Adults Only Tenerife Freebird Whale Dolphin Catamaran with Lunch

Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are the main event here, but the appeal is the calm way you search for them. You cruise Tenerife’s coast on an adults-only catamaran, with lunch, drinks, and room to stretch out rather than a noisy family crowd. A swim stop adds a welcome change of pace if the sea conditions suit.

I like the boat’s lower-than-full capacity, which gives you more breathing room on deck, and I like the easy all-in setup: food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and snorkeling equipment are included. The main caution is pickup. A small number of bookings have had trouble with the vehicle not stopping, so confirm your hotel pickup details and be at the meeting point early.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales and dolphins: The captain heads for waters known for pods of both, though wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.
• Adults-only setting: The quiet, relaxed mood suits couples and adults wanting a peaceful half-day or shorter cruise.
• Lunch and drinks included: You get a light meal and complimentary drinks, including soft drinks and beer according to the onboard service details.
• Swim stop: You have time to enter the sea, with snorkeling equipment available for use.
• Below-capacity sailing: The boat is operated at about three-quarters capacity, giving you more deck space.
• Hotel pickup offered: Exact pickup times depend on your hotel, so check the details before the morning of departure.

Searching for whales and dolphins off Tenerife

The cruise heads into the coastal waters around Tenerife, where pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live year-round. These are not animals in a show or aquarium. You watch from the boat as they surface, swim, and sometimes leap in their natural North Atlantic setting.

That distinction matters. A wildlife cruise offers a real encounter, but no captain can promise a sighting or a dramatic leap beside your seat. The crew takes you toward areas known for whale and dolphin activity, then adjusts the route as conditions and sightings allow.

The boat usually gives you a good viewing platform from the open deck. Bring sunblock and a hat, but keep a light layer handy too. The sea breeze can feel cool once the catamaran is moving, even on a warm Tenerife day.

Pilot whales may appear as small groups moving steadily through the water. Dolphins can be faster and more playful, sometimes surfacing near the boat. You may also see young animals, as one detailed account described, but it is best to treat every sighting as a bonus rather than a promise.

The crew’s approach is an important part of the experience. The boat slows around the animals and gives you time to watch before continuing. That makes the cruise feel less like a frantic search and more like a peaceful morning on the water.

A relaxed adults-only catamaran setting

This experience is aimed at adults who prefer a quieter boat trip. The adults-only rule changes the mood more than you might expect. You can settle into a deck chair, watch the coast, and listen for the crew’s updates without the energy of a family excursion.

The catamaran runs at roughly three-quarters capacity. That does not mean you have the boat to yourself, but it should give you more room around the deck and less crowding at the rail when whales or dolphins appear.

The maximum group size is 72 people. The actual number may be lower, and one account describes a sailing with about 30 people. Either way, you should expect a shared boat rather than a private charter.

I particularly like this format for couples, friends, and solo adults who want a sociable outing without a party-boat feel. The pace is gentle. You can watch the coastline, sit in the shade near the bar, and take a swim if you choose.

The adults-only label does not mean the cruise is silent or formal. Crew members serve drinks, explain parts of the outing, and help with boarding and swimming. Expect a friendly holiday atmosphere, not a serious marine-science expedition.

What the two-hour cruise includes

The advertised duration is about two hours, so this is a compact sea outing rather than a full-day cruise. That makes it easy to fit into a Tenerife itinerary. You can book it for a morning or afternoon and still leave time for other plans.

The basic flow is simple:

• Pickup or arrival at the marina
• Boarding the catamaran
• Sailing toward whale and dolphin waters
• Wildlife watching
• Lunch and drinks
• A swim stop
• Return to port

The exact order can change. The captain may spend more time looking for animals before stopping for lunch or swimming. Conditions at sea and the location of wildlife will guide the schedule.

Lunch is included and has been described as light and simple. You should not expect a restaurant meal. It is better viewed as a useful onboard meal that keeps you going during the cruise.

Drinks are included too. The available selection includes soft drinks and beer, with complimentary service from the shaded bar. If you want something specific, check with the operator before departure rather than assuming every drink is available.

Wi-Fi is listed as included. That is useful for sending a quick message or sharing a photo, but I would not make the cruise dependent on a strong connection. The best reason to carry your phone is to take pictures of Tenerife’s coast and any wildlife you are lucky enough to see.

Lunch, dietary needs, and the swim stop

The meal is one of the better value points in the price. You do not need to find food at the marina or pack a full lunch, and drinks are part of the package. For a short cruise, that keeps the day pleasantly simple.

Dietary planning needs more care. A vegan meal requested in advance was not provided, leaving the passenger with little more than a banana. If you have a vegan diet, food allergy, or other strict requirement, contact the operator directly and get clear confirmation before booking.

Do not assume that telling a booking agent once is enough. Ask what meal will actually be served and how the request will be recorded. If the answer is unclear, bring a suitable snack as a backup.

The swim stop gives the cruise a second focus beyond wildlife. You can enter the sea in a scenic area, use the snorkeling equipment, and look for fish around you. The stop is optional in practical terms, since you can remain onboard, but the activity information says the tour is not suitable for people who cannot swim.

Bring bathing gear and sunblock. Towel information is inconsistent: snorkeling equipment and towel service are listed among the inclusions, while the additional instructions tell you to bring a towel and the exclusions also mention towels. I would bring your own towel and ask the operator to confirm the current arrangement.

This is not the place to test your swimming ability for the first time. You should be comfortable in open water, and you should follow the crew’s instructions at the swim stop.

The crew and the welcome at the marina

The service is a strong part of the experience. Jeanette, who works at the Freebird sales point near the marina, has been especially helpful when explaining the different cruise choices. Her approach is useful if you are comparing the short cruise with longer Freebird options, and the booking experience is described as friendly rather than pushy.

Onboard, the crew helps with boarding, serves lunch and drinks, and keeps the mood warm. You may have a photo taken as you board, then get the chance to view and purchase it later. That is optional, so you can simply enjoy the trip without buying anything.

The staff also help passengers who need extra assistance. One passenger with a disability described receiving help from booking through boarding and getting off the boat. That is encouraging, but you should still contact the operator before paying if you have mobility needs.

The gangplank is the key limitation. You must be able to walk along it to reach the boat. The tour is not suitable for someone unable to manage that boarding route.

Pickup, timing, and the practical details

The listed start time is 9:40 am. Your exact hotel pickup time and location depend on where you stay. The operator contacts you after booking with those details.

Do not leave this until the last minute. If you have not received pickup information at least 48 hours before departure, contact the company. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:15 pm and is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, so a weekend booking may require extra planning.

One pickup problem was serious: the vehicle reportedly drove past without stopping. That appears to be an exception, but it is the clearest weakness in the arrangements. Stand where the driver can see you, arrive early, and keep the pickup instructions available on your phone.

Pickup is convenient if your hotel is included in the service area. If you are already near the marina, ask if meeting there would be simpler. The supplied information confirms pickup is offered, but not every hotel or resort zone is specified.

Confirmation arrives at booking, and most people can participate. The boat accepts up to 72 people, though the experience may feel more comfortable when the actual load is lower.

Is $70.89 good value?

At $70.89 per person, the price is fair for a short wildlife cruise that includes transport, lunch, drinks, Wi-Fi, snorkeling equipment, and a swim stop. You are paying for more than a boat ride, but the value depends on what you want from the morning.

The package works well if you would otherwise pay separately for transport, lunch, and drinks. The adults-only setting and extra deck space also matter if you dislike crowded excursions.

The value is weaker if your only goal is to see whales. Wildlife sightings are never certain, and the cruise lasts about two hours. You are paying for time on the water, the crew, the food, the drinks, and the chance to see animals, not a guaranteed display.

The price also needs to be judged against the short duration. Some people may prefer a longer Freebird option, particularly if they want more time for swimming and coastal views. Longer versions mentioned in the booking information run around four and a half hours, but this review concerns the approximately two-hour adults-only experience. Check that you are selecting the correct departure and duration.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Canceling later or changing the booking inside that window does not qualify for a refund.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this outing if you want a comfortable, low-effort way to get onto the water. It suits couples, adult friends, and solo visitors who like wildlife, sea views, and a drink in the shade more than a packed schedule.

It is also a sensible choice for anyone staying in Tenerife who does not want to organize a boat trip independently. Pickup, lunch, drinks, and equipment are bundled together.

You may want a different activity if:

• You need a guaranteed whale or dolphin encounter.
• You cannot swim or are uncomfortable around open water.
• You cannot manage the gangplank.
• You require a strict diet and cannot get written confirmation about the meal.
• You want a long sailing day rather than a two-hour outing.
• You dislike shared excursions or any possibility of a crowded deck.

For photography, take a phone or camera, but keep expectations realistic. Moving wildlife is difficult to capture, and the most rewarding part may be watching rather than getting a perfect picture.

Should you book the Freebird adults-only cruise?

Book it if you want a calm, social catamaran ride with a good set of inclusions and a real chance to see Tenerife’s pilot whales and dolphins. The below-capacity format, friendly crew, lunch, drinks, and swim stop give the short cruise plenty to do.

Before paying, confirm three things: your hotel pickup point, the current towel arrangement, and any dietary request. If those details are settled and you are comfortable swimming in open water, this is a well-priced way to spend a morning or afternoon off Tenerife’s coast.

FAQ

How long is the Freebird whale and dolphin cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours.

What animals might I see?

The boat searches for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins in the coastal waters around Tenerife.

Is the cruise adults only?

Yes. This experience is designed for adults only.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and it is described as a light meal served onboard.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Complimentary drinks are included. The onboard selection includes soft drinks and beer according to the activity details.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered, but the exact time and location depend on your hotel. The operator provides those details after booking.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The itinerary includes time for a swim stop, and snorkeling equipment is provided. You should bring bathing gear and sunblock.

Do I need to bring a towel?

You should bring a towel. The information also mentions towel service, so confirm the current arrangement with the operator before departure.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.