Whale Watching In Tenerife With Kids: A Family Guide
Seeing a whale in the wild can become one of the moments children remember long after a Tenerife holiday is over. But parents usually have more questions than simply, “Will we see whales?”
Is the boat safe? Is three hours too long? Is there a toilet? What if a child feels seasick? Are life jackets available for little ones?
Yes. A small group whale watching trip can work very well for families. Atlantic Star carries a maximum of 10 guests on its shared trip, has a toilet on board, provides child and baby life jackets, includes food and drinks, and normally includes a swim stop when conditions allow.
Is Whale Watching In Tenerife Good For Kids?
For many families, yes. Tenerife has a major advantage over destinations where whale watching requires travelling far offshore for many hours.
Atlantic Star leaves from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, close to the waters used by Tenerife’s resident pilot whales and dolphins. The standard shared experience lasts about three hours, which is long enough to create a real ocean adventure without automatically turning into an entire day at sea.
The small group size also helps. With a maximum of 10 guests, parents can keep children close, move around more easily and speak directly with the crew.
Real Wildlife
Children get the chance to see whales and dolphins living naturally in the Atlantic instead of through aquarium glass.
Small Group
A maximum of 10 guests makes the experience easier to manage than a very crowded excursion boat.
More Than Whales
Food, drinks and a possible swim stop help keep the experience varied for children who may not want to watch the water for three hours.
What Parents Usually Want To Know Before Booking
These practical details often matter more to parents than another beautiful whale photograph.
Atlantic Star carries suitable life jackets for children and babies on board.
Atlantic Star has a toilet on board, an important practical detail when travelling with children.
The small shared group makes it easier for parents to stay close to their children and keep track of where everyone is.
The crew manages the boat, wildlife approach and conditions while helping guests understand what is happening around them.
What Kind Of Boat Will Your Family Be On?
Atlantic Star is a Beneteau Cyclades 50.5 sailing yacht measuring 15.68 metres.
The shared whale watching trip is deliberately kept to a maximum of 10 guests rather than filling the yacht with a large crowd.
For a family, that gives you a more manageable environment and more direct contact with the crew.
It is still a real boat on the Atlantic Ocean, though. Parents should supervise children throughout the trip and follow crew instructions, especially while the yacht is moving or during a swim stop.
Morning Or Afternoon With Children?
Whales can be encountered throughout the day. The better departure for a family often depends more on your children and the sea conditions than on the animals.
Morning can sometimes bring calmer sea conditions and works well for children who are happiest earlier in the day.
A convenient option if your family prefers a slower morning but still wants plenty of daylight for the experience.
Later departures can feel quieter on the water, but younger children may be more tired depending on their normal routine.
If somebody in your family is especially sensitive to boat movement, choosing a day with favourable conditions matters more than chasing one particular departure time.
What If My Child Gets Seasick?
This is one of the most sensible questions parents can ask.
Even on a beautiful day, a sailing yacht still moves with the Atlantic Ocean. Some children barely notice it. Others are more sensitive.
If your child is known to suffer from motion sickness, speak with a pharmacist or medical professional before the trip about what is appropriate for their age.
On the boat, looking toward the horizon, getting fresh air and avoiding staring at a phone for long periods can make the experience more comfortable.
Which Whales And Dolphins Can Families See?
The star species in southwest Tenerife is the short-finned pilot whale.
Pilot whales live in the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera throughout the year, which is one reason whale watching here works so well for family holidays in different seasons.
Bottlenose dolphins are also resident. Other cetacean species can appear occasionally, but they should be treated as special visitors rather than something a family should expect on a particular trip.
One useful thing to explain to children before boarding is that real whale watching is not a performance. Whales may surface quietly rather than jump from the water, and that natural behaviour is exactly what makes the encounter genuine.
And Yes, Dolphins Can Be Part Of The Adventure Too
For many children, dolphins end up creating just as much excitement as the whales.
Several dolphin species occur around Tenerife, with bottlenose dolphins among the resident cetaceans in the area.
Sometimes dolphins move quickly through the water, travel together or appear close enough for guests to clearly watch their movement.
As with whales, every encounter is different because the animals choose where they go.
What Do Children Eat During The Trip?
Food and drinks help break up the three-hour experience, especially for children.
Fresh sandwiches and snacks are included on the shared Atlantic Star trip, together with water and soft drinks. Adult drinks are also available on board.
If your child has an allergy or dietary requirement, mention it clearly when booking so the team knows in advance.
Family Tip
Even when food is included, parents of very young or selective eaters may prefer to bring a familiar small snack if permitted and needed.
Also bring enough sun protection and water awareness for a few hours outdoors.
What Should You Bring Whale Watching With Kids?
You do not need to bring half your hotel room, but a few small things can make the trip noticeably easier.
Is There Time For A Family Swim?
When sea and weather conditions are suitable, the shared trip normally includes a stop where guests can swim.
Snorkelling equipment is available on board.
Children should only enter the water when their parents and the crew consider conditions appropriate for them. Parents remain responsible for supervising their children.
For some families this swim stop becomes almost as popular as the whale watching itself.
Which Atlantic Star Trip Is Better For Your Family?
For most families, the decision comes down to budget versus privacy.
Shared Whale Watching
Maximum 10 guests, approximately three hours, wildlife watching, food, drinks and a possible swim stop.
The standard child price is currently 35€, while adults are 65€.
See Shared Whale WatchingPrivate Atlantic Star
The entire sailing yacht is reserved for your family or group, which gives you a more private environment and more flexibility.
This can be especially attractive for larger families, celebrations or parents who simply prefer having the boat to themselves.
See Private Boat TripsWhat Is The Best Month To Take Children Whale Watching?
There is no single month you must choose.
Tenerife’s resident pilot whales make whale watching possible throughout the year, so families do not need to plan school holidays around a short whale migration season.
The best date for your family may simply be the day with favourable weather and sea conditions during your Tenerife holiday.
If you want to understand seasonal species in more detail, read our month-by-month Tenerife whale watching calendar.
Why Whale Watching Can Be Such A Good Family Experience
Children can see something on this trip that is difficult to reproduce elsewhere: a large wild animal living freely in its natural environment.
There is also plenty happening between sightings. You are on a sailing yacht, looking back at Tenerife from the ocean, eating together, watching for dolphins and potentially swimming.
That combination helps turn the trip into a shared family experience rather than a simple wildlife observation session.
And because Atlantic Star keeps the shared group to only 10 guests, it remains much more personal than many high-capacity excursions.
More Helpful Atlantic Star Guides
Why Choose A Small Group?
See why group size can completely change your whale watching experience.
Whale Watching Calendar
See how Tenerife whale watching changes throughout the year.
Compare Atlantic Star Tours
Shared, private or sunset. See how the different Atlantic Star experiences compare.
Frequently Asked Questions From Parents
Is whale watching in Tenerife suitable for children?
Yes. Many families enjoy whale watching in Tenerife. Atlantic Star keeps its shared trip to a maximum of 10 guests and provides child and baby life jackets.
Does Atlantic Star have life jackets for babies and children?
Yes. Atlantic Star carries suitable life jackets for babies and children.
Is there a toilet on the Atlantic Star boat?
Yes. Atlantic Star has a toilet on board, which is especially useful when travelling with children.
How long is the whale watching trip for families?
The standard shared Atlantic Star whale watching trip lasts approximately three hours.
How many people are on the shared boat?
The Atlantic Star shared whale watching trip accepts a maximum of 10 guests.
What is the child price for Atlantic Star whale watching?
The current standard child price is 35€. The standard adult price is 65€.
Is morning better for whale watching with kids?
Morning can sometimes offer calmer sea conditions and often works well with younger children’s routines. However, whales can be encountered throughout the day and weather conditions matter more than the exact departure time.
Can children swim during the trip?
There is normally a swim stop when conditions permit. Whether an individual child should swim depends on their ability, the conditions and the judgement of their parent and the crew.
Are food and drinks included for children?
Yes. Sandwiches, snacks, water and soft drinks are included on the standard shared trip.
Can children see whales throughout the year in Tenerife?
Yes. Short-finned pilot whales live off southwest Tenerife throughout the year, so families can go whale watching in any season.
Is a private boat better for families?
It depends on your budget and preferences. The shared Atlantic Star already has a maximum of only 10 guests. A private charter is better if your family wants the whole yacht exclusively.
What should children bring whale watching?
Sun protection, a hat, a light extra layer, swimwear and a towel are useful. Parents should also bring any medication or personal items their child may need during a few hours at sea.
See What Atlantic Star Guests Say
For parents comparing Tenerife boat trips, reviews can help show what the atmosphere aboard Atlantic Star actually feels like.
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Een zeer vriendelijke gastvrouw Esther en een Spaanse kapitein heetten ons welkom op de boot. Max 10 gasten van diverse nationaliteiten. De tocht is uitermate relax. In Engels, Spaans en Nederlands wordt tijdens de reis... read more op zoek naar Dolfijnen en Walvissen eea verteld over deze dieren in de zee tussen La Gomera en Tenerife. Toilt aan boord, drankjes en een hapje in de vorm van een wrap zitten in de prijs inbegrepen. In het laatste gedeelte kan er ook nog gesnorkeld worden. De teis duurt tussen de 2,5-3 uur. Als je rustig en op een relaxte manier de zee op wilt, dan is de Atlantic Star een aanrader. Genieten!
Kurt Herkströter
27/11/2024Vandaag een boottocht van 3u gedaan om grienden en evt dolfijnen te zien. Dat is goed gelukt. Met een klein gezelschap, hooguit 10 een werkelijk waar schitterende tocht over de Atlantische oceaan gedaan en... read more de magie vd waterwereld gezien. Ze doen wat ze beloven.. ookal laat de natuur zich niet leiden. Ze hadden er een feilloos gevoel voor. Dankzij kapitein Juan én Esther een onvergetelijke reis gemaakt. Esther, ontzettend bedankt voor alle weetjes, de tips, de goede verzorging want de boottocht is incl drinken en heerlijke broodjes. Maar het scheelt ook of er vriendelijkheid en gezelligheid mee komt. En dat doet het. Bedankt. Wij, john en ik gaan dit nooit meer vergeten. En miss plannen we nog een 2x in deze vakantie. Zo tof was het. Groet!
Saskia van Dokkum
27/08/2024Vandaag met ons gezin de 3 uur durende walvis en dolfijn tocht gedaan. We hebben er van genoten, veel dolfijnen en walvissen gezien. Fijne boot met een select gezelschap en leuke bemanning. Zeker een aanbeveling!... read more Contact met Kim (kim’s excursies Tenerife) ook erg fijn, reageert snel.
Danny Halberstadt
27/08/2024 -
Geweldig! Wij hebben er bewust voor gekozen om een excursie te doen waarbij kwaliteit hoger staat dan de inkomsten. Op dit jacht heb je alle ruimte en wordt je niet op elkaar gepropt. Nederlandse gastvrouw... read more die je van alles over de dieren en het gebied kan vertellen. Veel grienden gezien en een lekkere lunch gehad. We vonden het fantastisch!
Josje Verwijst
27/06/2024Wir sind schon das zweite Mal mit diesem Boot gefahren und jedesmal begeistert gewesen. Es ist viel schöner auf einem kleinen Boot eine Tour zu den Walen zu machen als mit den großen "Partybooten". Sogar... read more unseren kleinen Hund durften wir mitnehmen. Wenn wir nächstes Jahr wieder hier sind , werden wir auf jeden Fall wieder buchen. Danke an Esther und ihren Mann für diesen schönen Tag.
Klaus Eichhaus
27/03/2024🙂 kiva retki
Reea Kokko
27/02/2024 -
Als afsluiting van een geweldig vakantie deze tocht gemaakt met 10 man aanboort een geweldige ervaring om walvissen van zo dichtbij te zien!! Dank aan de kapitein en zn lieve vrouw voor een mooie afsluiting... read more van de vakantie Een enorme aanrader zeg ik
Marten Hoogendoorn
27/12/2023Was superleuk en heel veel walvissen gespot toen !
Glenn Vanherck
27/12/2023What an amazing trip. Delphins and a big whale. Friendly guides and captain. Very child friendly and relaxing. Good sandwiches and snorkeling stop. We loved the boat trip.
T.a.e. Swaanen
27/12/2023 -
Super leuke en interessante boottocht gehad. Ruben liet regelmatig weten als er iets interessants was te zien en gaf uitleg. De boot zelf is ook heel erg mooi. We kregen ook drinken en sandwiches, maar... read more ik had helaas niet zo'n trek door de wat ruige zee. De sandwiches zagen er wel lekker uit. De crew is echt top. Ze doen er ook alles aan om het naar je zin te maken, dus ik kan dit echt iedereen aanraden!
Dick Tump (theawesomedick)
27/12/2023The best whale and dolphin watching excursion in Tenerife. The Yacht had plenty of space, service was amazing, we even got to see the whales, dolphins and a turtle. We love you Esther and Captain... read more Jesus. Thank you for making our visit so special
Asa Docherty
27/12/2023Gran Capitán el señor Richard y su hijo marinero Rubén y pronto será tan bueno oejor que el padre. GRACIAS POR LA EXPERIENCIA A SIDO UNICA , sobre todo vuestra profesionalidad y con buen humor.... read more Os recomiendo al 1000x1000. En el hotel Melia que nos alojamos peguntaron por como fue y tenéis nuestro 10 y ellos vuestro número. SOYS MUY GRANDES. 💪💪💪🇪🇦🇪🇦🇪🇦
JORGE MANRIQUE
27/12/2023
Ready For A Family Whale Watching Adventure?
Join Atlantic Star from Puerto Colón for approximately three hours of whale and dolphin watching with a maximum of only 10 guests, food, drinks and a possible swim stop.