Tenerife: Catamaran Cruise with an Open Bar

A half-day catamaran along Tenerife’s western coastline is a simple pleasure, and this one adds a big perk: an open bar plus real time on the water for photos and swimming. I love that you’re not stuck watching from a dock, you’re out with the sea spray, and the trip is paced like a relaxing day off rather than a rushed “see it fast” tour.

Two things I like a lot: the chance to see Los Gigantes on the 4.5-hour sailing (the coastline looks dramatic even from a boat), and the Masca Bay stop where you actually get time to cool off. The main drawback to keep in mind is that comfort details vary by option and boat layout, including toilet access that can be tricky, plus some reviews flag issues with food quality and constant onboard music.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Pick 3 hours or 4.5 hours depending on whether you want a quick relax or the full Los Gigantes plus Masca Bay swim plan
• Freebird catamaran with a sun deck and plenty of time cruising Tenerife’s western coastline
• Open bar on the longer option, with drinks included and a buffet lunch listed for the 4.5-hour cruise
• Masca Bay swimming with step access reported to be easier than some other boats
• Wildlife sightings can be a highlight, including very close pilot whales in at least one account
• One possible extra cost: a review mentions a paid upgrade for double sunbeds

Tenerife Catamaran: Freebird, Open Bar, and What You Get for $55

For $55, you’re not paying for a museum or a big bus tour. You’re paying for time on a catamaran with drinks, a real coastline route, and (on the longer trip) a proper meal. That’s the value equation here: you’re buying weather time and sea time, not just transportation.

On both options, you start with the same basic flow. You head from southern Tenerife to the marina in an air-conditioned coach, meet the crew, and climb aboard the Freebird catamaran. From there, you settle in on the sun deck, enjoy snacks or lunch depending on the option, and let the coastline do the work for you.

The open bar is the headline. On the 4.5-hour cruise, you can sip beer or soda from an unlimited onboard bar. On the 3-hour cruise, you get snacks, drinks, and bubbly, which is still a good match if your main goal is to enjoy the sea views without committing to a longer day.

Choosing 3 Hours or 4.5 Hours

This tour really splits into two personalities.

The 3-hour cruise: a lighter outing

The shorter sailing is best if you want a quick, relaxed cruise and you’re already planning other sightseeing the same day. You can go on your own or use hotel pickup from the south of Tenerife. Once onboard, you get refreshments and a sandwich, plus snacks, drinks, and bubbly.

In practice, this option often feels like a great “starter cruise.” You get the ocean experience and the pleasure of time on the water without needing a full half-day commitment. If you’re sensitive to crowds, or you don’t want the bus ride to take much of your day, the shorter timing can be a smart fit.

The 4.5-hour cruise: more sea, Los Gigantes, and lunch

If you want the full western-coast drama, choose the 4.5-hour option. This is the sailing that includes the Cliffs of Los Gigantes and the Masca Bay swim stop. You also get a buffet-style lunch, with items listed such as chicken paella, vegetable rice, and meatballs.

The tradeoff is time. You’ll be out longer, so you’ll want a bit more stamina for getting on and off the boat, plus you’ll be in the group longer while everyone waits for stops. If you love wildlife sightings and want the best shot at seeing the coastline from multiple angles, this is the better match.

Getting From Southern Tenerife to the Marina Smoothly

One underrated part of any cruise is how painless the start is, and this one is built around southern pickup. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but pickup is only from the south of Tenerife, and not every hotel is served. The closest pickup point is assigned for you.

When I read the practical feedback from real trips, one detail jumped out: some people appreciated being assigned a designated seat on the coach so they didn’t have to queue. If you’re traveling with mobility limits, it matters that you might not be forced into a long line or awkward boarding sprint.

Also, you’re riding in an air-conditioned coach. That’s not glamorous, but in Tenerife heat it changes the mood. You arrive at the marina calmer, not sweaty and frazzled.

On the Water: What You’ll See Along Tenerife’s Western Coast

Once you’re aboard, the cruise is about pace and views. You’re not racing from one photo spot to another. Instead, you sail along Tenerife’s curvaceous western coastline and get time to settle in on the top deck.

Los Gigantes cliffs, if you booked the longer trip

On the 4.5-hour cruise, you’ll spot the colossal Cliffs of Los Gigantes. Even from a distance, the white sides dropping into the ocean make for strong photos. If you’re the type who likes watching the coastline slowly change as the boat turns, you’ll enjoy this part.

A quick caution: cliff viewpoints are photo-friendly, but the boat can move. Bring eye comfort basics like sunglasses, and be ready for some wind while you’re photographing.

Wildlife watch: dolphins and seabirds

Several accounts mention the sea life as a highlight. The itinerary specifically notes watching for dolphins and rare seabirds, and at least one trip report calls out pilot whales very close to the boat. That’s the kind of wildlife moment you can’t script, so what you’re really doing is buying your chance at it.

If seeing wildlife matters to you, the longer cruise is again the safer bet simply because you’re on the water longer.

Masca Bay Swim Stop: The Refresh Button You’ll Actually Use

The Masca Bay segment is what many people remember, because it turns a sightseeing cruise into a true break from sitting.

On the 4.5-hour cruise, the boat drifts to Masca Bay, drops anchor, and lets you swim. Reviews mention that the steps for getting into the water can make swimming easier than some boats since there’s a full set of steps lowering into the sea.

That makes a difference. If you’re comfortable getting in and out of water, you’ll likely have a smooth time. If you’re not a confident swimmer, you might prefer standing near the steps or going in only shallow distances, but the key point is that you do get access to the water, not just a look from the boat.

What I’d pack for this stop:

• A towel you don’t mind getting sandy or salty
• Swimwear under clothes, so you’re not hunting for privacy
• Sunscreen and a hat, because time on the top deck adds up fast
• Water shoes if you prefer grip, since the bottom can be unpredictable once you’re off the steps

Drinks, Lunch, and the Real Talk About Food Quality

The open bar is the simple part: on the 4.5-hour option, you get unlimited drinks onboard. Beer and soda are specifically mentioned, and the general vibe is that the drinks flow while you cruise.

Food is where reviews become more mixed. The 4.5-hour cruise includes lunch, and it’s listed as chicken, rice, or meatballs. In practice, that range can produce very different meals depending on how the buffet is set up that day.

Here’s how it shakes out from the available feedback:

• One trip report says the food was great, with an enthusiastic atmosphere onboard
• Another says lunch was edible but not very nice, which is the kind of result that can happen on buffet days
• A separate account calls food terrible, describing chicken balls and rice as a letdown

So what should you do as a careful traveler? Treat lunch as a bonus, not a guarantee. If you’re a picky eater, or if you’re going for a culinary experience, you might want to bring a small snack just in case. If your expectations are realistic, the meal will probably do its job and keep you fueled for the swimming portion.

On the 3-hour cruise, the food expectations are lighter. You get a sandwich and you’ll see snacks and bubbly rather than a full buffet meal. For many people, that’s perfect.

One more detail that can affect your budget: a review mentions an additional 25 euros for a double sunbed on the boat. If you care about lounging space, ask upfront or plan for the possibility of extra costs.

Comfort, Onboard Music, and Bathroom Details

A cruise can feel relaxing or chaotic based on little things. One recurring friction point in the feedback is onboard music. One person wished the music wasn’t playing loudly while the boat was moving, because they wanted quieter time to enjoy nature and scenery. If you’re sensitive to sound, this is worth taking seriously.

On comfort logistics, there’s another practical warning that I’d include in your decision-making. Toilets are accessed via fully vertical wooden ladder steps, which is not suitable for everyone with mobility difficulties. That means you should think about how you’ll handle ladder access when you’re wet, tired, and trying to get back onboard quickly.

For some travelers, that’s fine. For others, it can be a deal breaker. If you know you’ll need easy bathroom access, plan carefully and consider whether the swim steps and ladder steps could be an issue for your comfort.

Who This Tenerife Cruise Fits Best (And Who Might Skip It)

This trip is a strong match if:

• You want a half-day on the water without dealing with a complicated itinerary
• Wildlife spotting is a priority, since dolphins and seabirds are part of the watch plan
• You like the idea of a Masca Bay swim stop, especially if you appreciate easier step access
• You want hotel pickup from southern Tenerife and prefer not to manage transport yourself

It might be less ideal if:

• You’re expecting top-tier food every time. Based on mixed reports, lunch can land anywhere from good to disappointing
• You are very bothered by onboard music. Some find it too loud
• You require accessible toilet access. Ladder-based access is a known issue in at least one account
• You need snorkel gear, because no snorkeling equipment was mentioned in the provided details, and one review specifically notes no snorkeling gear

There’s also the crowd factor. One account suggests the group skewed toward 70-plus. That doesn’t mean everyone will be older, but it does hint that the boat may not be the best fit if you’re hoping for a young, party-energy scene.

Price Value Check: Is $55 Actually Fair?

At $55 per person for a 3 to 4.5 hour cruise, the pricing makes sense when you count the included pieces: coach transport with pickup and drop-off from southern Tenerife, catamaran transport, drinks, and depending on the option, lunch.

The biggest value boost is the 4.5-hour experience. You’re not just watching cliffs, you also get Masca Bay swimming time and an onboard bar plus a buffet meal. That adds up quickly versus piecemeal costs for transport, boat time, and food.

For the 3-hour option, value depends on your goal. If you want a short sea reset and you’re happy with snacks plus drinks, it’s a good use of time. If you want the full Los Gigantes show and a swim, the 4.5-hour option is more satisfying.

Think of it like this: the longer cruise is the “best total package,” the shorter one is the “best quick hit.”

Should You Book This Tenerife Catamaran Cruise?

Book it if you want a simple, sunny half-day where the main activity is being out on the sea, with drinks included and the option of a Masca Bay swim. It’s also a good pick if you’ll enjoy wildlife chances like dolphins and seabirds, and you care about seeing Los Gigantes from the water.

I’d pause before booking if you have strong expectations about food quality, need easy toilet access, or dislike loud onboard music. Those are the practical friction points that show up in real feedback.

If you do book, my advice is to match your expectations to the product. This is a relaxed cruise with sea views and included drinks, not a gourmet dining event. Do that, and you’ll likely come away thinking you got good value for your time in Tenerife.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise options run from 3 hours to 4.5 hours.

What is included on the 3-hour option?

The 3-hour cruise includes snacks, drinks, and bubbly. You also have refreshments and a sandwich onboard.

What is included on the 4.5-hour option?

The 4.5-hour cruise includes an unlimited selection of onboard drinks, plus a buffet lunch of chicken, rice, or meatballs. It also includes Los Gigantes and a swim stop at Masca Bay.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is only from the south of Tenerife. It does not cover rural areas, and not every hotel is served. A closest pickup point is allocated.

What drinks are included?

On the 4.5-hour sailing, the bar includes an unlimited selection of drinks, including beer or soda. On the 3-hour sailing, drinks and bubbly are included along with snacks.

Do you get to swim?

On the 4.5-hour cruise, the itinerary includes an anchor stop at Masca Bay with time to swim in the water.

What is the main sightseeing highlight on the longer cruise?

The longer cruise includes views of the Cliffs of Los Gigantes (Acantilados de Los Gigantes).

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any extra costs on the boat?

A review mentions an additional 25 euros for a double sunbed. The rest of what’s included depends on the specific cruise option you choose.