In Tenerife, dolphins are basically locals! Out in the island’s warm Atlantic waters, pods of bottlenose, striped, and spotted dolphins thrive year-round, often close enough to the coast that you’ll see fins slicing through the waves before your tour has even left the harbor. Whether you’re a wildlife nerd or just someone who loves a good sea adventure, dolphin watching here is as close to guaranteed as nature gets.
While these four are the headline acts, Tenerife’s waters occasionally welcome other species too, like pilot whales (yes, technically dolphins, but whale-sized ones), rough-toothed dolphins, and even rarer visitors like orcas passing through on their migratory routes. More about whales in Tenerife.
*Pro tip: The more time you spend at sea, the better your chances of spotting multiple species. Morning trips often catch dolphins feeding, while sunset cruises give you golden light for those cinematic dolphin shots.*
Trade big boats for a quiet kayak and snorkel session with dolphins and turtles. Feel the thrill of sharing the water with Tenerife’s marine life.
Dolphins love to ride the pressure waves created by boats. It looks like they’re playing, but it’s also an energy-saving trick that lets them glide along with minimal effort. In Tenerife, bottlenose dolphins are the most likely to surf right alongside your catamaran or sailboat.
When dolphins hurl themselves out of the water, it’s not just for show—it can help them communicate, dislodge parasites, or coordinate with their pod. Striped dolphins, in particular, are known for high, acrobatic leaps that look like mid-air gymnastics.
A loud smack of the tail against the water surface is a classic dolphin signal. It can warn other dolphins of danger, call the group’s attention, or even herd fish while hunting. If you hear a sharp “whack,” watch closely; the action usually comes next.
This is when dolphins leap repeatedly in and out of the water while swimming at high speed. It’s impressive and hydrodynamic. Porpoising helps them travel faster with less resistance, and it’s often seen when pods are on the move across Tenerife’s open waters.
Dolphins are highly social animals, often travelling in pods ranging from just a few individuals to hundreds. These pods are complex social units where dolphins hunt, play, and protect each other. In Tenerife, you’ll often spot smaller family groups of bottlenose dolphins close to shore, while larger mixed pods appear further offshore.
Dolphins communicate with an incredible range of whistles, clicks, and squeaks. While you won’t hear these from the boat, many tours use hydrophones to let guests listen in on the underwater chatter.
Dolphins can be seen frequently on organized tours, though sightings may vary with seasonal shifts in local marine activity. Most tours report regular encounters, making trips both exciting and reliable.
Wild dolphins are naturally curious but should never be touched or fed. They may swim near boats or follow a wake, but responsible tours ensure minimal disturbance.
Yes. While bottlenose dolphins are year-round residents, species like striped and Atlantic spotted dolphins are more likely to appear between spring and autumn when food sources are abundant.
Tenerife has strict regulations; swimming with wild dolphins is not allowed to protect their well-being. Snorkeling tours may offer views from a safe distance.
Occasionally, yes, especially near Los Gigantes or the southern coast, but sightings are rare. Boat tours greatly increase your chances.
Meet the VIPs of Tenerife! These amazing creatures can grow up to 4 meters long, are strong, and have a curious nature that makes them super interested in boats. These dolphins are residents, so you’ve got a strong chance of seeing them year-round.
Think of them as the teenagers of the dolphin world—energetic, playful, and a little unpredictable. They start out plain grey, but as they age, their bodies get speckled with spots (like freckles after a beach holiday).
Striped dolphins are smaller, sleek, and known for their dramatic acrobatics. They’ll launch themselves high out of the water, sometimes in synchronised bursts that feel choreographed.
Finding one is a pure oceanic jackpot. Bold hourglass markings light up their sides, earning them superstar status in the dolphin realm. They are absolutely stunning and tantalizingly scarce around here.
Dolphins are residents of Tenerife’s waters, especially bottlenose dolphins. That means you can see them year-round. But if you want to maximise your chances:
Los Gigantes: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise
Yacht Cruise with Whale & Dolphin Watching, Snorkeling & Tapas
From Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Lunch
From Los Cristianos: 2-Hour Whale & Dolphin Watching on a Pirate Boat
Las Galletas: Whale & Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise
From Los Cristianos: 3-Hour Whale & Dolphin Watching Shared Yacht
Private Sailing Cruise with Whale & Dolphin Watching, Snorkeling & Tapas
