11 Dolphin Watching Boat Trips in Tenerife to Build a Day Around

1.Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 15,619 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $13Our pick

Set out from Los Cristianos on the Travelin Lady, Tenerife’s purpose-built whale-watching eco-yacht. In 90 minutes, look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life, visit the Cave of Love, then swim and snorkel if conditions allow. Guides including Ines explain the animals in four languages.

“absolutely brilliant, can't recommend enough! our guide Ines was bubbly and kind and checked on everyone and was full of facts. I was travelling solo and she came over to talk and tell me things multiple times, highly recommend. Our captain Sergio was fantastic, he got us close and kept us smooth, spotting and turning at all the right points. We saw lots of whales and a small pod of dolphins, super experience, very good value for money. no complaints.”

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2.Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 12,782 reviews · 2 hours · from $29

Sail from Puerto Los Cristianos aboard the Bahriyeli, a spacious ketch with open decks and an indoor salon. Certified guides explain pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and the local ecosystem in Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian. The strict no-chase rule means no swimming stop, but it gives marine life the time and space to approach naturally.

“Lovely trip, we saw dolphins, whales and even turtles. So surprised to see so many and so up close but there was no chasing whatsoever. It was peaceful, calm and respectful. The guides were very informative. Just get there early because it was super busy and a little difficult for later arrivals to sit their whole group together.”

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3.Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 5,096 reviews · 3 - 5 hours · from $52

Sail from Puerto Colón with White Tenerife into the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary. Expect expert commentary, underwater audio, pilot whales and dolphins, a swim stop, and drinks with a sandwich. The five-hour trip adds Los Gigantes and Masca Bay. Crew members including Carlos, Miguel, Abian, and Omar have been praised for their care and humor.

“Clean and pleasant experience, helpful commentary. Good snacks and drinks supplied. We would definitely take this trip again.”

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4.Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,539 reviews · 2 hours · from $33

Join Flipper Uno at Los Gigantes Port for a two-hour cruise on the Masca Express. Look for pilot whales and dolphins in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, pass the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca, then stop for a swim in Juan López, Masca, or Barranco Seco. A cold drink is included, and Alejandro may be among the friendly crew.

“Amazing 2h boat trip! There was everything & even more than we expected. Turtles, dolphins swimming as near as they could, laughter, jokes, beer, entertainment on the boat, swimming near the Masca beach. The crew was best in the whole wide world - friendly, smiling. Don't have any second thoughts - take it!”

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5.Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,227 reviews · 2 hours · from $29

Sail from Los Cristianos aboard Peter Pan, a pirate-style ship, for two hours of ethical whale and dolphin watching. Your multilingual crew explains local marine life and conservation while you look for pilot whales, dolphins, and seabirds. The trip ends with an optional 15 to 20 minute swim stop, sea conditions permitting.

“A very friendly crew. The boat was lovely to travel in.”

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6.Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,132 reviews · 2 hours · from $47

Board Ragnarok at Los Cristianos Harbour for a two-hour cruise along Tenerife’s south coast. A multilingual crew helps you spot pilot whales and dolphins, explains the marine life, and keeps the Viking theme fun without taking over. Expect shade, restrooms, a snack bar, wheelchair access with a manual chair, and possible motion on the Atlantic.

“Excellent experience! What could be more fun than seeing a couple whales with the experienced crew and guide? Seeing 5 whales! And a spectacular view of the island from sea. Will probably go again next week.”

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7.Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour on a Pirate Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,617 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $39

Join Flipper Uno in Los Gigantes for a 2 or 3-hour pirate-boat cruise along Tenerife’s west coast. Watch for pilot whales and dolphins, hear commentary in four languages, swim near Masca, swing from the boat’s trapeze, and enjoy drinks. Choose the 3-hour option for chicken paella, fruit, and more time on the water.

“Great value for money! Went in without the expectation to see animals, but we were lucky enough to see a family of dolphins. Swim was fun and view excellent. The volume of the speakers was a bit loud at times but that is really my only complaint… would recommend :)”

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8.Costa Adeje: Whale and Dolphin Cruise with Food and Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,604 reviews · 3 hours · from $46

Set out from Puerto Colon on the red Maxicat catamaran for a three-hour cruise along Tenerife’s south coast. Guides explain the marine life as you look for pilot whales, dolphins, and seabirds, then serve paella, drinks, and time for swimming at Diego Hernandez Bay. Bring your own snorkel gear if you want to see fish in the clear water.

“Great trip on a clean boat with friendly crew. Amazing views and the chance to jump in a swim to escape the sun at the end”

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9.Adeje: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise with Lunch and Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,573 reviews · 3 - 4.5 hours · from $59

From Puerto Colón, sail Tenerife’s southwest coast with a multilingual guide in search of pilot whales and dolphins. Choose a three-hour cruise to Diego Hernández Bay or a 4.5-hour trip toward Masca and Los Gigantes. Both include a swim stop, lunch, drinks, and views through 16 panoramic submarine windows.

“It was good for the money, we saw dolphins and whales! had the best time!”

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10.Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,063 reviews · 2 hours · from $33

From Los Gigantes, join a small rigid inflatable speedboat for a two-hour search for pilot whales and dolphins in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary. Guides such as Luca and Alejandro explain the marine life and cliffs, then stop at Masca Bay or another cove for swimming. Sightings depend on sea conditions.

“Amazing value for money and we came within 5 metres of several whales, including one with their calf. It clouded over while we were out so it got a bit cool (it was February) so I’d recommend packing a jumper or jacket. But I wasn’t cold. There’s also a stop for swimming (or jumping in and quickly out of the Atlantic) so pack a towel and wear swimming stuff if you fancy it.”

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11.Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Tour – Los Gigantes (3H)

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 691 reviews · 3 hours · from $76

Sail for three hours from Los Gigantes aboard the 14-meter yacht El Mojo Picón, with skipper Antonio or another multilingual crew member. Look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and fish, then swim or snorkel in a clear-water cove beneath the 600-meter Cliffs of the Giants. Snacks, drinks, and equipment are included.

“A brilliant afternoon on the yacht. Tony was an absolutely excellent host. Only 6 passengers so lovely and serene. Saw dolphins and whales close up, but Tony was respectful to keep a distance so as not to disturb them much. Food was simple but excellent and the swim was most welcome. Beautiful trip home under the cliffs of Los Gigantes. I would definitely recommend this trip.”

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