Tenerife offers an unrivaled experience for those seeking to witness the beauty of marine life up close. Here, whale watching is a seasonal activity and a year-round spectacle. The island’s ideal geography, combined with its rich seabed and warm, crystal-clear waters—averaging 66°F in winter and 77°F in summer—creates the perfect habitat for many marine animals. Visitors can enjoy observing the resident population of cetaceans, with 26% of the world’s whales and dolphins residing in its surrounding Atlantic waters, a singularity compared to other whale-watching hotspots. More than 20 species, including pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, call the island home all year, increasing travelers’ chances (up to 95%) of spotting these mammals in their natural habitat.
Among the largest marine mammals that can be appreciated are the cachalots and rorquals. The cachalot, or sperm whale, is one of the largest animals on the planet, reaching up to 65 feet in length. Though these creatures are not as commonly seen due to the depths in which they live, a sighting is a remarkable event. Rorquals, including the humpback whale, repeatedly appear in Tenerife’s waters. These magnificent baleen whales, easily identified by their unique humps and streamlined bodies, provide an extraordinary experience for those lucky enough to witness them.
In addition, dolphin lovers can come up close with the beloved sea mammal known for their intelligence and playful nature. Among the most frequently sighted is the short-finned pilot whale, a friendly, curious, and part of a large-in-size dolphin species that often approach boats, offering a rare chance for a close encounter.
Excursions to observe these magnificent creatures depart regularly from several key locations across Tenerife’s southern coast, including Los Gigantes, Los Cristianos, Las Galletas, Playa San Juan, and Puerto Colón. These trips typically last around two to three hours and are guided by marine experts familiar with marine life’s behaviors. Onboard, passengers are given insights into the mammals they are about to see, while learning about the importance of preserving their natural habitats. Seeing these animals swimming freely in the wild is awe-inspiring as the boat navigates the crystal-clear waters.
For a responsible and eco-friendly experience, travelers are encouraged to choose boats with the “Barco Azul” (Blue Boat) certification. This logo ensures that operators comply with strict regulations designed to protect marine reserves and the cetaceans that inhabit them. Currently, 15 companies and 29 boats are committed to educating visitors about the fragile nature of aquatic ecosystems and the importance of treating them with respect. This Charter for Sustainable Whale Watching, launched in 2010, promotes responsible tourism and helps preserve the unique marine environment. Tenerife’s commitment to sustainability and marine conservation is at the heart of its whale-watching industry. The island’s eco-conscious commitments ensure that visitors can enjoy this remarkable experience while contributing to the preservation of the ocean’s delicate ecosystems.
