Whale Watching in Tenerife and the Canary Islands: Year-Round, Nearly Guaranteed

The Canary Islands are the most reliable whale-watching destination in Spain, and one of the best in the world. The deep water between Tenerife and La Gomera, a UNESCO-designated Whale Heritage Site, is home to a permanent resident colony of roughly 500 short-finned pilot whales and 250 bottlenose dolphins. Sightings are virtually guaranteed on any given trip.

See more of Spain's wildlife in our full wildlife-by-region guide. Whale watching also works in the Bay of Biscay and off Dénia on the Mediterranean side, or see the complete guide to whale watching in Spain for all five locations.

Tenerife: the standout island

Tenerife is the best base. Trips depart from Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje and Puerto de los Gigantes on the southwest coast, heading into the deep channel between the islands where the residents live. The resident pilot whales are seen on close to 99 percent of trips according to established operators. Bottlenose dolphins appear on over 70 percent.

Beyond the residents, more than 30 cetacean species have been recorded in Canary waters. Winter and spring bring migrating humpbacks. Sperm whales are occasional year-rounders. Fin whales pass through. If you go in winter, you have a chance at the full range.

La Gomera: the quieter alternative

Flying into Tenerife South airport puts you close to Costa Adeje. Tenerife is the most connected of the Canary Islands by air. From the island, La Gomera is 30 minutes by fast ferry from Los Cristianos.

Is it good with kids?

This is probably the most family-friendly whale-watching spot in Spain, precisely because a sighting is nearly guaranteed, the sea in the south of Tenerife is calmer than the Strait of Gibraltar, and the two-hour format is easy with young children. Several operators specifically mention managing well with infants.

Getting there

Flying into Tenerife South airport puts you close to Costa Adeje. Tenerife is the most connected of the Canaries by air from mainland Spain, with multiple daily flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. From the island, La Gomera is reachable by fast ferry from Los Cristianos in about 30 minutes.

Where to stay

Costa Adeje is the most convenient base for whale watching, with the broadest range of accommodation. Los Gigantes has a quieter, more town-like feel with the cliffs as backdrop. Here are places to stay:

Affiliate disclosure: this map contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Spain Has Many Versions. Find Yours.

Mediterranean Spain: Catalonia | Comunitat Valenciana | Murcia | Andalucía

Northern Spain: País Vasco | Cantabria | Asturias | Galicia | Navarra | Aragón

Inland Spain: Madrid | Castilla y León | Castilla-La Mancha | Extremadura | La Rioja

The Islands: Balearic Islands | Canary Islands

Planning and Living in Spain: Moving to Spain, But Where? | Living Abroad: The Real Pros and Cons | Slow Travel in Europe | What to Know Before You Drive in Spain | What Is Empty Spain?

For every region, coast, and town we've covered, see The Complete Guide to Spain