More about: Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours in Tenerife
Did you know that the south coast of Tenerife is one of the best places in Europe to see marine life with your own eyes? There you can see wild dolphins and whales swimming in the sea, a unique and exciting experience in equal parts.
Having travelled to Tenerife on several occasions and having been lucky enough to have been able to enjoy this spectacular experience first hand, I have written this guide in which I tell you everything you need to know about whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife. Will you join me?
Tenerife Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour
Enjoy catamaran sailing
Perfect for a day on board an exclusive boat in a relatively small group, with everything included. In addition to whale watching, it includes a snorkelling stop.
Since you are going to enjoy a good time sailing in the Atlantic, the wide range of boat trips in Tenerife allows you to choose the boat you prefer. In this case, you will spend the day on board a luxury catamaran that will take you along the South Coast of Tenerife, in front of the spectacular cliffs of Los Gigantes.
On this Tenerife whale watching tour you'll also have a snorkelling stop and drinks and food are also included, so you don't have to worry about anything but enjoying yourself to the fullest and keeping an eye out for dolphins and whales.
Why I like this option: For three hours you will have the opportunity to cruise the Atlantic waters on a luxury catamaran with food, drinks and a snorkelling stop included.
Recommended if... You want to try the feeling of sailing on a catamaran with 30 other passengers on board.
Tenerife Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
The best cruise for a tight budget
Although it's a large ship that can be quite crowded compared to other cruises, it's a great way to add a wonderful souvenir to your trip for a more affordable price.
On thisdolphin and whale watching cruisein Tenerife you will sail through the waters of Tenerife while enjoying the beautiful views of the Teide, and go on the hunt for sightings of a variety of marine animals: sperm whales, fin whales, turtles, different species of dolphins, jellyfish and seabirds. An expert guide will accompany the group at all times to make sure that you miss absolutely nothing, and that you know how to correctly identify what you see.
You will go on board a schooner, which allows you to manoeuvre the waters of the Canary Islands with precision to avoid sudden movements that could frighten the marine animals.
Why I like this option: Although it's a bit short compared to other similar options and you'll be accompanied by a larger group, it's a great way to add a wonderful souvenir to your trip for a more affordable price.
Recommended if... You're looking for an experience that fits within a tight budget, but don't want to give up the special and unique experience of seeing whales and dolphins from a boat.
Tenerife Kayak and Snorkel Tour with Turtles
Kayak and snorkelling with turtles in Tenerife
An exciting and active way to explore the coasts of Tenerife, combining kayaking and snorkelling alongside the majestic sea turtles.
On this kayaking and snorkelling tour with turtles in Tenerife you'll explore the crystal clear waters of the island in a fun and active way. You'll start with a brief introduction from an expert instructor, who will show you how to handle the kayak and snorkelling equipment before you set off on your adventure.
You'll paddle along the coast of Tenerife enjoying breathtaking views and, if you're lucky, you might even see dolphins in the wild. Then it's time to dive in to snorkel and swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat, a unique experience you'll never forget.
Why I like this option: It perfectly combines sport, nature and marine life in a 3 hour activity that can be enjoyed in small groups for a more personalised experience.
Recommended if... You want an exciting outdoor activity and to enjoy the marine fauna of Tenerife in an active and close way.
In short: we compare the options
If you still have doubts about which option best suits your trip (and your pocket) I have done this exercise for you. I leave you here this comparative table with the prices and the most relevant data of each excursion.
Enjoy catamaran sailing
Perfect for a day on board an exclusive boat in a relatively small group, with everything included. In addition to whale watching, it includes a snorkelling stop.
The best cruise for a tight budget
This is your option if you don't want to give up the wonderful experience of whale and dolphin watching at the best possible price.
Kayaking and snorkelling with sea turtles
You will paddle along the coast of Tenerife and snorkel in crystal clear waters next to majestic sea turtles, in an active and small group tour.
Why Tenerife is unique for the sighting of marine mammals
Thanks to the mild climate of the Canary Islands all year round, and the deep sea beds that offer cetaceans a respite from the strong currents of the Atlantic, Tenerife attracts many marine mammals, protected in a nature reserve.
It is therefore possible to see bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales between the waters of La Gomera and Tenerife. With a bit of luck, in the experiences I have been telling you about, you will be able to see other species such as Bryde's whales, beautiful specimens of elongated whales, blue whales, the largest animal on planet Earth, and several species of dolphins.
Why is it so easy to see whales and dolphins in these experiences? The reason is simple: during the night, these animals hunt for fish and squid, and during the day they rest on the surface, where it is easy to observe them up close, and more importantly, in the wild.
Best time of the year for whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife
Although the great advantage of these experiences is that you are guaranteed sightings all year round, here is a small reference of how they vary according to the season:
- Spring is when there is the greatest activity and movement of cetaceans.
- Summer is the breeding season, so you may be able to see baby whales and dolphins.
- In autumn the sightings are a little less regular, but it is the best time to sail and the sky has a very special light.
- In winter the days are shorter and so it is possible to see marine animals preparing to hunt, which offers shorter but more intense sightings.
Tips to get the most out of whale and dolphin watching tours
Book early to secure your place
Book your whale and dolphin watching experience as soon as possible. There are a number of options for enjoying one of these spectacular excursions, but it's also a hugely popular activity with locals and travellers alike, so it's a good idea to secure your place in advance.
Pack your suitcase
Although the weather in the Canaries is spectacular all year round, remember to pack a windbreaker or mackintosh in winter, as the sea breeze at sea can get quite chilly. Whatever the time of year, you'll need sun cream and probably sunglasses, so that the light doesn't quickly tire your eyes.
Avoid seasickness
If you tend to get seasick easily, bear in mind that the bigger the boat the less noticeable the swell, so perhaps the cheaper option is the perfect one for you (you'll be on a boat with a capacity of 130 people).
Best time of day for the excursion
These experiences depart at various times throughout the day. Regardless of the time of day, you'll have the same chance of seeing marine animals. If you're taking a camera and want to take a good photo, you'll know that daylight will help the clarity of the photos.
Other interesting activities in Tenerife
If you are in Tenerife it would be a mortal sin not to climb Mount Teide. Spain's highest peak offers not only the best views of the island but also landscapes that seem to be taken from another planet. Whatever your spirit (there are more adventurous and more relaxed options), you can read my guide to which one suits you best.
If you want to make the most of your time on the island to explore nearby paradises, La Gomera and El Hierro are two smaller but equally fascinating islands. I'll tell you all you need to know to organise your visit to El Hierro and La Gomera.
And last but not least, if you've been left wanting to experience the islands' marine wildlife even more, you can join a kayak tour near the sea turtles. Unforgettable!