Whales are the hook, but the boat vibe matters. This 4-hour Freebird catamaran cruise runs out of Porto Colón for a real shot at pilot whales and dolphins, plus a cool-off swim in the Masca area. I also like the included lunch and shaded drinks setup, because it keeps the day relaxed instead of turning into a full-on tour scramble. One thing to consider: the included food and drink setup can feel more like simple onboard fuel than a big meal, and service energy varies from trip to trip.

You’ll start at 11:20am with pickup offered (if you choose that option) and a small group cap of 30—good odds for not feeling like cattle on deck. From there, it’s sunbathing, sea breaks, and big Tenerife views as the captain steers into waters where marine life is known to show up.

Key things to know before you sail

• Chance at pilot whales and dolphins during the cruise in Tenerife’s marine waters
• Los Gigantes cliffs in the background as you sail and pause near the dramatic coastline
• Masca Bay swim stop so you’re not just looking at the ocean
• Lunch + bar drinks included, but think “simple onboard meal,” not a gourmet spread
• Lifejacket provided for the time you’ll likely spend in the water
• Small-ish group (max 30), which helps the day stay easygoing

Why this Tenerife catamaran whale trip is different (and worth your time)

Tenerife is known for dramatic coastline, but most boat trips turn into a steady rhythm of sit, stare, repeat. This one works better because the format is built around comfort. A catamaran means you’re up high enough to enjoy the views, and you can actually relax while the crew focuses on finding wildlife.

The real draw is the dolphin and pilot whale spotting. You’re not being asked to do anything except be present: look out for blows and splashes, pay attention when the captain points something out, and stay patient if the sea is calm but quiet. If you’re the type who loves animals but hates the pressure of “on command sightseeing,” this style usually fits.

I also appreciate the “keep you fed” angle. The trip includes lunch and drinks onboard, plus water and soft drinks. On a sea day, that matters more than people think—especially when you’ve got sun on your shoulders and salt in the air.

The one caution I’d give up front is about expectations. Based on the way onboard food and drink is described, you shouldn’t count on a huge spread. You’re getting sustenance, not a culinary event.

The 11:20am start: how the 4 hours actually feel

The schedule is short—about 4 hours—which is a big plus if you want the experience without losing your whole day. Starting at 11:20am also helps. You’re not waking up at sunrise, and you’re likely to catch decent daylight for both viewing and swimming.

Here’s the rhythm you should expect:

• You set off from Porto Colón and head along Tenerife’s volcanic shoreline.
• You spend time out at sea looking for dolphins and pilot whales.
• You pass by the Los Gigantes cliffs, where the coastline looks steep and imposing from the water.
• Then you anchor in the Masca area and get your swim stop.

That mix is what makes it feel like more than just “a wildlife cruise.” It’s wildlife + scenery + a swim, all in one run. And since the group cap is 30, you should have a reasonable chance at finding your own spot on deck.

Spotting pilot whales and dolphins: what to do on deck

Let’s be honest: wildlife spotting is never 100% guaranteed. What you can control is how you set yourself up to notice what’s there.

On the lookout, I’d do three things:

• Position smart early. Get on the side of the boat where your sightlines open up. If you find yourself craning your neck constantly, you’re probably on the wrong side.
• Watch for surface tells. Even when animals are not fully visible, you can catch the pattern—brief bursts, fast movements, or that unmistakable splashy action.
• Stay calm, not glued. It’s tempting to stare at the horizon for the whole time. Give yourself short breaks so you don’t miss the next sudden moment.

The trip is designed around waters known for pods of dolphins and whales, so the search part is built into the sailing. Some captains and crews can make this feel like an event—pointing things out, narrating what’s happening, and keeping everyone alert. Other days may feel a bit more standard onboard. Either way, your best tool is your eyes, and your second tool is keeping your spot instead of constantly moving.

Sailing past Los Gigantes: views you’ll remember later

Los Gigantes is the kind of place you can’t fully absorb from land. From the water, those steep cliff walls feel closer and more real, like the island is standing right up from the sea.

This cruise doesn’t just pass by—it gives you time in the area, with the cliffs in view as the captain works the route and you’re still in “relaxed deck mode.” That matters. If your boat is constantly rushing, you miss the feeling of being surrounded by Tenerife’s volcanic drama.

And because you’re on a catamaran, you’re not sealed inside. You get open-air time, sun on the skin, and that cooling sea breeze. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you forget the clock for a while.

Masca Bay swim stop: the best part if you like getting wet

After the sailing and viewing time, the boat drops anchor in the Masca Bay area. This is your break from only looking. It’s your chance to cool off with a swim stop while the cliffs and coastline sit in the background.

Because a lifejacket is included, you’re not scrambling to find one. Still, treat the water like the ocean is the ocean. Move with care, especially if the entry feels busy or waves have picked up.

What I like about this stop is pacing. The wildlife search and scenic sailing can take a while, and then—boom—you switch to swimming and relaxing. It turns the trip into a proper sea-day experience instead of just a drive-by sightseeing session.

Food and drinks onboard: what’s included, and what to expect

Included meals are one of the big reasons this kind of trip works for value. You get lunch, and the drinks list includes beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks.

But here’s the practical expectation check:

• The “lunch” can feel more like a snack than a big sit-down meal.
• The drink experience seems set up as a simple bar situation rather than a full cocktail program.
• Alcohol is only for adults over 18, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with mixed ages.

The upside: you don’t have to track down food or pay for it mid-trip. On a half-day boat day, that saves stress. The downside: if you’re the type who expects a hearty feast, you’ll want to eat before you go so you don’t leave hungry.

The crew and vibe: captain names to look out for

One of the nice things about this tour is that it’s small enough for the captain and crew to shape the mood.

I’ve seen that captains Luca and Dani have led sailings, and the general impression is that when the crew is engaged, the whole day feels more fun—especially when they help everyone focus during wildlife time. On some trips, service may feel less interactive, so if you want lots of storytelling and constant attention, keep that in mind and don’t let it ruin your day. The boat’s purpose is still the sea + animals + scenery.

Also, if you’re booking in person, one helpful note from experience: staff at the kiosk can be friendly and non-pushy, which makes the whole booking feel less stressful before you even leave.

Price and value: what $70.98 buys you on Tenerife

At about $70.98 per person for roughly 4 hours, this is a mid-range boat experience. The value really comes from the bundle:

• catamaran ride
• lunch
• drinks (including beer/sangria for adults)
• lifejacket
• dolphin watching + wildlife time

When you compare that to separate costs—boat tickets, food, and drinks—it stacks up fairly well. You’re paying for convenience and a full half-day with multiple “moments”: wildlife time, cliff views, and a swim.

The only reason it might not feel like value is if you end up caring mostly about service style or you have high expectations for meal size. If you’re in it for the sights and the sea time, it’s the kind of ticket that usually feels fair.

Who should book this Masca and whales catamaran?

This trip is a strong fit if:

• you want Tenerife wildlife viewing without a full day commitment
• you like boat comfort and prefer open-air deck time
• you care about scenery as much as animals (Los Gigantes is a major draw)
• you want a swim stop without handling the logistics yourself

You might want to think twice if:

• you’re picky about food quality and portion size
• you expect very high-touch, highly personalized narration all day
• you’re traveling with someone who gets annoyed by crowds. With max 30, you’re not going to be miserable, but you can still feel “tour boat busy” at peak times.

Simple tips to make your day smoother

A few practical things that improve the odds of having a great half-day:

• Bring sun protection. You’ll be outside for hours.
• Wear swim-ready clothing you can manage quickly during the Masca Bay stop.
• Bring a cover-up for the ride back if you get cooler in the shade.
• Keep your eyes moving. Wildlife sightings can be quick.
• If you’re focused on animals, try to arrive mentally ready for patience.

And one mindset tip: if you don’t see whales immediately, don’t assume the trip is a bust. You’re sailing in a region where marine life is known to show up, and timing can make or break it.

Should you book this tour?

If your goal is a relaxed catamaran half-day with real wildlife spotting potential, plus cliff views and a swim, this is a good bet. The inclusion list helps—especially lunch and drinks—and the small group size keeps it manageable.

If you’re booking purely for whales as a guaranteed outcome or you’re expecting a big gourmet meal, you may feel disappointed. Think of this as a sea day with a strong chance at dolphins and pilot whales, not a “we promise whales” ticket.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The trip lasts about 4 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 11:20am.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise is from Porto Colón.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included are the catamaran cruise, lunch, beer/sangria/water/soft drinks, lifejacket, and dolphin watching.

Are alcoholic drinks included for everyone?

Alcoholic beverages are available only for adults over 18 years old.

Do we get time to swim?

Yes. There are swim stops, including an anchoring stop in Masca Bay.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers.

What are the cancellation rules?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time, with no refund if you cancel less than 24 hours before.

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