A day on a private catamaran in Tenerife feels like a cheat code. You sail out from San Miguel Marina (Golf del Sur), anchor in quiet coves, then enjoy lunch plus drinks while you swim, snorkel, and paddle around. It’s the kind of trip where the day is built around the ocean, not clocks.

I especially like the calm, low-stress format: steady sailing between stops, then long time at anchor where you choose how active to be. I also like that the boat comes with serious water time gear, including snorkeling equipment and paddleboards (SUP), plus floating devices. One thing to consider: this experience is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, so if you get queasy on boats, think twice.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Private catamaran for up to 8: You control the vibe, and you’re not sharing the best parts with strangers.
• Anchor-and-swim time: The plan is designed for long breaks in the water, not nonstop sailing.
• SUP boards and snorkeling gear included: You can go from sunbathing to paddleboarding without hunting rentals.
• Lunch and drinks onboard: Tapas and/or seafood or chicken paella, plus water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.
• Professional captain and crew: Expect a smooth, safety-forward day with life vests and equipment.
• Possible dolphin and whale sightings: Keep your eyes on the water on the way between anchorages.

Tenerife Private Catamaran: Why This Feels Different From a Typical Boat Tour

A lot of boat tours in Tenerife promise the “open ocean experience,” then spend most of the time in transit. This one flips the ratio. You get a short sail out, then you spend the day anchored near places you can actually swim, snorkel, and paddle—plus you’re exploring stretches of coastline that are hard to reach by land.

The boat is a private catamaran, which changes everything about comfort and pacing. You’re not waiting your turn for shade, squeezing past people to grab snacks, or hearing ten different conversations near your head. For families, friends, couples, or small groups, the private setup also makes the day feel more like a charter than a ticket.

There’s also a practical reason this works so well in Tenerife’s south coast. The itinerary leans into the region’s calm waters and steady winds year-round, which helps keep things relaxed instead of rough.

From San Miguel Marina to Your First Time at Sea

Your experience starts at Marina San Miguel, Golf del Sur. Meet the experienced crew there, and if you’re doing a private charter, the provider notes that different starting or pickup points can be arranged.

Then you move into the first sailing segment, about 45 minutes. Think of this as the “settling in” stretch: get your spot on the sunbeds, take in the Atlantic views, and get used to the boat’s rhythm. If the crew is planning to spot marine life, this is the time when people often start watching the water more closely.

This first leg matters because it sets the tone. You’re not rushed. You’re not herded. You’re just going out far enough to feel like you left the port behind.

Stop 2 to Stop 3: The Big Anchor Time for Swimming and Snorkeling

After the first sail segment, you head to a viewpoint/anchorage where the day’s main activities start. This portion is where you’ll likely spend the most time, about 2 hours.

This is the stop built for water lovers. You’ll have a menu-style lunch setup onboard—beer, spirits, wine, and lunch—and you can also plan your water activities around the meal. The experience highlights include swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, plus access to various floating devices.

What makes the anchorage feel special

The trip is designed to reach secluded coves and hidden beaches only accessible by boat. That doesn’t mean you’ll be in total wilderness, but it does mean the water tends to feel calmer and the scenery feels more private. The catamaran anchors up, and then your time becomes a choose-your-own-adventure.

A realistic note on timing

Two hours sounds long until you’re actually in the water. Plan to do one or two main activities—like snorkeling and then paddleboarding—rather than trying everything back-to-back. That way you’ll still enjoy the downtime on the sunbed.

What You Get for Lunch and Drinks (and What to Expect Onboard)

Food and drinks are a big part of why this works as a value play for a private charter. You’re not just paying for the boat—you’re paying for a full day of meals and a drinks package included with the onboard setup.

Here’s what’s included:

• Tapas and/or seafood or chicken paella
• Water and soft drinks
• Beer and wine
• Fresh fruit and drinks served during the day

A nice detail: the provider also includes dingy ride service. While the exact use isn’t spelled out step-by-step, it generally supports getting to swim spots smoothly when you’re anchored offshore.

Alcohol add-ons you should know about

The info clearly states that cava/prosecco is not included. Translation: you’ll likely have the standard included wine/beer, but if you want the sparkling option, you may pay extra.

If you’re traveling with mixed preferences—some people who want to snorkel and some who want the drink-and-relax plan—this onboard mix is a good compromise. You’ll still feel like you’re on a shared day, not two different trips stacked together.

Sailing Through Atlantic Views and Possible Dolphin or Whale Moments

One of the most charming parts of Tenerife’s south coast is that the ocean feels like part of the scenery. The route focuses on turquoise Atlantic waters and takes you along rugged cliffs and volcanic terrain views from the water.

The experience also mentions that dolphins and whales frequent these waters. You can’t guarantee sightings, but you can absolutely increase your odds by paying attention when you’re moving between anchor stops. When the boat is gliding and the water is calm, it becomes easier to spot spouts, fins, or dolphins playing near the surface.

How to make the viewing more enjoyable

Bring sunglasses and expect bright light, especially when you’re watching for movement on the water. If you’re the group’s “planner,” rotate who’s on lookout duty for the sail segments so the whole day doesn’t depend on one person constantly scanning.

Stop 4 Back Toward Marina San Miguel: Wrap-Up Time With a View

After the main anchoring time, you’ll sail again for about 45 minutes toward Marina San Miguel. This leg is shorter than the earlier movement, so it feels more like the day’s closing chapter than a full activity.

This is when people often shift into “last look” mode. You’ve already swum, snorkeled, and eaten, so you can simply enjoy the ride back—sun on your face, camera ready, maybe a final paddleboard moment if time allows.

Keep your towel handy through the day. Even if you plan to dry off later, it’s nice to have it within reach for the post-swim reset.

Water Toys and Safety: What’s Actually Included

The experience isn’t just “here’s the ocean, good luck.” It includes equipment and safety basics that make a difference when you’re anchoring.

Included items:

• SUP paddleboards (3) and other water toys
• snorkeling gear
• all safety equipment (life vests, etc.)
• dingy ride
• floating devices for extra water fun

This matters because snorkeling and paddleboarding gear availability can make or break a trip. When the boards and snorkeling setup are already on hand, you spend more time actually doing the activities and less time figuring out how it all works.

Not everyone should plan on this being a mellow day

If you love movement, it’s perfect. If you want total stillness, you can absolutely do that too—you’ve got large sunbed space on the front deck and plenty of time at anchor. The key is the ocean itself nudges you toward getting in the water, especially with gear already ready.

Crew and Atmosphere: The Part You Can Feel Fast

Private charters live or die by the crew. In this case, the experience puts a big emphasis on professionalism and making the day feel relaxed.

You meet the crew at San Miguel Marina (Golf del Sur), and they’re described as experienced, with a professional captain. The overall vibe is friendly and helpful, with an easy flow that keeps the day from turning into a checklist.

Also, the trip is organized so the food and water activities feel like they belong to the same plan. That relaxed rhythm is part of why the day feels special rather than chaotic.

Price and Value: Is $793 Worth It for Up to 8?

Let’s talk money in a way that helps you decide. The price is $793 per group up to 8, for about 3.5 hours.

On a per-person basis, private boat time can look expensive until you do the math the right way. If you split the cost across a full group, you’re paying for a turnkey day: captain and crew, water and snacks, lunch options, drinks, snorkeling gear, and multiple paddleboards. You’re also getting a private setup, which reduces stress and increases comfort.

When it’s great value

• You have 4–8 people and can split the group cost.
• You want a “real meal” onboard, not just snacks.
• You care about water activities and don’t want to rent gear separately.
• You want a day with fewer people and more control over your pace.

When it might feel less worth it

If you’re going as a couple or small duo, you still get the benefits, but you’ll feel the total cost more. In that case, it becomes less about budget and more about whether you really want the private charter experience.

Who This Catamaran Cruise Suits Best (and Who Should Skip)

This private catamaran is a strong match if you like:

• Swimming and snorkeling and want gear provided
• Paddleboarding and water toys
• A day paced by anchoring and relaxing, not constant navigation
• A group setting where you can spread out and choose your own level of activity

It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness. That’s an important filter, not a minor note. Catamarans are often steadier than smaller boats, but the operator explicitly flags this, so trust that guidance.

In terms of packing, bring:

• sunglasses
• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen
• a jacket (even when you think you won’t need it)

My Booking Verdict: Should You Book This Tenerife Private Catamaran?

Book it if you want a straightforward, high-comfort Tenerife ocean day with private access, included lunch and drinks, and real water time using snorkeling gear and SUP boards. The structure is simple: sail out, anchor for swimming and snorkeling, eat and drink onboard, then sail back.

Skip or rethink it if seasickness is an issue for you, or if you’re looking for a very long excursion. At 3.5 hours, it’s a “perfect taste of the sea” length—excellent for a half-day plan, not the kind of trip you’d pick for an all-day landmark outing.

If you’re traveling with friends and you can fill the group, this has the feel of the best deal: private space plus an included meal, not just a basic cruise.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife private catamaran cruise?

The duration is about 3.5 hours.

Where does the cruise start?

It meets at Marina San Miguel, Golf del Sur in Tenerife.

What’s included in the price?

The included items include a professional experienced captain, fresh fruit and drinks, SUP paddleboards and other water toys, snorkeling gear, lunch with tapas and/or seafood or chicken paella (plus water, soft drinks, beer, and wine), a dingy ride, and all safety equipment like life vests.

Are snorkeling and paddleboarding gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided, and there are SUP paddleboards included (listed as 3), along with other water toys and floating devices.

Is this suitable for people who get seasick?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

How many people is the private group for?

It’s priced per group up to 8 people.

Is cava or prosecco included?

No. Cava/prosecco is specifically listed as not included, though it is available onboard.

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