Whale Watching Tenerife

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

The bottlenose dolphin 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.

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 fishing trip for beginners or pros.

Whale Watching FAQ

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