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 traveled to Tenerife on several occasions and being lucky enough to have been able to enjoy this spectacular experience live, 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 to spend a day aboard an exclusive boat in a relatively small group, with everything included. In addition to whale watching, it includes a snorkeling stop.
Since you are going to enjoy a good time sailing the Atlantic, the wide range of boat trips in Tenerife allows you to choose a boat. In this case, you will spend the day aboard 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 will also have a snorkeling 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 sail the Atlantic waters in a luxurious catamaran with food, drinks and snorkeling stop included.
Recommended if... You feel like trying the sensation of sailing in a catamaran with 30 other passengers on board.
Tenerife Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
The best cruise for a tight budget
Although it is a large ship that can be quite crowded compared to other cruises, it is 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 aboard a schooner, which allows you to maneuver the waters of the Canary Islands with precision to avoid sudden movements that may frighten the marine animals.
Why I like this option: Although it is a bit short compared to other similar options and you will be accompanied by a larger group, it is a great way to add a wonderful souvenir to your trip for a more affordable price.
Recommended if... You are looking for an experience that fits within a tight budget, but you don't want to give up the special and unique feeling of seeing whales and dolphins from a boat.
Tenerife Kayak and Snorkel Tour with Turtles
Kayaking and snorkeling with turtles in Tenerife
An exciting and active way to explore the coasts of Tenerife, combining kayaking and snorkeling with the majestic sea turtles.
On this kayaking and snorkeling tour with turtles in Tenerife you will explore the crystal clear waters of the island in a fun and active way. You will start with a brief introduction by an expert instructor, who will teach you how to handle the kayak and snorkel equipment before you set off on your adventure.
You will paddle along the coast of Tenerife enjoying breathtaking views and, if you are lucky, you may also see dolphins in the wild. Afterwards, it will be time to dive to snorkel and swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat, a unique experience you will hardly forget.
Why I like this option: It perfectly combines sport, nature and marine life in an activity of about 3 hours that is enjoyed in small groups for a more personalized experience.
Recommended if... You want an exciting outdoor activity and 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 to spend a day aboard an exclusive boat in a relatively small group, with everything included. In addition to whale watching, it includes a snorkeling stop.
The best cruise for a tight budget
This is your option if you do not want to give up the wonderful experience of whale and dolphin watching at the best possible price.
Kayaking and snorkeling 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 marine mammal sightings
Thanks to the year-round mild climate of the Canary Islands, and the deep sea beds that offer cetaceans a respite from the strong Atlantic ocean currents, Tenerife attracts a great many marine mammals, protected in a nature reserve.
Therefore, it is possible to see bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales between the waters of La Gomera and Tenerife. With some 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 to see whales and dolphins in Tenerife
Although the great advantage of these experiences is that you are guaranteed sightings throughout the year, here is a small reference of how they vary according to the season:
- Spring is when there is more activity and movement of cetaceans.
- Summer is the breeding season, so you may be able to see whales and baby dolphins.
- In autumn the sightings are 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 therefore 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 spot
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 tremendously popular activity with locals and travelers alike, so it's a good idea to secure your spot early.
Packing your suitcase
Although the weather in the Canary Islands is spectacular all year round, remember to pack a windbreaker or raincoat in winter, as the sea breeze at sea can get quite cold. At any time of the year you will need sunscreen and probably sunglasses, so that the light does not tire your eyes quickly.
Avoid seasickness
If you tend to get seasick easily, keep in mind that the bigger the boat the less noticeable the swell, so perhaps the cheaper option is the perfect one for you (you will be on a boat with a capacity of 130 people).
Best time of day for the excursion
These experiences have departures at various times throughout the day. Regardless of the time you take the excursion, you will have the same chances of seeing marine animals. If you are bringing a camera and want to take a good photo, you already 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 the Teide. The highest peak in Spain 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 options and other more relaxed ones), you can read in my guide about which one suits you best.
If you feel like making the most of your time on the island to visit nearby paradises, La Gomera and El Hierro are two smaller but equally fascinating islands. I'll tell you all you need to know to organize your visit to El Hierro and La Gomera.
And last but not least, if you feel like getting to know the marine fauna of the islands even more, you can join a kayak tour near the sea turtles. Unforgettable!