Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari

If you’re considering a whale and dolphin watching trip in Tenerife, the Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Safari offers a promising option. This tour emphasizes ethical interaction with marine life, prioritizing their well-being over the typical chase-and-see approach. It’s a two-hour journey that promises not only the chance to spot whales and dolphins but also supports marine conservation efforts.

What we really like about this experience is how committed the operators are to responsible tourism. Their no chase policy means they won’t disturb the animals’ natural behaviors, which is a huge plus for wildlife lovers and eco-conscious travelers. Another highlight is the knowledgeable, multilingual guides who add depth to the trip, sharing insights about the ecosystems and marine creatures you encounter.

A possible downside? The tour’s short duration means there’s rarely time for a swim stop, which might be disappointing if swimming with marine life is your main goal. Still, for those wanting a relaxed, respectful wildlife encounter, this cruise suits a wide range of travelers, especially those who value environmental responsibility and informative experiences.

Key Points

• Ethical whale and dolphin watching: No chasing or disturbing animals, respecting their natural behaviors.
• Expert guides: Multilingual, passionate, and knowledgeable about marine ecology.
• Eco-friendly vessel: Spacious, safe, and designed for unobstructed viewing—plus, environmentally conscious practices.
• Supporting conservation: Part of the ticket proceeds help marine charities like Sea Shepherd UK.
• High success rate: Likely to see whales and dolphins, thanks to expert spotting and responsible navigation.
• Limited swimming time: The 2-hour trip is primarily for viewing, not swimming.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Special?

If you’ve been on typical whale-watching tours, you’ll notice this one’s focus on respect and conservation from the start. It’s the only company in Spain collaborating with Neptunes Pirates UK, ensuring they operate under strict licenses for legal whale watching. The boat, a big sailing ketch, offers plenty of space and open-air decks for viewing, making it comfortable even on a breezy day.

The tour’s no chase policy means the crew won’t speed around or chase after the animals, which many reviews highlight as a key factor in creating a more authentic experience. Instead, the guides use their expertise and patience, waiting for whales and dolphins to approach on their own terms. This approach is not just better ethically—it often results in more intimate sightings, as some reviews mention seeing whales and dolphins come quite close to the boat.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The start point is Puerto Los Cristianos, a well-known spot for several tours. After boarding, the first part of your trip involves a quick photo stop and some guided sightseeing to set expectations and share interesting facts about the region’s marine environment.

The main activity kicks off with a boat cruise, during which you’ll be on the lookout for marine life. The boat’s design allows unobstructed views, whether you’re on the top deck soaking up the sun or in the shaded salon area. The crew will give a safety briefing and share insights about the ecosystems along the way.

Most of the trip focuses on whale and dolphin watching. Thanks to the boat’s licenses for out-of-base explorations, the crew can go farther from the port—sometimes beyond 3 miles—where larger whales may be passing through. Many reviews mention seeing whales and dolphins in close proximity, sometimes staying near the boat for several minutes.

The pass by along the coast offers stunning scenery, perfect for photos. After roughly two hours, the boat returns to Puerto Los Cristianos, completing your wildlife adventure.

What to Expect During the Trip

Expect a relaxed vibe onboard, with plenty of space and comfortable viewing options. The crew is highly praised for their multilingual guides and good communication, making it easy to follow along regardless of your language preference. They are also proactive in spotting the animals, often giving detailed descriptions of what you’re seeing, whether it’s a breaching dolphin or a blow from a distant whale.

The no chase approach means the animals are free to behave naturally, which some find more rewarding—even if you don’t see whales every trip. One review mentioned, “The whales came close to the boat and stayed up for a few minutes each time,” illustrating how animals often approach voluntarily.

The success rate for sightings is high; guides have a knack for finding pods of dolphins and whales, thanks to their experience and the boat’s licenses that permit heading out further. While there’s no guarantee every trip will have action, most reviews reflect a high likelihood of sightings — with some guests mentioning seeing multiple pods and even turtles.

The Marine Life and Sightings

From pilot whales to bottlenose dolphins, the marine creatures you might encounter are diverse. Many reviews highlight observing pilot whales for extended periods, with some sessions lasting over 40 minutes. Dolphins are also common, often seen playing in the boat’s bow waves or jumping out of the water.

A particularly memorable review noted, “We saw dolphins and pilot whales, and some came quite close to the boat.” Some travelers also mention seeing sea turtles and flying fish, adding variety to the experience. The guides’ respectful approach ensures these animals aren’t disturbed, which enhances the authenticity of sightings.

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Supporting Conservation and Community

Part of your ticket fee automatically goes to Sea Shepherd UK, an organization dedicated to marine protection. This means your trip isn’t just about entertainment—you’re actively contributing to marine conservation efforts. Many reviews praise this aspect, calling it “meaningful” and highlighting how it adds value beyond just the sightseeing.

The company also donates to Neptunes Pirates UK, emphasizing their commitment to ethical and responsible operations. This eco-conscious stance is reflected in the no chase policy, the vessel’s licensing, and their collaboration with conservation groups.

Practical Details

Booking is flexible with the option to reserve now and pay later, allowing you to plan without immediate commitment. The tour lasts two hours, which keeps it manageable for most schedules and energy levels.

The group size is not specified exactly, but reviews suggest a comfortable number—never feeling crowded. The boat is equipped with facilities like toilets and a small bar, making the trip more comfortable.

Accessibility is considered for those with disabilities; passengers need to be able to walk onto the boat, but wheelchairs aren’t driven onboard. Dogs are welcome, which is a nice touch for pet owners.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re passionate about wildlife and want to avoid the stress caused by chase-based tours. It appeals to eco-conscious travelers who value ethical interactions and support conservation. The multilingual guides make it accessible for international visitors, and the short, two-hour duration suits most schedules.

While not suitable for pregnant women or those seeking a swimming or snorkeling experience, it’s perfect for those who simply want to enjoy a respectful, informative marine adventure. Families with older children might enjoy the relaxed pace and educational aspect, especially if they appreciate wildlife and environmental concerns.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a whale and dolphin watching experience that aligns with ethical principles and offers engaging, expert-guided sightings, this tour checks many boxes. The spacious, eco-friendly vessel combined with a strict no chase policy makes for a more authentic and less invasive encounter with marine life.

The high success rate of sightings, paired with the contribution to conservation charities, adds to the overall appeal. It’s a good choice for travelers who want to see marine creatures in their natural habitat without feeling like they’re contributing to disturbance or stress for the animals.

For those who value responsible tourism, educational value, and high-quality guides, this trip offers a memorable experience that’s both fun and meaningful. While two hours isn’t enough for swimming or longer exploration, it’s perfect for a relaxing, respectful look at some of the ocean’s most fascinating residents.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, children who can walk onto the boat and handle a two-hour trip should enjoy it. It’s a calm, respectful experience, and many reviews mention children loving the sightings.

Can I expect to see whales and dolphins on every trip?
Most reviews suggest a high success rate, with sightings of pilot whales and dolphins being quite common. However, as with all wildlife tours, sightings depend on the day’s conditions and animal behavior.

Are there any restrictions on animals like pets?
Pets are actually welcome on board, which is a nice touch for pet owners.

Will I need to bring my own safety equipment?
The tour provides safety briefings and equipment; just make sure to bring sun protection and perhaps sea sickness remedies if you’re prone to motion sickness.

Is the boat large or crowded?
The boat is designed to keep a comfortable number of passengers, and reviews mention it never felt overcrowded.

What is the main focus of this tour?
The primary focus is on ethical, no-chase whale and dolphin watching, with an emphasis on educating guests about marine ecosystems and conservation.

How can I support marine conservation through this tour?
A portion of your ticket goes to Sea Shepherd UK and Neptunes Pirates UK, helping fund marine protection initiatives worldwide.

In all, this whale and dolphin safari in Los Cristianos offers a respectful, well-guided, and eco-conscious option for wildlife lovers. If you value authentic encounters over thrill-seeking, this trip deserves your consideration.

You can check availability for your dates here: