Whales and lunch on the same horizon. On this adults-only Freebird catamaran, I love the calm, not-overcrowded cruising and the lunch and drinks on board, with a crew that keeps the mood easy while you look for whales and dolphins. One thing to watch: pick-up can be unreliable if the driver doesn’t actually stop, so double-check your exact hotel pick-up details and stay alert at the time window.

You also get practical extras that make the sea time more comfortable. There’s snorkelling equipment and towel service, plus Wi‑Fi onboard if you want to send a message between sightings. With the boat running about a quarter under capacity (and capped at 72 passengers), the experience feels more like a private outing than a cattle-call.

Key things to know before you go

• Adults-only comfort: A quieter vibe that works well for couples and solo adults.
• Chasing marine life in calm waters: The goal is pilot whale and bottlenose dolphin spotting in Tenerife’s coastal areas.
• Lunch and drinks onboard: You don’t just snack between sightings—you eat while you’re out there.
• Swim stop with gear included: Snorkelling equipment is provided, and there’s time to get in the water.
• Wi‑Fi on board: Helpful if you’re coordinating plans while you’re away from shore.
• Max 72 passengers: Smaller group feel, especially since the boat is held at reduced capacity.

Adults-only Freebird vibe: calm boat, better atmosphere

The big selling point here isn’t just the animals. It’s the way the cruise feels. Adult-only matters. You get fewer kids’ expectations, fewer interruptions, and a smoother, more relaxed rhythm when the crew is positioning the catamaran for sightings.

I also like the “room to breathe” feel. The boat is kept about a quarter under capacity, and the overall limit is 72 travelers. Translation: you’re less likely to feel packed in tight near the rail, which is exactly where you’ll want to be when you spot movement ahead of the bow.

And then there’s the practical side. The cruise has a shaded bar and complimentary drinks onboard, so you can switch between watching the sea and taking a quick breather without having to hunt for things.

Pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and what to expect from the sightings

This cruise is built around marine life in Tenerife’s North Atlantic waters—specifically pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. The crew aims for areas where pods are known to show up, and the catamaran cruises in calm coastal waters where you’re more likely to see behavior up close.

Here’s the key reality check: whale and dolphin spotting is never guaranteed. Even on a great day, animals might be sleeping, cruising deeper, or surfacing less often. What you’re really paying for is the chance to be in the right place with enough time on the water, plus staff who know how to keep the boat moving thoughtfully.

The good news from past guests is that sightings can be strong—dolphins during the cruise and whales too, sometimes with young animals nearby. When you do get a moment, you’ll have time to look from the boat before the swim segment, which helps you avoid the feeling of always rushing.

The 2-hour flow: boarding, cruising, lunch, then time in the water

The outing is about two hours long, which makes it feel like a focused, efficient marine-life mission rather than an all-day commitment.

You’ll start at 9:40 am. From there, the sequence is usually simple:

1) Get onboard and settle in

2) Cruise in the marine-life zone with chances to spot whales and dolphins

3) Have lunch on board while still out on the water

4) Go for a swim at the designated area (time is built in for this)

What makes this flow work is the order. You don’t have to choose between seeing animals and eating. You get both, and lunch happens onboard while the catamaran is still out, so it doesn’t feel like you return to land just to refuel.

The swim stop is also not an afterthought. Snorkelling equipment is included, and the itinerary sets aside real time for getting into the sea. If you’re the type who likes to do more than just watch wildlife—this part is where the cruise turns from sightseeing into something you’ll remember.

Lunch, drinks, and onboard comfort (plus Wi‑Fi)

Food on a catamaran can be hit-or-miss. Here, lunch is included, and there are complimentary drinks at the shaded bar. That combination matters because it keeps the experience from feeling like you’re counting minutes until the next thing.

Lunch is a clear value add at this price point. You’re not paying extra for basic meals while you’re out at sea, and you’re also not stuck eating before you leave the marina. The best part is psychological: you start the trip thinking you’ll be mostly watching, then you’re actually relaxing with a meal once you’re underway.

Drinks are another comfort layer. Soft drinks and beer are part of what’s included. If you’re hoping for an all-inclusive feel—this gets you closer.

Two practical notes:

• Wi‑Fi is included on board, which can be handy for quick messages or saving photos when the signal is better than you expect.
• Towels are listed as both included (towel service) and “bring a towel.” That’s common in sea tours. I’d bring one anyway so you’re not stuck if the service area runs low.

Snorkelling gear and swim rules: what to bring

You’ll be given snorkelling equipment and you’ll have towel service, but the tour is still a sea activity. That means you should pack like you’re going to be outside for a short stretch—sun, spray, and salt water included.

Bring:

• Bathing gear
• Sunblock
• A towel (even if towel service is provided)
• Anything you need to feel comfortable getting on and off the boat

One safety detail matters. The cruise is not suitable for guests who can’t swim. There’s also a walking requirement: it’s not suitable if you’re unable to walk along the gangplank to the boat. So this isn’t the kind of trip to book “just in case” you might be okay once you arrive. If you have mobility concerns or you’re not confident in open water, you’ll want to rethink.

Also, if you’re planning to snorkel hard, remember you’re not in a private reef. You’re in open North Atlantic conditions, so keep an eye on where you’re drifting and follow crew instructions about where it’s safest to swim.

Pickup and timing: how to avoid the most common frustration

Pickup is offered, and your exact pick-up time and place depend on your hotel. After booking, you’re meant to receive confirmation with the details. If you haven’t heard back at least 48 hours before departure, you’re supposed to contact the provider.

The reason I’m taking this seriously: there’s at least one unhappy story about a driver who didn’t stop. You can’t control everything, but you can control your readiness:

• Confirm the pickup point again the day before.
• Be standing by early, not at the last second.
• If your hotel has more than one entrance, make sure the pickup instructions specify which one.

You’ll also be glad you planned around the short duration. Since you only have about two hours total, any delay can feel more noticeable than on a full-day excursion.

If you want a smoother morning, bring the snacks and mindset for waiting. People have reported pickups running a little late. It’s usually just a timing thing, not a dramatic disaster—but it’s still something to plan for.

Price and value: is $70.89 worth it?

At $70.89 per person, you’re paying for more than “getting on a boat.” You’re paying for:

• Transport (pickup included)
• Lunch on board
• Drinks
• Snorkelling equipment and towel service
• Wi‑Fi onboard
• The crew’s work positioning you in the marine-life zone

For a short cruise, that package is the real value. If you tried to recreate this on your own—boat time, meals, and snorkelling gear—you’d likely spend more and take on the hassle of coordinating everything.

Where it gets less perfect is dietary fit. One past guest described vegan dietary needs not being taken into account at lunch. The practical takeaway: if you have dietary requirements beyond what’s standard, contact the provider in advance and be very specific about what’s safe for you.

Also, note that ice cream isn’t listed as included, even though some tours sometimes offer something on the return. Don’t build your expectations around extras. The core value here is the cruise + meal + drinks + sea time.

Who should book this Tenerife whale and dolphin catamaran?

This is a strong match if you want:

• Adults-only peace and calm
• A short, well-paced outing (about two hours) on the water
• The combo of whale/dolphin spotting plus a swim
• Included lunch and drinks so you’re not burning extra cash on food

It’s also a good choice if you like staff who run things smoothly and explain the plan without turning it into a hard sell. Guides like Jeanette have shown up in feedback for being professional and friendly, and guests also mention helpful, approachable crew members onboard. Past notes mention even small touches like advice about what you might see and where.

Consider skipping or switching to another option if:

• You can’t swim (the tour isn’t suitable)
• You have trouble walking along the gangplank
• You require strict dietary accommodations and haven’t been able to confirm them ahead of time

Should you book this cruise?

I think this is an easy yes if you’re in Tenerife with a couple of hours to spare and you want the best chance of seeing pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins without turning the day into an exhausting logistics project. The adults-only vibe, the included lunch and drinks, and the fact that you get time in the water make it feel like a complete experience rather than just a boat ride with a snack.

The only “no” moments I’d watch for are practical. Double-check pickup details for your hotel. Bring sun protection and a towel. And be honest about swim comfort, because the itinerary expects real sea time.

If you want a calm, value-packed marine wildlife outing—and you’re okay with the normal uncertainty of wildlife—this one belongs on your Tenerife shortlist.

FAQ

How long is the Adults Only Tenerife Freebird Whale Dolphin Catamaran with Lunch?

It’s listed as about 2 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:40 am.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered. The exact pickup time and place depend on your hotel, and you should receive confirmation after booking.

What’s included with the ticket?

Lunch, drinks, transport (pickup), snorkelling equipment, towel service, and Wi‑Fi on board are included.

Is a swim stop included?

Time to swim is part of the experience, and snorkelling equipment is provided.

What language is the tour offered in?

It’s offered in English.

Is there a maximum group size?

Yes. The tour/activity has a maximum of 72 travelers.