Whales and lunch are on the same ticket. This adults-only Freebird catamaran heads out into Tenerife’s calm coastal waters for a chance at pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, plus a relaxed deck vibe (they run at about three-quarters capacity) and plenty of comfort. I like that your experience isn’t just “sit and hope”—you’ve got complimentary drinks at the shaded bar and lunch served on board while you watch the coastline slide by.

One thing to think about: pickup can be touchy. You’ll get your exact hotel pickup time and place only after booking confirmation, and if you’re not already in the right spot, a missed pickup can turn into a headache. I’d treat the morning like a small mission: confirm early, then arrive at the meeting point with a little buffer.

Key Highlights Worth Your Time

• Adults-only calm: Less noise, more relaxing time while you scan the water for fins and tails.
• Lunch and drinks on board: You’re fed and hydrated without leaving the boat.
• Chance at pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins: The cruise sails in waters known for both.
• Swim stop plus snorkel gear: You get the option to jump in, with equipment provided and towel service.
• Small-ish group size (max 72): More room to breathe on a 2-hour outing.

Adults-Only Tenerife Catamaran: The Vibe You’re Paying For

This is one of those Tenerife trips that’s built around comfort. The boat is not packed to the gills. They keep the capacity down by about a quarter, so you’re more likely to find space to lounge, look out over the water, and actually enjoy the motion instead of battling for a spot at the rail.

The adults-only part matters too. You still get excitement when you spot animals, but the overall feel tends to be calmer—less chaos, more chatting, and more time to just watch the sea. That makes a big difference on a short cruise like this, where the whole point is getting out there and back without wasting half your day on logistics.

And yes, it’s about whales and dolphins—but it’s also about the sailing day rhythm: cruise out, keep eyes on the water, then settle into lunch and a swim/snorkel window if conditions allow.

Getting There: Pickup, Start Time, and the Stuff That Can Go Sideways

Your cruise start time is listed as 9:40 am, and pickup is offered. The catch is that the exact pickup time and place depend on your hotel. After you book, the operator contacts you with the specific pickup details.

Here’s the practical move: if you haven’t heard from them at least 48 hours before start time, contact them. That’s not just “good manners”—it’s the only way to prevent the most common frustration: showing up too early or too late, or standing at the wrong place.

Also note what the tour says about walking access: it’s not suitable if you can’t walk along the gangplank to the boat. And it’s not suitable if you can’t swim. So if you’re unsure about either, it’s worth thinking through before you commit.

Boarding and On-Deck Comfort: What the Experience Feels Like

The tone on board is relaxed and crew-led. You’ll be out for about 2 hours (approx.), so the staff focuses on keeping the flow smooth: get you comfortable, explain what to watch for, then move into the whale/dolphin search.

A few comfort points that matter on a short cruise:

• Shade and drinks: There’s a shaded bar area with complimentary drinks, so you’re not stuck in full sun the whole time.
• Wi‑Fi on board: It’s listed as included. On a trip this short, it’s a nice “check-in” tool if you’re trying to stay connected.
• Photo moments: You may have a photo taken as you step aboard, and later there’s an option to view and purchase photos. If you hate the sales angle, just know it’s there so you can ignore it cleanly.

With a max of 72 travelers, you don’t get that cattle-train feeling. You still need to be ready to move when the captain finds animals, but you can usually grab a decent viewing spot without turning it into a sport.

The Main Event: Tenerife Waters for Pilot Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins

The cruise sails in calm North Atlantic waters around Tenerife where pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are known to show up. That’s the headline, and it’s also why the timing works: you’re not doing a long journey. You’re staying out just long enough for good sighting odds without turning it into a full-day expedition.

When animals appear, the boat experience changes fast—people go quiet, then suddenly talk in short bursts like they’re reading each other’s expressions. The crew positions the boat for viewing, and you get time to look before anything involves swimming.

One smart expectation to set: animal behavior is natural, not scheduled. Some sightings may be active—leaps, quick turns, that classic dolphin burst of energy. Other moments may be slower, with whales appearing more like a graceful shape that surfaces, pauses, then disappears again. You don’t control that part. The tour controls the search effort, the timing, and the viewing comfort.

Lunch and Drinks: A Real Part of the Trip, Not Just a Box to Eat

On this cruise, lunch isn’t an afterthought. It’s included, served on board while you’re still in the middle of the cruise. The drinks are also included, with complimentary options available at the shaded bar.

What I like about this setup is simple: it keeps the trip balanced. You’re not stuck waiting for “the food moment” while the boat sits idle, and you’re not starving in between animal spotting and a swim window.

A couple practical notes:

• Bring sunscreen and bathing gear. The deck time happens whether you’re eating or not.
• You might still want to manage your expectations about lunch size and variety. It’s described as light, and there’s at least one reported issue where dietary needs (specifically vegan) were not handled as expected. So if diet matters a lot for you, plan to speak up clearly in advance and consider bringing a backup snack for peace of mind.

The Swim and Snorkel Stop: When You’ll Be in the Water

This cruise includes snorkelling equipment and towel service, and it also gives you time for swimming. In other words, this isn’t just a “look at the sea from above” outing.

You’ll typically get a window after the whale/dolphin spotting portion, with the crew guiding you to an area suitable for swimming. The exact timing depends on conditions and animal positioning, but the structure stays the same: watch first, then jump in if you want to.

If you’re choosing this tour because you want water time, this part is where the value clicks. Snorkel gear is included, so you don’t need to rent anything. And towel service plus a swim stop means you can make this feel like an actual mini-adventure instead of a quick sightseeing ride.

Important limits: it’s not suitable for guests who can’t swim, and walking aboard depends on your ability to use the gangplank.

Weather, Sea State, and Why the Short Duration Helps

Tenerife’s coastal waters are often calm enough for cruising, but no one can promise perfect sea state. That said, this trip’s 2-hour duration helps. You get the experience without getting dragged through an all-day schedule if the ocean is being moody.

The crew also runs the boat in a way that supports comfort: with that reduced capacity and an emphasis on shaded areas, you’re less likely to feel overheated while waiting for the captain to find animals.

If the sea is choppy, your viewing might be less comfortable, but the boat setup and time limit reduce how long you have to deal with it.

Price and Value: Is $70.89 a Good Deal Here?

At $70.89 per person for about 2 hours, this isn’t the cheapest thing in Tenerife—but it’s not overpriced for what you get. You’re paying for a short catamaran outing with:

• Transport (pickup offered)
• Lunch
• Drinks
• Snorkelling equipment + towel service
• Wi‑Fi on board
• Admission included with the activity ticket

A lot of tours charge extra for at least one of those items—either the meal, the gear, or the drinks. Here, the inclusions are bundled in, so you can budget more easily.

Two small “watch your wallet” points:

• Ice cream isn’t listed as included. If it appears, treat it as optional.
• Photos are often an add-on. You can ignore them, but if you’re prone to impulse buying souvenirs, set a limit before you see the options.

If your goal is a whales-and-dolphins cruise that also includes lunch and an actual water stop, this package can feel like good value.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This trip is a good match if you want:

• A short, low-stress marine wildlife outing
• An adults-only atmosphere
• On-board comfort with shade, drinks, and lunch
• A chance to swim and snorkel rather than just watch from above

It’s not ideal if:

• You can’t swim
• You can’t walk along the gangplank to board
• You rely on strict dietary needs and need guarantees for lunch choices (one reported case noted vegan requirements weren’t taken into account as expected)

If you’re celebrating something, this kind of calm cruise style tends to land well too. It’s scenic without being exhausting, and the staff attention can make it feel special.

Should You Book the Freebird Whale and Dolphin Cruise?

I’d book it if you want an adults-only Tenerife catamaran where lunch, drinks, and snorkel gear are included and the whole point is to hunt for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins in a comfortable, not-too-crowded way. The trip length is short enough to feel efficient, and the swim stop is the difference between a passive sightseeing trip and a real day on the water.

Skip or think twice if pickup logistics are stressful for you, if you can’t meet the boarding/safety requirements (gangplank + swimming), or if dietary requirements are strict and non-negotiable.

If you do book: confirm your pickup details promptly, pack bathing gear, bring sun protection, and keep one small backup snack in your day bag just in case lunch options don’t match what you expected.

FAQ

How long is the Adults Only Tenerife Freebird whale dolphin catamaran with lunch?

It runs for about 2 hours (approx.).

What time does the cruise start?

The start time is listed as 9:40 am.

Is pickup available, and how do I know where to go?

Pickup is offered. Your exact pickup time and place depend on your hotel. After confirming the booking, you’ll be contacted with the details. If you haven’t heard from them at least 48 hours before, you should contact them.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes transport, lunch, drinks, snorkelling equipment and towel service, and Wi‑Fi on board.

Do I need to be able to swim or board in a specific way?

Yes. It isn’t suitable for guests who can’t swim, and it isn’t suitable for guests who are unable to walk along the gangplank to the boat.

Is ice cream included?

No. Ice cream is listed as not included.

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