Unlock the Secrets of Swimming with Dolphins in the Canary Islands!

Club Canary, a highly-rated local tour company dedicated exclusively to the Canary Islands, organizes unforgettable experiences daily for tourists looking to swim with dolphins in Tenerife, as well as in Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. We often receive inquiries about whether one can swim with dolphins in these locations. To address these questions and promote responsible tourism, we’ve crafted this guide. Here, you’ll discover why traditional swimming with dolphins is discouraged, alongside ethical alternatives for enjoying the magnificent marine life around the islands.

Scenic view of dolphins swimming near the coast of Tenerife, illustrating the serene environment ideal for those interested in the concept of 'Swim with dolphins Tenerife', but emphasizing watching rather than swimming.

Guidelines for Dolphin Encounters in the Canary Islands

Swimming with dolphins might sound like a dream, but we must treat wildlife with respect. The Canary Islands, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote, are known for their amazing wildlife experiences in the Atlantic Ocean. This article explains the rules and what you should expect when interacting with dolphins in these beautiful places. We want to make sure your visit is both enjoyable and respectful.

Discover the Dolphins of the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are home to a diverse array of dolphin species, making dolphin watching a popular activity. Here are some of the dolphins you might see on your boat tours:

  • Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): Famous for their friendly behavior, these dolphins are often seen close to the coast and are one of the most commonly sighted species in the region.
  • Atlantic Spotted Dolphin (Stenella frontalis): Known for their playful nature, these dolphins inhabit warmer waters and are typically seen in large pods around the islands.
  • Short-Finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus): Although named a whale, this species is actually a type of dolphin. They are often found in deeper waters around the Canary Islands.
  • Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba): Easily recognizable by their distinctive blue and white stripes, these dolphins are commonly seen during offshore boat tours. They are smaller but easily spotted due to their unique markings.
  • Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis): Known for their distinctive hourglass pattern, Common Dolphins are often seen in large groups and add to the rich marine biodiversity of the islands.

 

Bottlenose dolphin leaping from the Atlantic Ocean near the Canary Islands, showcasing the playful nature and agility of this common marine mammal found in local waters.

Swim with Dolphins Tenerife: Understanding Ethical Encounters

Although you cannot swim with dolphins in Tenerife, you can enjoy watching these magnificent creatures from a respectful distance during our Tenerife dolphin watching tours. These tours allow you to experience dolphins in their natural habitat without disturbing their routines or safety.

Dolphins leaping gracefully near a tourist boat in Tenerife, showcasing the thrill of dolphin watching in Tenerife with boat. Wondering, "Can you swim with dolphins in Tenerife?" While swimming isn't allowed, the close encounters on these tours offer an incredible experience.

Responsible Dolphin Encounters in Tenerife

While direct swimming with wild dolphins is prohibited in Tenerife to protect their natural habitat, you can still have a respectful and educational interaction with these intelligent creatures at Aqualand Tenerife. The park offers dolphin interaction programs that are designed to be enlightening and engaging, ensuring the safety and well-being of the dolphins. These encounters take place in specially designed dolphin enclosures under the supervision of trained professionals.

Unique Dolphin Encounters at Loro Parque

For a different type of dolphin experience, visit Loro Parque. Renowned for its spectacular dolphin shows, Loro Parque provides a unique opportunity for select audience members to enjoy an up-close experience with dolphins aboard a motorboat that glides into the dolphin pool, all within the bounds of ethical animal interaction guidelines.

Dolphins - Loro Parque

Gran Canaria Swim with Dolphins: Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Like Tenerife, in Gran Canaria, swimming with dolphins is not permitted to protect their natural environment. However, Gran Canaria dolphin watching trips offer a chance to observe these animals in a manner that ensures both your enjoyment and their well-being.

Back view of people on a red catamaran Gran Canaria witnessing whales diving up

Can You Swim with Dolphins in Fuerteventura?

Swimming with dolphins is not allowed in Fuerteventura. Instead, we provide guided Fuerteventura dolphin watching excursions, where you can learn about dolphins and enjoy sightings of these playful animals along the coast.

The photo shows the "Magic Dolphin Fuerteventura" boat from a side angle as it travels through the water. It’s a sizable, dual-hulled vessel with a covered seating area in the center and an open deck at the front. The boat has distinctive marine-themed graphics, including stylized dolphins on its side. Passengers are visible, some seated under the canopy and others standing at the bow, likely enjoying the ocean view or perhaps looking out for dolphins. The water is deep blue, and the wake behind the boat is white and frothy, indicating a good cruising speed. The boat seems well-equipped for a dolphin-watching tour.

Swimming with Dolphins Lanzarote: Ethical Guidelines

In Lanzarote, we emphasize respecting wildlife. While you cannot swim with dolphins, joining our Lanzarote dolphin watching tours can be a profound way to connect with marine life without impacting their natural state.

Family laying on the F40 catamaran Lanzarote and watching the sea

Commitment to Marine Conservation Across the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a haven for marine life, including a diverse range of dolphin species. By participating in responsible wildlife tourism, you contribute to the conservation efforts that help maintain the islands as a sanctuary for future generations.

Each of our recommended tours adheres to strict environmental guidelines to ensure that we do not disrupt the dolphins’ natural lifestyle. We invite you to join us in experiencing the beauty of the Canary Islands’ marine life responsibly.

Penalties and Ethics of Swimming with Dolphins in the Canary Islands

Throughout the Canary Islands—Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura—it’s illegal to disturb marine mammals like dolphins. While it might be a dream for many to swim with these majestic creatures, such actions are considered harassment under local and international laws. Engaging with dolphins in their natural habitat can lead to hefty fines and disrupt their natural behaviors, which is harmful to their well-being.

We know renting a boat might seem like a good chance to get close to dolphins, especially since you can rent boats without a license from Club Canary. However, we strongly advise against jumping into the water with dolphins or whales. Not only is there a risk of penalties, but interacting too closely with wild animals can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

Caution: The Risks of Close Encounters with Marine Wildlife

Instead of swimming with them, we encourage you to admire these wonderful animals from a safe distance. By choosing responsible wildlife tours offered by Club Canary, you help protect the dolphins and contribute to conservation efforts. Check out our ethical whale and dolphin watching tours in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote to experience these incredible creatures in a way that respects their freedom and safety.

A dolphin is captured in mid-leap above the ocean's surface. Water is cascading off its body as it breaks through the water, creating a dynamic splash.

Conclusion

We hope you found this guide useful. If you’re planning to visit the Canary Islands and want to see dolphins and whales responsibly, we’ve got a treat for you!

Select the island you’re visiting from the options below and sign up for our newsletter. You’ll get a special discount on your first boat trip and lots more useful tips. Also, check out our YouTube channel at Club Canary to see playlists of boat trips across each Canary Island. Experience the stunning wildlife of the Canary Islands and make memories to cherish forever.

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