Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live off Tenerife's south-west coast all year. Seventy trips leave from five harbors, cost €28–129 per person, and private boats start at €300 per group.
€27.81 cheapest trip70 trips comparedAll year, no off-season
Our pick · Travelin' Lady · from€29.90per person4.719,565 reviewsCheck datesFree cancellationReserve now, pay later
34trips from Costa Adejethe most choice: catamarans, sailboats, speedboats, yachtsBest-rated from hereThe Puerto Colón speedboat · ★ 5.0 (135) · €50all trips from€27.81See 34 trips from Costa Adeje
12trips from Las Galletassmall luxury yachts and private boatsBest-rated from hereThe luxury yacht snorkel trip · ★ 4.8 (519) · €95all trips from€37.80See 12 trips from Las Galletas
11trips from Los Cristianosthe two most-reviewed trips on the islandBest-rated from hereThe local-skipper boat · ★ 4.8 (511) · €63all trips from€27.81See 11 trips from Los Cristianos
7trips from Los Gigantesthe 600 m cliffs and the Masca swim stopBest-rated from hereThe Los Gigantes sailboat · ★ 4.9 (2,283) · €75all trips from€28See 7 trips from Los Gigantes
2trips from Playa San Juana quieter marina between Los Gigantes and Costa AdejeBest-rated from hereNo trip with 100+ reviews yetall trips from€65See 2 trips from Playa San Juan
Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live off Tenerife's south-west coast all year, so any day works. Most whale watching trips last 1.5–3 hours and cost €28–95 per person; a private boat costs €300–850 per group.
A guide on board points out the resident pilot whales, then the boat stops in a cove for a swim and snorkel if the sea allows. It is one of the cheapest trips and the most-reviewed whale watching trip in Tenerife.
Not suitable for wheelchair users — see accessible trips
Meet at Los Cristianos port 30 minutes before: the fishermen's wharf, follow the line on the floor to the gate.
0 h 1.5 h at sea6 h
INCLUDEDguide on boardlife jacketstoilet on boardport fees
NOT INCLUDEDsnacks and drinks (bar on board, paid)
69 of the 70 trips leave from the south-west coast, where the water between Tenerife and La Gomera stays calm. One trip starts in the north and drives you south.
Whale Watching Tenerife Tour Reviews: the Three Most-Booked
35,095 reviews on the two most-reviewed trips: ★ 4.7 (19,565) for Travelin' Lady and ★ 4.6 (15,530) for the no-chase catamaran.
35,095GetYourGuide reviews on these tripsPEOPLE PRAISEpilot whales close to the boatcrews who explain what you seethe swim stopPEOPLE WARNchoppy water on the way outlittle shade on deck
“The trip went well. We were able to see flying fish, turtles and whales. It was a nice thing to do. The crew is fantastic.”
“Everything was great. We managed to see dolphins and whales. The boat wasn't very crowded. I went on the last trip at 5:00 PM. The guides were very friendly.”
Very likely, but not guaranteed. Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live off the south-west coast all year, and Turismo de Tenerife says sightings happen on about 8 of 10 days. Some operators offer a free second trip if you see nothing, for example the Costa Adeje eco-cruise — check each listing before you book.
The one nearest your hotel: the same resident pilot whales and dolphins live off all five harbors. Costa Adeje has the most choice with 34 trips, Los Cristianos has the two most-reviewed, and Los Gigantes adds the 600 m cliffs and a swim stop near Masca.
Most trips last 1.5 to 3 hours; a few run 4–5 hours with lunch. Plan another 30 minutes at the harbor before departure, because most operators ask you to arrive early and close boarding about 10 minutes before.
Shared trips cost about €28–95 per person, with the cheapest 1.5–2 hour trips at around €28. Private boats cost €300–850 per boat for groups of 2 to 13. Prices were checked on GetYourGuide on 13 Oct 2026 and move with promotions.
No. Swimming with, touching or feeding whales and dolphins is forbidden in the Canary Islands. Many trips include a swim stop, but it takes place in a cove after the watching, away from the animals.
Take a seasickness tablet about an hour before, sit low and near the middle of the boat, and keep your eyes on the horizon. Catamarans and bigger boats move less than small speedboats; the south-west coast is sheltered, which helps.
The operator cancels and you can rebook another day or get a refund. The 6 trips we review in detail also have free cancellation if your own plans change; check the listing for the cut-off time.
Yes: short 1.5–2 hour trips on eco-yachts and catamarans with a toilet on board suit families best. Check the minimum age on each listing and bring sun protection, because shade on deck is limited.
Swimwear and a towel if your trip has a swim stop, sunscreen, a hat, a light jacket for the wind on the way back, and cash or a card for the bar if drinks are not included.
Almost none leave from the north. One trip picks you up in Puerto de la Cruz and drives you to the south-west coast for a 4.5-hour outing; otherwise plan a transfer to Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje.
No. The resident pilot whales and dolphins are there all year; the seasons only change which visiting species you might also see, such as sperm whales, mostly in spring.
For a first trip, Travelin' Lady: 1.5 hours, €29.90 and ★ 4.7 from 19,565 reviews. For a small group and the cliffs, the Los Gigantes sailboat, ★ 4.9 (2,283).
Choose a trip, pick your date in the GetYourGuide calendar on this site and pay on GetYourGuide at the same price. The 6 trips we review in detail let you reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation; check the cut-off time on the listing.
Yes, three sunset trips run from Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje and Las Galletas, from €29.90 per person. They follow the same rules as daytime trips, with the whales in softer evening light.
