Aboard · WHALE WATCHING TRIPS IN SPAIN
Good whale watching trips in Spain fill up weeks ahead in season and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Join Travelin Lady from Los Cristianos for a 90-minute whale and dolphin trip on a purpose-built eco-yacht. Guides including Ines explain the wildlife in several languages, while the small, stable boat visits the Cave of Love and pauses for swimming and snorkeling when conditions allow.
“Watched whales, dolphins, and dolphins. Nice sunny weather and kids swam in the ocean.”
From Puerto Los Cristianos, you sail aboard the Bahriyeli with certified multilingual guides who explain Tenerife’s whales, dolphins, turtles, and ocean habitat. The strict no-chase rule means animals set the pace. Expect open-air viewing, an indoor salon, and no swim stop during this two-hour trip.
“Crewe were really knowledgeable. well organised... no chase policy.”
Sail from Puerto Colón into Tenerife’s Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary on a quiet, fuel-efficient catamaran. The crew, including captains Carlos and Miguel, explains the marine life, plays underwater sounds, serves snacks and drinks, and stops for a swim. Choose three or five hours.
“The trip was beautiful and we saw some turtles and pilot whales. The crew were really careful around the sea life and turned off the engines as soon as they felt they should. They were helpful and kind. One thing you need to be aware of (and there are plenty of warnings on the booking) is that it is very rough far out into the ocean and a fair few people were very seasick. It’s a wonderful trip and the crew were absolutely amazing with everyone who was ill but don’t let it ruin your trip and take tablets beforehand. Thank you to the crew for looking after my son…”
From Los Gigantes Port, the Masca Express takes you into the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary to look for pilot whales and dolphins, then along the cliffs before a swim stop in Masca, Barranco Seco, or Juan López. A cold drink is included, and guides such as Alejandro add local sea-life insight.
“A nice boat trip with skilled skippers. We saw pilot whales and dolphins.The Los Gigantes cliffs where impressive.It is worth going!”
Join the Magic Dolphin for a two-hour wildlife cruise from Morro Jable. Search for dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and flying fish with Spanish, English, or German guidance, then stop for a swim in Jandia. Drinks, a toilet, and optional resort pickup are included.
“Nimo and Fran were excellent captain and guide saw 3 pods of dolphins. Good explanations and comfortable boat to speed through the bay.”
Sail from Puerto Colon with guides such as Lucy, Danny, and Lucia, searching for resident pilot whales and dolphins near Tenerife’s southwest coast. Choose two hours for wildlife watching or three hours for a swim and snorkeling stop. Drinks are included, and the catamaran carries up to 50 people.
“Excellent crew saw plenty of pilot whales and bottle nose dolphins free drinks on board overall very good”
Join Peter Pan from Los Cristianos for a two-hour, Blue Flag certified cruise with live commentary in five languages. Look for pilot whales, dolphins, and seabirds without chasing them, then take an optional 15 to 20 minute swim stop if the sea is calm.
“A very friendly crew. The boat was lovely to travel in.”
Board Ragnarok at Los Cristianos Harbour for a two-hour cruise along Tenerife’s south coast. A multilingual English and Spanish crew helps spot pilot whales and dolphins, while Viking décor, music, shaded seating, a bar, toilets, and wheelchair access keep the trip comfortable.
“Definitely worth the price. Staff were all friendly. Nice time out on the ocean spotting the whales and Dolphins. Would recommend.”
Set out from Puerto Colón on Monte Cristo Catamaran for three hours of whale and dolphin watching. Your crew, including Michael, Andre, and Edmond, serves tapas, snacks, and drinks while helping you spot pilot whales. The trip ends with swimming and a leisurely sail along Tenerife’s south coast.
“It was wonderful we saw dophines and the the little whales and we could go swimming with the fish The crew was very nice”
Cruise Gran Canaria’s Atlantic waters for 150 minutes with guides speaking English, Spanish, and German. Mario and Christian are among the friendly crew members who help spot dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish. The boat has toilets, a cash bar, room to move, and a free return voucher if no cetaceans appear.
“It was a nice day and we saw a lot of dolphins. They said that they usually search for them for about 20 minutes, but we found them almost immediately.”
Join Travelin Lady and guides such as Ines, Sergio, or Cintia for a 90-minute sunset cruise from Los Cristianos. The low, stable eco-yacht keeps propellers inside the hull, allowing respectful whale and dolphin watching, with a possible swim stop if time permits.
“Our Agafay Desert trip with Idris was nothing short of incredible. From the very beginning, he made us feel welcome, comfortable, and excited for the adventure ahead. His warm personality, deep knowledge of the region, and genuine passion for sharing Moroccan culture truly elevated the entire experience. Idris ensured every moment was smooth and enjoyable—whether it was the scenic drive, the breathtaking desert views, or the unforgettable sunset over the dunes. He was attentive to our needs, always patient, and went out of his way to make sure we had the best time possible. You can tell he loves what he does, and that energy makes the journey even more…”
Join David, Jamie, Eileen, or another Third Element crew member for a three-hour, small-group sailing trip from Los Gigantes. Search for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds, then stop to swim and snorkel. Expect fresh fruit, sandwiches, drinks, and a relaxed boat ride for up to 10 people.
“It was excellent 🤩 The guides were super friendly. We got to see pilot whales, turtles and flying fish. The swim was perfect. I totally recommend this activity 🥰”
Join Flipper Uno at Los Gigantes Harbor for a 2 or 3-hour pirate boat cruise. Watch for pilot whales and dolphins, hear commentary in four languages, swim near Masca, swing into the sea, and choose the longer option for chicken paella, fruit, and drinks.
“Great value for money! Went in without the expectation to see animals, but we were lucky enough to see a family of dolphins. Swim was fun and view excellent. The volume of the speakers was a bit loud at times but that is really my only complaint… would recommend :)”
Join MAXICAT’s three-hour catamaran cruise from Puerto Colon, with optional hotel pickup, bilingual English and Spanish crew, wildlife spotting, paella, unlimited drinks, and a swim stop at Diego Hernandez Bay. Bring a towel and your own snorkel gear.
“Friendly informative crew quickly found several pods of Pilot whales to observe. They served a tasty lunch and anchored for swimming before heading back along the coast. A very nice way to spend 3 hours”
Join Tenerife Dolphin from Adeje for a 3 or 4.5-hour catamaran cruise with multilingual guides, underwater viewing windows, whale and dolphin watching, lunch, drinks, and a 40-minute swim stop. Choose Diego Hernandez Bay or continue to Masca and Los Gigantes.
“It was good for the money, we saw dolphins and whales! had the best time!”
Pick a river, a coast or a harbour.
