Spot wild dolphins and whales off the coast of Tenerife on a responsible eco-cruise. Tenerife is one of Europe's best year-round whale watching destinations, with resident pods of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins seen regularly. Drinks and snacks included.
The moment you'll still be talking about long after the tan has faded
Picture it. The engine falls quiet and the only sound is the water lapping against the hull. Then, a few metres away, a fin breaks the surface. A pod of wild dolphins sweeps in to ride your bow wave, and just behind them a family of pilot whales rises to breathe. Nobody on the boat says a word. This is the kind of thing you remember for years, the story you tell when someone asks what you got up to in Tenerife.
And here is the best bit. It isn't a once in a lifetime fluke. In the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera, pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live here all year round, which makes this one of the few places in the world where you can set off almost sure to see them. In 2021 these waters became the first Whale Heritage Site in Europe. Go once and you will get why.
What the day actually feels like
You head out of Los Cristianos or Puerto Colón and watch the resorts shrink behind you. After about half an hour the skipper eases off the throttle, everyone leans over the rail scanning the water, and the moment that first dorsal fin appears the whole boat lights up. The good crews keep their distance and let the animals come to you. More often than not, curious and close, they do.
Then the boat slips into a quiet cove and you jump off the deck into water so clear it barely looks real. Drink in hand, sun on your shoulders, nowhere else you need to be. Two or three hours later it's over, and it always feels too soon.
Who it's for (hint: everyone)
Couples chasing a moment they'll frame. Parents who want to watch their kids' faces the instant the dolphins appear. Groups after the day they'll bring up at every reunion. The big catamarans are smooth and steady even if you're not a 'boat person', so no one has to sit it out. Make a whole day of the sea with a catamaran sunset cruise, or chase the towering cliffs on a Los Gigantes boat trip.
Don't fly home without doing this
Plenty of people spend a week by the pool and never realise the giants of the Atlantic were swimming just offshore the whole time. Don't be one of them. Go in the morning when the sea is calmest, pack sun cream and something to layer up, and let the ocean do the rest. Want the full picture before you book? Have a read of our complete guide to whale watching in Tenerife, or browse the rest of our things to do in Tenerife, then pick your date and make it happen.
What's included
- Year-round whale & dolphin sightings
- Responsible eco-certified tour
- Drinks & snacks included
- Departures from Los Cristianos
Frequently asked questions
Will I definitely see whales and dolphins?
No operator can guarantee sightings of wild animals, but because pilot whales and dolphins live in these waters all year, success rates off south Tenerife are very high and most trips see them. Many reputable companies offer a free second trip if nothing is spotted.
What is the best time of year for whale watching in Tenerife?
Any time of year works. The main species are resident, so sightings don't depend on the season. For the calmest sea, choose a morning departure and, if you can, a day with light winds.
Where do the boats leave from?
Most southern tours depart from Los Cristianos or Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje); some whale-and-dolphin trips also leave from Los Gigantes on the west coast.
Is it suitable for young children?
Yes. Larger catamarans are stable and family-friendly, with toilets and shade on board. Bring sun protection and, for very young children, their own snacks.
How long does a whale watching trip last?
Typically two to three hours, including the sail out, time spent with the animals and often a swim stop in a sheltered bay.
