Tenerife: Catamaran Cruise with an Open Bar

Whales can make an ordinary cruise unforgettable. This Tenerife catamaran trip pairs a sunny sail along the island’s west coast with open-bar drinks, sea views, and, on the longer outing, a swim at Masca Bay. I like the chance to see pilot whales or dolphins in their natural setting, and I like the easy coach pickup from many southern Tenerife hotels. The main catch is that the shorter cruise offers only snacks, while the longer cruise has a basic lunch and can include loud music and an extra charge for a double sunbed.

The Freebird catamaran gives you plenty of room to sit in the sun, watch the coast, or retreat from the heat. The Los Gigantes and Masca Bay section makes the 4.5-hour option the more complete experience, but the food may not impress everyone, and the boat is not ideal for every mobility level.

Key points to know before you sail

• Two cruise lengths: Choose a 3-hour sailing with snacks, drinks, and bubbly, or a 4.5-hour trip with lunch, swimming, and Los Gigantes.
• Pilot whales and dolphins: Sightings are possible in the waters off Tenerife, and one close encounter with pilot whales made a big impression.
• Masca Bay swim stop: The longer cruise lowers a full set of steps into the water, making entry easier than from some boats.
• Open drinks service: Beer, soda, and other included drinks are available during the sailing.
• Southern Tenerife pickup: Coach transfers cover selected hotels and pickup points in the south, not every property or rural area.
• Extra sunbed cost: A double sunbed on the boat costs an additional 25 euros, so check the arrangement before you board.

Choosing between the 3-hour and 4.5-hour cruise

The first decision is simple: how much time do you want on the water?

The 3-hour cruise suits you if you want a pleasant boat outing without giving up most of your day. You get snacks, drinks, and bubbly, along with views of Tenerife’s western coast from the catamaran. It is the lighter option, but do not book it expecting a full meal, a swim stop, or the full Los Gigantes route.

The 4.5-hour cruise gives you the fuller day. It includes the longer coastal sailing, views of the Cliffs of Los Gigantes, a stop near Masca Bay, swimming, and a meal of chicken, rice, or meatballs with unlimited drinks. You spend more time on the boat, so this choice works best if you enjoy slow travel, open water, and several hours in the sun.

At a listed price of $55 per person, the longer option can offer solid value if you make good use of the food, drinks, swimming stop, and whale watching. The value is weaker if you mainly want a short scenic sail or dislike organized boat entertainment. Check the exact option and price when booking, since the inclusions differ sharply between the two cruise lengths.

Getting to the marina from southern Tenerife

You can arrange your own way to the marina or use the included coach pickup if you are staying in southern Tenerife. The coach is air-conditioned, which matters on a bright island day, and hotel pickup and return are included for eligible locations.

Do not assume every hotel has a door-to-door pickup. Rural areas are not covered, and some hotels are not served directly. If your accommodation is outside the regular route, you receive the nearest assigned pickup point. Confirm that location before the morning of the cruise so you are not searching for a bus stop with a towel over your shoulder and a bag of sunscreen in hand.

At the marina, you meet the English- or Spanish-speaking host and crew before boarding the Freebird catamaran. The boarding process is generally straightforward, and assistance may be available for passengers who need it. One solo passenger using a walking stick appreciated being seated on the coach and allowed to board first, which suggests that it is worth explaining your needs before departure.

Settling onto the Freebird catamaran

The catamaran is the star of the outing. Its broad design gives you more room than a small excursion boat, and you can choose between sitting in the sun and finding a more sheltered spot. The top deck is the place for open views, warm air, and photographs of the coast.

The setting is relaxed rather than intimate. You are joining a shared boat outing, not hiring a private yacht. That means a social atmosphere, a crew-led schedule, and music during parts of the cruise. Some people enjoy the easy party mood, while others would prefer to hear the sea and the engines without a soundtrack.

If you want a particular sunbathing position, arrive ready to board and settle in early. A double sunbed costs an additional 25 euros. That fee may seem reasonable when shared by two people, but it changes the advertised price if you assumed every place on deck was included.

Bring sun protection even if the day begins cool. There is little mystery to a catamaran in open water: the sun reaches you, wind can increase the chill, and the reflection off the sea adds to the glare. A hat that will not blow away, sunglasses, and a light layer make the ride more comfortable.

Sailing along Tenerife’s western coast

The cruise follows Tenerife’s western side, where the coastline feels more rugged and open than the resort areas farther south. From the water, you get a different view of the island. Roads, hotels, and beaches give way to rocky shorelines and steep coastal forms.

This is not a sightseeing cruise packed with frequent stops. Much of the pleasure comes from the motion of the boat, the broad sea views, and the chance to watch for animals. You need to be comfortable with stretches of simply sailing. If you need a new activity every few minutes, the longer outing may feel slow.

The crew serves drinks during the cruise. Beer and soda are specifically available, and the longer trip includes an unlimited selection of drinks. The 3-hour trip includes snacks, drinks, and bubbly, but not the substantial meal served on the longer route.

The atmosphere can become lively, especially when music is playing. That works well for a celebratory afternoon or a group that wants a cheerful boat ride. If quiet scenery is your priority, you may find the sound level less appealing while the catamaran is underway.

Watching for pilot whales and dolphins

Wildlife is the element that can turn this from a routine cruise into a memorable one. Dolphins and pilot whales are commonly sighted in the waters around the island, though no boat trip can promise an encounter.

You should keep your eyes on the sea rather than assuming the crew will spot everything first. A close encounter with a group of pilot whales made the entire outing worthwhile for one passenger, and dolphins also provided a highlight on another sailing. That is useful context when weighing the trip: the wildlife is not guaranteed, but it can be the strongest part of the day.

The boat’s size and open viewing areas help you scan the water from several positions. Keep your phone or camera ready, but avoid spending the whole cruise staring at a screen. Wildlife appears quickly, often on one side of the boat, and the best moment may last only a few seconds.

Bird sightings are also possible, including rarer seabirds. This adds interest for anyone who enjoys watching nature, but the cruise is not presented as a specialist wildlife expedition. You are taking a scenic catamaran trip with a chance of good sightings.

Los Gigantes and the cliffs above Masca

The 4.5-hour trip reaches the Cliffs of Los Gigantes, also called Acantilados de Los Gigantes. These enormous cliff faces rise sharply from the ocean, with pale rock dropping toward the waves. Seeing them from sea level gives you a strong sense of their height.

This is one of the clearest reasons to choose the longer sailing. The cliffs create the most dramatic coastal view on the route, and the boat offers a useful angle for photographs. Take pictures early, but also look up from the camera. The scale is difficult to capture in a single frame.

The cruise then continues toward Masca Bay. The bay provides a calmer setting for the swimming stop, though conditions and timing can affect how long you remain there. The stop is not simply a quick dip beside the marina. You get a chance to enter the sea, spend time in the water, and return to the deck to dry in the sun.

Swimming from the boat at Masca Bay

A full set of steps lowers into the sea from the boat, making the entry more manageable than climbing over a narrow side ladder. That detail matters if you are nervous about jumping into open water or prefer a steady way in and out.

You should still consider your own comfort and swimming ability. The trip provides the swimming opportunity, but the information does not promise snorkeling gear or other water equipment. If you want to explore below the surface, bring only what is permitted and practical for the boat, and do not assume masks, fins, or flotation equipment will be supplied.

After swimming, you can use the sunny deck to dry off. Pack a towel and a dry change of clothes, since the boat’s open-air setting can feel breezy once you leave the water. The swimming stop is a major advantage of the longer cruise, but it will mean less time sitting undisturbed with a drink.

What the food and open bar are really like

The 4.5-hour cruise includes a buffet-style meal with choices such as chicken paella or vegetable rice and meatballs. The food is designed to feed a boatload of people efficiently, not to compete with a restaurant in Tenerife.

I would treat lunch as useful fuel rather than a reason to book the cruise. Some people find it perfectly acceptable, while others find the meatballs or chicken disappointing and the rice supply limited later in service. If you have strong food preferences, you may want to eat a little beforehand. The supplied information does not list special-diet choices, so ask before booking if that matters to you.

The drinks offer is more dependable as a value feature. The longer outing includes unlimited drinks, with beer and soda specifically noted. The shorter sailing includes drinks and bubbly, plus snacks. If you enjoy a few drinks while watching the coast, the open bar helps justify the fare, but drink responsibly in the sun and on a moving boat.

Comfort, mobility, and the small print

The coach is air-conditioned, and the boat has a designated boarding process that can help passengers who need extra support. Still, this is not a fully step-free experience.

The onboard toilet is reached by fully vertical wooden ladder steps. That makes it unsuitable for some people with mobility difficulties, even if boarding the boat itself is manageable. Ask for clear details before booking if you rely on a walking aid or have trouble with steep steps.

The cruise also includes time in direct sun, movement on deck, and a swim from the boat. You should be comfortable with those conditions before choosing the longer route. If you want a gentler outing, the 3-hour option removes the meal and swim stop but also limits the time at sea.

English and Spanish are the listed languages. That should cover most basic instructions, drink service, and safety information, but the experience is not described as a multilingual guided tour with long historical commentary.

Who will enjoy this Tenerife cruise most?

I would recommend the trip to you if you want a relaxed half-day on the water rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. It works especially well for couples, families, and groups who like a social setting, open drinks, sea views, and the possibility of seeing whales or dolphins.

The 4.5-hour version is best for people who want the full package: Los Gigantes, Masca Bay, swimming, lunch, and a longer chance to spot wildlife. The 3-hour option is better for a shorter commitment, especially if you mainly want the boat ride and do not need a meal or swim stop.

You may want to skip it if you expect gourmet food, quiet sailing, guaranteed whale watching, or a private atmosphere. It is also a poor fit if vertical ladder steps are a serious problem or if you dislike spending several hours in the sun.

Practical tips for a better day

• Confirm your exact southern Tenerife pickup point, since the closest stop may be used instead of your hotel.
• Decide on the 3-hour or 4.5-hour option carefully. The meals and swimming stop belong to the longer trip.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light layer.
• Ask about the 25-euro double sunbed charge before paying.
• Keep your camera ready during the wildlife search, but watch the water with your own eyes.
• If you have mobility concerns, ask specifically about the boat toilet and boarding arrangements.
• Eat something light before the longer cruise if basic buffet food may not suit you.
• Expect music and a shared social atmosphere, not continuous quiet.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife catamaran cruise?

You can choose a 3-hour cruise or a longer cruise lasting about 4.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What is included on the 3-hour cruise?

The 3-hour option includes snacks, drinks, and bubbly. It does not include the lunch described for the longer sailing.

What food is included on the 4.5-hour cruise?

The longer cruise includes chicken, rice, or meatballs, with examples including chicken paella or vegetable rice and meatballs.

Does the cruise include hotel pickup?

Pickup and drop-off are included from selected locations in southern Tenerife. Rural areas are not covered, and the closest pickup point may be assigned instead of your hotel.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Swimming is included on the 4.5-hour sailing at Masca Bay. A full set of steps lowers into the sea from the boat.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The 3-hour trip includes drinks and bubbly, while the 4.5-hour trip includes an unlimited selection of drinks, including beer and soda.

Should you book the Freebird catamaran?

Book it if you want an easy, social day at sea with a real chance of seeing pilot whales or dolphins. The 4.5-hour option offers the strongest value because it adds Los Gigantes, Masca Bay, swimming, lunch, and unlimited drinks to the coastal cruise.

Choose the 3-hour version if you want a shorter outing with snacks and bubbly. Before paying, account for the extra sunbed charge, basic rather than memorable food, music during parts of the ride, and the difficult toilet access. If those points fit your expectations, this is a pleasant way to see Tenerife from the water, with wildlife providing the possibility of a very good surprise.