This Tenerife cruise is all about sea air + coastal views, with live talk from the crew as you scan the water for marine life. You’ll sail out from Marina del Sur (near Las Galletas) and enjoy a laid-back afternoon that includes time to swim, plus a Canarian-style meal on board.

I especially love the Canarian-inspired brunch approach (local ingredients, simple and satisfying), and the fact you’re not stuck on a dock the whole time. You get that real “out on the water” feeling, with chances to dip in when conditions are good.

One consideration: the unlimited drinks are beer and soft drinks only (wine/cocktails are extra), and the farther you go out, the more you’ll notice any chop if you’re prone to seasickness.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Live commentary while the crew hunts for marine life, so you know what you’re looking at
• Brunch or snacks options depending on the 3-hour vs 4-hour schedule
• Uncapped beer and soft drinks, plus water throughout the cruise
• Swim time at Diego Hernández Beach, with snorkeling possible but gear is not included
• Smaller-group feel (often around 50 people) compared with big party boats
• Optional VIP/day-bed upgrades can make the ride feel extra comfortable

Why This Tenerife Catamaran Cruise Fits the Perfect Afternoon

This is the kind of trip that makes sense on a vacation where you want one great “wow” experience without burning the whole day. You’re out on the water for just a few hours, you get coastal scenery, and you’re given a plan: sail, look for wildlife, eat, swim, then head back.

The cruise format is also built for relaxation. A catamaran is naturally stable compared with many single-hull boats, and the schedule includes plenty of slow moments—so you can actually enjoy the breeze instead of racing around.

Best of all, it’s not just sightseeing. The live narration ties the whole ride together, especially around the time when the crew is searching for dolphins and whales and pointing out what’s happening near the boat.

From Pickup to Marina del Sur: Smooth Starts in Tenerife South

Most departures include pickup at select Tenerife south hotels and stops—handy if you don’t want to fuss with taxis. You’re collected from one of the listed locations, then transferred by coach for about 45 minutes to Marina del Sur, where you board.

If you’re staying in the Playa de las Américas / Los Cristianos area, this is a practical way to get a bigger experience without navigating parking, driving, and finding the port on your own. It also means you can show up, get settled, and focus on the boat day.

One small thing to keep in mind: pickup timing matters. The driver waits up to 5 minutes after the scheduled time, so I’d be ready to go at the exact pickup window.

Punta Rasca Lighthouse: Your Wildlife-Spotting Moment

After you leave Marina del Sur, the cruise heads west along the coast and soon reaches a key stretch: the area near Punta Rasca Lighthouse. This is where the boat spends time looking for marine life, and where the live commentary really earns its keep.

What you can realistically hope to see (based on what’s happened on past sailings) includes dolphins and even pilot whales/whales. You might also see other surface life like flying fish and turtles. The crew keeps an eye out, calls things out when they appear, and helps you understand what you’re seeing and why it’s there.

Timing here is part of the thrill. The boat typically allows about 45 minutes at this point to spot wildlife. That window is long enough for the action to happen—without feeling like you’re waiting around forever.

Diego Hernández Beach Stop: Brunch on the Water, Then a Real Swim

The highlight “switch” on the itinerary is Diego Hernández Beach. Here you get three things in one block: your meal, swimming time, and a chance to snorkel.

Brunch and how the menu changes by cruise length

The cruise comes with 3-hour or 4-hour options, and the food changes with it:

• 3-hour option (snacks-style): sandwich with roast turkey, seasonal fruit, and cheesecake
• 4-hour option (brunch-style): sandwich with roast turkey, suckling pig burrito, vegetable dumplings, and cheesecake

Either way, you’re eating without the usual “where do we go now?” vacation hassle. And because it’s designed around local ingredients, the food feels like it belongs in Tenerife—not like a generic cruise box.

Swimming and snorkeling reality check

You’ll have time to swim in the ocean and the trip also references snorkeling. But snorkel equipment is not included, so if you want to snorkel, bring your own gear or plan to swim without it.

This is also where conditions matter. The itinerary gives you a clear chunk of time on-site—so you’re not rushing between “look” and “eat.” You can dip when you feel like it and then settle back into the boat for the ride.

Cruising Past Las Galletas, Los Cristianos, and Playa de las Américas

A big reason this trip feels satisfying is the route. You’re not just going out to sea and back—you’re moving along a coastline packed with recognizable views.

Along the way, the cruise passes:

• Las Galletas
• Diego Hernández Beach
• Punta Rasca Lighthouse
• the Cliff of Los Cristianos
• Playa de las Américas
• Playa de Los Cristianos
• a photo stop in Palm-Mar

Here’s what that means for you: you get a sense of Tenerife’s south coast from water level, including dramatic cliffs and beach shapes that look different than they do from shore.

The stops at Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos are shorter “visit/view” moments—more about getting perspective than long walks. If you like your time structured, that works. If you’re hoping for lots of sightseeing on land, this isn’t that kind of tour.

Brunch and Drinks: What Unlimited Actually Covers

Let’s talk drinks clearly, because this is where people often expect more than they get.

Your unlimited drinks are:

• beer
• soft drinks
• water

If you want wine, cocktails, or champagne, those are listed as not included, so you’d pay extra. Some people plan ahead for that by carrying a bit of cash, since card payment can be less reliable farther out at sea.

What I like about this setup

Unlimited beer/soft drinks changes the vibe fast. It turns the meal into a proper cruise lunch and means you don’t have to keep tracking who’s ordering what.

And because you can choose when to swim and when to relax, the drink plan supports the whole “slow afternoon” feel. You’ll be able to cool off, then settle back down without doing mental math every few minutes.

Dietary options that make the trip workable

If you have food restrictions, this tour is unusually thoughtful on paper. There are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free menus available, but you need to request them ahead of time (at the latest the day before).

That one detail can be the difference between a “fun idea” and a stressful meal. If you need a special menu, contact the provider early so you’re not stuck with unclear options on the day.

Onboard Comfort: Seating, Day Beds, and the “Not Too Crowded” Factor

Catamarans can be hit or miss—some are cramped, some are comfortable, and some feel like a floating cafeteria.

On this one, the overall feel is helped by the fact that the group size is often around 50 passengers, which keeps the boat from turning into a squeeze. You should still be able to find a spot to relax without climbing over people.

There are also paid upgrades like VIP seating and day beds (including options described as Balinese day beds). If you upgrade, you may find extras that make the experience more comfortable—one account mentions a towel and even an extra drink after upgrading.

If you don’t upgrade, you still get the core benefits: the cruise, live commentary, brunch/snacks, and unlimited beer/soft drinks/water. The upgrade is mainly about comfort and space to lie down.

Live Commentary and Wildlife Etiquette: How the Boat Finds Animals

This cruise is built around a simple idea: if you’re going to look for dolphins and whales, you want context. The crew provides live commentary in English and Spanish, so you’re not staring at the ocean hoping for a random miracle.

A good sign here is how the crew handles wildlife. On past sailings, it’s clear the crew doesn’t chase animals aggressively. That matters because it helps keep the sightings more natural and often makes for a calmer experience overall.

You’ll usually spend the most time looking during the Punta Rasca Lighthouse stretch. Then the day continues with the beach stop and the return, so even if wildlife spotting isn’t constant, you still get a full set of things to do.

Seasickness, Money, and Practical Tips That Save Your Day

A few practical points can make or break your comfort level on open water.

If you get seasick

This route goes out far enough that movement can be noticeable. If you’re sensitive, think about bringing your own seasickness remedy and plan to sit where motion feels least (on boats, that often means closer to the middle and lower decks—though your exact setup depends on the vessel layout).

Also, consider an earlier schedule over a late one if you tend to feel worse after fatigue. Your body matters more than anyone’s “it’s probably fine” optimism.

Bring cash if you plan to buy extras

Unlimited drinks are beer/soft drinks/water. If you want wine or cocktails, there’s extra cost. One helpful tip: bring some cash, because card payment can fail when you’re farther offshore.

Snorkel gear isn’t included

If snorkeling is on your wish list, pack your equipment. The tour provides swimming time, but it doesn’t include snorkeling gear.

Respect the rules on board

There are clear guidelines: no nudity, and no alcohol and drugs. If you’re traveling with family, this is also reassuring because it sets a more normal, controlled tone.

Value Check: Is This $71 Tenerife Catamaran Worth It?

At $71 per person for a 3–4 hour cruise, this price can feel like a steal or a fair deal depending on what you compare it to.

Here’s what you’re getting for that money:

• Pickup and drop-off in select south locations
• Catamaran cruise with live commentary
• Unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water
• A meal: either snacks (3-hour) or brunch (4-hour)
• Time to swim (and possibly snorkel if you bring gear)

If you were to price those pieces separately—transport + a boat outing + a guided wildlife segment + food—you’d likely spend more than $71 pretty quickly, especially during peak season.

So the best way to judge value is this: if you want a simple, structured afternoon with the water part actually included, you’ll likely feel good about the cost.

If you mostly care about long beach time or shopping on land, this might feel short. But for a “sea + wildlife + meal + drinks” combo, it’s strong value.

Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Might Skip It)

This works especially well if you:

• want a low-effort day with pickup and a clear plan
• like marine life and want a crew that talks while you look
• want a fun, social afternoon without a huge party-boat vibe
• need an option with vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free/allergen-free menus available by request

You might skip it if:

• you’re strictly avoiding open-water motion and don’t plan for seasickness
• you want lots of time walking around on land (the land stops are mostly viewpoints/photo time)
• you expect wine/cocktails to be included (they’re not)

Should You Book This Tenerife Catamaran Cruise?

If you’re traveling in Tenerife south and you want one straightforward, memorable ocean outing, I’d say yes—especially the 4-hour option if brunch matters to you.

Book it if you like the idea of:

• live wildlife scanning
• a real swim break
• Canarian-style food
• and drinking beer/soft drinks without nickel-and-diming every order

Skip it only if you need more time on shore or you’re only interested in wine/cocktails being included. For most people, though, this is a practical way to get the sea into your trip in a few hours.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife catamaran cruise?

The experience runs about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the option you choose.

What food is included on the 3-hour vs 4-hour options?

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

Are wine, cocktails, or champagne included with unlimited drinks?

No. Unlimited drinks cover beer, soft drinks, and water. Cocktails, wine, and champagne are not included.

Is snorkel equipment provided?

No. Snorkel equipment is not included.

Where does the cruise depart from?

You’re taken to Marina del Sur, where the boat departs.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free menus are available if you request them (at the latest the day before).

What should I do if I plan to buy extra drinks?

Unlimited drinks are beer and soft drinks. For extras like wine or cocktails, it helps to have some cash on hand in case card payment doesn’t work reliably offshore.