Get ready to spot some of the most majestic creatures on the planet. The waters around Tenerife, a Spanish island, are a feast for whale and dolphin enthusiasts. Every year in the early summer, migrating whales arrive from far-flung places such as the Antarctic Peninsula and the Southern Ocean. It’s not unusual to see 30 or 40 humpbacks traveling together. The gentle giants come from deep water and warm tropical oceans. They travel thousands of kilometers from their wintering grounds to breed and give birth to calves in the water that the whole group shares. It’s not unusual for a whale to migrate more than 12,000km in a year. The babies stay with their mothers for around a year before heading out to sea on their own. Just like humans, whales need air to breathe so they come up for air every few minutes or so. Just be careful not to frighten them or provoke them otherwise these gentle creatures can be dangerous when cornered or angry.

Where to Watch Whales And Dolphins

The best place to view whales and dolphins in Tenerife is from the deck of a boat.

When To Visit

The best time to visit is in the early morning or very late at night. This is when the whales and dolphins are the most active and you have the best chance of seeing them. The water is also clearer at these times so you’ll be able to see more marine life. These gentle giants are usually very active during the day which makes it harder to watch them. The best time to visit is on a calm day, far from any boat traffic. Another advantage of early morning or very late night visits is that the tourists will hopefully not be around either. This means you’ll have the place pretty much to yourself.

What Will Happen To The Animals?

Once the whale or dolphin has detected your presence, it will swim faster than usual for a few minutes before coming to a stop. This will be their responsibility to let you know they’ve detected and are aware of your presence. They will then usually begin moving slowly towards the coast or back out to the ocean. In some cases, the animals will circle around and around before heading back out to the open ocean. This is a sign that they are either curious about your presence or that they are preparing to leave. The best thing you can do for the whale or dolphin is to be conscious of your presence but not to approach or harass them.

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