The stretch of sea between Tenerife and La Gomera is one of the best places in Europe to see whales and dolphins, because short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live there all year. Whale-watching boats leave daily from the southern ports, and this catamaran trip from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje is one of the most complete. Over four and a half hours it sails north-west along the coast, stops to watch whatever cetaceans the crew can find, and continues to the cliffs of Los Gigantes, which drop straight into the sea, and the mouth of the Masca ravine. Spotted dolphins are also seen at some times of year. Lunch of rice, chicken and vegetables is served on board, with beer, wine, soft drinks and water, and there is a chance to swim when the boat stops. Extras such as ice cream and souvenir photos cost a little more.
How it works: you board the Freebird catamaran at the pontoons of Puerto Colón, the marina in Costa Adeje, and the trip lasts about four and a half hours. You can cancel or reschedule free of charge up to twenty-four hours ahead, and if the crew cancels because of the weather you get a full refund. A snorkel mask is not included, so bring your own if you want to look below the surface when the boat stops for a swim.
What to expect: sightings are very likely but never guaranteed, since these are wild animals. The crew follow the Canary Islands rules on how close boats can approach, and they will usually find a pod of pilot whales within the first hour. The west coast is calmer than the open sea, but the swell can pick up on the way back, so take seasickness tablets beforehand if you are prone to it. The Los Gigantes cliffs are the highlight of the coastline, rising hundreds of metres sheer from the water.
Making the most of it: sit on the shaded side for the outward leg, keep a camera ready and listen for the crew’s calls. Bring sunscreen, a hat, a towel and a light jacket for the wind.
What to expect
The experience
A shared catamaran cruise with whale and dolphin watching, a swim stop and lunch on board.
Best time
Morning departures on a calm day, when the sea is flattest and the light is best for photos.
How long
About four and a half hours from boarding to return.
Tips
Take seasickness tablets if needed, bring a towel and a snorkel mask, and expect some wind on the way back.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone staying in the south who wants to see wild whales and the island from the sea.
- Families
- Children love spotting dolphins, and lunch and a swim stop break up the trip.
- Couples
- Find a spot on the bow nets, then swim together below the cliffs.
- Pair with
- A day at Siam Park, or the Teide cable car for the island from above.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
What whales can you see from Tenerife?+
Short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live off the south-west coast all year, so they are seen on most trips. Spotted dolphins and other species turn up at certain times of year.
Where does the boat leave from?+
It leaves from Puerto Colón, the marina in Costa Adeje. Arrive early to find the right pontoon and check in.
Is food included on the whale-watching trip?+
Yes, a simple lunch of rice, chicken and vegetables is included with beer, wine, soft drinks and water. Ice cream and photos cost extra.
What happens if the weather is bad?+
If the operator cancels because of the weather, you receive a full refund. You can also cancel or reschedule yourself free of charge up to twenty-four hours before.
Are sightings guaranteed?+
No, these are wild animals, but resident pilot whales mean the chances are very good. Crews follow strict rules on how close they can approach.