Whale Watching · SAILING WHALE WATCHING TRIPS IN TENERIFE
The good sailing whale watching trips in Tenerife fill up weeks ahead in season and the best ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Join Travelin Lady from Los Cristianos for a 90-minute, no-chase whale and dolphin trip on Tenerife’s purpose-built eco-yacht. Guides such as Ines explain the wildlife in several languages, with time for the Cave of Love and a swim stop if conditions allow.
“It was great! We saw a group of dolphins and pilot whales, amazing!”
Join Travelin Lady for a 90-minute sunset cruise from Los Cristianos. Guides such as Ines, Sergio, Cintia, and Fede explain the marine life in several languages while you look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and more from a low, stable eco-yacht.
“It was an amazing trip, we got to see multiple dolphins, a sea turtle and even a hammer shark. Ines was an amazig guide, with her great sense of humor and her multy lenguage skills I am sure people got value for money, I know I did.”
Join David, Jamie, Eileen, or another member of the Third Element crew for a three-hour sailing trip from Los Gigantes. Look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds, then swim and snorkel by the cliffs. The boat carries no more than 10 people and serves fruit, sandwiches, and drinks.
“Excellent day on the boat . Third Element is the great choice if you want to spend nice time spotting dolphins and whales . Definitely worth the money . Would choose them again .”
Join a Blue Boat-certified yacht from Los Cristianos for a 1-hour-40-minute search for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. You’ll pass the Cave of Love, hear wildlife information from the crew, and usually have time for a swim. Bring your own snorkel gear and arrive 20 minutes early.
“It was worth it. We were happy with the experience, going for a swim was nice too. We went on the 9am tour so it was not crowded at all which was really nice.”
Sail from Los Gigantes aboard the 14-meter yacht El Mojo Picón with Antonio or another multilingual skipper. Look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and fish, then stop to swim or snorkel beneath the 600-meter cliffs. The three-hour trip includes equipment, cold tapas, fruit, and drinks.
“This was a phenomenal trip. Antonio was absolutely lovely- a very kind man. We saw a bunch of pilot whales then saw masca beach then went snorkelling and I’ve never seen so many fish it was amazing. The boat itself is lovely- it’s a great chance to go on a boat like this which has always been a dream! On the way back Antonio had made us all some food which was lovely and just what you needed after some snorkelling. We had a selection of meats, breadsticks, fruit skewers, olives ect. I can’t express how great Antonio was- he was so funny, and so chill. I feel like you…”
Join Salvador and the Roulette Charters crew for a three-hour sail from Puerto Colón. With only 10 passengers, you can watch pilot whales and dolphins from a quiet 12-meter sailboat, swim and snorkel in a sheltered bay, and enjoy sandwiches, cake, snacks, and drinks.
“Salvador was an excellent captain and very knowledgeable. Great time on the boat”
Sail from Los Gigantes aboard a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser with no more than 10 people. Your crew, often including Jaime, Eileen, or David, looks for pilot whales and dolphins, stops for swimming and snorkeling, and serves sandwiches, fruit, drinks, and wine.
“Absolutely fantastic trip from start to finish. We booked hotel collection, on time, friendly. Boat was immaculate, staff happy and friendly and very knowledgeable of the local area, we saw dolphins and pilot whale's. We felt a little sea sick but the staff looked after us. Snacks and drinks were available. Stopped at a swim spot. Can't fault anything at all and easy to book with viator. Through viator you can message the boat staff directly which is great. Highly recommend this trip!”
Join Tenerife Sailing Charters for a three-hour cruise from Puerto Colón, limited to 11 people. Captains such as Guy, Alex, Dani, and Maximilian search for pilot whales and dolphins, then stop for swimming, snorkeling, sandwiches, and drinks.
“Capt Guy was a truly lovely man and very knowledgeable about the sea and animals within. Very comfy boat, plenty of time to search for whales and dolphins with a stop for swimming and snorkeling. Would highly recommend going with Capt Guy!”
Sail from Puerto Colón with a skipper and a maximum of 11 people, watching pilot whales and dolphins near Tenerife’s coast. You’ll have time to swim, use onboard catering, and enjoy a quieter boat setting. Guides such as Raúl, Álvaro, Víctor, and Ismael are praised for calm, respectful wildlife viewing.
“The best out of all the trips. Small group which was very nice and the boat was the nicest there. The two men on board were very good when helping us around the boat and spotting the dolphins and whales. Both were very kind, and they also made such a lovely lunch! I would definitely go again and have recommended to all my friends.”
Join Michael and the Royal Ocean crew for a three-hour yacht trip from Marina del Sur. Look for pilot whales and dolphins, enjoy Spanish tapas and unlimited drinks, then swim or snorkel in a sheltered bay. The yacht carries up to 10 people, with pickup available from Costa Adeje.
“We had such a great time. The 4 hour tour was allowing us to see de whales as well jumping off the boat and swimming. Our guide Michael was so nice and fun. Highly recommended.”
Set out from Puerto Colón on a yacht limited to 12 people for about three hours of whale and dolphin watching. Your captain provides commentary, with beer, wine, soft drinks, water, baguettes, snorkeling gear, and a weather-dependent swim stop. English and Spanish are spoken daily.
“Saw lots of pilot whales. Boat a little cramped and hard to move around but a good trip. Skipper friendly and helpful but has to do everything.”
Join Galatea Sailing at Puerto Colón for a three-hour, small-group trip led by Patrick and an experienced multilingual crew. Search for pilot whales and dolphins, then stop near shore for swimming, snorkeling, breakfast, snacks, and drinks. The boat holds no more than seven people.
“It was a Good experience, however I feel like the boat could of been bigger. Would Do again if less windy”
Join Antonio or Francisco aboard a small sailboat from Los Gigantes for about three hours. Look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life near Teno Rural Park, then stop to swim or snorkel with equipment provided. Drinks and light Canarian snacks are included.
“I really need to praise captain Francisco - after I got this trip off to a terrible start by dropping my phone into the marina, where it vanished from sight. He promptly dived down several metres to get it back for me. As customer service goes, I’d say he went far above and beyond what I could ever have expected, and he saved me a lot of money, time and trouble. The trip itself was wonderful. Francisco is an excellent and friendly guide, keeping us well informed and prepare, finding us a large pod of beautiful pilot whales - and he was very informative about the marine life and the…”
Sail from Puerto Colón with a crew led by captains such as Dani, Salvatore, or Marco. Spend most of the trip looking for wild pilot whales and dolphins, then stop at Playa del Puertito for swimming, snorkeling, snacks, and a chance to spot turtles.
“It was my mum’s 60’s birthday and it was her dream to see dolphins. Captain and the team were incredible, they made our day truly unforgettable, we saw so many dolphins up close. Huge thank you to Jenny for arranging the cake, it was a such a sweet touch. We had absolutely fantastic time onboard! Captain and chief stew were so attentive, we were offered lunch and drinks, and they made sure everyone were comfortable during the trip. Beautiful, luxurious sailing yacht and can’t recommend enough, would definitely come back again next year! Definitely one of the best captains, he is good in finding dolphins and whales. 5 star experience!!!!!…”
Set out from Las Galletas aboard Royal Ocean’s small yacht with a two-person crew, often including Michael. Search for pilot whales and dolphins, cruise beneath views of Teide, then stop for swimming, snorkeling, tapas, lunch, and drinks. Groups are limited to 10 people.
“The crew was friendly and the boat was a lot of fun. The food and drinks were great. I definitely recommend”
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