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Whale Watching in Tenerife: Best Spots and Tips
Whale and Dolphin Watching in Tenerife
The waters off the southwest coast of Tenerife are one of the best places in the world to see whales and dolphins in the wild. This isn’t marketing hyperbole. The deep ocean channel between Tenerife and La Gomera is home to a resident population of around 500 short-finned pilot whales and 250 bottlenose dolphins that live here year-round. Sighting rates on boat excursions are close to 100% for pilot whales and over 70% for dolphins.
More than 20 species of cetaceans have been recorded in these waters. The resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are the stars of most trips, but depending on the season you might also encounter Atlantic spotted dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins, Bryde’s whales, sperm whales, and occasionally even fin whales or orcas.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what species you’ll see, which boat tours to choose, what to expect on the day, and how to book.
Why Tenerife Is So Good for Whale Watching
Tenerife isn’t just another whale watching destination. A few things make it genuinely exceptional:
Resident populations. The short-finned pilot whales that live off Costa Adeje don’t migrate. They’re here 365 days a year, feeding on squid in the deep waters close to shore. Tenerife’s underwater topography is what makes this possible. The island rises 8 kilometres from the ocean floor (4 km underwater, 4 km above sea level), creating steep underwater drop-offs just a short distance from the coast. These deep waters are rich in squid and other prey, which is why the pilot whales have made this their permanent home.
Extraordinary species diversity. Beyond the residents, the Canary Islands’ position in the Atlantic means that migratory and deep-ocean species regularly pass through. Up to 23 different cetacean species have been recorded in the area. May and June tend to be the best months for spotting rarer migratory species.
Year-round conditions. Thanks to Tenerife’s subtropical climate, boat excursions operate every day of the year. The sea conditions off the southwest coast are generally calm, making for comfortable trips even in winter. On average, boats can go out on around 8 out of every 10 days.
Strict conservation standards. Tenerife has become a reference point for ethical whale watching in Spain. Boats operating in the area must carry the “Blue Boat” (Bandera Azul) flag, which certifies their professional authorisation and commitment to responsible observation. Operators follow strict codes of conduct: maintaining safe distances, limiting the number of vessels near a pod, reducing engine noise, and positioning boats to avoid surrounding or chasing animals.
What Species Will You See?
Here’s what to expect on a typical whale watching trip off Costa Adeje:
Almost certain (residents, year-round):
Short-finned pilot whales (seen on around 99% of tours) and bottlenose dolphins (seen on 70%+ of tours). Pilot whales typically travel in matriarchal pods of 10 to 30 individuals. You’ll often see them resting at the surface, socialising, or diving to hunt squid at depths of 300 to 700 metres. In spring and summer, nursery pods with newborn calves are common.
Frequent (seasonal or migratory):
Atlantic spotted dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins, and Bryde’s whales. May and June are particularly good months for these species.
Occasional:
Sperm whales, fin whales, striped dolphins, common dolphins, and (rarely) orcas. You might also spot loggerhead and green sea turtles, flying fish, and various seabird species including shearwaters.
No trip can guarantee every species, but the resident pilot whales and dolphins are seen with near-certainty. The variety beyond that depends on the season and the day.
The Best Whale Watching Boat Tours from CanaryVIP
CanaryVIP offers several whale and dolphin watching boat trips, each with a different style, size, and price point. All operate from the south coast (Puerto Colón or Los Cristianos) and all use Blue Boat certified operators.
Freebird One Catamaran
The Freebird One is one of the most popular whale watching catamarans in Tenerife. It’s a large, stable boat with spacious sun decks, shaded areas, and comfortable seating. The trip includes drinks and snacks on board, and there’s a swimming/snorkelling stop in a calm bay after the whale watching section.
This is a great all-round option: big enough to be comfortable and stable (important if anyone in your group gets seasick), but well-run enough that you still get good close-up sightings. The crew are experienced at locating pods and positioning the boat respectfully. Duration is typically 3 hours.
Best for: families, first-timers, anyone wanting a comfortable trip with good whale watching and a swimming stop.
Royal Delfin
The Royal Delfin stands out for one feature: underwater viewing windows. Large glass panels below the waterline let you watch dolphins and pilot whales swimming beneath the boat, which is a perspective you won’t get on any other tour.
The boat also has open-air decks for surface viewing, and the crew provide guided commentary explaining the behaviour of the animals you encounter. Refreshments are included. Duration is around 3 hours.
Best for: families with children (kids love the underwater windows), anyone wanting a different perspective on the marine life.
Five Star Catamaran
The Five Star Catamaran is a premium option with a more luxurious feel. Think comfortable sunbathing areas, bar service, and a generally more relaxed, upscale atmosphere on board. The whale and dolphin watching is the same high standard (same waters, same species), but the overall experience is a step up in comfort.
The trip includes whale/dolphin watching, a swimming stop, food, and drinks. Duration is typically 3 to 4.5 hours depending on the option you choose.
Best for: couples, groups of friends, anyone who wants the whale watching experience combined with a premium boat trip.
SailBoat Charter
If you want a private experience, the SailBoat Charter Tenerife offers small-group or exclusive charters. You set the pace, choose the itinerary (whale watching, snorkelling, sunset cruise), and enjoy a personalised experience with just your group on board.
Private charters are more expensive than shared tours but offer something you can’t get on a larger boat: flexibility, privacy, and the undivided attention of the crew.
Best for: special occasions, small groups, couples wanting a private experience, anyone who prefers not to share a boat with strangers.
More Options
CanaryVIP offers additional whale watching and boat trip options beyond these four, including sailboat tours, other catamaran trips, and self-drive boat hire (no licence required). Browse the full range at CanaryVIP boat excursions.
What to Expect on the Day
A typical whale watching trip lasts 2 to 4.5 hours, depending on the tour you choose. Here’s how it usually goes:
You board at Puerto Colón marina (Costa Adeje) or Los Cristianos harbour. Most CanaryVIP tours include hotel pickup, so check when you book. The boat heads southwest into the deep channel between Tenerife and La Gomera, where the pilot whales and dolphins are concentrated.
The crew know these waters well and will slow down or stop the engines when a pod is spotted. Depending on the animals’ behaviour, the boat may drift alongside them for 15 to 30 minutes at a respectful distance. You’ll see pilot whales surfacing to breathe, socialising in groups, and sometimes diving (they can stay down for 10 to 12 minutes when hunting squid). Dolphins often swim alongside or ahead of the boat, sometimes in large playful groups.
After the whale watching, most tours include a swimming or snorkelling stop in a calm bay along the coast. Snorkelling equipment is usually provided. Drinks and snacks (or a light meal on premium tours) are served on board.
Throughout the trip, the crew provide information about the species you encounter, their behaviour, and the conservation efforts in the area. It’s educational without being heavy, and most people come away with a much deeper appreciation for these animals.
When Is the Best Time to Go?
Whale watching in Tenerife operates year-round. The resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins don’t migrate, so sightings are consistent across all twelve months. There’s no “whale watching season” in the way there is in places like Iceland or Norway.
That said, some periods have advantages:
April to October: Calmest seas, most comfortable boat conditions, and the widest variety of species. May and June are particularly good for spotting migratory species alongside the residents.
November to March: Still excellent for the resident species (pilot whales are seen on 99% of tours year-round). The sea can be slightly choppier on some days, and a few trips may be cancelled due to weather, but the vast majority still run. Winter is actually a lovely time for whale watching because the boats are less crowded.
Morning vs afternoon: Most operators offer trips throughout the day. There’s no strong consensus on whether morning or afternoon is “better” for sightings. Morning trips tend to have calmer seas and softer light (better for photography). Afternoon trips can catch beautiful late light over La Gomera.
Practical Tips
Book in advance. The most popular tours (especially Freebird One and Royal Delfin) sell out during peak season (July, August, December, and Easter). Booking ahead through CanaryVIP secures your spot and usually gets you a better price than buying at the harbour.
Bring sunscreen and a light jacket. Even on warm days, the breeze at sea makes it feel cooler than on land. A hat and sunglasses are essential. If you’re fair-skinned, you’ll burn faster on the water because of the reflection.
Seasickness. The waters off Costa Adeje are generally calm, but if you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication 30 minutes before boarding. Sitting towards the back of the boat and looking at the horizon also helps. Catamarans are more stable than smaller boats.
Camera tips. A phone with a decent zoom works fine for most people. If you have a camera, a 70-200mm lens is ideal. Remember that the boat is moving, so fast shutter speeds are your friend. Burst mode helps catch the moment a whale surfaces or a dolphin jumps.
What about children? Whale watching is one of the best family activities in Tenerife. Kids of all ages love it. The Royal Delfin with its underwater windows is especially popular with younger children. Most tours have no minimum age, but check with the operator.
Respect the animals. All licensed boats follow strict approach guidelines. Never throw anything into the water, keep noise to a minimum when near a pod, and follow the crew’s instructions. The best encounters happen when the animals choose to approach the boat on their own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I definitely see whales?
Nothing in nature is 100% guaranteed, but the resident pilot whale population is seen on approximately 99% of tours. Bottlenose dolphins are seen on over 70% of trips. The realistic answer is: yes, you will almost certainly see whales and very likely see dolphins.
Can I swim with dolphins in Tenerife?
No. Swimming with wild dolphins and whales is not permitted in the Canary Islands. This is a conservation regulation enforced to protect the animals. You can observe them from the boat at close range, and many tours include a separate swimming/snorkelling stop in a calm bay.
How long do the tours last?
Between 2 and 4.5 hours depending on the tour. Most of the popular options (Freebird One, Royal Delfin) are around 3 hours.
Where do the boats leave from?
Most tours depart from Puerto Colón marina in Costa Adeje or from Los Cristianos harbour. Both are on the southwest coast. Hotel pickup is included with most CanaryVIP bookings.
Is it suitable for young children?
Yes. Whale watching is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. The Royal Delfin’s underwater windows are a hit with kids. Most boats have shaded areas, toilets, and refreshments on board.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light jacket (it’s cooler at sea), camera, and seasickness medication if needed. Snorkelling gear is usually provided if the tour includes a swimming stop.
Do I need to book in advance?
Recommended, especially during peak season (summer, Christmas, Easter). Popular tours sell out. Book through CanaryVIP boat excursions for guaranteed best prices and hotel pickup.
What is the Blue Boat flag?
The “Bandera Azul” (Blue Boat) flag certifies that a whale watching operator is professionally authorised and follows strict environmental codes of conduct. All tours booked through CanaryVIP use Blue Boat certified operators.
Book Your Whale Watching Trip
CanaryVIP offers the widest selection of whale watching and boat excursions in Tenerife, from large catamarans to private charters. Every booking includes our Best Price Guarantee and most tours include hotel pickup from the main southern resorts.
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