Whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife: 6 boat trips

Pilot whales and dolphins live in the waters off south-west Tenerife all year, so a whale and dolphin watching trip is one of the easiest things to fit into a holiday here. Five of the six boats below carry the Blue Flag, the certification for responsible cetacean watching in the Canary Islands. They differ in where they leave from, how long they stay out and what is included. Prices are for adults; children pay less on every boat.

Short on time: 2 hours

Masca Express — from Los Gigantes, 28 €

A speedboat for up to 22 people that leaves the port of Los Gigantes every hour from 10:30 to 15:30. After looking for whales and dolphins, it runs along the cliffs of Masca and Los Gigantes, which rise to almost 600 metres. One drink, an on-board guide and a swim are included; transport to the port and food are not.

Ragnarok Viking — from Los Cristianos, 25 €

A Viking ship with a crew in costume and a sword show on board. The 2-hour trip costs 25 € and the 3-hour trip, which adds time for a swim, 38 €. An open bar (water, soft drinks, beer and wine) is included, and food can be bought on board. The boat is adapted for people with reduced mobility.

Royal Delfin — from Puerto Colón, 30 €

A catamaran with 50-inch underwater panoramic windows, so you can see below the surface as well as above it. Trips last 2, 3 or 4.5 hours; the 2-hour trip costs 30 € and the 3-hour trip 50 €, with drinks included. There is a free transfer from the south of Tenerife.

Half a day at sea: 3 hours or more

White Paradise — from Puerto Colón, 42 €

An eco sailing catamaran with underwater microphones and speakers on deck, so you can hear the whales and dolphins as well as see them. The 3-hour trip anchors for swimming and snorkelling and includes sandwiches and drinks. The operator is a member of the World Cetacean Alliance.

Freebird — from Puerto Colón, 45 €

A large catamaran with guides who explain the animals' habits, feeding and migrations. The 3-hour trip (45 €) includes a sandwich and drinks; the 4.5-hour trip (58 €) includes a lunch of marinated chicken with papas arrugadas and mojo. There is a free bus pick-up in the south and north of the island.

Monte Cristo — from Puerto Colón, 60 €

A smaller catamaran for up to 24 passengers, leaving daily at 9:30, 15:30 and 18:30. The 3-hour trip includes food and drinks, a swim, Wi-Fi on board and a free transfer from Playa Paraíso, Costa Adeje, Las Américas, Los Cristianos and Ten-Bel. The whole boat can also be chartered privately.

Which one to choose?

• Staying in the west: Masca Express leaves from Los Gigantes.
• With children: the Ragnarok Viking show or the Royal Delfin's underwater windows.
• Lowest price: Ragnarok Viking (25 €) or Masca Express (28 €).
• Food, drinks and a swim included: White Paradise, Freebird or Monte Cristo.

See all our boat and yacht tours, or contact us for group bookings.