Exclusive Freebird Catamaran Whale & Dolphin to Masca From South

Whales beside volcanic cliffs make a fine morning. This four-hour Freebird catamaran cruise leaves Puerto Colón for Tenerife’s whale and dolphin waters, then heads toward the soaring Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca Bay. I like the wildlife spotting and the chance to swim from the boat, but the included meal is basic and service can feel uneven.

I also like the small maximum group of 30, which should make the boat feel less hectic than a large party vessel. The main caution is that the free drinks appear limited to beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks, while lunch may be little more than a filled roll rather than a full hot meal.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales and dolphins: The boat sails through waters known for resident pods, giving you a real chance to see marine life in the open sea.
• Masca Bay swim stop: The cruise finishes near the cliffs, with time to cool off in the water if conditions allow.
• Los Gigantes views: The towering volcanic cliffs provide the trip’s strongest scenery and a fine reason to bring a camera.
• Four hours on a catamaran: You get wildlife watching, coastal views, lunch, drinks, and swimming without spending the entire day at sea.
• Small maximum group: Capacity is listed at 30 people, a useful detail for anyone who dislikes packed excursion boats.
• Simple onboard catering: Food and drinks are included, but you should set your expectations at snack-lunch level.

Setting out from Puerto Colón at 11:20

The cruise begins at Puerto Colón, one of the main excursion harbors on Tenerife’s southern coast. The scheduled start time is 11:20 a.m., a practical choice if you are staying in the resort areas around Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, or nearby parts of the south.

Pickup is offered, though the supplied details do not specify which hotels or areas qualify. Check the exact pickup point when you book. If you are making your own way to the harbor, allow time to find the meeting point and present your paper ticket.

The boat has a maximum capacity of 30 people. That does not guarantee a quiet sailing, but it is a more manageable number than the large excursion boats often seen around Tenerife’s ports. You should still expect popular sunbathing areas to fill first, particularly the forward section where the view is best.

The catamaran layout is useful for a trip like this. You can move around while the boat is under way, find a sunny spot, or retreat to shade near the bar. I would bring sunscreen, a hat, a light cover-up, and a dry bag for your phone. The ocean breeze can feel pleasant at first, then surprisingly cool after swimming.

Watching pilot whales and dolphins offshore

Wildlife is the main reason to book this cruise. Tenerife’s southern waters are known for pilot whales and dolphins, and the boat sails into those areas with the aim of finding them in their natural surroundings.

There is no guarantee of a sighting, since these are free animals rather than a scheduled performance. Still, the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins is the strongest part of the outing. Previous passengers have described seeing both species, which makes this more than a simple scenic boat ride.

Pilot whales are especially associated with Tenerife’s waters. You may see a dark fin, a group surfacing together, or a whale moving just beneath the surface. Dolphins can be harder to predict. They may appear beside the boat, cross the bow, or vanish before everyone has reached the rail. Keep your phone ready, but do not spend the whole trip staring at its screen.

The quality of this part of the trip depends partly on the crew. A good crew points out sightings quickly, explains what you are seeing, and helps people find a clear view. One past outing was praised for the captain and crew making the journey interesting, while another described the onboard staff as distant. That difference matters because wildlife watching is much better when someone gives you useful information instead of leaving you to guess at every fin.

The boat also needs to respect the animals. You should expect the captain to search rather than chase. A sighting can be brief, so patience is part of the deal. If you want a guaranteed close-up encounter, this is not the right kind of activity. If you value seeing marine life in the open sea, it offers a more genuine experience.

Sailing beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife search, the route heads toward the west coast and the cliffs of Los Gigantes. These dark volcanic walls rise dramatically from the sea and give you a completely different view of Tenerife than you get from the roads or resort promenades.

From the catamaran, the cliffs feel especially impressive because you see their scale from water level. The boat provides time to look, take photographs, and enjoy the breeze without the pressure of a quick roadside stop. The coastal views are a major part of the value, even if the whales and dolphins stay hidden.

The route is described as going toward Masca, a name connected with one of Tenerife’s most dramatic mountain areas. Here, the focus is not a land visit to the valley. You remain on the boat and approach Masca Bay from the sea. That distinction is important. You will not be hiking through Masca or touring its village during this four-hour trip.

The cliffs also give the captain a scenic setting for the swim stop. Water conditions can change, so the exact place and length of the stop may vary. Bring a swimsuit if you want to get in, but do not treat swimming as compulsory. You can remain on board, sunbathe, or enjoy the views from the deck.

Cooling off in Masca Bay

The stop at Masca Bay is where the cruise shifts from sightseeing to relaxation. After sitting in the sun and watching the coast, a swim in the sea can be a welcome break.

You should expect a boat-based swim rather than a beach visit. The catamaran drops anchor, and you enter the water from the vessel. A lifejacket is included, which is useful for anyone who is not a confident swimmer or simply wants extra support.

There is no supplied detail about changing rooms, showers, or a beach landing. Plan accordingly. Wear your swimwear under your clothes, and keep valuables secure before you enter the water. You may find the sea cool, even on a warm Tenerife day.

This stop works best for people who enjoy a flexible pace. You can swim, sit in the shade, sunbathe, or watch others use the water. Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate that no one has to take part in every activity.

What lunch and drinks really mean

Lunch and drinks are included in the price, which helps make the $70.98 fare easier to assess. You are not paying separately for the boat, whale watching, a swim stop, and basic refreshments.

The food deserves realistic expectations. Although the trip is described as including lunch, past passengers have received a small roll with ham and cheese. One person described the food as hot but basic, while another found the portion disappointing. If you have a large appetite, bring an approved snack or eat a proper breakfast before boarding.

Vegetarian needs also deserve attention. At least one person reported that the ham and cheese roll was unsuitable because they did not eat meat. The supplied information does not confirm vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, or other special meal choices. Contact the provider before booking if food matters to you, rather than assuming a replacement will be available.

The included drinks are beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks. Reports describe beer and sangria as the main alcoholic choices, with soft drinks served from bottles or similar containers. Do not expect a cocktail service or a broad bar menu.

Alcohol is available only to adults aged 18 and over. Water and soft drinks make the package workable for people who do not drink, and the shaded bar gives you a place to cool down between time in the sun. The value here is convenience, not fine dining.

Comfort, space, and crew service

A catamaran is a good match for this route because it offers open deck space, seating, and room to see the coast from different angles. Sunbeds are mentioned in connection with the boat, and some passengers particularly enjoyed having a front-row view of the animals.

That said, the experience is still a shared excursion. The 30-person limit is reassuring, but it does not mean every person gets a sunbed or an uninterrupted view. Arrive on time and choose your preferred position early if the boat allows it.

Crew service may be the most uncertain part of the trip. Captain Luca was singled out for helping create an interesting and comfortable outing, and Captain Dani was praised for making sure the boat’s passengers saw dolphins and whales. At the same time, another experience was marked by staff who seemed less friendly and less engaged.

I would book this for the route and wildlife rather than expecting polished luxury service. The crew’s attitude can shape the day, but the core appeal remains the sea, cliffs, and possibility of sightings.

Is $70.98 a fair price?

At $70.98 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but the package includes several separate holiday expenses: a four-hour catamaran trip, wildlife watching, the Los Gigantes and Masca coast, a swim stop, lunch, and drinks.

The price makes the most sense if you plan to use the whole package. Someone who enjoys sitting on deck, taking photographs, swimming, and watching for wildlife will probably find it reasonable. Someone interested only in a quick dolphin sighting may prefer a shorter and cheaper boat ride, if one is available.

The simple lunch reduces the value slightly. I would think of the food as a practical snack rather than a reason to book. The strongest value comes from the time on the catamaran and the combination of activities packed into four hours.

The tour is also more appealing because it does not take the whole day. You can spend the morning or afternoon elsewhere in Tenerife, though the 11:20 start occupies the middle of the day. If you have limited time on the island, this gives you a compact taste of the southern and western coast.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed sea day with several features in one booking. It suits people who like nature but do not want a long hike, and people who want to see the coast from the water rather than from a coach window.

It is also a good fit for anyone who enjoys flexible activity. You can watch for whales, enjoy the cliffs, take a swim, or simply sit in the sun with a drink. The four-hour duration is long enough to feel worthwhile without becoming an all-day commitment.

I would be more cautious if you need a substantial meal, have strict dietary requirements, or expect highly attentive service. Check the food arrangements before booking, and eat beforehand if a small sandwich would leave you hungry.

The trip is not ideal if your main goal is a guaranteed whale encounter. Wildlife sightings are never certain, and the boat may need to search. The experience works best when you see the animals as a welcome part of a wider coastal cruise.

For cancellation, you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Confirmation is provided at booking, and most people can participate.

My verdict: scenic, social, and best with modest expectations

I would book the Freebird catamaran if I wanted a half-day on Tenerife’s water with a real chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins. The Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca Bay swim give the trip enough variety to remain worthwhile even if the wildlife is elusive.

I would not book it expecting a gourmet lunch or luxury-level service. Bring sunscreen, eat before boarding, check your pickup details, and treat the whale watching as a possibility rather than a promise. With those expectations, the $70.98 price is fair for a four-hour mix of wildlife, volcanic coast, swimming, and included refreshments.

FAQ

Where does the Freebird catamaran cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Puerto Colón in Tenerife.

What time does the cruise start?

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

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

Can I see whales and dolphins on the trip?

The cruise sails through waters known for pilot whales and dolphins, but sightings cannot be guaranteed because the animals are wild.

Does the tour include swimming?

Yes. The itinerary includes a swim stop in Masca Bay, and a lifejacket is included.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included, along with beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks. The food may be a simple roll rather than a substantial meal.

Is alcohol available to everyone?

No. Alcoholic drinks are available only to adults aged 18 and over.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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