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Whale watching in Tenerife represents one of the finest activities possible in the Canary Islands since its waters hold perfect circumstances to encourage all varieties of sea life. For this reason, a whale and dolphin sighting tour is one of the best things to do in Tenerife. That is why we propose it in both, our one-week itinerary to Tenerifeand our 5-days itinerary to Tenerife.
Depending upon the time one visits, it is possible to observe as many as twenty-one distinct whale species around the Canary Islands. Therefore, if viewing whales in Tenerife is desired, this guide will provide information about the best tours, as well as the optimal times and locations. It is also possible to rent a vessel in Tenerifeand independently explore its waters, but booking an excursion is recommended to improve the chances of seeing whales.
We undertook this 5 hour excursion and really enjoyed the experience! The tour started from Costa Adeje, and we spent a few hours exploring around Tenerife until we identified the perfect location to see these magnificent creatures living freely in their normal habitat.
This environmentally conscious tour, similar to others in the guide, was very thoughtful of the surroundings and importantly, the whales. They utilize suitable watercraft, and the captain maintains a safe distance so as not to disturb or harm the whales.
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Top Tenerife whale-watching tours
There are many outings within Tenerife that I propose, although only a few are as impressive as these whale and dolphin-watching tours. Most whale and dolphin trips in Tenerife depart from Costa Adeje or the port of Los Gigantes. Best of all, one can see these beautiful creatures practically anytime due to the prime water conditions in the Canary Islands.
Since there are several whale watching tours in Tenerife, below you’ll find the better options. Most of them allow retaking the tour without cost if whales are not seen the initially. Recall, these are untamed creatures living freely in the sea, so their motions are unpredictable. That said, these tour operators have years of experience organizing these trips, so they know the spots with the highest probabilities of seeing cetaceans.
- Whale watching in Tenerife with underwater glimpses
- Eco-cruise with dolphin and whale-watching in Tenerife
- Spotting dolphins and whales from a luxury boat in Tenerife
- Inexpensive Tenerife whale watching tour with snorkeling
- Marine tours of whales and dolphins from Tenerife by catamaran
- Whale-watching off Tenerife from Los Gigantes
1. Whale watching in Tenerife with underwater views (3 hours)
If you’re looking for an excellent whale-watching tour in Tenerife, one of the top options is this excursion, which takes place on a catamaran possessing underwater viewing areas.
The tour begins in Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje, and lasts between two to three hours based on the selection made. Choosing the three-hour option includes a lunch and a beer or sangria. This selection also has a brief period where swimming in the sea is possible.”
In addition to viewing dolphins and whales in Tenerife, you’ll also enjoy beautiful perspectives of Costa Adeje, Guía de Isora, and Santiago del Teide. The crew will also share intriguing facts regarding the different varieties of whales present in Tenerife that you’ll observe.
Also, I suggest going below the boat’s deck to obtain an underwater perspective of dolphins and whales swimming in the sea.
- Highlights: Catamaran ride with underwater views to see dolphins and pilot whales
- Departure point: Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Price: $26
- Description: Participants will board a catamaran and view underwater wildlife from below deck during a two or three-hour excursion. Both experiences provide lunch, beer, or sangria, while the longer tour allows a brief ocean swim .
2. Eco-cruise with dolphin and whale-watching in Tenerife (5 hours)
Another excellent whale and dolphin boat excursion in Tenerife is this tour that we participated in, which is one of the ideal means for observing cetaceans in their natural habitat. It’s an experience that I entirely suggest since the cruise demonstrates optimum respect for the environment and marine creatures. During our excursion, we were fortunate enough to see numerous dolphins and a pod of pilot whales, representing one of my most treasured memories from our trip to the Canary Islands.
The excursion begins in Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje, providing two options for its duration: a three hour tour or a five hour trip, which was our selection. Both choices include food and drinks, yet the longer outing adds visits to Los Gigantes and Masca Bay. Regardless of which tour alternative is chosen, you’ll be permitted to retake it without cost if cetaceans aren`t spotted the first time.
During the tour, you’ll sail to the Teno-Rasca sanctuary, which safeguards vulnerable marine species and habitats in Tenerife. From here, you’ll have beautiful views of Las Américas Beach and Los Cristianos Beach, and maybe even Mount Teide if it’s clear. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best whale-watching excursions in Tenerife.
- Highlights: Teno-Rasca sanctuary, Las Américas Beach, Los Cristianos Beach, Los Gigantes, and Masca Bay
- Departure point: Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje
- Duration: 3-5 hours
- Price: $49
- Description: Take a cruise on an environmentally-friendly catamaran to the protected Teno-Rasca sanctuary and enjoy meals and drinks onboard. There is a 3-hour option or a 5-hour option including a visit to Los Gigantes and Masca Bay. You can repeat the trip at no extra cost if you don`t see any dolphins or whales the first time .
3. Dolphin and whale watching in Tenerife on a luxury yacht (3 hours)
For those seeking a more exclusive tour to sight whale species in Tenerife, then contemplate this excursion aboard a luxury yacht.
This 3-hour cruise is reserved for small groups, allowing you to get the best views possible. Additionally, the yacht has cutting-edge sonar technology permitting you to listen to the melodic songs of the whales and the clicks made by dolphins.
Not only does this excursion offer some of the best whale observations in Tenerife, but it also includes a snorkeling session where you can swim among the sea turtles and other marine life. You’ll also be able to enjoy onboard snacks and drinks free of charge.
- Highlights: Luxury yacht tour with state-of-the-art sound technology and a snorkeling session with turtles
- Departure point: Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: $71
- Description: Board a luxury yacht and enjoy a few hours of whale-watching. This is a small-group tour, although a private option is available. The excursion includes snacks and drinks, as well as a snorkeling session with turtles .
4. Cheap Tenerife whale watching tour with snorkeling (2 hours)
If searching for a more affordable opportunity, conduct this two-hour excursion. This Tenerife whale watch adventure departs from the harbor of Los Cristianos and travels along the shore seeking cetaceans. The captain will maintain a safe distance from the whales, dolphins, and other animals to be respectful of their environment and safety.
In addition to observing dolphins and whales in Tenerife, this excursion incorporates a stop at the notable “Cave of Love,” where scenic views of the island can be enjoyed. The boat will also pause at the Cave of Love to allow snorkeling and witnessing the magnificent underwater terrain. It’s undoubtedly one of the best choices for those with limited time or budget yet still wanting to experience a whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife.
- Highlights: Whale and dolphin viewing, and snorkeling in the “Cave of Love”
- Departure location: Los Cristianos port
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: $22
- Description: Take a Tenerife whale watching trip with beautiful coastline views and a snorkeling session in the “Cove of Love.
5. Tenerife whale watch and dolphin sightings by catamaran (3 hours)
Another excellent choice for travelers wanting to enjoy a whale watching tour in Tenerife is this excursion, which begins in Puerto Colón, in Costa Adeje. Following departure, you’ll travel along the southwest coast of Tenerife, an area where dolphins and pilot whales are generally found throughout the complete year.
Of course, if you don’t see any marine mammals the first time, you can retake this tour free of charge. Another cool thing about this boat journey is that you’ll stop at Espagueti Beach to enjoy a refreshing swim or snorkeling adventure. This Tenerife whale safari also incorporates free onboard refreshments.
For those who have not sailed on a catamaran before, I strongly recommend this excursion as it provides a really enjoyable experience, especially when cheerful dolphins swim alongside the boat!
- Highlights: Whale and dolphin viewing including a stop at Espagueti Beach for snorkeling.
- Departure point: Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Price: $34
- Description: Enjoy a tour to watch whales in Tenerife and snorkel at Espagueti Beach. During the catamaran excursion, you can also appreciate beautiful views of the southwest coast of Tenerife while sipping onboard drinks .
6. Whale-watching in Tenerife from Los Gigantes (3 hours)
There are many activities to partake in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which is the city where we stayed during our exploration of northern Tenerife. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you’ll find essentially everything: historical monuments, beautiful beaches, and diverse recreational options.
The excursion departs from Los Gigantes and La Caleta, and you’ll travel in a small group by sailboat. With fewer individuals on the boat, you’ll be able to get the best views and fully experience the beautiful scenery. If weather permits, you can even assist in hoisting the sails of the boat.
Your captain will escort you to locations where chances of observing whales and dolphins in Tenerife are highest, and a brief stop will be made to enjoy refreshing swimming or snorkeling in the sea. In addition, you`ll receive free onboard drinks and spectacular views of surrounding cliffs, so it`s the best whale-watching tour in Tenerife from Los Gigantes.
- Highlights: Whale and dolphin watching from a sailboat with a stop for snorkeling
- Departure point: Los Gigantes
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: $71
- Description: Take a small group sailing tour to see cetaceans in Tenerife and enjoy a snorkeling adventure. During the excursion, you can also enjoy beautiful views of the cliffs and enjoy complimentary onboard beverages.
Best time to see whales in Tenerife
A regularly posed question relates to identifying the optimal time period for whale watching excursions off the coast of Tenerife. Given its strategic geographic location, it is possible to observe cetaceans like dolphins and pilot whales that inhabit the waters around the Canary Islands throughout the year, not confined to any single season.
However, to observe a more comprehensive variety of species, the peak time framing to see whales in Tenerife falls in the winter and spring seasons. This is when most dolphins and whales migrate through the waters, notably baleen whales, blue whales, and minke whales.
So, while you’ll have the greatest success if you go whale spotting in Tenerife in the winter or spring, you should have no trouble seeing marine mammals throughout the year.
Where to see whales in Tenerife
Another regularly asked question is the place to take whale watching trips in Tenerife. While Tenerife is considered the best island in the Canary Islands for whale watching excursions, most tours depart from the southern region of the island specifically from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje. Though a handful of trips leave from the ports of Los Gigantes or Los Cristianos as well.
Whale watching in south Tenerife
If you partake in observing whales in the southern region of Tenerife, you`ll likely depart from Puerto Colón, in Costa Adeje. This is one of the most popular parts of the island since Siam Park and , two of the highest rated places to visit in southern Tenerife, are situated here. You can also find many charming villages, delicious eateries, and cozy lodgings here, so it`s one of the most common regions to reside in Tenerife.
In Costa Adeje, you’ll find these whale-watching tours:
- Whale viewing in Tenerife with underwater perspectives
- Recommended accommodation: The two campgrounds at Valley of Fire State Park are Atlatl Rock and Arch Rock.Atlatl Rock is larger and better set up for RV camping, while Arch Rock has only 29 sites and is better suited for tent camping.
- Watching dolphins and whales from a luxury yacht cruise in Tenerife
- Watching cetaceans by catamaran in Tenerife
Los Cristianos is not far from Costa Adeje, and while it offers a whale watching tour, it isn`t that popular.
Whale watching in Los Gigantes, Tenerife
Another choice is to go whale observing in Los Gigantes, Tenerife. This area is viewed as one of the best locations to see dolphins and whales since the chances are much higher. In fact, some dolphin tours in Tenerife depart from Costa Adeje and head towards Los Gigantes. Besides the whale and dolphin sights, the cliffs in the background are gorgeous.
This is the excellent whale watching touryou can take from Los Gigantes.
Types of whales in Tenerife
The Canary Islands represent one of the prime locations to view whales and dolphins throughout the year. Moreover, these are the most common varieties of whales found in Tenerife, as well as their attributes so you can readily identify them.
Dolphins in Tenerife
If watching dolphins in Tenerife is a goal, it`s helpful to know that the most regularly seen species, observable year-round, is the common bottlenose dolphin.
This species tends to inhabit coastal areas, constituting one of the most accessible to observe. Bottlenose dolphins typically measure 8 to 10 feet in length and congregate in groups of 10-30 individuals. Their coloration is normally dark gray, although lighter hues usually characterize their undersides.
There are other dolphin types present in Tenerife as well, like the spotted dolphin of the Atlantic, whose body is dotted with tiny markings. You may also see the rough-toothed dolphin, which possesses serrated teeth and an elongated skull, or the striped dolphin, which has a bluish hue with gray stripes. Ultimately, the common dolphin has a yellowish coloring on its sides and is also found in Tenerife.
All these species are less frequent or seasonal, so depending on when you visit, you may observe one or more of them.
Pilot whales in Tenerife
It’s quite simple to observe pilot whales in Tenerife, so keep your eyes open. They can reach up to 16 feet in length and generally weigh between 1 and 2 tons. Pilot whales actually belong to the dolphin family, although they’re considered whales because of their large size.
One of the most distinguishing features of the pilot whale is its rounded head, which has a small beak and a curved mouth. These aquatic mammals are black in color but have a gray spot behind the dorsal fin.
You can also see a type of darker gray dolphin known as Risso’s dolphin. This species differs from the pilot whale as it has a darker color and a smaller size, weighing between 660 lbs. and 1,320 lbs.
Sperm whales in Tenerife
If you’re fortunate, you may see a sperm whale in Tenerife. While they’re seen sporadically, they’re very beautiful, with a large head and striated skin. Sperm whales are large, impressive creatures, measuring 36 to 60 feet and weighing between 15 and 45 tons.
Orcas in Tenerife
Observing whales often seen in Tenerife is slightly challenging, yet not impossible. These marine mammals can extend up to thirty feet in length and weigh up to twelve thousand pounds. Orcas are easily identifiable due to their black backs and white bellies, along with the white sections surrounding their eyes.
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The rooms at this highly esteemed hotel located in beautiful Los Gigantes, Tenerife were of excellent quality. They were very accommodating, carefully decorated with a bright and cheery touch, and included private balconies with stunning panoramic views.
Other whales in Tenerife
In addition to all the previously stated species, several other creatures can potentially be seen during a whale watching excursion near Tenerife, namely the tropical fin whale, the bowhead whale, and the northern Atlantic right whale. There are some rarer varieties present as well, like Fraser’s dolphin, the humpback whale, the beaked whale, or the pygmy sperm whale.
Last but certainly not least, sea turtles and a wide variety of fish can also be viewed in the Canarian waters. Therefore, I advise booking a whale tour in Tenerife that incorporates the chance to snorkel, such as this excursion.
I trust this guide aided in finding the perfect whale watching tour in Tenerife! I know whichever tour is chosen, it will be fully enjoyed, as it is one of the most incredible experiences.
Enjoy whale-watching in Tenerife!
