Dolphin & Whale Watching in Tenerife
Whale Watching Tenerife
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Whale Watching Tenerife
You thought Tenerife was just about sun, sea and party? Think again! When choosing Tenerife among the Canary Islands, tourists ask what to do with friends, family and kids. At the top of the list is whale watching in Tenerife. This is affordable, group boat tours start from €14 for a child’s ticket and €27 for an adult ticket depending on the boat and location. At our company Rent Boat Tenerife you can book a whale watching excursion on a motor yacht, sailboat or catamaran and food and drinks are included. You will also have the opportunity to swim in the Atlantic Ocean at a designated spot after your dolphin and whale watching tour.
Whale Watching Tours Tenerife
Whale watching tours in Tenerife give you the opportunity to see a wide variety of marine life, 21+ whale and dolphin species in their natural deep water habitat opposite La Gomera. Tours are 2 to 5 hours long and are guided by experts, combining stunning ocean views with ecological standards to protect marine ecosystems. Rent Boat Tenerife offers whale watching tours that both adults and kids will love. Our big boats are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable trip: spacious seating, shaded areas, and even a small bar.
Whale Watching Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos is the perfect place for a relaxing and unforgettable whale watching experience. The calm waters make it ideal for families even with young kids. Get ready for 2–3 hours of an unforgettable marine adventure departing from the charming Los Cristianos Harbour. In their natural habitat, graceful pilot whales and friendly bottlenose dolphins often approach the boats to delight visitors with their beauty.
Available boats for whale and dolphin watching tours in Los Cristianos:
- Peter Pan: A pirate ship designed for grand adventures, accommodating up to 60 passengers.
- Neptuno: A classic yacht for small groups up to 22 people.
- Viking Boat Tenerife Ragnarok: A Viking ship for up to 85 passengers.
Whale Watching Los Gigantes
Whale watching in Los Gigantes combines marine life and cliffs that rise up to 800 meters. Tours in this area are 3 to 5 hours long and depart from Los Gigantes Harbour. Los Gigantes has a resident population of pilot whales and during certain seasons you can also see Bryde’s whales or dolphins.
Boats for whale and dolphin watching in Los Gigantes:
- El Mojo Picon: A sailing yacht for up to 11 people.
- Aemon: A sailboat for up to 11 passengers.
Dolphin Watching in Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje is renowned for its high probability of marine mammal sightings, boasting a 98% success rate. Tours usually last 2 to 4 hours and depart from Puerto Colón. Here, you are likely to encounter bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins, known for their playful behavior and acrobatics.
Popular boats for whale and dolphin watching in Costa Adeje:
- Freebird One: A spacious catamaran with a capacity of up to 100 passengers.
- Maxicat: An eco-friendly catamaran that can accommodate up to 104 passengers.
- White Paradise: A modern catamaran with a capacity of 74 passengers.
Whale Watching in South Tenerife
The southern coast of Tenerife encompasses the best locations, including Los Cristianos, Los Gigantes, and Costa Adeje, offering excellent conditions for observing marine life. Tours cater to various preferences, ranging from private 2-hour romantic cruises to group adventures on spacious catamarans lasting up to half a day.
Popular boats for whale and dolphin watching in South Tenerife:
- Shogun: A pirate-themed ship departing from Puerto Colón.
- Five Star: A luxurious catamaran departing from Las Galletas.
- Kailani: A sailing yacht for small groups, departing from Puerto Colón.
Diversity of Whales and Dolphins in Tenerife
The warm climate and year-round sunny weather in Tenerife create ideal conditions for more than 20 resident species and many migratory marine animals.
Dolphins in Tenerife
Tenerife is home to 8 main species of dolphins. These friendly and curious animals often come close to boats, leaping playfully into the air. They are commonly found near fish farms, where they wait to hunt for escapees.
- Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Bottlenose dolphins are often the first to accompany tourists at the beginning and end of boat tours. The likelihood of encountering them is about 65-75%. Adult bottlenose dolphins can grow up to 2.8 meters in length and weigh up to 490 kg.
- Pilot Whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus). These are the most commonly seen dolphins in Tenerife, with an 80% chance of sighting during a boat tour. They live in groups of 30-35 individuals and feed on squid at depths of 250-650 meters. Pilot whales often approach boats very closely, making them a highlight of any excursion.
- Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). They form groups of up to 45 individuals, including calves, and often approach boats. They can reach lengths of up to 2.2 meters and weigh around 135 kg, preferring to hunt 2.5–3.5 miles from the shore. They are known for their activity and impressive jumps during migration periods.
During the dolphin-watching season in Tenerife, you may also encounter other species, such as common dolphins. Less frequently, you might spot rough-toothed dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, Fraser’s dolphins, and even unique gray dolphins, recognizable by their light-colored skin and distinct markings.
Whales in Tenerife
Tenerife is home to three main types of cetaceans, making whale watching possible all year round.
- Bryde’s Whales. These are the most commonly sighted baleen whales in Tenerife. They are often found in the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera. Adult Bryde’s whales grow up to 16 meters in length and can weigh up to 40 tons.
- Sperm Whales. Sperm whales live in groups of 5–8 individuals in deep waters, typically 4–6 km from the coast. Males can grow up to 22 meters long and weigh up to 68 tons, while females reach up to 12 meters and 15 tons. They are most commonly observed resting on the surface between dives to hunt squid.
- Fin Whales. Fin whales are the second most commonly sighted baleen whales in Tenerife. They are often seen off the coast of Costa Adeje, within the vast protected marine area of Teno-Rasca, 1 to several kilometers from the shore. Fin whales, sometimes referred to as the "greyhounds of the sea," are known for their impressive speed of up to 35 km/h. Their unique coloring features a white lower jaw and baleen on the right side of the head, contrasting with a dark gray left side. Their bodies are gray on top with lighter patches, while their undersides are white.
Benefits of Booking Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours with Us
- Group and Private Excursions. We offer a variety of whale and dolphin watching tours in Tenerife to suit every taste, interest, and budget. Group tours are available in different durations and formats for large groups of friends, colleagues, or families. For couples, we can organize romantic cruises featuring exclusive locations.
- A wide selection of boats for whale watching. We offer a variety of boats to choose from – ranging from small sailboats and motor yachts for up to 11 people to spacious catamarans and themed pirate ships for larger groups. This allows you to select the perfect excursion format to suit your group.
- 98% Sightings Guarantee. The chance of seeing whales and dolphins is 98%. When planning your excursion, consider the winter months, when most dolphins and whales migrate through the Atlantic waters. The best season for whale watching in Tenerife is from November to February. In spring and summer, food availability decreases due to rising sea temperatures, causing many species to migrate toward the poles.
- Customized Tours from Three Popular Locations. Tours are available from Los Gigantes, Costa Adeje, and Los Cristianos, typically lasting several hours. Tours include a guide who provides information about the whales and dolphins, as well as snacks and drinks.
- Eco-Friendly Whale Watching Practices. Our tours are conducted with respect for the animals and their habitats, as evidenced by the "Blue Flag" certification on our boats – an international symbol of quality and responsibility in eco-friendly whale watching in Tenerife.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whale and Dolphin Watching in Tenerife
Which months of the year are best for a boat trip to see whales in Tenerife (when is the likelihood higher)?
The best time for a boat trip in Tenerife to see whales, including pilot whales, is year-round, as they are permanent residents of the local waters. Under good weather conditions, the likelihood of spotting them is up to 99%. However, during the winter months, especially in December and January, stronger winds and waves may reduce the chances of boats going out to sea. On such days, boat trips may be canceled or rescheduled for the safety of passengers and crew. It is recommended to check the weather forecast and excursion availability in advance.
What time of day is best for a boat trip to see whales in Tenerife (morning, afternoon, evening)? What times are such trips usually held?
Our experts usually recommend morning boat trips. However, whales can also be spotted throughout the day if weather conditions are favorable.
How long does a typical whale-watching tour in Tenerife last?
A typical whale-watching tour in Tenerife usually lasts 2, 3, or 4.5 hours, depending on the excursion format:
- 2-hour tours are ideal for those who want to see whales and dolphins within a short amount of time. These brief boat trips typically stay close to the shore and do not include the opportunity to swim after observing the whales and dolphins. They usually do not include meals but offer drinks onboard the boat.
- 3-hour tours are the most popular option, offering more time for observations and often the opportunity to swim in open water or admire picturesque cliffs.
- 4.5-hour tours offer a more immersive marine adventure. These longer excursions always include meals and drinks, relaxation on the boat, and visits to remote parts of the coastline, such as the famous Los Gigantes cliffs, with the opportunity to swim nearby. On some larger boats, there is also a small show performed by the crew.
Are there any restrictions for children on whale-watching tours in Tenerife?
There are no age restrictions for children on our boats. However, parents are advised to closely monitor their children, as the tour takes place on open water, and curious little ones tend to be very active and eager to explore their surroundings.
Can you swim with dolphins during the excursion?
No, swimming with dolphins and whales in Tenerife is prohibited to protect them and preserve their natural environment. However, 3-hour and 4.5-hour tours include stops at designated areas where you can enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters and the surrounding views.
What should you bring on a whale-watching tour?
Sunscreen, a hat, a towel, a swimsuit, and warm clothing during colder months.
Is food included in the ticket price for whale-watching tours?
Yes, 3-hour excursions include food and drinks (such as paella or sandwiches), while 2-hour tours include only drinks.
Is seasickness common, and how can it be prevented?
Seasickness is quite common, and sometimes people don't realize they are prone to it. It is recommended to take an over-the-counter seasickness pill 30 minutes before the excursion. These are available at any pharmacy without a prescription.
How close do boats get to whales and dolphins?
Boats are allowed to approach marine mammals no closer than 60 meters. Additionally, not every boat is authorized to conduct such tours.
To operate whale-watching excursions, a boat must have a "Barco Azul" license, which indicates that the crew is trained and familiar with all the norms and regulations for whale observation.
How long do boats stay in one spot while observing whales and dolphins?
Boats can stay in the observation area with one group of animals for no more than 20 minutes.
What are the most popular boats for group whale-watching tours (that you would recommend)?
- Large groups (100 pax): MAXICAT, FREEBIRD, PETER PAN, BARCO VIKINGO
- Small groups (11 pax): MIZENDOHA, WHITE SEA, SOÑADOR, BLUE JACK
- Motor yachts (20 pax): NEPTUNO, OPERA 60
What are the most popular boats for private whale-watching tours (that you would recommend)?
NEPTUNO, OPERA 60, MIZENDOHA, WHITE SEA, SOÑADOR, BLUE JACK
What are the whale-watching rules in Tenerife?
- Boats cannot approach whales and dolphins closer than 60 meters.
- The boat’s speed must be under 4 knots, and maneuvers should be smooth.
- Observation is limited to 20 minutes at a distance of 60 to 300 meters.
- Swimming or diving near the animals is prohibited.
- If animals show signs of distress, the observation area must be vacated.
- Any loud noises or sounds that may disturb the animals are prohibited.
Can you take your own photos and videos during whale-watching, and is it free?
Yes, you can take photos and videos with your camera or phone for free.
How far in advance should you book a whale and dolphin-watching tour?
- High season: 3-7 days in advance.
- Low season: 1-2 days in advance.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?
If the weather is poor and the boat trip must be canceled, you will be offered to reschedule your booking for another day or, if you prefer, receive a full refund.