Exclusive Freebird Catamaran Whale & Dolphin to Masca From South

Tenerife’s best scenery is often viewed from the sea, and this cruise gives you front-row views of the island’s volcanic coast, Los Gigantes cliffs, and Masca Bay. The main prize is spotting pilot whales and dolphins in their natural home, not watching a show in a tank.

I like the roomy catamaran, the chance to swim beside the cliffs, and the simple all-inclusive setup with lunch and drinks. The main caution is that the food may be only a small ham-and-cheese roll, and the free bar can feel limited when the boat is busy.

Key points to know before booking

• Wild dolphins and pilot whales: Sightings are possible, but no wildlife trip can promise exactly what you will see.
• Los Gigantes by sea: The towering cliffs look especially dramatic from the water.
• Masca Bay swim stop: Bring swimwear if you want more than a sightseeing cruise.
• Four hours from Puerto Colón: The 11:20 a.m. departure leaves enough time for a relaxed half-day outing.
• Maximum of 30 people: This is smaller than a large party boat, though the onboard service can still feel crowded.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect basic food and a choice of beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks rather than a full meal.

Setting sail from Puerto Colón at 11:20 a.m.

The cruise leaves from Puerto Colón in Tenerife’s south, a handy starting point if you are staying around Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, or nearby resorts. Pickup is offered, but the supplied information does not list every pickup location or timetable, so check the exact arrangements when you book.

The scheduled start is 11:20 a.m., and the cruise lasts about four hours. That makes this a useful choice when you want a sea outing without giving up a full day. You can have breakfast at your hotel, spend the middle of the day on the water, and still have the evening free.

You receive a paper ticket, and confirmation is sent at booking. The operator’s office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., and closed on Saturday and Sunday. That matters if you need to sort out a pickup question just before the weekend.

The boat holds a maximum of 30 people. That is not a private charter, but it is a more manageable number than the very large excursion boats that operate along this coast. Even so, the experience can feel busy when everyone heads for drinks, lunch, or the best viewing spots at once.

Why the catamaran is a good choice

A catamaran gives you a broad, stable platform with room to sit in the sun or find shade. The vessel has sunbeds, and the open deck makes it easier to watch the coastline from different angles. If you are prone to seasickness, a catamaran may feel more comfortable than a smaller single-hull boat, though no boat is completely immune to movement.

I like that this is not only a wildlife trip. You get several kinds of experience in one outing: open-water sailing, coastal scenery, wildlife spotting, a swim stop, lunch, and drinks. If the animals stay out of sight, the cliffs and bay still give the cruise a clear second act.

Past trips have been associated with captains named Luca and Dani. Your captain may be different, but those names are useful to know if you are comparing departure options or booking through a holiday company. The crew’s role matters here because wildlife trips benefit from clear updates about what the boat is looking for and where to watch.

The atmosphere is best described as a resort excursion rather than a quiet naturalist expedition. You get comfort and convenience, but you should not expect a small research boat or a private sailing trip.

Watching dolphins and pilot whales offshore

The boat heads into waters known for dolphins and pilot whales. These animals live in the wild, so sightings depend on the day, the sea, and the animals’ movements. That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but it is also the main thing you need to accept before paying for the trip.

The strongest part of the experience is seeing wildlife without a performance or enclosure. Dolphins may appear near the boat, while pilot whales can show themselves in pods farther out. The supplied information confirms sightings of both on previous trips, including pilot whales and dolphins seen during the same outing.

Bring patience. Wildlife watching often includes stretches when you are simply scanning the water, listening to the crew, and enjoying Tenerife’s coast. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole cruise looking at a screen. The sighting can be brief.

The crew is expected to provide information about the animals, though the quality of the commentary may vary. Some passengers found the crew less engaging than they hoped, while others praised the captains for making the trip interesting and comfortable. I would treat the guiding as a useful extra, not the sole reason to book.

If whales and dolphins are your only goal, remember that there is no guarantee of a sighting. If you want a more rounded outing, this cruise has an advantage because the route also includes Los Gigantes and Masca Bay.

Passing Los Gigantes from the water

The boat sails toward the high cliffs of Los Gigantes. These dark volcanic walls rise sharply from the sea and are one of Tenerife’s most memorable coastal sights. Seen from land, the cliffs are impressive. Seen from the water, they feel much larger because you can look straight up from their base.

This is where the catamaran earns its place. You are not only taking a picture from a distant viewpoint. You are moving alongside the coast and seeing how the rock drops into the Atlantic. The changing distance gives you different views, from broad profiles to close-up sections of the cliff face.

The trip may pause for photographs or continue toward the swimming area, depending on the day’s schedule and sea conditions. The supplied plan places the swim in Masca Bay, with the cliffs forming the scenic backdrop.

A few past outings were especially praised for the views of Los Gigantes and the chance to swim near the cliffs. That combination is worth noting. Many boat trips offer either a sightseeing route or a swim stop, but this one aims to give you both within the same four-hour period.

Swimming in Masca Bay

Masca Bay is the main break from sitting on deck. The boat drops anchor so you can cool off in the sea, giving the cruise a more active finish than a simple return journey.

You should bring a swimsuit, towel, and anything you need to feel comfortable after getting wet. The provided details confirm a swim stop, but they do not specify water temperature, facilities, or the exact length of time at anchor. Plan for a useful pause rather than a full beach day.

The setting is the attraction. You swim with Tenerife’s steep volcanic coast around you, rather than beside a developed resort beach. If you would rather stay dry, you can use the stop to sunbathe, watch the cliffs, or sit in the shade.

There is one practical point to remember: everyone may want to enter the water at once. With up to 30 people aboard, the swim can feel social rather than peaceful. It is still a valuable part of the trip, particularly for families and couples who want more than photographs.

Lifejackets are included. Follow the crew’s instructions about when and where you can enter the water. The information says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed accessibility guidance for swimming or boarding.

Lunch and the free bar

Lunch is included, but keep your expectations modest. Several accounts describe the hot food as acceptable, while others describe a small roll containing ham and cheese. One person noted that a meat-free option was not suitable for their needs.

The safest approach is to regard lunch as a light meal that keeps you going, not a major dining experience. If you have dietary needs, ask before booking. The available information does not confirm vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, or gluten-free choices.

Drinks include beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks. Alcohol is available only to adults over 18. The drinks are complimentary, but the setup may be basic, with bottles of cola and other drinks available at the bar rather than a large, constantly staffed cocktail service.

This distinction matters because all-inclusive can mean different things on a boat excursion. Here it means your listed drinks and lunch are covered. It does not mean unlimited premium drinks or a restaurant-style buffet.

The bar may feel crowded during busy periods. If you want a particular drink, collect it early or be prepared to wait while other people are being served. Water and soft drinks make the package suitable for families, while beer and sangria give adults a simple way to relax in the sun.

What the $70.98 price really covers

At $70.98 per person, the cruise is priced as a convenient half-day package rather than a bare wildlife transfer. Your fare includes the catamaran ride, wildlife watching, lunch, drinks, lifejacket use, and the swim stop.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole package. A person who wants to sail, see the cliffs, swim, eat, and have a few drinks can cover several holiday activities in one booking. You are also paying for the boat, crew, route, and the chance to see wild animals.

The value is weaker if you dislike group excursions or expect a substantial lunch. The food is basic, and the drinks are limited to the listed choices. You may prefer a smaller specialist wildlife boat if quiet observation matters more to you than comfort and included refreshments.

The maximum group size of 30 helps keep the price below that of a private charter. It also gives the boat a more sociable feel. If you want solitude, this is not the right product. If you want an easy outing with no need to arrange separate transport, food, and swimming plans, the price is easier to justify.

Who will enjoy this four-hour outing

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a relaxed introduction to Tenerife’s southern coast. It suits couples, families, and first-time visitors who want several highlights without spending an entire day away from the resort.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy wildlife but do not need a specialist lecture. You can look for dolphins and pilot whales, then shift your attention to the cliffs and the sea. That variety keeps the trip useful even if nature does not cooperate.

The excursion may suit you less if you need a substantial meal, a wide drink selection, or highly personal service. Some accounts describe the crew as friendly and helpful, while others found the service distant. I would not book this mainly for a warm, host-led atmosphere.

People who avoid meat should ask about lunch before paying. The available food descriptions do not confirm a suitable alternative. The same advice applies to anyone with food allergies or a strict diet.

Most people can take part, but the information gives no detailed notes about wheelchair access, boarding assistance, or mobility at the swim stop. If that affects your plans, contact the provider first.

A practical way to plan your day

Wear clothes that can handle spray and sunshine. A swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light cover-up will make the four hours more comfortable. The boat has shaded areas, but you will still spend much of the outing outdoors.

Keep valuables secure and use a waterproof case for your phone. Wildlife sightings and the cliffs are the moments when you will want your camera, while the swim stop creates an obvious risk for loose electronics.

Arrive with enough time for the 11:20 a.m. departure. If you use the pickup service, confirm the meeting details in advance because the supplied information does not list every pickup point. If you arrange your own way to Puerto Colón, make sure you know where the boat departs before the morning gets rushed.

The booking can be canceled for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off uses Tenerife local time.

Should you book the Freebird catamaran?

Book it if you want a comfortable, varied half-day cruise with a real chance of seeing dolphins and pilot whales, plus Los Gigantes, a swim in Masca Bay, lunch, and drinks. The wildlife is never guaranteed, but the route gives you strong scenery and a swim stop as backup.

Think twice if your priority is gourmet food, quiet wildlife study, or polished personal service. The lunch can be a small roll, the bar is basic, and the onboard mood may feel crowded when everyone gathers at once.

For most visitors staying in Tenerife’s south, this is a sensible all-in-one sea outing. Just book it for the coast, wildlife chance, and easy format, not for a full restaurant meal or a private sailing experience.

FAQ

How long is the Freebird catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours.

Where does the cruise leave from?

The trip departs from Puerto Colón in Tenerife’s south.

What time does the cruise start?

The stated start time is 11:20 a.m.

Can I see dolphins and whales?

The cruise travels through waters known for dolphins and pilot whales, and sightings have occurred. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, though the available food descriptions indicate that it may be a simple roll or basic hot food.

Which drinks are included?

Beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks are included. Alcohol is available only to adults over 18.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.