Pilot whales plus a Masca swim on one cruise. This 4.5-hour Freebird catamaran outing pairs classic Tenerife scenery with a serious chance to see whales and dolphins out in the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera.

I especially like the way this tour mixes wildlife time with actual comfort: you get guided whale watching, onboard lunch, and soft drinks and beer. I also like the pacing. You’re not stuck on one viewing spot for hours—you sail, watch, then anchor to enjoy Los Gigantes and Masca up close.

One thing to keep realistic: whales are wild animals, so sightings can’t be guaranteed. And while most report food and drinks as good or decent, at least one person felt the lunch/drinks were basic and said hot drinks weren’t available.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Deep-ocean channel focus for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, plus seasonal visitors like turtles and sperm whales
• Los Gigantes photo views plus a sheltered stop for swimming near the cliffs
• Masca Bay swim and deck time, with free refreshments at the anchored stop
• Lunch + soft drinks and beer included, so you’re not spending extra for the middle of the day
• Multilingual live commentary on board (English and Spanish, with at least one report of German too)
• Sun loungers can cost extra, but arriving early can help you get a good spot

Getting to Puerto Colón: where your catamaran day really starts

Your tour boards at Dock 10 or Dock 15 in Puerto Colón, Av. de Colón 11 (Costa Adeje / Playa de la Américas). This matters because the best viewing seats on a catamaran don’t magically appear once the boat leaves.

Pickup is optional if you’re staying in southern Tenerife. The tour lists many hotel and resort pickup points, including places like Hotel Los Gigantes, Barceló Santiago, Bahia del Duque, and Bahia Fañabé Suites. If you’re not getting pickup, plan to arrive with extra buffer so you can find your spot on deck.

I’d treat this as a half-day outing with a smooth start. Show up ready for wind, salt air, and a fair amount of time looking outward.

Sailing the Tenerife–La Gomera channel for pilot whales and dolphins

The heart of the trip is sailing into the deep ocean channel between Tenerife and La Gomera. That’s where the tour aims you, because it’s described as one of the best places to observe whales and dolphins in the wild.

You’re likely to hear a lot about resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, and the tour also notes seasonal visitors. The species list includes sperm whales, rorquals, turtles, and even orcas. That broad list is a big reason this cruise stays popular year-round.

The experience is positioned as responsible ecotourism, with safe and respectful sightings as a core goal. Practically, that means you should follow the crew’s instructions during whale and dolphin moments—stay aware, don’t crowd, and be ready to shift your viewing angle quickly when animals surface.

What the 4.5 hours feel like: timing, sailing rhythm, and guide talk

The day runs about 4.5 hours, and it doesn’t feel like a frantic sprint. It moves through clear phases: sailing out, dolphin watching, then whale watching, plus scenic stops and the main Masca swim.

You’ll get live commentary in Spanish and English. One passenger specifically mentioned explanations in English, Spanish, and German, which suggests some crew members may cover extra languages depending on staffing. Either way, the point is you’re not guessing what you’re seeing.

If you care about wildlife photography, you’ll want to keep your camera reachable. The boat will stop or slow down during sightings, and your best angles come right when the crew calls attention to movement.

Also: bring a layer. Even on sunny days, the open water breeze can turn chill fast, especially on the return sail.

Los Gigantes photo stop: the cliffs that make the cruise feel special

After the initial wildlife time, you’ll have a Los Gigantes photo stop. Even if you’re not a photo person, this is one of the best visual breaks of the whole outing because the cliffs are dramatic from sea level.

From a comfort standpoint, this is also when the trip settles into its “cruise mode.” The tour includes meal onboard around this stage, and then you keep sailing with scenic views on the way.

This is also where you’ll notice the advantage of a catamaran: stable enough for deck time, wide enough to spread out, and close enough to the waterline that the atmosphere feels more like being on the coast than just near it.

Lunch and drinks onboard: what’s included and what to expect

Lunch is included, along with soft drinks and beer. That inclusion is part of the value equation. At $71 per person, you’re not just paying for a boat ticket—you’re paying for a guided half-day plus food and beverages that would normally add up on their own.

As for what the meal is like, reports are mixed-but-reasonably-positive. Some people call it good, and one said they had paella. Another review described it as rice and meatballs and said the flavor of the drinks seemed more like soda and beer rather than something special.

My practical takeaway: treat the meal as part of the day’s convenience, not as the main event. If you’re picky about food quality or you want hot drinks, plan for it accordingly.

Masca Bay swim stop: how the anchored time turns into the highlight

This is the stop people remember. After the whale watching experience, the boat anchors in Masca, described as sheltered by the cliffs of Los Gigantes. You get a chance to swim, plus time for sunbathing on deck while you relax with free drinks.

The swimming setup is simple but effective: you’re not fighting crowds, and the setting feels like you’re stepping into a postcard. Since you’re right by the coastline’s cliffs, the water often looks impossibly clear from the boat.

Bring what you need to make the swim easy:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A warm layer, because “post-swim chill” is real on the water

One more detail: sun loungers are not automatically included. The tour notes that a sun lounger is available on the day at additional cost. One passenger said they rented a deluxe front bed for extra money (about 20 euros) and felt it was worth it. Translation: if you really want the best deck spot, arrive early and consider the paid option.

Comfort, seasickness, and what to pack from the cruise reality check

The tour is built around time on open water, so your comfort depends on conditions. The activity info specifically advises anyone prone to seasickness to take appropriate medication.

I’d also treat clothing like this:

• Comfortable clothes for moving around
• Warm clothing, since the breeze can cool you down
• Comfortable shoes, even if most people stay on deck

This is also a swim-friendly day, so pack for it like you’re doing a small excursion, not just sightseeing.

Food options are supported: the tour states that celiac and vegetarian options are available. If that matters to you, this is the kind of detail you should confirm when you book so your lunch plan is smooth.

Price and value: why $71 feels fair for a half-day at sea

Let’s talk value in plain terms. At $71 per person for a 4.5-hour cruise, you’re getting:

• Guided whale watching
• Lunch
• Soft drinks and beer
• A Masca swim stop with deck time
• Pickup and drop-off if you choose an option from southern Tenerife

The biggest value lever is the bundle. Many boat trips charge separately for food or limit what’s included. Here, the included lunch and drinks reduce the “hidden spending” part of the day.

If you want a certain deck setup, remember that sun loungers can cost extra. Also, drinks are included, but if you want specific kinds of beverages (especially hot drinks), you may be disappointed—one review specifically said hot drinks weren’t available.

Still, for people who want wildlife plus scenery plus food in one shot, this pricing feels reasonable for Tenerife.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should adjust expectations)

This tour is a great fit if you want a nature experience that still feels relaxing. It works well for:

• Couples who like sea views and a structured half-day
• Families who want a real activity (swim stop) without a full-day hike
• Anyone who enjoys wildlife but doesn’t want to spend hours without amenities

You should consider your expectations if you’re extremely sensitive to motion. The tour is on the water with open-water sailing time, and the info recommends medication for typical motion sickness.

And if whales are your only goal, keep a Plan B mindset. One review reported only dolphin sightings and no whales. That doesn’t mean the trip fails—it means the ocean does what it does.

Should you book Freebird’s Masca and Los Gigantes whale cruise?

I’d book this if you want a responsible catamaran experience that mixes wildlife watching with an anchored Masca Bay swim and an included lunch. The route through the Tenerife–La Gomera channel, the mention of resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, and the “nearly guaranteed” year-round idea all point to a strong chance of seeing something special.

I’d think twice only if you’re looking for guaranteed whale sightings, or if your comfort needs hot drinks and high-end dining to feel satisfied. For most people, though, this is a well-rounded Tenerife day: sea breeze, cliff views, real marine-life time, and a swim stop that breaks up the whole experience.

FAQ

Where do I board the boat?

You board at Dock 10 or Dock 15 in Puerto Colón, Av. de Colón 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 4.5 hours.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

Pickup is optional from selected locations in southern Tenerife. The tour lists many hotels and resorts; you’d choose the pickup option that matches your area.

What wildlife will I look for?

The tour focuses on the Tenerife–La Gomera channel and notes pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, plus seasonal sightings that may include sperm whales, rorquals, turtles, and orcas.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the whale watching cruise, a guide, pickup and drop-off if you choose that option, lunch, and soft drinks and beer.

Is there a swim stop?

Yes. The boat anchors at Masca, sheltered by the Los Gigantes cliffs, and you’ll have time for a refreshing swim plus sunbathing on deck.

Are there food options for celiacs or vegetarians?

Yes. The tour states that celiac and vegetarian meal options are available.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It also offers a reserve now & pay later option.

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