Whale watching in Tenerife

One of the best things to do in Tenerife is to take part in a boat trip from Costa Adeje in search of whales and dolphins: its sea has the optimal conditions for the life of a great marine diversity. Here you can find up to 21 different species of cetaceans, fish and sea creatures that you won't find anywhere else.

Therefore, going on a whale watching tour is one of the best things to do in Tenerife: Here you can see pilot whales and tursiope dolphins all year round.

Where to see whales in Tenerife?

Although Tenerife is the best island in the Canary Islands for whale watching, you will notice that tours tend to start in a few ports, including:

• Puerto Colon: Costa Adeje overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and it is precisely from Puerto Colon where you will find the largest offer of whale watching tours and boat excursions. When booking a tour, agencies usually include hotel pick-up if you are staying here.

• Playa de Las Americas: Close to Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Americas is another great place to go to Tenerife for whale watching. Although there are no excursions to Las Americas beach, you can quickly reach Puerto Los Cristianos on foot where many of the big tour boats await you, including the Viking Ragnarok and Travelin Lady tours and the Maxicat catamaran tour.

• Los Gigantes: Los Gigantes is located north of Costa Adeje and is famous for the giant cliffs that give the town its name. There are fewer boat excursion options from here, but you will be able to see the whales and the cliffs from a better angle. Without a doubt, Los Gigantes is the best place for whale watching in Tenerife. Not only will you have more chances to see the cetaceans, but you will be surrounded by the magical cliffs over the sea.
• Las Galletas: Las Galletas whale watching tours depart from the most southerly point of Tenerife, from Puerto de Las Galletas, and take you along the rocky and picturesque coastline before going further afield to see the whales. This destination is much less touristy than Costa Adeje, so whale watching tends to be a little quieter, but is not suitable for those who suffer from seasickness. Here the waves are higher and the sea is rougher.

When is the best time to see whales in Tenerife?

Thanks to its privileged position, you can see cetaceans in Tenerife at any time of the year. Species such as common dolphins and globicephalus are always easy to see, no matter when you go.

That said, if you want to see a wider variety of whales and sea creatures, it's best to go in winter (between November and February) or spring. This is when there are more migrating whales and dolphins in the area, so you'll have the best chance of seeing blue whales, minke whales and other species.

So winter and spring are the best seasons for whale watching, but you can do a whale watching tour in Tenerife all year round.

Nest hostels is waiting for you to stay and accompany you in this experience.