Whale and dolphin watching on Tenerife

In short: Short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live in the sea between Tenerife and La Gomera all year round. A sighting is therefore very likely in any season, but it is never guaranteed. What matters is your choice of operator: a small, licensed boat that keeps its distance from the animals gives you more than a party catamaran.

Which animals will you see off Tenerife?

The southwest coast lies in the wind shadow of Teide. The water there is calm and drops off very deep just beyond the coast. That is exactly what the animals like, which is why you don’t have to go far out.

• Short-finned pilot whales (calderón tropical): dark whales with a rounded forehead. They live here permanently in family groups and often rest at the surface during the day.
• Bottlenose dolphins (delfín mular): the dolphins everyone knows. Also off the coast all year round.
• With luck: other dolphin species such as the Atlantic spotted dolphin, passing great whales such as sperm whales or Bryde’s whales, and sea turtles.

How do you recognise a good operator?

Whale watching in the Canary Islands requires a licence, and there are rules on distance, approach and duration. Licensed boats usually fly the flag bearing the words Barco Azul. You’ll find the current regulations and information on licensed operators on the island’s official tourism website.

• The crew explains the rules before departure and keeps its distance instead of heading straight for the animals.
• There is someone on board who explains the animals, ideally with expertise in biology.
• A small group rather than music, an open bar and hundreds of guests.

Which boat suits you?

The boats differ more than the routes do.

With children, a stable boat with shade is the better choice. More ideas for families are in Canary Islands with kids.

Where do the boats depart from?

Almost all trips start in the southwest of the island.

• Los Cristianos: a large harbour in the middle of town, from which the ferries to La Gomera also leave.
• Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje: a marina with the most boats, easy to reach from Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje.
• Los Gigantes: a small harbour beneath the towering cliffs. Many trips combine whale watching with a cruise along the cliffs and a swim stop, for example in the bay of Masca.

Parking at the harbours is scarce in the morning. If you’re staying in the north, allow time for the drive, see Tenerife north or south.

Best time and tips for the trip

The sea is usually calmer in the morning, and the wind often picks up in the afternoon. In strong winds or high waves, reputable operators cancel or reschedule.

• Book in the first days of your holiday, so you have some leeway if the trip is postponed.
• If you’re prone to seasickness: take a tablet before departure, stay on deck and look at the horizon.
• Pack sun cream, a hat with a strap and a windproof jacket. It is cooler on the water than on the beach.

What else you can do on the same day

From Los Gigantes, the mountain village of Masca fits in nicely afterwards, see Hiking on Tenerife. In Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, the beaches are right next to the harbour. And for anyone who finds a week too short: Wintering in the Canary Islands.

Frequently asked questions

As of October 2026. Opening hours, prices and entry rules change. Check them on the official websites before your visit.

Cover image: ahisgett · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0