Western Tenerife Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

The big draw here is the chance to see Tenerife from the water, with the sheer Cliffs of Los Gigantes rising from the Atlantic and dolphins or pilot whales sometimes surfacing nearby. The longer cruise also reaches Masca Bay, where you can swim from the boat before lunch.

I like the easy hotel pickup from southern Tenerife and the choice of sitting in the sun or retreating to the cooler lower lounge. I also like that drinks are available throughout the cruise, not just with the meal. The main catch is that the boat can feel crowded, and the 3-hour trip is a different product from the 4.5-hour sailing: it includes sandwiches, not a full lunch, and does not go as far as Masca Bay.

Key points before you book

• Los Gigantes is the visual highlight: The towering cliffs are best seen from offshore, where their pale rock faces drop sharply toward dark beaches and white Atlantic surf.
• Choose your duration carefully: The 3-hour trip includes drinks and a sandwich, while the 4.5-hour trip adds Masca Bay, swim time, and a fuller meal.
• Wildlife sightings are possible, not guaranteed: Dolphins, pilot whales, and seabirds are commonly searched for, but no boat trip can promise an appearance.
• The catamaran is large and social: Freebird One offers plenty of open deck, but it is not an intimate sailing experience.
• Sunbeds cost extra: Regular seating is included, but premium mattresses or sun loungers may require an additional payment and cannot be reserved in advance.
• Bring swimwear and sun lotion: The swim stop is a key part of the longer trip, though the time in the water can be fairly short.

Leaving Playa de las Américas for Tenerife’s west coast

The usual meeting point is on Avenida de Colón in Playa de las Américas. You can make your own way there, or arrange pickup from a selected hotel or nearby meeting point in southern Tenerife.

Pickup sounds simple, but read the confirmation closely. Not every hotel is served directly, and properties in Santa Cruz or rural parts of the island are excluded. You may be given a nearby street pickup instead, sometimes within a short walk. Reconfirm the location after booking and allow extra time to find it.

The coach transfer runs in an air-conditioned vehicle and takes you to a marina on the west coast. Once there, you meet the crew and board Freebird One, a broad catamaran with an upper deck and a lower indoor lounge. This large boat is useful if you are worried about seasickness, since you can move around and find a calmer spot, though the open deck may still feel busy when the boat is full.

Boarding can be the least polished part of the day. The boat may still be unloading its previous group when you arrive, so expect a queue rather than a quick walk aboard. If you want a preferred spot, arrive ready to board when called.

Los Gigantes from the water

Once Freebird One leaves the marina, the day settles into an easy rhythm. You can sit or stand along the main deck, find a place in the lower lounge, or pay extra for one of the more desirable mattresses and sunbeds.

The best view of Los Gigantes is not from the foot of the cliffs. It is from the sea, where you can take in the full height of the rock walls at once. The cliffs, known in Spanish as Acantilados de Los Gigantes, rise dramatically above the coast and appear especially striking beside the black volcanic shore.

Have your camera ready, but do not spend the entire approach looking through it. The cliffs pass slowly enough for you to see their changing shapes, the sea caves and ledges, and the breakers below. The crew may provide information about the area over the microphone, although the level of commentary can vary.

This part of the cruise is also when you begin watching for marine life. Dolphins and pilot whales are regularly sought in these waters, and seabirds may pass over the boat. Some outings produce close sightings and several species. Other days are quieter. I would treat wildlife as a welcome possibility, not the sole reason to book.

What the open bar really means

The included drinks are one of the stronger features of this outing, especially at a price of about $56.47 per person. Beer, wine, cava or Champagne, and soft drinks are listed as available, with drinks included throughout the cruise.

There is an important practical detail: this is bar service, not constant waiter service at every seat. If you want a beer or another drink, you may need to go to the bar and ask. A complaint about receiving only a small soda was answered by the operator with the explanation that beer was available but had to be requested. That distinction is worth knowing before you board.

The quality of the drinks is basic rather than special. You are paying for convenience and quantity, not a tasting experience. If bubbly is especially important to you, ask the crew about availability on the day. Weather or supply issues have occasionally affected what was served.

Masca Bay and the swim stop

The 4.5-hour cruise continues toward Masca Bay. This is the most active part of the trip, since the boat drops anchor and gives you the chance to swim in the sea.

Bring a swimsuit and towel, even if you are not sure you will enter the water. You can use the time to sit in the sun or shade if swimming is not for you, and the indoor lounge offers an escape from strong sun or wind.

Do not expect a long beach stop. The boat uses a ladder for access to the water, and the swim may last around 10 to 20 minutes depending on conditions and the schedule. With a large group, getting into the water can take time. The stop is fun, but it is a bonus within a wildlife and coastal cruise, not a full afternoon at a cove.

Sea conditions matter here. Strong wind, rain, or high waves may force the captain to skip Masca Bay or shorten the stop. That is a safety decision, not a substitute itinerary you can count on. If the bay is canceled, the operator says a different date or a refund may be offered, and a shortened cruise may result in a price adjustment.

Lunch on the 4.5-hour trip

After the swim, the longer cruise serves a buffet-style meal. Food described for the trip includes chicken paella or vegetable rice, meatballs, bread, salad when available, and fruit such as a banana.

Set your expectations at simple boat-catering level. Portions and menu items may vary, and the meal is not a restaurant-style Spanish lunch. Some passengers have found the rice and meatballs perfectly acceptable after time in the sun. Others have found the food bland, light, or unlike the advertised paella.

This matters because the word lunch can suggest more than you receive. On the 4.5-hour trip, you get a basic filling meal, but I would not book the cruise for its food. If you have a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free requirement, state it when booking and confirm it again before departure. Options are advertised, yet some special meals have not met expectations. Bringing a backup snack is sensible if your diet is strict.

The 3-hour cruise is different. It does not continue as far as Masca Bay, and the food is a sandwich or snack rather than the fuller meal. Several disappointing experiences came from people expecting the 4.5-hour menu after booking the shorter trip. Check the duration and meal wording carefully.

Crowds, seating, and the feel of the boat

Freebird One is a sizeable catamaran, designed to carry a large group rather than create a private or quiet outing. The official capacity is listed at up to 80 people, while some past departures have felt considerably fuller to those aboard. Either way, you should expect a shared boat with limited prime seating.

The standard seats and open deck are included. Premium mattresses, couches, or sunbeds may cost extra, commonly around €20 for two people or about €10 per person, depending on the arrangement that day. These spaces cannot be reserved ahead of time, so early boarding matters if you want one.

You do not need a sunbed to enjoy the cruise. The main deck offers good views, and standing along the sides can provide a better angle for photographs. Families may prefer these open areas, while couples seeking a quiet front-deck spot may find the extra charge and competition frustrating.

The boat is called a catamaran, but do not picture a silent sailing yacht. The engine runs throughout the trip. Music adds a holiday atmosphere, though it may not be lively enough for everyone. The overall mood is casual, friendly, and family-oriented, with staff who generally keep drinks moving and help with the basic activities.

Wildlife watching and seasickness

A large catamaran can be a good choice if you are concerned about motion, since it offers more room and multiple places to sit. Still, the Atlantic can turn rough, and several people have become seasick even when the water looked calm from shore.

If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a central, lower position rather than the highest open deck, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid drinking heavily before the boat reaches open water. The lower indoor lounge gives you shelter, but it may not be the best place if you need fresh air.

The wildlife search is handled as part of the cruise rather than as a separate specialist expedition. The crew may point out dolphins or whales and explain what you are seeing. On a good outing, dolphins swim close to the boat and pilot whales appear in the distance or nearby. On a quiet day, the cliffs and coastline become the main reward.

How the 3-hour and 4.5-hour trips compare

The shorter option is a reasonable choice if you want coastal views, drinks, and wildlife watching without giving up most of your day. It includes a sandwich or snack, and it does not go as far as Masca Bay. For families with young children or anyone unsure about spending 4.5 hours at sea, the shorter cruise may feel more manageable.

The longer option offers the complete version: Los Gigantes, a run toward Masca Bay, swimming, drinks, and a fuller meal. It is better value if you want time in the water and do not mind a long group excursion. The extra 90 minutes can feel worthwhile on a sunny, wildlife-filled day, but it can also feel drawn out if the sea is rough, the swim is short, or the food disappoints.

Before booking, compare the exact departure time as well as the advertised duration. One past departure ran later than expected, though it still returned within the stated overall period. Weather can also change the route.

Is the $56.47 price good value?

At roughly $56.47, the price is fair for a 4.5-hour coastal trip that includes transport, an open drink service, wildlife watching, a swim stop, and lunch. Hotel pickup adds value if you are staying in the south and do not want to arrange transport to the marina.

The price is less attractive if you expect a private sailing trip, premium food, included sunbeds, or polished table service. Add-on charges for the best deck mattresses can change the feel of the bargain, though regular seating remains available.

I see this as a convenient all-in outing rather than a luxury cruise. You are paying for a full half-day at sea with a lively group, not for quiet coastal exploration. The value improves when the weather is good and the dolphins or whales cooperate.

Who should book this cruise?

I would suggest it to families, first-time visitors who want to see the west coast, and couples looking for an easy day with scenery, drinks, and a chance to swim. It suits you if you prefer a boat with indoor and outdoor areas rather than a small vessel with nowhere to escape the sun.

It is less suitable if you want a peaceful, intimate trip or a serious food experience. People with strict dietary needs should confirm the meal and carry a backup. Anyone who dislikes queues, crowds, or unpredictable sea conditions may prefer a smaller boat.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure. Poor weather or too few bookings can also lead to a change of date, an alternative experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Western Tenerife Cruise?

Book the 4.5-hour option if your priority is the full route, Masca Bay, and the swim. Choose the 3-hour option if you mainly want Los Gigantes, wildlife watching, drinks, and a shorter time aboard.

I would book this for the cliffs, the chance to see dolphins or pilot whales in open water, and the ease of hotel transport. I would not book it for gourmet paella, private seating, or a quiet sailing. Check the pickup point, confirm your meal needs, bring sun lotion and swimwear, and understand that the boat is motor-powered and social. With those expectations, this can be a cheerful and good-value way to see Tenerife’s west coast.

FAQ

How long is the Western Tenerife cruise?

You can choose a cruise lasting about 3 hours or a longer cruise lasting about 4.5 hours.

What is included on the 3-hour cruise?

The 3-hour cruise includes catamaran transport, drinks, and a sandwich or snack. It does not travel as far as Masca Bay and does not include the fuller meal offered on the longer trip.

What is included on the 4.5-hour cruise?

The 4.5-hour cruise includes drinks, a fuller onboard meal, and a stop at Masca Bay where you can swim if conditions allow.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available from selected hotels and nearby meeting points in southern Tenerife. Not every hotel is served directly, and Santa Cruz and rural areas are excluded.

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is Av. de Colón, 11, Playa de las Américas, Tenerife. The activity ends back at the meeting point unless your arranged pickup includes return transport.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included during the cruise. Beer, wine, cava or Champagne, and soft drinks are listed, but service is from the onboard bar rather than guaranteed waiter service at every seat.

Is lunch included on every departure?

No. The 4.5-hour cruise includes a fuller meal. The 3-hour cruise includes a sandwich or snack instead.

Can I swim during the cruise?

The 4.5-hour cruise stops at Masca Bay for swimming when sea and weather conditions allow. Swimwear and a towel are recommended.

Are vegetarian and gluten-free meals available?

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are listed as available. You should request them when booking. Bringing extra food is sensible if you have a serious allergy or strict dietary requirement.

Are sunbeds included?

No. Standard seating and deck areas are included, but premium sunbeds, mattresses, or couches may cost extra and cannot be reserved in advance.