Tenerife is one of Europe’s premier destinations for whale and dolphin enthusiasts, as the islands sit along their migration route and offer beautiful landscapes as a backdrop to these remarkable mammals.
Select a tour operator that prioritizes animal welfare and follows responsible whale-watching guidelines, and bring medication or natural remedies such as ginger candy or acupressure bands in case of seasickness.
Pilot whales
Tenerife’s southern coast waters provide an excellent location for whale and dolphin watching, home to resident Short-finned Pilot Whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus). Bottlenose Dolphins, Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, Loggerhead Turtles, and Green Sea Turtles have also been seen here, making the waters off Tenerife an excellent habitat for cetaceans that need deeper waters to hunt fish or squid for sustenance.
Tenerife’s prime location allows whale-spotting year round, although winter and spring months tend to offer the most excellent whale-spotting opportunities. February marks the end of winter whale migration, and more frequently spots sperm whales appear here than anywhere else in Tenerife; you might still spot early-year sperm whales here and there in March, though their chances decrease rapidly after that.
Tenerife offers more than its share of resident species; you will have ample opportunity to spot other cetaceans, such as Risso’s dolphins and Sperm Whales. You can join various boat tours in Tenerife specializing in whale or dolphin watching; it is wise to do your research when selecting an excursion.
Los Gigantes and Costa Adeje harbors offer different whale-watching experiences, so research all available options before making your choice. Some boats may only accommodate smaller groups, while larger boats offer more amenities; it should be determined whether a cruise ship or sailboat would better meet your needs.
Join a whale-watching tour for the best whale and dolphin viewing. Various times are available across the Canary Islands, but the most popular ones depart from Los Gigantes. On an excursion by sailboat, you’ll travel as part of a small group to incredible coastal cliff views while your captain leads you directly to whale and dolphin-spotting spots – and even helps hoist sails!
Los Gigantes offers some of the finest whale and dolphin watching tours in Tenerife, known for its impressive cliff formations, Acantilados de Los Gigantes, which tower 800m over the ocean. You can join one of two port cities from Los Gigantes for whale and dolphin-watching tours – Los Gigantes is the most popular option.
Sperm whales
Sperm whales make an annual visit to Tenerife waters during spring. These massive marine animals can reach depths of 2,000 feet and are famous for their powerful diving capabilities. Furthermore, pods travel together, making for an exhilarating spectacle to watch! Though less common than other species, sperm whales remain incredible sights to behold!
One of the best ways to experience these magnificent animals is with a whale-watching tour, available by many companies in Los Gigantes and La Caleta. Most tours last several hours, provide free drinks onboard, stunning coastal views, and offer the opportunity to spot various whale species. Sometimes, tour operators allow guests to snorkel or swim directly in the sea for an enhanced immersive experience.
No matter the whale species you wish to witness, it is crucial that you find a trustworthy tour company. Be sure to select one that prioritizes animal welfare and follows responsible whale-watching guidelines; get recommendations from family and friends if necessary. When choosing your tour itinerary, keep an open mind about the length of time on water and whether or not migratory species are your top choice.
Sailboat tours provide another excellent option for whale-watching in Tenerife, offering more intimate encounters than large cruise ships and being cost-effective alternatives to hotel stays.
Whales can be seen year-round in the Canary Islands, though certain species are more visible during specific seasons. Winter and spring are ideal times to spot whales on Tenerife, as this is when migrating species like fin and humpback whales are likely to appear.
Costa Adeje in Tenerife’s southern region is an ideal place for whale-watching, boasting an abundant population of pilot whales and other migratory species that use its deep ocean channel as a highway to travel between habitats. Furthermore, Costa Adeje boasts stunning coastal scenery and beautiful beaches for viewing whales up close.
Fin whales
Although some may fear whales, whale-watching tours make them safe and easy to spot. The Pilot Whale is perhaps the most familiar whale species seen during these excursions – measuring up to 5 meters (16 feet); this large mammal lives near Tenerife year-round and measures up to 16 feet long! Other notable species near Tenerife include Sei and Sperm Whales, which reach 18 meters (60 feet).
From November to February, whale watching in Tenerife is at its finest when winter migration occurs and cetaceans search for food from north of Tenerife. When food availability decreases during summer, whales leave Tenerife for warmer climes for sustenance.
Whale-watching tours can be found at one of the ports around Tenerife – such as Los Cristianos or Santa Cruz de Tenerife. These trips typically involve sailing boats or catamaran tours out into the sea, where you’ll witness whales in their natural environment. These vessels come in all sizes and activity levels, so you will find one suitable.
While whale-watching tours can be an exciting and engaging way to discover the ocean, it’s essential to remember that whales are wild animals, and sightings may not always be guaranteed. Furthermore, choosing a tour company that follows responsible whale-watching guidelines and practices is strongly suggested to ensure both whale safety and tour participant wellbeing.
Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary Whale Watching Tour provides an unforgettable experience, giving guests a close view of Tenerife’s whales and dolphins. Offering 3- or 5-hour tours with refreshments on board, this experience makes for a wonderful family or relaxing water activity – ideal for anyone wanting a memorable adventure on Tenerife’s waters! Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and seasickness prevention measures like renting life vests as needed.
Dolphins
Launch an unforgettable whale and dolphin-watching adventure off of Tenerife’s coast. Witness these magnificent creatures in their natural environment while learning about their migration patterns from an expert guide. Sail comfortably on a luxury catamaran while enjoying refreshing swimming opportunities in the sea and beverages and snacks provided on tour.
Tenerife’s most frequently seen dolphin is the Bottlenose dolphin, which can grow up to 10 feet long and live in groups of up to 30 animals. Although seen all year long in Tenerife, chances of sighting increase significantly during winter and spring.
Short-finned pilot whales are another beloved marine mammal to witness in Tenerife and La Gomera all year. These species hunt squid at night while lazing about during the day on their dark color and large heads. To increase your chance of seeing more giant Sperm whales, visit Tenerife during March-April when their chances increase significantly.
Although Tenerife whale-watching boat trips offer high sighting success rates, it’s important to remember that these wild creatures may change their behaviors at any moment. You should also not forget you will be sailing in open water; therefore, if seasickness is an issue, selecting tours on larger vessels can lessen wave impact and reduce seasickness symptoms.
Are You Wanting to See Whales and Dolphins at Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary? Seeing short-finned and bottlenose dolphins, as well as short-beaked and sperm whales, is accessible here; more impressive yet are humpback whales known for their captivating antics in the water!
Experience whales and dolphins in their natural environment is truly unique, yet it’s important to remember they’re wild animals and may act unexpectedly. So, planning your visit carefully and researching all available tours in your region before setting out on this remarkable journey is wise.