Exclusive Freebird Catamaran Whale & Dolphin to Masca From South

Tenerife’s best boat scenery comes with a good chance of dolphins and pilot whales, plus a swim beneath the island’s huge Los Gigantes cliffs. I like the mix of wildlife watching and quiet time on a sun deck, and I like that lunch, drinks, and a lifejacket are included in the $70.98 price.

The main catch is the food and bar service. Some sailings provide only a small ham-and-cheese roll, while drinks may be limited to beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks. If you expect a polished all-inclusive cruise, this may feel basic.

Key points to know before you book

• Wildlife comes first: You may see dolphins and pilot whales in their natural habitat, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• Los Gigantes is the visual highlight: The catamaran sails toward Tenerife’s towering west coast and Masca Bay.
• Swimming is part of the plan: The boat anchors in Masca Bay for a sea swim, conditions permitting.
• The group is limited to 30 people: That is smaller than many resort boat trips, though the vessel can still feel busy.
• Lunch is simple: Expect basic onboard food rather than a full restaurant meal.
• The 11:20 a.m. start matters: This is a half-day outing, leaving room for other plans in southern Tenerife.

A four-hour sail from Puerto Colón to Masca Bay

You meet for an 11:20 a.m. departure at Puerto Colón, one of the main boating points in southern Tenerife. The cruise lasts about four hours, which is long enough to reach the coast near Masca without turning the day into a full-day commitment.

The catamaran gives you several ways to spend that time. You can sit in the sun, find shade near the bar, watch the water, or move around for a better view. The boat carries a maximum of 30 people, so it is not an intimate private charter, but it should feel more manageable than a large excursion vessel.

I like this format for a first look at Tenerife from the water. You get a broad view of the volcanic coast without spending hours on winding mountain roads. At the same time, you should understand that this is a shared excursion with a set route, not a flexible sailing where you choose every stop.

Pickup is offered, but the supplied details do not specify pickup areas, times, or whether an extra fee applies. Check those details before booking. Bring your paper ticket, since that is the stated ticket format.

Searching the water for dolphins and pilot whales

The cruise heads into waters known for dolphins and pilot whales. The appeal is clear: instead of seeing these animals in an enclosed park, you watch for them in the sea where they normally live.

The crew provides dolphin watching as part of the trip. You may see dolphins moving near the boat or pilot whales surfacing farther out. Past sailings have included both, with captains Luca and Dani named positively for helping make the journey interesting and comfortable.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. Wildlife watching is never a guaranteed performance. The boat can search likely areas, but animals choose their own route and may remain underwater. The best approach is to enjoy the coast and the open water even if the animals stay out of sight.

You will want a clear view, so think about where you sit once aboard. Sunbeds and front-row positions have been available on some sailings, though seating preferences cannot be guaranteed. If spotting wildlife is your top goal, stay alert rather than settling into a long sunbathing session.

The boat’s wildlife focus also gives the cruise more purpose than a simple coastal ride. You are not only looking at Tenerife’s cliffs. You are watching the sea itself, waiting for movement, fins, and the brief appearance of a whale’s back.

Sailing beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

The west coast of Tenerife changes the mood of the trip. The island’s volcanic terrain rises sharply near Los Gigantes, where massive cliffs drop toward the sea. From a boat, you get a view that roads and lookout points cannot provide.

This is one of the strongest reasons to book the cruise even if wildlife sightings are uncertain. The catamaran lets you see the cliffs from below, with the water between you and the rock walls. You can take in the scale at an easier pace than you would from a busy viewpoint.

The route toward Masca also gives the cruise a sense of movement. You are not simply anchored near the marina for four hours. The captain takes you along Tenerife’s coast, combining wildlife watching with scenery and a swim stop.

The tradeoff is that the coast can become the backdrop while the crew focuses on timing and marine life. If your main goal is a detailed visit to Masca village or the Masca Valley, this is not that kind of excursion. You see the area from the sea and stop in Masca Bay, but you do not take a land tour through the valley.

Swimming in Masca Bay

After the wildlife search and coastal sailing, the catamaran anchors in Masca Bay. This is the point where you can cool off with a swim from the boat.

A sea swim makes good sense after several hours in the Tenerife sun. You can leave the deck, get into the water, and return to the boat without giving up the views. A lifejacket is included, which is useful for anyone who wants extra support in the water.

You should treat the swim as a planned opportunity, not a promise of a long beach stop. The experience description mentions swim stops, but it does not specify how long you will be in the water or whether weather and sea conditions can change the plan.

There is no indication of a sandy beach visit. The stop is from the catamaran in the bay, so bring a swimsuit if you want to participate. If you prefer to remain dry, you can use the anchorage as a quieter break and enjoy the scenery from the deck.

Lunch and the open bar: useful, but basic

Lunch and drinks are included, which helps the price feel more reasonable. The listed drinks are beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks. Alcohol is available only to adults aged 18 and over.

The food is the less certain part of the package. Some sailings have served hot food, while others have provided a small bread roll with ham and cheese. That is enough for a light meal, but it may not satisfy you after four hours in the sun and water.

I would treat the onboard meal as a snack with lunch value, not as a dining experience. If you have dietary restrictions, the supplied information does not confirm vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-friendly options. Ask before departure rather than assuming the crew can provide an alternative.

The bar setup can also affect your expectations. Drinks may be served from bottles at the shaded bar, and supplies can feel limited when many people want something at once. You may find it useful to get your drink early rather than waiting until the whole group heads to the bar.

This is still a practical inclusion. Buying lunch and drinks separately at a marina or beach stop can add up, and you do not need to carry much onboard. Just do not book this as a premium food-and-drink cruise.

What $70.98 really gets you

At $70.98 per person, the value rests on four pieces: the catamaran ride, the chance to see dolphins and pilot whales, the Los Gigantes scenery, and the included food and drinks.

That is a fair price if you want a half-day on the water and would otherwise pay separately for a wildlife boat trip, a coastal cruise, and refreshments. The four-hour length also gives you enough time to settle into the outing without using your entire day.

The value is weaker if you judge the experience mainly by the meal. A small roll and limited bar selection will not compete with a restaurant lunch. It is also not the right purchase if you need guaranteed wildlife sightings or a quiet private boat.

The maximum group size of 30 helps. You are sharing the boat, but this is not described as a huge party cruise. Still, some parts of the vessel may feel crowded, especially around the bar or during boarding. The experience suits people who accept a social setting in exchange for a lower price.

The average booking lead time is 18 days. That suggests you should not leave it until the last minute during a busy holiday, especially if your schedule has only one open morning for a boat trip.

Who will enjoy this catamaran cruise most

I would recommend it to you if you want several Tenerife highlights in one easy outing. You get sea views, wildlife watching, a look at Los Gigantes, a swim, lunch, and drinks without arranging each piece separately.

It is especially suitable for:

• Couples who want a relaxed half-day on the water
• Families looking for a boat ride with a swim stop
• First-time visitors who want to see Tenerife from the coast
• Anyone who enjoys wildlife watching but does not need a private charter
• Sun seekers who like a deck, open air, and a shaded bar

You may want another option if food quality is central to your holiday plans. You should also think twice if you dislike group excursions, need a detailed land visit to Masca, or want a guaranteed close encounter with marine animals.

The activity says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed accessibility information. If you have mobility needs or concerns about boarding, ask the provider before booking.

Practical ways to make the four hours better

Bring swimwear, since the boat may stop for a sea swim. A towel and sun protection are sensible choices for any deck-based outing, although these items are not listed as included.

Keep your paper ticket available for the meeting point. The stated departure is 11:20 a.m., so allow enough time to reach Puerto Colón and locate the correct boarding point.

If you want a good chance at seeing wildlife, pay attention during the search rather than spending the entire outward journey at the bar. The animals may appear quickly and then vanish just as fast.

Ask about food before sailing if you do not eat meat. The information supplied does not promise alternatives, and ham and cheese has been used for the basic meal. Also confirm pickup details, since pickup is offered but the coverage and conditions are not specified.

Finally, be ready for a simple, resort-style excursion. Captains such as Luca and Dani have helped create enjoyable trips, but the service can vary. Some sailings feel friendly and engaging, while others may seem less personal. That is worth knowing before you compare this with a smaller charter.

Should you book this Tenerife boat trip?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, four-hour catamaran ride that combines pilot whales and dolphins, Los Gigantes, and a swim in Masca Bay. The strongest part is the range of experiences packed into one morning or afternoon, with drinks and a basic lunch already covered.

Skip it if you expect gourmet food, a quiet luxury cruise, or a guaranteed wildlife show. For most people, the best way to judge the $70.98 price is to think of the meal as a bonus and the real value as the boat time, coastal scenery, and chance to see marine life in open water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Puerto Colón in Tenerife.

What time does the tour start?

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

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours.

What animals might I see?

You may see dolphins and pilot whales in the waters around Tenerife.

Does the tour visit Masca?

The boat sails toward Masca Bay and anchors there for a swim stop. It is a sea excursion, not a land tour of Masca Valley.

Are Los Gigantes cliffs part of the route?

Yes. The cruise includes views of the Los Gigantes cliffs from the water.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat anchors in Masca Bay for a swim stop, and lifejackets are included.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included, along with beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks. The meal may be simple, and the specific food is not guaranteed in the supplied details.

Can children participate?

Most people can participate. Alcoholic drinks are available only to adults aged 18 and over.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 30 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.