Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching Eco-Adventure Small Group

Summary

Small group Tenerife boat trip with marine biologist and live whale sounds

You’ll join a small group on a custom boat from Costa Adeje, guided by a local biologist who shares real-time whale sounds through a hydrophone. Spot pilot whales and dolphins up close in Tenerife’s Teno-Rasca reserve, learn about their behaviors, and get free wildlife photos sent to your email after the tour. It’s an honest glimpse into their world — not just another boat ride.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly dropped my phone in the marina trying to spot our boat — turns out it’s smaller than I pictured, just eight meters and low to the water, with only a handful of us climbing aboard. Our guide, Marta, grinned and handed out windbreakers right away (“trust me, you’ll want this”). The sun was sharp but there was that salty chill off Costa Adeje, and honestly I was more nervous about getting seasick than seeing whales at first.

We set off into the Teno-Rasca Marine Protected area, engine humming quietly under us. Marta started pointing out these dark shapes moving just below the surface — pilot whales, she said, resident here all year. She spoke both English and Spanish so everyone could follow along (I tried to say “calderón” in Spanish — she laughed and corrected my accent). There was this moment when she dropped the hydrophone into the water and suddenly you could hear them clicking and whistling. It felt weirdly intimate, like eavesdropping on another world. The air smelled like sunscreen and seaweed; sometimes you’d catch a whiff of diesel from another boat passing farther off.

I didn’t expect how close we’d get without feeling intrusive — Marta kept explaining how they keep distance and watch for stress signals in the animals. At one point a dolphin surfaced right next to us, its skin all smooth grey and shiny in the sun. Someone’s hat blew off (not mine this time) and we all laughed while Marta fished it back with this long hook she called her “hat-catcher.”

The whole thing lasted about two hours but it felt longer in that good way where you lose track of time. On the way back I realized I’d barely looked at my phone at all — except for those free wildlife photos they send after (which is lucky because my own pics are mostly blurry fins). I still think about that sound underwater, those clicks echoing through the hull. Makes you wonder what else is going on down there while we’re just floating above.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale and dolphin watching tour

• Arrive at Puerto Colón Marina dock
• Board 8 meter whale watching boat
• Join biologist staff on boat
• Observe whales and dolphins respectfully
• Listen to marine life with hydrophone
• Receive free wildlife photos
• Explore Teno-Rasca Marine Protected area
• Return to dock after 2 hours

Top questions

How long is the Tenerife whale watching tour?

The whale watching eco-adventure lasts approximately 2 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Pantalan No3 in Puerto Colón Marina, Costa Adeje.

Is there a guide on board?

Yes, tours are led by biologist staff who provide live commentary in English and Spanish.

How many people are on each boat?

The custom-built boat seats up to 11 guests for each trip.

Can children join the whale watching tour?

The tour is not suitable for infants or children under 3 years old.

Are photos included in the tour?

Yes, free wildlife photos taken during your trip are sent by email afterwards.

Will I hear whales or dolphins underwater?

You can listen to whales and dolphins using an onboard hydrophone during the tour.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If canceled due to poor weather, you'll be offered an alternative date or refund.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet directly at Puerto Colón Marina.

What’s included

Your day includes a two-hour small group boat trip from Costa Adeje with live commentary from a local biologist guide (in English or Spanish), use of an underwater hydrophone to listen to whales and dolphins as you go, plus free digital photos of any marine life spotted during your tour — all taxes covered before you even step aboard.