Whale watching from the marina at Los Gigantes
The marina at Los Gigantes is the starting point for whale and dolphin boats on this coast. Short trips of about 2 hours are the usual entry point. The tourism board describes resident groups of bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales off the southwest coast, which can be watched almost all year.
That means you have a real chance of seeing animals, but not a promise. Wild animals decide where they are on the day. Treat any sighting as a bonus on top of a boat trip along the cliffs.
Dolphin watching in Tenerife: which animals to expect
Two species are described as resident off the southwest coast: bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales. The photo shows a short-finned pilot whale at the surface.
Because these groups live here rather than pass through, trips are not tied to a short migration window. Do not read this as a guaranteed sighting rate. No source gives one, and any operator who quotes a percentage is making a claim you cannot check.
The sea here is part of a marine protected area, the Teno-Rasca strip, which covers 69,489.68 hectares off the west and southwest. It reaches the coasts of Buenavista del Norte, Santiago del Teide, Guía de Isora, Adeje and Arona.
Our picks: whale and dolphin watching
Two boat trips and one sailboat cruise from Los Gigantes harbour.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Whale watching cruise by sailboat
Three hours under sail with swimming and snorkelling, fruit, sandwiches, drinks and snorkelling gear.
Check availability →
Los Gigantes cliffs cruise with whale and dolphin search
A two-hour boat trip along the cliffs with a swim stop and one drink. Whale and dolphin sightings depend on the weather.
Check availability →Guided whale and dolphin watching trip
A guide, a swim stop, a drink and insurance are included. Pick-up and snorkelling gear are not.
Check availability →Whale and dolphin trips from Los Gigantes
Boat trips from the marina at Los Gigantes, with live prices and availability.
The rules at sea
Official whale watching rules for Tenerife apply to every boat. They also tell you what a good trip looks like.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Distance | At least 60 m from the animals |
| Time | No more than 30 minutes of observation |
| Speed | Slow approach; avoid crowding around the animals |
| If animals show stress | The boat leaves the area |
| In the water | No swimming with the animals |
| On board | No feeding, touching or loud noise; no rubbish into the sea |
If you see an injured or stranded marine mammal, call 112. A skipper who closes in on a group, stays far beyond the time limit or lets passengers into the water next to the animals is breaking these rules.
How to choose a boat
Authorization matters more than the boat's looks.
Ask for the authorization
The tourism board requires authorization from the Spanish environment ministry (MITECO) for whale watching boats. The ministry keeps its own list of authorized companies. Do not take a company's advertising text as proof. Ask the operator for its authorization before you pay.
Know the three labels
An older official leaflet from 2021 describes a blue boat mark for professional operators, so treat it as background, not as a current list. A voluntary sustainability charter exists too, with yearly review. It is a company pledge, not the same as an official authorization or the separate blue flag award for boats.
Pick the size that suits you
Short 2-hour trips are the basic option. Longer boat trips along the cliffs add scenery whether or not animals show up. The boat trips guide compares the formats.
Plan for the sea, not the calendar
Sea conditions and weather decide how a trip goes. Check the weather page and the operator's advice on the day.
What else you see on the water
The coastline is part of the trip.
The boats pass the Acantilados de Los Gigantes, cliffs that rise in places up to 600 m above the sea. The tourism board places them in the Teno Rural Park and notes that the seabed at their foot lies roughly 30 m deep. You see them best from the water, which is why a whale trip doubles as a cliff tour.
The viewpoint called Archipenque gives a view of the cliff area from land. Read more in the Los Gigantes guide.
Plan the rest of your stay
Other things to do around the harbor.
Whale watching in Tenerife: frequently asked questions
Can I see whales all year in Tenerife?
The tourism board describes resident bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales off the southwest coast that can be watched almost all year. That shows the chance exists. It is not a guarantee for your trip.
Where do the boats leave from?
The marina at Los Gigantes is the starting point for whale watching boats on this coast. Check the meeting point on your booking, as it depends on the operator.
How much does a whale watching trip cost?
A listing of 2 October 2026 showed a 2-hour whale and dolphin trip from Los Gigantes from €28 per adult. Treat it as one dated example, not a standard price. Longer trips and different boats cost more.
Can I swim with the pilot whales?
No. The rules forbid swimming with the animals, feeding them or touching them. Boats must also stay at least 60 m away and may watch the same animals for no more than 30 minutes.
How do I know a boat is authorized?
Whale watching boats need authorization from the Spanish environment ministry. Ask the operator for it, and use the ministry's list of authorized companies if you want to confirm. Advertising text alone is not proof.
Who do I call if I find a stranded animal?
Call 112 and report an injured or stranded marine mammal.