A Freebird catamaran cruise is one of the most enjoyable ways to discover Tenerife's south-west coast. During the trip, you can watch dolphins and whales living in the Atlantic Ocean, relax on deck and see the island from a completely different perspective.
You can choose between 2-hour, 3-hour and 4.5-hour cruises. A 4.5-hour option with transport from northern Tenerife is also available. The cruises differ in route, time spent at sea, transport and meals, so it is worth comparing them carefully before booking.
Important: the Freebird cruise includes dolphin and whale watching from the catamaran. It does not include swimming or diving with dolphins. Swimming takes place during a separate stop, away from the animals being observed, and only when weather and sea conditions allow.
What is a Freebird catamaran cruise like?
All cruises depart from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje. After boarding, the crew explains the most important safety information and how the trip will proceed before the catamaran heads out into the Atlantic.
The first part of the cruise is usually dedicated to searching for dolphins and whales. The crew knows the areas where the animals are most frequently seen and shares information about the species living in these waters and their behaviour.
The species most commonly seen are short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Other cetacean species can also be found in the waters around Tenerife, although their presence depends on the season, ocean conditions and the animals' natural movements.
The animals are observed in their natural environment. Dolphins and whales are not fed, touched or forced to approach the catamaran.
No particular species or number of animals can be guaranteed. Sightings are frequent because these waters are naturally rich in marine life, but the ocean is not a theme park and the animals decide whether they approach the boat.
Freebird 2h, 3h or 4.5h – which cruise should you choose?
AVEMTO offers four Freebird cruise options. The best choice depends on where you are staying, how much time you have and how much of the coastline you want to see.
Freebird 2h
Dolphin and whale watching, drinks, time to relax and a planned swimming stop. You arrange your own transport to the port.
Best for: visitors with limited time and families looking for a shorter cruise.
Freebird 3h
Cetacean watching, drinks, a sandwich, a planned swimming stop and transport from selected locations in southern Tenerife.
Best for: first-time passengers looking for a good balance between sightseeing and relaxation.
Freebird 4.5h
Cetacean watching, Los Gigantes cliffs, Masca Bay, lunch, drinks, swimming and transport from the south.
Best for: visitors who want to see more of the coast and spend longer on the ocean.
Freebird 4.5h with north pickup
The same extended cruise programme with transport from selected locations around Puerto de la Cruz.
Best for: visitors staying in northern Tenerife.
Current departure times, available dates, prices and pickup coverage are best checked directly on the individual cruise pages.
Freebird 2h – a short dolphin and whale watching cruise
The Freebird 2h cruise is designed for visitors who want to see dolphins and whales but cannot devote a large part of the day to the trip.
The catamaran departs from Puerto Colón and heads towards areas where cetaceans are regularly seen. Drinks are served during the cruise. If sea conditions allow, a swimming stop is also planned.
The 2-hour option does not include hotel transport, so you need to reach the port independently. It is a good choice for visitors staying in Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas or Los Cristianos who can easily travel to Puerto Colón.
Freebird 3h – the most versatile option
The Freebird 3h cruise gives you more time for wildlife watching and relaxation than the 2-hour version while still leaving most of the day free.
The programme includes dolphin and whale watching, drinks, a light sandwich and a planned swimming stop in the ocean. Transport from selected locations in southern Tenerife is also included.
This is a particularly good option for families, couples and anyone taking this type of cruise for the first time. Three hours gives you enough time to enjoy the experience without taking up the entire day.
Freebird 4.5h – Los Gigantes and Masca Bay
The Freebird 4.5h cruise is the most extensive version of the trip. In addition to dolphin and whale watching, the route follows the south-west coast towards the Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca Bay.
Los Gigantes is one of Tenerife's most distinctive rock formations. Its cliffs rise almost vertically above the ocean and look completely different when viewed from the deck of a catamaran rather than from land.
Lunch, drinks and a swimming stop near Masca Bay are planned during the cruise. The exact stopping point may change depending on the weather and conditions at sea.
We recommend the 4.5-hour option to visitors who want more than whale watching and would also like to see the Los Gigantes cliffs and spend longer on the water.
Freebird 4.5h with transport from northern Tenerife
Visitors staying in Puerto de la Cruz or nearby can choose the Freebird 4.5h cruise with pickup from the north.
The cruise programme is similar to the standard 4.5-hour option and includes dolphin and whale watching, Los Gigantes cliffs, Masca Bay, lunch, drinks and a swimming stop.
The main difference is organised transport from selected pickup points in northern Tenerife. The trip operates on specified days, so availability should be checked in the current booking calendar.
View the Freebird 4.5h cruise from the north
VIP sunbeds at the bow – how do you reserve one?
The best places to relax are in the VIP area at the bow of the catamaran. These double sunbeds offer a very good view of the ocean and any animals appearing in front of the boat.
How does reserving a VIP sunbed work?
- The sunbeds cannot be reserved in advance when purchasing your ticket.
- After boarding, check whether your preferred sunbed is available and occupy it immediately.
- They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Once the catamaran has departed, a crew member collects the fee from passengers using the VIP area.
The current price for a double sunbed is €10 on the 2-hour cruise, €15 on the 3-hour cruise and €25 on the 4.5-hour cruise. Prices may change, so it is worth checking before your trip.
If a sunbed is important to you, arrive at the meeting point early and try to board with one of the first groups. The number of VIP places is limited.
Is the Freebird cruise suitable for children and older passengers?
Freebird cruises are suitable for people of almost all ages. Families with young children, teenagers, adults and older passengers can all take part.
A catamaran offers more space and stability than a small boat, but it still travels across the ocean. Movement can be noticeable when the waves are larger. Parents should supervise children throughout the trip, especially when moving around the deck.
The 2-hour option may be a sensible choice for families with very young children and anyone unsure how they will manage a longer time at sea. The 3-hour cruise is the most versatile, while the 4.5-hour trip suits visitors who want to see Los Gigantes and Masca Bay.
Accessibility for people with reduced mobility
Freebird catamarans are not adapted for passengers who need to remain in a wheelchair. Sufficient mobility is required to board, and each passenger must be able to get onto the catamaran.
Anyone with a disability or reduced mobility should contact AVEMTO before booking and explain their individual needs. This allows us to check whether safe participation is possible in that particular case.
Transport and boarding
All cruises depart from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje. The exact boarding point, meeting time and transport details are provided on the ticket sent after booking.
- for the 2-hour cruise, you must travel to Puerto Colón independently;
- the 3-hour cruise may include transport from selected locations in the south;
- the 4.5-hour cruise includes transport from selected locations in the south;
- a separate 4.5-hour option includes transport from selected locations in the north.
Pickup does not always take place directly outside the hotel entrance. Sometimes the nearest available meeting point is assigned. You will receive the exact location and time after booking.
If you are driving, arrive early. Parking spaces around Puerto Colón are limited, and finding an available space may take extra time.
What should you bring on a Freebird cruise?
We recommend bringing:
- your ticket on your phone or printed;
- high-SPF sunscreen;
- sunglasses;
- a cap or sun hat;
- swimwear and a towel;
- comfortable clothes and footwear;
- a light jumper or jacket, especially on cloudy or windy days;
- a phone or camera.
The sun can feel stronger at sea than on land, while the wind can make the temperature feel cooler. It is worth preparing for both conditions.
Seasickness – how should you prepare?
A catamaran is relatively stable, but no vessel can completely eliminate movement. People prone to motion sickness may feel uncomfortable, especially when the waves are larger.
It is advisable to eat a light meal before the trip and avoid drinking a lot of alcohol. If you usually feel unwell on boats, ask a doctor or pharmacist in advance about a suitable remedy and how to take it.
During the cruise, stay in the fresh air, look towards the horizon and avoid staring at your phone screen for long periods.
Responsible dolphin and whale watching
The dolphins and whales seen during a Freebird cruise live in the wild. Responsible watching means keeping an appropriate distance, limiting the time spent near the animals and avoiding behaviour that could disrupt their rest, feeding or movement.
Freebird follows responsible cetacean-watching practices in Tenerife. More information about protecting dolphins and whales is available on the official Tenerife Tourism website.
Remember that a responsible cruise should not promise touching, feeding, chasing or swimming with the animals.
Frequently asked questions
Are we guaranteed to see dolphins or whales?
Wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed. Sightings are very frequent, but they depend on nature, the weather and ocean conditions.
Can you swim with dolphins during the cruise?
No. Dolphins and whales are observed from the catamaran. Swimming takes place during a separate stop away from the animals.
Can you swim in the ocean on every cruise?
Swimming is a planned part of the trip, but it may be restricted or cancelled if weather or sea conditions do not allow passengers to enter the water safely.
Is the Freebird cruise suitable for children?
Yes. Children of different ages can take part. Parents must supervise them throughout the cruise and follow the crew's instructions.
Can a wheelchair be used on the catamaran?
A wheelchair cannot be used while on board. Each passenger must have sufficient mobility to board the catamaran. Please contact AVEMTO before booking.
Can a VIP sunbed be reserved in advance?
No. VIP sunbeds are allocated only after boarding on a first-come, first-served basis. The crew collects the fee after departure.
Are meals served during the cruise?
It depends on the option selected. The 2-hour cruise does not include a meal, the 3-hour cruise includes a light snack, and the 4.5-hour options include lunch. The menu may change. Vegetarian or gluten-free meal requirements should be reported when booking.
Which port does Freebird depart from?
The cruises depart from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje. The exact boarding point is shown on your ticket.
Which Freebird cruise should you choose?
The 2-hour cruise is best for visitors with limited time. The 3-hour option is the most versatile. Choose the 4.5-hour cruise if you also want to see Los Gigantes and Masca Bay. Visitors staying in Puerto de la Cruz should consider the 4.5-hour option with transport from the north.
AVEMTO Attractions Zone
Not sure which Freebird cruise to choose?
Send us a message – we will help you choose the best cruise for your accommodation, the participants' ages and your Tenerife itinerary.
You can also email us at info@avemto.com
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