If you’re planning a whale watching adventure in Tenerife, you may be wondering whether it’s worth paying more for a small group tour. That’s what we chose to do, and while it wasn’t perfect, I can’t pretend that seeing the wildlife out there wasn’t awesome.
We’re here to share our honest thoughts as to whether we recommend it, including the good, the seasickness, and tips for getting the most out of the day.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about a Tenerife whale watching small group tour before you book!
Quick Tips for Your Tenerife Visit
Your Flight: Arrive in Tenerife via Tenerife South Airport (TFS), which handles most international and long-haul flights, or Tenerife North Airport (TFN), which serves domestic flights.
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Your Accommodations: Our pick was the Perla Gris Aparthotel in Costa Adeje for a week in Tenerife. It was budget-friendly and close to the beach. Browse Booking.com or Hotels.com for more options. Vrbo is my Airbnb alternative.
Your Ride: A car will make your visit to Tenerife more efficient. Book a rental car ahead of time.
Top Spots: You’re here for whale watching, but with more time, see the cloud forests of Anaga Rural Park or go stargazing at Teide National Park.
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Can you see whales in Tenerife?
Yes! Tenerife is one of the best places in Europe to spot whales and dolphins in the wild.
The waters between Tenerife and nearby La Gomera are home to a resident population of pilot whales, which are actually part of the dolphin family. You’ll also commonly see bottlenose dolphins and occasionally migratory baleen whales passing through.
While it’s never guaranteed on an ethical whale watching tour, sightings here are more likely than in many places we’ve been. Small group tours increase your chances of getting a good view if they do approach.
Why Choose a Small Group Whale Watching Tour
There are a lot of whale watching tours in Tenerife, many at very wallet-friendly prices. The small group options give you a more personal experience, though.
On a smaller catamaran, there’s less crowding, more space to move around, and a better chance to actually see the animals. If something goes wrong, like if you’re not feeling your best due to seasickness, it’s easier to get personalized treatment, too.
For me, the small group setting made spotting dolphins and pilot whales, which I called “chonkfins,” more exciting. Everyone could get a good view without having to elbow anyone for space.
Booking and Cost Details
The tour we were on is easy to book online. (You can book it here.) The cost includes sandwiches and drinks, including beer, if you’d like, and the tour lasts about three hours.
Fun fact: If it’s nice enough to swim, your time on the water can include snorkeling. While it was offered as an antidote to some of the seasickness on board, no one took our crew up on it. It was just too chilly!
The cost of a small-group whale tour in Tenerife varies, but it’ll be more than what you’d pay on a larger tour. Expect to pay $75-$100/person for the privilege of a small-group tour. Larger tours come as cheaply as $30/person.
Browse a few highly-rated options below:
Our Experience on the Tour
Our trip started out well. We were on time, the weather was sunny if a little chilly, and the crew was in good spirits. Check-in was easy, and once we had our shoes off, it was time to set off on our adventure.
I’ll be honest. I thought a catamaran would be very chill compared to some of the sailboats available for similar excursions, but there are some things to be aware of if you don’t have your sea legs.
Unfortunately, because the boat doesn’t move super fast, it mostly idles while you wait for sightings. That means your three hours on the water can be very relaxing if you’re used to the sea, but also challenging if you’re prone to seasickness.
Our group was small, a big perk of avoiding the larger boats, but the slow-moving, wave-riding nature of being on a catamaran got to all but Brian and another guy in our group. I was even wearing a ReliefBand, which hadn’t failed me before.
Despite that, I still think the trip was worth it. We saw dolphins leaping alongside the boat and a few pilot whales gliding through the water with their babies. I’d never seen them in their natural environment before, so it was an adorable treat.
Fun fact: Pilot whales often travel in tight-knit family groups called pods, sometimes with dozens of members. I can attest to this!
Even if you’re not a fan of waves, the small group setting makes it easier to find a comfortable spot and enjoy the view…or watch the horizon if you’re struggling.
The sandwiches offered close to the end of the tour were basic, and there were no vegetarian options available for one of the women on the tour.
Note: I’m unsure whether she’d made note of her dietary restrictions at booking. I bet it would have been provided in that case, though.
All-you-can-drink options were also included, though most of us skipped the alcohol thanks to the waviness.
Best Times to See Whales in Tenerife
One of the best things about whale watching here is that Tenerife whale watching season is year-round. I’ve already mentioned the resident population of pilot whales, but dolphins are also frequently seen throughout the year.
Winter is particularly ideal for catching migratory baleen whales, although the crew on our tour told us that it’s quite rare to catch them out there.
READ MORE: Planning a trip to Tenerife in the winter? Use this guide to help you plan.
Note: The best whale tours aren’t chasing whales, but happening upon them in their natural environment. That’s why ethical tours can’t guarantee wildlife sightings, no matter how much you want it.
The biggest variable on Tenerife whale watching tours isn’t the month, but the sea conditions. Windier days can mean choppier water, which makes the experience bumpier. Calmer seas usually mean a smoother ride and better visibility.
Morning departures are usually calmer, but in the winter, the waves can be going at it no matter the time of day. If conditions are unsafe, your tour will be canceled or rescheduled.
Tips for a Great Whale Watching Experience
Tenerife whale watching trips can be pretty magical, but they can also go sideways if you aren’t ready for what they entail. Here are a few tips before you book:
- Prepare for seasickness. If you’re at all prone to motion sickness, take something before the boat leaves the harbor. Pills, ginger, or a ReliefBand can help, but only if you use those tools before you’re already moving.
- Be sun smart. Even on cloudy days, the UV can be strong out on the water. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and possibly a hat. You’re exposed for three hours, and the reflection off the ocean makes it stronger than you expect.
- Choose your seat wisely. Seats along the side of the boat often give you the best views when dolphins or pilot whales surface. If you’re sensitive to motion, aim for a spot closer to the center or back of the boat rather than the very front.
- Stay lightly hydrated and eat sensibly. Our tour included sandwiches and drinks, but heavy food and alcohol aren’t your friend if the sea is choppy. Eat something light beforehand and pace yourself.
- Don’t make it worse. Once you’re already queasy, it’s harder to recover. Small sips of water are fine, but avoid chugging liquids if you’re nauseous. Tell the crew. They’re experts and will lead you to the best seat or give you a bag if things get dire.
- Keep your camera ready. Dolphins and whales appear quickly and disappear faster. Have your phone or camera accessible rather than buried in a bag. You won’t get a five-minute warning before a pod swims alongside the boat.
- Book ahead if you want a small group tour. Small group whale watching tours in Tenerife fill up faster than the larger party-style boats. If you want that intimate experience, it’s worth reserving in advance.
Are whale watching tours bad for whales?
Whale watching tours can be harmful if they’re poorly regulated or operated irresponsibly. But reputable tours in Tenerife follow strict guidelines to minimize disturbance.
In the Canary Islands, licensed operators follow rules about how close they can approach wildlife and how long they can remain near them. The islands also limit how many boats can be in the area at once.
Ethical tours don’t chase animals, cut off their path, or surround them. Instead, they slow down and allow wildlife to approach naturally. That’s also why no responsible operator can guarantee sightings.
Is whale watching in Tenerife worth it?
Tenerife whale watching is definitely worth it, especially if you choose a small group tour where it’s easier to catch the action out on the water. Tenerife has resident pilot whales year-round, and sightings are common.
Whether you want to book the tour we were on depends on your level of comfort with the sea.
It’s certainly not the tour’s fault that I got seasick despite my best efforts. If you know you get seasick, though, you need to make sure you’re prepared with meds or other tools that work for you.
Catamarans are recommended for folks with seasickness. They have two hulls that sit wide on the water, which reduces rolling and side-to-side motion compared with single-hull boats. The idling seemed to do us in more than anything else.
Would I do it again? Yep. I’m a glutton for punishment, especially when it means live chonkfin sightings!
Traveling elsewhere in Spain? Check these out:
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- Find a Good Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand
- An Honest Guide to African Safaris
- A Detailed Guide to South African Trips
- Yoga With Goats Is as Fun as It Sounds
- A Detailed Trip Planner for Australia
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