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How to spot wild dolphins and whales in Tenerife

Fancy spotting dolphins and whales in Tenerife? Here's what you need to know.
Tenerife doesn't just offer year-round warmth. It’s also the perfect place to take a boat tour if you want to see dolphins and whales in the wild. The island’s calm, deep waters are never too icy, and there’s stacks of marine food which make it the ideal environment for both native and migratory species. This all means there’s a good chance of a successful sighting throughout the year. Want some more top tips? Keep reading for our guide...

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WHERE TO SEE THEM

For the best chance of spotting dolphins and whales, you'll want to head to Tenerife's south-west coast, between the pretty marina of Los Gigantes and popular town of Los Cristianos, You'll find that there are loads of boat trips and excursions to choose from, and most tours offer an 80-95% sighting success rate, so the odds are in your favour.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR BOAT TRIP

Boat tours tend to last between two and five hours, and cost around €20-€50. This price includes meals, drinks and a couple of stops to enjoy a swim in the ocean in the warmer months. But while the Canaries bask in average temperatures of 25ºC year-round, it's a good idea to take a jumper along in case the wind picks up while you’re at sea, as well as plenty of sunscreen.

KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED

Common sightings include the short-finned pilot whale and the bottlenose dolphin, but every tour can offer a surprise or two. With 26 species known to dip in and out of these shores, you might discover a herd of fin whales on their migration route to the Arctic, or, if you're really lucky, a blue whale, the largest creature on the planet. Trying to recognise all the various species can be challenging, but the expert guides on your boat tour will be able to help you identify a Risso's dolphin from an Eden's whale.

A BIT MORE ON BLUE WHALES

A blue whale’s tongue can weigh as much an elephant, while their hearts can be as heavy as a car. These hungry beasts dive up to 500 metres below the surface of the sea for food, and every single day they will happily chomp through as much as 3,600 kilograms of marine life, such as krill. Equally impressive, the low frequency pulses and sounds they emit can be heard by their mates up to 1,600 kilometres away.
Fancy sea-ing them for yourself?

Check out our Tenerife holidays, and book your trip. Plus, get clued up on the best beaches in the Canary Islands, and the best things to do in Tenerife's Costa Adeje.

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Last updated: 17.07.2020

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