Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Brunch and Unlimited Drinks

Tenerife’s south coast is best seen from the water, and this three-hour cruise combines whale and dolphin watching with a relaxed catamaran ride, local food, drinks, and time for a swim. I especially like the views toward Punta Rasca Lighthouse and the chance to enjoy them from a Balinese bed rather than a crowded beach.

The other strong points are the friendly crew and the simple ease of the day: pickup may be available, the boat returns to Marina del Sur, and beer, soft drinks, and water keep flowing. The main caution is that the brunch may feel basic, and the full boat can make the experience less peaceful than the glossy photos suggest.

Key points to know before booking

• The route begins in Las Galletas: You cruise past Punta Rasca Lighthouse, Diego Hernández Beach, Los Cristianos Cliff, and other stretches of Tenerife’s southern coast.
• Wildlife comes first: Whales and dolphins may be seen, but no sighting is guaranteed, and the route can change with sea conditions and marine life.
• The brunch is local but light: Food is made with Canarian ingredients, though some people may find the portions or presentation simpler than expected.
• The standard ticket may be enough: Sun and seating are available without VIP, while an upgraded bed can cost extra.
• The boat can carry up to 66 people: That gives the cruise a social feel, but it may not suit you if you want a quiet, spacious sail.
• The price is about $72.59 per person: That includes roughly three hours on the water, brunch, drinks, commentary, and swimming time.

Leaving Marina del Sur from Las Galletas

The cruise starts at Five Star Boat Trip Catamaran in Marina del Sur, Pantalán 3, in Las Galletas. This is a useful starting point for anyone staying in Tenerife’s south, and the marina is near public transportation.

If you arrange pickup, wait at the stated meeting place 10 minutes before departure. The driver may leave after five minutes, so this is not the kind of outing where you want to arrive at the last second. Pickup is offered, but you should confirm that your location is covered rather than assume it is automatic.

The catamaran holds a maximum of 66 people. That is not a tiny sailing boat. It is a proper excursion vessel with room for socializing, food service, and wildlife watching. The size helps keep the ride stable, but the main seating areas can fill quickly.

I would arrive ready for sun, wind, and spray. The boat has Balinese beds and open areas, but access to the best spots may depend on the ticket you choose and how early you board. The standard experience can still give you sun and sea views, so an upgrade is not essential for everyone.

A 5-star catamaran with two different moods

The boat is the heart of this experience. It is clean, attractive, and designed more for comfort than for a bare-bones sightseeing ride. You can sit back, listen to the sea, and watch Tenerife’s coast slide past without having to organize transport between several viewpoints.

The Balinese beds are a pleasant touch. They turn the trip into a floating lounge, especially during calm stretches when there is little to do except enjoy the sun. Some bookings offer a VIP option with a reserved bed, towel, and one drink, though an extra charge of about €30 per person has been reported for that upgrade.

Here is the practical point: VIP does not automatically mean better for every person. Some reserved beds may have less shade, while central seating can offer more cover. If you burn easily or prefer a roof over your head, ask about the exact location before paying extra.

The boat can also become slippery. Water from swimming, spray, and drinks can collect on the deck, so walk carefully and use sensible footwear. This matters most for children, older adults, and anyone moving around while the vessel is underway.

Along Las Galletas and Punta Rasca Lighthouse

Once the catamaran leaves the marina, the outing shifts from harbor activity to open Atlantic views. Las Galletas gives way to the rocky coast around Punta Rasca, where the lighthouse is one of the route’s clear visual markers.

Live commentary explains the islands and the marine life. The information is delivered while you are moving, not in a formal lecture, so you can listen when something catches your attention and then return to the view.

Punta Rasca is a good reminder that Tenerife is more than resort beaches and hotel pools. The coast here feels exposed and volcanic, with the ocean shaping the day’s mood. From the water, you also gain a better sense of how quickly the built-up south gives way to rougher shoreline.

The cruise is not built around getting off at every stop. You see these places from the catamaran, which makes the experience easy and unhurried, but less useful if you want to walk the coast or spend time on a beach.

Wildlife watching in Tenerife’s Atlantic waters

Whale and dolphin watching is the main reason to book this trip. The crew looks for marine life and may adjust the route or speed when animals are found. Seeing dolphins close to the boat can be a memorable part of the day, and whales have also been spotted during this cruise.

Still, you need to set your expectations correctly. Wild animals do not follow a schedule, and the boat cannot promise a sighting. A day with no whales or dolphins can still include coastal scenery, swimming, food, and open-water relaxation, but it will feel different from a wildlife-focused outing that produces several close encounters.

The crew’s priority is responsible observation. That means the vessel may slow down, alter course, or spend more time in one area when marine life appears. It can also mean less time for the planned food service or a faster return if sea conditions and timing require it.

One important warning is that the advertised experience may sound like equal parts luxury brunch and wildlife cruise. In practice, the wildlife search can take priority. If you are booking mainly for a carefully timed meal, you may find the schedule less predictable.

Canarian brunch, with realistic expectations

The brunch is made with local and 100 percent Canarian foods. That gives the meal a sense of place, which I prefer to a generic buffet that could be served anywhere in Europe.

You should think of it as a light brunch rather than a full restaurant meal. Some food may be simple, and one account describes it as basic and not quite as advertised. Another complaint involved food being cold and served later than expected, while other experiences found the food delicious and high quality.

The safest expectation is this: you are paying for a boat outing that includes food, not for a dedicated fine-dining cruise. The timing can shift because the crew is watching wildlife and managing the vessel. If the meal is central to your plans, eat something small before boarding and treat the brunch as part of the ride rather than the sole reason to go.

The local angle still adds value. Canarian ingredients connect the cruise to Tenerife in a way that packaged sandwiches would not. Just do not expect an elaborate multi-course meal from a three-hour shared excursion.

Unlimited drinks and time for a swim

Beer, soft drinks, and water are included without a stated limit. That is useful on a sunny Atlantic crossing, where buying each drink separately would quickly push up the cost. Several accounts also describe the drinks service as generous and easy to request.

After the coastal and wildlife portion, you may have time to swim in the ocean. The exact amount of swimming time can vary because the route depends on marine life, weather, and sea conditions. Bring a swimsuit and expect a proper change from sightseeing to leisure.

Swimming from a catamaran is one of the more enjoyable features for people who like active breaks. It gives you a way to cool off instead of spending the entire three hours seated. If you prefer not to enter the water, you can stay on board and continue using the sun areas.

Keep in mind that the deck may be wet and slippery after swimming. Towels may be included with some upgraded bed options, but you should confirm what your own ticket includes before relying on that.

Diego Hernández Beach and Los Cristianos Cliff

The route continues toward Diego Hernández Beach and the Los Cristianos Cliff. These sections give you different views of Tenerife’s southern coast than you get from the main roads.

Diego Hernández Beach is best appreciated from the water as a quiet coastal feature rather than a long beach stop. You do not appear to have a separate shore visit here, so enjoy the color, cliffs, and shoreline from your seat.

Los Cristianos Cliff adds a stronger sense of scale. From offshore, the cliff and developed coast show how Tenerife’s resort areas meet the volcanic Atlantic edge. The view is especially worthwhile if you have spent most of your holiday inland or around hotel pools.

The return trip brings you back toward Marina del Sur in the afternoon. Because the outing lasts about three hours, it fits neatly into a half-day plan. You can still have dinner, visit another attraction, or keep the evening free.

Is $72.59 a fair price?

At about $72.59 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. You are paying for more than transport: a 5-star catamaran, a Canarian brunch, unlimited listed drinks, commentary, coastal sightseeing, wildlife watching, and a swim stop.

That package can be good value if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, and drinks. The price also makes sense for a special occasion. One anniversary booking was described as memorable from start to finish, and the crew’s warm service is a repeated strength.

The value becomes less convincing if your main goal is simply to see whales and dolphins. Other boats may offer a lower-cost wildlife trip, and this cruise can feel expensive if the animals do not appear or if the food is not as polished as expected.

I would compare the standard ticket with the VIP price before booking. If you mainly want the views and wildlife, the normal fare is likely enough. Pay extra only if a reserved bed, towel, and preferred boarding position matter to you.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This outing suits couples celebrating something, families who want a simple half-day activity, and anyone who likes combining sightseeing with food and drinks. It also works for people who want a comfortable boat rather than a small, basic vessel.

You will probably enjoy it if you like:

• Coastal views without a long hike
• Wildlife watching with a chance of whales and dolphins
• Swimming from the boat
• A social atmosphere with drinks included
• A polished catamaran and helpful crew
• A three-hour activity that fits into a busy holiday schedule

You may want another option if you need guaranteed wildlife sightings, a quiet private setting, or a serious gourmet meal. The maximum group size is 66, and the cruise may feel crowded when the main areas fill up.

People with limited mobility should check the boarding and deck arrangements before booking. The boat is designed for a broad range of participants, but wet surfaces, steps, and movement at sea can make the experience harder for some people.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided at booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, using the local time in Tenerife. Cancellations made inside that window are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted.

The cruise requires good weather. If poor conditions cause the operator to cancel, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. That policy is useful in Tenerife, where a sunny morning does not always guarantee calm water later in the day.

The activity is offered in English. The commentary covers the islands and marine life, so it adds useful context without turning the trip into a classroom session.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start and finish?

It starts and ends at Five Star Boat Trip Catamaran, Marina del Sur, Pantalán 3, 38631 Las Galletas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours and returns to Marina del Sur in the afternoon.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes a brunch prepared with local Canarian foods, plus unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The route is designed for whale and dolphin watching, but sightings depend on marine life and sea conditions.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 66 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Five Star Boat cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want a comfortable, social day on the Atlantic with wildlife watching, drinks, coastal views, and a chance to swim. The crew’s helpful service, clean catamaran, and strong dolphin and whale sightings can make it a memorable part of a Tenerife holiday.

I would choose the standard option first and view VIP as optional. Go in expecting a light local brunch, not a formal meal, and remember that the boat may prioritize wildlife over a perfectly timed schedule. With those limits in mind, the cruise offers a pleasant mix of Tenerife scenery and easygoing time at sea for a reasonable half-day outing.