Adults Only Tenerife Freebird Whale Dolphin Catamaran with Lunch

Tenerife’s southwest coast is the setting for this relaxed wildlife cruise, where pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins often appear close to the boat. You’ll watch from an adults-only catamaran, then have time for a swim before lunch and drinks are served on board.

I like the uncrowded feel, created by sailing at roughly a quarter below the boat’s full capacity, and I like the practical extras: hotel transport, drinks, lunch, Wi-Fi, snorkelling gear, and a towel service. The crew also gives you time to watch the animals rather than rushing off after one sighting.

The main caution is pickup. The exact place and time depend on your hotel, and one reported missed pickup caused a serious problem. Bring swimwear, sunblock, and a towel, and confirm your pickup if you have not heard from the operator 48 hours before departure.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales and dolphins: The cruise heads toward Tenerife’s known marine-life waters, with sightings possible but never guaranteed.
• Adults only: The child-free setting suits couples and adults who want a quieter boat trip.
• Two hours on the water: This is a short coastal outing, not the longer four to four-and-a-half-hour cruises also sold by the same company.
• Lunch and drinks included: Soft drinks and beer are available, with a light lunch served during the trip.
• Swim stop included: You can enter the sea at a suitable spot, with snorkelling equipment available.
• Hotel pickup varies: Your exact collection details arrive after booking, so do not assume the listed 9:40 am time is your hotel pickup time.

A short adults-only cruise with a clear purpose

This Freebird catamaran trip is built around three simple pleasures: looking for whales and dolphins, sitting in the sun, and taking a swim in the Atlantic. It is not a packed sightseeing schedule. You spend the time on or near the water, with Tenerife’s rocky coast providing the backdrop.

The cruise lasts about two hours. That makes it easy to fit into a morning or afternoon, especially if you are staying in the south of Tenerife and want a break from pool time or organized sightseeing. It also limits how much wildlife-searching the crew can do compared with the longer cruises.

The adults-only policy changes the tone. You will not have children running around the deck, and the boat is intended to feel calm rather than rowdy. That does not mean complete silence. The crew keeps the mood friendly, and drinks are served at the shaded bar, but the setup is better suited to couples, friends, and adults looking for an easygoing half-day plan.

The catamaran is operated below full capacity, described as about a quarter under capacity, with a maximum of 72 people. That is still a sizable group, but it should give you more room to move around than a completely full sailing. If personal space matters to you, arrive ready to choose a good place on deck once boarding begins.

Setting out from Tenerife’s southwest coast

The waters around Tenerife are home to pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. The boat heads toward areas known for these animals, and the captain adjusts the route in search of pods. You might see dolphins moving beside the catamaran or whales resting at the surface.

Wildlife watching always involves luck. The tour can take you to the right waters, but no operator can promise that animals will appear on schedule. The strongest reason to book is that you enjoy being at sea even if sightings are brief, rather than treating a whale or dolphin encounter as a guaranteed show.

The views are part of the experience. As you sit on deck, you get a different angle on Tenerife’s dramatic coastal terrain, with the breeze and open water doing most of the entertainment. I like this simple approach. There is no need to fill every minute with commentary or forced activity.

The crew gives you time to observe animals when they appear. That matters. A quick glimpse of a dorsal fin can be thrilling, but having enough time to watch a pod move through the water gives the sighting more meaning. One account described dolphins, including young dolphins, swimming near the boat, along with several whales.

What the two-hour itinerary feels like

The tour begins with transport arrangements based on your hotel. The advertised start time is 9:40 am, but your collection time and place depend on where you stay. After booking, the operator contacts you with the details.

Once at the marina, you board the catamaran and settle on deck. One useful detail from the experience is that a photo may be taken as you board, with the chance to view and buy it later. You are not required to purchase it, but it is worth knowing about before you arrive.

The boat then moves into the marine-life area. The captain and crew search for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins while you watch from the deck. Drinks are available at the shaded bar, and the crew provides a light lunch during the cruise.

The swim stop comes after the wildlife search. You can enter the sea at a suitable area, and snorkelling equipment is available. The stop gives the trip a second focus, especially if the animals stay below the surface or appear only briefly.

The supplied information says towel service is included, but also advises you to bring a towel and lists towels as not included. I would pack your own towel rather than rely on the wording. It costs little space and avoids a chilly ride back to port.

The trip returns after about two hours. Some feedback describes a four-hour or four-and-a-half-hour Freebird sailing, but those are different, longer options. Check that your reservation is for this two-hour adults-only cruise if you want the shorter outing.

Whale and dolphin watching without a staged show

Pilot whales are a major reason to choose this cruise. Tenerife’s nearby waters are known for regular marine life, and the crew sails toward areas where pods may gather. Bottlenose dolphins are another possible highlight, and they can be especially entertaining when they travel close to the boat.

The animals remain wild. You will not see a trained performance, and the crew cannot control what appears or how long it stays. That is a strength, but it also sets a fair expectation. A good trip means spending pleasant time on the ocean while keeping watch, not receiving a guaranteed wildlife display.

I appreciate that the boat reportedly slows down and gives people time to look when animals are nearby. One account described whales resting or sleeping while the crew allowed everyone to observe before continuing toward the swim area. That is a more respectful approach than racing from one sighting to the next.

Bring sunblock and consider a hat, though the tour specifically mentions a shaded bar for breaks from the sun. The open deck can feel breezy, and conditions may change once the catamaran leaves the marina. Keep your phone secure when moving around the boat, especially if you plan to take photos near the rail.

Lunch, drinks, and the swim stop

Food is included, but this is a light boat lunch rather than a full restaurant meal. One account describes a sandwich served during the sailing, followed later by ice cream on the way back. The formal inclusions list lunch and drinks, but ice cream is specifically marked as not included, so I would not count on dessert being part of this particular booking.

Drinks include soft drinks and beer. This is useful because you do not need to organize refreshments for a short cruise, and the shaded bar gives you a place to cool down. Alcohol can make the sun and motion feel stronger, so pace yourself if you plan to swim.

The swim stop is optional in the sense that you can choose not to enter the water, but the activity is not suitable for people who cannot swim. Snorkelling equipment is provided, and you should bring bathing gear. The water may be the most active part of the outing, with fish visible around you according to one account.

You should also think about your comfort getting in and out. The boat requires you to walk along a gangplank, and the activity is not suitable for anyone unable to manage that access. One person with a disability received help from staff on a longer sailing, which suggests that assistance may be possible, but you should ask the operator before booking rather than rely on help being available.

Service on board and at the marina

The crew receives especially strong praise for being warm, friendly, and helpful. Jeanette, also spelled Jannette in the supplied information, is associated with the Freebird sales point and is described as explaining the choices without pressure. If you book in person at the marina, look for her at the Freebird hut near the end of the marina.

That personal help can be valuable because Freebird offers more than one cruise length. The four-hour and four-and-a-half-hour options appear in customer accounts, while this booking is about two hours. Ask exactly what is included, how long you will be on the water, and what time you return.

On board, three male crew members were also praised for being welcoming and fun. That combination of practical help and relaxed service is important on a short trip. You want staff who can explain the swim stop, help with equipment, and keep the boarding process moving without turning the cruise into a hard-sell experience.

There is one service issue you should take seriously: pickup reliability. One person reported that the bus passed the meeting point without stopping, and the booking platform did not provide a refund. Another account described a bus arriving later than expected, though the delay was manageable.

Confirm the pickup instructions as soon as you book. If the operator has not contacted you at least 48 hours before departure, the instructions say to get in touch. Keep the phone number and meeting point accessible, and arrive early enough that the driver can see you.

Is $70.89 good value?

At $70.89 per person, the price is reasonable if you use several parts of the package. Hotel transport, a two-hour catamaran cruise, whale and dolphin searching, lunch, drinks, Wi-Fi, snorkelling equipment, and towel service are all included in the listed price.

The value is strongest for someone who wants an adults-only boat outing without arranging separate transport or buying food and drinks on board. The swim stop adds something active, while the wildlife search and coastal views keep the trip worthwhile for people who prefer to stay on deck.

The value is weaker if you want a long wildlife expedition. Two hours goes quickly once pickup, boarding, lunch, animal watching, and swimming are all included. The longer Freebird trips appearing in the booking choices may suit you better if seeing whales and dolphins is your main goal.

Diet is another price consideration. A vegan participant had notified the operator about allergies but received a non-vegan sandwich and lunch, with only a banana suitable to eat. If you have a serious allergy or follow a specific diet, contact the operator directly and get clear confirmation before paying. Do not assume that advance notification guarantees a suitable meal.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip if you want a compact, adult-focused outing with several built-in extras. It suits couples and friends who like sitting in the sun, watching for wildlife, and having a casual swim without committing to a full day at sea.

It also works well as a relaxed morning or afternoon plan. The two-hour duration leaves room for other Tenerife activities, and the hotel transport can simplify the day if your accommodation is within the pickup area.

You should think twice if you get seasick, dislike uncertain wildlife sightings, or cannot swim. The boat offers a shaded bar and a calm pace, but it is still an ocean trip. The operator also says it is not suitable for anyone unable to walk along the gangplank.

The adults-only format may be a deciding factor. Families need to choose another excursion, but adults who want a quieter deck may find this setting more comfortable than a general catamaran outing.

Booking, cancellation, and practical details

Confirmation arrives at booking, and mobile tickets are accepted. The activity is offered in English, and most people can participate if they can board safely and manage the swim conditions.

Pickup is offered, but do not treat 9:40 am as your guaranteed hotel collection time. The exact time and meeting point depend on your accommodation. If no message arrives 48 hours before departure, contact the operator during office hours, listed as Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5:15 pm. The office is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made inside that window are not refunded, and changes made within 24 hours are not accepted.

Pack bathing gear, sunblock, a towel, and any personal medication you may need. The boat has Wi-Fi, but do not let that distract you from the reason to come: the open water, the coast, and the chance of seeing wild dolphins or whales.

Should you book the Freebird catamaran?

Book it if you want an easy, adults-only sea outing with lunch, drinks, a swim stop, and a fair chance of seeing Tenerife’s marine life. The crew’s friendly service, especially the help associated with Jeanette, is a strong part of the experience, and the below-capacity setup should make the two hours feel less cramped.

Skip it if you want a guaranteed sighting, a full meal for a special diet, or a long whale-watching expedition. Confirm your pickup in advance, bring your own towel, and ask specific questions about food allergies.

For most adults who value a short, well-equipped cruise more than a serious wildlife expedition, the $70.89 price is fair. Just remember that the ocean makes the schedule, not the brochure.

FAQ

How long does the adults-only Freebird cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours. Longer four-hour and four-and-a-half-hour Freebird options are also mentioned, so confirm that your booking is for the two-hour experience.

What animals might I see?

The cruise searches for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins in Tenerife’s coastal waters. Sightings are possible but cannot be guaranteed.

Is hotel pickup included?

Transport and pickup are offered. Your exact collection time and place depend on your hotel, and the operator sends those details after booking.

What time does the activity start?

The listed start time is 9:40 am. Your actual hotel pickup time may differ, so wait for the operator to confirm your details.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with drinks. The food is described as a light lunch, and you should contact the operator in advance about dietary requirements.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The itinerary includes time to swim, and snorkelling equipment is provided. The activity is not suitable for people who cannot swim.

What should I bring?

Bring bathing gear, sunblock, and a towel. Although towel service is listed among the inclusions, the practical advice is to bring your own. Mobile tickets are accepted, and Wi-Fi is available on board.