Planning Your Whale Watching Trip in Tenerife: Recommendations and Practical Tips

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate guide for planning your whale watching adventure in Tenerife. Known for its crystal-clear waters and privileged climate, the island has become one of the most popular year-round destinations for spotting cetaceans. Here you’ll find everything you need to know to organize your excursion: from the best times and places for sightings to practical safety tips and marine conservation advice.

Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, Tenerife offers you the opportunity to witness the majesty of these enchanting marine animals in their natural habitat. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Best Times and Places to Spot Whales in Tenerife

To maximize your chances of encountering whales and dolphins, it’s essential to know when and where to go.

Sighting Calendar: When to Go?

• In Tenerife, you can spot cetaceans all year round, as it has one of the resident colonies of tropical pilot whales found throughout the year in the Teno-Rasca marine strip. You’ll also find bottlenose dolphins and turtles that remain on the island.
• Spring (March to May): Coincides with the seasonal migrations of various whale species. Calm waters and fewer tourists make it an ideal period.
• Autumn (September to November): Another peak migration period, with high probabilities of seeing pilot whales and tropical Bryde’s whales.

Key Coastal Observation Points

• Costa Adeje: A very popular area, with many companies offering daily excursions.
• Los Gigantes: Its impressive cliffs and deep waters close to the shore make this a privileged location.
• Punta de Teno: Its Atlantic views and the possibility of spotting dolphins and whales close to the coast attract many visitors.

Ideal Climate and Sea Conditions

• Calm sea and gentle winds: Facilitate visibility and make the journey more comfortable.
• Sunny days with little cloud cover: Improve the chance of spotting whales on the surface and are good for photography.

Whale Species You Can Find

• Pilot whale or tropical pilot whale: A very social species, living in small family groups and often appearing close to the coast.
• Bryde’s whale: More elusive, but impressive when it surfaces.
• Bottlenose and spotted dolphins: Not whales, but very common and often liven up the trip with their jumps.

High vs. Low Season Comparison

• High season: Greater availability of excursions and tourist activity; there may be more crowds and slightly higher prices.
• Low season: Fewer tourists and a more relaxed atmosphere; however, weather conditions can be more variable, potentially reducing available trips.

How to Choose the Perfect Whale Watching Excursion

Choosing the right tour can mark the difference between a simple boat trip and an unforgettable experience.

Types of Tours Available in Tenerife

• Private tours: Ideal for small groups or personalized experiences.
• Group tours: More economical and social, perfect for meeting people with the same passion for nature.
• Themed tours: Educational, photographic, or snorkeling, aimed at a more specialized approach.

Choosing Between a Private or Group Tour

• Privates: More personalized attention, flexible itinerary, intimate atmosphere.
• Group: More accessible cost and the opportunity to share with other marine life enthusiasts.

Considerations of Safety and Animal Welfare

• Verify that the company complies with regulations, holds a permit from the Ministry of Ecological Transition, and has a blue flag. Make sure the company you hire has these, as unauthorized operations in this type of activity are widespread. If they also have the Tenerife Tourism Sustainability Charter, you can be sure they meet all requirements.
• The respect for the environment is key to not altering the natural behavior of cetaceans.

Extras and Personalizations of the Tour

• Onboard lunches: Add comfort and enjoyment to the journey.
• Educational talks: Learning about marine biology in the middle of the ocean adds unique value to the excursion.

Reviews and Recommendations of Tour Operators

• Read authentic reviews from other travelers on platforms like Google or social media.
• Pay attention to specific aspects such as punctuality, onboard safety, and ethical interaction with wildlife.

Practical Tips for an Unforgettable Whale Watching Experience

Living the moment is fundamental, but there are also practical details that enhance the experience.

Necessary Equipment for the Day

• Comfortable, layered clothing: At sea, the weather can change quickly.
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen.
• Binoculars and camera: So you don’t miss any details.
• Motion sickness medication: Especially if you’re not used to sailing.

Tips for Whale Photography

• Use a camera with zoom or telephoto lens to capture details without disturbing the cetaceans.
• Early morning or sunset: The light is softer, and the waters tend to be calmer.
• Adjust your camera to high shutter speeds to freeze motion.

How to Act During a Close Encounter

• Maintain calm and avoid sudden movements that can scare them.
• Minimum recommended distance: By regulation, at least 60 meters of separation is advised.
• Follow the guide’s instructions at all times.

Etiquette and Rules of Conduct at Sea

• Do not feed the animals or throw waste into the water.
• Minimize noise to avoid disturbing marine life.
• Always respect the indications of the personnel onboard.

What to Do in Case of Motion Sickness

• Keep your gaze on the horizon and breathe slowly.
• Bring ginger gummies or anti-motion sickness medication (consult a pharmacy).
• Stay on deck for fresh air and to stabilize yourself.

Marine Life in Tenerife: Discover the Diversity Under the Sea

Tenerife is not only home to whales and dolphins; the marine biodiversity is surprising.

Cetacean Species in Tenerife Waters

• Pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins: Frequent residents.
• Bryde’s whales or other migratory species: More seasonal visits.

Interaction with Marine Fauna

• Maintain a prudent distance.
• Avoid trying to touch or feed the animals so as not to alter their natural behaviors.

Importance of Marine Conservation

• Choose operators that respect sustainability.
• Participate in beach clean-up programs or in educational talks to learn and contribute your grain of sand.

Educational Activities During the Tour

• Talks about marine biology and Canarian ecosystems.
• Explanations about the natural history and the conservation of cetaceans.

Other Marine Animals to Observe

• Sea turtles, tropical fish, rays and much more.
• Areas like Los Acantilados de los Gigantes, El Puertito or the Bahía de Abades offer an unforgettable underwater experience.

Essential Preparations for Your Whale Watching Adventure

A good travel plan will allow you to enjoy your experience to the fullest.

Travel Checklist for Whale Watching

1. Identity documents and tour tickets.
2. Appropriate clothing and sun protection.
3. Binoculars, camera and extra batteries.
4. Small first aid kit.
5. Light snacks and water.

How to Dress for a Marine Tour

• Light layers: T-shirt + sweatshirt or jacket + waterproof.
• Comfortable footwear: For comfort onboard.
• Hat and sunglasses: Essential protection against UV rays.

Best Practices for Hydration and Food

• Drink water to avoid dehydration but without overdoing it.
• Avoid heavy meals before boarding; opt for a healthy meal.

Travel Tips for Families and Large Groups

Advance planning: Book in advance and confirm places.

Planning for children: Make sure they know where they are going and tell them about the adventure you are going to experience onboard.

Always follow the safety instructions provided by the onboard crew.

Conclusion

Observing whales in Tenerife is an experience that combines adrenaline, learning and direct contact with nature. Whether you choose a private or group tour, in high or low season, the important thing is to plan in advance and respect the marine environment. This way you will enjoy the sighting to the fullest and contribute to the conservation of these unique species.

If you are looking for a reliable and totally personalized excursion, you can consult the services of Picarus Sailing Club, which has expert guides and a philosophy of responsible tourism. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at sea!