Guide to whale watching in South Tenerife

Whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife is one of the most special experiences you can enjoy during a trip to the island. The waters surrounding the south of Tenerife offer exceptional conditions for observing whales and dolphins in the wild, with some species remaining in the area throughout the year.

This permanent presence makes Tenerife one of the few destinations in Europe where you can enjoy this activity practically year-round. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your experience: where to see cetaceans in Tenerife, which species you might encounter, when to go, how long excursions usually last and what you should know before setting sail.

Why is whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife so unique?

The marine channel between Tenerife and La Gomera provides an exceptional environment for marine life. The proximity of very deep waters to the coast, mild temperatures throughout the year and an abundance of food all contribute to the presence of a remarkable variety of cetaceans.

One of the most important areas is the Teno-Rasca Marine Strip, on Tenerife’s southwest coast. Its exceptional ecological value and the permanent presence of species such as short-finned pilot whales have made this area an international benchmark for responsible whale and dolphin watching.

Here are a few facts that help explain why Tenerife is such a special destination for this activity:

• Around 30 species of cetaceans have been documented in the waters of the Canary Islands.
• Southern Tenerife is home to resident populations of short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins.
• The Teno-Rasca Marine Strip is protected due to its exceptional ecological value.
• Tenerife offers whale and dolphin watching throughout the year thanks to the presence of resident species.

This means that every trip can be different. The animals live in the wild and encounters can never be scheduled, making the experience even more authentic.

Where can you see whales and dolphins in Tenerife?

Most whale and dolphin watching excursions in Tenerife depart from ports in the south and southwest of the island. This is where many authorised operators are based and where conditions provide easy access to the areas frequently visited by cetaceans.

If you’re staying at Kora Nivaria Beach, in Abades, you can easily reach the main departure points by car thanks to its convenient connection to the southern motorway.

Whale and dolphin watching from Los Cristianos

The port of Los Cristianos is another popular departure point for these excursions. Its location in the south of the island provides access to areas where cetaceans can be found, with a variety of trips available throughout much of the year. From Kora Nivaria Beach, the journey takes approximately 25–30 minutes by car, making it another convenient option for planning a dolphin watching excursion in Tenerife during your stay.

Whales and dolphins from Puerto de Los Gigantes

Another particularly attractive option is to depart from Puerto de Los Gigantes. Here, you can combine whale and dolphin watching with one of Tenerife’s most spectacular landscapes: the enormous Los Gigantes Cliffs rising dramatically above the Atlantic.

From Kora Nivaria Beach, the drive takes approximately 45 minutes. Although it is slightly farther away, the scenery makes the journey well worth it and provides a great opportunity to spend a full day exploring this part of the island.

What cetaceans can you see in Tenerife?

The waters surrounding Tenerife are home to more than twenty different species of cetaceans, although your chances of seeing them depend on the time of year and their natural movements. The main stars are the short-finned pilot whale and bottlenose dolphin, both resident species that can be found throughout the year. They are joined by seasonal or migratory species such as Atlantic spotted dolphins, different species of rorquals and sperm whales.

Short-finned pilot whale

The short-finned pilot whale, commonly known simply as a pilot whale, is probably Tenerife’s most characteristic cetacean species. It lives permanently off the southwest coast and is one of the species most frequently spotted during excursions. It is a highly social animal that usually travels in family groups. Adults can reach several metres in length and are easily recognised by their rounded foreheads and dark colouring.

Bottlenose dolphin

The bottlenose dolphin is another of Tenerife’s resident species and one of the easiest dolphins to recognise. Its robust body, distinctive snout and active behaviour make encounters particularly memorable. They usually travel in groups and can sometimes be seen swimming close to boats, always while respecting the distances and regulations established to protect the animals.

Atlantic spotted dolphin

The Atlantic spotted dolphin can be found in Tenerife’s waters, particularly at certain times of the year. Its name comes from the spots that gradually appear across its body as the animal reaches adulthood. It is a highly active species known for its jumps and rapid movements, making an encounter with these dolphins one of the most spectacular moments of an excursion.

What is the best time to see whales in Tenerife?

One of the great advantages of whale watching in Tenerife is that it can be enjoyed during all twelve months of the year. Short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins remain in these waters year-round, so you do not need to visit during a particular season to have a chance of seeing them. However, each season offers a slightly different experience:

• Spring: pleasant temperatures and a good balance between favourable weather and visitor numbers.
• Summer: one of the busiest periods for excursions, so booking in advance is recommended.
• Autumn: visitor numbers tend to be lower, making it ideal for those looking for a quieter experience.
• Winter: whale and dolphin watching remains highly recommended thanks to the presence of resident species throughout the year.

Therefore, there is no single best time for whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife. Your choice will mainly depend on your preferred weather, visitor numbers and the type of experience you are looking for during your holiday.

Where to stay in Tenerife

Staying in a well-connected area makes it easy to reach the main ports in southern Tenerife while enjoying a holiday away from the island’s busiest tourist areas.

Kora Nivaria Beach, located in Abades, is an excellent base for combining whale and dolphin watching with other activities around the island. Its location provides convenient access to Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes, while also making it easy to discover beaches, coastal villages and other attractions in southern Tenerife.

Its aparthotel concept, featuring spacious apartments, fully equipped kitchens, swimming pools and a peaceful seaside setting, offers the perfect flexibility for relaxing after a day exploring the island. Book your stay at Kora Nivaria Beach and discover Tenerife at your own pace.

What is a whale and dolphin watching excursion in Tenerife like?

What does an excursion usually include?

Although each operator offers a different experience, many excursions usually include:

• Sailing along the southern coast of Tenerife.
• Whale and dolphin watching in the wild.
• Information about the species observed and the marine ecosystem.
• On some excursions, a swimming or snorkelling stop in permitted areas, always separate from the whale and dolphin watching activity.

Choose a responsible whale and dolphin watching experience

One of the most important things to consider when booking is choosing an authorised whale and dolphin watching vessel. In the Canary Islands, boats professionally dedicated to this activity are identified by the Blue Boat (Barco Azul) certification. These vessels must comply with regulations governing how close boats can approach the animals, observation times and vessel behaviour in their presence.

Choosing authorised operators helps ensure that whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife remains compatible with the protection of one of the Canary Islands’ most important marine ecosystems.

Tips for whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife

A little preparation before setting sail can make the experience much more comfortable. As well as booking in advance, it is worth considering sea conditions and remembering at all times that this is an activity involving the observation of wild animals.

• Book in advance, especially if you are travelling during summer, public holidays or peak holiday periods.
• Choose a vessel with the Blue Boat (Barco Azul) certification to ensure an authorised and responsible whale watching experience.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat and water, as sun exposure is greater while at sea.
• Wear comfortable clothes and footwear and bring a light jacket, as it can feel cooler out at sea even during summer.
• If you are prone to seasickness, take precautions before boarding and avoid setting sail on a completely empty stomach.
• Don’t expect a scheduled show: whales and dolphins live in the wild, and every trip is different.
• Follow the crew’s instructions to help protect the animals and enjoy a safe experience.

Watching a group of dolphins cross the ocean or seeing a short-finned pilot whale surface just a few metres away is one of those experiences that helps you appreciate Tenerife’s extraordinary natural wealth. Enjoying it responsibly allows you to make the most of the moment while also helping to protect this environment for the future.