Exclusive Freebird Catamaran Whale & Dolphin to Masca From South

The best part of this four-hour catamaran cruise is the mix of wildlife and scenery. You sail from Puerto Colón toward the waters where dolphins and pilot whales are often seen, then head along Tenerife’s dramatic coast to the towering Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca Bay.

I like the chance to see whales and dolphins without giving up a comfortable sun deck, and I like that a swim stop, lunch, and drinks are built into the outing. The main caution is that the food and bar service can be quite basic, and the boat may feel crowded even with a stated limit of 30 people.

Past departures have been led by captains named Luca and Dani, with Luca praised for keeping the trip interesting and comfortable. You should treat wildlife sightings as a possibility, not a promise, and bring a flexible attitude if your idea of lunch is more substantial than a simple roll.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main draw: The boat heads into known cetacean waters, giving you a chance to see both species in the wild.
• Los Gigantes provides the big scenery: The catamaran sails beneath Tenerife’s tall volcanic cliffs before reaching Masca Bay.
• Masca Bay is the swimming stop: You can cool off in the sea when the boat anchors, weather and sea conditions permitting.
• Drinks are included, but choices are limited: Beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks are provided, with alcohol available only to adults aged 18 and over.
• The group is capped at 30 people: That is smaller than many large excursion boats, though the deck can still feel busy.
• Lunch is simple rather than gourmet: The meal has been described as a basic ham and cheese roll or hot food, so plan accordingly if you have dietary needs.

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

Your day starts at Puerto Colón, one of the main excursion harbors in southern Tenerife. The scheduled departure is 11:20 a.m., a useful time if you want a relaxed morning before heading to the marina.

Pickup is offered, but exact pickup points are not provided, so check the booking details carefully before you leave your hotel. You will receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the experience uses a paper ticket.

The boat carries a maximum of 30 people. That cap matters because catamarans can feel open and airy on the water, but the shaded bar, seating areas, and best sunbathing spots can still fill quickly. If you want a particular place on deck, arriving with enough time to check in is sensible.

The catamaran format gives you more room to move than a small rigid boat. You can sit in the sun, find shade, watch the coastline from the side, or head toward the bar for a drink. It is still a shared excursion, not a private sailing trip, so expect a set route and a social atmosphere.

Watching for dolphins and pilot whales

The first major purpose of the cruise is wildlife watching. The captain sails into waters known for pods of dolphins and pilot whales, and the crew can explain what you are seeing when animals appear.

Dolphins may leap alongside the boat, while pilot whales are usually a calmer, more patient sight. You might see fins, backs, or groups surfacing at a distance rather than a full theatrical display. That is the nature of wildlife viewing. The experience depends on the animals, the sea, and the captain’s ability to find them.

Several departures have produced sightings of both dolphins and pilot whales. That is the strongest reason to choose this cruise over a simple coastal sail. You are not just looking at Tenerife from the water. You have a real chance to see marine life in its natural setting.

Still, do not book this as a guaranteed whale show. No responsible wildlife trip can promise a close encounter. If the animals stay out of sight, the coastline, open water, and time on the catamaran become the main experience.

The front of the boat can be a good place for views, though it may be more exposed to sun and spray. Sun beds are available, and some passengers have especially liked being at the front when dolphins and whales appeared. Bring sun protection, even if the breeze makes the day feel mild.

Sailing beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife search, the route continues toward the Los Gigantes cliffs. These enormous volcanic walls rise sharply from the sea and give you one of Tenerife’s most memorable coastal views.

Seeing the cliffs from the water changes their scale. From land, you can admire their height, but from the catamaran you look directly up at the rock face while the boat moves along its base. It is a good stretch of the trip for photographs, though the bright sun can make glare a problem.

The scenery also gives the cruise a steady rhythm. You are not expected to spend four hours focused on wildlife alone. You can shift between watching the sea, taking photographs, resting on deck, and listening to the crew.

A captain who keeps the group informed can make this part more enjoyable. Past trips led by Luca and Dani received especially warm praise for the way they handled the outing and helped make the journey comfortable. The crew experience may vary, though, and one departure was criticized for staff who seemed distant and not very engaging.

That difference is worth keeping in mind. The route and included services are fixed, but the mood onboard can depend heavily on the captain and crew working that day.

Cooling off in Masca Bay

The cruise finishes its sightseeing route at Masca Bay, in the shadow of Tenerife’s west coast. Here the boat anchors for a swim stop, giving you a chance to leave the deck and cool off in the sea.

This is not a land visit to Masca Valley. You do not hike into the valley or explore a village. Instead, you experience the coast from the water, with the cliffs providing the setting for a swim.

The swimming stop is a welcome change after time in the sun. You can use the lifejacket provided if you need one, and the stop gives you a more active break than simply sitting on deck. If you prefer not to swim, you can remain onboard and enjoy the view.

Sea conditions can affect how long or how comfortable the swim feels. The supplied information does not give a guaranteed swimming duration, water temperature, or detailed access arrangements, so you should think of this as a weather-dependent boat stop rather than a formal beach visit.

Lunch and the included drinks

The price includes lunch, beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks. That makes the cruise easier to budget because you do not need to buy every drink separately once onboard.

The bar selection is not extensive. Beer and sangria are the alcoholic options specifically listed, along with water and soft drinks. Alcohol is available only to adults aged 18 and over. If you want cocktails, wine, or a wider choice, do not expect a full resort bar.

Food is the part of the offer that needs the clearest explanation. The meal has been described on some departures as a simple roll with ham and cheese, while another account described hot food that was acceptable. You should expect practical boat food, not a restaurant lunch.

That matters if you have a large appetite, avoid meat, or need a specific diet. The available information does not promise vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly options. If food is important to your day, bring a small backup snack, provided the operator allows it, and ask about ingredients before boarding.

The lunch still has value because it is included during a four-hour outing. You are not paying extra for a meal at the marina, and having food available means you can stay focused on the coast and wildlife. Just keep your expectations modest.

How the $70.98 price works out

At $70.98 per person, this is priced as a mid-range half-day boat excursion rather than a bare sightseeing transfer. You are paying for about four hours on the water, a catamaran, a wildlife search, the Los Gigantes route, a swim stop, lunch, and drinks.

The value is strongest if you want several activities in one booking. A separate whale-watching trip, coastal cruise, and swim outing would take more planning and could cost more when drinks and food are added. Here, the route is packaged into one straightforward morning-to-afternoon experience.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a luxury meal or a quiet private sail. The boat is shared, the group can feel crowded, and lunch is simple. You are buying access to Tenerife’s coast and a chance to see wildlife, not fine dining or personal service.

I would also judge the price by how much you care about the wildlife element. If seeing dolphins or pilot whales is high on your list, the cruise makes more sense. If you are indifferent to animals and only want a swim, a less expensive beach or boat option might suit you better.

The average booking time is 18 days in advance. That suggests you should not leave it until the last moment if your schedule is tight, especially during a busy holiday period.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This trip suits you if you want a low-effort way to see several sides of Tenerife’s southern and western coast. You get open-water scenery, wildlife watching, cliffs, swimming, lunch, and drinks without changing vehicles or arranging separate activities.

It is particularly good for:

• Couples who want a relaxed shared outing with a little adventure
• Families who enjoy boats and wildlife
• First-time visitors who want a quick introduction to Tenerife’s coast
• Anyone who would rather sunbathe and swim than spend a full day on land
• Visitors who value included food and drinks in the upfront price

You should think twice if you need a highly structured educational wildlife tour, a quiet luxury setting, or a substantial meal. It may also disappoint you if you expect guaranteed close encounters with whales or a wide selection of drinks.

The boat is suitable for most people, according to the supplied participation information. Still, swimming, sun exposure, boat movement, and access around a catamaran are worth considering for your own comfort.

Practical details that can save you trouble

The start time is 11:20 a.m., and the total duration is about four hours. Allow extra time for reaching Puerto Colón, checking in, and finding the departure point if you are making your own way there.

Pickup is offered, but the available details do not list the exact areas or times. Confirm this before booking if you are staying away from the main resort areas.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a light cover-up for the return ride. The sea breeze can feel cool after swimming, even on a warm day. A waterproof phone pouch is sensible if you want photographs near the water.

The experience is offered with free cancellation 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. The cutoff follows local Tenerife time.

The provider’s office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. It is closed Saturday and Sunday, so weekend questions may not receive an immediate answer.

Should you book the Freebird catamaran?

Book it if your ideal Tenerife outing combines wildlife, cliffs, and a swim in one half-day trip. The chance to see dolphins and pilot whales is the strongest feature, and the views of Los Gigantes give the cruise lasting appeal even when nature does not cooperate.

Go in expecting a shared boat, a limited bar, and a basic lunch. If you can accept those tradeoffs, $70.98 is a fair price for four hours of coastal sightseeing with food and drinks included.

I would choose this cruise for a first visit to Tenerife, a relaxed day between longer excursions, or a family outing built around the sea. I would skip it if you want a private boat, refined catering, or a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

FAQ

What time does the catamaran cruise start?

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

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Puerto Colón in Tenerife.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered. Exact pickup locations and times are not provided, so confirm the details when booking.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the catamaran cruise, lunch, beer, sangria, water, soft drinks, a lifejacket, and dolphin watching.

Will I definitely see dolphins or pilot whales?

No sighting is guaranteed. The boat sails in waters known for dolphins and pilot whales, but wildlife remains unpredictable.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat anchors in Masca Bay for a swimming stop, and lifejackets are provided.

Who can drink alcohol on the boat?

Alcoholic drinks are available only to adults aged 18 and over.

How many people can join the cruise?

The activity has a maximum of 30 participants.