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 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 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!”
Sail from Puerto Colón with a multilingual crew, search for pilot whales and dolphins, listen to underwater sounds, then stop for swimming. Angel and Victor have been praised for attentive service, while sandwiches and drinks are included. Bring swimwear and your own snorkel gear.
“Beautiful excursion, friendly crew and well adapted boat. We were able to observe 2 species of dolphins and turtles. Swimming at anchor.Auto-translated”
Join Antonio and the MPC Yacht Charter crew for a relaxed three-hour sailing trip from Los Gigantes. On the 14-meter El Mojo Picón, you may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and fish before swimming or snorkeling in a clear-water cove beneath the cliffs. Shared trips hold up to nine guests, with private charters for up to ten.
“Very knowledgable guide. We saw a group of whales swimming close to the boat, had a nice trip along the coast, enjoyed a good swim, had on the way back tasty snacks. Good value for money. Thanks for a perfect excursion!”
Join Salvador and his crew aboard the 12-meter Roulette for a three-hour sail from Puerto Colón. Watch for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds, then swim and snorkel in a sheltered bay. Your small group receives drinks, sandwiches, snacks, and dessert.
“We had a great time! A beautiful trip with a warm and caring crew who knew a lot about the animals living in and around the sea of Tenerife. Also respected the animals and the area they live in. We saw pilot whales, red fin tuna, dolphins and tried to find a big whale that was seen in the area the day before. We didn’t spot the last one, but the rest of the animals that we have seen during the trip were more than enough to make it an unforgettable one!”
Pick a river, a coast or a harbour.
