Freebird Two sends the senses soaring

Tenerife is surrounded by the sea, peppered with ports and marinas, and served by a huge flotilla of boats, ships and anything else big enough to float and transport curious visitors to sample the delights of nature. It takes a pretty special excursion to impress a cynical old sea dog like myself, but the Freebird two, whale and dolphin trip packs in the pleasures and entertains and informs in a three hour spectacular.

Puerto Colon may not be the biggest marina on the island but it's certainly one of the busiest, and at 9.30am it's bobbing and bustling with life. The Freebird Two catamaran is moored at the back of the marina and cuts a majestic figure against the backdrop of a forest of masts and the rising mountains of Adeje, already bathed in baking sunshine.

Filing on to a hearty welcome, some make for the seats and some spread out on the netting area at the front of the boat, there's plenty of room, and as we cast off our host Barry runs through the treats on offer. An assortment of rolls, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks and even Charlie, a children's entertainer, armed with balloons, balls and magic tricks to keep the young crewmates enthralled.

Relaxed and informal is the order of the day but with a mix of mirth and merriment, Barry manages to stress the need to keep all cigarette ends and other rubbish on board and in the bins. This concern for the environment is a welcome underlying theme of the trip.

Settling back in the sun we prepare to wait for our first encounter, but within 20 minutes the first pod of bottlenose dolphins is spotted, and what a treat they are, up close and at ease with our presence, and the cameras are soon clicking away. Within the hour we spot a group of pilot whales, again close and frolicking in the waves.

Charlie has been busy and we have some new additions on board in the shape of balloon model penguins, while other youngsters are trying their hand at magic and juggling.

It's nice to have experts on hand, and Barry is able to share his years of experience, while youthful volunteers from the Atlantic Whale Foundation http://www.whalenation.org/ share the fruits of their research and their concerns for the future of the wonders in the sea around us. Dropping anchor just off a secluded bay near La Caleta, it's time to dive in for a cooling swim in the calm clear water. Like all the other experiences on board Freebird Two, it's captured on video by our trusty cameraman from My Videoi for those who want to buy a replayable reminder of their day.

All too soon it's time to head back for harbour but not before a parting glass of bubbly is raised to the crew. The tans will eventually fade, but the memories will remain special for many years to come.