Walvissen Spotten Tenerife
The best boat trips to see whales and dolphins in the wild, compared honestly by our local team. Book with a small deposit, pay the rest on the day.
The Best Whale Watching In Tenerife
Tap a pick, or scroll for all 15 boats.
Beste overallAtlantic Star
Best sightingsOpera 60
Big catamaranFreebird
Best budgetPeter Pan
Underwater viewsRoyal Delfin
From the northFreebird PDLCBest Whale Watching Boat Trips
If you come for the animals, start here.
Favoriet aller tijdenAtlantic Star
Our number one, year after year. Max 10 guests, drinks and snacks included, and the only trip with a whale guarantee: see them, or sail again for free.
Top SightingsOpera 60
Our favorite for seeing whales and dolphins on one trip. Fast boat, max 12 guests, lunch and drinks included.
Meest GeboektFreebird
The most booked boat trip in Costa Adeje. Big comfortable catamaran with open bar, lunch and an optional Masca Bay swim.
Sailor’s PickKailani
A modern sailing yacht, max 11 guests, with a captain who knows exactly where the whales rest. Our first choice when the Atlantic Star is full.
Family & Budget Boat Trips
Fun ships, big decks, small prices: cheap whale watching in Tenerife for the whole family.
Los CristianosPeter Pan
The cheapest whale watching in Tenerife. A fun 2-hour pirate ship from Los Cristianos, perfect with kids.
Underwater WindowsRoyal Delfin
The only boat with 16 underwater windows: watch dolphins swim below you. Food, drinks and south pickup included.
Los CristianosViking
A real Viking ship with crew in costume, games and whales on the way. Kids love it.
Big ValueMaxicat
One of the best-value tickets on the water: Canarian lunch, unlimited drinks, swim stop and free south pickup.
Eco CatamaranWhite Tenerife
A solar-powered eco catamaran with an underwater sound system, so you can listen to the whales too.
5-Hour TripShogun
A wooden ship built for a sheikh. Five hours on the water with hot lunch, drinks and a swim stop near Los Gigantes.
Small Group & Something Different
Small group whale and dolphin tours in Tenerife, with fewer people and calmer decks.
Group FriendlyKalima
A small catamaran, max 23 guests. Smart pick for big groups: most of the boat at a shared-trip price.
Quality ServiceMonte Cristo
For guests who care about service: max 20 people, Spanish tapas and unlimited drinks with cava.
Glass DeckAbrazo
A renovated catamaran with a glass deck: watch the sea through the floor. Max 11 guests, drinks included.
Budget SailingSkyline
Our cheapest sailing boat, and we are honest: whales are a bonus here, not the mission. A beautiful affordable sail.
Fast BoatSea Safari
A fast eco speedboat, low on the water, quick to the whales. The swim stop even has underwater scooters.
From Puerto de la Cruz
Whale watching from Puerto de la Cruz is easy: the whales live in the south, this trip includes the ride.
Free North PickupFreebird vanuit Puerto de la Cruz
The full 4.5-hour Freebird trip with free coach pickup from Puerto de la Cruz and the north. Lunch and open bar included.
All Boats Side By Side
Compare all Tenerife whale watching boat trips in one honest table. Adult prices, children pay less on almost every trip.
| Boot | Type | Max guests | Tijdsduur | Adult from | Vertrekt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Star | Zeilboot | 10 | 3h | 60€ | Puerto Colón |
| Kailani | Sailing yacht | 11 | 3h | 70€ | Puerto Colón |
| Opera 60 | Speedboat (RIB) | 12 | 3h | 70€ | Puerto Colón |
| Freebird | Large catamaran | ~90 | 3h / 4.5h | 47€ | Puerto Colón |
| Peter Pan | Pirate ship | 60 | 2h | 24€ | Los Cristianos |
| Royal Delfin | Glass-bottom catamaran | ~90 | 3h / 4.5h | 50€ | Puerto Colón |
| Viking | Viking ship | ~80 | 2h / 3h | 28€ | Los Cristianos |
| Maxicat | Large catamaran | 104 | 3h | 45€ | Puerto Colón |
| White Tenerife | Eco catamaran | ~74 | 3h / 5h | 47€ | Puerto Colón |
| Shogun | Wooden oriental ship | 144 | 5h | 60€ | Puerto Colón |
| Kalima | Small catamaran | 23 | 3h | 49€ | Puerto Colón |
| Monte Cristo | Catamaran | 20 | 3h | 62€ | Puerto Colón |
| Abrazo | Glass-deck catamaran | 11 | 3h | 83€ | Puerto Colón |
| Skyline | Zeilboot | 11 | 3h | 45€ | Puerto Colón |
| Sea Safari | Fast speedboat | 11 | 3h | 60€ | Puerto Colón |
Why Tenerife Is Europe’s Whale Watching Capital
Resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live in the water between Tenerife and La Gomera all year round. That makes whale watching in Tenerife special: you do not need luck with a season, you need the right boat. The water here was even named Europe’s first Whale Heritage Site. Prices on this page are live, and the best price is guaranteed.
Tenerife Whale Watching Season: When To Go
Here is the good news: there is no wrong month. The water between Tenerife and La Gomera is home to a resident colony of around 500 short-finned pilot whales and resident bottlenose dolphins, so boats spot animals all year round. On top of that, winter and spring bring visitors. From late December through April, migrating species pass the island, and in the peak months of January and February the variety is at its biggest, with chances of fin whales and even humpback whales. Summer gives you the calmest seas and the sunset trips. Whenever you come, book a few days ahead: the small boats fill first, in every season.
Whales In Tenerife: What You Can See
The star of every trip is the pilot whale. Around 500 of them live here permanently, resting at the surface by day and diving more than 300 meters at night to hunt squid. They grow up to six and a half meters and live around 45 years, and because they are residents, boats know exactly where to find them.

Pilot Whales, The Residents
Pilot whales live in family groups led by the older females. You will often see a mother with her calf swimming close together. They are calm around licensed boats, which is why sightings in Tenerife feel so close and personal.

Sperm Whales, The Lucky Sighting
The chance of meeting a sperm whale is around 8 percent, and it is unforgettable. They grow up to 16 meters and hunt giant squid in the deep. Many carry scars from those battles. If your captain spots one, you have a very good day.
Dolphin Watching Tenerife: The Playful Side
Where whales bring calm, dolphins bring the show. Around 40 percent of trips meet dolphins, and they often choose to come to the boat, riding the bow wave and jumping beside the deck. Two species live here all year.

Bottlenose Dolphins
De tuimelaar is a resident here and the largest dolphin on the coast: males reach 4 meters. They surface to breathe every few minutes, which makes them wonderful to follow from the deck.

Atlantic Spotted Dolphins
Smaller and faster, the spotted dolphin earns its name as it grows: adults are covered in little spots. They love long shallow jumps and racing past the bow of the boat.
One thing we are always honest about: swimming with dolphins is not possible in Tenerife. They are wild animals, and every licensed boat keeps a respectful distance. Watching them free in the Atlantic is the better experience anyway.
Whale Watching Tenerife Tour Route & Departure Points
Almost every whale watching Tenerife boat trip departs from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje or from Los Cristianos harbor. The map below shows the exact gates and the routes the boats take to the whale areas.
Tips To Prepare For Your Tenerife Boat Trip
Five small things that make a big difference on the water. Dress in light layers, because the ocean breeze feels cooler than the beach. Bring sunscreen and a hat, since the sun reflects off the water and burns faster than you expect. Binoculars are fun but optional: licensed boats get close enough to watch the whales with your own eyes. If you are sensitive to motion, take a seasickness tablet 30 minutes before departure, and read our seasickness guide for more tricks. And drink enough: almost every boat on this page includes free drinks, so that part is easy.
Licensed And Respectful Whale Watching
Every boat Club Canary works with holds the official Blue Boat license for whale watching in Tenerife. That flag means the captain follows strict rules: approach slowly, keep a respectful distance, never chase, and leave when the animals want quiet. You watch the whales on their terms, in their home, and that is exactly how it should be.
Private Boat Trips & Fishing
All trips on this page are shared. If you want the deck to yourselves, for a birthday, a proposal or just peace, Club Canary has a beautiful selection of private boat hire in Tenerife with captain. And if you would rather hunt than watch, the same waters are full of tuna and swordfish: join a Tenerife vis trip for beginners or pros.
Walvissen kijken FAQ
Welke walvissen en dolfijnen kan ik zien op Tenerife?
Grienden en tuimelaars leven het hele jaar door tussen Tenerife en La Gomera, waardoor ze tijdens de meeste tochten te zien zijn. Atlantische gevlekte dolfijnen komen ook veel voor. Met wat geluk kun je een potvis tegenkomen, en in de winter trekken migrerende soorten zoals vinvissen soms langs het eiland.
Wat is de beste tijd om walvissen te spotten op Tenerife?
Er is geen verkeerde maand, omdat de grienden en dolfijnen er permanent verblijven. De zomer brengt de kalmste zeeën en zonsondergangtochten, terwijl van eind december tot april daar migrerende walvissoorten bij komen. Ochtendvertrekken hebben meestal het rustigste water.
Welke walvisspotboot is de beste?
Als je vooral voor de dieren komt, kies dan voor een kleine boot zoals de Atlantic Star, de Kailani of de Opera 60. Als je een gezellig dagje uit met het hele gezin wilt, inclusief lunch en een feestelijke sfeer, dan is een grote catamaran zoals de Freebird een uitstekende keuze. Ons team helpt je graag bij het kiezen van de juiste boot voor jouw groep.
Is er een garantie om walvissen te zien?
Ja, bij de Atlantic Star kun je een optionele walvisgarantie afsluiten. Als je tijdens je tocht geen walvissen of dolfijnen ziet, mag je gratis nog een keer mee varen of krijg je je geld terug; alleen de kosten voor de garantie zelf worden niet terugbetaald. Het is de enige tocht op Tenerife met deze belofte.
Hoeveel kost walvisspotten in Tenerife?
De prijzen voor budgetboten beginnen bij ongeveer 13 € per kind en 24 € per volwassene, terwijl die voor premium boten voor kleine groepen oplopen tot ongeveer 83 € per volwassene. Bij bijna elke tocht zijn drankjes inbegrepen. Je boekt met een kleine aanbetaling en betaalt de rest op de dag zelf; met de code Club Canary krijg je de beste prijsgarantie.
Hoe lang duurt een walvisspottocht per boot?
De meeste tochten duren 2 tot 3 uur, wat lang genoeg is om de walvissen te bereiken, ze rustig te bekijken en te genieten van een zwemstop. Verschillende boten bieden ook varianten van 4,5 tot 5 uur aan die doorgaan naar de baai van Masca en de kliffen van Los Gigantes.
Kun je zwemmen met dolfijnen op Tenerife?
Nee. Walvissen en dolfijnen zijn hier in het wild en vergunde boten houden te allen tijde een respectvolle afstand. Veel tochten zijn echter inclusief een zwemstop in een kalme baai, dus je krijgt alsnog tijd in de oceaan.
Wat moet ik meenemen naar een walvistour?
Zonnebrandcrème, een hoed, een zonnebril en een lichte jas voor de zeebries. Als je gevoelig bent voor reisziekte, neem dan ongeveer 30 minuten voor vertrek een pil tegen reisziekte. Drankjes zijn op bijna elke boot inbegrepen.
Where do the boat trips depart from?
Most boats depart from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, and some from Los Cristianos harbor. Staying in Puerto de la Cruz or the north? The Freebird catamaran offers a trip with free coach pickup and drop-off.
What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?
Most boats allow free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 to 48 hours before departure. If the captain cancels a trip because of unsafe weather, you choose between a full refund or another day.
Do children pay less on whale watching trips?
Yes. Almost every boat has a lower child price, and babies often travel free. Family-friendly boats like the Peter Pan, Royal Delfin and Freebird are especially popular with kids.
Are the whale watching boats licensed?
Yes. Every boat Club Canary works with holds the official Blue Boat license for whale watching in Tenerife. That means trained captains, slow approaches, respectful distance and leaving the animals in peace when they want quiet.
Wat Onze Gasten Zeggen
Recente beoordelingen van echte gasten van Club Canary, automatisch bijgewerkt.
Not Sure Which Boat Fits You?
Tell us who is coming and what you want to see, and our local team picks the right boat with you. Real people in Costa Adeje, every day from 08:00 to 22:00.
Stel Ons Een Vraag Op WhatsAppClub Canary · Whale watching specialists in Costa Adeje since 2019.