6 Best Whale Watching Tours in Tenerife Canary Islands (2023)

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Whale watching in TenerifeIt is one of the best activities that you can do in the Canary Islands since its waters meet the optimal conditions to support all kinds of marine life. For this reason, a whale and dolphin watching tour is one of theThe best things to do in Tenerife. That's why we recommend it to both.one week itinerary in Tenerifeand ours5 day itinerary to Tenerife.

Depending on when you go, it is possible to spot up to 21 different species of whales in the Canary Islands. so if you wantwhale watching in tenerife, this guide will tell you the best tours to do and the best times and places.

we takethis 5 hour tourand I loved the experience! The tour departed fromCosta Adeje, and we spent a few hours touring the island until we found the perfect place to see these wonderful creatures in the wild.

This tour, like the others in this guide, was very respectful of the environment and most importantly of the whales. They use the right boats and the captain keeps a safe distance so as not to disturb or harm the whales.

The best whale watching tours in Tenerife

There are manyexcursions in tenerifewhich I recommend, although few are as spectacular as these whale and dolphin watching tours. Mostwhale and dolphin excursions in Tenerifedeparture from Costa Adeje or the port of Los Gigantes. Best of all, you can see these beautiful creatures almost any time of the year, thanks to the good water conditions in the Canary Islands.

since there are manywhale watching excursions in Tenerife, below you will find the best options. Most of them allow you to repeat the tour for free if you don't see whales the first time. Remember, these are wild animals that live freely in the sea, so their movements are unpredictable. That being said, these tour operators have years of experience organizing these trips, so they know the best spots with the highest chances of seeing cetaceans.

1. Whale watching in Tenerife with underwater view
2. Ecological cruise with dolphins and whale watching in Tenerife
3. Watch dolphins and whales in Tenerife on a luxury yacht
4. Cheap snorkeling and whale watching tour in Tenerife
5. Whale and Dolphin Watching in Tenerife on a Catamaran
6. Whale watching in Tenerife from Los Gigantes

1. Whale watching in Tenerife with an underwater view (3 hours)

If you are looking for a greatWhale watching tour in Tenerife., one of the best options isthis excursion, which takes place on a catamaran with underwater observation areas.

The tour starts from Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje, and lasts 2-3 hours depending on the option you choose. If you book the 3-hour tour, you'll get lunch and a cold beer or glass of sangria. This option also includes a short break where you can swim in the sea.

except to seedolphins and whales in tenerife, you will also enjoy beautiful views of Costa Adeje, Guía de Isora and Santiago del Teide. The crew will also tell you interesting facts about the differentwhale species in tenerifewhere will you see

I also recommend going below the deck of the boat to get an underwater view of the dolphins and whales swimming in the sea.

• Better times: Catamaran ride with underwater views to see dolphins and pilot whales
• Point: Puerto Colon, Costa Adeje
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Precio: 26$
• Description: Climb aboard a catamaran and go below deck for an underwater view of cetaceans during a 2-3 hour tour. Both tours include lunch, beer or sangria, and the 3-hour tour includes a short swim in the sea..

2. Ecological cruise with dolphin and whale watching in Tenerife (5 hours)

Another great whale anddolphin tour in tenerifeesthis trip we took, which is one of the best ways to see cetaceans in their natural habitat. It is an experience that I highly recommend since the cruise respects the environment and marine life. During our tour we were lucky to see several dolphins and a pod of pilot whales, and it is one of my most precious memories of our trip to the Canary Islands.

The tour starts in Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje, and you have two options: a 3-hour tour or a 5-hour tour, which is the one we chose. Both options include food and drinks, but the 5-hour tour adds a visit to Los Gigantes and Masca Bay. No matter which tour option you choose, you can repeat it for free if you don't see cetaceans the first time.

During the tour, you will navigate to the Teno-Rasca Reserve, which protects vulnerable marine species and habitats in Tenerife. From here you will have beautiful views of Las Américas beach and Los Cristianos beach, and even Teide if the day is clear. It is certainly one of theThe best whale watching tours in Tenerife..

• Better times: Teno-Rasca Refuge, Las Américas Beach, Los Cristianos Beach, Los Gigantes and Masca Bay
• Point: Puerto Colon, Costa Adeje
• Duration: 3-5 hours
• Precio: 49$
• Description: Board an environmentally sustainable catamaran to the Teno-Rasca Reserve and enjoy food and drinks on board. There is a 3 hour option and a 5 hour option. The latter includes a visit to Los Gigantes and Masca Bay. You can repeat the tour for free if you don't see dolphins or whales the first time..

3. Dolphin and whale watching in Tenerife on a luxury yacht (3 hours)

For those looking for a more exclusive tour to seewhales in tenerife, then thinkthis excursionon luxury yachts.

This 3-hour tour is designed for small groups, allowing you to get the best views possible. In addition, the yacht has a state-of-the-art sonar system that allows you to hear the melodious songs of the whales and the clicks of the dolphins.

This tour not only offers some of theThe best whale watching in Tenerife., but it also includes a snorkeling session where you can swim among sea turtles and other marine life. You can also enjoy free snacks and drinks on board.

• Better times: Trip on a luxury yacht with state-of-the-art sonar technology and snorkeling session with turtles
• Point: Puerto Colon, Costa Adeje
• Duration: 3 hours
• Precio: 71$
• Description: Board a luxury yacht and enjoy a few hours of whale watching. This is a small group tour, although a private option is available. The excursion includes snacks and drinks, as well as snorkeling with turtles..

4. Cheap snorkeling and whale watching tour in Tenerife (2 hours)

If you are looking for a cheaper option, go for it.this 2 hour tour. It isWhale Watching in TenerifeThe excursion leaves from the port of Los Cristianos and goes along the coast in search of cetaceans. The captain will keep a safe distance from the whales, dolphins and other animals to respect their environment and safety.

In addition to seeing dolphins andwhales in tenerife, this tour includes a visit to the famous "Cueva del Amor", where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the island. The boat will also stop at the Cueva del Amor to snorkel and contemplate the magnificent seabed. It is definitely one of the best options for those who do not have time or money but still want to enjoy a whale anddolphin tour in tenerife.

• Better times: Watch whales and dolphins and snorkel in the "Cueva del Amor"
• Point: The Christians
• Duration: 2 hours
• Precio: 22$
• Description: take oneWhale watching in Tenerifetour with beautiful views of the coast and snorkel in the "Cueva del Amor".»

5. Tenerife Whale and Dolphin Watching in Catamaran (3 hours)

Another very good option for travelers who want to enjoy one.Whale watching tour in Tenerife.esthis excursion, departing from Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje. After departure, you will travel along the southwest coast of Tenerife, an area where it is common to find dolphins and pilot whales throughout the year.

Of course, if you don't see cetaceans the first time, you can repeat this tour for free. Another good thing about this boat trip is that you will stop at Spaghetti Beach for a refreshing swimming or snorkeling adventure. ThisWhale watching in TenerifeIt also includes complimentary drinks on board.

If you've never been on a catamaran before, I highly recommend this tour because it's a really fun experience, especially with playful dolphins swimming alongside your boat!

• Better times: Whale and dolphin watching with a stop to snorkel at Spaghetti beach
• Point: Puerto Colon, Costa Adeje
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Precio: 34$
• Description: Enjoy a tour to seewhales in tenerifeand snorkel at Spaghetti beach. During the catamaran excursion, you will also be able to enjoy beautiful views of the southwest coast of Tenerife while having a drink on board..

6. Whale watching in Tenerife from Los Gigantes (3 hours)

After all,this excursionis the perfect way to enjoy someWhale watching from Los Gigantes, Tenerife.

The tour leaves from Los Gigantes and La Caleta and you will travel in a small group on a sailboat. With fewer people on board, you will be able to get the best view and fully experience the beautiful scenery. If the weather allows it, you will even be able to help hoist the sails of the boat.

Your captain will guide you to the places where you will have the best chances to see whales andDolphins in Tenerife, and you will also make a brief stop to enjoy a refreshing swim or snorkel in the sea. On top of all this, you'll get free drinks on board and amazing views of the surrounding cliffs, so that's about it.The best whale watching tour in Tenerife.of the Giants.

• Better times: Whale and dolphin watching from a sailboat with a stop for snorkeling
• Point: The Giants
• Duration: 3 hours
• Precio: 71$
• Description: Go on a small-group sailing tour to watch whales in Tenerife and enjoy a snorkeling adventure. During the excursion, you will also be able to enjoy the beautiful view of the rocks and enjoy free drinks on board.

The best time to see whales in Tenerife

One of the most common questions people ask is, when is theBest time to watch whales in Tenerife.? Thanks to its privileged location, it is possible to see cetaceans in Tenerife at any time of the year, especially common dolphins and pilot whales, since they live mainly in the waters of the Canary Islands.

However, for a greater variety of species, theBest time to see whales in Tenerife.It is during the winter and spring months. This is when most dolphins and whales migrate through the waters, particularly right, blue, and minke whales.

So while you will be more successful if you gowhale watching in tenerifewinter or spring, you should have no problem seeing cetaceans all year round.

Where to see whales in Tenerife

Another frequently asked question is where to go.whale watching in tenerife. Although Tenerife is thethe best canary islandsTo go on a whale watching trip, most of the tours depart from the southern part of the island, specifically from Puerto Colón, in Costa Adeje. That being said, there are some tours that depart from the ports of Los Gigantes or Los Cristianos.

Whale watching in the south of Tenerife

It's youwhale watching in the south of Tenerife, you will probably depart from Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje. This is one of the most touristy areas of the island since Siam Park and Playa Las Américas, two of thebest places to see in the south of tenerife, they're here. You can also find many charming towns, delicious restaurants and cozy hotels here, making it one of theMost popular areas to stay in Tenerife.

In Costa Adeje you will find these whale watching tours:

1. Whale watching in Tenerife with underwater view
2. Ecological cruise with dolphin and whale watching in Tenerife
3. Watch dolphins and whales in Tenerife on a luxury yacht
4. Whale and Dolphin Watching in Tenerife on a Catamaran

Los Cristianos is not far from Costa Adeje and although it offers awhale watching tourIt's not that popular.

Whale watching in Los Gigantes, Tenerife

Another option is to goWhale watching in Los Gigantes, Tenerife.. This area is considered one of the best places to see dolphins and whales since the possibilities are much greater. If somethingexcursions with dolphins in tenerifeWe will leave Costa Adeje and head to Los Gigantes. In addition to the whales and dolphins, the bottom rocks are beautiful.

This is thethe best whale watching tourYou can get there from Los Gigantes.

Types of whales in Tenerife

The Canary Islands are one of the best places to see whales and dolphins throughout the year. Also, these are the most common.whale species in tenerife, as well as their characteristics to easily identify them.

Dolphins in Tenerife

If you want to seeDolphins in Tenerife, you should know that the most common species, which you will be able to see throughout the year, is theBottle nose dolphin.

This species is usually found a short distance from the coast, which makes it one of the easiest to see. Bottlenose dolphins are typically 8 to 10 feet long and live in groups of 10 to 30 individuals. They are dark gray in color, although their underside tends to be lighter.

There are other types of dolphins in Tenerife, includingatlantic spotted dolphin, whose body is covered with small spots. You can also see itrough toothed dolphin, which has jagged teeth and an elongated skull, or thestriped dolphin, which is bluish in color with gray stripes. Finally, thecommon dolphinit has a yellowish color on its sides and is also found in Tenerife.

All of these species are less common or seasonal, so depending on when you visit, you may see one or more of them.

Pilot pilot whales in Tenerife

it is very easy to seepilot whales in tenerifeSo keep your eyes peeled. They can reach 16 feet in length and typically weigh between 1 and 2 tons. Pilot whales belong to the dolphin family, although they are considered whales due to their large size.

One of the most striking features of the pilot whale is its rounded head, which has a small beak and a curved mouth. These cetaceans are black in color but have a gray spot behind the dorsal fin.

You can also spot a type of gray pilot whale, known asgray dolphin. This species differs from the pilot whale by being darker in color and smaller, weighing between 660 pounds. and 1,320 lbs.

Sperm whales in Tenerife

If you're lucky, you might see one.sperm whalein Tenerife. Although sporadic in appearance, they are very pretty, with a large head and ribbed skin. Sperm whales are large and impressive creatures, measuring between 36 and 60 feet and weighing between 15 and 45 tons.

Orcas in Tenerife

Seerkiller whales in tenerifeIt's a bit more difficult, but not impossible. These cetaceans can be up to 30 feet long and weigh up to 12,000 pounds. Orcas are easily recognizable thanks to their black back and white belly, as well as the white areas around their eyes.

Although it's rare to seekiller whales in tenerife, it is easier to spot false killer whales. This type of cetacean can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh up to 3,300 pounds. They usually live in herds of 10 to 50 individuals.

Other whales in Tenerife

Apart from all the above species, you can see many other creatures in aWhale watching tour in Tenerife., namely the Greenland whale, Greenland whale, and North Atlantic right whale. There are also some rarer species, such as the Fraser's dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin, the beaked whale or the pygmy sperm whale.

Last but not least, you will also be able to see sea turtles and a wide variety of fish in the waters of the Canary Islands. For this reason, I recommend booking aWhale watching tour in Tenerife.which includes an opportunity to practice snorkeling, such asthis excursion.

I hope this guide has helped you find the perfect one.Whale watching tour in Tenerife.! I know that you choose the tour you choose, you will enjoy it a lot, since it is one of the most incredible experiences.

Felizwhale watching in tenerife!