The Atlantic off Tenerife is the kind of setting that changes your pace fast. This private catamaran charter from San Miguel Marina (Golf del Sur) is built for real relaxation: you anchor up, swim in clear water, and share lunch and drinks onboard with your own crew. Two things I really like are the water toys (SUP boards and snorkeling gear) waiting for you when you’re ready, and the way the day feels both laid-back and organized. The main consideration is simple: it’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness, so if you’re sensitive, you’ll want to think twice.

You’ll sail through calm, steady conditions year-round, with stops that mix cruising time and proper time in the water. The food and drinks are served during the main onboard break, and the vibe from the crew is warm and genuinely fun. If you want a private day that actually delivers on swimming, snorkeling, and good meals instead of just a scenic ride, this is a strong pick.

Key Points at a Glance

• Private catamaran for up to 8 with a professional captain and crew
• Anchored swimming stops in clear water where you can swim, snorkel, and paddle
• SUP boards (3) plus snorkeling gear and other floating equipment included
• Lunch and drinks served onboard, with tapas and/or seafood or chicken paella
• Dinghy ride included for getting around during the day as needed
• Built for calm conditions, but not for seasickness-prone guests

Why a Private Catamaran Off South Tenerife Feels Like Your Own Day

There’s a big difference between a crowded boat tour and a private charter when the water is the whole point. On this trip, you’re not waiting your turn or working around someone else’s timeline. You’re there for the Atlantic, the swimming, and the food break that happens as part of the sailing rhythm.

What makes it especially appealing is the mix of easy sailing plus real “do stuff” time. You’ll cruise for about 45 minutes, then settle into an anchorage where you can get in the water with gear already on hand. And when lunch and drinks happen, you don’t have to treat it like an afterthought.

The crew’s tone is also a big part of the experience. People consistently highlight how friendly and helpful the staff is, and that matters because it turns a nice day on the water into a day that feels smooth from start to finish.

Meeting at San Miguel Marina and Getting Set Up

Your day starts at Marina San Miguel (Golf del Sur) in South Tenerife. The charter meets you with the crew there, and on a private booking you can often arrange different starting or pickup points based on what works for your group.

Once you’re aboard, you’ll get a feel for the space and safety setup right away. The boat includes standard safety equipment like life vests, and the crew is there to make sure everything is clear before you head out.

This is also where you’ll want to think about your plan for the water. You’re bringing sunscreen and a towel, so decide early if you want to do a quick swim first or save it for the main stop where there’s more time.

The First Sail Leg: 45 Minutes of Atlantic Views

After departing, you’ll have a 45-minute catamaran cruise as you move toward your first favorite anchorage. This part is less about rushing and more about letting the coastline and sea do their job. The waters here are described as having calm conditions and steady winds year-round, which usually means a more comfortable ride for most people.

During this time, you’ll also start getting that “we’re actually going somewhere” feeling. The goal isn’t just to look at Tenerife from the deck—it’s to get you to spots where swimming and snorkeling are worth the trip.

If you tend to feel motion in open water, this is also when you should pay attention to how you’re feeling. It’s not mentioned as a guaranteed smooth ride for everyone, and the activity itself isn’t recommended for people prone to seasickness.

Stop for Swimming and Snorkeling: The Main Break With Lunch and Drinks

The heart of the experience happens at the longer stop, where you can go from sunbathing to getting in the water without it feeling like a mission. For roughly two hours, you’ll be at the onboard break with the food and drinks part of the day.

This is the point where you’ll see why the trip is built around anchoring up. You’ll have time for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, plus the option to just relax on the large sunbeds on the front deck. The waters are described as crystal clear, so if you’re curious about snorkeling, this is where you’ll actually have a chance to use the gear instead of thinking about it.

Food during this window is served with a clear Tenerife-meets-at-sea vibe: you’ll have lunch and drinks onboard, including beer, spirits, wine, and soft drinks, plus water. The menu is flexible and can include tapas and/or seafood or chicken paella, depending on how the day is set up.

One practical takeaway: treat this stop like your main meal moment. Even though the catamaran includes snacks via lunch, you’ll enjoy it more if you time your snorkeling or swimming so you’re hungry but not wrecked.

Discovering Coves and Cliffs From the Water

Between the main break and the later cruise, the route is designed to show you the kind of coast you can’t fully appreciate from land. You’ll travel through turquoise Atlantic waters, with views of Tenerife’s rugged cliffs and volcanic scenery.

A big part of the appeal here is access. The day is structured around anchorages that put you near quiet corners of the coast that are only reachable by boat. That’s what turns the views from “pretty photos” into “I get it now” moments—because you’re looking at the island in a way you can’t recreate with a beach walk.

Also, keep an eye out if wildlife is your thing. Dolphins and whales are described as frequent in these waters, and the cruise notes encourage you to watch for them along the way. You won’t control sightings, but you can set yourself up to notice.

The Second 45 Minutes Back: Slow Sailing, Easy Ending

After the onboard lunch and water time, you’ll cruise again for about 45 minutes to return toward the start point. This second leg is often the most relaxing, because you’ve already done the main swimming window and you’re now on the comfortable glide home.

It’s also a good chance to take a last look at the coastline from the waterline. Even if you think you’ve already seen the big views, the angle changes as you move. That’s one reason a catamaran outing feels different from a standard sightseeing boat: you get more time in motion and more variety in perspective.

The day ends back at Marina San Miguel.

Water Toys and Snorkeling Gear: What You’ll Actually Use

This is where the trip earns its reputation. The included equipment isn’t the bare minimum; it’s the kind of setup that makes it easy to say yes to the water the moment you’re ready.

You’ll have:

• SUP paddleboards (3)
• snorkeling gear
• other floating devices and equipment

And the trip also includes a dinghy ride, which can help with getting around during the day as needed. If you’re the type who likes options—swim now, snorkel later, paddle if you’re feeling brave—this charter gives you that freedom without extra fees for each activity.

One small planning tip: if you want to snorkel, put it early in your main stop window so you don’t feel rushed. If you wait until right before lunch, you may feel more time pressure than you need.

Food and Drinks on Board: Lunch That Feels Like Part of the Day

Food onboard is often where boat tours either shine or disappoint. Here, the setup is designed to make lunch feel like an event rather than a quick snack.

You’ll get fresh fruit and drinks, plus lunch served during the main anchorage time. The menu can include tapas and/or seafood or chicken paella, and the beverage list includes water, soft drinks, beer, and wine, with beer and wine noted during the main stop along with spirits.

What I like about this approach for value is that it reduces your need to plan meals around your tour. You’re not trying to find a restaurant afterward just to make the day feel complete. You can stay in the rhythm of the ocean—swim, eat, relax.

One note: the experience states cava or prosecco is not included onboard. If you’re hoping to toast with bubbles, you’ll want to plan for that separately.

Price and Value: Is $793 Worth It for Up to 8?

At $793 per group (up to 8), the price reads as “private boat money,” but the value depends on how you compare it to your alternatives. For a group of 6–8, the cost per person can make sense versus multiple paid tours, especially because this includes actual gear (SUP boards and snorkeling equipment), food, and a crew that runs the day.

If you’re traveling as a couple, the decision is more about whether you want privacy more than budget. You’re paying for a boat that’s yours—your timing, your anchorage experience, and your ability to relax without sharing space.

For me, the best sign of value is the combination: you’re not just buying time on a catamaran. You’re buying swim-ready time, onboard lunch and drinks, and equipment that supports the fun the whole way through.

Who This Charter Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a great fit for:

• couples or small friend groups who want a private, calm day
• people who care about swimming and snorkeling with gear provided
• groups that like a mix of relaxation and activity, without heavy planning

It’s less ideal for people who are:

• prone to seasickness
• expecting a long guided nature lecture instead of a water-and-meal focused day

Also, this isn’t a “party cruise” vibe. The descriptions and included setup point toward a comfortable, friendly day with downtime baked in.

Practical Tips Before You Go

You’ll be most comfortable if you pack like you’re planning for real water time. Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket (a light layer helps if the breeze cools you later in the day).

Since the day includes snorkeling and paddleboarding options, wear or bring what makes it easy to change quickly and stay comfortable. If you plan to snorkel, you’ll likely want your swimwear accessible rather than buried.

And if you’re sensitive to motion, don’t pretend it’s optional. The experience explicitly notes it’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness, so it’s worth taking that seriously.

Should You Book This Tenerife Private Catamaran Cruise?

Book it if you want a private catamaran day that’s built around anchored swimming time, included SUP and snorkeling gear, and lunch and drinks onboard with a crew that keeps things relaxed and fun. It’s a strong choice for groups up to 8 who can share the cost and really use what’s included.

Skip it if sea motion is a problem for you, or if you mainly want a low-effort, land-based sightseeing plan. This outing is about the water—and the comfort level depends on your body handling the ride.

If you match that sweet spot—comfortable with the ocean, excited to swim and snorkel, and traveling as a group that will actually enjoy a private charter—you’ll probably love how the day flows: sail, anchor, gear on, food served, and then you’re back before you’ve overthought anything.

FAQ

Where does the private catamaran cruise depart from?

It meets at San Miguel Marina in Tenerife (Golf del Sur).

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 3.5 hours.

How many people can you book for?

It’s priced per group and can accommodate up to 8 people.

What’s included for water activities?

You get SUP paddleboards (3), other water toys/equipment, and snorkeling gear.

What food and drinks are included?

Fresh fruit and drinks are included, along with lunch. The menu may include tapas and/or seafood or chicken paella, plus water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

Is cava or prosecco included?

No. Cava or prosecco is not included onboard.

Is the boat suitable for people who get seasick?

It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Final Verdict: Great for the Right Group

This charter is a smart buy when you want a private day at sea with real water time and lunch handled for you. If you’re comfortable on boats and your group will use the included SUP and snorkeling gear, it’s one of the more satisfying ways to spend a few hours on Tenerife’s southern waters.

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