Whale Watching · WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING TOURS
Dolphins show up first and stay longest, which is why the best-value boats count both. These 15 go where the seabed shelves, and the good ones cut the engine and let the pod come to the hull.
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!”
Sail for two hours from Puerto Los Cristianos aboard the Bahriyeli, a spacious ketch with open decks and an inside salon. Government-certified guides explain Tenerife’s marine life in five languages while the crew searches without chasing animals. Dolphins and pilot whales are common sightings, with turtles also possible.
“the most fantastic experience, the guys are so knowledgeable and we were very lucky. they do great work, and this is very cheap, so please leave a tip!”
From Funchal Marina, you’ll spend three hours aboard the 2022 Magic Dolphin catamaran, using quiet hybrid-electric engines to search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds. Certified guides speak English and Portuguese, while land-based spotters help locate wildlife. Expect open-air viewing, Cabo Girão, Camara de Lobos, and possible swimming time.
“We had a great time and saw plenty of whales and dolphins”
Set out from Funchal Marina on a stable Seaborn catamaran with an English or Portuguese guide. Search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish, then stop beneath Cabo Girão for a seasonal swim. The boat has shaded seating, sun decks, netting, and a bar.
“The captain was amazing. Ensured we saw the dolphins. Rescued a paddle boarder and retrieved garbage from the sea! 5 stars”
Cruise from Puerto Colón into Tenerife’s Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary on a fuel-efficient catamaran. The crew, including captains such as Carlos and Miguel, looks for pilot whales and dolphins, serves sandwiches and drinks, plays underwater sounds, and stops for swimming. Choose 3 or 5 hours.
“Superb eco-cruise experience! Few people on the boat, respect and silence when observing the whales (engine cut), which makes the moment magical. The two skippers were really friendly and passionate. I recommend it!”
Set out from Los Gigantes Port aboard the Masca Express for two hours of whale and dolphin watching, cliff views, and a swim in Masca, Juan López, or Barranco Seco. Spanish-speaking guides such as Alejandro help spot marine life, while your ticket includes one cold drink.
“Brilliant couple of hours in the water, professional crew who know their stuff. Highly recommended.”
Set out from Morro Jable on the two-hour Magic Dolphin cruise with guides speaking Spanish, English, and German. Search for wild dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish, then stop for a swim in Jandía. Drinks, a toilet, and optional resort pickup are included, but sightings are never guaranteed.
“Fantastic trip. Really knowledgeable guide, very entertaining skipper…and a load of dolphins as the stars of the show! Free drinks and a dip in Morro Jable’s crystal clear waters to round things off. Would recommend without hesitation!”
Leave Ponta Delgada with Futurismo Azores Adventures for three hours at sea, guided by a marine biologist who explains local wildlife and responsible viewing. Choose a steadier catamaran or lively Zodiac boat, with sperm whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds possible. A second tour is offered if no animals appear.
“The whole experience was perfect, especially the tour guide! She explained everything so well and was so caring about everyone.”
Join guides such as Maurizio, Cesar, or Cristina at Morro Jable for a fast Atlantic cruise, marine-life search, and 30-minute snorkel stop. Expect music, sea spray, and expert spotting, but no guaranteed dolphin or whale sightings. South-island transfers and equipment are included.
“Cannot recommend this activity enough our guide was outstanding great comedy throughout the tour with good knowledge of the animals we saw we had our 5 year old daughter with us and he made an incredible fuss over her allowing her the steer the boat amongst other things”
Join Neptuno Whale Experience Tenerife aboard the pirate-style Peter Pan from Los Cristianos. Expect a two-hour, Blue Flag certified wildlife trip with English, French, German, Italian, or Spanish commentary, common pilot whale sightings, seabirds, and a 15 to 20-minute swim stop if sea conditions allow.
“Great activity for both adults and children ( our children were 17 14 & 7 ) Great views of the coastline whilst following Whales / Dolphins. Take the opportunity to dive / jump into the sea its not the sort of opportunity you get every day.. Great value for money..”
Board Ragnarok at Los Cristianos Harbour for a two-hour whale and dolphin cruise. A multilingual English and Spanish crew guides you toward pilot whales and dolphins, with Viking costumes, music, shaded seating, a bar, toilets, and wheelchair access. Bring sun protection and allow extra time for traffic.
“The boat trip was very fun and we saw the dolphins and whales and it was amazing to watch those creatures in her natural habitat! The crew was amazing and very welcoming and funny. It was my baby first Bday and they sang a bday sonf for her and it was super cute!! Time was just perfect. Highly recommend it to everyone”
Sail from Puerto Colón with up to 11 passengers, guided by English, French, German, or Spanish-speaking skippers such as Guy or Maxi. Watch for pilot whales and dolphins, then stop in a quiet bay for swimming and snorkeling. Drinks, sandwiches, fruit, and hotel pickup within 10 kilometers are available.
“Love our guide guy, he is quite professional in every aspect of the driving. He saved me from the hard seasick by letting me sit on the tail of the boat, so my feet could soak in the water, and it's really helpful! We see the pilot whales and we try the swimming a little bit. It's totally worthy to join this trip!”
Set out from Puerto Colón aboard the Monte Cristo Catamaran for three hours of whale and dolphin watching. Your English-speaking crew searches Tenerife’s southern waters, serves tapas and drinks, then stops for swimming and snorkeling before sailing back along the coast. Hotel pickup is available in the south.
“Fabulous from start to finish. Really well organised with pick up and drop off back to hotel all done with ease. The small number on the boat made the experience even better. Captain and deck hand were really good and knowledgeable. Saw so many pilot whales up close was truly magical. Flowing drinks and top tapas. I cannot recommend this trip enough!”
Sail from Funchal with an English or Portuguese guide, watching for dolphins, pilot whales, and other marine life before stopping to swim beneath Cabo Girão. The Atlantic Pearl carries about 20 people, with covered seating, hammocks, bathrooms, and a bar. Guides such as João help keep the trip relaxed and informative.
“This was such an incredible experience - we were grateful to see a few pods of pilot whales and go on a sunset swim in a warm secluded location! Our guide João was lovely and accommodating, sharing stories and recommendations along the way.”
Sail from Funchal with guides such as Liv, David, Nico, and Maggie, keeping watch for whales, dolphins, and turtles. You get a welcome glass of sparkling wine, unlimited drinks, Madeira snacks, a 30-minute swim near Cabo Girão, and room to move on a small luxury catamaran.
“Gre at boat, maximum of 17 people. loads of space. Great drinks and snacks. It is double the price of other trips but well worth it. Saw other boats crammed with people. This was perfect.”
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