Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Brunch and Unlimited Drinks

The best part of this Tenerife boat trip is the mix of whale and dolphin watching with a relaxed afternoon at sea. You cruise from Las Galletas along the south coast, eat a Canarian brunch, watch for marine life, and return with time for a swim if conditions allow.

I like the roomy catamaran and the friendly crew, two points praised again and again. I also like that beer, soft drinks, and water are included, so you are not keeping track of a bar tab while you sit in the sun.

The main thing to consider is the size of the boat. It can carry up to 66 people, and the standard seating may feel busy when everyone wants the best view. A VIP or Balinese-bed upgrade may cost extra, so check exactly what your booking includes before you pay.

Key points to know before you book

• Three hours on Tenerife’s south coast: The route includes Las Galletas, Punta Rasca Lighthouse, Diego Hernández Beach, and Los Cristianos Cliff.
• Whale and dolphin watching: Marine life is a central part of the outing, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• Canarian brunch on board: Expect a light meal made with local ingredients, though the menu may be simpler than the word luxury suggests.
• Unlimited included drinks: Beer, water, and soft drinks are available during the cruise.
• Large catamaran with up to 66 people: You get stability and space, but not the quiet feel of a small private boat.
• Optional comfort upgrades: Some bookings may offer Balinese beds or VIP seating for an added charge. Confirm the price and shade arrangement first.

A three-hour cruise from Marina del Sur

Your boat leaves from Marina del Sur in Las Galletas, at Pantalán 3. This is on Tenerife’s southern coast, a practical starting point for a short sailing trip because the route quickly opens onto the Atlantic.

You should arrive at the designated pickup point at least 10 minutes before departure. Drivers wait no more than five minutes after the scheduled pickup time, so this is not the sort of excursion where you can stroll in at the last moment with a coffee.

The total outing lasts about three hours and returns to the same marina. Pickup is offered, and the activity is conducted in English. Since the boat can hold up to 66 people, expect a shared cruise rather than an intimate charter.

That size has a useful side. A large catamaran usually feels steadier than a small boat, and there is room to move between seating areas, sun and shade. The tradeoff is clear: popular viewing spots can fill quickly, especially when dolphins or whales appear.

What you see along the south coast

The route gives you a good look at Tenerife from the water without turning the day into a long sightseeing marathon. You pass Las Galletas, then continue toward Punta Rasca Lighthouse, Diego Hernández Beach, and the cliffs near Los Cristianos.

Punta Rasca Lighthouse gives the cruise a useful coastal marker. From the water, the point helps you see how the southern shore changes from harbor frontage to open coast. You are not stopping for a shore visit, so think of these places as moving views rather than separate excursions.

Diego Hernández Beach is another scenic point along the route. From a catamaran, you see the beach in its wider setting, with the Atlantic in front and Tenerife rising behind it. Los Cristianos Cliff adds a more rugged finish to the coastal views before the boat turns back toward Las Galletas.

The live commentary adds value here. You get information about the islands and marine life while the scenery moves past, rather than simply sitting on a boat with music and drinks. The commentary is in English, so this is a good fit if you want some explanation but do not want a full land tour.

Whale and dolphin watching without a guarantee

Marine life is a major reason to book this cruise. The crew looks for whales and dolphins, and sightings can be wonderful when animals come close to the boat. Some outings have included dolphins swimming nearby and large numbers of whales and dolphins accompanying the catamaran.

Still, the ocean sets the schedule. You may see cetaceans, or you may spend more time looking across open water than watching animals. The crew must also adjust the route and speed according to sea conditions and the location of wildlife.

This matters because a three-hour trip can feel very different from one day to the next. On a good wildlife day, you may remember the animals more than the food or coastline. On a quiet day, the outing becomes a coastal cruise with lunch and drinks.

The boat may slow down or wait while marine life is observed, then travel more quickly on the return. If you want a tightly timed sightseeing route with guaranteed stops, this is not the right format. If you enjoy the possibility of seeing wild animals and can accept uncertainty, it makes more sense.

The Canarian brunch: local idea, light meal

The brunch is meant to bring local flavor on board. It includes dishes made with Canarian ingredients, which is a nice touch because the meal connects the cruise to Tenerife rather than offering only generic snack food.

You should set your expectations at a light brunch, not a restaurant lunch. Some people have found the food tasty and well prepared, while others felt it was basic or not quite as advertised. Food timing can also vary because the crew may prioritize navigation and wildlife watching.

That timing point is important. If you need to eat at a fixed hour, have a snack before boarding. One poor experience involved a long wait before food was served, while other outings received positive comments about both the food and service.

The brunch works best as part of the day rather than its main reason for booking. You are paying for time on the water, the boat, the crew, wildlife search, and included drinks. The food adds comfort and a taste of the island, but it should not be treated as a formal multi-course meal.

Unlimited drinks and the practical value of the fare

At $72.59 per person, the price sits above a basic harbor cruise but includes more than a simple sail past the coast. You receive about three hours on the catamaran, live commentary, brunch, and unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water.

The drinks can make a real difference to the value. Beer is available when requested, and water and soft drinks are included too. If you expect to have several drinks during a warm afternoon, the package is easier to justify than a cheaper trip where every drink costs extra.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, care little about food, or mainly want a short wildlife trip. In that case, a smaller and cheaper boat may give you a similar search for whales and dolphins. The advantage here is the large catamaran, the food, the included drinks, and the more polished setting.

The word luxury needs a little caution. The boat itself is described as a five-star catamaran, and its clean interior, comfortable seating, and attentive crew support that impression. But a full boat, basic brunch, or paid seating upgrade can make the experience feel less luxurious than the marketing suggests.

Balinese beds, VIP seating, and the question of shade

The boat has Balinese beds where you can relax in comfort. But you should check whether one is included in your fare or whether it requires an upgrade. A booking experience reported an extra charge of €30 per person for a bed, with a towel and one drink included.

That upgrade may suit you if you want a dedicated place to stretch out. It may be less appealing if you are paying mainly for shade, since the VIP beds may not have a sunroof. The central seating area can sometimes offer better cover, though it may be claimed early.

The standard option can still work well. You may have plenty of sun and access to comfortable areas without paying more. If a bed matters to you, ask before departure about the exact price, location, towel, drink, and shade arrangement.

Bring sensible footwear and move carefully. The deck can become slippery, particularly around wet areas after swimming. This is a simple point, but it affects comfort more than the luxury label does.

Swimming in the Atlantic

The cruise includes the chance to take a dip in the ocean. The timing depends on the conditions and the route, so it should be treated as an opportunity rather than a guaranteed long swim.

Swimming adds a welcome change of pace after the wildlife search. You can cool off, then return to the deck for drinks and views. If you prefer not to swim, the boat remains the main attraction and you can stay on board.

The ocean and deck will be wet, so keep your belongings secure and use care when walking. The available information does not specify changing facilities, so arrive ready for a simple boat outing rather than a full beach-club setup.

Crew service and the feel on board

The crew receives some of the strongest praise. They are described as welcoming, attentive, accommodating, and good at keeping the trip organized. That matters on a shared boat, where small delays or unclear instructions can quickly spoil the mood.

Service also seems to be a strong point for special occasions. The cruise has been used for an anniversary, and the combination of a polished boat, drinks, food, and open sea can make the afternoon feel festive without requiring a full-day commitment.

Pickup can be helpful, especially if your location is not listed at first. Arrangements may sometimes be possible after you ask, but do not assume every hotel or neighborhood is covered. The confirmed pickup details on your booking should be your guide.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want several things in one package:

• A comfortable catamaran rather than a basic open boat
• A chance to look for whales and dolphins
• A short coastal tour with named viewpoints
• Food and drinks included in the price
• Time to sit in the sun or swim
• A shared social setting with an attentive crew

It also suits couples celebrating something, families who prefer a stable large boat, and anyone who wants a half-day break from Tenerife’s roads and resort areas.

I would be more cautious if you want peace and quiet, a private atmosphere, or guaranteed wildlife sightings. The capacity of 66 people means the boat can feel crowded, and the wildlife search may be the main activity for much of the cruise.

It is also not ideal if you expect a substantial gourmet brunch. The meal is local in spirit, but reports vary on portion, timing, and presentation. Eat something beforehand if you are prone to getting hungry at sea.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You receive confirmation when you book. The activity is near public transportation, and most people can take part. The experience depends on good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off uses Tenerife local time.

The cruise is booked, on average, about 20 days ahead. That does not mean you must reserve exactly that early, but it is a useful warning for busy holiday periods. If you want a specific date, pickup, or upgraded bed, booking ahead gives you a better chance of getting the arrangement you want.

Should you book the Five Star Boat cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, all-in-one sea outing with a polished catamaran, live commentary, a local-style brunch, unlimited drinks, and a reasonable chance of seeing whales or dolphins. The crew service and clean boat add real value, and three hours is long enough to feel like a proper excursion without taking over your whole day.

Think twice if you dislike crowds, want a quiet private boat, or are judging the price mainly by the meal. The boat can be busy, VIP seating may cost extra, and marine life cannot be promised.

My practical choice would be to book the standard fare, confirm pickup, ask about bed upgrades and shade, eat a small snack beforehand, and arrive early for a good seat. That gives you the strongest chance of enjoying the sea, the coastline, and whatever wildlife happens to appear.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

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

Where does the cruise end?

The activity returns to the same meeting point at Marina del Sur in Las Galletas.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered. You should check the confirmed pickup details and wait at the designated point 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

What happens if I arrive late?

Drivers will not wait more than five minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The cruise is offered in English, including live commentary about the islands and marine life.

What food is included?

The cruise includes a brunch with dishes made using local, 100% Canarian foods. It is best understood as a light brunch rather than a formal restaurant meal.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited beer, soft drinks, and water are included during the cruise.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The crew searches for marine life, but sightings depend on the animals, route, and sea conditions on the day.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.