Los Gigantes looks better from the sea. I like how fast you get out on the water in a deluxe catamaran and I also love the built-in chance to cool off in Masca Bay after cruising the dramatic coastline. One thing to consider: onboard toilets are accessed by a very vertical wooden ladder setup, so mobility can be tricky.

You’ll choose between a 3-hour sailing or a longer 4.5-hour cruise. The longer option is where you get the full rhythm: more time to watch the cliffs and wildlife, plus an unlimited drinks plan and a proper buffet lunch.

Both versions start with pickup from the south of Tenerife and end with a return transfer back to your hotel area. The vibe is relaxed and social, and the crew aims to keep things smooth and easy, even if the entertainment on board can lean loud when you’re in transit.

Key Points at a Glance

• Two cruise lengths to match your day: go shorter with snacks or go longer for lunch and unlimited drinks.
• Los Gigantes is the big visual payoff: the 4.5-hour cruise is the one that takes you past the famous cliffs.
• Masca Bay swim is built for real use: the boat drops anchor and you swim from the catamaran with steps.
• Wildlife spotting can be excellent: dolphins (and sometimes very close pilot whales) are a real possibility.
• Food quality is mixed but included: you get lunch on the 4.5-hour option, but it isn’t gourmet.
• Toilet access needs planning: the ladder-stairs design is not ideal for anyone with mobility limits.

Getting to the Water: South Tenerife Pickup to the Freebird

The experience begins with a coach ride from the south of Tenerife to the marina. Pickup is included, but it’s not a door-to-door service across the entire island. You’ll be gathered from a closest pickup point, and rural areas aren’t covered—so set yourself up by choosing a pickup location that’s actually convenient for you.

Once you arrive, boarding is quick and the crew gets you settled. You step onto the Freebird catamaran and head to the upper deck, where the sea breeze does half the work of sightseeing for you. On a clear day, it’s the kind of view where you stop thinking about the logistics and just enjoy motion, sun, and coastline.

This part matters because Tenerife can be a little spread out. When a tour handles your transfer and gets you onto the water without fuss, you spend your time on the views you came for.

3 Hours vs 4.5 Hours: What Actually Changes

The big decision is time. You’re choosing not just a shorter ride, but a different onboard setup.

On the 3-hour cruise, you still get a chilled catamaran feel—top-deck relaxing, drinks and bubbly, and light food (snacks plus a sandwich-style meal). This is a good option if you want a taste of the sea without giving up much of your afternoon.

On the 4.5-hour cruise, you get the full package: you’ll have more sailing time, more opportunities for wildlife spotting, and a longer stop that includes an anchor-and-swim moment at Masca Bay. You also get a buffet lunch with dishes like chicken, paella-style options, vegetable rice, and meatballs, plus unlimited drinks onboard. The unlimited bar is described around beer or soda, which is a practical pairing for sun and salty air.

If you’re trying to decide based on value, think like this: the 4.5-hour option is the one that includes both lunch and an unlimited drinks plan. If your ideal day includes at least one meal out on the water, the extra time is usually worth it.

Cruising the Western Coast: Sun, Sea Spray, and Better Photos

Tenerife’s western coastline has a curving look that feels dramatic from the deck. Even before you hit the headline sights, you’ll enjoy long sightlines over the water, with the coastline sliding by in a way you just can’t recreate from the roads.

This is also where the catamaran shape helps. You’re up higher, you’re moving smoothly, and you can get photos without constantly shifting positions around other passengers. If you’re the kind of person who likes a calm viewing moment—head tilted up, phone held steady for the cliffs—that top deck is your friend.

One more practical point: the cruise includes transport so you don’t need to worry about where to park or how to time a return bus. If your travel day is already packed, that alone can be a win.

Los Gigantes on the Longer Cruise: The Cliffs You Came For

If you pick the 4.5-hour itinerary, you get the Cliffs of Los Gigantes payoff. These are the sheer, white-sided walls dropping into the ocean, and seeing them from the water gives you a sense of scale that road viewpoints often flatten.

The catamaran approach is what makes this work. Instead of a single photo stop, you cruise by in motion, so the cliffs appear, disappear behind curves, and then reappear as the coastline turns. That moving perspective is where it starts to feel special.

This is one reason I’d lean 4.5 hours if your goal is pure scenery. The shorter cruise can still be fun, but the Los Gigantes feature is clearly tied to the longer option.

Wildlife Watching: Dolphins, Seabirds, and That Sudden Close-Up Moment

Wildlife is one of the best reasons to book a catamaran, and this one doesn’t just mention animals—it gives you a real chance to see them. The trip includes scouting for dolphins and rare seabirds.

In particular, there’s mention of pilot whales coming very close to the boat. If you’ve never had that happen, it’s one of those moments that changes how you remember the day. You stop treating the cruise like a ride and start treating it like a moving observation deck.

Practical advice: spend time both on the upper deck and when the crew points out sightings. Some animals show up faster than you expect, and you’ll want to be in a good spot when they do.

Also, set your expectations as a chance, not a guarantee. Wildlife sightings depend on the sea conditions and the animals’ own routines. Still, this kind of route is exactly where you go when you want that possibility.

Masca Bay Swim: Easy Steps, Refreshing Water, Real Break Time

Masca Bay is where the cruise turns from scenery into experience. On the 4.5-hour sailing, the boat drifts to Masca Bay, drops anchor, and then you can swim.

What I like about this setup is the practical design: there’s a full set of steps that lowers into the sea. That matters because a lot of cruises offer swimming but make it a slow, awkward process. Here, you can actually get in and out with less hassle.

Once you’re in the water, you’ll see marine life beneath the surface. And even if you’re not a snorkel person, a swim refreshes you more than another hour of sunbathing.

Two cautions based on what’s been observed:

• You should not count on snorkeling equipment being provided. Bring your own if that’s a key part of your plan.
• If you’re nervous about getting down to the water, take your time and use the steps at your own pace.

Food, Drinks, and the Onboard Atmosphere: Value vs Comfort

This is where the cruise can split opinions.

Unlimited drinks (4.5-hour option)

The longer cruise includes an onboard bar with unlimited drinks, described around beer or soda. That’s a simple, sun-friendly pairing, and it helps the day feel more like a half-day outing than a transport-and-view thing.

The music question

One drawback that stands out: loud music can play during the sailing parts. If you like your travel moments quiet, with just wind and waves, you may find that annoying. If you’re in a social mood and don’t mind background noise, it likely won’t ruin the day.

Lunch on the water (4.5-hour option)

Lunch is included on the 4.5-hour cruise as a buffet. Dishes can include chicken paella-style options, vegetable rice, and meatballs. The overall theme is filling and easy.

But the quality is mixed. Some people find the lunch edible but not exciting. Others report food not tasting great and running low. Translation for you: expect quantity and convenience more than fine dining. If you’re picky about food, plan to treat the buffet as a bonus, not the highlight.

3-hour option: snacks and bubbly

On the shorter cruise, you get snacks and drinks plus bubbly, but not the same lunch/buffet structure. If you’re deciding between durations, think about whether you want a real meal included or just a light onboard snack.

Boat Comfort Details That Matter More Than You Think

This catamaran format is built for easy outdoor time, but a few onboard details are worth noting before you assume it’s perfectly comfortable for everyone.

Seats and boarding flow

A staff approach that helps: you can board in an organized way, and seating on the coach can be designated for people who need it. That makes a difference if you’re traveling with a walking stick or want less standing around.

Toilets and mobility

The most important practical issue: toilets are accessed via fully vertical wooden ladder steps. That can be difficult for anyone with mobility issues, and it’s not just a small inconvenience. If access is a concern for you or a companion, plan around it.

Extra sunbed cost

There’s also a note that a double sunbed on board can cost an additional 25 Euros. If you’re happy with regular seating, this won’t matter. But if your priority is comfort and you’re traveling as a pair, it’s a cost to budget for.

Who Should Book This Tenerife Catamaran Cruise

This tour fits best if your ideal Tenerife day looks like this:

• You want coastline views from the sea rather than another bus-only sightseeing loop.
• You’re happy with a relaxed, social atmosphere with drinks onboard.
• You value a real swim stop at Masca Bay.
• You like the idea of wildlife spotting on a route that can bring dolphins and even pilot whales close.

It might be less ideal if:

• You need a quiet, low-sound experience the whole way. The music can get loud.
• You’re very food-driven and want consistently great lunch. The buffet is included, but quality isn’t guaranteed to impress.
• You have mobility concerns, especially around toilet access.

Booking Tips and What to Bring for a Smooth Day

Here’s how I’d set yourself up so the day feels easy:

• Choose the 4.5-hour option if Los Gigantes and lunch/open bar are high priorities.
• Choose the 3-hour option if you want the sea trip without committing to a longer afternoon.
• Bring swimwear and a towel, since you’re going in at Masca Bay.
• Wear sunscreen and sun-protective gear. You’re on the deck in strong Tenerife light.
• If snorkel time matters to you, bring your own gear since snorkeling equipment isn’t indicated.
• If mobility is a factor, think carefully about the ladder-style access to toilets.

If you’re traveling with someone who needs predictable movement on and off boats, I’d also factor in the physical reality of steps and open-deck transfer time.

Should You Book This Tenerife Catamaran with Open Bar?

Book it if you want a straightforward, half-day Tenerife experience built around sea views, a Masca Bay swim, and the chance of wildlife close to the boat. The 4.5-hour sailing is the better fit if you want Los Gigantes as a main feature and you’ll enjoy the included unlimited drinks and buffet lunch.

Skip or choose carefully if you’re sensitive to loud onboard music, you expect restaurant-level food quality, or you need accessible toilet facilities. With those needs in mind, the same cruise could feel very different.

FAQ

How long are the Tenerife catamaran cruise options?

You can choose a 3-hour cruise or a 4.5-hour cruise.

Where does the cruise go on the 4.5-hour option?

On the 4.5-hour sailing, you’ll cruise around Tenerife’s western coastline, see the Cliffs of Los Gigantes, and include time at Masca Bay for swimming.

What’s included in the 3-hour cruise?

The 3-hour option includes snacks, drinks, and bubbly while you cruise.

What’s included in the 4.5-hour cruise?

The 4.5-hour cruise includes lunch (chicken, rice, or meatballs) plus unlimited drinks.

Is pickup included, and do you pick up from all hotels?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but pickup only covers the south of Tenerife and not every hotel. You’ll be assigned the closest pickup point.

What languages are used by the host or greeter?

The host or greeter provides service in English and Spanish.

Is there an open bar?

On the 4.5-hour option, drinks are described as unlimited onboard.

Do you get to swim?

Yes, swimming is available during the Masca Bay stop on the longer cruise.

Are snorkel or swimming accessories provided?

Swimming is available, but snorkeling or swimming equipment is not listed as provided.

What should I know about toilets on board?

Toilets are accessed via fully vertical wooden ladder steps, which may be difficult for some mobility needs.

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