Many of us think that to see dolphins or whales we have to cross the ocean, go to Antarctica, or travel to the Indian Ocean, but the reality is that we don't have to be that far to see these curious animals. Did you know that you can see both species from Tenerife? This island is home to a great diversity of animals and is considered one of the best places in the world to see dolphins and whales. In the marine channel between Tenerife and La Gomera, you can find 23 species of the 80 marine mammals cataloged worldwide. Incredible, right? This great diversity is due to the abundance of nutrients in the waters, as they mainly feed on octopuses, squid, or cuttlefish.
What should you do to see dolphins and whales in Tenerife?
Well, to do so, it's necessary to book a boat tour. There are numerous companies that offer this type of tour, but be careful! Not all of them are licensed or have the "Blue Boat" distinction. What does this mean? This flag is only granted to those vessels that are officially and legally authorized to carry out cetacean watching, ensuring not only the presence of experts but also that the fauna and environment will be respected during the activity. Normally, a 2-hour excursion should be enough to see these mammals, although there are many tours that extend the route up to 5 hours, offering you a meal on the boat and a swim in one of its beautiful coves. Ultimately, it all depends on your preferences and the time you have available.
What species can we find in Tenerife?
Throughout the year, we can find bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, tropical pilot whales, or turtles, as there are permanent colonies feeding in these waters, enjoying an exceptional temperature, depth, and cleanliness. A luxury for the people of Tenerife! The bottlenose dolphin is a species that is very common in the oceans and peripheral seas of tropical and temperate latitudes. It is a relatively stocky dolphin, with a length of about 1 meter and adults ranging from 1.9 to 3.8 meters. They are excellent swimmers and can dive for up to 20 minutes. The sperm whale lives in the marine waters of the entire planet, although it is not associated with icy areas. It is one of the most abundant whale species, very mobile, and the longest odontocete. Males can measure up to 18 m and weigh about 57 tons, and females can measure more than 11 m and weigh about 24 tons. Their life expectancy is between 60 and 70 years. The tropical pilot whale or short-finned whale is a species with a long and robust body, a forehead that is between bulbous and squared, and visually lacks a beak. It is a species typical of deep waters, although it can sometimes approach the coast. The tropical pilot whales living in Tenerife measure between 4 and 5 meters in length and can weigh more than 3,000 kilos. The sea turtle comes in various colors and sizes, with some preferring tropical waters and others colder waters. Depending on their type, they can live from 50 to 80 years in the wild, and nearly all species are endangered. Turtles can hold their breath for several hours, depending on activity level; during rest periods, they can remain underwater for 4-7 hours. It truly is an incredible experience to encounter all these marine species.
Most common routes and prices
Generally, the most common routes are those that depart from Puerto Colón (Adeje) and the marina of Los Gigantes (Santiago del Teide), where you can enjoy stunning views of the cliffs. Prices depend on the type of excursion, with shorter trips being cheaper than longer ones, but for reference, they range from 25 to 65 euros. If you have a bit more money and opt for a private trip with personalized attention, the price can rise to 500 euros. And at this point, it seems like there are plenty of reasons to take this excursion, don't you think? In addition to being in total contact with the sea, you’ll see marine species that you couldn't imagine from other points. Ready to go? A 100% recommended experience!
