Tenerife by private catamaran means slow water, big views. This South Tenerife cruise runs out of San Miguel Marina in Golf del Sur, then spends your time anchored in places you just cannot reach on foot. You get a pro captain, a relaxed crew, and time to swim, snorkel, and play with the boat toys in clear Atlantic water.

I love how the day is built around easy swimming and snorkeling gear being ready when you are, plus lunch and drinks served onboard while you are stopped up in the good water. The one thing to consider is that it is not for people who are prone to seasickness, since you will be out on the Atlantic and you are staying on the water for the whole session.

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• Private catamaran for up to 8 people, so the pace stays chill and personal
• SUPs (3), snorkeling gear, and floating toys included, no extra rental hunt
• 2 hours onboard for lunch and swimming time, so you are not rushed between stops
• Secluded coves and hidden beaches only reachable by boat, not by a car and a walk
• Fresh fruit plus drinks with lunch, including water, soft drinks, beer, and wine
• You can spot dolphins and whales on the route, when conditions line up

Sailing out of San Miguel Marina in Golf del Sur

The easiest way to picture this day is simple. You meet at Marina San Miguel in Tenerife, specifically in the Golf del Sur area, then the crew gets you sorted and you head out to where the water looks better than the coastline photo spots. On a private charter, that setup matters, because you are not sharing the boat with strangers who want a different pace.

The crew is the kind of team that keeps things moving without making it feel like a schedule. From what I can tell in the way people describe the day, they are friendly, helpful, and genuinely up for making your time feel special. You also get a captain who runs the boat professionally, with safety equipment onboard and life vests included.

One practical perk: private charters can often include different starting or pickup points by arrangement, since your booking is for a private group. If you are staying away from Golf del Sur, ask early to line up the most convenient meeting point, so you start the day calm, not stressed.

And the first sailing leg is about getting you out there. Expect around 45 minutes of catamaran time as you move toward the first anchoring area. This is usually the stretch where people settle in, take photos, and get their swim gear ready. Bring your sunglasses and sunscreen right away, because you will likely wish you had done it before the sun starts doing its thing.

The anchored swimming block: clear water, toys, and real relaxation

This is where the cruise earns its keep. The plan is not just “sail for a bit, hop off, and repeat.” Instead, you anchor up in a favorite water spot and spend your time in the sea. That anchored approach gives you that rare mix of calm and freedom: the boat holds position, and you can choose what kind of ocean time you want.

At the anchorage, you get access to a lot more than a quick dip. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or just lounge on the large sunbed on the front deck. There are SUP paddleboards (3) and other water toys, and snorkeling gear is provided. The floating devices take the pressure off if you are not a confident swimmer. You can still be in the water, without turning the day into a training session.

If you want snorkeling time, here is what to keep in mind. Since you are stopping in clear Atlantic water and the crew provides snorkeling gear, your biggest “effort” is basically just remembering to breathe normally and not rush. You get the best experience when you treat it like slow ocean viewing, not like a timed event.

You can also plan around comfort. This is a 3.5-hour experience, not an all-day boat adventure, so you want to maximize the water window. My rule: start with the least demanding activity first. If the water feels great, then do the SUP or longer snorkel session after you have warmed up.

Also note the day includes a dinghy ride. That is useful because it helps you get from boat to anchorage in a controlled way, especially if there is no easy step-in. It is one of those behind-the-scenes details that makes the time feel smooth.

Lunch, drinks, and the part that feels most like a vacation

The middle of the day is the payoff. You get a longer stop where lunch and drinks happen while you are still close to the water. People tend to talk about the food, and for good reason. The onboard spread includes tapas and/or seafood or chicken paella, plus water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. There is also fresh fruit and drinks included.

What I like about this arrangement is that it keeps the experience balanced. A lot of half-day cruises either do a snack or they make you eat while the boat is moving. Here, the lunch lands during a grounded, anchored pause, so you are not juggling plates and balance at the same time.

The drink list is also thoughtfully practical for a group. Beer and wine are included, along with non-alcohol options. That means you do not need to plan a bar run or negotiate who pays for what. It just works.

One more detail that matters: the cruise mentions a cava/prosecco option is not included. So if you have a habit of ordering bubbles, budget extra or plan to bring your preference in advance if that is allowed by the operator. The core deal is still solid without it.

And about timing: you are looking at about 2 hours during this main stop for lunch plus swimming and snorkeling. In plain terms, that means you get to do more than one activity. You can eat, then swim. Or swim first, then come back and reset with lunch. With private charters, the crew also has flexibility to help the day match your group mood.

Discovering secluded coves only boat access can reach

The Atlantic coastline around Tenerife can look dramatic from shore, but the real magic happens when you are out in the water. The cruise is designed around secluded coves and hidden beaches that are only accessible by boat, which is exactly what you want if you are trying to avoid the busy land viewpoints.

What you are really buying is time in the right locations with the right water access. You do not need to hike to the best spots. You simply sail, anchor, and enjoy. The boat gets you the “arrive by sea” feeling, without the effort.

This kind of boat-only access also helps you get cleaner ocean time. You tend to have fewer land distractions, and the group can focus on the water. You will also have great sightlines back to Tenerife’s rugged cliffs and volcanic landscapes, especially while the boat is cruising between the anchoring periods.

One practical tip: wear sunscreen even before you start lunch time. The sun can hit hard while you are floating, and you are likely to stay out longer than you expected once you are in the water. Sunscreen plus a towel is the simplest insurance policy for a comfortable ending.

The sailing segments: calm winds, steady pace, and ocean wildlife

Besides the anchored swim time, you also get movement. There are two sailing legs, each about 45 minutes, which helps the whole day feel like a journey rather than a stay-put picnic.

The cruise is framed around calm waters and steady winds year-round. That matters because it affects how comfortable you feel, and it impacts whether you can enjoy the deck time. If you are sensitive to motion, this is the section where you should pay attention, since the operator also states it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

When it is calm, the catamaran vibe is a sweet spot. You get wind in your face, shade from deck structures when needed, and you can rotate between lounging and water activities.

There is also wildlife potential. You should keep an eye out for dolphins and whales, since they frequent these waters. You will never get a guaranteed sighting, but on the right day, being on the open water makes it more likely than standing on a cliff. Plus, dolphins in particular tend to show up near movement and cruising areas.

If you want the best chance of spotting wildlife, take a moment during the sailing legs. Sit where you have a clear view, stop scrolling, and watch the water surface for a few minutes at a time. It is a small effort that can pay off.

Gear, crew languages, and what to pack for a smooth day

This charter is built around gear that is provided, not gear that you must hunt down. Included items cover:

• Snorkeling gear
• SUP paddleboards (3) and other water toys
• Safety equipment and life vests
• A dinghy ride for access

That means you can travel lighter. Still, bring the essentials to avoid the common day-of-boat mistakes. The operator suggests sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. I agree with the jacket. Even on warm Atlantic days, a breeze can make you cool down after you get out of the water.

The crew and instructor languages listed are Norwegian, English, and Spanish. That is great news if you want clear instructions for snorkel setup or for using the SUPs. On a private charter, that communication level helps everyone feel confident, not just one person in the group.

Also, you are booking as a private group, and the price is listed as $793 per group up to 8. That pricing model is important to how this feels. If you are traveling solo or as a couple, it can be pricey compared to shared group catamaran tours. But if you are a family or group of friends, private pricing can start to feel more fair because you are not paying per person for crowding.

Price and value: when $793 makes sense

Let’s talk money honestly. $793 per group (up to 8) puts this in the private-charter category, not the budget day-trip category. That said, value here is not just the boat. It is the mix of included extras that usually cost more on land or on other boat formats.

You are getting:

• A professional captain
• Lunch with real meal options like seafood or chicken paella and/or tapas
• Drinks including wine, beer, and soft drinks, plus water
• Fresh fruit
• Snorkeling gear
• SUPs and water toys
• A dinghy ride and safety gear

If you were to price those pieces separately, especially food plus guided water time plus provided equipment, you start to see why the private model can work. You also gain something harder to price: time. The day is around 3.5 hours, so you are not spending your whole vacation half-sick from travel logistics. It is long enough to swim multiple times, eat properly, and still return without feeling like you lost the day.

The big value question is who you are traveling with. If you have 6 to 8 people, private pricing often feels closer to a mid-range group experience, but with the comfort of your own vibe. If you are just two people, it is a splurge. Still, it can be a very memorable splurge if you want a no-crowd day, good food, and guided water fun.

Who should book this Tenerife catamaran cruise

This cruise is a great fit if you want a low-stress water day in South Tenerife. I would especially recommend it for:

• Groups who want privacy, not a packed boat experience
• People who plan to actually use the water toys, not just watch from deck
• Snorkel and SUP fans who appreciate gear being included
• Food lovers who want a proper onboard lunch, not a snack

It is less ideal if:

• You are prone to seasickness, since the cruise stays out on the Atlantic for the whole session
• You want a long day on the water, since this is a 3.5-hour experience

Also, it is worth noting the operator says the crew makes the day on the ocean based on your preference. With private charters, that kind of flexibility can matter. You can usually steer the day toward more swimming time or more relaxing deck time, as long as you keep within safe limits.

Should you book this private catamaran cruise in Tenerife?

If you want a memorable South Tenerife ocean day with included snorkeling gear, SUPs, and a real lunch, I think this is a strong choice. The best part is how the time is structured: sail out, anchor for a long swim and snorkel window, eat onboard with drinks, then sail back. It is simple, and it works.

Book it if your group will use the included water activities and you like the idea of boat-only coves. Consider skipping if seasickness is a real issue for you, or if you are looking for a longer, full-day sailing program.

If you are on the fence, choose this based on how many people are in your group. For groups up to 8, private often becomes the sweet spot. And if your schedule is flexible, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, which makes it easier to plan around weather.

FAQ

Where does the private catamaran cruise in Tenerife depart from?

The cruise departs from San Miguel Marina in Tenerife, specifically Marina San Miguel in the Golf del Sur area.

How long is the catamaran experience?

The experience lasts about 3.5 hours total, with your timing depending on available starting times.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes tapas and/or seafood or chicken paella, along with water, soft drinks, beer, and wine, plus fresh fruit and drinks.

What water activities and equipment are provided?

You get SUP paddleboards (3), snorkeling gear, and other water toys. There is also a dinghy ride and all relevant safety equipment such as life vests.

Is this cruise suitable for people prone to seasickness?

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

What should I bring for the cruise?

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