REVIEW · CATAMARAN CRUISES
Tenerife: Catamaran Cruise with Brunch and Unlimited Drinks
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by FIVESTARBOAT · Bookable on GetYourGuide
A good sea day beats a bus ride any time. This catamaran trip from Tenerife south pairs Canarian brunch with real ocean time, plus live commentary while you search for marine life. I especially liked the relaxed pace onboard and the no-stress swim stop. One consideration: if you’re prone to seasickness, you’ll want a plan, since you do go far enough out to feel it.
You’ll typically start with pickup around Las Galletas and Costa Adeje area hotels, then roll into Marina del Sur for the cruise. I like that the included drinks are simple and clear, and you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy the views and the water. The trip also has a short list of limits to know upfront, like what’s included in the drinks and that snorkeling gear isn’t provided.
In This Review
- Key Points at a Glance
- Why This Catamaran Cruise Works So Well in Tenerife South
- Pickup to Marina del Sur: Getting There Without the Headache
- Onboard Setup: Comfort, Transfers, and Live Commentary
- Punta Rasca and the Chances of Dolphins and Whales
- Diego Hernández Beach Stop: Swimming and Snorkeling Without the Rush
- Cruising Past Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas (Plus Palm-Mar Photos)
- Brunch on the Water: What You’ll Actually Eat (and How It Changes)
- Drinks: Unlimited Beer and Soft Drinks, Plus What Costs Extra
- What to Bring (So You Don’t Lose Time Enjoying the Sea)
- Price and Value: Why $71 Can Feel Like a Deal Here
- Who This Catamaran Cruise Is Best For
- Should You Book This Catamaran Cruise With Brunch?
- FAQ
- What’s included in the unlimited drinks?
- What does the brunch include, and does it depend on the tour length?
- Do I get pickup and drop-off from my hotel?
- How long is the cruise?
- Is snorkel equipment provided?
- Can the tour cater to vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets?
Key Points at a Glance

- Live marine-life spotting with onboard commentary as you pass lighthouses and cliffs
- Brunch that’s genuinely Canarian, not just a random sandwich stop
- Unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water are included; wine and cocktails cost extra
- A real swimming window in Tenerife water, with optional snorkel time
- Pickup and drop-off in select south locations, with smooth transfers to the marina
- Optional upgrades for comfort, like front VIP seating/day-bed style areas
Why This Catamaran Cruise Works So Well in Tenerife South

Tenerife south is built for easy vacation days: beaches nearby, good roads, and lots of boats that run when the weather cooperates. This catamaran itinerary fits that lifestyle because it’s short enough to feel effortless, yet long enough to actually enjoy the sea. You get time onboard to relax, a focused stretch for marine life viewing, and then a proper swim break.
What makes it more than just a ride is the way it’s paced. You’re not sitting on a cramped schedule all day; you’re moving along the coast and then getting a break where you can cool off. I also like that the crew narrates what you’re seeing, so the trip feels like it has a purpose beyond scenery.
Now the practical note: the ocean is the whole point. That’s great if you love being out there, but if you get motion sickness, you should prepare. And drinks are included, but not as a full bar—more on that later.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Tenerife
Pickup to Marina del Sur: Getting There Without the Headache

If you’re staying in Tenerife south, the biggest win here is pickup. The service covers many hotel and apartment pickup points, then transfers you by coach to the marina. The time on the road is part of the package, so you don’t have to juggle taxis or figure out parking.
After the coach ride, you get a short marina phase before boarding. Once you’re on board, the crew handles the flow, and you’re set for the first leg of the cruise. That matters because in 3 to 4 hours, you want minimal waiting and maximal time doing the fun part—being on the water.
Two small tips that help your day go smoothly:
- Arrive a little early at your pickup point, because drivers only wait briefly after the scheduled time.
- If you plan to buy anything extra (like wine or cocktails), consider having cash on hand just in case card payments can be tricky once you’re out at sea.
Onboard Setup: Comfort, Transfers, and Live Commentary

The catamaran setup is built for relaxing, with seating you can actually enjoy for a few hours. The experience stays manageable in size, and the vibe is friendly rather than chaotic. People also talk up the comfort level, including the option to upgrade to a more lounge-like setup where you can lay down.
What I think you’ll appreciate most is the crew’s rhythm: they’re not just steering. They scan for marine life, keep you informed with live commentary in English and Spanish, and manage the onboard service without turning it into a long, slow process. You end up with a clearer sense of where you are and what you might spot next.
A practical detail: snorkeling equipment is not included. So if snorkel time is your priority, you’ll want to bring your own mask and snorkel. If your plan is mainly to swim and cool off, you’re still set with what’s included.
Punta Rasca and the Chances of Dolphins and Whales

The cruise has a dedicated section for marine-life watching around Punta Rasca Lighthouse. This is the moment where you actually slow down enough to look, and the commentary helps you track what’s happening out there. You might see dolphins, including pilot whales and other whale sightings depending on conditions. Reviews also point to turtles and flying fish as possible surprises.
Just as important as spotting is how it’s handled. The crew keeps a respectful distance rather than pushing in for close-up chaos. That makes the experience feel more responsible and way more relaxing—especially if you’re worried about boats crowding animals.
Here’s how to make this portion work for you:
- Give yourself time to find the best side of the boat for viewing.
- Bring sun protection, because even when it’s breezy, the sun can sneak up fast.
- If you get motion sickness, focus on the horizon and consider taking something before you leave shore.
Diego Hernández Beach Stop: Swimming and Snorkeling Without the Rush

After the initial sightings and coast cruising, you reach Diego Hernández Beach for a swim and lunch window. This is the part many people remember, because it’s not just a quick splash. You get a solid hour where you can choose between swimming, snorkeling, or simply hanging out in the shade and then jumping back in.
The water is the draw, and this stop is positioned so you can benefit from the day without it dragging on. If you snorkel, remember: equipment isn’t provided. If you show up with your own mask and snorkel, you’ll get far more out of the water time.
If you don’t want to snorkel, you can still have a great time. Even a relaxed swim and a few minutes floating can feel like a full mini-beach break, especially compared with the long stretch of “just watching from the boat.”
One more thing: the day includes multiple view-passing sections, so you don’t just end up stuck on shore with no sea time. This stop feels like the payoff.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Tenerife
Cruising Past Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas (Plus Palm-Mar Photos)

Between the big marine-life segment and the beach break, you also pass by key coastal spots around Tenerife south. You cruise Las Galletas and Diego Hernández Beach, then you’re in the orbit of Punta Rasca Lighthouse and the Cliff of Los Cristianos. After that, you move through the Las Américas and Los Cristianos areas, plus a Palm-Mar photo stop.
These segments are short, so don’t expect a long walking tour. Instead, think of them as moving viewpoints. You’ll see the coastline from the water, which often gives you a different perspective than street-level sightseeing. The cliffs and shoreline contours show up more clearly when you’re looking across open sea.
For photos, Palm-Mar is a nice chance to pause and grab images. For views overall, the cruise route is built to keep your eyes busy: beaches, cliffs, and lighthouse scenery all appear throughout the day.
Brunch on the Water: What You’ll Actually Eat (and How It Changes)

This is not a generic buffet. The food is Canarian-inspired and designed for a day on the move. The menu depends on whether you’re on the 3-hour or 4-hour option, and that’s worth paying attention to before you book.
If you choose the 3-hour option, you’re looking at a lighter setup: a sandwich with roast turkey, seasonal fruit, and cheesecake. If you choose the 4-hour option, the brunch is fuller and includes items like a suckling pig burrito and vegetable dumplings, alongside cheesecake. Either way, the idea is that you get a satisfying meal without stopping your day.
Two smart ways to approach the food:
- Expect it to be more “brunch on a boat” than restaurant-style dining. It’s meant to fuel you for sea time and a swim.
- If you have dietary needs, the operation offers vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free menus, but you need to request them in advance (at the latest the day before).
If you care about authenticity, you’ll like that the meal is positioned as 100% Canarian, using local ingredients and flavors that match Tenerife’s food identity.
Drinks: Unlimited Beer and Soft Drinks, Plus What Costs Extra

This trip is clear about what’s unlimited and what isn’t. Unlimited drinks include beer, soft drinks, and water. That alone is a great value for many people because you can keep refilling without thinking about the tab during the cruise.
What’s not included: wine, cocktails, and champagne. If you want those, you’ll pay for them onboard. Some passengers also describe experiences where wine and sparkling options were not what they expected in terms of portions or type, so if alcohol is a big part of your plan, treat the included drinks as the main event.
A practical strategy that keeps your budget happy:
- Plan on beer and soft drinks being your default.
- If you want wine or cocktails, decide ahead of time how many you’ll actually order, then go for it.
Also, the rules state alcohol is not allowed beyond what’s provided. So keep it simple and stick with the drinks the crew serves on board.
What to Bring (So You Don’t Lose Time Enjoying the Sea)

A 3 to 4 hour catamaran day is easy, but you still want to show up prepared. You’ll be in sun, sea spray, and wind—sometimes all at once.
Here’s what I’d pack based on how the day is structured:
- Sun protection: sunscreen and sunglasses
- A swimsuit you’re comfortable using right after boarding
- A light layer for wind, especially after the beach stop
- Your own snorkel mask if you care about snorkeling
- Cash, just in case any card payment options are limited once you’re offshore
If you’re worried about seasickness, think in advance rather than mid-cruise. One reason this trip works for most people is that the crew and boat setup are efficient, but the open-sea feel can hit some travelers hard.
Price and Value: Why $71 Can Feel Like a Deal Here
At around $71 per person, this is priced as a value-focused boat trip rather than a luxury day. The math gets better because you’re not just paying for a ride: you get pickup and drop-off in select south locations, catamaran time, live commentary, a Canarian brunch, unlimited beer/soft drinks/water, and a real swimming stop.
When you compare it to smaller cruises that often include only a quick snack or fewer amenities, the bundled nature here is the key. You’re getting several “tour components” in one: scenery, marine-life scanning, food, and water time.
That said, there are limits that affect value depending on your preferences:
- Unlimited drinks are not a full bar.
- Snorkel gear isn’t included.
- Comfort upgrades are extra, if you want more lounge-like seating.
If you want a laid-back sea day with real food and real time to swim, the pricing makes sense. If your main goal is cocktails, wine, and champagne, you’ll likely spend more onboard.
Who This Catamaran Cruise Is Best For
This trip fits best if you want an easy afternoon in Tenerife with a mix of relaxation and activity. You’ll enjoy it if you like:
- Marine-life watching without a long, exhausting schedule
- A swim stop where you can actually get in the water
- Brunch that’s more local than generic
It’s also a good choice for couples and friend groups who want shared downtime plus the excitement of spotting dolphins or whales. Families can do it too, as long as everyone handles boats well and doesn’t need long shore breaks.
If you’re the type who wants a full day of inland exploring, this won’t replace that. But if you want to spend your Tenerife time where Tenerife looks best from the sea, this does the job.
Should You Book This Catamaran Cruise With Brunch?
I’d book it if you want a short, well-paced sea day that includes Canarian food, unlimited beer/soft drinks/water, and a swim break with chances to spot marine life. The live commentary and the way the crew handles sightings make it feel purposeful without turning it into a stressful chase.
Skip it or book with caution if you:
- Are strongly sensitive to motion and don’t plan ahead
- Expect cocktails and wine to be included like a full-bar cruise
- Need snorkel gear provided
If your ideal Tenerife day is “sun, sea, good food, and a decent chance to see dolphins or whales,” this is one of those trips that hits the sweet spot for time and value.
FAQ
What’s included in the unlimited drinks?
Unlimited drinks on board are beer, soft drinks, and water. Wine, cocktails, and champagne are not included.
What does the brunch include, and does it depend on the tour length?
Yes. The 3-hour option includes a sandwich with roast turkey, seasonal fruit, and cheesecake. The 4-hour option includes additional brunch items such as a suckling pig burrito and vegetable dumplings, plus cheesecake.
Do I get pickup and drop-off from my hotel?
Pickup and drop-off are included in select Tenerife south locations. Your exact pickup point depends on where you’re staying.
How long is the cruise?
The experience runs about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the option and the starting time. The schedule includes time onboard plus a swim and lunch window.
Is snorkel equipment provided?
No. Snorkel equipment isn’t included, so if you want to snorkel, bring your own mask and snorkel.
Can the tour cater to vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free menus are available if you request them. You should contact the provider at the latest the day before so they can prepare your meal.































