REVIEW · TENERIFE
Adults Only Tenerife Freebird Whale Dolphin Catamaran with Lunch
Tenerife’s coastal waters are the star here. Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live around the island, and this adults-only catamaran gives you a calm, uncrowded way to look for them. You’ll also have time to swim, eat lunch, and enjoy the coast from a shaded deck.
I like the quarter-under-capacity setup, which gives you more room than a packed boat tour. I also like the simple all-in price: lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, Wi-Fi, and transport are included. The main catch is that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the advertised outing lasts only about two hours.
Key points to know before booking

- Pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat: The captain sails toward known marine-life areas rather than taking you to a show or enclosure.
- Adults-only atmosphere: This is a quieter choice for couples and adults who want a relaxed boat ride.
- Lunch and drinks included: Expect a light onboard meal, complimentary drinks, and service from the crew.
- Swimming stop included: Bring bathing gear and sunblock if you want to enter the water.
- Maximum of 72 people, with extra space onboard: The boat is kept at about three-quarters of its full capacity.
- Hotel pickup may be available: Your exact pickup time and location depend on where you stay.
Watching whales and dolphins off Tenerife

The best reason to book this cruise is the chance to see marine life where it actually lives. The waters around Tenerife are known for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, and the captain heads toward areas where pods are often found.
You may see dolphins leaping near the boat, including young dolphins. Pilot whales can be less dramatic at first, especially when they are resting or moving slowly, but the crew gives you time to watch them before continuing. That slower pace matters. This is not a quick photo stop followed by a hurried departure.
Keep your expectations sensible. You are looking for wild animals, not visiting an aquarium with a scheduled feeding. Some sailings produce excellent sightings, while others may offer only a brief glimpse. The crew can improve your chances by using local knowledge, but nobody can promise whales or dolphins on a particular morning.
The catamaran itself gives you several ways to watch. You can sit on deck, move to a better viewing spot, or stay in the shade at the bar. The cool breeze and open views make the ride pleasant even during the quiet stretches when the sea is empty.
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What the two-hour sailing feels like
The listed start time is 9:40 am, though your actual pickup time may vary by hotel. Once onboard, the trip combines wildlife watching with a short break from Tenerife’s busy resort areas.
The boat sails at an easy pace toward the marine-life areas. You will have time to settle in, enjoy a drink, and look out across the water. Staff take a boarding photo, and you may later be offered the chance to view and purchase it. That photo service is optional, so you can simply enjoy the trip without buying anything.
Lunch is served during the cruise, usually after part of the wildlife watching. The food is described as a light lunch, not a full restaurant meal. For most people, that is enough for a two-hour outing, especially with drinks included. If you have allergies or follow a special diet, contact the operator before booking and confirm the arrangement in writing. A vegan request was not properly handled on one sailing, so this is a point to take seriously.
The trip also includes a swimming stop in a suitable area. You can swim among fish and use the snorkeling equipment provided. A towel service is listed among the inclusions, yet the practical information also says to bring a towel, so I would pack one rather than rely on the boat’s supply.
A quieter catamaran with room to spread out

The adults-only rule changes the feel of the outing. You avoid the noise and activity that can come with a family boat trip, and the format suits couples, friends, and solo adults looking for an easy morning or afternoon on the water.
The boat is advertised as operating at about one-quarter below full capacity, with a maximum of 72 people. That is not a tiny private sailing, but it should give you more breathing room than a fully loaded excursion. You can sit in the sun, move to the shaded bar, or find a viewing position without feeling packed shoulder to shoulder.
I would still arrive ready for a shared group experience. With up to 72 people onboard, the crew cannot provide private service at every moment. The benefit is the extra space and the social, relaxed setting, not complete solitude.
The crew receives particularly strong praise for being warm and helpful. Jeanette, also spelled Janette in some information, is associated with friendly, no-pressure booking help at the marina. Onboard, the staff have been described as approachable, attentive, and willing to help with boarding and getting settled. That personal service can make a big difference, especially if you feel uncertain about stepping onto a catamaran.
Lunch, drinks, and the real value of $70.89

At $70.89 per person, this is priced above a bare-bones boat ride, but you are paying for several extras. Transport, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, Wi-Fi, and the wildlife search are included. You also get the adults-only format and a swimming stop.
The value is strongest if you plan to use the inclusions. Have a drink, eat lunch onboard, swim, and spend time on deck. If you only want a quick whale-watching trip and do not care about the meal or swimming, a simpler excursion could make more sense.
The drinks include soft drinks and beer, according to the onboard experience described. The meal is light, so do not book this expecting a long seafood lunch or a large buffet. Think of it as a practical meal during a short sailing.
The free drinks help keep the price reasonable, especially compared with paying separately at a marina bar. Transport can also save you the trouble of arranging your own route to the port, though pickup details vary by hotel and need to be confirmed after booking.
The tour is often booked around 30 days ahead. That does not mean you must reserve a month in advance, but it is a useful sign for busy periods. I would book earlier if your Tenerife dates are fixed, then keep the cancellation terms in mind.
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Pickup, boarding, and timing

Hotel pickup is offered, but there is no single pickup time for everyone. The exact time and meeting place depend on your hotel, and the operator contacts you after confirmation.
This is one area where you should stay alert. One pickup problem involved a vehicle passing the meeting place without stopping, while another sailing had a bus arrive slightly late. The late arrival was not considered a major problem because the boat waited for the group, but sitting in the sun at the pickup point is not ideal.
Confirm the meeting point carefully and arrive early. If you have not received the final pickup information at least 48 hours before departure, contact the operator. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:15 pm and is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, so do not leave a weekend question until the last minute.
Boarding requires walking along a gangplank. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, contact the operator before booking and explain what help you need. One guest with a disability received assistance getting on and off, but the official guidance says the activity is not suitable for people who cannot walk along the gangplank. Support may be possible, but it should be arranged ahead of time.
Swimming and snorkeling details
The swim stop is a welcome change after watching the sea from the deck. You will have time in the water, and snorkeling gear is supplied. The area can offer a look at fish below the boat, adding another small wildlife element to the trip.
Bring bathing gear and sunblock. The sun can feel strong even when the breeze is cool, and the open deck offers plenty of exposure. Bring a towel too, despite the listed towel service. It is an easy item to pack and avoids a needless problem.
The activity is not suitable for people who cannot swim. The swimming portion may be optional, but the operator’s safety information still says non-swimmers should not book. If you prefer to remain dry, ask the crew before entering the water and use the shaded deck instead.
Wi-Fi is available onboard, though the main reason to carry a phone is the scenery and wildlife rather than constant connection. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire outing staring at the screen. Dolphins can appear suddenly, and the best view may last only a few seconds.
What can make the experience less satisfying
The short duration is both a strength and a limitation. Two hours is easy to fit between other plans, and you will not spend an entire day on the water. But it also leaves less time for searching if the whales and dolphins are slow to appear.
The listed outing is adults-only, but some feedback connected with longer four-hour and four-and-a-half-hour Freebird trips. Those longer trips included extended sailing, lunch, drinks, wildlife sightings, and swimming. Do not assume the two-hour cruise offers the same amount of time or the same sequence. Check the exact duration when booking.
Dietary planning needs care. A vegan lunch request was not honored, leaving one person with only a banana. That is a serious issue if you have allergies, follow a vegan diet, or are counting on the included meal. Ask exactly what food will be provided and get confirmation before departure. If the answer is unclear, bring suitable backup food.
Pickup can also affect the mood. Most of the practical feedback about transport is positive enough, but a late bus or missed stop can waste time and cause stress. Confirm the location, wait in a visible spot, and contact the operator if the vehicle does not arrive.
Finally, remember that wildlife is unpredictable. A beautiful sea day does not guarantee a close dolphin encounter. Book this because you enjoy being on the water and want a good chance to see marine life, not because you require a specific animal sighting.
Who will enjoy this Freebird cruise most
This tour suits you if you want a short, adults-only boat trip with several extras included. It works well for couples, adults on a resort holiday, and anyone who wants a morning or afternoon away from the pool without committing to a full-day excursion.
It is also a good fit if you value service. Jeanette’s friendly, no-pressure help and the onboard crew’s warm approach are useful for first-time boat passengers. The extra space onboard makes the trip more comfortable than a tightly packed cruise.
You may want another option if you need a guaranteed vegan meal, cannot use a gangplank, cannot swim, or want a long sailing with more time for wildlife watching. You should also think twice if your main goal is a private boat, since this is a shared group outing with up to 72 people.
Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, so check your plans before the deadline.
Should you book this Tenerife catamaran?
I would book it if you want a relaxed, good-value introduction to Tenerife’s whales and dolphins, plus lunch, drinks, and a swim without spending the whole day at sea. The adults-only rule, reduced capacity, friendly crew, and all-in pricing make it an appealing middle ground between a basic wildlife boat and a costly private charter.
I would not book it without checking the pickup and food arrangements first. Confirm your hotel meeting point, ask about dietary needs, pack a towel and sunblock, and accept that sightings are never guaranteed. If those conditions suit you, the $70.89 price gives you a pleasant two-hour coastal outing with plenty to do even during the quiet moments.
FAQ
How long does the Tenerife Freebird catamaran tour last?
The advertised experience lasts approximately two hours.
What time does the activity start?
The listed start time is 9:40 am. Your actual pickup time can vary depending on your hotel.
Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?
No. The catamaran sails toward waters known for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, but sightings depend on wild animals and cannot be guaranteed.
Is the tour adults-only?
Yes. This experience is designed for adults only.
What is included in the price?
Transport, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, towel service, and Wi-Fi onboard are included.
Should I bring a towel?
Yes. Although towel service is listed, the practical information also advises you to bring a towel.
Can I swim during the cruise?
Yes. The itinerary includes time for a swim, and snorkeling equipment is provided. Bring bathing gear and sunblock.
Is the tour suitable for someone who cannot swim?
No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people who cannot swim.
What happens if I need to cancel?
You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.
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