for both wildlife watching and swimming without feeling rushed.

Drinks, seating, and optional extras

The unlimited drinks package includes beer, soft drinks, and water. That is useful on a sunny boat, but read the wording carefully. Wine, cocktails, and champagne are not part of the standard package. The mention of Canarian wine can create the wrong expectation, so budget extra if that is important to you.

You can pay for cocktails or wine on board, but card connections may be unreliable once the boat is offshore. Carry some cash as a backup. This is a small but practical tip, especially if you want to buy an extra drink or upgrade.

VIP seating gives you priority access and preferred seating when that option is selected. Some passengers have also paid for Balinese-style daybeds and found them worthwhile, particularly on the longer cruise. A daybed gives you somewhere to lie down and may be useful if you feel queasy.

You do not need an upgrade to enjoy the trip. Standard seating still provides the cruise, food option, commentary, swim stop, and included drinks. I would consider a daybed if you value comfort, are prone to seasickness, or want to spend much of the cruise lying down. Otherwise, keep the extra money for Tenerife.

Is $71 good value?

At $71 per person, the price is fair for a three-to-four-hour catamaran outing that includes south-coast pickup, the boat trip, live commentary, food, and unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a taxi to the marina, lunch, and drinks. You also get a wildlife search and a swimming stop in one package. That combination makes the price easier to justify than a basic sightseeing boat ride.

The value is weaker if you dislike shared excursions, do not drink beer or soft drinks, or want a quiet luxury cruise. VIP seats, daybeds, cocktails, wine, champagne, and snorkel equipment are extra, so the final cost can rise.

For many people, the four-hour option is the better buy. The fuller meal and extra time on the water make it feel like a proper half-day outing. Choose the three-hour version if you mainly want coastal views and a shorter commitment.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and friends who want a simple day on the sea with very little planning. It is also a good fit if you are staying in Tenerife’s south and want pickup included.

You will probably like it most if you enjoy:

• Casual group excursions
• Wildlife watching without a guaranteed show
• Swimming in open ocean
• Sun, sea breeze, and coastal photographs
• Beer, soft drinks, and a prepared meal included in the price

I would think twice if you get severe seasickness, need complete control over your schedule, or expect premium drinks to be included. The boat travels offshore, and the ocean can be much less forgiving than the calm marina.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later terms make planning easier. Just remember the strict pickup timing. Be at the meeting point early, not exactly at the stated time.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from selected locations in southern Tenerife, including many hotels around Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, and nearby areas.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise option lasts three to four hours. The bus transfer to Marina del Sur takes about 45 minutes each way from the pickup area.

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 vegetarian or allergen-free meals available?

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

What drinks are unlimited?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkel equipment is not included, so you need to arrange it separately if you want to snorkel.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve the activity and pay later.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want an easy, social half-day with wildlife watching, a swim, food, and drinks in one price. The crew’s friendly service and respectful approach to marine life add real value, and the pickup service removes much of the usual port-day fuss.

Choose the four-hour option if you want the fuller brunch and enough time to enjoy the sea without rushing. Add VIP seating or a daybed only if lying down and having preferred space matters to you. Otherwise, the standard package at $71 gives you the best balance of comfort, activity, and cost.