Exclusive Freebird Catamaran Whale & Dolphin to Masca From South

Taking to the seas around Tenerife is a fantastic way to see the island’s dramatic volcanic landscapes from a different perspective. This 4-hour catamaran cruise offers a chance to relax under the sun, enjoy scenic vistas, and perhaps catch glimpses of pilot whales and dolphins frolicking in their natural habitat. While it’s a popular choice for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation, it does come with some considerations.

What truly stands out is the opportunity to see marine life up close, combined with comfortable onboard amenities like lunch and drinks. However, some travelers have noted variability in the crew’s engagement and the quality of food, so it’s worth considering what you value most in such a trip. This tour is well-suited for those who love marine wildlife, scenic cruising, and a laid-back day on the water with a touch of adventure.

Key Points

• Marine Wildlife Watching: The main draw, with potential sightings of dolphins and pilot whales.
• Scenic Stops: Including swimming in Masca Bay and viewing the Los Gigantes cliffs.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes lunch, drinks, and optional pickup.
• Mixed Reviews on Service: Some reviewers found crew engagement lacking, while others praised the experience.
• Cost & Value: At around $71 per person, it’s a reasonably priced way to enjoy Tenerife’s coastal beauty.
• Group Size: Limited to 30 travelers, ensuring a relatively intimate experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Tenerife Catamaran Whale & Dolphin Tour

The Overview: Relaxing and Scenic Marine Adventure

This catamaran cruise departs from Porto Colon and offers a mix of wildlife spotting, scenic cruising, and swimming opportunities. It’s a simple yet appealing way to spend a few hours soaking up Tenerife’s stunning coastal and volcanic scenery. As the boat sails along the coast, you’ll be able to see the island’s towering volcanic cliffs and rugged shoreline from a comfortable deck.

The experience is designed to be leisurely, with plenty of time to sunbathe, enjoy a cold drink, and snack on the provided lunch. Many travelers appreciate the relaxing vibe and the chance to see dolphins and whales, which are common in the waters around Tenerife.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

One of the key features that attract travelers is the potential for wildlife sightings. Several reviews mention successful encounters with dolphins and pilot whales, which leap and frolic close to the boat. As one reviewer noted, “we actually got to see the whales and dolphins” and even had the chance to swim near the cliffs of Los Gigantes. That’s a highlight for many, especially since seeing marine life in their natural environment is both exciting and educational.

The onboard amenities also add to the experience. The boat is equipped with sun beds, shaded areas, and a bar serving beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks. Lunch is included — a modest offering of sandwiches or snacks — which many appreciated as a convenient addition, though some reviewers found the food quality and variety lacking.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Start Point & Timing:
The tour kicks off at 11:20 am from Porto Colon, offering a midday escape from busy tourist areas. With a duration of approximately four hours, it’s long enough to enjoy scenic cruising, wildlife spotting, swimming, and relaxing on deck without feeling rushed.

First Stop — Masca Bay:
The boat anchors here for the chance to swim in clear waters. Many travelers cite this as a lovely, refreshing break and a chance to cool off in a beautiful setting. It’s worth noting that some reviews mention the swim stops being a highlight, with one guest saying it was “a perfect way to relax and enjoy the scenery.”

Wildlife Watching:
As the boat sails towards the cliffs of Los Gigantes, the crew will look out for marine mammals. Several reviews confirm that sightings are common, with some guests thrilled to see not just dolphins but also pilot whales. One reviewer shared, “the crew did their best to make the journey interesting and comfortable,” and another highlighted that they saw whales, dolphins, and even had the chance to swim nearby.

Cliffs of Los Gigantes:
The boat cruises in the shadow of these imposing cliffs, offering dramatic views that look just as breathtaking from the water as from land. It’s a classic Tenerife landscape that makes for memorable photos and a sense of awe.

The Experience: What Travelers Are Saying

Positives:
– Many describe the trip as a “perfect choice,” praising the scenery and wildlife encounters.
– The onboard crew, especially the captain, gets mention for their professionalism and friendliness. One reviewer specifically appreciated Captain Luca’s efforts, noting that the crew made the journey comfortable and interesting.
– The included lunch and drinks add value, allowing guests to relax without extra costs.

Criticisms:
– A few reviews mention that staff engagement was lackluster, with some feeling that crew members were not particularly friendly or enthusiastic.
– The food, often described as “a tiny roll with ham and cheese,” has been criticized for its limited selection, especially for vegetarians or non-meat eaters.
– Some travelers found the experience crowded, which could detract from the feeling of intimacy or relaxation.

Price & Value: Is it Worth It?

At roughly $71 per person, this tour falls into a reasonable price bracket for a half-day cruise in Tenerife. The inclusion of lunch, drinks, and wildlife watching makes it a fair deal, especially considering the scenic value and the chance to see marine mammals in their natural environment.

However, the variability in reviews suggests that your enjoyment heavily depends on crew enthusiasm and the weather conditions on the day. For wildlife lovers and those after a relaxed, scenic day out, it offers good value. For travelers seeking a more personalized or gourmet experience, it might feel a bit basic.

Practicalities & Tips

• Booking in advance is recommended, typically around 18 days ahead, to secure your spot.
• Pickup options are available, which is convenient if you’re staying in southern Tenerife.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to join.
• Alcoholic drinks are only available for guests over 18, so bring your ID if you plan to indulge.
• The tour operates with a maximum of 30 travelers, so expect a small, manageable group.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is best for wildlife enthusiasts eager to spot dolphins and whales in a laid-back setting. It also suits those who want a scenic, half-day escape with the bonus of swimming in Masca Bay and enjoying Tenerife’s impressive cliffs. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a budget-friendly, relaxed day will find it appealing.

However, if you prefer highly personalized service, gourmet food, or a quieter, less crowded environment, you might want to explore other options or be prepared for some variability in service quality.

Final Thoughts

This catamaran whale and dolphin tour from southern Tenerife offers a pleasing mix of scenic sailing, wildlife sightings, and a relaxed atmosphere. While some reviews highlight inconsistent crew engagement and modest onboard snacks, many travelers find the experience worthwhile for the stunning views and the chance to observe marine life in the wild. The included lunch and drinks add value, making it a convenient choice for a half-day adventure.

For those who love the idea of seeing dolphins leap out of the water or peering at the imposing Los Gigantes cliffs from the sea, this trip is a decent pick — especially if you’re after a reasonably priced tour that balances relaxation with a touch of wildlife excitement.

FAQs

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup options are available, making it easier to start your day without worrying about transportation.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately four hours, including time for swimming, wildlife spotting, and cruising.

Can I see whales on this trip?
While sightings are common, they depend on weather and marine conditions. Several guests have confirmed seeing pilot whales and dolphins.

What is included in the price?
The price includes a catamaran cruise, lunch, drinks (beer, sangria, water, soft drinks), and life jackets.

Are alcoholic beverages available?
Yes, but only for guests over 18 years old with valid ID.

What about the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 30 travelers, ensuring a relatively intimate experience.

Is there swimming during the tour?
Yes, there are swim stops, notably at Masca Bay, where you can cool off in clear, inviting waters.

Is the food on board good?
Reviews suggest the provided snacks are basic, often just a roll with ham and cheese, so don’t expect gourmet fare.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about two to three weeks ahead, with 18 days being average.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and possibly some cash for additional drinks or souvenirs.

This Tenerife catamaran trip offers an enjoyable balance of scenery, wildlife, and relaxation, best suited for those seeking a budget-friendly, scenic adventure with wildlife viewing as the main highlight.