| Boat type | Duration | What it offers | Choose it if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small, fast boat | About 2 hours | Sightings only | You want the shortest trip |
| Medium boat | 2 to 3 hours | A meal and a swim stop | You want sightings plus a swim |
| Larger boat | Up to 5 hours | More of the coast, swim stops and a meal | You want a half-day outing |
Boat categories are those described by the tourist board (read 7 November 2026). The Los Gigantes cruise on GetYourGuide is the reference product on this page: a swim stop is part of it.
What you can see
The tourist board says Tenerife has resident bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales, visible year-round, and that the waters are home to up to 21 different species. Other species are easier to spot in May and June. Resident animals are why no month is off the calendar, but a trip is a sighting and not a guarantee, which is why the board talks of usually going out on about 8 days in 10.
Where the boats leave from
The board recommends the south-west coast and names three departure points: Los Cristianos, Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje) and Los Gigantes. Pick the harbour nearest your hotel, then the boat type.
- Los Gigantes: the cruise below the 600 m cliffs; see Los Gigantes and Los Gigantes boat trips.
- Puerto Colón: the Costa Adeje marina; see Costa Adeje.
- Los Cristianos: the ferry port, which has its own boat departures; see Los Cristianos.
All the options and prices are compared in Tenerife boat trips and whale watching in Tenerife.
Rules and how to choose an operator
National and international laws protect pilot whales and dolphins. According to the tourist board, operators can join a voluntary Sustainability Charter, and a boat that flies the Blue Boat flag has professional authorisation, so no further licence is needed. The board also publishes a list of licensed boats. A boat that flies the flag and appears on that list is the one to book.
What to bring
The board's list for the sea is short: sunscreen, binoculars, a remedy for seasickness if you need one, and warmer clothing, because the sea breeze feels cooler than the coast. For photos, it warns that you should expect blur when the boat is moving and go easy on the zoom.
How to choose
- Short and cheap: the Los Gigantes cruise, about 2 hours with a swim stop.
- Swimming and food: a medium boat with a meal and a swim stop.
- Half a day at sea: a larger boat of up to 5 hours.
- Staying in the south: leave from Puerto Colón or Los Cristianos; staying on the west coast, leave from Los Gigantes.
Mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for a particular month. The resident dolphins and pilot whales mean any month works.
- Booking a boat without a licence or the Blue Boat flag.
- Forgetting warm clothing, because the sea breeze is cooler.
- Counting on perfect photos from a moving boat, where the board expects blur.
FAQ
Are there dolphins in Tenerife all year?
Yes. Bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales are resident, according to the Tenerife tourist board.
What is the best month for dolphin watching in Tenerife?
There is no off month. The tourist board says other species are easier to see in May and June.
How long is a dolphin trip?
From about 2 hours on a small fast boat to up to 5 hours on a larger boat, according to the tourist board.
Can I swim during the trip?
On medium and larger boats and on the Los Gigantes cruise, which includes a swim stop.
The Tenerife Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
