Contributor
Tonina Association
Canarian biologists dedicated to marine research and outreach: cetaceans, turtles and sharks.
What is the Tonina Association?
The Tonina Association is a Canarian non-profit founded in 2013 and formed by biologists, dedicated to marine research and outreach. It maintains photo-identification catalogues of cetaceans, turtles and sharks, and Picarus collaborates with its work.
- What it is
- Canarian marine research and outreach association
- Since
- 2013, formed by biologists
- Projects
- photo-identification catalogues and MITCALD (tropical pilot whale)
- Funds
- devoted entirely to research and outreach
What it is and who grants it
The Tonina Association is a Canarian non-profit founded in 2013 and formed by biologists, dedicated to marine research and outreach: it maintains photo-identification catalogues of cetaceans, turtles and sharks, and takes part in conservation projects such as MITCALD, focused on Tenerife’s tropical pilot whale.
Among its projects stands MITCALD, on the risk factors for the conservation of the tropical pilot whale in Tenerife, developed with the support of the Fundación Biodiversidad, alongside its collaboration with the University of La Laguna on scientific catalogues.
What it means when you sail with us
Collaborating with Tonina means supporting science made in the Canaries, with all its funds devoted entirely to research and outreach. Because you only protect what you know.
The science done in these waters feeds the interpretation you hear on board: much of what we tell about pilot whales, turtles and sharks comes from the work of organisations like Tonina. Spreading it is also a form of conservation.
Frequently asked questions
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What does the Tonina Association do?
Marine research and outreach in the Canaries: it maintains photo-identification catalogues of cetaceans, turtles and sharks, and develops conservation projects. It is formed by biologists and was founded in 2013.
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What is the MITCALD project?
A project on the risk factors for the conservation of the tropical pilot whale in Tenerife, developed by Tonina with the support of the Fundación Biodiversidad.
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Where do the association’s funds go?
Entirely to research and outreach, as the organisation itself declares. It is a non-profit association.
Verify it at the source
The association’s official website describes its projects and work. Tonina does not publish a list of collaborating companies, so we link to its general website.
Official Tonina Association website ↗ (opens in a new window)
Official sources last verified in July 2026.
Certifications
A guarantee of trust
Quality milestone · 2018
ISO 9001:2015
We were the first company in the sector to obtain the ISO 9001:2015 certificate for whale watching and crewed services for maritime excursions (AENOR, 2018).
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Certified destination
Whale Heritage Area Tenerife-La Gomera
The first destination in Europe certified for its responsible relationship with whales and dolphins: the marine strip we sail.
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Official emblem
“Barco Azul” (Blue Boat) flag
The Canary Islands Government emblem identifying vessels legally authorised for whale watching.
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State authorisation
AROC authorisation
The Spanish Government authorisation for recreational cetacean watching, with our sailboats on the official register.
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Member
ACEST — South Tenerife Cetacean Association
South Tenerife whale-watching companies united for cetacean conservation and the dignity of the activity.
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Member
World Cetacean Alliance
The world’s largest alliance for the protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises, with Picarus in its responsible-operator directory.
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Signatory company
Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching
The voluntary commitment of Tenerife’s whale-watching companies to cetaceans and the marine environment, driven by Turismo de Tenerife.
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Contributor
Calderones de Canarias
Citizen science: over 500 tropical pilot whales photo-identified in Canary waters with the help of the crews.
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Contributor
Tonina Association
Canarian biologists dedicated to marine research and outreach: cetaceans, turtles and sharks.
Learn more →
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