Exclusive Freebird Catamaran Whale & Dolphin to Masca From South

Tenerife’s best scenery arrives from the sea, and this four-hour catamaran cruise gives you a fine front-row view. You’ll watch for pilot whales and dolphins, pass beneath the huge cliffs of Los Gigantes, then stop in Masca Bay for a swim.

I like the blend of wildlife, scenery, and a proper swim stop. I also like the small maximum group of 30 people, which should feel calmer than a packed party boat. The main caution is the food and drinks: this is a simple lunch cruise, not a floating restaurant, and the meal may be a basic ham-and-cheese roll.

Key points to know

• Whale and dolphin sightings: The boat sails through waters known for pilot whales and dolphins, but wildlife is never guaranteed.
• Los Gigantes by sea: The towering cliffs look especially dramatic from the water.
• Masca Bay swim stop: Bring swimwear if you want to get in the sea during the anchor stop.
• Simple onboard lunch: Expect a light meal rather than a substantial restaurant-style lunch.
• Included drinks: Beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks are provided, with alcohol only for adults aged 18 and over.
• Small boat capacity: The maximum group size is 30, though some departures may still feel busy around the bar or swim area.

Setting sail from Puerto Colón at 11:20

The trip begins from Puerto Colón, one of the main departure points on Tenerife’s south coast. The listed start time is 11:20 am, placing the cruise neatly in the middle of the day, when the sun is usually strong and the sea views are at their clearest.

Pickup is offered, which can be useful if you are staying in the southern resort area and do not want to arrange your own way to the marina. Check the exact pickup details when booking, since the information provided does not name individual hotels or pickup times.

The boat is a catamaran, so you get more room to move than on a narrow single-hull vessel. The open deck is the place to sit for views, sea air, and sun. A shaded bar gives you a break when the heat becomes too much. I would bring a hat, sunscreen, and a light cover-up. The deck can feel bright and exposed for several hours.

The maximum capacity is 30 people. That is a useful limit for a cruise that includes wildlife watching and a swim. Still, a smaller official capacity does not mean every part of the boat will feel quiet. The bar, best viewing spots, and swim entry area may draw people at the same time.

Watching for pilot whales and dolphins

The first major part of the cruise is the search for marine life. The boat heads into waters where pods of dolphins and pilot whales are often seen. You may spot animals surfacing beside the boat, moving through the water, or leaping nearby.

The key word is may. No responsible whale-watching trip can promise an encounter, and the wildlife decides the schedule. The boat’s crew can look for likely areas, but you should book this for the pleasure of being at sea as much as for a guaranteed photograph.

Pilot whales are one of the special sights around Tenerife. They are not the giant whales many people picture, but their dark bodies and rounded heads are easy to recognize when they surface. Dolphins can be faster and harder to follow, especially when the sea is busy with glare. Keep your eyes moving and avoid spending the whole time staring at one patch of water.

The wildlife portion is also where the boat’s pace matters. This is not a fast transport service to Masca Bay. The cruise takes time to search, watch, and give you a view of Tenerife from offshore. If you prefer a tightly scheduled trip with one fixed attraction, you may find the wildlife search too uncertain. If you enjoy waiting for a sudden fin or splash, it can be the most rewarding part.

Several past departures have had strong sightings, including both dolphins and pilot whales. Captains named Luca and Dani received specific praise for helping make the wildlife encounters enjoyable. Captain names can change by departure, so do not book on the assumption that one particular captain will be onboard.

Seeing Los Gigantes from the water

The cruise continues toward the cliffs of Los Gigantes, one of Tenerife’s most striking coastal sights. These dark volcanic walls rise sharply from the sea, and viewing them from a catamaran gives you a better sense of their scale than a roadside lookout.

From the deck, you can look up at the rock faces without the interruptions of roads, buildings, or traffic. The boat’s position on the water also lets you see how the cliffs meet the ocean. This is a simple change of viewpoint, but it makes the scenery feel much bigger.

The area around Los Gigantes is a strong reason to choose this cruise instead of a generic short boat ride. You get wildlife watching and coastal scenery in the same outing. I would keep a camera ready, but also take time to watch without it. The cliffs are difficult to capture well in a quick phone photograph because their size is easier to understand in person.

Conditions at sea can affect how much you enjoy this section. Wind, sun, and movement are part of the experience. If you are prone to seasickness, sit near the middle of the catamaran and keep your eyes on the horizon. The provided information does not promise calm water, so plan for an ordinary open-sea ride rather than a perfectly still harbor cruise.

Anchoring in Masca Bay for a swim

The route includes a stop in Masca Bay, in the shadow of Tenerife’s dramatic western coast. Here, the boat anchors so you can cool off with a swim.

This is an important part of the outing. Four hours on an exposed deck can feel long, especially around midday. A swim breaks up the wildlife search and the scenic cruise, while giving you a chance to get away from the sun for a while.

Bring a swimsuit under your clothes and pack a towel unless the operator confirms one is supplied. The tour includes a lifejacket, but the supplied information does not state that towels, snorkel gear, or other water equipment are provided. Do not count on those extras.

The swim stop may be the best fit for active families and couples who want more than a sightseeing ride. It may be less appealing if you prefer to stay completely dry or if you dislike getting back onto a moving boat. Take care around the boarding area and follow the crew’s instructions.

Masca Bay is also a fine place to simply sit on deck and admire the coast if you do not want to swim. The itinerary describes the stop as a swim break, not a shore visit, so you should not expect to get off and explore a village or beach.

What lunch and drinks really mean

Lunch and drinks are included in the $70.98 price, but you should set your expectations correctly. This is a convenient meal served at sea, not a long restaurant lunch with several choices.

The food has been described as a simple roll with ham and cheese. One past passenger noted that it was too limited for someone who does not eat meat. No vegetarian alternative is specified, so if you have dietary needs, contact the provider before booking rather than assuming a replacement will be available.

The drinks include beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks. Alcohol is available only to adults aged 18 and over. The setup is casual, and feedback has described the portions or serving format as limited, particularly at the bar. I would treat the drinks as a pleasant inclusion, not as an unlimited open bar.

Bring your own water only if the operator permits it, since the supplied details do not explain outside food or drink rules. At minimum, plan a good breakfast before departure. A light roll may be enough for some people, but hungry swimmers and anyone expecting a large lunch could be disappointed.

This is also where the value depends on your priorities. If you mainly want a boat ride, wildlife search, cliff views, and a swim, the included refreshments help keep the cost reasonable. If lunch quality is central to your decision, look elsewhere or ask for the current menu before paying.

How the $70.98 price compares in practical terms

At $70.98 per person, the trip combines several paid elements in one half-day outing: a catamaran ride, whale and dolphin watching, coastal sightseeing, lunch, drinks, and a swim stop. The price is easier to justify if you would otherwise book separate boat and wildlife activities.

The value is strongest for someone who wants a relaxed day on the sea without arranging much independently. Pickup is offered, the boat supplies lifejackets, and the cruise includes food and drinks. You also get access to Tenerife’s western cliffs without needing to organize a land journey to see them from the coast.

The value is weaker if you are expecting luxury service. The meal is basic, the bar selection is narrow, and some past departures have felt crowded around the serving area despite the 30-person limit. The crew experience may vary too. Some captains and crews have been praised for making the ride comfortable and interesting, while other feedback describes staff as distant.

I would compare this trip with the cost of a standard whale-watching boat, but not with a premium private charter. This is a shared excursion with a fixed route and a set start time. You pay for variety and convenience, not personal service.

The experience is often booked around 18 days ahead. That suggests you should not leave it until the last day of a short Tenerife visit, especially if your schedule is tight. A free cancellation policy allows you to cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several Tenerife highlights in one outing. It suits people who enjoy open water, sea views, wildlife watching, and a quick swim. It can also work well for families, since most people can take part and lifejackets are included.

It is a good choice for:

• Couples wanting a relaxed half-day at sea
• Families who enjoy wildlife and swimming
• First-time visitors who want to see Los Gigantes without planning a separate route
• Anyone staying in southern Tenerife who values pickup
• People who prefer a shared cruise to a private charter

I would hesitate if you need a vegetarian meal confirmed in advance, expect a large lunch, or want a quiet luxury cruise. I would also be cautious if you dislike uncertainty. Dolphins and pilot whales are wild animals, and the captain cannot control what appears beside the boat.

The trip is not a shore excursion into Masca Valley. The experience takes you to Masca Bay by boat, with the emphasis on the coast, cliffs, swimming, and wildlife. If you want to walk through the inland valley, this is not the right tour.

Practical details before you book

The tour lasts about four hours and starts at 11:20 am. Confirmation is provided at booking, and a paper ticket is used. The provider’s office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:15 pm, and it is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, which may matter if you need to ask a last-minute question.

Wear clothing that can handle sea spray and bring sun protection. A swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, and a light layer are sensible choices. Keep valuables secure and avoid bringing anything you would not want splashed.

The cruise has a maximum of 30 people, but the supplied information does not promise wheelchair access or describe specific facilities for mobility needs. Most people can participate, but contact the provider before booking if you need assistance.

The alcohol rule is clear: beer and sangria are for adults aged 18 and over. Water and soft drinks are included as well. Since the available information does not specify a full menu or dietary substitutions, ask in advance about food allergies and meat-free meals.

Should you book the Freebird catamaran?

Book it if you want a well-packed half-day on Tenerife’s south and west coast, with a real chance of seeing dolphins and pilot whales, strong views of Los Gigantes, and a swim in Masca Bay. The combination is the main strength, and the small stated capacity helps keep the outing from becoming an enormous boat-party experience.

Go in with realistic expectations. Sightings are not guaranteed, lunch is basic, drinks are limited, and crew service may vary. For $70.98, I think it is fair value if your priority is the sea time and scenery. If you want gourmet food, premium service, or a guaranteed wildlife encounter, choose a more specialized and possibly more expensive option.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise departs from Puerto Colón in Tenerife.

What time does the tour begin?

The listed start time is 11:20 am.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours.

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

No. The boat sails in waters known for dolphins and pilot whales, but sightings depend on wild animals and are not guaranteed.

Which animals might I see?

You may see dolphins and pilot whales during the wildlife-watching portion of the cruise.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, though the food is described as a simple onboard meal rather than a full restaurant-style lunch.

Which drinks are included?

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

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The boat anchors in Masca Bay for a swim stop. A lifejacket is included.

What is the cancellation policy?

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