Whale Watching Tenerife
Tenerife Best Whale Watching Trips
On this page, you can pick and book boat trips for the best whale watching in Tenerife. You’ll also learn lots about whales and dolphins, and get tips on how to see them up close. Club Canary offers the best prices, guaranteed. Booking is quick and easy. You just pay a small part now to reserve your spot, and the rest when you get on the boat. Enjoy easy and affordable whale watching with Club Canary.
Top 6 Boat Trips: Our All-Time Bestsellers
Discover our most popular picks below! These six boats are our top sellers, chosen frequently by our guests for their exceptional features and experiences. If you’re looking for more options, scroll down to explore our wider selection.
Tenerife Whale Watching
Hop on the Atlantic Star, one of the biggest sailing boats in Costa Adeje. At 15.68 meters long, it’s a special boat for a special experience: seeing whales!
Club Canary’s Special Whale Promise
We know you’re excited to see whales. So, we make a promise. If you don’t see any whales on your trip and you’ve paid an extra 10€ for our guarantee, you can either try the trip again for free or get your money back. Just remember, the 10€ for the guarantee isn’t returned.
A trip for everyone
The Atlantic Star is great for everyone! Couples can enjoy a romantic day out, and families will have fun too. Seeing whales is always special, no matter who you’re with.
Book in advance
The Atlantic Star is really popular. Often, it’s fully booked for more than a week. So, if you want to join, make sure to book your spot early.
Trip Essentials
- Best-Selling Whale Watching
- Max Capacity: 10 People
- Departing Harbor: Puerto Colón
Catamaran Boat Trips Tenerife
Freebird is well-known for its catamaran trips in Tenerife, especially for watching whales. They are famous at Puerto Colon for their catamaran excursions. These trips are usually great fun, but sometimes there can be many people on the catamaran, especially during holiday seasons.
Tenerife Freebird Catamaran Boat Trips
The Freebird boat company has 3 catamarans at its disposal. All catamarans have a VIP area, an open bar, toilets and also a comfortable seating area.
Different Boats Available
Depending on the tour and the number of bookings, you will travel in one of the following catamarans:
- Freebird One flagship: 28 m x 20 m
- Freebird F13: (Tahití 75) 22 m x 10 m
- Freebird F15 One4You: (Tahití 75) 22 m x 12 m
Trip Essentials
- Most Loved Boat Trip
- Max Capacity: Around 90 people
- Departing Harbor: Puerto Colón
Whale and Dolphin Watching Tenerife: Five Star Boat Tenerife Catamaran Experience
Set sail on a luxurious 4-hour journey aboard the renowned Five Star Boat Tenerife, departing from Marina del Sur from 13:30 to 17:30. This elegant catamaran is well-known for its exclusive VIP packages, featuring Balinese beds for a truly relaxing and premium experience. With ample space and a sophisticated atmosphere, it’s the ideal setting to observe Tenerife’s majestic marine life up close.
Luxury at Sea
Guests will enjoy gourmet meals and unwind in style, making the Five Star Boat Tenerife the top choice for those seeking an unforgettable, high-end adventure on the Canary Island waters. Embrace the beauty of nature with a touch of opulence on Tenerife’s premier whale and dolphin watching tour.
Trip Essentials
- A Boat Trip to Relax
- Max Capacity: Around 40 People
- Departing Harbor: Marina del Sur
Boat Trip Tenerife
For a spectacular boat trip in Tenerife, Opera 60 is a good choice. The Opera 60 is an 18.3-meter inflatable boat, a large size considering that it is a rib model.
Boat trip in style
The Opera 60 has been organizing whale safaris in style for a long time. But to avoid disappointment, it is important to mention that the boat can take a maximum of 12 customers per trip. Because of this reason, there is not always a guarantee to have sitting/lying places at the front of the boat.
Opera 60 is booked up quickly
This boat trip is recommended for young couples and groups of friends. Please note that during the summer and vacation periods, the Opera 60 is often fully booked 5 days in a row, so be sure to secure your spot as soon as possible.
Trip Essentials
- Affordable Luxury Boat Trip
- Max Capacity: 12 people
- Departing Harbor: Puerto Colón
Whale and Dolphin Watching in Tenerife: Kailani’s Premier Boat Trips
Embark on a journey with Kailani’s Tenerife boat trips, a haven for nature enthusiasts across all age groups. Our daily whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Garnering outstanding reviews, these trips are a favorite among visitors and tend to fill up quickly. To secure your spot on this memorable sailing adventure, we recommend booking as early as possible.
Sailing Tenerife
Kailani’s daily whale watching excursions are guided by a master. The captain is an expert in finding whales and dolphins, in addition he can sail very well. Just be aware, should you really want to enjoy a Tenerife sailing experience, it is better to rent the Kailani privately.
Magnificent sailing boat
The Kailani is a Dufour 410 that has earned a reputation as one of the top yacht models in Europe. The boat is 12.35 meters long and is one of the newest sailing yachts in Costa Adeje.
Trip Essentials
- Sailor’s Top Pick
- Max Capacity: 11 People
- Departing Harbor: Puerto Colón
Low Priced Tenerife Boat Trip
Sail on the Peter Pan for a fun Tenerife pirate ship adventure. This 2-hour trip is perfect for families, kids, or friends who want a short and easy boat ride without spending too much. Spot real whales and dolphins in their natural home while feeling like a true pirate! Enjoy an open bar onboard with drinks for adults and soft drinks for kids. There’s also a small swimming break so everyone can cool off and have fun in the Atlantic.
Pirate Ship Experience from Los Cristianos
The Peter Pan is designed like an old pirate ship and departs from Los Cristianos. It’s one of the most affordable whale watching tours with Club Canary, making it a great choice if you want a simple, fun, and budget-friendly experience.
Trip Essentials
- Best for families with kids and groups of friends
- Easy 2-hour tour with swimming break
- Includes open bar for drinks
- Departure Harbor: Los Cristianos
Book whale watching in Tenerife stress-free. Flexible changes or cancellations, usually at no extra cost. Check specific tour policies for details.
Tenerife Dolphin Watching
Tenerife dolphin spotting is potentially a show on this boat. The catamaran with its 16 panoramic underwater windows is a perfect choice for everyone: from marine life enthusiasts to curious children. These unique windows can give you the opportunity to admire dolphins or whales from a beautiful angle with some luck.
Boat Trips From Puerto Colón
Of the many possible boat trips from Puerto Colon, Royal Delfin stands out as no other boat has a similar underwater glass. Club Canary offers online the 2 most popular options from Royal Delfin. You can choose between a 3-hour trip or a 4.5-hour trip where you will also discover the beautiful bay of Masca and the cliffs of Los Gigantes.
Tenerife Whale Watching on a Boat With Underwater Vision
Royal Delfin is the only catamaran in Tenerife that allows you to observe whales and dolphins underwater. Should you be lucky enough to observe marine life from underwater it can turn out to be a truly unique experience.
Trip Essentials
- The Funniest Boat Trip
- Max Capacity: Around 90 People
- Departing Harbor: Puerto Colón
Tenerife Dolphin Boat Trip
The Sea Safari is a great choice for anyone looking for a Tenerife dolphin boat trip. This fast, eco-certified speedboat offers an exciting tour where you can often spot dolphins and sometimes whales. With a small-group setting, you’ll enjoy a more personal and dynamic marine adventure from Puerto Colón.
Puerto Colón Whale Watching
Sea Safari is one of the licensed Puerto Colón whale watching tours. The low-profile speedboat lets you get closer to whales and dolphins for amazing views and photo opportunities, all while respecting marine life.
Tenerife Zodiac Trip
This Tenerife zodiac boat trip is perfect for those wanting an adventurous yet comfortable way to see whales and dolphins. The fast speedboat ensures you reach the best marine areas quickly, and with a maximum of 11 passengers, it guarantees a more personal and intimate wildlife experience.
Trip Essentials
- Boat Trip with Amazing Views
- Max Capacity: 11 people
- Departing Harbor: Puerto Colón (Gate 3)
Boat Trips Costa Adeje
The Kalima boat is one of the boat trips available from Costa Adeje. This is a pleasant boat for whale watching because it is not too crowded. Cetaceans and other wildlife can be spotted during this boat trip.
Tenerife Catamaran Excursions
Kalima Kat is a Tenerife catamaran of medium size. The Kalima Cat catamaran will depart from Costa Adeje on an unforgettable whale watching experience.
Sunbathing and snorkeling
During the Kalima boat trip, you will have enough time to tan, since there are various sunbathing places. Snorkeling equipment is also available on the boat so you can explore the sea on your own.
Trip Essentials
- A Day to Relax
- Max Capacity: 23 People
- Departing Harbor: Puerto Colón
Tenerife Whale Watching Experience
If you are looking for a special Tenerife whale watching experience this is the ship. This themed boat excursion began in 2017. With its eye-catching design and crew dressed as vikings, it became a Tenerife boat trip adventure hit among families.
Los Cristianos Boat Trips
When you get close to the port of Los Cristianos you cannot avoid seeing the Viking boat. This is probably the most extraordinary Los Cristianos boat trips. The viking boat experience is not only about spotting whales and dolphins. You can also enjoy viking games, including archery, sword fighting and much more.
Trip Essentials
- Enjoy A Viking Boat Trip
- Max Capacity: Around 80 people
- Departing Harbor: Los Cristianos
Eco Whale Watching Tenerife
Eco whale watching in Tenerife is possible on the White Tenerife catamaran. The White Tenerife catamaran is an eco-customized catamaran for sustainable sailing designed by Fountaine Pajot with a length of 20 meters and a maximum capacity of 74 people.
Eco Catamaran
The White Tenerife catamaran is a Fountaine Pajot model and it is one of the most modern Catamaran in Tenerife. Powered by wind energy and solar panels, it is a fully ecological catamaran, the only one that can boast an electric drive unit to reduce its carbon footprint.
Boat Trips Tenerife Costa Adeje
The White Tenerife offers 2 boat trips departing from Costa Adeje. One of the boat tours is a 3-hour whale-watching trip, including delicious snacks and drinks. In addition, a 5-hour whale-watching trip with paella on board. During the 5-hour boat trip you will sail from Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje to admire the beautiful cliffs of Los Gigantes and swim in Masca Bay.
Listen to whales during the boat excursion
The White Tenerife has an underwater sound system and Bose speakers on deck for listening to cetaceans (also suitable as a music system) and it is very convenient. It has a large sun deck with nets for sunbathing and a terrace with benches overlooking the sea with sun beds.
Trip Essentials
- Perfect For A Family Day
- Max Capacity: Around 80 People
- Departing Harbor: Puerto Colón
Whale Watching Tenerife Costa Adeje
The Shogun is a top choice for whale watching in Tenerife from Costa Adeje. The whale watching trip from Costa Adeje promises to be a great experience on the Shogun boat. This trip includes whale watching, food, drinks and a refreshing swim session to enjoy the Tenerife coast.
Pirate Ship in Puerto Colón
This vessel was built in hard wood, which gives it a true pirate ship touch. This pirate vessel was built for an Arabian Sheikh giving it additional prestige and importance. Get on board this amazing vessel and get the full pirates of the Caribbean experience on the Canary Islands.
Puerto Colón Boat Trips
The Shogun is a ship moored in the port of Puerto Colon that is hard to miss because of its appearance. Of the different Puerto Colon boat trips, Shogun is a popular choice for whale watching in Tenerife. The reason is because the 5-hour boat trip is relatively inexpensive, and is perfect for families with children.
Trip Essentials
- A Pirate Experience
- Max Capacity: Around 80 people
- Departing Harbor: Puerto Colón
Catamaran Boat Trip Tenerife
This boat trip is a good choice for families and friend groups. The catamaran has some areas to sit in the shade and to sunbathe. It makes very little noise, which allows you to observe the whales in silence.
Catamaran Puerto Colon
The Maxicat Catamaran was built in La Rochelle, France, and came to Tenerife in 2000. After the Freebird boat, it is the largest catamaran in Puerto Colón.
Different tours from Maxicat catamaran
Maxicat catamaran offers 2 different whale watching tours. The normal trip takes 3 hours and is normally enough to spot wild life. The 5 hour trip continues to Masca providing a unique whale watching experience.
- A 5-hour trip with drinks and buffet included.
- A 3- hour trip with drinks and snacks included.
Trip Essentials
- 3 or 5 Hours Boat Trip
- Max Capacity: Around 70 People
- Departing Harbor: Puerto Colón
Costa Adeje Boat Trips
The Monte Cristo catamaran is one of the top Costa Adeje boat trips. Because of the pleasant atmosphere on board, the quality of the food and drinks and the good service, the Monte Cristo is often booked. This applies to both the regular trips and the private boat version, so book well in advance.
Whale Watching Tenerife South
Whale watching in Tenerife south on this boat is a good choice for those looking for a shared tour where quality and service matters too. The catamaran sets out with a minimum of 2 staff and always has fresh snacks and drinks on board.
Trip Essentials
- Top Boat Trip
- Max Capacity: 20 people
- Departing Harbor: Puerto Colón
Whale Watching Costa Adeje
The Skyline sailboat is our most economical sailboat tour of Costa Adeje. For people who don’t like being on a catamaran with lots of people, but also don’t want to spend too much money, this is a top choice.
About the Skyline sailboat in Tenerife
The Skyline is a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37.2. The boat is 11.40 meters long. Skyline has cushion to lie on in the front of the boat and seating in the back in shade.
Trip Essentials
- Most Economical Sailboat
- Max Capacity: 11 People
- Departing Harbor: Puerto Colón
Whale And Dolphin Tours Tenerife
The Abrazo Catamaran has been organizing whale and dolphin tours of Tenerife for many years. But in 2022, this catamaran has been completely renovated. The boat now has a new look and even new additions.
Tenerife Boat
The Abrazo catamaran is a unique Tenerife boat. This is because of the spectacular addition to the Abrazo catamaran which is a glass deck. In addition to its elegant appearance, with any luck you can admire the sea life through this glass.
Catamaran with top service
Abrazo only takes a small group of tourists on each trip. This allows them to offer the quality and service of each Tenerife whale watching excursion at the highest possible level.
Trip Essentials
- A Comfortable Catamaran
- Max Capacity: 11 people
- Departing Harbor: Puerto Colón
Explore our tabs to learn all about whale watching in Tenerife! Find out about different whales and dolphins, see where to watch them, and get ready for your trip. Start your adventure here!
Whale Watching FAQ
What types of whales and dolphins can I see in Tenerife?
In Tenerife, you can often spot bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins. For whales, pilot whales are a common sighting year-round, and with some luck, you might see sperm whales.
Can I swim with dolphins during the whale watching tours?
No, swimming with dolphins isn’t possible as they are wild animals. The tours focus on observing them respectfully without disturbing their natural habitat.
What should I bring to a Tenerife whale watching tour?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, binoculars (optional), and motion sickness medication if prone to seasickness. Drinks are usually included, but stay hydrated.
Are there any whale-sighting guarantees on these tours?
Yes, Club Canary offers a whale-sighting guarantee on certain trips, like the Atlantic Star Boat, ensuring the best possible experience.
What are the discounts available for whale watching in Tenerife?
Club Canary offers up to -30% online discounts on popular boat trips like Atlantic Star, Kailani, Opera 60, and more.
When is the best time to book a whale watching tour in Tenerife?
Book early, especially for small group tours or specific dates. Boats can be fully booked days or weeks in advance, especially during high season.
What happens if the weather is bad on my booked tour day or if I need to cancel?
Club Canary provides flexible cancellations with 24 to 48-hour policies for most boats, allowing free rescheduling or cancellation. In case of unsafe weather, choose a full refund or another day.
What is the best place to book whale watching in Tenerife?
Club Canary is an excellent choice for booking whale watching trips due to its wide selection of tours, extensive customer reviews, and exceptional service. They not only offer competitive pricing but also a best price guarantee, often providing rates that are lower than booking directly with the boat operators themselves.
Is it true that whales pull squid to the surface, causing their heads to explode?
No, this is a myth. Both Sperm Whales and Pilot Whales, which are commonly seen in the Canary Islands, dive deep to hunt squid, their preferred prey. These whales are well-adapted to the high-pressure environment of the deep sea, just like the squid they hunt. The notion that a squid’s head would explode due to pressure changes when brought to the surface is not accurate. Typically, these whales consume their prey at depth, rather than bringing them to the surface.
Tenerife Whale Watching Season
The Tenerife whale watching season typically runs from late December through April. During this time, various species of whales and dolphins can be seen off the coast of the island, including pilot whales, sperm whales, and bottlenose dolphins. The peak Tenerife whale watching season is usually in January and February, when the largest number of whales can be seen. However, it’s important to note that the exact timing of the whale watching season in Tenerife can vary from year to year depending on a variety of factors such as weather conditions and migration patterns of the whales.
Whales in Tenerife
Tenerife is known for its diverse population of whales and dolphins. Some of the most common species of whales you may encounter when you book whale watching excursions in Tenerife with Club Canary are: Pilot whales, Sperm whales, Fin whales and Humpback whales. The biggest chances you have of seeing during your Tenerife boat trip are pilot whales and with some luck the sperm whales we will tell you more about them below.
Pilot whales
The most famous whale species that you can encounter year-round near Tenerife are the pilot whales. Pilot whales are often spotted in large groups and can grow up to about six and a half meters and have a life span of around 45 years. The favorite snacks of the pilot whales around the Canary Islands are giant squids, which they often catch at depths of over 300 meters. The main danger for pilot whales around the Canary Islands are large boats like ferries that cannot change their track and killer whales. Orcas usually pass by the Canary Islands several times a year for a short period and prey on infant pilot whales.
Sperm whales
One amazing sight for your eye to encounter are sperm whales. These whales are not often spotted on whale watching excursions in Tenerife, but the chances of seeing them are somewhere around 8%. Sperm whales can grow up to 16 meters long. Like pilot whales, sperm whales hunt giant squid. They are said to be natural enemies of each other, and you often see scars on the sperm whales because of a fight with the squid. The greatest danger to sperm whales around the Canary Islands is ferry traffic and orcas. Although the adult sperm whales can defend themselves well, the calves are vulnerable until they are big enough. Another interesting fact is that in the past, pilot whales have also been found to have attacked sperm whales and shown aggressive behavior.
Dolphin Watching Tenerife Costa Adeje: An Unforgettable Experience
Dolphin Watching Tenerife Costa Adeje offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe dolphins in their natural habitat. Unlike the serene whale watching experiences, dolphins bring a dynamic energy to your boat trip. Known for their playful nature, dolphins frequently swim alongside boats, showcasing their agility with impressive jumps out of the water. This active display makes dolphin watching in Tenerife a must-do for visitors.
Dolphin Encounters in Tenerife: Ethical and Exciting
In Tenerife, the chance to spot dolphins alongside whales adds a thrilling dimension to your sea adventure. With sightings possible all year round, about 40% of boat trips encounter these fascinating creatures. The bottlenose and spotted dolphins are the most common species observed. While many enthusiasts inquire about swim with dolphins in Tenerife, it’s important to respect these wild animals and preserve their natural environment. Club Canary’s boat trips, primarily departing from Costa Adeje, are designed with this respect in mind, offering close encounters without disrupting the peace of these magnificent creatures.
Bottlenose Dolphin
The bottlenose dolphin is common in Tenerife, so much so that it is considered a resident species. It is the best known of the dolphins, being the largest of its species. It is gray with a white belly. Males grow up to 4 meters long and weigh 600 kg; females are slightly smaller. Bottlenose dolphins usually live to be 40-60 years old. Although they live underwater, bottlenose dolphins must come to the surface to breathe air. They can hold their breath underwater for about seven minutes. Spotting bottlenose dolphins on a Tenerife boat trip is an awesome experience.
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin
The Atlantic spotted dolphin is very similar to the bottlenose dolphin, but can be distinguished from it by the tiny spots that appear on its skin as an adult. The spotted dolphin can be observed on our whale and dolphin watching tours in Tenerife. The Canary Islands’ deep marine ecosystem and marine currents create a perfect environment for spotted dolphins to hunt and feed. They are usually active with long shallow jumps and often ride the bow past the boat.
Discover the Best Whale Watching Tenerife Tour Route
Club Canary presents a detailed map showcasing the departure points for the best whale watching Tenerife boat trips. Additionally, you’ll discover the routes taken to spot whales and dolphins, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Boat Trips in Tenerife
Here are some tips to help you prepare for one of the Tenerife whale watching tours.
- Dress in layers: The weather on the ocean can change quickly. Therefore, it is important to dress in layers that you can easily add or remove, depending on the temperature and the time you go on a boat trip.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat: The sun in the Canary Islands can be intense on the water, so it is important to protect yourself from sunburns.
- Bring binoculars: Binoculars will help you get a better look at the Tenerife whales and hopefully other wildlife you may see on the trip. If you don’t have these, do not worry normally the boat gets close enough to admire the whales and dolphins with your naked eyes.
- Bring motion sickness medication: If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s a good idea to bring medication or other remedies to help prevent it. You can find more tips to prevent it in our seasickness blog.
- Drink enough: It can be tremendously hot in the Canary Islands. It is therefore important to drink enough during your Tenerife boat trip. The good news is that just about every boat trip offered by Club Canary on this page has water and other drinks included.
Boat Trips Tenerife
All Tenerife boats that Club Canary works with, operate with respect for environmental regulations and have been awarded the Blue Flag, a recognition for their ecological compliance. This recognition means that you can observe whales and dolphins in a sustainable and respectful way. The purpose of Tenerife whale and dolphin watching boat trips is to admire and study the animals and disturb them as little as possible.
Boat Tour Tenerife
You can spot whales and dolphins in Tenerife all year round. With this in mind, we recommend booking your Tenerife boat tours in advance, regardless of the time of year. In high season, popular Tenerife boat trips can be fully booked weeks in advance, so you should book in advance to ensure a place on board. In low season, booking in advance ensures that we have the minimum number of people needed to organize the Tenerife whale and dolphin excursion.
Private Boat Trips
Whale excursions on this page are shared trips Tenerife boat trips. If you are looking for more luxury and privacy, you can opt for a private boat trip. Club Canary has a great selection of boat hire in Tenerife with a captain. Currently, this is a very popular way to experience something extra special and put together a trip to your liking. If you have money to spend or something to celebrate, a private boat trip in Tenerife is definitely worthwhile.
Fishing trips
In addition to people booking boat trips to spot whales and dolphins, Tenerife’s waters are also rich with fish. Visitors can go fishing in Tenerife to catch tuna, swordfish and other species. Boats and equipment are provided and trips can be arranged for both experienced and novice fishermen.