Adults Only Tenerife Freebird Whale Dolphin Catamaran with Lunch

Tenerife’s south coast gives you a fine chance to see pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins in open Atlantic water, without packing onto a full boat. This two-hour Freebird catamaran keeps numbers to a maximum of 72 and sails at about three-quarters capacity, leaving room to stretch out, watch the water, and enjoy the coast.

I like the adults-only setting and the useful bundle of lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, Wi-Fi, and transport. The main caution is simple: whales and dolphins are wild animals, so sightings cannot be promised, and the two-hour trip leaves limited time for both wildlife watching and swimming.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales and dolphins: The captain heads toward waters known for regular sightings of both species.
• Adults-only atmosphere: A calmer choice for couples and adults who want a quieter boat outing.
• Lunch and drinks included: Soft drinks and beer are available on board, with a light lunch during the sail.
• Swimming stop: You may have time to swim and use the snorkeling equipment if sea conditions permit.
• Pickup available: Your hotel location determines the pickup time and meeting place.
• Space to relax: The catamaran is operated below full capacity, with shaded seating and open deck areas.

Sailing Tenerife’s whale-filled coastal waters

This cruise is built around a very good Tenerife fact: the waters off the island are home to resident marine life, including pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. You are not heading to an aquarium or a staged feeding area. The crew takes you out into the North Atlantic and searches for animals moving through their natural habitat.

That makes the wildlife part exciting but never certain. You might see dolphins traveling beside the boat, or pilot whales surfacing in a slow-moving pod. You might also spend time scanning the water with nothing more than seabirds and the volcanic coast for company. I prefer this honest arrangement to any attraction that promises a guaranteed animal encounter.

The captain knows the areas where pods are often found and adjusts the route to look for them. If dolphins appear, the boat can pause long enough for you to watch them before moving on. The experience is less about racing from one attraction to the next and more about keeping your eyes open.

Bring patience. Wildlife watching works best when you accept that the sea sets the schedule.

What the two-hour trip is actually like

The advertised start time is 9:40 in the morning, though your exact pickup time depends on your hotel. Once you reach the marina and board, the crew welcomes you onto the catamaran. A gangplank connects the dock and boat, so you need to be able to walk aboard without assistance from specialized boarding equipment.

The catamaran gives you several ways to spend the time. You can sit in the shade near the bar, stretch out on deck, watch Tenerife’s dramatic coastline, or keep an eye on the water for fins and blows. The boat is limited to 72 people and is described as sailing at roughly a quarter under capacity, which should make the ride less cramped than a fully loaded excursion.

The two-hour length is useful if you want a taste of the sea without giving up most of your day. It also means the schedule is fairly tight. Wildlife watching, lunch, drinks, and a swim all compete for the same short window, so you should not expect a long sailing day or an extended snorkeling session.

The route and timing can change with sea conditions and animal activity. That is normal on a nature-based trip, but it is worth keeping in mind if you want a carefully timed swim or a set amount of time with dolphins.

Watching dolphins and pilot whales in the open sea

The main reason to book is the chance to see dolphins and whales from a boat with room to move around. Bottlenose dolphins may leap, travel in groups, or pass close to the catamaran. Pilot whales are larger and often less showy, but seeing a pod surface together can be the more memorable sight.

The crew gives you time to look before continuing toward the swimming area. That matters. A quick glimpse followed by an immediate departure can feel rushed, while a quiet pause lets you share the sighting with people on both sides of the deck.

Still, you should keep expectations sensible. The activity description says you have a chance to spot these animals, not a guarantee. Ocean wildlife changes location, and the crew cannot control the weather, sea state, or behavior of the animals.

Bring sunglasses and sun protection, but do not spend the entire trip staring only at the horizon. Look around you. Tenerife’s steep coastal terrain is part of the show, especially when viewed from the water rather than from a road or resort promenade.

Lunch, drinks, and the swim stop

Food and drinks are included in the price, which makes this feel more like a small half-day outing than a basic boat transfer. The onboard service includes lunch, complimentary drinks, snorkeling equipment, and access to a shaded bar. Beer and soft drinks are available, and an onboard account describes a light sandwich-style lunch served partway through the sail.

The meal is practical rather than a reason to choose the cruise on its own. If you have food allergies or follow a vegan diet, contact the operator before booking and confirm exactly what can be provided. A dietary request has not always been met, so do not assume that mentioning it casually will be enough.

The swim stop adds a welcome change of pace after the wildlife search. You can enter the sea, use the snorkeling gear, and look for fish in the water. The stop is suitable only if you are comfortable swimming, and the activity specifically says it is not appropriate for people who cannot swim.

You should bring swimwear, sunblock, and a towel. The information is inconsistent about towels: towel service is listed among the inclusions, but the practical advice also says to bring one, and the exclusions mention towels. I would bring your own towel rather than rely on the onboard supply.

The swim is weather-dependent. If the sea is too rough or conditions are unsuitable, the crew may need to shorten or change that part of the outing.

An adults-only boat with room to breathe

The adults-only rule is one of the clearest reasons to pick this cruise over a standard family catamaran. You can expect a quieter setting, with the emphasis on sitting in the sun, watching wildlife, having a drink, and enjoying the coast at an easy pace.

That does not mean the boat is silent. The crew serves lunch and drinks, helps with the wildlife search, and manages boarding and swimming. You should expect a social excursion rather than a private charter.

The below-capacity approach is useful. Boat trips can become uncomfortable when every seat and deck corner is occupied. More room gives you a better chance of finding shade, moving to the side with the best view, or stepping away from the bar when you want a quieter moment.

Wi-Fi is included, though your connection may depend on the boat’s route and offshore reception. I would treat it as a handy extra, not the main reason to choose the cruise. The best use of your two hours is likely to be looking up from your phone.

Pickup, timing, and the marina routine

Transport is included, but this is not a simple fixed bus departure from one central location. Your hotel determines the pickup place and exact time. After booking, the operator contacts you with those details.

Watch for that message. If you have not received the pickup information at least 48 hours before departure, contact the operator during office hours. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 17:15 and closed on Saturdays and Sundays, so do not leave a weekend question until the last minute.

Allow extra time at the pickup point. A delayed transfer can be frustrating, especially if you are standing in direct sun, but the boat waits for the group at the dock according to the operating plan. Carry water, wear sun protection, and avoid wandering away from the agreed meeting place.

The tour is offered in English. A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation is issued when you book. Those details make it easy to carry the reservation on your phone, but a screenshot can be useful if you have weak mobile service near the marina.

What the price of $70.89 includes

At $70.89 per person, the value depends on how much of the package you will use. You are paying for a two-hour catamaran outing, hotel transport, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, Wi-Fi, and the adults-only format. For someone who wants a short, organized sea trip, that is a reasonable bundle.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a long swim or a full meal. Two hours passes quickly once boarding, wildlife searching, lunch, and the return sail are included. A longer Freebird sailing may be available at the marina, but you should compare the exact duration, food, pickup, and price before switching products.

The biggest value comes from convenience. You do not need to arrange your own taxi to the port, rent snorkeling gear, or buy drinks and lunch separately. You also get a captain who knows the local waters and can adjust the route while you relax.

I would book this as a compact morning or afternoon activity, not as your only boat experience in Tenerife. It suits a day when you want time for another attraction, a beach, or a relaxed meal afterward.

Who should book this catamaran

I would recommend it for couples, friends, and solo adults who want a gentle wildlife outing rather than a high-speed adventure. It is also a good fit if you value a calmer boat, included refreshments, and a swimming stop.

You should think twice if you cannot swim, dislike open-water conditions, or need a fully accessible vessel. The boat requires walking along a gangplank, and the activity is not suitable for anyone unable to manage that boarding step.

It may also be a poor match if your main goal is guaranteed whale photography. Wildlife is unpredictable, and two hours gives you less time to wait for ideal sightings than a longer cruise.

If you follow a restricted diet, confirm the lunch arrangements before paying. This is the one practical issue I would address in advance, since the standard meal may not meet vegan or allergy-related needs.

Booking advice and cancellation terms

The activity is often booked about 30 days ahead, so reserve early if your dates are fixed. Confirmation arrives at booking, and free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time.

Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. That rule matters if your plans depend on the weather, so check the forecast and your schedule before the cutoff.

Bring swimwear, sunblock, sunglasses, and a towel. Keep your phone protected from spray, and wear footwear that feels secure while walking on the gangplank and moving around the boat.

Should you book the Freebird adults-only cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, adults-only taste of Tenerife from the water, with a fair amount included in one price. The strongest features are the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, the quieter boat atmosphere, the room to relax, and the combination of lunch, drinks, equipment, and transport.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed wildlife encounter, a long swim, or a fully accessible boarding arrangement. Also confirm dietary options before booking if you need vegan or allergy-safe food.

For most adults looking for a short and pleasant sea outing, this is a sensible choice. Just treat the animals as a bonus from nature, not a scheduled performance, and you will have the right expectations.

FAQ

How long is the Freebird whale and dolphin cruise?

The advertised cruise lasts approximately two hours.

What time does the activity start?

The listed start time is 9:40 am. Your exact pickup time can vary according to your hotel.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Transport and pickup are offered, but the exact pickup place and time depend on where you are staying.

What animals might I see?

The cruise searches for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins in Tenerife’s coastal waters.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the activity price.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Complimentary drinks are included, with soft drinks and beer available on board.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The itinerary includes time for a swim when conditions allow. The activity is not suitable for people who cannot swim.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. You should bring swimwear, sunblock, and a towel.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.