Responsible Whale Watching in Tenerife
My Fantastic Experience and How You Can Enjoy It Too
Whale watching in Tenerife is a popular activity for many visitors to the island. It should be an experience that combines adventure with a deep respect for marine life. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
As an ambassador for FALKE, I was invited to Tenerife for an action-packed week, which included a whale watching excursion.
For animal welfare reasons, I never wanted to go on such a trip before. So this whale watching tour in Tenerife was the first experience of this kind for me.
I was really torn about how I would feel. But once on board, I was pleasantly surprised and actually had an awesome time!
My trip was proof of how such an activity can be exciting, mindful and animal-friendly at the same time. Read here about my experience and all you need to know around responsible whale watching in Tenerife.
No time for details, just want to book responsible Whale Watching in Tenerife?
Dolphin & Whale Eco-Cruise
✅Eco-friendly Catamaran
✅Responsible Dolphin and Whale Watching
✅Underwater sound equipment to hear the animals
✅3-hour or 5-hour options with food, drinks, and swimming time
My Responsible Whale Watching Experience
I felt a mixture of excitement and curiosity as I boarded the eco-friendly catamaran at Marina Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje.
What do I mean by eco-friendly? The sustainable catamaran has solar panels on the roof, reducing reliance on diesel.
No plastic cups are used on board, and the “zero kilometer” concept applies. This means all meals are made from local products, avoiding imported foods with a large carbon footprint.
After a quick safety briefing and introduction of the crew, the captain navigated the boat out of the harbor.
It is not a long boat ride to enter the Special Area of Conservation (ZEC) by the Natura 2000 Network which is home to a large number of resident species of cetaceans, seabirds, turtles and elasmobranchs.
Good to know: More than a third of the world’s cetacean species have been seen in the waters around Tenerife and La Gomera. Because of this, the World Cetacean Alliance has designated both islands as a Whale Heritage Site, the first in Europe and the third globally.
Not even 15 minutes on board and we bypass a big sea turtle. Hugh excitement and for sure a good omen for some more animal spotting.
And indeed, I basically did not have time to decide on my favorite seating spot on the catamaran (the benches along the boat sites, next to the bar where the crew offered snacks or the large nets on the bow), before we were joined by some dolphins.
The small dolphin group at the front of the bow accompanied us for a few minutes, playfully jumping around. Really amazing to watch!
The captain continued cruising in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, which is part of Tenerife’s official Special Conservation Zone, protecting vulnerable marine wildlife and habitats.
He gave us an explanation on the area and showed us pictures of the whales and dolphins we already saw and could potentially still see.
Whenever he spotted some animals, he turned in their direction. However, he stopped the engine far away from so that our presence would not disturb them. If they came close to the boat, it was because they approached us, not the other way around.
When we got close to a family of pilot whales, the underwater audio equipment was turned on, bringing the sounds of the ocean onto the deck. What an amazing experience, listening to the whales communicate!
We were offered snacks and drinks, but I was too excited and too busy observing the ocean to not miss any whales to try the food.
The 2 hours on board unfortunately passed in a glimpse. But if you want to add some more time on sea, you can decide on booking that tour for even 3 or 5 hours which even includes some swimming.
Having been quite skeptical before boarding the catamaran, I can honestly say that I really enjoyed this whale watching trip.
If handled in such a responsible manner, I would definitely do it again. Watching whales and dolphins in their natural habitat without disturbing them is an incredible and wonderful experience.
⇨ Book here the tour I did: The Responsible and eco-friendly Whale Watching Experience from Costa Adeje
Importance of Responsible Whale Watching
Responsible whale watching is crucial for several reasons:
- Minimizing Disturbance: Keeping a respectful distance ensures that whales and dolphins are not stressed or disrupted.
- Conservation Efforts: Supporting operators who follow responsible guidelines helps fund marine conservation projects.
- Education and Awareness: Responsible tours often provide valuable information about marine life and conservation, raising awareness among tourists.
Choosing a tour operator that prioritizes the well-being of marine animals is essential! Look for operators like White Tenerife who adhere to guidelines, such as limiting the number of boats near the whales and maintaining a safe distance.
FAQ’s: Whale Watching in Tenerife
Why whale watching in Tenerife?
The excellent location of Tenerife makes it a wonderful whale watching location. In fact, the area that separates the islands La Gomera and Tenerife has been declared the first whale sanctuary in Europe.
Why are there whales in Tenerife?
Tenerife’s waters are a haven for various whale species, primarily due to the rich marine ecosystem and the depth of the ocean close to the coast. The Canary Islands sit along a migratory route, making them an ideal spot for both resident and transient whales and dolphins.
Where to see whales in Tenerife?
The best whale watching spots are along the southwest coast of Tenerife, particularly between Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes. This area offers calm waters and abundant marine life, making it a prime location for sightings.
What species could I see?
In Tenerife, you can commonly spot:
- Pilot Whales: These are resident species and can be seen year-round.
- Bottlenose Dolphins: Another resident species, often seen playing near the boats.
- Occasional Visitors: Depending on the season, you might also spot Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales, Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, and Rough-Toothed Dolphins.
Best time for whale watching in Tenerife?
While you can see whales and dolphins year round in Tenerife, spring and winter are the best times for whale watching on the island. During this period, the sea conditions are generally calmer, and there’s a higher chance of spotting migratory species.
I went whale watching in mid-June and did see lots of animals! The chance to see at least some dolphins is so good that most tour operators offer a refund or a 2nd try if no animals are spotted.
Conclusion
Whale watching in Tenerife can be a wonderful outdoor adventure on the island if done right. My experience was proof to the fact that it’s possible to enjoy these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat without causing them harm.
By choosing an eco and animal-friendly tour (⇨ like this one I did), we can ensure that our activities do not disturb the whales and dolphins, contributing to their conservation and the health of our oceans.
Responsible whale watching tours in Tenerife not only offer an unforgettable outdoor experience but also promotes awareness and respect for marine life.
Disclosure
I was able to write this article because I was invited to Tenerife by FALKE and VisitTenerife. My opinion was in no way influenced by this, nor was I given any guidelines for this article. Many thanks for that!
Thank you as well for the great experiences I was able to have on this beautiful island!
