A motor yacht and a catamaran are fundamentally different vessels built for different purposes, and choosing between them changes the entire character of your day on the water. A motor yacht is faster, more private, and covers more distance. A catamaran — with its twin hulls — is more stable, offers more flat deck space relative to its length, and minimises the rolling motion that causes seasickness. Neither is objectively better. The right choice depends on your group, your priorities, and what you actually want from a day on the Atlantic.
At AMAR Yacht, we operate all three vessel types: premium motor yachts (Tigresa, Paladio, Oh la la, Seaduction, Skyline, Libby's Waterfront, Atlanca), catamarans (Makani, Blue Ocean, Coco Loco, Montecristo), and monohull sailing yachts (Mizendoha, Blue Jack). We don't push one type over another for margin. We match you with the vessel that fits your group, your occasion, and your comfort — because putting the wrong people on the wrong boat wastes everyone's time and ruins someone's holiday.
This guide compares motor yachts, catamarans, and monohull sailing yachts across every factor that matters, explains where each excels, and helps you choose the right vessel for your specific situation off South Tenerife.
Side-by-Side Comparison — Motor Yacht vs Catamaran vs Sailing Yacht Factor Motor Yacht Catamaran Monohull Sailing Yacht
Hull design Single hull Twin hulls, bridge deck Single hull
Stability Moderate — rolls in High — wide platform Moderate — heels beam seas resists rolling under sail
Speed Fast (15–25 knots) Moderate (8–15 knots Slow (6–10 knots under powered, 6–10 under sail) sail)
Deck space Narrower beam, Wide — significantly Moderate, tilts under vertical layout more flat area wind Privacy High — enclosed Moderate — open-plan Moderate — open cabins, separated layout cockpit areas
Seasicknes Higher — more roll Lowest — twin hulls Moderate — heeling is s risk motion dampen roll different from rolling
Sound Engine noise (varies Quiet under sail; Quiet under sail by vessel) moderate under power
Luxury feel Sleek, powerful, Spacious, relaxed, Atmospheric, traditional traditional yacht open-air
Best for Speed, range, Stability, groups, Sailing purists, privacy, events, families, romance, atmosphere fishing seasickness-prone
When a Motor Yacht Is the Better Choice
You want to cover distance. A motor yacht reaches swimming spots, fishing grounds, and wildlife areas faster. On a 4-hour charter, this matters — a motor yacht gives you 3+ hours of activity because transit is efficient. The Skyline puts you in open water within 15 minutes. The Tigresa has the range for a full-day cruise from Los Cristianos past Los Gigantes and back.
You value privacy and enclosed space. Motor yachts have cabins, enclosed heads, and separated deck areas. For couples, proposals, corporate charters, or groups where different people want different things simultaneously — some in shade, some in sun, some inside — the layout accommodates that. The Oh la la and Seaduction offer interior spaces that feel like premium living rooms, not corridors.
You're hosting an event with precise timing. Birthdays, proposals, and corporate entertaining — events need controlled logistics. Music, food timing, champagne at a specific moment, photographer positioning — a motor yacht gives the crew the tools to manage every detail on a schedule that engine power guarantees. The Tigresa handles events for up to 12 guests. See our Birthday Charter page and Events at Sea page.
You want fishing. Deep-sea fishing requires engine power, precise speed control, and manoeuvrability. AMAR operates dedicated fishing vessels like the Makestrike, Tanoa, and No Limits — built for fast transit, exact trolling speeds, and agile positioning when a fish strikes. Neither catamarans nor sailing yachts are designed for serious big game fishing.
You need schedule precision. Engine power means the captain controls timing absolutely. If the charter needs to return by sunset for a timed proposal, a motor yacht delivers that guarantee regardless of wind. When a Catamaran Is the Better Choice
Someone in your group is prone to seasickness. This is the catamaran's strongest advantage and the most common reason clients choose one. Twin hulls create a wide platform that resists the rolling motion responsible for most motion sickness. In the beam seas that develop off South Tenerife in the afternoon when trade winds build, a catamaran's reduced roll is immediately noticeable compared to any single-hull vessel. AMAR's catamaran fleet — including the Makani and Blue Ocean — delivers this stability with the premium service standard that defines every charter we operate.
You're travelling with young children. The wide, flat deck of a catamaran is easier and safer for kids to move around on. Fewer rolls means fewer tumbles. More open deck space means better visibility for parents. The Coco Loco offers a generous family-friendly deck area where children can move freely while adults relax.
You have a larger group and want everyone together. Catamarans accommodate larger groups more comfortably than motor yachts of equivalent length because the twin-hull design produces significantly more usable horizontal space. For groups of 10–20+ who want to share the experience on one vessel — a birthday group, a corporate outing, a stag or hen party — a catamaran like the Montecristo provides the platform without crowding.
You prioritise flat deck space over speed. Sunbathing, a picnic spread, onboard activities, or simply having personal space while sharing a vessel — the open-plan catamaran layout is purpose-built for groups who want to spread out. Trampolines between the bows, wide aft decks, and shaded central areas give every guest options.
You want a calm, stable sailing experience. Under sail, a catamaran moves with the wind but without the heeling (leaning) that a monohull sailing yacht produces. For guests who want wind-powered movement on a level platform — no engine noise, no tilting deck — a sailing catamaran delivers that combination.
When a Monohull Sailing Yacht Is the Right Experience — Blue Jack & Mizendoha Our sailing vessels (Blue Jack and Mizendoha) occupy a space that is distinctly different from both motor yachts and catamarans.
A monohull sailing yacht heels — it leans into the wind as the sails fill. The deck tilts. Your drink slides if you don't hold it. The boat responds to every gust and shift with a living, physical feedback that no motor vessel and no catamaran provides. For people who love sailing, the heel is not a flaw — it's the entire point. It's the feeling that you're working with the wind, not riding passively on the water. Blue Jack and Mizendoha are for guests who want authenticity over comfort optimisation. The sound of water against a single hull under sail. The creak of rigging. The patience that wind-powered movement demands. You go where the wind allows, at the speed the wind provides, and you adjust your expectations to match the ocean rather than forcing the ocean to match your itinerary.
A sailing yacht is not a catamaran. It does not offer twin-hull stability or flat deck space. It heels under sail. For sailing purists, romantics, and anyone who understands that the journey itself is the point, these vessels deliver an experience that neither motor yachts nor catamarans attempt.
Note: Monohull sailing is not ideal for seasickness-prone guests. A heeling monohull in the wind produces significant motion. Guests concerned about seasickness are better served by a catamaran (Makani, Blue Ocean, Coco Loco) or a motor yacht on a calm morning.
The Tenerife Factor — How Local Conditions Affect the Choice
Morning charters (before noon): The sea is typically calmest. All three vessel types perform well. Seasickness risk is lowest across the board. Morning is when motor yachts feel most comparable to catamarans in comfort — minimal roll, smooth conditions.
Afternoon charters: Trade winds from the northeast strengthen through the day. South Tenerife is sheltered by the island's volcanic mass, so conditions remain manageable, but light chop and beam swells are more common. This is when the catamaran's twin-hull stability advantage becomes most apparent. The Blue Jack under afternoon wind is an active sailing experience — thrilling for enthusiasts, uncomfortable for the uncertain.
Sunset charters: Motor yachts provide precise positioning — the captain holds the vessel exactly where the light is best. A sailing vessel (catamaran or monohull) approaches the sunset under sail, adding atmosphere but less precise positioning. For proposals and timed events, a motor yacht's engine control is preferred. For atmospheric sunset sailing, the Blue Jack or a sailing catamaran delivers beauty in motion.
Whale watching routes: The channel between Tenerife and La Gomera involves deeper water with more exposure to open-ocean swell. A catamaran handles this passage with less roll, which matters for guests already nervous about the sea. Motor yachts are faster getting there, leaving more time with the wildlife.
How to Choose — Matching the Vessel to Your Group If you're a family with children under 8 → A catamaran for stability and flat deck space (Coco Loco), or the Libby's Waterfront for a shorter, faster motor yacht trip.
If you want authentic wind-powered sailing →
Blue Jack or Mizendoha (monohulls). Accept the heel, the pace, and the wind's authority over the itinerary.
If you want the highest level of luxury and privacy →
Tigresa or Paladio (motor yachts). The VIP experience — fully curated, absolute exclusivity, including transfers.
If you want serious fishing → Makestrike, Tanoa, or No Limits. Fishing requires engine power and specialized gear, period.
Frequently Asked Questions — Yacht vs Catamaran in Tenerife Which is more stable — a yacht or a catamaran?
A catamaran. Twin hulls create a wide platform that resists rolling far better than any single-hull vessel. AMAR's catamarans (Makani, Blue Ocean, Coco Loco, Montecristo) provide this advantage across different group sizes and charter formats.
Which is better for seasickness?
A catamaran, due to its dramatically reduced roll. For seasickness-prone guests, AMAR recommends the Makani or Blue Ocean — twin-hull stability combined with premium service. Morning departures on any vessel also reduce seasickness risk.
Does AMAR have catamarans?
Yes. AMAR operates a full catamaran fleet, including the Makani, Blue Ocean, Coco Loco, and Montecristo — alongside motor yachts and our sailing yachts (Blue Jack and Mizendoha). We match every client with the right vessel type.
Which is more luxurious? Motor yachts offer a more traditional luxury experience — enclosed cabins, sleek design, premium interiors. The Tigresa and Paladio represent AMAR's highest motor yacht standard. Catamarans offer a different comfort: space, stability, and open air. The Blue Jack offers an authentic sailing tradition. Luxury is defined by what matters to your group.
Which is better for families with kids?
A catamaran — the flat, stable deck is safest for young children. The Coco Loco provides generous, family-friendly space. For families who prefer motor yachts, the Tigresa offers the most stable and spacious option in that category.
Which is better for a sunset cruise? A motor yacht gives precise positioning — the captain holds the vessel exactly where the sunset is most dramatic. Sailing vessels add atmosphere and movement. For proposals or timed moments, a motor yacht is preferred. For a relaxed sunset experience, any vessel type delivers.
Can you fish from a catamaran or sailing yacht?
Not effectively. Serious fishing requires engine power, speed control, underwater radars, and manoeuvrability. AMAR uses dedicated motor vessels like the Makestrike, Tanoa, and No Limits for our fishing tours.
Talk to Us — the Right Vessel Is a Conversation Away The Art of Loving the Ocean means matching you with the vessel that fits — motor yacht for speed and events, catamaran for stability and groups, monohull for the soul of sailing. AMAR operates all three because no single type serves every client. The honest recommendation is always free.