Western Tenerife feels wilder from the water. This cruise pairs cliff views at Los Gigantes with open-ocean chances to spot dolphins and seabirds, all wrapped up in hotel pickup and a real time-out-at-sea vibe. I like that you can choose how you want to spend the cruise, sun top deck or cooler air-conditioned lounge below.

There’s also real value built in, especially on the longer option: drinks are included, and you’ll eat onboard (hot buffet on the 4.5-hour sailing, lighter on the 3-hour trip). One possible drawback is that the experience is weather-dependent and the longer route can get shortened if the captain decides conditions around Masca Bay aren’t safe.

Key moments I’d plan my day around

• Freebird One catamaran comfort: lower-deck lounge for shade and an escape from sun.
• Los Gigantes cliff photos: Europe’s tall cliff walls plunge into the Atlantic.
• Dolphins and seabirds at sea: keep your eyes moving for quick sightings.
• Masca Bay swim stop: you’ll anchor and you can go in (time can be brief).
• Choose your food level: sandwiches on the 3-hour sailing, fuller buffet on the 4.5-hour sailing.

Western Tenerife by sea: the real payoff

If you’re basing yourself in southern Tenerife, this cruise turns your day into something simpler: coach pickup → harbor → catamaran → back to your hotel. That matters because driving and parking near the ports can eat half a day on its own. Once you’re aboard, you’re dealing with one job only: look out for cliffs, birds, and wildlife.

The boat itself is built for this kind of outing. You get an open top deck for views and sun, plus a lower lounge that helps when the weather swings from bright to breezy or cooler. In other words, you’re not stuck overheating or stuck waiting out the wind.

A lot of the excitement here comes from how exposed the west coast is. Los Gigantes and the waters around it sit right on Atlantic action, so the scenery feels less touristy and more raw. And when the captain judges conditions as safe, you’ll get a swim stop at Masca Bay.

3 hours vs 4.5 hours: snacks, lunch, and open bar reality

This is the part you should lock in before you pay. The cruise comes in two main lengths, and they don’t deliver the same meal.

On the 3-hour sailing, expect a lighter food setup: you’ll have sandwiches/snacks, and drinks are included, but it’s not the same full onboard lunch you get later in the day. The ship is still doing a nice west-coast circuit toward the Los Gigantes area, so it’s a solid option if you want a shorter outing without tying up your whole afternoon.

On the 4.5-hour sailing, you get a more complete package: drinks included throughout, plus a buffet lunch served onboard. The lunch is described as a buffet with items like chicken paella, vegetable rice, and meatballs, and that longer duration also gives you time for the Masca Bay swim stop.

One more practical note: some people assume that the phrase open bar means full service like a cocktail ship. The included drinks are there, but it may work more like a self-serve or bar-pickup situation rather than a waiter racing to your lounger. Also, days with rough weather can change what drinks or where the captain goes.

If you care most about lunch, Masca Bay, and having more time on the water, pick the 4.5-hour. If you just want cliffs and wildlife spotting with a lighter food plan, the 3-hour can be a better match.

Price and value: what $56.47 buys you

At about $56.47 per person, you’re paying for a bundle, not just a boat ticket. What you get, based on the tour details, includes hotel pickup and drop-off, catamaran transport, drinks, and food that depends on the cruise length (sandwiches for 3 hours; buffet lunch for 4.5 hours). That’s the big value lever: you’re not spending your own time figuring out the harbor.

The trade-off is that you’re sharing a larger catamaran with up to 80 travelers, so you may not feel like you rented a private boat. In busy conditions, it can feel crowded at prime deck spots.

Another value “watch-out” is seating. The tour description notes that beds aren’t included. Reviews often mention paying extra for sunbeds or daybeds on deck, while regular seating areas are free. If you want the cushiest setup, ask what’s included versus what costs extra before you assume it’s all automatic.

Hotel pickup from southern Tenerife: smooth when it’s clear

This tour uses pickup aimed at southern Tenerife. Your meeting point is listed as Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, but pickup is not offered everywhere. The details also say they don’t pick up in Santa Cruz areas or in rural parts of Tenerife, and pickup points aren’t every single hotel. You’ll be assigned a nearby stop, and the company requires pickup reconfirmation after booking.

This is a rare moment where you should be proactive. If you’re traveling with a tight schedule, reconfirm your pickup instructions early. A short walk to a central pickup point is still much easier than trying to find the port yourself, but you don’t want to arrive late or confused.

Los Gigantes stop: cliffs you actually feel from the deck

Los Gigantes is the signature view on this cruise, and it shows up soon after you leave the marina. The cliffs are dramatic: towering walls dropping straight down to the sea, with striking black-sand beaches below. From the catamaran, you’ll get those classic photo angles where the cliffs look almost vertical.

This is also where you’ll get your best “at sea” wildlife odds. The area is commonly associated with dolphins and seabirds, so keep scanning the waterline and don’t stare only at the cliffs. Quick surfacing moments can happen fast, and everyone on deck ends up doing the same thing at the same time.

One reality check: you’re on a moving catamaran, so your photos will depend on how steady you and your camera are. If you can, be ready before the cliffs hit full view so you don’t spend those first minutes fumbling for your phone.

Masca Bay swim time: fun, but manage expectations

On the 4.5-hour sailing, the cruise drifts to Masca Bay, drops anchor, and gives you a chance to swim. The water stop is the emotional highlight for many people because you’re not just watching the coast—you’re in it.

The catch is that the time in the water can be short. Some reports describe brief swims (around 10 minutes), while others mention longer time depending on conditions. If the sea is calm, you might get more than one go. If it’s choppy or windy, the captain may keep the stop tight for safety.

Bring a practical kit: swimwear and a towel, plus sun lotion (recommended). It’s also smart to wear footwear you can walk in on a boat deck and rinse your legs afterward. Even if you go in briefly, that “saltwater reset” is usually worth it.

Safety matters on this route. Weather around Masca can get rough fast, and the company can shorten the route or adjust where you go if the captain decides conditions aren’t right. If Masca is the reason you booked the longer trip, keep an eye on the forecast and be flexible.

The onboard vibe: top deck views vs lower lounge comfort

The Freebird One layout makes it easy to choose your comfort level. When the sun hits, people congregate on the top deck. When the wind picks up, the lower lounge is your escape hatch with air-conditioned comfort.

It’s not only about temperature. Wind can make sea air feel sharp on your face, especially when you’re returning or when cloud cover shows up. Having shade and shelter helps keep the experience fun for everyone, including kids.

Music and atmosphere come and go. Some people describe lively onboard music, while others call it more average. The bigger consistent theme is the crew: many people mention friendly, helpful staff and good energy during the cruise.

Crowding can be the one buzzkill. With a max of 80 passengers, and with people hunting for the best deck spot, it can feel tight at peak moments. Some visitors mention that extra cushion-style sunbeds cost extra, and they wished the best seating spots were clearer in advance.

If you’re coming with a group, plan a strategy: one person can scout shade and a decent viewing position while others get drinks. Saves arguments later.

Food and dietary needs: what you’ll actually eat

Food is included, but it’s not the same on both durations.

For the 3-hour sailing, you’re getting snacks and sandwiches, which means you shouldn’t expect a hot, filling lunch. This is why some people leave disappointed when they assume paella is guaranteed. If you want the full meal, choose the longer sailing.

For the 4.5-hour sailing, the lunch is described as a buffet with options such as chicken paella, vegetable rice, and meatballs. Reviews vary on how authentic or how generous it feels, but the common point is that it’s a workable meal for a boat day.

Dietary needs are handled when you ask ahead. The tour notes that vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, and you should advise when booking. That’s helpful, but based on the way some meal substitutions are described in real situations, don’t assume it will be a perfect swap for your ideal dish. If you have strict dietary requirements, it’s still wise to bring a simple backup snack you can eat safely.

Wildlife spotting: where your attention should go

This cruise sells the idea of marine life, and the most practical way to maximize your odds is to treat it like a watch job. Look out frequently rather than only when you notice excitement from others. Dolphins can appear close to the boat and then vanish quickly.

In this region, dolphins and seabirds are common enough that you’ll likely see something if conditions are good. Some reports also mention whales, though you shouldn’t count on that as your guarantee. If you see dolphins, that’s already a major win for a half-day trip.

Also, don’t only stare at the water. Seabirds riding air currents can give you hints that something’s happening below. When they circle, scan the surface.

Who should book this cruise (and who should consider another boat)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A scenic west-coast outing without driving
• A chance at dolphins and a proper sea break
• Comfort options, including an air-conditioned lounge below
• Hotel pickup that saves time

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want a quiet, uncrowded experience and hate sharing space on deck
• Expect a full hot lunch on the 3-hour sailing
• Are sensitive to motion sickness and don’t bring help (some people report seasickness during the cruise, even on large boats)
• Need a very specific meal (vegetarian or gluten-free can be handled, but substitutions have real-world limits)

If you’re the type who values a short, straightforward outing, the 3-hour trip can be enough. If you want the whole experience—cliffs, the wildlife odds, the Masca Bay swim, plus a real onboard meal—the 4.5-hour trip makes more sense.

Should you book the Western Tenerife Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar?

I’d book it if you want an easy day that feels like you’re seeing a real part of Tenerife from the sea, not just taking pretty photos from land. The value is strongest on the 4.5-hour sailing because you’re not only paying for scenery—you’re also getting drinks and a full buffet lunch, plus the swim at Masca Bay when conditions allow.

Choose the 3-hour sailing if you’re trying to keep the day lighter and you’re okay with sandwiches instead of a full hot meal. Either way, do check your pickup details, plan for a potentially crowded deck, and pack swimwear and sunscreen so you can actually use the best moments when they happen.

If Masca Bay is your must-do, book the longer trip and stay flexible about weather. That’s the one factor that can change the day faster than anything else.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The experience runs about 4 hours 30 minutes for the full option, with sailings offered as either 3 hours or 4.5 hours depending on the plan you choose.

Where do I start the tour?

The listed start point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. If you choose pickup, a nearby local point is assigned rather than pickup at every hotel.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but pickup is not offered for Santa Cruz areas or rural parts of Tenerife, and not every hotel has a direct pickup.

What food is included on the 3-hour sailing?

On the 3-hour sailing, food is snacks/snack sandwiches rather than a full lunch.

Is lunch included on the 4.5-hour sailing?

Yes. On the 4.5-hour sailing, you’ll have a buffet-style lunch onboard (described as options like chicken paella or vegetable rice and meatballs).

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included during the cruise, and the longer sailing is described as having an onboard bar for beer or soda.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available if you request them at the time of booking.

What should I bring for the swim?

The tour recommends sun lotion, and it also notes that swim suits and towels are recommended if you want to take advantage of the swim time.