Sustainable Whale Watching.

Tenerife is responsible with the ocean.

Discover our European Capital of Sustainable Whale Watching in Tenerife

Enjoy an experience of a lifetime promoting Sustainable Whale Watching, with Tenerife Whale Watching. We offer the only sustainable cetacean, dolphin, and whale watching boat excursions in the canary islands. All these boats are provided are listed below. The Southwest Coastline of Tenerife is one of the most important areas for whale and dolphin watching. Whale Watching cruises are done in the Special Area of Conservation (ZEC) Teno-Rasca marine strip ES7020017 . This ZEC zone is integrated into the Natura 2000 Network.

To ensure a correct, responsible and sustainable sighting of whales and dolphins and wildlife tours, first of all Vessels presented are holders of the “Blue Boat” flag. Above all, these vessels are authorized by the Ministry of Tourism of the Canary Islands Government and by the Ministry of Environment of Spain.

Natura 2000

A European ecological network of biodiversity conservation areas. It is made up of Special Areas of Conservation (ZEC) designated in accordance with the Habitats Directive, and Special Protection Areas for Birds (ZEPA), in addition, established by virtue of the Birds Directive. These are the breeding grounds for our two resident species.

Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching in Tenerife.

An objective without a doubt is to ensure the long-term survival of the most characteristic species and habitats of Europe. Uniquely by helping to detain loss of biodiversity caused by the adverse impact of human activities, such as ilegal boat excursion companies. Not only do they not commit to sustainable behavior but they also do not follow the rules and regulations proposed by the Government.

With this in mind responsibility with our ocean is yours. Because you should be part of a unique sustainable whale watching experience.

Tenerife Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat trips & Excursions

Tenerife is located in a prime location for whale and dolphin observation. In the first place there are many sustainable boat trips and excursions offering this experience on the island, therefore you will find all of them here on this platform. More importantly we want to be your whale & dolphin watching guide and advisors for boat trips in Tenerife. Feel like a local naturalist, discovering marine mammal life on one of our whale watching tours. Sail through migrating routes and also keep an eye out for our marine birds.

Best Whale Watching Experience

Certainly, we will show you who are the best companies in the business. All sailing from the South West Coast of Tenerife. Some cruise all the way to Los Gigantes and other tours to La Caleta. Let us provide you with the best sustainable excursions, boat trips or experiences Tenerife has to offer. All guaranteed by the Ministry of Tourism. Click and watch the short clip below in order to better understand our cause. Watching Whales has never been easier, with most of the companies with a success rate of 99%.

Chance for sighting today of whales or dolphins.

Chance for sightings of Whales and Dolphins in Tenerife

Whales and Dolphins have always held a fascination for man. As a result, watching and photographing them in their natural habitat is no longer an impossible dream or a privilege reserved exclusively for specialists and scientists. It is important to realize that many boat companies offer trips and cruises to see these creatures in places like Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Norway, California, Mexico, Azores and … TENERIFE.

Tenerife Whale & Dolphin Watching Statistics

According to our statistics and experience in whale migration and whale and dolphin watching boat excursions, we have calculated for you the chance of sighting of these marine mammals. Surprisingly there is no better sighting time or area throughout the day. Due to this everything can change due to current weather conditions, water currents, food availability, etc. To point out although the chances may be high, as a result one must remember that these are wild animals and cannot guarantee sightings at all times.

Chance for sightings today of both whales & dolphins.

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Tenerife Whale Watching: Species to be seen.

Weather conditions in Tenerife

provides an all year round ideal hábitat for these marine mammals. Some species have established their permanent residence here in these Canarian waters. Tenerife has been known undoubtedly for its all year round Spring Season weather. As a result, making this area an ideal location for daily whale watching.

The depth between La Gomera and Tenerife can reach up to 2400m in-depth,

therefore creating an ideal habitable área for marine life. Marine life includes especially giant squid, jellyfish and fish of different forms and sizes. Equally important it is part of the main diet of these cetaceans. Below is a list of both dolphin and whale species organized by how often they can be sighted. Although other marine wildlife such as turtles and marine birds can be seen.

ALL YEAR (RESIDENTS)

Short Finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorinchus)

Short Finned Pilot Whale belonging to the Delphinidae family. This toothed cetacean (Odontoceti) owes its classification as a whale to its size, it can grow to well over 5 metres long and weigh between 900 and 1,800 kg . This is the easiest species to come across on a whale watching excursion in Tenerife.

Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Most well-known species of dolphin and can easily be spotted just off the coast of Tenerife. With an average length is 2.7 metres for males and 2.5 metres for females, with oldest individuals measuring over 3 metres. They live in groups of between 10 and 30 members known as pods. Their backs are a dark grey colour which grows gradually lighter towards the belly.

ALL YEAR (SPORADIC)

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin (Stenella frontalis)

This species can be identified by the spots that cover most of their skin once they reach adulthood. They form large pods and are very active. Most oftenly spotted between autumn and late spring. Weighing between 60-80kg and reach lengths of up to 2.3 metres.

Rough-Toothed Dolphin (Steno bredanensis)

Ridges and wrinkles on their teeth and their long heads are the most significant features of this species. Darker than bottlenose dolphins and have light spots on their skin. They group together in pods of 6 to 10 members. Weighing up to 150kg and reach up to 2.7 metres in length.

Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera edeni)

Similar in appearance to the sei whale, though the Bryde’s whale is smaller and more robust, featuring a characteristic that is unique to this family: three ridges on the top of its head as opposed to one central ridge. Male specimens can reach up to 13.7 metres, while females can measure 14.5 metres and can reach up to 15 metres. Their backs are a dark bluish-grey to metallic grey colour, with slightly lighter sides and an even lighter throat and belly.

Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)

Bluish colour and stripes that run from its eyes almost down to its tail, this dolphin is very easy to identify. They often steer clear of boats but they are fast swimmers and you might glimpse them jumping out of the water. Their usual weight can reach between 100-130 kg, and measure 2.7 metres in length.

Risso’s Dolphin (Grampus griseus)

Morphologically, this mammal is very similar to the pilot whale but its skin is grey in colour, or even closer to white in some adult specimens, which contrasts with the dark colour of its dorsal fin. Risso’s Dolphin can weigh between 300 to 600kg.

Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus)

Largest of the Odontoceti family and is as big as most whales. Its most notable features are its huge head, grooved dark skin and small dorsal fin. It can hold its breath for more than an hour under water in order to find food at depths of over 2,000 metres. They are most often seen in spring time. Their weight can reach between 13,500 and 54,000 kg and reach lengths of between 11 and 18 metres.

OCCASIONALLY SEEN (MIGRATORY)

Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis)

Common dolphins can be found in most of the world’s oceans. It is easy to identify due to the special yellow markings on its sides. They are most often seen in winter. Weighing between 80-130 kg and reach lengths of up to 2.5 metres.

False Killer Whale (Pseudorca crassidens)

Slender body and a dorsal fin that can measure up to 30 cm high. Two of its most distinctive features are the bend and elbow-like bulge half way along each of its flippers. The false killer whale is dark grey to black all over. It can grow to up to 6 metres, weigh up to 1,500 kg and live as long as 60 years. They are sociable animals who live in pods of 10 to 50 members.

Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)

Top and sides of the body are black or a dark greyish-brown, which fades gradually into white on the belly. Colour of the head, however, is asymmetrical. Right side of its face is light grey with a white jaw, matching the colouring of the throat and belly. Left side of its face is darker, with a dark grey jaw and throat. It also has a series of colour markings across the width of its back, behind its head, the most distinctive being shaped like an upside-down V, which is more visible on the right side.

Sei Whale (Balaenoptera borealis)

Similar to the Bryde’s whale but bigger, darker and more slender, and with a single ridge on their head. The proportion of the head is similar to that of the Bryde’s whale, ranging from 1/4 to 1/5 of its total length, but looks narrower from above and has a well-defined ridge. The overall colouring is dark grey or brown, almost black, often resembling galvanised metal, except on the belly, which has a white colouring that varies in size. Male sei whales can measure up to 17.1 metres, while females reach up to 18.6 metres and can weigh as much as 25,000 kg.

RARELY SEEN

Orca or Killer Whale

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

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Tenerife Whale Watching’s Best Sustainable Boat Tours, Excursions and Charters

We offer only the best in the business. Taking care of our oceans and its environment is easy. Simply choose correctly to protect their natural environment. At Tenerife Whale Watching we have made it easy for you. With this in mind all the necessary and important information is right here on this website. We are the best local whale watching boat guides.

Choose your port of departure for your Tenerife Whale Watching Cruise

Feel free to choose the desired whale and dolphin watching boat trip, excursion or experience below organized by departure port. All these ports are located alongside the South West coast of Tenerife. Some companies offer to pick up from the north of the island. Living an unforgettable whale and dolphin adventure or experience and being friendly to our environment is possible:

Choose wisely, for this reason, be conscious and help protect our marine life and oceans by choosing only between the boats listed below.

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Whale Watching from Puerto de La Cruz

To avoid confusion, there are currently no boats sailing from the north of the island. All trips and excursions depart from Tenerife south. Mainly in the Las Ameicas area. These boats listed here offer transfer service from the North of the Island. Please check availability dates.

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Tenerife Whale Watching’s Blog

Here we will post the latest news on the Canaries, seabirds, sea life, marine mammal, whale facts and other relevant information.

Short Finned Pilot Whale

Apr 18, 2020

Short Finned Pilot Whales in Tenerife Globicephala Macrorhynchus Short finned pilot whale are found around the world in tropical and temperate oceans. They are long-lived, slow to reproduce, and...

Weather in Tenerife

Mar 21, 2020

Weather in Tenerife is known internationally as an "Island of Eternal Spring" Attribution of this climatic name occurs thanks to the trade winds (commonly known as the "Alisios" winds). In the areas...

The Bottlenose Dolphin

Mar 20, 2020

The Bottlenose Dolphin or in latin TURISOPS TRUNCATUS Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops Truncatus) is perhaps the most popular of all the cetaceans, after starring in the film “Flipper”. Or because of...

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Tenerife Whale Watching collaborate’s with your purchase

With the purchase of your Tenerife whale and dolphin watching boat trip, excursion or experience as a consequence you will collaborate with these important sustainable causes. For this reason for every whale watching excursion purchased you help clean up the oceans plastic and also promote the following local and international associations and institutions that help and protect the whales and dolphins in our oceans.

Tenerife Whale Watching: Important notice

According to WebTenerife, all boat trips, excursions & vessels listed here comply and commit to all obligations and responsibilities to ensure a Sustainable Whale and Dolphin Experience in the South West Coast of Tenerife in the ZEC Zone. A reminder to everyone that swimming with wild dolphins and or whales in Tenerife is prohibited by law in Spain. Please help our environment by choosing boats that only offer sustainable whale watching in Tenerife. With this intention to ensure and protect the lives of these wild peaceful creatures. With this in mind be responsible for the ocean.