Yes, you can see whales in Tenerife all year. Two species are resident off the south-west coast: the short-finned pilot whale — a population of roughly 362 animals — and the bottlenose dolphin. Atlantic spotted and striped dolphins, Risso's dolphins, sperm whales and Bryde's whales are seen occasionally or seasonally; around 28–30 whale and dolphin species are recorded in Canary waters. Operators report sightings on about 99 % of trips.
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No-chase catamaran, 90 min
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The short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) is the reason whale watching works in Tenerife. A resident population — estimated at about 362 animals from photo-identification — lives in the deep channel between Tenerife and La Gomera, one of very few resident populations of the species in the world and recognised as an Important Marine Mammal Area.
Pilot whales are dark, round-headed, four to six metres long, and live in family groups that rest at the surface between deep dives for squid. That resting behaviour is what makes them so easy to watch: a boat that keeps its distance often sees the same group logging at the surface for many minutes, with calves alongside the adults.
Because the population is resident and feeds close to the coast, the question in Tenerife is not whether you will see pilot whales but how long the boat takes to reach them — about 18 minutes from Los Gigantes and roughly 25–35 minutes from the eastern ports.
The common bottlenose dolphin is the second resident species and the one most often seen after the pilot whales — operators put it on the majority of trips. Atlantic spotted dolphins, whose skin gathers spots with age, arrive in numbers from March to May and are the dolphins most likely to ride a boat's bow wave.
Striped, Risso's and rough-toothed dolphins turn up occasionally at any time of year. Common dolphins are reported mostly in winter. Loggerhead turtles, usually juveniles, are also seen year-round and are a highlight on many trips.
If dolphins matter more to you than whales, a boat with underwater windows — the no-chase catamaran or the underwater-vision catamarans from Puerto Colón — adds a view below the surface when the sea is calm.
Sperm whales, Bryde's whales and fin whales are the big names, and all three are seen off Tenerife — but occasionally, not daily. Sperm whales are reported a few days a month, most often between autumn and spring; Bryde's whales peak from March to May; fin and sei whales pass on migration in winter and early spring. Humpback, blue, minke whales and orcas are rare.
No operator can promise a large whale, and none on this site does. A boat that stays longer in deep water — three hours rather than ninety minutes — has more chance of an encounter.
catamaran★ 4.615,307 reviews“We saw whales and dolphins and the crew helped us spot them. It was a great trip.”
eco yacht★ 4.719,265 reviews“We saw pilot whales and sea turtles so amazing. There was shade and enough seats for everyone to see. When we went for a swim it was easy to get back on the boat with their good ladder. The trip was great.”
sailboat★ 4.92,265 reviews“Super welcoming, warmhearted and mindful guides! We really recommend this tour with Eileen, David and Jaime! Private atmosphere, knowledge, good food and drinks and they really care about the environment and the guests a”
All 72 boats: cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund.
source · partner listingsEco-yachts built with a low centre of gravity are the steadiest; mornings and September–October are the calmest water.
source · operator listings · AEMETLicensed boats keep 60 m from the animals and nobody enters the water near them. The swim stop is a cove afterwards.
source · Decreto 178/2000About 24 noticeable days a year, longest in January–February. Visibility drops but trips still run.
source · AEMETSwimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and a light layer for the run out.
source · operator listingsShort-finned pilot whale: resident — several hundred (IMMA); seen all year — seen on most trips (operator data). Bottlenose dolphin: resident; seen all year — frequent (operator data). Atlantic spotted dolphin: seasonal visitor — peak Mar–May; seen spring, occasional all year — common in season (operator data). Striped dolphin: occasional; seen all year — occasional (operator data). Risso’s dolphin: occasional; seen all year — rare (operator data). Sperm whale: occasional, deep water; seen autumn, winter and spring (Sep–Apr, operator data) — rare (operator data). Bryde’s whale: occasional — peak Mar–May; seen spring, occasional all year — rare (operator data). Fin whale: seasonal visitor — migrant; seen winter–early spring — rare (operator data).
In the latest reviews of each boat, dolphins come up on 44 boats and turtles on 20. Among the established boats whose reviewers mention dolphins, the best-rated are Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sailboat (★ 4.9 from 2,265 reviews), Whale-Watching Sailboat Cruise (★ 4.9 from 266 reviews) and Puerto Colon: Dolphin and Whale Watching Speedboat Tour (★ 4.9 from 134 reviews).
We read the most recent reviews of each boat on the island — 244 in all, written between 9 Oct 2020 and 23 Sep 2026, averaging ★ 4.9. 122 mention whales, 74 mention dolphins, 25 mention turtles, 131 mention the crew or the guide, 30 mention the food or drinks, 50 mention the swim, 8 mention seasickness and 3 mention waiting or a late start. Seasickness comes up in eight of them — worth taking seriously if you are prone to it; the steadiest boats are the eco-yachts and the catamarans. This is a sample of the latest reviews, not the whole record; the rating next to each boat covers every review.
Eleven listings offer underwater windows or views: Eco No-Chase Respectful Whale & Dolphin Encounter (★ 4.6 from 15,307 reviews), Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks (★ 4.6 from 5,795 reviews), Whale & Dolphin Submarine Vision Mini Cruise (★ 4.5 from 2,320 reviews) and Marine-Life Tour with Transfer, Buffet and Drinks (★ 4.8 from 2,213 reviews). They work best on a calm, bright day.
How we compare: every number here comes from the GetYourGuide listings as we read them on 23 Sep 2026 — price, duration, what is included, the rating and the number of reviews — and from public sources we name next to the figure. We rank by rating only among boats with a hundred reviews or more, because a ★ 5.0 from three reviews says little. Where a listing does not state something, we say so instead of guessing. We earn a commission on bookings; it is the same for every boat and does not decide the order.
Yes, all year. Short-finned pilot whales — a resident population of about 362 — live off the south-west coast, and operators report sightings on about 99 % of trips. Sperm, Bryde's and fin whales are seen occasionally.
Mostly short-finned pilot whales, which are resident. Occasionally sperm whales, Bryde's whales and, in winter and spring, fin and sei whales; humpbacks and orcas are rare.
Bottlenose dolphins (resident), Atlantic spotted dolphins (common in spring), and occasionally striped, Risso's, rough-toothed and common dolphins.
No — they are wild animals. Operators report pilot whales on about 99 % of trips; a couple of boats offer a free second trip if you see nothing.
Often — loggerhead turtles, mostly juveniles, are seen year-round off the south coast.
Bottlenose all year; Atlantic spotted dolphins peak from March to May.
Around 28–30 species have been recorded in Canary waters; about 21 are seen regularly around Tenerife.