Exclusive Freebird Catamaran Whale & Dolphin to Masca From South

The best part of this four-hour cruise is the mix of wildlife watching and volcanic coast scenery. You sail from Puerto Colón toward the waters around Tenerife’s southwest coast, look for pilot whales and dolphins, then reach the towering Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca Bay for a swim.

I like two things here: the catamaran gives you room to sunbathe or find shade, and the trip combines a real outing at sea with lunch and drinks. Captains Luca and Dani have drawn particular praise for making the ride enjoyable and helping passengers spot whales and dolphins. The main caution is the food and drink service. The meal may be a small ham-and-cheese roll rather than a full lunch, and the free bar can be limited.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main attraction: Sightings are possible, but no wild animal can be promised.
• Los Gigantes and Masca Bay provide the scenic payoff: The cliffs are best seen from the water, and the swim stop adds a welcome change of pace.
• The boat holds up to 30 people: That is a smaller feel than a large party vessel, though some sailings can still feel crowded.
• Lunch is simple: Expect food on board, but keep your expectations closer to a snack or light meal than a restaurant lunch.
• Beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks are included: Alcohol is served only to adults aged 18 and over.
• The four-hour timing works well: You get a proper coastal outing without giving up the whole day in Tenerife.

Setting out from Puerto Colón at 11:20 am

The cruise starts at Puerto Colón, one of the main boating points on Tenerife’s southwest coast. The scheduled departure is 11:20 am, a useful time if you want a relaxed morning before heading to the marina.

Pickup is offered, but the supplied details do not specify every pickup area or schedule. Check the booking information carefully if you need transport from your hotel. You should also allow time to find the meeting point, collect your paper ticket if required, and board without a last-minute rush.

The catamaran carries a maximum of 30 people. That limit matters. You are not signing up for a huge excursion boat with hundreds of passengers, and the catamaran layout gives you different places to sit, lie in the sun, or stay under the shaded bar. Still, a boat with 30 people can feel busy when everyone gathers for drinks, lunch, or the swim stop.

I would bring a light cover-up, sunscreen, a swimsuit, and something secure for valuables. The trip includes a lifejacket, but you should follow the crew’s instructions closely around the water and while the boat is moving.

Watching for pilot whales and dolphins

The first major activity is wildlife watching along Tenerife’s coast. The boat heads into waters known for pods of pilot whales and dolphins, and the crew looks for movement on the surface.

This is not a zoo visit or a staged animal show. The appeal is that you are looking for free-ranging animals in their natural setting. That also means sightings are never certain, and the quality of the experience can change with sea conditions, animal movement, and simple luck.

The strongest wildlife outings give you more than a quick glimpse. You might see dolphins moving alongside the boat or pilot whales surfacing nearby. Several passengers had exactly that experience, including sightings of both species. That is the part of the trip most likely to turn a pleasant boat ride into a memorable one.

Keep your phone or camera ready, but do not spend the entire time staring at a screen. Wildlife can appear suddenly and disappear just as fast. If the captain or crew points toward the water, look first and photograph second.

The crew’s role makes a difference. Captains Luca and Dani received especially warm praise for keeping the trip comfortable and helping passengers enjoy the wildlife. Crew quality can vary from one departure to another, so I would treat those names as useful examples rather than a guarantee that either captain will operate your sailing.

Seeing Los Gigantes from the sea

After the wildlife search, the route continues toward the Los Gigantes cliffs. These dark volcanic walls rise dramatically from the southwest coast, and they make more sense from a boat than from a roadside viewpoint.

From the water, you can take in the height and scale without having to squeeze through a busy overlook. The catamaran also gives you time to sit back, feel the breeze, and see how the cliffs meet the sea. This is a simple pleasure, but it is one of the strongest reasons to choose a boat trip instead of a land excursion.

The route is described as reaching the area around Masca Valley and Masca Bay. The excursion does not take you inland through the valley. Instead, Masca is the coastal destination, with the cliffs and bay viewed from the boat.

That distinction is important when comparing excursions. If you want a hiking day, a road trip, or a visit to villages in the Masca Valley, this is not that kind of tour. You are here for the coastline, the open water, and the chance to swim below the cliffs.

Swimming in Masca Bay

The boat drops anchor in Masca Bay for a swim stop. After time sitting on deck and watching the sea, getting into the water gives the trip a welcome break.

This stop works best for confident swimmers who enjoy entering the sea from a boat. A lifejacket is included, and you should use it as directed. The available information does not state how long the swim lasts, the exact water access arrangement, or whether other flotation equipment is provided, so ask the crew if you need specific help before getting in.

You may also choose to stay on board. Not everyone wants to swim, and the boat itself offers shade and seating. The important point is that the stop gives you a choice: cool off in the sea or remain on deck and enjoy the setting.

The swimming area is one of the trip’s more authentic moments. You are not being taken to a resort pool or a prepared beach club. You are stopping along Tenerife’s coast, with the cliffs and open water around you. Sea conditions can affect how comfortable the stop feels, so keep expectations flexible.

Lunch and drinks: useful, but keep it simple

Lunch, beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks are included in the price. That makes the trip easier because you do not need to arrange a separate meal during the four-hour sailing.

The food is the weak point for some people. The meal has been described as a small roll with ham and cheese, and one passenger noted that a meat-free option was not available. Another described the hot food as acceptable but not special. Based on that, I would regard lunch as basic fuel rather than a central feature of the excursion.

If you do not eat meat, have dietary restrictions, or need a substantial meal, bring an appropriate snack if permitted and ask about options before departure. The supplied details do not promise vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-friendly meals.

The free bar also needs a little context. Beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks are offered, but the selection may be limited. Drinks may be served from bottles rather than a full bar, and the portions or availability can feel modest when many people want a drink at once.

That does not cancel out the value. A cold drink after the swim is welcome, and having refreshments included is convenient. Just do not book this as an all-day food-and-drink package. The main value is the boat, the coast, and the wildlife.

Alcohol is available only to adults over 18. If you are traveling with younger family members, soft drinks and water are part of the included selection.

What the catamaran adds to the experience

A catamaran is a good match for this route. The broad deck gives you a choice of sun and shade, and the boat offers a more open feel than a small enclosed vessel.

I like having room to change your view during the trip. You can sit near the front for a better look at the water, move back when the sun gets strong, or settle near the shaded bar when you want a break. Some passengers particularly enjoyed having sun beds and a front-row position for wildlife watching.

That said, comfort depends on how many people are on board and where you choose to sit. The maximum group size is 30, not a private charter. If you want total quiet or a private crew, this is not the right product.

The boat ride itself can also be affected by the sea. The details do not promise calm water, and conditions around Tenerife can change. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the movement feels easiest and ask the crew for practical advice.

Is $70.98 a fair price?

At $70.98 per person, the price is reasonable if you want several activities packed into one outing. You receive a four-hour catamaran cruise, wildlife watching, views of the Los Gigantes cliffs, a swim stop, lunch, and drinks.

The value is strongest for someone who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, a wildlife outing, and a coastal swim. You also avoid spending time planning transport between separate activities.

The price looks less attractive if you care mainly about a full meal or guaranteed whale sightings. No operator can control wild animals, and the food appears simple. You are paying for the complete sea experience, not a gourmet lunch or a private wildlife charter.

The average booking lead time is about 18 days. That suggests you should not assume you can wait until the last minute, especially if your Tenerife dates are fixed. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this Tenerife cruise most

I would choose this trip if you want an easy introduction to Tenerife’s southwest coast. It suits couples, families, and solo visitors who like wildlife, sea views, and a relaxed schedule rather than a demanding day of walking.

It is also a good fit if you want a compact excursion. Four hours is long enough to feel like a proper boat outing, but short enough to leave time for another plan later in the day.

You should think twice if your priority is a substantial lunch, a wide range of drinks, a private boat, or a guaranteed close encounter with animals. You may also want to ask in advance about food if you do not eat ham or cheese, since the meal described is basic and may not suit every diet.

Most people can participate, but the activity takes place on a boat and includes a sea swim. If you have mobility, medical, or swimming concerns, contact the provider before booking rather than assuming every part will work for you.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran if you want wildlife, Los Gigantes cliffs, and a swim stop in one half-day outing. The strongest parts are the setting, the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, and the relaxed catamaran format. Captains such as Luca and Dani have helped make the sailing enjoyable, though the crew on your departure may be different.

Go in with sensible expectations about lunch and drinks. The food may be a small roll, the bar may be limited, and sightings depend on nature. For $70.98, I think it is a fair choice for a scenic sea day, especially if you value variety more than luxury.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Puerto Colón in Tenerife. The scheduled start time is 11:20 am.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours.

Can I see whales and dolphins?

The route visits waters known for pilot whales and dolphins, and the activity includes dolphin watching. Sightings are possible but cannot be guaranteed because the animals are wild.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks. The food may be a simple ham-and-cheese roll or basic hot food, so specific dietary needs should be checked before departure.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops in Masca Bay for a swim. A lifejacket is included, and you can ask the crew for guidance about the swim stop.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded or accepted.