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.
Avistamiento de cetáceos. Mini crucero de 2 horas desde 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.
Avistamiento de Cetáceos Atlantic Cruise, salida de 3 horas desde Puerto ColónCheck availability →
Avistamiento de cetáceos y relax en catamarán por 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.
Avistamiento de cetáceos y crucero en catamarán por 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.