Whales in Tenerife: A complete guide to species, spotting, and season

When to see: All year round

Spotting tips: Look for large, bulbous heads and smooth black backs moving in unison. Pods almost always travel together.

Behavior and social life:

• Extremely social, forming tight-knit pods.
  
• Communicate with clicks and whistles to coordinate hunting and social activities.
  
• Sometimes strand themselves in groups if one member is sick.

Hunting: Feed mainly on squid and small fish, often diving 600+ meters.

Fun facts: Can live up to 45 years; display coordinated dances when swimming in pods.

When to see: All year round, though sightings are rare due to their deep-diving habits.

Spotting tips: Recognizable by their arched lower jaw and visible tusks in males; they surface quietly and briefly before deep dives.

Behavior and social life:

• Usually found in small groups of 3–7 individuals.
  
• Shy and elusive, they tend to avoid boats.

Hunting: Expert deep divers, they hunt squid and deep-sea fish using powerful suction feeding at depths of over 1,000 meters.

Fun facts: Can stay underwater for more than an hour; one of the deepest-diving marine mammals ever recorded.

When to see: More frequent sightings from December to April

Spotting tips: Look for angled blows and large tail flukes when diving.

Behavior and social life:

• Females and calves form matriarchal pods; adult males are more likely to stay solitary.
  
• They use complex vocalizations (clicks) for echolocation and communication.

Hunting: Deep divers hunt squid up to 1,000 meters below the surface.

Fun facts: Adults can reach 20 meters; dives can last up to 90 minutes.

The second-largest whale species in the world, fin whales, glide gracefully through Tenerife’s waters. During their long migratory journeys, they feed mainly on krill and small fish.

Best time to see: July to October

Blue whales are the largest animals on Earth, occasionally passing Tenerife during migration. Their massive size and serene movements make sightings truly awe-inspiring.

Best time to see: August to October (rare sightings)

Humpbacks are famous for their spectacular breaches and haunting underwater songs. They pass Tenerife on migration routes, often visible near the surface, feeding or traveling in small groups.

Best time to see: February to April

Orcas are rare visitors, traveling in tight-knit pods and hunting cooperatively. Their striking black-and-white patterns and tall dorsal fins make them instantly recognizable.

Best time to see: December to February (very rare sightings)