Whale and Dolphin Watching Tenerife - Whale Seasons Guide and Packing List

Tenerife is an excellent destination to spot whales and dolphins throughout the year. An estimated 400 pilot whales are found along the deep sea-water canyon, which has a depth of 1000-1200 m. They are usually spotted between Puerto Colon and Los Cristianos in the direction of La Gomera. Usually, you never get disappointed on a whale and dolphin-watching tour in Tenerife.

Also, dolphins occur in this area at a depth of roughly 500 m, therefore closer to the coast. The best time to spot migratory whales in Tenerife is November to February. Pilot whales and dolphins are almost guaranteed year-round. Tenerife, the Canary Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean along their migratory route in the wintertime.

Tenerife Whale Watching Seasons

I have visited Tenerife already multiple times. My last visit to Tenerife was in 2023. It is almost guaranteed to spot cetaceans on these trips. Most common are the pilot whales, which actually belong to the dolphin family and different species of dolphins. 

Winter: November–February

The winter is the main whale-watching season in Tenerife. There is a chance to spot migrating humpbacks and finbacks. Finbacks are occasionally seen where the canyon has a depth of 3000 meters.

Blue whales are frequently mentioned, but from my own experience, they almost do not exist around the Canary Islands. You definitely spot pilot whales, dolphins, and, with a bit of luck, humpbacks or finbacks. 

The winter is a pleasant time in Tenerife, with day temps between 22-25°C. The sun is intense, especially on the sea. A hat, sunscreen, and a wind jacket are essential. It is frequently windy, which causes a higher swell. If you struggle with motion sickness, don’t overeat before the trip. 

Spring: March-May

Most sperm whale sightings between March and May, although a population of an estimated 240 residents, occur around Tenerife throughout the year. These whales can be seen resting on the surface between their deep dives of up to 3000 meters for their main prey, squid. However, they occur 3-5 km offshore, where the canyon has a depth of at least 2000 meters. It depends on the boat's size and power of the boat if you spot them.

Nowadays, Bryde's whales are spotted more often.

Spring temperatures are mild on average, around 23°C in the shade. It is warm during the day, and sun precaution is essential on the boat. Nevertheless, carry a wind vest in your bag. 

A visit to Tenerife is only complete with a boat tour. It is exciting being on such a trip; you never know what will happen the next minute. On top of this, the views of the coast and Teide from the sea are spectacular.

These are my recommended tours via GetYourGuide, which has an excellent cancellation policy. Thx for booking via my website! With your support, I am able to provide all the information first-hand. Tour prices are at no extra cost! You can find more tips and places to visit here in the Canary Islands.

Summer and Fall: June-October

June to October are the warmest months of the year. With the increasing sea temperature, there is less food available. The reason is that the whales migrate to more prosperous feeding grounds like the poles. However, pilot whales are a unique dolphin species and fascinating to spot. On one of the tours, a huge male jumped out of the water and left us in astonishment.

Pods of pilot whales and dolphins are frequently seen during whale-watching tours in summer. Occasion orca sightings in summer. These orcas are commonly spotted in the Strait of Gibraltar, hunting for tuna with whale-watching tours from Tarifa in July and August.

Cetaceans Overview – When to Spot Whales in Tenerife?

Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are most common and spotted throughout the year.

Short-Finned Pilot Whales – Year-round

Actually, pilot whales belong to the dolphin family. They are the second biggest dolphin species. Tenerife and Tarifa are some of the best spots in the world to watch these cetaceans up close in high numbers. Their behaviour gave them the name pilot whale. One pilot whale guides the pod in front. 

• Identification with their different dorsal fins
• Lifespan of up to 60 years
• Adult size 4-8 m – newborn max. 2 m
• Weight up to 4 tons
• Diving deep up to 800 m for squid for roughly 20 minutes, usually in the night.

Sperm Whales from March-May

They are the largest-toothed whales, and they also have the largest brains of all. The blow can be already seen from far away. They dive up to 3000 meters deep for more than one hour, coming to the surface for roughly eight minutes to breathe.

• Males are up to 20 m long – females are smaller, with a maximum of 12 m.
• Average weight between 35-45 tons with a maximum of 65 tons.
• Lifespan of 70-80 years.
• The name was given from the spermaceti organ in the head. 

Finback Whales from November–February

This deep underwater canyon causes currents to rise upwards; the containing nutrients and minerals feed school fish. These fishes are a feast for the finbacks. Finbacks are baleen whales which are filter feeders. They feed on plankton, crustaceans, fish, and squid. They are the second largest whale after the blue whale.

• Length maximum of 27 m – newborns have an average size of 6.5 m.
• Long lifespan of up to 90 years.
• Usually, they travel in solitary or in small pods.
• Their blow is up to 5 m high and can easily be seen. 
• They dive up to 450 m deep for roughly 15 minutes.

Orcas in summer in July and August

The orcas occur mainly in the Strait of Gibraltar in summer. Tours are offered from Tarifa. However, sightings occur due to the proximity of the Canary Islands. Orcas are the largest member of dolphins. They live in pods with up to 40 members. Males have a high, sword-shaped dorsal fin, and females are curved. Orcas are highly intelligent and develop different hunting techniques. Orcas adapt quickly to any sea temperature, either close to the equator or the poles.

• Size of up to 10 meters.
• Weight up to 10 tons.
• Lifespan males 30-50 years – females 50-80 years.

Bottlenose Dolphins–Year-round

The dolphins occur closer to the coast. These dolphins have the same behaviour as the pilot whales; one eye and half of the brain are resting while the other part is active to continue breathing. 

• Bigger than other dolphins; length 2-4 m.
• Weight up to 500 kg
• Lifespan in the wild of up to 50 years.
• They dive several hundred meters deep.
• Dolphins are social swimming in huge schools.

The dolphin species that occur around Tenerife are bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, striped dolphins, and common dolphins.

Turtles, loggerheads, and green sea turtles also occur in the Atlantic Ocean around Tenerife. Sometimes, a turtle can be seen while basking (warming up) or mating.