Tenerife is one of the best places in Europe to spot whales and dolphins. And on the island you will find several providers where you can book a whale and dolphin tour, but which tour is best to book, and what is the best place in Tenerife for whale and dolphin watching? In this blog we are going to tell you all about it
Whale and dolphin spotting near Tenerife
The Island of Tenerife is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and the waters around the island are home to several species of whales and dolphins, including pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins and sometimes larger species. Because the currents, water depth and food sources around the island are favorable, the whales and dolphins often stay near the southern coast. As a result, there are good opportunities to spot them from boats. Moreover, sea conditions are often stable, with slightly wavy water and good visibility, especially if you leave in the morning.
What is the best time of year to spot whales and dolphins near Tenerife?
The best time to spot whales and dolphins near Tenerife is usually from March to November. During this period the water temperature rises, marine life is more active, and weather conditions are usually more stable. In summer during the months of June to August, you can see dolphins almost daily, as they often swim along the south coast of the island. And in spring and autumn you can even encounter special species. You can also spot whales and dolphins near Tenerife in winter, but the weather is often less beautiful and the animals are less likely to show themselves.
What is the best way to spot whales and dolphins near Tenerife?
The best way to spot whales and dolphins near Tenerife is with an organized boat tour. And then always choose a tour with a “no chase” policy, then you can be sure that the animals will not be chased. These tours are accompanied by professional guides who know exactly where the whales and dolphins are. They can also tell you all about these beautiful animals and the ecosystem in the sea around Tenerife.
What is the best place in Tenerife to spot whales and dolphins?
In Tenerife there are several places where you can spot whales and dolphins. Below I have listed the three most popular spots for you.
1. Los Gigantes
The waters around Los Gigantes are an ideal habitat for various whales and dolphins. The water there is a lot calmer and it is full of food. It also has a good geographical location and is a protected area. In addition, Los Gigantes is known for the steep cliffs that rise from the sea and the beautiful views. All this makes Los Gigantes a top location for whale and dolphin spotting.
2. Costa Adeje
The waters around Costa Adeje are very nutrient-rich and attract many marine animals, including whales and dolphins. Also, Costa Adeje is close to hotels or resorts, making it an ideal place to easily join a boat trip. Also, the boats departing from Costa Adeje are often modern with many amenities and more comforts. Also, the tours leave early in the morning when the sea is calmest, and you are more likely to spot whales and dolphins.
3. Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos is very popular as a starting point for whale and dolphin watching, partly because the waters around this area are home to a permanent population of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. In addition, the scenery along the coast is very beautiful and the seawater very calm, making it usually very easy to admire the animals.
Which whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife is the best?
In Tenerife you will find lots of providers where you can book a whale and dolphin tour. And during my trips to Tenerife I tried several of them and below you will find two different boat tours that I personally like best.
1. Los Cristianos: respectful cruise without chasing whales and dolphins
I can really recommend this tour to spot whales and dolphins. On my tour, I saw so many dolphins and whales and really enjoyed the beautiful views.
The tour starts in Los Cristianos and takes about 2 hours. During the boat tour, you will sail further offshore than many other providers. This gives you the chance to spot larger species of whales as well. There are professional guides on the boat who speak several languages and can explain everything about animal behavior, ecosystems and marine biology.
During the tour I paid extra attention to make sure the animals are really not being hunted, but during the tour I noticed that they were very respectful of the animals, their natural habitat and stay at an appropriate distance.
2. Los Cristianos: whale and dolphin watching with a pirate boat (with swimming)
During one of my trips, I thought it would be fun to go whale and dolphin spotting off Tenerife from a pirate boat. And I can tell you that a tour with the “Peter Pan” from Los Cristianos is really a must. The tour lasts 2 hours, but you can also book a tour that lasts 3 hours, but 2 hours was more than enough for me. And nice during the tour with the Peter Pan is, that you get the alloy to swim for a while or jump off the boat.
Along the way you can admire whales, dolphins and seabirds and get explanations from professional guides who speak multiple languages about the animals and their habitats.
Also during this tour I paid extra attention to make sure that the animals are really not being hunted, but during the tour I noticed that they had a lot of respect for the animals, their natural habitat and stay at an appropriate distance, the crew themselves removed plastic from the water.
Will the whales and dolphins be hunted during the tour?
If you book a tour through official web pages and not through a street vendor, you can be sure that you have booked a responsible tour in which animals are not chased and boats do not get too close. Nor does it involve chasing animals at high speed.
How long does a whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife take?
There are several tours you can book to spot whales and dolphins near Tenerife. And most standard tours last about 2 hours. That’s enough time to set sail, spot animals, sail around, and return. The tours where you get the opportunity to swim or jump off the boat often last 3 hours.
What does a whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife cost?
For a standard tour of about 2 hours, you can expect prices around €15-€35 per person. For longer tours, or tours with swimming, bar, meals or luxury features, the price can go up to around €50-€60 or more. For example, the pirate boat Peter Pan offers options of around €27 for the 2-hour tour and €44 for the 3-hour tour for adults
Is a whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife worthwhile?
As I mentioned earlier in this blog, I went whale and dolphin spotting on several tours during my travels to Tenerife, and personally I think it is really worth it! Not only do you see different whales and dolphins, but you can also enjoy the sea and the beautiful views of Tenerife. In addition, you often learn things you would never have known about the animals you encounter during the tour, the ecosystems and how human tourism affects the marine wildlife habitat. In short, a whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife is tour you should definitely have done once in life
My 5 tips for a whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife
Based on my experiences, I have 5 more useful tips for you if you want to go on a whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife.
1. Book a tour in early morning: in the morning the sea is often calmer, the light better and the animals more active. This increases your chances of seeing whales and dolphins.
2. Choose a tour with a “no chase” policy: Then you can be sure that the animals and their habitat are treated with respect.
3. Consider clothing: During the summer months, a cap or hat is really recommended to protect you from the sun. And during the fall and winter months, extra thick clothing and a raincoat is not a luxury.
4. Always bring sunscreen: During the hot summer months, it’s important to make sure you properly apply sunscreen to yourself before and during the tour, because you can get really badly burned if you don’t. During the fall and winter, it is also smart to carry sunscreen with you.
5. Book your tickets before you go on vacation: Many tourists do not book until they are on the island itself, but then you run the risk that the tours are fully booked at the most popular times. Also, tickets in advance are often cheaper.
Special offers for a whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife
If you are going on vacation to Tenerife and would like to go on a whale and dolphin tour, take advantage of the offers below and save money on your tickets.
Whale and dolphin spotting near Tenerife: Tips and info
Tenerife is one of the best places in Europe to spot whales and dolphins. And on the island you will find several providers where you can book a whale and dolphin tour, but which tour is best to book, and what is the best place in Tenerife for whale and dolphin watching? In this blog we are going to tell you all about it
Whale and dolphin spotting near Tenerife
The Island of Tenerife is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and the waters around the island are home to several species of whales and dolphins, including pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins and sometimes larger species. Because the currents, water depth and food sources around the island are favorable, the whales and dolphins often stay near the southern coast. As a result, there are good opportunities to spot them from boats. Moreover, sea conditions are often stable, with slightly wavy water and good visibility, especially if you leave in the morning.
What is the best time of year to spot whales and dolphins near Tenerife?
The best time to spot whales and dolphins near Tenerife is usually from March to November. During this period the water temperature rises, marine life is more active, and weather conditions are usually more stable. In summer during the months of June to August, you can see dolphins almost daily, as they often swim along the south coast of the island. And in spring and autumn you can even encounter special species. You can also spot whales and dolphins near Tenerife in winter, but the weather is often less beautiful and the animals are less likely to show themselves.
What is the best way to spot whales and dolphins near Tenerife?
The best way to spot whales and dolphins near Tenerife is with an organized boat tour. And then always choose a tour with a “no chase” policy, then you can be sure that the animals will not be chased. These tours are accompanied by professional guides who know exactly where the whales and dolphins are. They can also tell you all about these beautiful animals and the ecosystem in the sea around Tenerife.
What is the best place in Tenerife to spot whales and dolphins?
In Tenerife there are several places where you can spot whales and dolphins. Below I have listed the three most popular spots for you.
1. Los Gigantes
The waters around Los Gigantes are an ideal habitat for various whales and dolphins. The water there is a lot calmer and it is full of food. It also has a good geographical location and is a protected area. In addition, Los Gigantes is known for the steep cliffs that rise from the sea and the beautiful views. All this makes Los Gigantes a top location for whale and dolphin spotting.
2. Costa Adeje
The waters around Costa Adeje are very nutrient-rich and attract many marine animals, including whales and dolphins. Also, Costa Adeje is close to hotels or resorts, making it an ideal place to easily join a boat trip. Also, the boats departing from Costa Adeje are often modern with many amenities and more comforts. Also, the tours leave early in the morning when the sea is calmest, and you are more likely to spot whales and dolphins.
3. Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos is very popular as a starting point for whale and dolphin watching, partly because the waters around this area are home to a permanent population of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. In addition, the scenery along the coast is very beautiful and the seawater very calm, making it usually very easy to admire the animals.
Which whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife is the best?
In Tenerife you will find lots of providers where you can book a whale and dolphin tour. And during my trips to Tenerife I tried several of them and below you will find two different boat tours that I personally like best.
1. Los Cristianos: respectful cruise without chasing whales and dolphins
I can really recommend this tour to spot whales and dolphins. On my tour, I saw so many dolphins and whales and really enjoyed the beautiful views.
The tour starts in Los Cristianos and takes about 2 hours. During the boat tour, you will sail further offshore than many other providers. This gives you the chance to spot larger species of whales as well. There are professional guides on the boat who speak several languages and can explain everything about animal behavior, ecosystems and marine biology.
During the tour I paid extra attention to make sure the animals are really not being hunted, but during the tour I noticed that they were very respectful of the animals, their natural habitat and stay at an appropriate distance.
2. Los Cristianos: whale and dolphin watching with a pirate boat (with swimming)
During one of my trips, I thought it would be fun to go whale and dolphin spotting off Tenerife from a pirate boat. And I can tell you that a tour with the “Peter Pan” from Los Cristianos is really a must. The tour lasts 2 hours, but you can also book a tour that lasts 3 hours, but 2 hours was more than enough for me. And nice during the tour with the Peter Pan is, that you get the alloy to swim for a while or jump off the boat.
Along the way you can admire whales, dolphins and seabirds and get explanations from professional guides who speak multiple languages about the animals and their habitats.
Also during this tour I paid extra attention to make sure that the animals are really not being hunted, but during the tour I noticed that they had a lot of respect for the animals, their natural habitat and stay at an appropriate distance, the crew themselves removed plastic from the water.
Will the whales and dolphins be hunted during the tour?
If you book a tour through official web pages and not through a street vendor, you can be sure that you have booked a responsible tour in which animals are not chased and boats do not get too close. Nor does it involve chasing animals at high speed.
How long does a whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife take?
There are several tours you can book to spot whales and dolphins near Tenerife. And most standard tours last about 2 hours. That’s enough time to set sail, spot animals, sail around, and return. The tours where you get the opportunity to swim or jump off the boat often last 3 hours.
What does a whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife cost?
For a standard tour of about 2 hours, you can expect prices around €15-€35 per person. For longer tours, or tours with swimming, bar, meals or luxury features, the price can go up to around €50-€60 or more. For example, the pirate boat Peter Pan offers options of around €27 for the 2-hour tour and €44 for the 3-hour tour for adults
Is a whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife worthwhile?
As I mentioned earlier in this blog, I went whale and dolphin spotting on several tours during my travels to Tenerife, and personally I think it is really worth it! Not only do you see different whales and dolphins, but you can also enjoy the sea and the beautiful views of Tenerife. In addition, you often learn things you would never have known about the animals you encounter during the tour, the ecosystems and how human tourism affects the marine wildlife habitat. In short, a whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife is tour you should definitely have done once in life
My 5 tips for a whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife
Based on my experiences, I have 5 more useful tips for you if you want to go on a whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife.
1. Book a tour in early morning: in the morning the sea is often calmer, the light better and the animals more active. This increases your chances of seeing whales and dolphins.
2. Choose a tour with a “no chase” policy: Then you can be sure that the animals and their habitat are treated with respect.
3. Consider clothing: During the summer months, a cap or hat is really recommended to protect you from the sun. And during the fall and winter months, extra thick clothing and a raincoat is not a luxury.
4. Always bring sunscreen: During the hot summer months, it’s important to make sure you properly apply sunscreen to yourself before and during the tour, because you can get really badly burned if you don’t. During the fall and winter, it is also smart to carry sunscreen with you.
5. Book your tickets before you go on vacation: Many tourists do not book until they are on the island itself, but then you run the risk that the tours are fully booked at the most popular times. Also, tickets in advance are often cheaper.
Edward
Author Cities To Travel
Special offers for a whale and dolphin tour in Tenerife
If you are going on vacation to Tenerife and would like to go on a whale and dolphin tour, take advantage of the offers below and save money on your tickets.
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