What Is The Best Whale Watching Trip In Tenerife?
If seeing whales and dolphins is one of the main reasons for your Tenerife holiday, choosing the right boat matters. Group size, licence, location, crew and the way the trip is organised can completely change the experience.
For travellers who want a relaxed small boat rather than a crowded excursion, Atlantic Star is our pick. The shared trip takes a maximum of only 10 guests from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje.
For people who want small group whale watching in Tenerife, Atlantic Star is one of the strongest choices. It combines a maximum of 10 guests, an officially licensed whale watching boat, resident pilot whale waters close to Puerto Colón, food and drinks on board, a swim stop and personal service. When booked through Club Canary, guests can also choose an optional money back sighting guarantee.
How Do You Choose The Best Whale Watching Tour In Tenerife?
There is no single boat that is perfect for every traveller. Somebody looking for a large sightseeing catamaran wants something different from a family hoping for a quiet wildlife experience.
If your priority is actually watching whales and dolphins comfortably, these are the things we think matter most.
Fewer guests means more room on deck, easier viewing and more attention from the crew.
Choose a boat authorised to approach whales and dolphins legally and responsibly.
Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje is close to the deep waters where resident pilot whales are commonly found.
Wild animals are never guaranteed to perform. A trustworthy tour explains what a real sighting normally looks like.
Wildlife is the highlight, but seating, food, drinks and atmosphere still matter during three hours at sea.
Clear booking conditions and reliable support matter when part of your holiday depends on the trip.
Why Atlantic Star Stands Out
The biggest difference is simple: Atlantic Star takes a maximum of 10 guests on the shared trip. Large whale watching boats can carry many more people. That is not necessarily bad, but it creates a completely different type of excursion.
On Atlantic Star, there is room to sit comfortably, speak with the crew and move around without feeling like one passenger among a crowd. For couples, families and travellers who value personal service, that can make a huge difference.
The boat is a Beneteau Cyclades 50.5 sailing yacht. It departs from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, close to the whale watching area between Tenerife and La Gomera.
Small Boat Or Large Catamaran?
Both can show you the same ocean. The biggest difference is how you experience the journey.
| What Matters | Atlantic Star | Large Whale Watching Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Group size | Maximum 10 guests | Usually considerably larger |
| Atmosphere | Personal and relaxed | Busier and more social |
| Space at sightings | Easy to move around | Depends on passenger numbers |
| Crew interaction | Very personal | Less individual attention |
| Best for | Couples, families and small groups | Travellers who prefer a larger vessel |
The Optional Whale And Dolphin Sighting Guarantee
There is another reason many wildlife focused guests choose Atlantic Star through Club Canary.
When booking there, you can choose an optional money back sighting guarantee. It covers seeing at least a whale or dolphin during the trip.
If neither is seen under the guarantee conditions, the booking can qualify for a refund of the trip price minus the guarantee fee, or another trip.
The guarantee is optional. You do not need it to book Atlantic Star. It simply gives travellers who are especially focused on wildlife some extra peace of mind.
What Whales Can You See In Tenerife?
The species most closely associated with whale watching in south Tenerife is the short finned pilot whale. Groups live in the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera throughout the year.
Bottlenose dolphins are also regularly seen. Other species can pass through these waters during the year, including sperm whales and several migratory whale species.
That variety is one reason Tenerife has become such an important European whale watching destination.
What Happens During The Atlantic Star Trip?
The shared Atlantic Star whale watching trip lasts about three hours. The captain first heads from Puerto Colón toward the deeper waters used by whales and dolphins.
After the wildlife part of the trip, there is normally time to anchor in a calmer area for a swim. Food and drinks are included, so the experience combines wildlife watching with a relaxed sailing trip along Tenerife’s south coast.
Food And Drinks
Fresh sandwiches and snacks are served on board. Drinks include water, soft drinks and a selection of alcoholic drinks. If you have dietary requirements, mention them when booking so the crew can prepare where possible.
The Swim Stop
The swim stop is a chance to cool off and enjoy the ocean after whale watching. Snorkelling equipment is available, although the stop should be seen as a relaxed swim rather than a dedicated reef snorkelling excursion.
Is Atlantic Star Good For Families?
Yes. The small group size is especially useful for families because parents can stay close to their children and the crew has time to interact with younger guests.
Morning trips are often popular with families. Couples and adults looking for a slower atmosphere also enjoy the later departures.
The shared trip currently costs 65€ per adult and 35€ per child. Children from 1 to 9 years use the child rate. Babies under 1 can join free, but every person on board still counts toward the maximum passenger capacity.
When Is The Best Time To See Whales In Tenerife?
There is no short whale watching season in Tenerife because pilot whales live in these waters all year. That means whale watching is possible in winter, spring, summer and autumn.
Morning departures often have calmer water, while later trips can feel quieter because there may be fewer boats around. Migratory species can vary throughout the year.
For a month by month explanation, read our full guide to the best times to see whales in Tenerife.
Shared, Private Or Sunset?
Shared Atlantic Star
Maximum 10 guests. About 3 hours. The strongest choice if you mainly want whale watching without paying for the whole boat.
See Shared Whale WatchingPrivate Atlantic Star
Hire the whole sailing yacht for your family or group. Better for celebrations, privacy and a completely personal experience.
See Private Boat TripsPrivate Sunset Cruise
Golden hour, dinner options and your own boat. Best suited to couples, proposals, anniversaries and special evenings.
See Sunset CruisesFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best whale watching trip in Tenerife for small groups?
Atlantic Star is a strong choice for travellers who want a small group experience because the shared trip accepts a maximum of 10 guests. It departs from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje and focuses on whale and dolphin watching before a relaxing swim stop.
Can you see whales in Tenerife all year?
Yes. Pilot whales live in the waters off south Tenerife throughout the year, so whale watching is possible in every season.
What whales are most common in Tenerife?
Short finned pilot whales are the species most commonly associated with whale watching in south Tenerife. Dolphins are also regularly encountered, while other whale species may appear seasonally or occasionally.
How many people are on the Atlantic Star shared trip?
The shared Atlantic Star whale watching trip has a maximum of 10 guests.
Where does Atlantic Star depart from?
Atlantic Star departs from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, Tenerife.
Is food included on the Atlantic Star whale watching trip?
Yes. Sandwiches and snacks are included, together with drinks. Dietary requests should be mentioned when booking.
Is there a whale sighting guarantee?
Guests booking Atlantic Star through Club Canary can choose an optional whale and dolphin sighting guarantee. The detailed conditions are shown during the Club Canary booking process.
Ready To See Atlantic Star For Yourself?
If your idea of the best whale watching trip in Tenerife means fewer people, personal service and plenty of time to enjoy the ocean, the Atlantic Star shared trip was made for exactly that.
Explore The Whale Watching Trip