Best places to whale watch in Tenerife

Whale watching in Tenerife is a popular activity for tourists visiting the Canary Islands. Tenerife is located in the Atlantic Ocean and is home to many different species of whales and dolphins, including pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and sperm whales.

There are several companies that offer whale watching tours in Tenerife, with departures from various ports around the island. These tours typically last between two and four hours and include a knowledgeable guide who will provide information about the marine life you see along the way.

Most tours use small boats or catamarans to get up close to the whales and dolphins, and it’s not uncommon for them to swim right up to the boats. Some tours even offer the opportunity to swim and snorkel with the dolphins.

It’s important to choose a reputable tour operator that prioritizes the safety and well-being of the animals. Make sure to do your research and read reviews before booking a tour.

Finding a whale watching boat tour

1. Freebird Catamaran: This company offers a four-hour catamaran tour that includes whale and dolphin watching, swimming and snorkeling, and a buffet lunch. The catamaran has a capacity of up to 80 passengers and departs from Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje.
2. Tenerife Dolphin: Tenerife Dolphin offers a three-hour boat tour that takes you to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The tour includes a guide, snacks, and drinks, and departs from the port of Los Cristianos.
3. Atlantic Eco Experience: This eco-friendly tour company offers small group tours (maximum 10 passengers) that use electric boats to minimize their impact on the environment. The tour includes a guide, snacks, and drinks, and departs from the port of Los Gigantes.
4. Whale Watching Tenerife: This company offers a three-hour boat tour that takes you to see whales and dolphins in the waters around Tenerife. The tour includes a guide, snacks, and drinks, and departs from the port of Los Cristianos.
5. Maritima Acantilados: Maritima Acantilados offers a three-hour boat tour that takes you to see whales and dolphins, as well as the stunning cliffs of Los Gigantes. The tour includes a guide, snacks, and drinks, and departs from the port of Los Gigantes.
6. Tenerife Sunshine: This company offers a three-hour boat tour that takes you to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The tour includes a guide, snacks, and drinks, and departs from the port of Los Cristianos.
7. Blue Jack Sail: Blue Jack Sail offers a three-hour catamaran tour that takes you to see whales and dolphins, as well as the stunning coastline of Tenerife. The tour includes a guide, snacks, and drinks, and departs from the port of Puerto Colon.
8. Tenerife Yacht Charter: This company offers a private yacht charter for whale watching tours, giving you the opportunity to have a more personalized experience with your own captain and crew. The yacht departs from the port of Puerto Colon.
9. Teno Activo: Teno Activo offers a three-hour boat tour that takes you to see whales and dolphins, as well as the rugged coastline of Tenerife’s northwest coast. The tour includes a guide, snacks, and drinks, and departs from the port of Buenavista.
10. Tenerife Rent a Boat: This company offers a private boat rental service for whale watching tours, giving you the flexibility to design your own itinerary and explore the waters around Tenerife at your own pace. The boat departs from the port of Los Cristianos.

What whales could I see

1. Pilot whales: The most commonly sighted species of whale in the waters around Tenerife. Pilot whales are a type of toothed whale that can grow up to 6 meters long.
2. Sperm whales: These large toothed whales can grow up to 20 meters long and are known for their distinctive block-shaped heads. Sperm whales are less commonly sighted than pilot whales in Tenerife.
3. Bryde’s whales: These medium-sized baleen whales can grow up to 15 meters long and are sometimes spotted in the waters around Tenerife.
4. Fin whales: The second largest species of whale after the blue whale, fin whales can grow up to 27 meters long. They are occasionally spotted in the waters around Tenerife.
5. Humpback whales: These large baleen whales can grow up to 16 meters long and are known for their acrobatic displays. They are a rare sight in the waters around Tenerife, but are occasionally spotted.

In addition to these whale species, there are also several species of dolphins that can be seen around Tenerife, including bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, and Atlantic spotted dolphins.