Off Costa Adeje, in the channel separating Tenerife from La Gomera, lives a resident colony of short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Because they're resident — not migratory — they're seen twelve months a year, making Tenerife an unusual whale-and-dolphin destination: there's no bad season.
What you'll see
- Short-finned pilot whale: the star species, resident and visible all year.
- Bottlenose dolphin: pods that often come to ride the boat's bow wave.
- Passing through (if you're lucky): rorquals, sperm whales and spotted dolphins depending on the season.
Short trips from Puerto Colón
The simplest and cheapest option: two-hour mini cruises leaving from Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje) that reach the watching area in minutes. Ideal if you're travelling with children or want a first taste without spending half a day at sea.
2-Hour whale & dolphin watching mini cruise from Puerto ColónCheck availability →Half a day by catamaran with a swim
Three-hour catamaran trips combine the watching with a stop to swim and snorkel in a cove, and usually include food or drinks on board. It's the fullest plan if you want to enjoy the sea as well as see the animals.
Whale Watching Atlantic Cruise, 3-hour departure from Puerto ColonCheck availability →
Whale & Dolphin Watching: Relaxing catamaran sailing along Costa AdejeCheck availability →With the Los Gigantes cliffs behind
From Los Gigantes, trips add the cliffs to the watching — walls of basalt up to 600 m dropping sheer into the Atlantic. A hard combination to beat.
Whale and dolphin watching catamaran cruise: Los Gigantes & MascaCheck availability →Whether you leave from Puerto Colón or Los Gigantes, seeing pilot whales and dolphins in the wild is one of those experiences you remember. Book a morning trip, when the sea is usually calmer, and bring sunscreen and a layer against the wind.