La Palma whale and dolphin safari: Cumbre Vieja coast tour

Spot dolphins and whales from four different vantage points on the water

A 2.5-hour boat tour off La Palma in the Canary Islands where you search for cetaceans (dolphins, whales and pilot whales), while the captain navigates past the island's coastal landmarks and the recent lava flows of Cumbre Vieja volcano. The Fancy II motor catamaran has an upper deck for views, an open bow for close-up sightings and sunbathing, a stern with tables for eating, and underwater viewing ports to watch marine life from below. Soft drinks and water are included. The guide speaks English and Spanish. Children from age 5 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching and coastal sightseeing

• Board Fancy II motor catamaran
• Search for whales, dolphins, turtles, and birds
• Observe marine animals from underwater viewing area
• Approach lava flows of Cumbre Vieja volcano
• Listen to explanations about volcanic phenomena
• Enjoy views from upper deck, bow, and stern
• Purchase snacks and drinks at boat bar if desired

The experience

You board the Fancy II in the morning or afternoon and head out along La Palma's coast for a 2.5-hour search for cetaceans. The boat has four distinct areas, each suited to a different way of experiencing the day: the upper deck offers panoramic views but moves more in the swell; the open bow puts you close to the water and the dolphins if they surface nearby; the stern has tables and seats where you can eat in peace (you're welcome to bring your own food); and the underwater viewing ports let you watch whales and dolphins from below the waterline when they pass. Soft drinks and water come with the tour. The bar sells alcohol and snacks if you want them.

The route takes you past La Cueva Bonita, Poris de Candelaria, and Playa de la Veta: the most recognizable points on the island's coastline. Toward the end, the captain approaches within half a mile of the Cumbre Vieja lava delta to point out details of the recent volcanic activity and the landscape it created. Marine life sightings are never guaranteed: dolphins, whales and other animals are wild and decide whether to approach the boat. When they do appear (a pod of pilot whales, a single whale surfacing to breathe, dolphins close enough to photograph), the moment stays with you.

The guide narrates in English or Spanish throughout. Children from age 5 can join. Infants sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available. Public transport reaches the departure point, though you'll need to arrange your own way there.

What’s included

• Soft drinks and bottled water.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• access to all four deck areas of the Fancy II catamaran including the underwater viewing ports.
• views of La Cueva Bonita, Poris de Candelaria, Playa de la Veta and the Cumbre Vieja lava delta.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or Spanish11:00, 12:00 and 15:00

Guide in English or Spanish11:00, 12:00 and 15:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 11:00, 12:00 and 15:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Remember. Tazacorte can NOT be accessed by the Fuencaliente road, you must do it from the road that connects Santa Cruz with the western area.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Nuevo rumbo, historia viva, S.L.

Is this one for you?The boat's four separate areas let you choose how to spend the 2.5 hours depending on what appeals to you (high views, close-up sightings, a quiet meal, or underwater watching), so you're not locked into one vantage point for the whole tour.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What marine animals might I see on this La Palma boat tour?

Dolphins, whales, pilot whales, sea turtles and seabirds are all present in these waters, though sightings depend on where the animals choose to be on the day you go. The underwater viewing ports give you a chance to watch them from below the surface.

Can I bring food and drinks aboard the Fancy II?

You can bring your own food to eat at the stern tables and seats. Soft drinks and water are included with the tour. Alcoholic drinks and snacks are available for purchase at the boat bar.

How long is the actual time spent on the water searching for cetaceans?

The tour runs 2.5 hours total, with the full time spent navigating the coast and searching for marine life.

What is the Cumbre Vieja lava delta you pass near?

Cumbre Vieja is a volcano on La Palma that erupted recently, creating new lava flows that reached the coast. The boat approaches within half a mile of the delta so the guide can explain the geological details and the landscape the eruption left behind.