Tenerife guide
Whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife: which boat to choose
Tenerife is one of the few places in the world with resident pilot whales: they live all year in the channel between the island and La Gomera, and dolphins are seen on most trips. That is why you can go whale watching here any day of the year. The question is not when, but on which boat.
When to go and what to expect
As the pilot whales here are not migratory, they are seen on the vast majority of trips all year round. Nothing wild can be guaranteed, but the chances are very high. Every trip sails along the south coast in sheltered waters with a licensed whale-watching crew, and most include a swim stop.
If you get seasick or travel with kids: catamaran or a big boat
A catamaran is wide and stable, one of the most comfortable boats if you tend to get seasick. Trips last 2 to 5 hours, and the Abrazo is adults only. Big shared boats such as the Peter Pan pirate ship, the Ragnarok Viking boat or the Maxicat are the most affordable way to take the whole family.
CatamaranCatamaran trips in Tenerife to see pilot whales and dolphins: Freebird, White Paradise, adults-only Abrazo or Blue Ocean.From €30 · See experience →
Shared BoatShared boat trips in Tenerife to see pilot whales and dolphins at a good price: pirate ship, Viking boat, Maxicat and more.From €27 · See experience →To see them underwater too
The Royal Delfín is a catamaran with underwater viewing that sails from Puerto Colón: as well as watching from the deck, you can go down to the lounge with windows below the waterline and see the seabed.
Glass-Bottom BoatCalmer or more spectacular
Under sail you glide quietly in a small group, ideal for getting close to the animals without noise. For scenery, the route from Los Gigantes harbour runs beneath cliffs up to 600 metres high to Masca Bay, by boat or speedboat. And if you would rather be on your own, a private boat with a skipper lets you choose the route and pace.
Sailing BoatSailing trips in Tenerife: sail in a small group and look for pilot whales and dolphins in silence, 2 to 5 hours.From €27 · See experience →
Los Gigantes & MascaBoat trip to the Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca Bay looking for pilot whales and dolphins, by boat or speedboat.From €28 · See experience →
Private BoatPrivate boat charter with skipper in Tenerife: speedboats, sailing boats, catamarans and yachts from 2 hours to a full day, on your own route.From €200 · See experience →By kayak
For the more active, guided kayak tours along the south coast, from Los Cristianos or at the foot of the Los Gigantes cliffs, look for dolphins and turtles and include a snorkel stop.
Kayak & Snorkel SafariFrequently asked questions
When is the best time for whale watching in Tenerife?
Any time: pilot whales live all year in the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera, so they are seen on the vast majority of trips in every month.
Which boat is best if I get seasick?
The catamaran, because it is wide and very stable. It still helps to take something for seasickness an hour before and stay on deck looking at the horizon.
Where do the boats leave from?
Most leave from Puerto Colón, in Costa Adeje. The cliff routes leave from Los Gigantes harbour, and some boats, like the Blue Ocean, from Las Galletas.
Shall we help you plan it?
Tell us your dates and we will put the plan together. No prepayment: we confirm availability on WhatsApp.
See all experiencesUpdated on 22 October 2026