Costa Adeje: Masca and Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise

Whales, cliffs, and a swim in one outing. From Puerto Colón, Freebird Catamarans takes you along Tenerife’s southwest coast toward the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera, a productive marine area for pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and seasonal visitors. You also get lunch, drinks, a swim stop, and wide sea views for $71 per person.

I especially like the chance to see wild animals without leaving the catamaran, and I like the generous 4.5-hour schedule, which gives the trip room for both wildlife and relaxation. The main drawback is that nature sets the timetable. Dolphin sightings are common in the area, but whale sightings are never guaranteed, and one recent passenger saw dolphins but no whales.

Key points at a glance

• Resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins: The channel off Tenerife supports marine life throughout the year, with turtles, sperm whales, rorquals, and even orcas possible at certain times.
• Masca Bay swim stop: The boat anchors beside the cliffs of Los Gigantes, giving you time to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the scenery from the water.
• Lunch and drinks included: The fare includes a meal, soft drinks, and beer, with vegetarian and celiac-friendly food available when requested.
• Freebird’s responsible approach: The crew provides live commentary and aims to keep wildlife encounters safe and respectful.
• Optional hotel pickup: Transport can be added from many locations in southern Tenerife, from Los Gigantes and Costa Adeje to El Médano and Golf del Sur.
• Plan for the sea: Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and a warm layer. If you get seasick, take suitable medication before departure.

Leaving Puerto Colón for Tenerife’s whale channel

The cruise begins at Puerto Colón, a handy departure point in Costa Adeje. The meeting address is Av. de Colón 11, Playa de las Américas, and boarding takes place at Dock 10 or Dock 15. Check your booking carefully for the correct dock and arrival time.

You can make your own way to the port or add pickup from selected hotels and resorts in southern Tenerife. The pickup list is unusually broad. It includes Los Gigantes, Playa de la Arena, Callao Salvaje, Playa Paraíso, Costa Adeje, El Médano, San Blas, Golf del Sur, and many hotels around Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos.

I would arrive early if you want the best choice of seating. One passenger arrived 30 minutes before departure and managed to secure a sunbed. Front-of-boat loungers may require an extra payment on the day, and a past passenger reported paying €20 for a deluxe bed. That price can change, so treat it as a guide rather than a promise.

Once away from the harbor, the catamaran follows Tenerife’s southwest coast. You get a pleasant transition from resort scenery to open water, with the volcanic coast becoming the main show. The boat then heads toward the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera, where the water is deep and marine life is regularly spotted.

Why the whale watching works here

This part of Tenerife is one of the better places in the Canary Islands for observing whales and dolphins in the wild. Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live in the area, while other species pass through during different seasons.

The possible sightings include:

• Pilot whales
• Bottlenose dolphins
• Sperm whales
• Rorquals
• Sea turtles
• Orcas on rare occasions

The most important word here is possible. You are watching free animals, not visiting an aquarium with a scheduled performance. Many outings see pilot whales or dolphins, and one passenger described a pod repeatedly surfacing near the boat. Another saw dolphins and turtles. But a separate passenger saw dolphins without any whales, so you should book for the setting and the overall cruise, not only for one particular species.

The crew gives live commentary in Spanish and English. That helps you understand what you are looking at and why the boat may slow down, change direction, or wait quietly. A good wildlife trip is not just a photo hunt. It also gives you a better sense of the animals’ behavior and the need to keep a respectful distance.

The catamaran format is useful here. You have room to move around, instead of being fixed into one narrow row of seats. One family of seven particularly appreciated having space to spread out, while another passenger found the smaller boat used on their departure more comfortable than a larger vessel. Boat size can vary, so expect a spacious catamaran experience, but do not assume every departure will feel identical.

Meeting pilot whales and dolphins at sea

The wildlife portion is the heart of the trip. You may spend time scanning the water, then suddenly see fins or backs breaking the surface. Pilot whales often move in pods, and dolphins can appear in groups around the boat.

You should bring sunglasses and a hat because looking across bright water for long periods can tire your eyes. A phone or camera is useful, but keep it ready rather than glued to the screen. The animals may surface for only a few seconds, and the best moment is often the one you see directly.

The crew’s tone matters on a trip like this. Past passengers praised the staff for being friendly, helpful, and attentive, including one couple whose schedule became tight because of a booking mistake and a flight. Another passenger described the crew as helpful from beginning to end. That does not change the wildlife conditions, but it does make the day easier when plans become complicated.

The cruise is also suited to families. A child can watch for dolphins, then move around the deck, eat lunch, and later swim. Adults can treat the same trip as a calm half-day on the water. The schedule has enough variety to avoid feeling like four and a half hours of standing at the rail.

Los Gigantes and the Masca swim stop

After the wildlife search, the catamaran heads toward Los Gigantes and Masca. The cliffs rise dramatically from the water, and seeing them from below gives you a different view than a road trip through Tenerife’s interior.

The boat anchors in the sheltered area around Masca Bay, beside the cliffs of Los Gigantes. This is the trip’s second major attraction. You can swim in the sea, relax on deck, or simply take photographs of the rock walls and coastline.

The swim stop is not a rushed dip beside the harbor. It is placed in a scenic coastal setting, which makes the included swimming time feel like part of the experience rather than a filler activity. One passenger described swimming in a picturesque spot next to Los Gigantes and Masca, while another praised the clear combination of swimming, food, drinks, and whale watching.

You should still pack a towel and comfortable swimwear. A warm layer is useful afterward, especially if you sit in the wind with wet clothes. The sun can be strong, even when the air feels cool at sea, so apply sunscreen before boarding and bring more with you if allowed.

If you prefer not to swim, you can stay on deck and enjoy the views. There is no need to treat the water stop as a compulsory event. For many people, the best part may be lying in the sun, taking pictures, and watching the cliffs slide past the boat.

Lunch, beer, and what to expect onboard

Lunch and drinks are included in the $71 price. The drinks listed are soft drinks and beer, and the food includes options for vegetarians and people with celiac requirements. You should request a special meal in advance rather than relying on a last-minute change.

Past passengers described the food as paella and meatballs, with one family praising the meal and drinks as good value. Another passenger was less impressed, calling the food and drinks average and noting that no hot coffee or tea was available. That is the fair expectation: this is a boat lunch, not a restaurant meal.

The included refreshments add real value because a four-and-a-half-hour sea trip can become expensive if every drink costs extra. Still, you should not book this cruise for gourmet food. The main value comes from the wildlife, scenery, swim stop, and time on the water.

You can eat while looking out toward the cliffs or open sea. After lunch, the deck becomes a natural place to relax. Sun loungers may be available for an additional charge, but there is also general deck space. Arriving early helps if you care strongly about a particular position.

The return sail along Tenerife’s coast

After the Masca stop, the catamaran begins the return journey toward Puerto Colón. This part is slower and less structured than the wildlife search, which is exactly why it works as a wind-down.

You can enjoy another look at the southwest coast, feel the sea breeze, and take photographs without needing to search constantly for fins. Depending on the day, you may have another chance to see dolphins or small whales after the swim stop. Sightings remain unpredictable, but the return sail gives the trip a pleasant second chance.

The four-and-a-half-hour length is well judged for most people. A shorter cruise might feel rushed, especially if it includes both wildlife watching and a swim. A much longer outing could become tiring for anyone prone to seasickness or uncomfortable in the sun.

If you do suffer from motion sickness, take appropriate medication before departure. The open ocean can feel very different from a calm harbor, and the boat may move more than you expect. Eat lightly beforehand, stay hydrated, and choose a place with a clear view of the horizon if that helps you.

Is $71 good value?

At $71 per person, this is a solid package for a half-day on Tenerife’s coast. You are paying for a guided whale watching cruise, a scenic sail toward Los Gigantes and Masca, lunch, soft drinks, beer, commentary, and a swim stop. Optional hotel pickup adds convenience if you are staying away from Costa Adeje.

The price makes the most sense if you plan to use the full range of inclusions. A person who watches wildlife, eats onboard, swims, and spends time relaxing on deck gets much more than someone who only wants a quick dolphin trip.

The value is less certain if your only goal is to see whales. Wildlife is not guaranteed, and one outing may produce dolphins but no whales. I would compare the price with smaller boat trips if you want a more intimate wildlife experience, but the catamaran offers a better balance of room, food, swimming, and comfort.

The extra sunbed charge is the main add-on to remember. It is not necessary for enjoying the cruise, but it can matter if you want a front-of-boat lounger. Photos and DVDs are also not included.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend this trip to families, couples, and first-time visitors who want several Tenerife experiences in one outing. You get wildlife, cliffs, a swim, food, and open-sea views without spending a full day away from the resort area.

It also suits anyone who prefers a steady, organized boat trip over arranging separate transport to Masca or Los Gigantes. The optional pickup service is useful if you are staying at one of the many listed hotels in the south.

You may want another option if you dislike boats, suffer badly from seasickness, or want a very small-group wildlife outing. You should also choose with realistic expectations about food. It is practical lunch for a day at sea, not a culinary highlight.

The published rating is 4.3 out of 5 from 382 reviews, and the strongest praise centers on the crew, the pilot whale and dolphin sightings, the comfortable boat, and the combination of activities. Those are the areas where this cruise earns its price.

Practical advice before you go

Bring the following:

• Comfortable shoes
• A warm layer
• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothing

Ask about vegetarian or celiac-friendly food when booking. The crew speaks Spanish and English, and live commentary is part of the cruise.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife plans are still changing. Pickup is optional, so confirm whether your selected rate includes hotel transport.

Should you book the Masca and Los Gigantes cruise?

Book it if you want a relaxed half-day that combines wildlife watching with Tenerife’s best coastal scenery. The pilot whale and dolphin search gives the trip its purpose, while the Masca swim stop, lunch, and open deck keep the day enjoyable even when nature is quiet.

Do not book it with the expectation of a guaranteed whale performance or restaurant-quality meal. Book it because you want time at sea, a good chance of seeing dolphins and pilot whales, and a simple way to pair Los Gigantes with swimming and lunch. For $71, that is a fair and useful day out from Costa Adeje.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Puerto Colón at Av. de Colón 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas. Boarding is at Dock 10 or Dock 15.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts 4.5 hours.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup can be added from selected locations in southern Tenerife, including Costa Adeje, Los Gigantes, Playa de la Arena, Callao Salvaje, Playa Paraíso, El Médano, San Blas, Golf del Sur, and several listed hotels and resorts.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch, soft drinks, and beer are included. Vegetarian and celiac-friendly food options are available.

Which languages are available?

Live tour guidance is available in Spanish and English.

Will I definitely see whales?

No. The area has resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, and other species may appear seasonally, but wild animal sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. If you usually get seasick, take appropriate medication before the cruise.