Review · TENERIFE
Adults Only Tenerife Freebird Whale Dolphin Catamaran with Lunch
Wildlife meets a relaxed boat day. This adults-only catamaran cruise combines whale and dolphin watching with lunch, drinks, a swim stop, and coastal views around Tenerife. I like the extra breathing room on a boat limited to 72 people and the calm, friendly service praised by guests. I also like that snorkeling equipment and Wi-Fi are included, which makes the $70.89 price easier to justify.
The main catch is that wild animals set the schedule. You may see pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, but sightings are never guaranteed. Pickup also needs care: one person reported that the bus drove past the meeting point, while another found the coach slightly late. Confirm your pickup details and arrive ready to wait in the sun if needed.
Key points at a glance

- Adults-only setting: A quieter choice for couples and grown-up groups who want a peaceful morning or afternoon at sea.
- Whales and dolphins in open water: The route heads toward waters known for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, rather than using a captive-animal show.
- Lunch and drinks included: You get a light onboard lunch, complimentary drinks, and a shaded bar.
- Swim stop included: There is time to enter the sea, with snorkeling equipment available.
- Less crowded than full-capacity sailing: The boat operates at about three-quarters capacity, with a maximum of 72 people.
- Pickup requires confirmation: Your hotel, pickup point, and exact time determine the transport arrangements.
A quiet adults-only boat day from Tenerife

This Freebird cruise is aimed at people who want more than a quick wildlife sighting but less than a full-day sailing trip. The advertised duration is about two hours, making it easy to fit into a Tenerife holiday without giving up an entire day.
The boat heads from Tenerife’s coast toward waters where pods of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are often found. You can sit on deck, enjoy the breeze, and watch the dramatic shoreline slide past while the crew searches for wildlife.
I like the balance here. The trip is not only about scanning the water. You also get lunch, drinks, time to swim, and space to relax. That makes a missed sighting less disappointing because the outing still works as a short boat escape.
The adults-only rule is a real advantage if you want a calmer atmosphere. One guest described the trip as peaceful and relaxing, with friendly staff and a smooth pace. That sounds like the right expectation: this is more floating afternoon lounge than high-speed adventure ride.
More Catamaran Dolphin Cruises in Spain
- Tenerife Whales and Dolphins Watching Experience in Catamaran
★ 5.0 · 474 reviews - Whale & Dolphin Watching in Tenerife (Puerto Colon) On a Large Catamaran
★ 4.0 · 12 reviews - Exclusive Freebird Catamaran Whale & Dolphin to Masca From South
★ 3.5 · 6 reviews
What happens during the two-hour sailing
Your day begins with pickup arrangements based on your hotel. The stated start time is 9:40 am, but the exact collection time and place are supplied after booking. If you have not received those details at least 48 hours before departure, contact the operator.
Once you reach the boat, staff welcome you aboard. A photograph may be taken as you board, and you can later decide if you want to buy it. This is optional, and it is worth knowing in advance so you are not surprised by the sales point during the trip.
The catamaran then moves into the coastal waters around Tenerife. The crew watches for dolphins and whales and allows time for you to see the animals when they appear. The boat is intended to pass calmly near the wildlife, not chase it at high speed.
You may see bottlenose dolphins leaping beside the boat or pilot whales resting and moving through the water. One particularly encouraging detail from the trip feedback is the sighting of dolphins with young and several whales, including young whales. Still, those moments belong to nature, not a timetable. Keep your eyes on the water and your camera ready, but do not treat a sighting as guaranteed.
After the wildlife portion, the crew heads toward a suitable place for swimming. You can get into the sea, use the available snorkeling equipment, and look for fish around you. The information supplied does not promise a particular reef or named swimming bay, so think of this as a refreshing sea stop rather than a dedicated snorkeling excursion.
Lunch is served onboard, usually after the wildlife viewing and before or around the swim portion. It is described as light, with sandwiches mentioned in one account. Drinks include soft drinks and beer, and there is a shaded bar. The combination works well for a short cruise, though you should not expect a restaurant-style meal.
Watching whales and dolphins in Tenerife

The marine life is the main reason to book this trip. Tenerife’s coastal waters are home to pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, and the captain heads toward areas known for these species.
Pilot whales can be less showy than dolphins. They may surface quietly, travel in groups, or rest near the boat. Dolphins are more likely to provide the classic quick bursts of movement, including swimming close to the catamaran or leaping beside it. That difference matters. A good wildlife trip is often about patience and careful watching, not a nonstop performance.
The crew’s role is important. The best accounts praise the staff for giving people enough time to look before moving on. That approach is better than rushing from one sighting to the next, especially when whales are resting.
I would choose a seat with a clear view of both sides of the boat and keep sunglasses secured. The breeze can feel pleasant at first, but the sun is strong, and you will be exposed for much of the sailing. Bring sunblock, and consider a hat that will not blow away.
No operator can control the animals. If you need a guaranteed encounter, this is not the right activity. If you enjoy the possibility of seeing wildlife in its natural North Atlantic setting, the trip offers a good mix of anticipation and relaxation.
Lunch, drinks, and the swim stop
The included food and drinks add meaningful value to the ticket. You are not paying $70.89 only for a short ride and a chance to spot a fin. You also receive lunch, soft drinks, beer, snorkeling equipment, Wi-Fi, and time in the water.
The food appears to be simple rather than elaborate. A sandwich-style lunch is suitable for a two-hour outing, but it may not satisfy you if you expect a large meal after a morning of sun and swimming. It is sensible to eat breakfast before pickup, especially if you tend to get hungry on the water.
Dietary needs require extra caution. A vegan passenger had informed the operator about allergies but received a non-vegan sandwich and limited food beyond a banana. The important practical lesson is to contact the company directly and confirm what will actually be provided. Do not assume that an advance request guarantees a suitable meal.
The swim stop gives the cruise a welcome change of pace. You can stay on deck if you prefer, or enter the water when the crew opens the opportunity. The activity information says the tour is not suitable for people who cannot swim, so this is not designed as a supervised beginner swimming class.
Bring bathing gear and sunblock. The details are slightly confusing about towels: towel service is listed among the inclusions, but the practical notes also say to bring a towel and state that towels are not included. I would bring your own towel rather than rely on the boat’s supply. There is also no ice cream included in the advertised package, even though one account describes it being served on a particular outing. Treat that as an occasional extra, not a promise.
More Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours in Spain
- Tenerife: Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming
★ 4.7 · 15,619 reviews - Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari
★ 4.6 · 12,782 reviews - Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks
★ 4.6 · 5,096 reviews - Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop
★ 4.7 · 4,539 reviews
Space, comfort, and the adults-only atmosphere
The boat is said to operate at about one-quarter below full capacity, with a maximum of 72 people. That should give you more room than a completely packed sailing, though 72 passengers is still a sizeable group.
For a short cruise, the space matters. You can lounge on deck, find shade near the bar, and move around without feeling locked into one seat. The adults-only policy also removes the noise and movement that often come with family boat trips.
The reviews repeatedly praise the crew. Jeanette, also spelled Janette in the feedback, receives especially warm comments for her friendly advice and lack of sales pressure at the marina booking hut. Guests also praise the onboard crew for being approachable, helpful, and good fun.
One person with a disability said the staff helped from booking through boarding and getting off the boat. That is encouraging, but the official information is more cautious: the activity is not suitable for anyone unable to walk along the gangplank. If you have limited mobility, contact the operator before booking and explain exactly what help you need. Do not rely only on general assurances.
Pickup, timing, and the details that matter

Transport is included, but pickup is not completely fixed at the time of purchase. Your hotel determines the exact location and time, and the operator sends those details after confirmation.
This arrangement can work well if you are staying at one of the included hotel areas. It can also create stress if the instructions are vague. One account describes a bus arriving late, although it waited for everyone at the dock. Another describes the vehicle passing the pickup point without stopping, which led to a serious complaint about the cost.
I would take three simple steps:
- Confirm the pickup place and time as soon as the booking is complete.
- If no details arrive at least 48 hours before departure, contact the company.
- Arrive early and stay visible at the meeting point.
The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5:15 pm and closed Saturday and Sunday. That means a weekend booking may be harder to sort out at the last minute, so do not leave a pickup question until Saturday morning.
The stated start time is 9:40 am. Since hotel collection times vary, allow extra time before the boat departs. The trip itself is advertised at about two hours. Some feedback refers to four-hour or four-and-a-half-hour Freebird trips, but those appear to be different sailings. Confirm that you are booking this two-hour adults-only option if your schedule is tight.
Is $70.89 good value?
At $70.89 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. The value depends on how many inclusions you would otherwise pay for separately.
You receive transport, lunch, drinks, a wildlife cruise, a swim stop, snorkeling gear, and Wi-Fi. The adults-only setting and reduced capacity also matter if you value peace and personal space. For a couple looking for one easy half-day-style outing without arranging separate transport or meals, the price is reasonable.
The value is weaker if you mainly want a guaranteed whale sighting or a long swim. The advertised two-hour duration leaves limited time for each part of the trip, and wildlife can take up much of the schedule. You are paying for the overall boat experience, not just the animals.
I would compare it with longer cruises only if you are choosing between several Freebird options. The four-hour and four-and-a-half-hour trips mentioned in the feedback are not the same product, and a longer sailing may suit you better if time at sea is your priority. For a compact outing that leaves room for other Tenerife plans, this shorter cruise makes more sense.
Who will enjoy this Tenerife cruise?

This is a strong choice for couples, friends, and solo adults who want a gentle day on the sea. It suits you especially well if you like wildlife but also want food, drinks, a swim, and time to sit in the sun.
You should also consider it if you prefer a calmer boat atmosphere. The adults-only rule, shaded bar, and reduced capacity all point toward a more restful experience than a loud party cruise.
Think twice if you cannot swim, have difficulty walking along a gangplank, or need a fully confirmed special diet. You should also skip it if you require guaranteed animal sightings or dislike flexible pickup arrangements.
Should you book the Freebird catamaran?
I would book this experience if you want a polished, easygoing two-hour outing with a real chance of seeing whales and dolphins. The strongest points are the warm crew, adults-only setting, included drinks and lunch, and the chance to swim in Tenerife’s coastal waters.
Before paying, confirm the pickup details, bring a towel despite the conflicting information, and contact the operator directly about any vegan or allergy-related meal. Book at least 24 hours before departure if you want the option of a full refund under the cancellation terms.
This is best viewed as a comfortable wildlife-and-swim cruise, not a guaranteed marine-life show or a full-day sailing adventure. With that expectation, the $70.89 fare offers a pleasant way to spend part of a Tenerife holiday.
FAQ
How long is the adults-only Freebird cruise?
The experience is advertised as lasting approximately two hours.
What time does the tour start?
The stated start time is 9:40 am. Your exact pickup time depends on your hotel.
Is hotel pickup available?
Yes. Transport and pickup are offered, but the exact place and time are provided after booking.
What wildlife might I see?
The cruise searches for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins in Tenerife’s coastal waters. Sightings are not guaranteed.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included and is described as a light onboard meal.
Are drinks included?
Yes. Complimentary drinks are included, with soft drinks and beer mentioned in the trip details.
Can I swim during the cruise?
Yes. The itinerary includes time for swimming in the sea. The activity is not suitable for people who cannot swim.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. You should bring bathing gear and sunblock.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded, and changes within that period are not accepted.
More Catamaran Dolphin Cruises in Tenerife
- Whale & Dolphin Watching With Mustcat Virgin Coast Trip On a Large Catamaran
★ 4.0 · 3 reviews - Exclusive Freebird Catamaran Whale and Dolphin Cruise to Caleta
★ 4.5 · 2 reviews - From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching
★ 4.5 · 8,204 reviews - Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise
★ 4.5 · 5,697 reviews
More Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours in Tenerife
- Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop
★ 4.7 · 3,227 reviews - Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching
★ 4.6 · 3,132 reviews - Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching with Drinks and Snacks
★ 4.4 · 2,929 reviews - Los Gigantes: Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour and Swim in Masca
★ 4.7 · 2,229 reviews
Just added around Tenerife
- Whales and Dolphins excursion on a Luxury Yacht in Canary Islands★ 5.0 · 93 reviews
- Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip in Tenerife On a Sailing Boat (3 Hr)★ 3.5 · 10 reviews
- Whale & Dolphin Watching in Tenerife (Puerto Colon) On a Large Catamaran★ 4.0 · 12 reviews
- Whale & Dolphin Watching With Mustcat Virgin Coast Trip On a Large Catamaran★ 4.0 · 3 reviews
- 5 hr watching and listening whales and dolps. Visit Los Gigantes★ 5.0 · 185 reviews
- Whale and Dolphin Watching EcoAdventure in Tenerife★ 5.0 · 78 reviews
- Tenerife : Whales and Dolphins with Food and Bath in Los Gigantes★ 4.0 · 3 reviews
- Tour with Whale and Dolphin Watching plus food included★ 4.5 · 166 reviews
Tenerife Dolphin Watching Tours, compared.

Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming
Read our review →
Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari
Read our review →
Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks
Read our review →
Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop
Read our review →
Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop
Read our review →
Whale & Dolphin Watching with Drinks and Snacks
Read our review →

