Pilot Whale Watching Catamaran Trip from Puerto Colón Tenerife

Puerto Colón Marina, Costa Adeje

Puerto Colón is the largest marina in Costa Adeje and the starting point for many boat trips on the south-west coast of Tenerife. Its pontoons sit between the beaches of Fañabé and Troya, so most hotels in the area are only a short walk away. Your catamaran leaves from pier 4, and the crew welcomes you aboard, explains the safety rules and shows you the best spots on deck for watching.

Whale watching from Puerto Colón has a big advantage: the open ocean is only minutes away, and the water deepens quickly once you pass the breakwater. As the catamaran pulls out, look back for a view of the resort hotels spreading up the hillside towards the town of Adeje, with the mountains of the interior rising behind and, on clear afternoons, the peak of Mount Teide.

The Pilot Whale Grounds a Few Miles Offshore

Just 2 or 3 miles off the coast, the catamaran reaches the waters where Tenerife's short-finned pilot whales live. These dark, round-headed whales grow to around 5 or 6 metres and travel in tight family groups led by older females. Unlike most whales, they do not migrate: a resident population stays here all year, which is why pilot whale watching in Tenerife is one of the most reliable wildlife experiences in Europe.

During the day the whales usually rest, socialise and breathe at the surface, saving their energy for deep night-time dives. The Canary Islands have strict rules for whale watching, so the boat keeps its distance and spends no more than about 15 minutes with each group, letting the animals carry on undisturbed. Your crew explains how to tell the adults from the calves and what each behaviour means.

Dolphins by the Fish Farms

On the way the catamaran passes the fish farms anchored off the coast, where bottlenose dolphins have learnt that an easy meal is often close at hand. They patrol the area in small groups, and it is common to see them surfacing, leaping or hunting around the floating pens, sometimes coming over to ride alongside the hulls.

These intelligent animals are also residents of the south-west coast, and other species such as Atlantic spotted dolphins and common dolphins may appear in certain months. The fish farms are one of the reasons dolphin watching in Tenerife is so rewarding, and the crew keeps a lookout from the bridge to steer you towards any fins they spot on the horizon.

The Deep Channel between Tenerife and La Gomera

The sea floor drops away fast off this coast, and the channel between Tenerife and the neighbouring island of La Gomera reaches depths of more than 2,000 metres. These dark, cold depths are the hunting grounds of the pilot whales, which dive hundreds of metres at night to catch squid, and of the giant squid that can grow to well over 10 metres and live far below the surface.

Your crew shares stories about this hidden world, from the deep-diving habits of the whales to the rare larger species, such as Bryde's whales, that sometimes pass through. On clear days La Gomera is visible across the water, its rounded profile topped by cloud, a reminder of how volcanic islands rise straight from the ocean floor.

Playa Espagueti: Swim and Snorkel Stop

On this 3-hour trip the catamaran anchors in the sheltered bay of Playa Espagueti, a quiet cove on the south-west coast with clear water over sand and rock. You have about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel straight from the boat, using the snorkelling equipment provided, and to look for colourful fish, sea urchins and the occasional ray among the volcanic rocks.

The exact time in the water depends on how long the crew spends with the whales, but the stop is a relaxing way to cool off after the open sea. Soft drinks and water are served on board throughout the trip. If you prefer to stay dry, the deck is a good place to sunbathe and enjoy the views of the coast before the catamaran returns to Puerto Colón.