Adults Only Tenerife Freebird Whale Dolphin Catamaran with Lunch

This adults-only catamaran outing is all about being out on the water with a smaller, calmer crowd while Tenerife’s marine life does the real show. You’re not stuck in a long, rushed day, either. It’s a 2-hour cruise built for spotting pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, plus time to swim and a meal on board.

The two things I really like here are the relaxed feel created by the boat running under capacity, and the fact that you get a proper on-board experience: lunch, complimentary drinks, and Wi-Fi all included. It makes the whole trip feel like more than just a quick wildlife scan from a deck.

One consideration before you book: this isn’t for everyone. It’s not suitable if you can’t manage walking along the gangplank to the boat, and it’s also not suitable if you can’t swim.

Key things to know before you go

• Adults-only vibe: a quieter, more grown-up way to do whale watching
• Small-ish group at sea: maximum 72 travelers, with extra room because the boat is under capacity
• Wildlife time, not just passing glances: you get time to watch and to look from the best side of the action
• Included swim stop: snorkelling gear is part of the package, and you’ll have time in the water
• Jeanette is repeatedly praised: guide explanations get high marks for being friendly and low-pressure
• Diet may need a double-check: one vegan lunch issue shows you should confirm dietary needs ahead of time

Why this Tenerife Freebird catamaran feels calmer than most cruises

Tenerife is great for day trips at sea, but most whale-watching boats feel like crowded zoos. This one tries hard to avoid that. It runs as adults-only, and it’s designed to feel comfortable rather than packed. The operator specifically notes the boat is a quarter under capacity, which matters when you want to actually hear yourself think while you scan the water.

The route is built around searching in calm coastal waters. That means the vibe stays friendly and relaxed, especially during the lulls between sightings. Even if the whales and dolphins are not right in front of you the whole time, the experience still has a clear rhythm: watch, enjoy the sea air, then eat and swim when conditions allow.

There’s also a practical benefit to the short timing. A 2-hour cruise keeps the whole thing from turning into a half-day production. You still get the key elements people come for: wildlife, snacks and drinks, and a swim break, but without burning your morning or afternoon.

What you do during the 2 hours: from pickup to swim and lunch

Your day starts with pickup if you booked it. The schedule uses a 9:40 am start time, and the exact pickup place and time depend on your hotel. After you confirm, you’ll receive the details. If you don’t hear back at least 48 hours before departure, you’re asked to contact the office.

Once you’re at the dock, boarding is quick and organized. You’ll get taken out to the cruising area where the captain looks for pods. The boat is set up for lounging on deck while you scan the water for movement and surfacing blows. Tenerife’s coastline also gives you dramatic scenery on the way out, so even before you spot marine life, there’s plenty to look at.

The cruise flow typically goes like this:

1) Cruise and search for whales and dolphins around Tenerife’s coastal waters.

2) Sightings time where you can watch from the deck.

3) A swim stop, with time in the sea.

4) Lunch on board, served after the spotting portion.

5) Return to port at a relaxed pace.

One more detail that’s worth knowing: lunch is included, but you should still have realistic expectations. This is not a gourmet restaurant, it’s an on-board meal built for people who want to keep the day moving. The upside is you’re not paying extra for a meal while you’re already spending time at sea.

Also, there’s often a photo moment on board. One review described getting a picture taken during boarding and later having the chance to purchase prints. If photos matter to you, plan for the possibility, but don’t assume it will be the same for every departure.

Spotting pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins around Tenerife

The star billing is pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. These animals live their normal lives in the North Atlantic, and the crew sails into waters where pods have been seen.

Here’s the practical part: whale and dolphin watching is never guaranteed in the way a museum ticket is guaranteed. What you can count on is that the captain is actively looking for signs and that you’ll have enough deck time to actually see something, not just one quick pass.

The calmer, smaller feel helps you watch better. When you’re not shoulder-to-shoulder, you can move to where visibility is best, and you can keep your eyes on the water instead of negotiating for space.

If you’re hoping for close, memorable moments, pay attention to the timing of the swim stop too. In at least one experience, the whales and dolphins were present and then the crew moved you toward a suitable area for swimming after. That combination is a great fit for people who want both wildlife watching and a water break without booking separate activities.

Swim stop, snorkelling gear, and how to make the water time work

This cruise includes snorkelling equipment and towel service. It also tells you to bring a bathing suit and sunblock, and to bring a towel. That combination can be confusing, but I’d treat it as: pack your own towel anyway, even if towel service is offered.

The swim portion is built for people who want to get in the sea, not just dip their toes. The operator notes it is not suitable for guests who can’t swim. So if you’re only comfortable in shallow water, this may not be the right cruise for you.

What you can expect from the water time is a proper chance to swim, plus snorkelling if conditions allow. One review described a beautiful swim area with fish around you. That’s the kind of bonus that can turn a good trip into a great one, and it’s one reason this cruise has strong repeat-booking potential.

Practical tips for a smoother swim stop:

• Bring goggles if you use them, even though snorkelling gear is provided.
• Use sunblock before you get out on deck, not after.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, consider bringing your own remedy, because you’ll be out in open water.

Lunch and drinks on board: what’s included and what to plan for

You get lunch and complimentary drinks on board. Drinks are described as a shaded bar setup, and reviews highlight beer and soft drinks as part of the onboard deal.

This is one of those cruises where inclusion changes the whole cost picture. If you’re paying extra for meals on a different trip, the value can disappear fast. Here, lunch is part of the price, so you spend your money on the experience, not on keeping your stomach happy.

That said, I want to be honest about dietary fit. One person reported their vegan meal needs were not taken into account properly. That doesn’t mean every departure will fail dietary requests, but it does mean you should not assume your diet will automatically be handled the way it is at a hotel restaurant.

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, contact the operator after booking and ask for confirmation in writing when possible. If they cannot accommodate, you can plan a backup snack on your own.

There’s also mention of ice cream being served on the way back, but ice cream is not listed as included. So budget for it only if you want it.

Wi-Fi at sea and the onboard service that people remember

Wi-Fi on board is included, which is rare on many boat trips. If you want to post photos right away or keep in touch, this can be handy, especially for people traveling solo or those who want to share updates with family.

Service is another reason this cruise scores well. Several mentions call out the crew as friendly, approachable, and attentive. One name comes up repeatedly: Jeanette. People describe her as professional and friendly, and that she gives trip advice without pushy sales tactics.

That kind of calm, low-pressure guidance matters when you’re choosing between different catamarans or different trip lengths. If you’re already worried about whether you’ll see whales, it helps to feel confident in what you’re booking.

Pickup and getting to the dock without losing your morning

Pickup is offered, but the exact details are hotel-based. After you confirm your booking, the operator contacts you with the pickup time and place. If you haven’t heard anything at least 48 hours before the start, you’re told to contact the office.

In real life, the only “risk” here is timing. One review described the bus being a bit later than expected, with time spent waiting in the sun. You can’t control that, so I’d plan for a little slack. Arrive early, have water ready if it’s warm, and don’t schedule anything tight right after the cruise.

Also note the format: you’ll have a mobile ticket, so have your phone charged and the ticket saved where you can find it quickly.

Accessibility and who should avoid this cruise

This is where the fine print matters. The operator says it is not suitable for:

• guests unable to walk along the gangplank to the boat
• guests who cannot swim

The boat requires you to manage boarding and movement safely. If you have mobility limits, even minor ones, I’d double-check with the operator before booking. If you’re a strong swimmer, you’re good, but if you’re not, this cruise is likely to feel stressful rather than fun.

On the flip side, the adult-only nature and calmer pacing make it a great fit for couples, friends, and anyone who wants a relaxed sea day.

Price and value: is $70.89 worth it?

At about $70.89 per person, you’re paying for more than a seat on a boat. You’re paying for:

• transport with pickup
• lunch on board
• complimentary drinks
• snorkelling equipment
• towel service
• Wi-Fi

For Tenerife, this can be good value because the trip bundles the things that usually become add-ons. If you do a whale-watching cruise and then buy drinks and lunch separately, the total often climbs quickly.

The key question for you is expectation. If you want a short, comfortable cruise with food and a swim break, this fits the bill. If you want a long, ocean-crossing expedition with a strong focus on education or a big production, you might prefer a longer format.

Also think about the adult-only angle. If you value quiet deck time for spotting, that feature can be worth real money, because it changes the crowd energy.

Should you book this Tenerife whale and dolphin catamaran with lunch?

Book it if you want:

• adults-only peace and calm
• a short 2-hour outing that includes lunch and drinks
• the chance to see pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins
• an actual swim stop, not just a quick wet deck photo

Consider skipping or switching if:

• you cannot swim confidently
• you have trouble with gangplank boarding and moving on and off the boat
• you have dietary needs and you’re not willing to confirm accommodations in advance

My best advice: if whale and dolphin sightings are your priority, this cruise makes sense because it gives you time on deck and a schedule that doesn’t waste your day. If your plan includes snorkelling and a simple, included meal, the value gets even better. Just do one smart move before you go, confirm any dietary restrictions, then pack sunblock and a towel, and head out for calm coastal water with real sea life on the menu.