Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco Yacht Cruise with Swim Tenerife
- Duration1.5 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
- Secure payment
Overview
Set out from Los Cristianos on an eco-certified yacht built for whale and dolphin watching, with a specialised guide on board. The cruise lasts about an hour and a half and heads into the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera, where whales and dolphins live all year. You also get free time for swimming and snorkelling in clear water, and life jackets, a first-aid kit, a toilet and port taxes are included. It suits couples, families with children aged 6 and over and anyone wanting a calm, responsible wildlife trip.
Highlights
- Whale and dolphin watching cruise from Los Cristianos in southern Tenerife
- Eco-certified yacht designed for comfortable, low-disturbance wildlife watching
- Specialised guide and experienced crew on board
- Free time for swimming and snorkelling
- Life jackets, first-aid kit, onboard toilet and port taxes included
- Departures through the day, from morning to late afternoon
Full Description
Los Cristianos harbour: where the cruise starts
The cruise leaves from Los Cristianos harbour on Tenerife's south coast, a working port and one of the most convenient departure points for whale watching. It is easy to reach from Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje by taxi, bus or on foot from the seafront.
Plan to be at the boarding gate about 20 minutes before departure, since the crew boards early to leave on time. There is a paid car park a short walk away, but it can fill up in high season, so allow time to find a space or take a taxi.
Whales and dolphins between Tenerife and La Gomera
The waters off Tenerife's south-west coast are among the best places in Europe to see whales and dolphins in the wild. A resident population of short-finned pilot whales lives in the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera all year, alongside bottlenose dolphins, and other species and sea turtles are sometimes seen.
If you are asking whether whale watching in Tenerife is worth it, the answer is that sightings are frequent, although wildlife is wild and cannot be guaranteed. The guide on board explains what you are seeing and shares facts about the marine life and ecosystem of the Canary Islands.
The eco-yacht and responsible whale watching
The cruise uses an eco-certified yacht with a low centre of gravity, which makes the ride smoother and helps reduce seasickness. Its low-emission engines keep noise and pollution down, so the animals are disturbed as little as possible.
The approach is ethical: the crew does not chase the animals but lets them come near naturally. If you want the best chance of good sightings and calm water, the morning and midday departures are often the most popular, and the sailing times are shown for your date in the booking panel.
The swim stop and Tenerife's volcanic coast
After the wildlife watching, the yacht stops in a sheltered area of clear water for a swim. This is where you can jump in, cool off or snorkel over the volcanic seabed, depending on weather and sea conditions. Snorkelling equipment and towels are not included, so bring a towel and rent or bring your own snorkel.
The route also shows the dramatic volcanic coastline, with cliffs and small bays that look different from the sea. Bring swimwear, sunscreen and a light layer, and follow the crew's instructions when swimming. Keep valuables in your bag and wear a swimsuit under your clothes to save time.
Itinerary
- Arrive at Los Cristianos harbourBe at the boarding gate about 20 minutes before your departure time.
- Boarding and briefingThe crew welcomes you, explains safety and hands out life jackets.
- Cruise along the south-west coastSail past Tenerife's volcanic coastline towards the wildlife zone.
- Whale and dolphin watchingLook for whales and dolphins with the guide, without chasing the animals.
- Swim and snorkel stopEnjoy free time for swimming and snorkelling in clear water, weather permitting.
- Return to Los CristianosCruise back to the harbour; the whole trip takes about an hour and a half.
What's included
- Whale and dolphin watching cruise on an eco-certified yacht
- Professional crew and experienced captain
- Specialised guide on board
- Free time for swimming and snorkelling
- Life jackets, first-aid kit and onboard toilet
- Port taxes
Not included
- Snorkelling equipment
- Towels
- Snacks and refreshments on board
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 6–12
- Nature and wildlife lovers
- Anyone who wants to see it from the water
- A short visit — about 1.5 hours
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- You get seasick easily
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
- Travellers who suffer badly from seasickness in rough seas
- Anyone who cannot board a yacht using steps and a gangway
- Travellers who need hotel pickup, as it is not included
Meeting point
The cruise leaves from Los Cristianos harbour in southern Tenerife, and there is no hotel pickup. The exact boarding gate and your departure time are in your booking confirmation. Please be there about 20 minutes early, because the crew boards early and late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
Important information
- Arrive at the boarding gate 20 minutes before departure; late arrivals cannot be moved or refunded.
- Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a light layer; snorkelling equipment and towels are not included.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included; there is a paid car park nearby that can be full in high season.
- Not allowed: glass objects, bikes, coolers, boots, electric wheelchairs and littering; do not feed the animals.
- The trip may be cancelled in unsuitable weather; you will be told as early as possible and can reschedule to another date or time.
- Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but the crew will do everything to find the animals.
- Age categories apply: adults from 13, children from 6 to 12, and infants up to 5.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the whale watching cruise cost?
The price depends on the departure time and the passenger category. The booking panel on this page shows the current price, adult and child.
How long is the whale and dolphin watching cruise?
The cruise lasts about an hour and a half, including the wildlife watching and the swim stop.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You go to Los Cristianos harbour yourself, and we recommend arriving 20 minutes early.
Can I swim during the cruise?
Yes, there is free time for swimming and snorkelling, weather and sea conditions permitting. Snorkelling equipment and towels are not included.
Will we definitely see whales and dolphins?
Sightings are frequent in these waters, but wild animals cannot be guaranteed. The crew looks for them without chasing.
Is the whale watching cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children from 6 years have their own category, and infants up to 5 are counted separately. Life jackets are provided.
What should I wear and bring?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a light layer. Avoid glass items and heavy boots.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, subject to availability. Choose your date in the booking panel to see the departure times.
What is the best time of day for whale watching in Tenerife?
Wildlife is present all day, and departures run from morning to late afternoon. Morning and midday cruises often have the calmest water.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If conditions are not suitable the trip can be cancelled, and you can reschedule for another date or time.
More in Tenerife
Getting to & around Tenerife
Popular across Spain
-
-
-
-
-
-
