Tenerife: PRIVATE Catamaran cruise with Lunch and Drinks

The best part of this South Tenerife outing is the privacy. You get the whole catamaran for your group of up to eight, with time to sail, stop for a swim, and eat lunch without sharing the boat with strangers. I like the mix of quiet sailing and active water time, especially with three SUP boards, snorkeling gear, and other floating equipment ready to use.

I also like that the crew adapts the day to your preferences rather than forcing a rigid program. The fresh fruit, drinks, tapas or paella, and friendly service add real value. The main caution is simple: 3.5 hours passes quickly, and people prone to seasickness may find even a steady catamaran uncomfortable.

Key things to know before booking

• Private boat for up to eight: The price is for the whole group, so it becomes much better value when shared by family or friends.
• Departure from Marina San Miguel: The cruise begins at San Miguel Marina in Golf del Sur, with different starting or pickup points possible for a private charter.
• A proper swim stop: You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or use floating equipment while the catamaran is anchored.
• Lunch is part of the experience: Expect tapas and/or seafood or chicken paella, along with water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and fresh fruit.
• Whale and dolphin watching is possible: These waters are frequented by marine life, but sightings are not guaranteed.
• Bring a jacket: Even in warm Tenerife weather, the boat can feel cool once it gets moving.

Setting sail from Marina San Miguel

Your meeting point is Marina San Miguel in Golf del Sur, on Tenerife’s southern coast. This is a practical starting point for a private boat trip because you can reach the marina before heading out into the Atlantic. The supplied details also allow different starting or pickup points for a private charter, so ask about that option if your group is staying elsewhere.

The catamaran ride begins with about 45 minutes under sail. That first stretch gives you time to settle in, find your place on the front sunbed, and get used to the motion of the boat. You are not being rushed straight into lunch or water sports. The point is to let the day open at an easy pace.

The front deck is the natural place to relax. You can lie in the sun, watch the coastline, or simply enjoy the steady movement of the boat. Tenerife’s southern coast gives you views of rugged cliffs and volcanic scenery from a different angle than you get on land.

The crew speaks Norwegian, English, and Spanish. A professional captain handles the boat and safety equipment, including life vests. That matters on a private charter because you can ask questions and request help without trying to catch a crew member in a large crowd.

The 45-minute sail and what it adds

A 3.5-hour charter includes two sailing sections of roughly 45 minutes each, plus about two hours at an anchorage. That is a sensible balance. You get enough time to enjoy the catamaran itself, but the main reward is the long stop for food and water activities.

I would treat the outward sail as part of the attraction, not simply transport to the swimming area. The Atlantic around Tenerife is known for generally calm waters and steady winds throughout the year, though conditions can still change. On a good day, the boat moves smoothly and you can settle into the rhythm of the sea.

Keep watch as you travel. Dolphins and whales frequent these waters, and you may spot them from the boat. The captain cannot promise a sighting, so book this for the sailing, food, and swim stop first. Any marine life you see is a welcome bonus rather than the entire reason to go.

The cruise also gives you a view of Tenerife that a beach day cannot provide. From the water, the island’s volcanic cliffs and coves have a cleaner, more open setting. Some beaches and small coves are accessible only by boat, so the private charter can reach places that are not part of a normal road-based sightseeing day.

The anchorage: two hours for swimming and lunch

The main stop lasts about two hours. The catamaran anchors at one of the crew’s preferred spots, where you can choose how active or lazy you want to be.

If you want to get in the water, snorkeling gear is provided. Three stand-up paddleboards are also available, along with other water toys and floating equipment. This makes the stop useful for a mixed group. Strong swimmers can paddle or snorkel, while anyone who would rather rest can stay on the sunbed and watch from the boat.

The water is described as crystal-clear, but visibility and comfort depend on the day’s conditions. Bring your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. A jacket belongs in your bag too, since the air can feel cooler after swimming or during the return sail.

The anchorage is also the moment when the private format matters most. You can choose how long to stay in the water, take turns with the paddleboards, or eat without working around a large group. The crew can shape the day around your preferences, within the available time and weather conditions.

A small dinghy ride is included. The information provided does not spell out every use of the dinghy, so ask the crew how it fits into your particular outing. A tube or ring ride is not included, which is worth noting if your group expects towable water sports.

Lunch, drinks, and the style of service

Food is served onboard while the catamaran is anchored. The meal can include tapas and/or seafood or chicken paella, with fresh fruit. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

That menu suits a boat trip well. Tapas are easy to share, while paella makes the meal feel more substantial after swimming. The choice between lighter shared plates and a fuller dish may depend on the group’s preference and the day’s arrangements, so confirm what you want when you book.

The strongest praise for this cruise centers on the hospitality, food, and service. One booking from the United States specifically praised the beautifully served food, friendly crew, and the fact that paddleboards and snorkeling gear were ready to use. A booking from France also singled out the perfect meal, careful attention from the crew, and professional welcome after pickup from Las Vistas Beach.

Those details suggest that the experience is not just a boat rental with equipment left on deck. The crew takes an active role in making the outing comfortable and organized. That is especially helpful if your group has different levels of swimming ability or if nobody wants to manage lunch while the boat is moving.

Cava or prosecco is available onboard for sailing. The supplied information places this separately from the included drinks, so confirm whether it costs extra before you request it. That small clarification avoids an awkward surprise at the end of a private charter.

What the private price means for your group

The listed price is $824 for a group of up to eight. Split eight ways, that is about $103 per person. For a full group, that compares favorably with several individual boat excursions because the price buys privacy, food, drinks, equipment, and a captain.

The value drops if only two or three people share the charter. You are still paying for the whole boat, so a smaller group should compare the total cost with a shared sailing trip. The private setup is most appealing for a family, two couples, or a group of friends who want their own schedule and a little space.

I also see value in the equipment package. You do not need to arrange separate snorkeling gear or paddleboard hire, and safety equipment is supplied. The lunch and drinks remove another set of decisions during a short outing.

The main limitation is duration. Three and a half hours is enough for a sail, a good swim stop, and lunch, but not enough for a full-day coastal expedition. If you want long periods at several different anchorages, this is too short. If you want a half-day break from sightseeing, it is a better fit.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This charter works especially well for groups that want a private day on the water without committing to a full-day trip. Families can split their time between swimming, paddleboarding, and sitting on the deck. Friends can make lunch and drinks the center of the outing, with water activities available when the mood changes.

It also suits people who value service. The available feedback repeatedly praises the crew’s friendliness, hospitality, and organization. The Norwegian booking from July 2024 described the sea trip, serving, and crew as excellent, while a United Kingdom booking called the hospitality, food, and service incredible.

You should be comfortable around open water. The activity is specifically not suitable for people prone to seasickness. Even a catamaran that moves steadily can cause discomfort, particularly when it is anchored or when Atlantic conditions turn lively.

Non-swimmers can still enjoy the boat, food, scenery, and sunbed, but the main activity stop is built around swimming and water equipment. Ask about safety arrangements if anyone in your group is not confident in the water. Life vests are included.

Practical details that make the day easier

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a jacket. The jacket is the item most likely to be forgotten. The boat may feel warm at the marina but cooler once it is underway, especially after you have been swimming.

Plan to arrive at Marina San Miguel with enough time to find the meeting point. If you are using a different pickup point, confirm it in advance because the normal starting location is the marina in Golf del Sur.

The captain and crew speak Norwegian, English, and Spanish. The group is private, so you can discuss the food, timing, and water activities more directly than you could on a large excursion.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife plans are still shifting. Check the available starting times because the cruise is 3.5 hours and the start time can vary.

The overall rating is 5 out of 5 from nine verified bookings. The comments consistently point to the same strengths: friendly staff, good food, helpful service, paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, and a relaxed day at sea. The sample is not large, so I would still weigh the practical issues, especially seasickness and the relatively short duration.

Should you book the San Miguel catamaran?

I would book this if you have up to eight people and want a private, easy half-day on the Atlantic. The best reasons are the combination of a captain and crew, lunch and drinks, a real swimming stop, and useful equipment already onboard. You can be as active or idle as you like.

I would hesitate if your group is very small, wants a full-day sailing trip, or is mainly interested in guaranteed whale sightings. I would also think twice if anyone is prone to seasickness.

For a full group, the $824 price makes the private format sensible. Share it among family or friends, confirm the lunch choice and any cava or prosecco charge, and bring a jacket. If those details suit you, this is a well-rounded way to trade Tenerife’s roads and resorts for a few quiet hours on the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The normal meeting point is Marina San Miguel in Golf del Sur, Tenerife. Different starting or pickup points may be possible for a private charter, so confirm this before departure.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts 3.5 hours. The schedule includes about 45 minutes sailing out, around two hours anchored for food and water activities, and about 45 minutes sailing back.

How many people can join the private charter?

The price covers a private group of up to eight people.

What food and drinks are included?

The meal includes tapas and/or seafood or chicken paella, fresh fruit, water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. Cava or prosecco is available onboard, but confirm whether it is an additional cost.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, along with three stand-up paddleboards and other water toys or floating equipment.

Can I swim or paddleboard during the cruise?

Yes. The catamaran anchors at a preferred swimming area where you can swim, snorkel, use the paddleboards, and enjoy other included water equipment.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. Life vests and other safety equipment are provided.

What languages does the crew speak?

The crew provides instruction and service in Norwegian, English, and Spanish.

Is the cruise suitable for people with seasickness?

No. The activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.