Exclusive Freebird Catamaran Whale & Dolphin to Masca From South

This catamaran cruise along Tenerife’s volcanic coast mixes two of the best kinds of time on a trip, slow sailing and serious wildlife luck. You’re out on the water long enough to look for pilot whales and dolphins, then you get a break in Masca Bay with a swim and great cliff views.

I really like the mix of comfort and value here. The on-board lunch plus drinks (beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks) means you can relax without hunting for snacks, and the boat layout with sunbathing space makes the sightseeing feel easy. It also helps that captains like Luca and Dani show up in feedback, suggesting the crew takes pride in guiding you through the day.

One thing to weigh: the overall vibe can be hit or miss, especially around staff engagement and how substantial the food feels. A couple of write-ups describe a very basic lunch and limited bar service, even though sightings are often the highlight.

Key things to know before you go

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main draw, and the cruise route is set up for spotting them.
• Los Gigantes cliffs are part of the scenery, so even if the animals keep their distance, the ride still has drama.
• Lunch and drinks are included, but the exact feel of the meal and bar can be simple rather than fancy.
• Masca Bay includes a swim stop, and you’ll have lifejackets on board.
• Small group size (max 30) keeps this from feeling like a cattle-car, but it can still be a popular excursion.

Setting Sail From South Tenerife, Porto Colon Included

Most whale watching day trips in Tenerife feel the same on paper: get on a boat, scan the water, hope for the animals. What makes this one worth a look is the setting and pacing. You depart from Porto Colon, then you spend the cruise combining wildlife searching with classic west-coast viewing as the coastline rises fast and steep from the sea.

The timing is also practical. The start time is 11:20 am, which often works nicely because you’re not rushing a super early morning, yet you’re still likely to be out while the light is good for spotting. The total time is about 4 hours, so you get a proper chunk of ocean time without eating an entire day.

If you’re staying in the south, you’ll like that pickup is offered. That matters because many Tenerife excursions are doable but annoying if you have to coordinate your own transport to the marina. Even with pickup, do yourself a favor and double-check the meeting plan when you get your confirmation.

And yes, it’s a paper ticket. Bring it with you, because that’s what you’ll be using on the day.

What You’ll Actually Do on the Water

This cruise is built around a straightforward rhythm: sail, spot, relax, then cool off near Masca. The vibe stays calm, but you’re not just drifting around hoping for magic.

Wildlife spotting time is the real “work”

The trip positions you in waters where dolphins and whales are known to show up. The goal isn’t a lecture. It’s more like: scan, watch for movement, and be ready when something surfaces. You’ll also get dolphin watching included, which in plain terms means the cruise is treated as a wildlife-focused outing, not only a sightseeing boat.

The best part is that feedback repeatedly points to real sightings, including pilot whales and dolphins. That’s the moment you’ll remember later, because it’s not staged, and it’s not guaranteed on any ocean trip. When you’re lucky, you see them leap and move through the water like they’re just doing their own thing, not performing for your vacation.

Drinks and lunch keep the mood easy

You’ll have time where the crew offers beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks plus lunch on board. That’s a big part of the value. When a trip is only about watching the water, it’s easy to get cold, hungry, or bored. Here, you can stay settled while you wait for your moment.

Important detail: alcohol is only for adults over 18. If you’re traveling with teens or you’d rather keep it non-alcoholic, you still have water and soft drinks included.

One caution from the mixed feedback: lunch can feel basic. Some people describe it as a simple roll-style meal. I’d treat lunch as fuel for the day, not a culinary event.

The catamaran changes the feel

A catamaran is a different kind of ride than a single-hull boat. You generally get more stable lounging and more deck space to spread out. In feedback, people highlight sunbathing space and the chance to feel “front row” for wildlife spotting. That’s the practical upside: you can actually watch without constantly repositioning.

If you’re sensitive to motion, you’ll still want to be realistic. It’s open water. But a catamaran tends to feel smoother than you’d expect on a typical day tour.

Los Gigantes Cliffs: The View You Get Even When You Don’t Perfectly Spot

The day includes a pass near the Los Gigantes cliffs, which is one of Tenerife’s most dramatic coastal backdrops. This matters because it gives you a “plan B” feel.

Even if wildlife spotting is slower than you hoped, you’re still sailing in a place with towering rock walls dropping straight into the sea. You get that sense of scale that you can’t get from a viewpoint on land.

This is also where some feedback mentions swimming near the cliffs or enjoying the area from the boat before the swim stop. So if you’re the type who likes photos, or you just want to feel small next to something huge, this portion delivers.

Masca Valley and Masca Bay: The Swim Stop Part People Actually Talk About

The cruise includes a stop focused on Masca. You anchor in Masca Bay to cool off with a swim stop. That’s the part that turns a wildlife cruise into an actual experience, not just a watch-and-wait session.

Why the swim matters: it breaks up the time on the water and gives your day some variety. Whale and dolphin spotting can be active in short bursts, then quiet again. The swim gives you a moment where you’re not scanning the horizon, you’re in the water experiencing the coastline up close.

You also have lifejackets provided, which makes it easier for you to relax about safety without bringing your own gear.

A practical tip: come ready to swim if that’s your thing. Bring swimwear, and think about a cover-up for after. Since the tour data only confirms lifejackets and a swim stop, don’t assume towels or extra conveniences are provided.

The Crew Vibe: Why Experience Quality Can Vary

Here’s the honest part. The wildlife sightings can be terrific, and the catamaran can feel comfortable. But the way the day runs, especially around interaction and service, can vary.

Some feedback praises captains and the crew for making the trip interesting and comfortable. Other write-ups complain about staff being less engaging, or about bar service and how lunch is handled.

What this means for you: if you’re going because you want wildlife and views, you’re likely to feel satisfied when you see animals. If you’re going because you want a highly interactive guide every minute, be aware that might not be consistent.

One more detail: a few people mention buying through a person at the kiosk named Jeanette, described as friendly and not pushy. That can help set a positive tone before you even reach the boat, especially if you’re booking on the spot or you prefer a human touch.

Price and Value: What $70.98 Buys You in Tenerife

At $70.98 per person, this is not a bargain-basement excursion. But it also isn’t priced like a luxury private charter. The value comes from combining three things you’d otherwise pay for separately:

• A 4-hour catamaran ride focused on wildlife watching
• Lunch plus drinks included on board
• A Masca Bay swim stop plus lifejacket provided

If you were to book a boat trip for the views and then pay for lunch and drinks separately, the math can creep up. Here, you get those basics bundled in.

That said, you should match your expectations to the feedback pattern. The food may be simple, and the bar may feel basic rather than endless. If you’re expecting an elaborate meal, you may be disappointed. If you’re happy with a practical lunch while you enjoy the sea, this can feel like a fair deal.

Also, the group size is capped at 30 travelers, which usually means you won’t be fighting for space the whole time.

Who This Trip Fits Best

This cruise is best for people who want a classic Tenerife ocean outing with a real shot at wildlife, without the stress of planning a complicated full-day program.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You care more about seeing pilot whales or dolphins than about a long guided nature lesson
• You want comfortable deck time plus a swim stop
• You prefer a small-to-mid size group (max 30)
• You’d like lunch and drinks handled for you

You might want to think twice if:

• You’re very picky about food quality and want something beyond simple lunch fare
• You need consistently upbeat, super interactive service from start to finish

Practical Tips I’d Use on Day of Cruise

You don’t need much gear, but you do want to plan smart so the sea time feels good.

• Dress for sun and salt. Even on a breezy day, the deck can get bright.
• Bring a light layer for after the swim, since you’ll cool down fast.
• If you care about whale and dolphin spotting, be flexible. The best moments can be sudden, and you want your eyes ready.
• If you want photos, keep your phone or camera protected. Ocean spray happens.

And a simple mindset shift: treat whale watching as luck plus patience. When it works, it feels magical. When it’s quiet, you still get a strong dose of Tenerife coastline.

Should You Book This Freebird Catamaran Whale and Dolphin to Masca Cruise?

I’d book it if your priorities are time on a catamaran, a real chance at pilot whales and dolphins, and a guaranteed break in Masca Bay for swimming. The combination of included lunch and drinks makes the price feel more reasonable, especially with a 4-hour schedule and a smallish group size.

Skip it only if you’re mainly chasing a fancy food experience or you know you’ll be irritated by service that isn’t consistently warm and talkative. Some people loved the crew and captains, others felt less impressed, so your comfort level depends on what you’re coming for.

If you go in expecting a laid-back ocean outing with wildlife luck, you’re set up for a memorable half-day on Tenerife.