If you’re planning a trip to Tenerife and are interested in combining wildlife spotting with a bit of learning, the Whale Watching and Marine Science Tour might just be your next highlight.
Based on glowing reviews and detailed descriptions from travelers, this experience offers more than just a boat ride—it’s an educational adventure that brings you face-to-face with dolphins, whales, and the ocean’s mysteries.
What we love about this tour is the knowledgeable guidance from marine biologists and the small group setting, which ensures a personal, engaging experience. Plus, the chance to use real scientific tools like hydrophones and GPS adds a layer of authenticity that sets this apart from typical boat tours.
Great trip. Raoul was full of knowledge and we saw everything promised. Lasted just under 3 hours. Worth doing.
Very informative and excellent guides. We are avid whale watchers and have been on 5 trips in the Canaries and these guys were the best by a far. Thanks for a great morning out, advice to others go on the early time slot.
Excellent trip and lovely guides. Very informative with a small group of 10 that made the trip intimate. I would highly recommend this excursion. It felt nice to give money to a good cause rather than merely spend it on tourism.
One potential consideration is that there’s no onboard restroom or snacks included, so bringing water and snacks is recommended if you’re sensitive to long mornings out on the water.
This trip is best suited for those who love to learn, are comfortable with small groups, and want a meaningful connection with marine life. Families with older children will also find it rewarding, especially if your kids are curious about science and animals. If you’re after a relaxing, purely sightseeing cruise, you might want to look elsewhere, but for genuine wildlife enthusiasts, this is a winner.
- Key Points
- Detailed Review of the Experience
- Booking and Pricing
- Meeting Point and Duration
- What’s Included and What’s Not
- Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Experience
- Sightings and Wildlife
- Scenic Stops and Views
- The Small Group Advantage
- Environmental and Conservation Aspects
- The Experience’s Overall Value
- Who Will Love This Tour?
- FAQs
- More Whale Watching Tours in Tenerife
- More Tours in Tenerife
- More Tour Reviews in Tenerife
Key Points
- Small group size (max 10 travelers) ensures personalized attention and better chances to see whales and dolphins close-up.
- Educational focus with marine biologists guiding the trip and providing hands-on experience with scientific tools.
- Beautiful scenery including views of El Teide and volcanic formations, plus the southernmost point of Tenerife.
- Great value for the price of around $87, especially considering the expertise and chance to see marine mammals in their natural habitat.
- Reviews consistently rave about the guides’ knowledge and the ability to see and hear whales with hydrophones.
- Environmentally conscious, with activities like ocean clean-up nets, emphasizing marine conservation.
Detailed Review of the Experience
You can also read our reviews of more whale watching tours in Tenerife
Booking and Pricing
The tour costs about $87.08 per person, a fair price considering it includes guided marine science activities, a boat trip, bottled water, and all taxes. What stands out is that most travelers book about 20 days in advance, which suggests it’s a popular choice but also one worth planning ahead for.
The tour’s cost aligns well with the value of getting close-up encounters with marine life combined with educational insights.
Our guide was knowledgable and trustworthy. He was considerate and respectful of the pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins we observed in their habitat. It also helped it was a beautiful day.
Thanks a lot to the biosean team for this beautiful activity. The driver was very professional and know exactly everything about the subject -whales and dolphins. He is working with young people in internship and give them the opportunity to observes the different population of animals in the ocean. We observed many whales and dolphins also a tortle. The drivers made the best he can to share ocean experience with us by sound and explanation. We also had fresh drinks on boat. I recommended it for sure.
A pod of pilot whales, spotted Atlantic dolphins racing with and leaping right in front of the boat, even rescuing an ailing loggerhead turtle that had been infected with a parasite — all this in one 2-hour adventure! We could not have asked for more.
Meeting Point and Duration
Your adventure begins at Biosean’s base in Marina del Sur, a convenient location near public transportation, which is a bonus for travelers relying on local transit. The tour lasts around 2 hours 30 minutes, a manageable timeframe that balances enough time on the water with a reasonable length to stay engaged without fatigue.
What’s Included and What’s Not
All fees and taxes are covered, and bottled water is provided, but there are no snacks or onboard restrooms. If you’re sensitive to long periods on the water, bringing some snacks and possibly a small water bottle is wise. The focus on marine science and wildlife observation means the trip is more about the experience than luxury amenities.
Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Experience
Passing the southernmost point of Tenerife is a scenic highlight. The Rasca lighthouse and volcanic formations of Malpaís de Rasca create a stunning backdrop and serve as a natural introduction to the island’s volcanic landscape. Travelers have appreciated the atmosphere, with one review mentioning the “magnificent view of El Teide” when the sky clears, adding to the visual appeal of the trip.
During the boat ride, your guides will point out marine mammals like whales and dolphins, with some lucky travelers reporting close encounters—sometimes right next to the boat. According to reviews, the guides are full of knowledge and passionate about marine conservation, making the trip not only fun but also educational.
Tolle Tour! Viele Grindwale gesehen, teilweise auch sehr nahe am Boot. Sehr tierfreundliches Whale Watching ohne die Tiere zu stören. Nette Guides, die interessante Infos über die Tiere berichten können. Hat sich absolut gelohnt, gerne wieder!
Hele leuke ochtend, kleinschalig dus niet met 80 man op een boot, mooie duidelijke uitleg over de walvissen en dolfijnen en het girl van deze organisatie, 12 walvissen gezien waarvan twee oudjes die al 40 jaar hier in de omgeving wonen. Echt geweldige ervaring
Hele leuke ochtend, kleinschalig dus niet met 80 man op een boot, mooie duidelijke uitleg over de walvissen en dolfijnen en het girl van deze organisatie, 12 walvissen gezien waarvan twee oudjes die al 40 jaar hier in de omgeving wonen. Echt geweldige ervaring
One reviewer called the guides “very informative and excellent,” emphasizing how much they learned about the animals’ behaviors and habitats.
Using scientific tools like hydrophones and GPS isn’t just for show. Travelers have loved hearing whales and dolphins underwater through hydrophones, which makes the experience more immersive. The guides also teach you how to document sightings using datasheets, turning the trip into a mini marine biology lesson.
Sightings and Wildlife
Most reviews agree that whales and dolphins are frequently seen, with some reports mentioning pilot whales, Atlantic dolphins, and even a loggerhead turtle. Several travelers describe the experience as “like being on a National Geographic program,” highlighting the thrill of seeing these creatures in their natural environment.
One reviewer noted, “We saw a pod of pilot whales, racing with and leaping right in front of the boat,” which captures the excitement. Others appreciated the respectful approach of the guides, who ensure the animals are not disturbed—important for eco-conscious travelers.
Wir haben Tiere beobachtet (Hammerhai, Grindwale), Wale per Unterwassermikrofon gehört, Müll aufgefischt, alle Fragen stellen können und Erklärungen erhalten und durften sogar kurz ins Wasser. Und keine Sorge: man wird nicht mit Fakten überladen, das Verhältnis stimmt. Die Touranbieter sind sehr nette und offene Leute. Also: Ein Spass mit Mehrwert, den wir nur empfehlen können.
Scenic Stops and Views
Aside from wildlife, the tour offers stunning vistas of El Teide and volcanic landscapes. One traveler mentioned how the "magnificent view" added to the overall experience, making the trip feel like a scenic cruise with the bonus of wildlife sightings.
The Small Group Advantage
With a cap of just 10 travelers, the tour fosters an intimate environment. Guests often comment on how this setup allows for more interaction with the guides and better chances of spotting animals close to the boat. This size also means less disturbance to the animals and more personalized attention.
Environmental and Conservation Aspects
Beyond just sightseeing, the tour emphasizes marine conservation. Activities like ocean clean-up nets demonstrate a commitment to protecting these waters. Several reviews mention feeling good about supporting a tour that cares about the environment rather than just profit.
The Experience’s Overall Value
Considering the price, reviews suggest this tour offers excellent value. You get a combination of wildlife encounters, scientific education, and scenic views, all guided by passionate experts. The enthusiastic feedback—such as “Raoul was full of knowledge” and “the trip lasted just under 3 hours”—backs up the idea that this is a well-organized, rewarding experience.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is great for marine life enthusiasts, curious travelers, and anyone who enjoys a mix of education and adventure. It’s particularly suited for those comfortable with small groups and keen to learn about marine mammals in a respectful, eco-friendly setting. Families with older children who are interested in science and animals will find it especially engaging.
If you're seeking an ordinary boat ride with minimal interaction, this might not be your best choice. But if you're after a meaningful, informative encounter that leaves you with a greater appreciation for ocean life—and a few incredible photos—the Whale Watching and Marine Science Tour is a solid pick.
Whale Watching and Marine Science Tour
"Great trip. Raoul was full of knowledge and we saw everything promised. Lasted just under 3 hours. Worth doing."
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour works best for older children and teenagers who are interested in marine life and science. It’s a small, educational experience with no mention of restrictions, so families with kids who meet those criteria should be fine.
What should I bring on the tour?
Since snacks are not included, bringing a small snack or water bottle is advisable, especially if you tend to get hungry or thirsty during trips. Comfortable clothing and sunscreen are also recommended.
Are there restrooms onboard?
No, the tour does not include onboard restrooms, so plan accordingly. Consider visiting facilities before departure.
How long in advance should I book?
Most travelers book around 20 days before the trip, so early planning assures availability, especially during peak seasons.
What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather to operate. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
How many people will be on the boat?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers, providing an intimate experience and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
What does the tour focus on?
It’s both a sightseeing trip and an educational experience, with guides explaining marine biology and conservation efforts, and allowing hands-on use of scientific tools.
Can I hear the whales underwater?
Yes, guides use hydrophones to allow guests to listen to whale and dolphin sounds, adding an exciting dimension to your trip.
This whale watching adventure in Tenerife offers not just the chance to see incredible marine mammals but also to learn about their behavior and conservation. If you’re curious, eco-conscious, and love the idea of a small-group, science-focused outing, this tour deserves a spot on your list.
