Tenerife: PRIVATE Catamaran cruise with Lunch and Drinks

A private catamaran cruise around South Tenerife is interesting because you spend real time on the water, not just staring at it. You sail out from San Miguel Marina (Golf del Sur), then settle in at anchorages where boat access beats the shore every time.

Two things I love about this half-day outing are the ready-to-use water setup and the easy onboard food rhythm. The boat comes stocked with SUP paddleboards and snorkeling gear, so you can jump in without scrambling for rentals. Lunch is served as a proper meal at sea, with tapas plus seafood or chicken paella options, along with drinks.

One consideration: this experience is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. Even if these waters are described as calm with steady winds year-round, you should still take motion sensitivity seriously.

Key things to know before you go

• Private charter for up to 8 people, so the pace feels personal and relaxed
• Anchor-time swim options, with snorkeling gear, swimming stops, and paddleboards included
• Onboard lunch and drinks, built around tapas and either seafood or chicken paella
• A professional captain and safety gear onboard, including life vests
• Possible dolphin and whale sightings on the Atlantic stretch
• Dinghy ride included, useful for getting back and forth smoothly when needed

A half-day that feels like a real break from Tenerife

If your Tenerife plan includes a lot of walking and buses, this private catamaran is a smart counterweight. Instead of squeezing in one more viewpoint, you get the slower rhythm of sailing, anchoring, and hanging out in the sun.

You also start in a practical spot. The meeting point is San Miguel Marina at Golf del Sur, and the charter allows for different starting or pickup points on a private booking. That flexibility can matter if you are staying away from the marina area.

This is the kind of trip that works best when you give it your full attention. When the day is built around water, the best move is to travel light, bring what you need, and let the ocean do the entertainment.

The 3.5-hour flow: sailing out, anchor-time, then back again

This charter runs about 3.5 hours, and the timing depends on the day’s availability. The structure is simple, which is exactly what you want on a short private cruise.

First, you meet the crew at Marina San Miguel, Tenerife. Then you head out with a 45-minute sailing segment, which is a nice chunk of time to get oriented, enjoy the views, and settle into boat mode.

The heart of the experience comes next at the main stop, where you spend about 2 hours at the view and swim area. This is where the food and drink service happens, and where you can actually use the water gear: swimming, snorkeling, and water fun with included equipment.

After that, there is another 45-minute catamaran sailing segment. You end where you started, returning to Marina San Miguel. For a half-day, the pacing avoids the usual problem of wasting time. You spend more time doing your favorite parts, less time just in transit.

Your swim-and-snorkel time is the main event

The best part of any catamaran day is the moment you drop anchor and the water turns into the activity zone. Here, you get exactly that setup, with crystal-clear conditions described as ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

You will have snorkeling gear onboard, plus three SUP paddleboards and other floating toys. That lineup matters because it covers different comfort levels. If you want quiet time, you can float and swim. If you want a little more effort, paddleboarding gives you a new perspective without needing a whole skill course.

The crew also prepares the day so it feels easy. The experience is described as anchored and served in a relaxed way, with calm sailing and steady winds year-round. Translation: you get to focus on the water and the scenery, not constant motion management.

If you want wildlife odds, keep your eyes moving during the Atlantic segments. Dolphins and whales are mentioned as frequent in these waters. You cannot guarantee a sighting, but the setup makes it realistic to spot something.

What to bring so you enjoy the whole day

Bring the usual water-day essentials: sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. A jacket is worth it even in warm weather, because being out on open water can cool you down, especially when the sun drops behind clouds.

Lunch and drinks at sea, done in a no-stress way

Food on boats can be hit or miss. This one is built around comfort and plenty, with the meal timed around your swim stop so you are not eating right when you are most excited to get in the water.

The onboard spread is described as tapas and/or seafood or chicken paella, along with water and soft drinks, plus beer and wine. There is also fresh fruit and drinks provided. That combination is a big value booster because it removes the need to find lunch near the marina or compromise with whatever is closest.

One detail to note: the charter does not include cava or prosecco onboard. If bubbles are your thing, plan around that and stick to what is included, or ask ahead what they can do if you want something specific.

If you like simple, satisfying meals with a view, this style fits. You are not stuck on a formal schedule, but the food still feels like a real lunch, not just snacks.

The hidden-cove idea, and why boat access beats shore time

A big part of the pitch is access. The waters around Tenerife include secluded coves and hidden beaches that are harder to reach from land. On a private catamaran, you are not limited to the most crowded shoreline spots.

You get the chance to sail through turquoise Atlantic water and look at rugged cliffs and volcanic scenery from the sea. That perspective is one of the biggest reasons people love boat days here. Even when the coastline looks impressive from above, you usually see more detail and feel more scale once you are level with it.

Boat-only access also changes the feel of the day. You can spend time in calmer, less crowded water, which makes swimming and snorkeling more enjoyable. You are still in a famous destination, but you are experiencing it from a quieter angle.

The price, and whether it is a good deal for your group

The cost is $793 per group up to 8 people. That is the kind of number that scares people until they do the math.

If you fill the boat with the full eight, you are looking at about $99 per person for the half-day. That starts to look more reasonable when you remember what is included: captain services, food and drinks (tap… plus meal service), snorkeling gear, SUP paddleboards, floating toys, and safety equipment.

If you are a smaller group, the per-person cost rises, but you still pay for convenience. You get a private setting, a flexible day at anchor, and equipment included so you are not paying extra for rentals.

In practical terms, this is best value when you can bring 6 to 8 people. If you are traveling as a couple and the boat is not filling, you are paying more per person for the privacy. That can still be worth it, especially if you want control over pace and water time.

Who this private charter suits best

This one fits best if your idea of a great Tenerife day is water-first. You will enjoy it most if you like swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or just lying on sunbeds with a drink while the coastline slides by.

It also suits groups who want together time. Because it is a private group, you are not sharing the day with strangers, and you can keep the mood exactly how you want it.

The main mismatch is seasickness sensitivity. The charter is not suitable for people prone to it. If you are on the fence, be honest with yourself. A short trip can still feel long if you are feeling rough.

Should you book this Tenerife private catamaran cruise?

I would book this if you want a calm, scenic half-day with real swim time and included gear, and if you can bring enough people to make the group pricing work. It is a straightforward plan: sail out, eat and drink at sea, then get back without turning it into an all-day project.

Skip it if seasickness is a real issue for you, or if you are hoping for nonstop land sightseeing. This charter is about the Atlantic and the water experience. If that is your priority, you should feel confident booking.

FAQ

Where does the private catamaran depart from?

You meet at San Miguel Marina, also noted as Golf del Sur, Tenerife.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts about 3.5 hours, and starting times vary based on availability.

What activities are included onboard?

You can swim and snorkel, and the charter includes snorkeling gear and SUP paddleboards, plus other water toys and equipment.

Is lunch and alcohol included?

Yes. Lunch is included as tapas and/or seafood or chicken paella, and drinks are included such as water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

What is not included?

Cava or prosecco is not included, and a rib with tube or ring ride is also not included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket.

Is this cruise suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. The experience is offered as a private group charter with professional safety equipment onboard.