Imagine sailing off the coast of Tenerife when suddenly a horde of dolphins appears from the waves! How could you fail to marvel at the beauty of this aquatic ballet and rediscover your inner child? The island is one of Europe’s top destinations for whale watching. Find out all our useful photo tips to optimize your chances of having an experience as memorable as ours:
- The best boat trips in Tenerife,
- The most suitable times of year,
- The various starting points for observation tours,
- Various species of aquatic animals.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Why take a dolphin and whale watching trip to Tenerife?
Is it worth it?
Totally, it’s one of the must-do activities on Tenerife! Dolphin and whale watching is excellent all year round, as the island is home to resident populations such as short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, with very high success rates on sea trips. From leisurely catamaran excursions to more dynamic speedboat trips, there’s a wide range of options for exploring the Atlantic Ocean at your own pace. During our catamaran outing, we were also impressed by the breathtaking view of the island’s coastline!
Top 3 dolphin and whale watching tours in Tenerife
Discover our top 3 whale-watching excursions in Tenerife. November to May is the best period if you want to maximize your chances of seeing large migratory species, although dolphins and pilot whales are present all year round. Most tours depart from the south of the island, where the water is deeper:
- From Costa Adeje: ecological catamaran cruise with swimming – our favorite! – see activity details.
- Departure from Los Cristianos: eco-yacht trip with swimming – see activity details.
- Departure from Los Gigantes: speedboat tour with swimming – see activity details.
WHERE TO STAY IN Tenerife
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Tenerife
- Our favorite: Hotel Corales Beach
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best hotels for families
- Best hotels in Seaside
- Best adults-only hotels
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
Select by city:
What species can you spot on Tenerife? When can I see them?
Whale and dolphin watching season
For guaranteed dolphin and pilot whale watching in excellent weather conditions, you can go all year round, especially in summer and early autumn. If you want to maximize your chances of spotting both dolphins and large migratory whales such as beaked or humpback whales, we recommend the period from November to May, with a peak in spring. This seasonality is explained by the migrations of large species that come to the deep waters off Tenerife during the cooler months. You’ll have the opportunity to observe an impressive diversity of cetaceans, depending on the period you choose for your stay!
Species on Tenerife
Up to 22 species of cetaceans can be found off the southwest coast of Tenerife, making it an important location for marine mammal watching. This area is home to year-round populations of bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales and fin whales, as well as several species of turtle. Among the species you’re likely to come across are the pilot whale, spotted dolphin, rough-toothed dolphin and, more rarely, Bryde’s whale, striped dolphin, sperm whale and northern bottlenose whale. You’ll be fascinated by the diversity and abundance of marine life in these rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean!
Best time of day
Mornings are the best time to head out to sea, as the ocean is often calmer, making cetacean watching easier and the experience more comfortable. Departures are still excellent all day long, thanks to the deep waters close to the coast, but it can get quite hot in the afternoon on the boat’s deck in midsummer. We recommend early morning departures if you are sensitive to seasickness, or if you are traveling during the summer months. Whatever time of day you choose, you’ll have a very good chance of seeing these magnificent marine animals!
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
Which boat and tour to choose to see dolphins in Tenerife?
Whether you prefer a peaceful seaside excursion or a more energetic getaway, you’ll find what you’re looking for among the many options available on Tenerife! The number of dolphin and whale watching tours on offer is very high, making it all the more difficult to make the right choice. We have a slight preference for catamarans or sailing boats, which offer a gentler, more authentic experience. Generally speaking, you should allow between 2 and 3 hours for this activity. To help you identify the tour best suited to your needs, find out more about the advantages of the different types of boat:
Advantages of an ecological catamaran: our favorite
- A boat that respects the environment and the cetaceans, which was particularly important to us.
- You can choose between 3-hour or 5-hour excursions. This gave us plenty of time to enjoy the island’s magnificent coastal scenery.
- Meals and drinks included.
- Swimming break in both cases.
- Underwater sound equipment for listening to the mysterious sounds of the ocean.
- Guaranteed whale and/or dolphin watching, or free postponement.
- Expert crew.
- Wide net at the bow of the boat for stretching out.
- Toilets on board.
Departing from Costa Adeje: see availability and book.
During our trip to Tenerife, we went in search of cetaceans aboard a catamaran. It was a memorable experience, as we came across a school of pilot whales! We highly recommend this option, especially if you enjoy being rocked by the waves.
Eco-yacht advantages
- Excellent value for money.
- Duration 2h.
- Eco-certified yacht with a low center of gravity to reduce seasickness.
- Certified “Blue Boat” by the Canary Islands government. This license is designed to protect travelers and marine animals, and to ensure compliance with strict regulations.
- Swimming break.
- Sunset tours also available.
- Professional crew.
- Toilets on board.
From Los Cristianos: see availability and book.
Whale watching at sunset: see availability and book.
Speedboat advantages
- Duration 2h.
- A boat that can cover long distances quickly.
- The adrenalin and sensation of speed are more intense than on a sailboat.
- The boat is low to the water, so the cetaceans can get as close to you as possible.
- Swimming break.
- 1 cold drink included.
From Los Gigantes: see availability and book.
Advantages of Viking boats
- Duration 2h.
- Viking ship “Ragnarok”.
- An original experience: the feeling of stepping back in time!
- Plenty of space on deck.
- Wheelchair accessible.
- Accompanied by a professional multilingual crew.
From Los Cristianos: see availability and book.
Pirate ship advantages
- Duration between 2 and 3 hours.
- A unique pirate-style boat that turns every cruise into a real adventure!
- Pleasant sailing sensation.
- Swimming break.
- Expert guide.
- Toilets on board.
From Los Gigantes: see availability and book.
From Los Cristianos: see availability and book.
Advantages of underwater window boats
- 16 large underwater windows to observe cetaceans underwater – a unique experience for young and old!
- Duration 2h.
- Indoor covered area.
- Panoramic upper deck.
- Wheelchair accessible.
- Professional crew.
- Toilets on board.
Departing from Costa Adeje: see availability and book.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
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Departure points for sea excursions in Tenerife
Sea trips generally start from the south of the island, where deep waters attract cetaceans close to the coast. This particular geographical configuration makes Tenerife an ideal place to observe marine mammals without having to spend hours sailing.
From the south of the island:
- Costa Adeje (Puerto Colón) – see available options.
- Los Cristianos – see available options.
- Los Gigantes – see available options.
Tips for enjoying your dolphin watching tour in Tenerife
Book at the right time
Book your excursion early as this is one of Tenerife’s favorite activities, so places go fast, especially during high season. Check availability here.
We recommend that you do this activity at the beginning of your trip , in case you don’t see any cetaceans on your first outing, as some tours offer a free carry-over (if you didn’t see any dolphins or whales the first time).
Respecting marine animals
During your encounter with cetaceans, respect a few essential rules to ensure the well-being of these marine animals:
- don’t feed them,
- do not approach closer than 100m,
- keep noise to a minimum,
- do not cross a group of whales,
- do not throw your garbage into the water,
- avoid sudden movements of the boat.
These precautions guarantee responsible and respectful observation of marine fauna. You’ll be helping to preserve this exceptional ecosystem for future generations!
Take warm clothing
Don’t forget to bring warm clothing with you on the boat, whatever the season. The wind in Tenerife can be intense, so you’ll quickly feel the chill when you’re out at sea. We recommend that you bring a vest to cover your arms and a towel to dry off after swimming. During winter, slip on a waterproof jacket to protect you from potential rain. We were delighted to have included a sweater, as the ocean breeze can be surprising once the boat is underway!
Protecting yourself from the sun
The boat may be buffeted by winds of varying strength, so you may not feel the intensity of the sun’s rays, and you may get burned. Apply sunscreen generously before setting off, and reapply after swimming. Don’t forget your feet, which are just as exposed as the rest of your body. Complete your protection with sunglasses and a hat! Reverberation off the water intensifies exposure to the sun, so it’s essential to protect yourself properly right from the start of your trip.
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Put on your swimsuit before the tour
If you’ve opted for a swimming excursion, don’t forget to put on your bathing suit before you even get on the boat! Generally speaking, there’s little room to change directly on board. What’s more, you’ll be the first to jump into the water! You don’t want to waste a second before diving into this magnificent setting, do you? We appreciated this simple tip, which enabled us to make the most of every bathing moment in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Anticipating seasickness
If you’re prone to seasickness, here’s some advice:
- move to the stern of the boat,
- stay outside the cabin to enjoy the fresh air,
- a light meal before the boat trip,
- look to the horizon,
- sip water slowly,
- prefer fast boats to catamarans.
These simple precautions will help you enjoy a pleasant experience, even if you are usually sensitive to the boat’s movements. Don’t hesitate to ask the crew for advice!
Immortalize the moment
Take your camera or smartphone with you. To avoid dropping your equipment in the water, there are cables that connect it to your wrist or neck. Marine animals move very quickly. We recommend that you photograph them several times, then add to your photo gallery only after the tour. And don’t forget to take pictures of the coastline, as Tenerife is a beautiful island. Above all, make the most of the moment and don’t forget to enjoy this extraordinary experience!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
