Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Tour with Respectful Crew

Summary

Gentle whale watching on Tenerife’s coast with expert crew and real respect for the animals

You’ll sail along Tenerife’s southern coast on a traditional gulet with a local crew who truly respects marine life. Watch resident pilot whales or dolphins if they appear — without chasing or crowding them — and learn about their world from your guide. There’s space to relax inside or outside as you soak up ocean air and maybe spot turtles or seabirds too.

What’s the experience like?

“Did you see that fin?” someone whispered, and I nearly dropped my coffee — that’s how our Tenerife whale & dolphin tour started. We’d barely left the harbor when our captain slowed the Bahriyeli, this long Turkish gulet, and pointed out a pod of short-finned pilot whales just off the bow. The sea was calm but you could smell salt and something almost metallic in the air, like wet rope. Our guide, Marta, explained how these whales hang around here most days, but she also said — and I liked this — “We never chase them. If they come close, it’s their choice.” It felt different from other boat tours I’ve done.

I kept expecting someone to rev up the engine or crowd the animals for photos, but no one did. Instead, we drifted quietly while Marta told us about migration routes (apparently sperm whales pass by sometimes — didn’t see one though). At one point a couple of bottlenose dolphins surfaced near us; everyone got quiet except for a little kid who squealed so loud even the captain grinned. There was this moment where time kind of stretched out — just sun on water, a few seabirds overhead, and the sound of breathing from both people and whales. Not sure why that sticks with me.

The south coast of Tenerife looked hazy in the distance, Mount Teide somewhere behind clouds. I tried to say “thank you” in Spanish to Marta (she laughed at my accent), and she pointed out some jellyfish drifting past like tiny ghosts. I didn’t expect to care so much about doing things right by these animals, but it made everything feel more honest somehow. The crew seemed genuinely happy just to be out there — no rush, no pressure to “perform.” We turned back after two hours or so; I still think about that view as we sailed home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale and dolphin watching tour

• Board the Bahriyeli gulet
• Sail along Tenerife's south coast
• View Mount Teide from the boat
• Observe resident Pilot Whales and dolphins
• Spot other marine life like turtles and jellyfish
• Crew explains marine species seen
• Respect marine life without chasing

Top questions

How long is the whale & dolphin tour in Tenerife?

The tour lasts approximately two hours from departure to return.

What kind of boat is used for this tour?

The tour uses Bahriyeli, a 23-meter Turkish gulet with two masts.

Are children or infants allowed on board?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Is animal welfare prioritized during the tour?

Yes, the crew never chases or harasses marine life; encounters are always respectful.

What species might I see on this Tenerife whale & dolphin tour?

You may see short-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, turtles, jellyfish, and various seabirds.

Is there an indoor area on the boat?

Yes, there is a large salon where you can get away from sun or wind if needed.

Are pets allowed on this boat tour?

All pets are welcome onboard during the excursion.

Does the crew provide information about marine life?

Yes, experienced guides identify and explain what you see during your cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes a two-hour sail along Tenerife’s south coast aboard a traditional Turkish gulet with an experienced local guide sharing insights about whales and dolphins. You’ll have access to both outdoor decks and an indoor salon for comfort in any weather before returning to port.