Siam Park is inspired by Thai architecture and has something for everyone, from exhilarating rides like the Tower of Power to serene spots like the Mai Thai River.
Plan your whale watching tour in Tenerife
Organizing your visit
- Top sights
- Top whale watching tours
- Boarding points and how to get there
- Other things to do
- Where to eat
- Where to shop
- Tips from a local
Tenerife is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, but a successful trip is more than just hopping on a boat. From choosing the right departure port to deciding between a quick 2-hour cruise or a full-day adventure, a bit of planning makes all the difference. This guide lets you spend less time stressing over logistics and more time enjoying whales, dolphins, and Tenerife’s dramatic coastline.
What are the key logistical considerations?
Most whale watching tours depart from Tenerife’s main coastal hubs: Puerto Colón, Los Cristianos, Los Gigantes, and Los Galletes. Each port offers its own vibe—Puerto Colón is lively with lots of options, Los Cristianos is family-friendly, Los Gigantes is scenic with cliffs, and Los Galletes is quieter and intimate.
Tenerife’s waters are alive with marine activity throughout the year but especially from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when the weather is calm and marine life such as pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are most abundant.
👉 Check out guided tour options
How can I make the most of my time?
- Quick visit (2–3 hours): Sail into nearby waters, spot playful dolphins, and catch sight of resident pilot whales. Most short tours include drinks, light snacks, and a brief stop for snorkelling/ swimming.
- Half-day adventure (4–6 hours): Venture farther out to deeper waters where larger pods gather. You’ll have a better chance of seeing multiple species, enjoy sweeping coastal views, and often get perks like snorkeling/ swimming stops or tapas onboard.
- Full-day experience (6+ hours): Start the morning with dolphin encounters, break for a hearty lunch at sea, then continue in search of whales in the afternoon. If you time it right, you can catch the sunset on your cruise.
Handy tips
- Tickets: Pre-book tours online, especially during high season (April to October).
- Best times: Morning (8-11 am) or late afternoon (3-6 pm) for optimal sightings.
- Pro tip: Check the sea conditions the day before; calmer mornings often mean better sightings.
Check the month-by-month breakdown of the whale season before booking.
Must-see sights on your whale watching tour
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Bottlenose Dolphins
One of Tenerife’s most common residents, these playful dolphins often bow-ride the boats and leap alongside your path. Their acrobatics make for perfect photo moments against the island’s dramatic coastline.
Short-Finned Pilot Whales
These gentle giants live year-round in Tenerife’s waters and travel in pods, making them a highlight of most tours. Watching them surface and dive is a truly mesmerizing experience in the deep Atlantic.
Spotted and Striped Dolphins
Fast and energetic, these dolphins often dart around the boat in small groups, making for thrilling encounters. Their distinctive markings make spotting and photographing them extra fun for wildlife enthusiasts.
Migrating Whales
Occasionally, seasonal visitors like Bryde’s whales, fin whales, and orcas pass through, especially in spring and summer. Their rare appearances create unforgettable “once-in-a-lifetime” sightings for lucky travelers.
Sea Turtles
Floating gracefully near the surface, green turtles are often spotted gliding through Tenerife’s clear waters. Some tours even allow swimmers to watch them in small coves or calmer areas.
Los Gigantes Cliffs
From the sea, these towering basalt cliffs create a stunning natural backdrop for wildlife sightings. Their dramatic faces catch the sunlight beautifully, adding an epic scale to every dolphin or whale encounter.
Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve
A protected area teeming with marine life and biodiversity, where deeper waters attract larger whale species. Cruising here gives you a mix of breathtaking scenery and higher chances of spotting multiple species in one outing.
Volcanic Coastline and Sea Caves
Tenerife’s rugged volcanic shoreline reveals hidden coves, tunnels, and rock formations only visible from the water. Sailing past these natural wonders makes the trip feel like a full adventure beyond just whale watching.
Book your Tenerife whale watching tour
Guided vs DIY: Guided tours include expert commentary to help you spot dolphins and whales. Protected areas, like Teno-Rasca, require special permits, accessible only to certified tours.
Tour duration: A 3-hour cruise covers key sightings, while 6-8 hour cruises offer a relaxed, luxurious day at sea with more chances for wildlife encounters.
What’s included: Snacks and drinks are standard, while some tours add extras like snorkeling gear, lunch, or hotel transfers.
Departure point: Tours leave from popular marinas like Puerto Colón, Los Cristianos, Los Gigantes, or Las Galletas. Los Gigantes is farther out but offers spectacular close-up views of cliffs and hidden coves, making it ideal for photography and scenic cruising.
Boat type: Tours are available on yachts, catamarans, and sailboats. Families with kids often prefer the playful Viking ship, while adventurous travelers can try kayaking for a more hands-on experience.
Make your whale watching experience completely hassle-free
Enjoy a premium yacht experience with transfers from your hotel (within 5 km of Puerto Colón). Skip the planning stress and instead focus on whales, views, and unlimited Canarian snacks.
Boarding points and how to get there
For detailed directions to boarding points, check the getting there page.
More things to do in Tenerife
Where to eat in Tenerife
Where to shop in Tenerife
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Puerto Colón Marina Boutiques
Cluster of stylish shops along the marina offering souvenirs, swimwear, and local crafts. Perfect for picking up gifts or beach-ready essentials.
Must-buy: Handmade jewelry, beachwear, and local art pieces.
Plaza del Duque
Upscale shopping center in Costa Adeje with international brands, designer boutiques, and trendy cafés. Ideal for a luxury retail fix or people-watching over coffee.
Must-buy: Stop by the gourmet section for Canarian chocolates and premium wines.
Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África
Santa Cruz’s vibrant market brimming with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies. Great for experiencing authentic Canarian life and grabbing edible souvenirs.
Must-buy: Spicy mojo sauces, local cheeses, tropical fruits, and souvenirs made from volcanic stone.
La Laguna Craft Shops
Traditional shops in the UNESCO-listed city sell ceramics, textiles, and artisanal goods. Make stop for unique, locally made keepsakes.
Must-buy: Look for hand-painted tiles and woven baskets—perfect gifts that tell a story.
Centro Comercial Meridiano
Modern shopping mall in Santa Cruz with a mix of fashion, electronics, and dining options. Convenient for a one-stop shop, especially on rainy or hot days.
Must-buy: Spanish fashion brands and specialty gourmet treats from the mall’s food outlets.
Calle Castillo
The main pedestrian street in Santa Cruz lined with high-street brands, small boutiques, and cafés. Perfect for a relaxed stroll with plenty of retail options.
Must-buy: Explore side streets for quirky shops and handmade souvenirs you won’t find in the main thoroughfare.
Tips from locals
- Best time for whale watching: Morning and late afternoon tours usually see the most activity, as whales and dolphins are closer to the surface during feeding times.
- Check the weather: Calm seas mean better spotting conditions. Windy days can make sightings harder and the boat ride rough.
- Bring binoculars and a camera: Even if guides help spot animals, binoculars improve viewing, and a zoom lens captures dolphins and whales without disturbing them.
- Dress in layers: Tenerife’s weather can be warm onshore but cooler at sea. Windproof jackets and non-slip shoes make a big difference.
- Respect the wildlife: Don’t try to touch or feed animals. Follow the crew’s instructions to ensure ethical viewing practices.
- Snacks and hydration: Even if a tour provides light refreshments, pack water and snacks, especially for 5-6+ hour trips.
- Listen to the guide: Guides often know secret spots and the behavior patterns of local species like bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, and even sperm whales.
- Look for landmarks: Keep an eye out for natural highlights along the coast—Los Gigantes cliffs, volcanic rock formations, and hidden coves make the experience even more scenic.
- Plan your transport: Book guided tours that include transfers if you’re unfamiliar with the ports. Parking at departure points can be limited, especially in peak season.
Frequently asked questions about planning a Tenerife Whale Watching tour
Yes! Most tours are family-friendly, though smaller boats can be bouncier. If mobility is a concern, opt for larger catamarans with stable decks.
Tenerife offers sightings all year, but certain species, like migratory whales, are more common in the winter months. Dolphin sightings are generally frequent year-round.
Most certified tours follow strict guidelines to minimize disturbance to marine life, maintain safe distances, and operate under sustainable tourism standards.
Swimming with whales is not permitted due to safety and conservation laws. Some tours offer snorkeling in safe zones with fish and turtles instead.
Most operators offer flexible rebooking or refunds in the event of unsafe sea conditions. Always check the cancellation policy before booking.
