Whale Watching Tenerife Tours

Experience the magic of the Atlantic as you encounter resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat off the coast of Tenerife.

Disclaimer: This is not an official website. All content is for informational purposes only. We may earn commission from bookings.

1.5 to 3 hours
1 Languages
Options from 11 to 80+ guests
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

Complete Experience Guide

All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place

Experience

Unforgettable Marine Encounters in Tenerife

Tenerife is globally recognized as one of the premier destinations for whale and dolphin watching. The deep, nutrient-rich waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are a permanent sanctuary for resident colonies of short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. This unique ecosystem ensures that sightings are possible throughout the year, with a success rate of nearly 99%. Our platform connects you with the highest-rated operators departing from Puerto Colón, Los Cristianos, and Los Gigantes. From intimate eco-adventures on custom-built boats with marine biologists to large, stable catamarans featuring open bars and buffets, we offer a curated selection of experiences designed for every type of traveler. Many of our partner tours also include stops in secluded coves for swimming and snorkeling beneath the island's dramatic coastal cliffs.

Why Book Your Tenerife Adventure With Us

Verified Tour Partners

We exclusively partner with top-tier operators like Viator, ensuring every boat meets strict safety and environmental standards

Real Traveler Reviews

Access thousands of authentic reviews and high ratings from travelers who have experienced these tours firsthand

Expert-Led Selection

We feature tours guided by marine biologists and professional skippers for educational and respectful wildlife encounters

Flexible Booking

Life happens—enjoy the peace of mind that comes with free cancellation and instant confirmation on most tours

Best Price Guarantee

We offer a range of options from budget-friendly eco-yachts starting at $18 to premium private charters

Eco-Conscious Focus

We prioritize 'Blue Boat' certified vessels that follow sustainable whale watching protocols to protect Tenerife's marine life

Expert biologist staff on board
Teno-Rasca Marine Protected Area
Small group limited to 11 guests
Custom-built whale watching boat
Educational wildlife observation

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

Experience Vibes
99% sighting probability
Educational commentary
Stunning cliff views
Sustainable practices
Logistics
1.5 to 3 hour durations
Daily departures
Puerto Colón or Los Cristianos starts
Hotel transfers available
Onboard Comfort
Sun and shade areas
Drinks and snacks included
Life jackets provided
Restrooms on board

Not Allowed

Large bags or luggage
Pets (except service animals)
Food and drinks
Essential Information

Booking Tips

  • Book at least 48 hours in advance for peak season (December, July, August)
  • Choose morning tours for the calmest sea conditions
  • Look for tours with 'Instant Confirmation' to secure your spot immediately

What to Bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Light jacket
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Motion sickness medication

Best Seasons to Visit

Year-round for resident species; February to May for migratory baleen whales.

What to Wear

Layers (it is cooler at sea)|Soft-soled shoes or flip-flops|Swimwear under your clothes if there is a swim stop|Hat with a chin strap

Planning

Historical Context

Whale watching in Tenerife began in the late 1980s and has since evolved into one of the island's most important sustainable tourism sectors.

Photography Tips

  • Use a shutter speed of 1/1000s or faster
  • A 70-300mm zoom lens is ideal for wildlife
  • Polarizing filters help see through the water's surface glare

Insider Tips

  • If you are prone to seasickness, choose a large catamaran as they have stabilizers
  • The afternoon tours often have more dramatic lighting for photography
  • Puerto Colón is the most central departure point for those staying in Las Americas or Costa Adeje.

Our Partners

  • In partnership with Viator, a Tripadvisor company
  • Authorized reseller for Blue Boat certified operators

Fun Facts

  • Pilot whales aren't actually whales; they are the second-largest member of the dolphin family!
  • The water between Tenerife and La Gomera reaches depths of up to 2,000 meters.

Cancellation Policy

Most tours offer a 100% refund if cancelled at least 24 hours before the start time. No-shows or late cancellations are typically non-refundable.

Social Media

Share your experience: #WhaleWatchingTenerife #TenerifeMarineSafari #CostaAdeje #LosGigantes #VisitTenerife #EcoTourism

Explore More

More Things to Do in Tenerife

Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

S
Sarah Jenkins
United Kingdom • 2024-02-15

Absolutely Magical Day

We booked the 2-hour eco-adventure from Puerto Colón. Seeing the pilot whales so close in their natural habitat was incredible. The biologist was so knowledgeable and clearly cared for the animals. Highly recommend!

M
Markus Weber
Germany • 2024-01-28

Great Value and Fun

The catamaran tour with the buffet was perfect for our family. The kids loved the dolphin spotting and the swim stop. The food was fresh and the staff were very friendly. Worth every cent.

E
Elena Rossi
Italy • 2024-03-05

Stunning Views of Los Gigantes

The sailboat charter was the highlight of our trip. Seeing the cliffs from the water while whales swam nearby was breathtaking. Very small group which made it feel personal and quiet.

D
David Thompson
USA • 2024-02-10

Excellent Sighting Success

We saw three different pods of whales. The boat was a bit crowded but the crew did a great job making sure everyone could see. The underwater listening device was a cool touch.

C
Claire Dubois
France • 2024-02-20

Eco-friendly and Respectful

I was worried about disturbing the whales, but the captain was very respectful and kept a safe distance. The information provided about conservation was excellent. A must-do in Tenerife.

J
Jan van der Meer
Netherlands • 2024-01-12

Better than expected

I've done whale watching before but Tenerife is different. The water is so blue and the pilot whales are very calm. We also saw turtles! The booking process was seamless.

A
Anita Gupta
India • 2024-03-01

Wonderful Experience

A very smooth ride on the large catamaran. We saw dolphins within 15 minutes of leaving the harbor. The mojo sauce tasting at the end was a nice local touch.

O
Oscar Martinez
Spain • 2024-02-25

Increíble experiencia

Vimos ballenas piloto y delfines mulares. La tripulación fue muy profesional y el barco estaba muy limpio. Repetiremos seguro.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know for your journey

Experience

Ready for Adventure?

Join thousands of happy travelers who have discovered this incredible experience

Book Your Experience Now
4.9/5
Free Cancellation
24/7 Support