Whale & Dolphin Watching
The channel between Tenerife and La Gomera is home to a resident pod of pilot whales, seen on boat trips almost year-round.
Most whale-watching trips leave from Los Cristianos or Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, heading into the marine reserve between Tenerife and La Gomera. Short-finned pilot whales live in this channel year-round, and bottlenose dolphins are also commonly seen; other species, including sperm whales and various dolphin species, turn up more occasionally.
Boats operating in the reserve are meant to follow rules on approach distance and speed to avoid disturbing the animals — it's worth choosing an operator that visibly follows these rather than the cheapest option that promises to get closest.
- ✓Trips typically run 2–4 hours; some combine whale watching with snorkelling stops.
- ✓Sightings of pilot whales are very likely (many operators quote 95%+), though never guaranteed.
- ✓Choose a boat that follows the marine reserve's responsible-distance guidelines.
- ✓Bring a light jacket — it's noticeably breezier and cooler out on the water.