Exclusive Freebird Catamaran Whale & Dolphin to Masca From South

Tenerife’s southwest coast is best seen from the water, where the Los Gigantes cliffs rise sharply above the sea and pilot whales often pass close to shore. This four-hour catamaran trip combines wildlife watching, a swim stop in Masca Bay, lunch, and drinks without making you plan each piece yourself.

I like the chance to see dolphins and pilot whales in their natural setting, and I like the slower rhythm of a catamaran, with sunbeds, shade, and room to watch the coast slide by. The main drawback is that the food and drinks may feel basic, and past sailings have not always felt equally warm or engaging from the crew.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main draw: The boat heads into waters known for both species, though sightings can never be guaranteed.
• Los Gigantes gives the cruise its best scenery: You see Tenerife’s volcanic coast from below, with the cliffs forming the setting for the swim stop.
• Masca Bay is the planned swimming break: Bring swimwear and expect a chance to cool off from the boat rather than visit the inland Masca Valley.
• Lunch is simple rather than gourmet: The included meal has been described as a small roll with ham and cheese, while another sailing included hot food.
• Drinks are included: Beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks are available, with alcohol limited to adults over 18.
• The small maximum group size helps: The boat carries no more than 30 people, though the experience can still feel busy around the bar and swim areas.

Setting sail from Puerto Colón at 11:20

The trip begins at Puerto Colón, a convenient departure point in Tenerife’s southwest resort area. The scheduled start is 11:20 a.m., giving you a late-morning start and a good part of the afternoon on the water.

Pickup is offered, but the supplied details do not spell out which hotels or areas are covered. I would confirm the pickup arrangement before booking if you are not staying close to the port. If you make your own way there, allow enough time to find the meeting point and board without rushing.

The catamaran carries a maximum of 30 people. That is smaller than a large sightseeing vessel, and it matters here because you are not simply sitting in rows for four hours. You will want room at the rail for wildlife watching, a comfortable place in the sun or shade, and a fair chance to reach the drinks area.

The boat has sunbeds and a shaded bar area. You can move between open-air sun, shelter, and the front of the boat as the cruise continues. If you burn easily, the shaded space is useful, but bring your own sun protection because a bright day at sea can feel stronger than a day on land.

Searching Tenerife’s waters for dolphins and pilot whales

The first major part of the trip is wildlife watching. The captain sails into waters where pods of dolphins and pilot whales are regularly seen. Dolphins may leap near the boat, while pilot whales can appear as dark backs and fins moving through the water.

The appeal is simple: you are watching living animals in their own environment, not following a fixed animal show. That also means sightings depend on luck, sea conditions, and the animals’ movements. The trip includes dolphin watching, but no responsible boat trip can promise a close encounter.

Past sailings have produced both dolphin and pilot whale sightings, which is one reason this excursion earns strong praise when the wildlife cooperates. Captains named on successful outings include Luca and Dani. You should not assume either captain will operate your particular departure, but their names indicate the sort of personal touch that can make a difference when the crew explains what you are seeing.

The wildlife portion also changes the way you experience the coast. You are not only looking at Tenerife’s volcanic shore. You are scanning the sea, listening for an announcement, and watching a quiet stretch of water suddenly come alive. That uncertainty is part of the fun, though it can feel slow if you expect constant action.

Bring a camera, but keep your attention on the water. A phone is easy to use, and a zoom lens can help, but wildlife rarely waits for a perfect photograph. I would also avoid planning this as a guaranteed photo opportunity. Book it because you want time at sea with a chance of seeing whales and dolphins.

The view toward Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife search, the catamaran continues along Tenerife’s dramatic southwest coast toward Los Gigantes. The cliffs rise high from the sea, giving you a viewpoint that is impossible to match from many roads and inland lookouts.

From the boat, you see the rock walls from their base, with the ocean stretching directly in front of them. That scale is the reward. A catamaran moves slowly enough for you to take in the cliffs, but you are still getting the breeze and changing angles that make the coast feel different from a standard bus excursion.

This section is especially valuable if you have already seen Tenerife from the resort streets. The island’s tourist centers can feel busy and built up. Out here, the focus shifts to black volcanic rock, open water, and steep coastal faces. The boat gives you a calm break from road traffic and organized sightseeing on land.

Do not confuse the stop with a visit to the inland village and valley of Masca. The experience uses Masca Bay as its coastal destination. You remain on the boat and swim from the catamaran. If your main goal is hiking or visiting the mountain village, this is not the right excursion.

Swimming from the catamaran in Masca Bay

The cruise drops anchor in Masca Bay for a swim stop. This is the most active part of the day, and it gives you a chance to get into the water after the wildlife watching and coastal sightseeing.

A lifejacket is included, which is useful for anyone who prefers extra support in the sea. You can decide how much you want to swim, and the stop also works for people who would rather stay on deck and enjoy the view. The supplied information does not give a precise swimming duration, so you should treat it as a planned stop rather than a guaranteed length of time.

The setting is the main attraction. You are swimming beneath the coastal cliffs, with the boat serving as your base. It is a fine way to break up a four-hour cruise, especially on a warm day.

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, and a cover-up. These are practical choices rather than extras. After swimming, you will want dry clothing and protection from the sun while you eat or sit on deck. There is no indication that towels or personal snorkeling equipment are supplied, so do not count on those items being available.

If you do not swim, you are still part of the stop. The cliffs and open sea provide the view, and you can use the pause to relax with a drink. Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate that the day does not depend entirely on everyone entering the water.

Lunch and the included drinks

Lunch and drinks are part of the price, which makes the trip easier than carrying a full picnic. Beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks are included, and the bar area is shaded.

The food deserves a realistic explanation. One sailing was described as offering hot food, while other accounts describe a small roll with a slice of ham and a slice of cheese. The safest expectation is a basic included meal, not a restaurant lunch. That may be enough for a four-hour cruise, but I would eat a proper breakfast and bring any extra food allowed if you need a larger meal.

Vegetarian choices are not specified. If you do not eat meat, contact the provider before departure rather than assuming an alternative will be ready. The same advice applies to allergies or other dietary needs, since the published details only identify lunch in general terms.

The drink selection is also limited to the listed choices. You get beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks, not a full open bar. One past account found the serving sizes small and the drink setup less generous than expected. You may need to visit the bar at the right time, especially when many people return from the swim.

Alcohol is for adults over 18 only. If you are traveling with children, the soft drinks and water make the arrangement straightforward, but the meal and drink service should still be viewed as a useful inclusion rather than the center of the experience.

How the $70.98 price compares with the day

At $70.98 per person, this is priced as a midrange half-day outing. The value depends on how you use the package. You are paying for the catamaran, four hours on the coast, wildlife watching, the Los Gigantes route, a swim stop, lunch, and drinks.

That is a fair bundle for someone who wants several Tenerife experiences in one booking. You do not need to arrange a separate boat, find a place to eat, or plan a coastal swim. The catamaran also gives you a different view of the island than a road trip.

The value is weaker if you care mainly about food quality or a highly polished service style. The included lunch is modest, and the drink service is not designed as a luxury bar. Some sailings have felt friendly and well run, while others have left people wishing the crew were more engaging.

I would compare this with the price of separate whale watching and coastal boat trips in the area, but the important question is not simply the cost of the ticket. Ask yourself if you want four relaxed hours with several activities, or if you would prefer a shorter, more specialized wildlife trip. This option makes the most sense when you want the whole package and do not need every element to be premium.

Crew style and the feel onboard

Crew attitude can shape this experience as much as the scenery. On the best departures, the captain keeps the journey interesting, points out wildlife, and helps the group feel comfortable. Captain Luca and Captain Dani have both been associated with especially successful outings, with dolphins, pilot whales, and swimming near the cliffs forming the highlights.

The service is not consistently described as warm. Some departures have felt friendly and comfortable, while others have had crew members who seemed distant. That difference is worth noting if you are choosing this trip for personal attention rather than scenery.

The maximum of 30 people keeps the boat from becoming a giant party vessel, but it does not guarantee quiet or spacious conditions. Around lunch, the bar, and the swim stop, everyone may want the same thing at once. You can improve your day by choosing your preferred seat early, then moving around as the boat changes direction and the views develop.

I would also keep expectations sensible about the word exclusive. The boat has a limited group size, but this is still a packaged excursion with shared facilities, set times, and a planned route. It is not a private charter.

Practical advice for a smoother four hours

Your clothing and timing matter more than they might on a normal sightseeing tour. Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes, bring sun protection, and pack a light layer in case the breeze feels cool once the boat is moving.

The start time is 11:20 a.m., and the cruise lasts about four hours. That puts you back in the early afternoon, but the exact return time can vary with the route and conditions. Do not schedule a tight connection immediately afterward.

The tour provides lifejackets, and most people can participate. The details do not describe specific accessibility arrangements, so contact the provider if you need assistance boarding or moving around the catamaran.

You receive confirmation at booking, and the ticket is a paper ticket. The provider’s office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. If you need help with a weekend question, handle it before then.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. That policy is fairly flexible, but it still rewards checking the weather and your schedule early.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a relaxed half-day at sea with several simple pleasures: wildlife, cliffs, swimming, food, and drinks. It suits couples, families, and small groups who prefer an organized outing to planning separate activities.

It is also a good choice if you want to see Los Gigantes from the water rather than only from a road or viewpoint. The combination of cliffs and a swim in Masca Bay gives the trip a clear sense of place.

You may want to choose another excursion if you need a large, substantial lunch, a broad drinks menu, or a consistently attentive crew. It is also not the right pick if you specifically want to explore Masca Valley on foot. The destination here is the bay, not the inland village.

Should you book the Freebird Masca cruise?

Book it if the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins matters most, and if you like the idea of pairing wildlife watching with Los Gigantes views and a swim. The included drinks and lunch help justify the $70.98 cost, especially if you want a ready-made four-hour plan.

Go in expecting a simple boat lunch, limited drink choices, and service that can vary by crew. With those expectations, the trip offers a pleasant way to experience Tenerife’s coast from the water. If you want luxury, gourmet food, or a private feel, spend your money elsewhere. If you want a practical mix of sea, cliffs, wildlife, and swimming, this is a sensible choice.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise departs from Puerto Colón in Tenerife. The scheduled start time is 11:20 a.m., and pickup is offered.

How long does the Freebird catamaran trip last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

Can I see dolphins and whales on the trip?

The catamaran sails in waters known for dolphins and pilot whales, and dolphin watching is included. Sightings are possible but cannot be guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included. Food has been described on different sailings as hot food or a small roll with ham and cheese, so you should expect a basic meal rather than a full restaurant lunch.

Which drinks are included?

Beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks are included. Alcoholic drinks are available only to people over 18.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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