2012 Bavaria Cruiser 45 and Turnkey Whale-Watching Business for Sale – Tenerife, Spain

2012 Bavaria Cruiser 45 Sailing Yacht and Turnkey Whale-Watching Business for Sale – 13.60m, Four Cabins – Tenerife, Spain

This 2012 Bavaria Cruiser 45 represents a highly distinctive opportunity to acquire a proven German-built cruising yacht together with an established commercial whale-watching business in Tenerife, Spain. The offering extends substantially beyond the purchase of the yacht itself, incorporating an official whale-watching permit, a company vehicle with commercial transport authorisation, an established website, an existing customer database and agency agreements.

For a buyer seeking an operational marine-tourism platform rather than a vessel alone, this package offers immediate strategic value. It may significantly reduce the time, expense and administrative work normally associated with establishing a commercial sailing or wildlife-excursion business in one of Europe’s most active year-round tourism destinations.

The yacht is registered commercially under the Spanish 6th List, and the supplied documentation is reported to be in order. Her mandatory ITB inspection is stated as valid until 2 December 2027, subject to verification of the original certificate and continued compliance with all applicable operating requirements.

Proven Bavaria Construction and Versatile Cruising Design

Built in Germany by Bavaria Yachts, the Cruiser 45 is recognised internationally for combining dependable GRP construction, practical sail handling, comfortable accommodation and capable cruising performance. This example measures 13.60 metres in overall length and 4.35 metres in beam, providing generous interior volume and stable sailing characteristics.

The hull is constructed from glass-reinforced polyester, offering the durability and manageable maintenance expected from a production cruising yacht. Her spacious hull form supports a comfortable four-cabin layout while preserving a practical cockpit and deck arrangement for both private and commercial use.

The precise displacement, draft, keel configuration, hull-identification number, classification details, antifouling status and full ownership history have not been supplied. These details should be confirmed through the vessel’s documentation and an independent pre-purchase survey.

Commercial Capacity and Overnight Accommodation

For commercial operations, the yacht can accommodate up to 12 passengers plus two crew members. This provides a strong capacity for whale-watching excursions, coastal sightseeing, private sailing experiences and other authorised maritime-tourism services.

Below deck, four cabins provide practical sleeping accommodation for overnight cruising. Three bathrooms with showers offer excellent convenience for owners, guests and crew, while hot water is available throughout the accommodation.

The saloon is bright and welcoming, with a dining table creating a central space for guest briefings, meals and relaxation. The galley is equipped with a microwave and two electric refrigerators, allowing the crew to prepare refreshments and store provisions for day excursions or extended voyages.

New Volvo Penta Engine Installed in 2024

One of the strongest mechanical advantages of this Bavaria Cruiser 45 is the installation of a completely new Volvo Penta engine in 2024. The four-stroke, fuel-injected inboard diesel engine produces approximately 44 kW, equivalent to around 59 HP, and drives through a saildrive propulsion system.

The replacement engine has accumulated approximately 2,000 operating hours, while the yacht’s overall commercial navigation history is reported to be around 40,000 hours. The engine replacement therefore represents a significant recent investment and offers greater confidence than comparable commercial yachts still operating with their original propulsion machinery.

The saildrive arrangement provides efficient power transfer and reduced vibration, while hydraulic steering supports comfortable helm control. A bow thruster further improves manoeuvrability during docking, particularly when operating with passengers onboard or entering busy commercial marinas.

The yacht cruises under power at approximately 7 knots and may reach a maximum speed of around 10 knots. Buyers should inspect the replacement-engine documentation, serial number, service records, saildrive condition, propeller, cooling system, exhaust arrangement and fuel installation.

Fuel, Freshwater and Onboard Autonomy

The vessel carries approximately 250 litres of fuel, supporting day excursions and coastal cruising around Tenerife. Freshwater capacity is approximately 550 litres, providing useful autonomy for showers, galley use and extended stays onboard.

The yacht includes hot-water facilities, although detailed specifications regarding the water heater, pumps, holding tanks, grey-water system and black-water treatment have not been provided. Marine toilets are reported to comply with applicable regulations, but their precise installation and certification should be verified.

Navigation and Communication Equipment

The yacht is equipped with GPS, radar, autopilot, VHF radio and an echo sounder. This package provides the principal equipment required for coastal navigation, route monitoring, communication and safe commercial operation.

An EPIRB emergency beacon is included, complementing the onboard life raft and supporting the vessel’s commercial safety inventory. Buyers should confirm the service status, registration and expiry dates of all emergency equipment together with the operational condition of the navigation electronics.

Electrical and Deck Equipment

A battery charger and 220V shore-power connection support the onboard electrical installation while the yacht is berthed. Information regarding battery-bank capacity, inverter systems, electrical-distribution panels and circuit protection has not been supplied and should be inspected by a qualified marine electrician.

An electric windlass assists with anchoring, while the included inflatable dinghy and auxiliary outboard provide shore access and support when the yacht is anchored. A spare mainsail is also included, adding practical value and providing useful redundancy for future sail maintenance.

The yacht is additionally equipped with a bilge pump, although the full pumping arrangement and emergency redundancy should be confirmed during survey.

Guest-Friendly Exterior Spaces

The exterior layout is well suited to sightseeing and wildlife observation. Bow and stern sun cushions create comfortable areas for guests to relax, while the spacious cockpit offers excellent views and safe movement during excursions.

A cockpit sun awning, additional bimini canopy and camper enclosure provide protection from sun, wind and variable weather, increasing the number of days on which the yacht can operate comfortably. A mooring cover protects the vessel when not in service.

These features are particularly valuable for whale-watching operations, where guests may spend extended periods on deck and require both unobstructed viewing and protection from the elements.

Turnkey Whale-Watching Business Assets Included

The sale includes an official whale-watching permit, which represents a highly valuable commercial asset in an established marine-tourism region. The package also incorporates a company van with commercial transport authorisation, providing a means of transferring customers and supporting daily operations.

An established business website is included together with the existing customer database and agency agreements. These assets may provide immediate marketing reach, operational continuity and access to existing referral channels.

Prospective buyers should undertake separate legal and commercial due diligence on the business assets. This should include confirmation of permit transferability, company ownership, vehicle registration, transport authorisation, data-protection compliance, website ownership, intellectual-property rights, agency agreements, customer records, liabilities, financial accounts and any employment or supplier obligations.

Multiple Private and Commercial Uses

The yacht may continue operating as a whale-watching vessel, subject to all licences and approvals remaining valid and transferable. She may also support private sailing excursions, coastal sightseeing, sunset cruises, family sailing holidays, training activities or personal cruising throughout the Canary Islands.

This versatility allows the buyer to preserve the existing revenue model while potentially expanding the range of experiences offered. Alternatively, the yacht may be retained primarily for private use while the owner evaluates future commercial opportunities.

Items Requiring Technical Verification

Detailed information has not been supplied regarding the generator, stabilisers, exhaust system, sound insulation, gearbox, engine serial number, fuel filtration, cooling arrangement, rudder construction, propeller specification, antifouling schedule, mast inspections, standing-rigging replacement dates, complete sail inventory or recent hull surveys.

These omissions do not necessarily indicate deficiencies, but each item should be examined during professional due diligence. A qualified surveyor should inspect the hull, keel, rudder, mast, rigging, sails, deck fittings, propulsion, electrical systems, tanks, plumbing, safety equipment and all commercial modifications.

Purchase Process and Negotiable Terms

The final asking price is negotiable. The purchaser should complete a professional marine survey, sea trial, machinery inspection and documentary review before completion. Specific confirmation should also be obtained regarding VAT status, title, liens, commercial registration, permit transferability, business liabilities and the legal structure through which the yacht and associated assets will be acquired.

Deposit terms, payment arrangements, escrow, handover procedures, inventory confirmation and delivery timing can be agreed during negotiations. Financing and leasing have not been confirmed and would depend on independent approval.

A Rare Combined Yacht and Marine-Tourism Acquisition

This Bavaria Cruiser 45 delivers far more than a conventional sailing-yacht purchase. Her four-cabin accommodation, three bathrooms, commercial capacity, new 2024 Volvo Penta engine, extensive navigation equipment and guest-friendly deck arrangement are combined with a whale-watching permit, licensed transport vehicle, established website, customer database and agency network.

Qualified buyers are invited to request the detailed yacht inventory, business documentation, financial information available for review and inspection arrangements in Tenerife. Contact us to discuss the negotiable purchase terms and explore this rare opportunity to acquire a turnkey whale-watching and sailing business in the Canary Islands.