Tenerife: Whale Watching Boat Tour with a Marine Biologist

If you’re heading to Tenerife and love the idea of seeing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, a boat tour led by a marine biologist might just be the highlight of your trip. We’ve looked into this experience to give you a clear picture of what it’s like and whether it’s worth your time and money. What sets this tour apart is the focus on respectful viewing and the chance to hear cetaceans through a hydrophone — not just spotting them from afar, but really connecting with these incredible creatures.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this tour are the small group size, which makes for more intimate encounters and less disturbance to the animals, and the expert guidance from a marine biologist. These aspects ensure you’re not just along for a boat ride but are actively learning about marine life, which enhances the experience. Still, a potential consideration is the 2.5-hour duration — it’s not a long tour, so if you’re expecting a full day of activity, this might feel a bit brief.

This experience is best suited for those who value educational insights and a respectful approach to wildlife. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want to enhance their understanding of cetaceans and enjoy a more personalized, eco-conscious tour. If you’re after a quick, fun boat trip with lots of chances to see whales, this could be a good fit. However, if you’re with young children or need something more physically accessible, it’s worth noting the tour has some restrictions, such as not being suitable for people with recent surgeries or certain weight limits.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more personal and less invasive experience.
• Educational focus with a marine biologist providing in-depth insights.
• Listening to whales via hydrophone creates a unique, auditory connection with marine mammals.
• Dramatic lava landscape along the coast offers stunning scenery while sailing.
• Respectful wildlife viewing standards prioritize the well-being of the animals.
• Duration of 2.5 hours makes for a manageable half-day activity, but may feel quick for some.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tenerife Whale Watching Tour

This tour offers a thoughtful blend of natural beauty, marine science, and respectful wildlife observation. It starts at the port of Las Galletas, where you’ll meet the guide at Dock Number 4. The meeting point is easy to reach, with parking options both inside the port and in the nearby lot, making logistics straightforward. You’ll be setting off on a boat designed to comfortably accommodate a maximum of 10 passengers — a small, intimate group that favors quiet, respectful observation.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Biosean – Whale Watching & Marine Science — this is where your marine adventure begins. After a quick safety briefing, your guide will introduce you to the boat and outline the day’s plan. The brief, roughly 15-minute talk, covers safety instructions but also sets the tone for a respectful, eco-minded experience.

Navigate along the lava landscapes of Malpaís de Rasca — this is probably the most striking part of the journey. The dramatic, black lava formations create an almost otherworldly backdrop as you cruise along the coast. It’s a fantastic opportunity for photos and to soak in the scenery while waiting for marine mammals to appear.

Marine life viewing with a marine biologist — for around 2 hours and 15 minutes, you’ll be actively looking out for whales and dolphins. What makes this tour stand out is the guide’s expertise, helping you spot animals and explaining their behavior and sounds. Many reviews highlight how knowledgeable the guides are, with one describing the tour as “incredible” for the clarity with which the guide presented cetacean behavior.

Listening with a hydrophone — one of the most memorable parts of the experience is hearing the sounds of whales through the hydrophone. This real-time connection to marine mammals adds a layer of wonder, making the experience more tangible and memorable.

Return to base at Biosean — after a couple of hours of marine life spotting and listening, the boat heads back to the starting point. Most tours conclude smoothly, leaving you with new insights and plenty of photos.

The Experience in Detail

From the moment you step onto the boat, the focus is on respectful observation. The limit of 10 passengers means your guide can position the boat carefully, avoiding disturbances and allowing animals to approach naturally — a point praised in reviews. As one reviewer noted, the guide’s professionalism allowed them to see pilot whales clearly by positioning the boat far enough away and stopping the engine, creating a peaceful environment for observation.

The lava coastline adds a surreal beauty to the ride. The formations of Malpaís de Rasca look like sculptures, and sailing past them gives you a sense of the volcanic origins of Tenerife’s landscape. It’s a compelling contrast to the marine activity happening offshore. You’ll love the views of Tenerife’s southern coast and, on clear days, the distant silhouette of La Gomera island.

Marine mammals and wildlife

While no tour can guarantee sightings, the reviews suggest this trip has a good track record. Several guests have enjoyed seeing pods of pilot whales, including a nursing calf adult pair, as one reviewer shared. The opportunity to listen to whale sounds via hydrophone is a real highlight, creating a sense of connection with the animals. Hearing their calls, especially when they communicate with each other, makes the experience feel alive and personal.

The guides’ knowledge about cetaceans’ behavior is evident; they’re eager to share interesting facts and answer questions. We loved the way the guides managed to position the boat quietly and at a respectful distance, aligning with eco-conscious practices.

More Great Tours Nearby

What the tour costs and what you get

At $74 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the small group size and expert guidance. You’re paying for quality, personalized attention, and a chance to learn about marine life in a meaningful way. It’s not a crowded, noisy excursion — it’s intimate, educational, and environmentally mindful.

Practical considerations

The tour is 2.5 hours long, which makes it manageable for most travelers, but if you’re expecting a longer day on the water, this might feel too brief. Remember to bring essentials like sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and a light jacket, especially if the breeze picks up. The tour isn’t suitable for people with recent surgeries, back or neck problems, or those over 287 lbs (130 kg), so check your personal comfort and health before booking.

Some reviews pointed out the quiet professionalism of guides, which helps in keeping the focus on wildlife rather than a noisy boat tour. You won’t find food or photos included, so plan accordingly if you want to snack or capture memories.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who values knowledgeable guides and an authentic wildlife experience, this is a perfect pick. It’s especially suitable for those interested in marine science or who want a more eco-conscious approach to whale watching. Families with older children who can handle a boat ride and are curious about marine life might enjoy it, but it’s less suited for very young kids or those with mobility issues given the boat’s nature.

Travelers who appreciate a quiet, respectful encounter with nature will find this tour rewarding. The small group size ensures you won’t be part of a noisy mass, and the focus on listening and learning elevates it beyond just a sightseeing trip.

FAQs

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, the tour starts at Dock Number 4 at the port of Las Galletas. Parking options are available nearby, with free lots in front of the beach and paid parking inside the port.

What should I bring?
It’s best to bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, weather-appropriate clothing, and a light jacket. Make sure to dress comfortably for being on a boat.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is suitable for most adults and older children, but it’s not ideal for very young kids or people with recent surgeries or certain weight limits.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making this a flexible booking option.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?
While not explicitly stated, most outdoor tours are subject to weather conditions. It’s advisable to check the weather forecast ahead of time.

Are souvenirs or photos included?
No, photos are not included, so remember to bring your camera. You might find opportunities for great shots during the scenic cruise.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 10 participants, which makes for a more personalized experience.

Is there a lunch or refreshment?
No, food and drinks are not included in the price, so plan to bring a snack if needed.

Final Thoughts

This whale watching tour in Tenerife offers a well-balanced mix of scenic sailing, educational content, and respectful wildlife observation. The small group setting, led by knowledgeable guides, makes it stand out from larger, more generic trips. Listening to whales through the hydrophone adds an extra dimension, creating memories that go beyond just seeing marine mammals.

It’s particularly great for travelers who want to deepen their understanding of cetaceans, enjoy stunning coastal views, and support eco-conscious tourism. If you’re after a relaxing, informative, and environmentally friendly marine adventure, this tour is genuinely worth considering.

For those wanting a more immersive, science-focused experience with a personal touch, this trip delivers. Just keep in mind the duration and physical requirements, and you’ll likely come away feeling inspired by Tenerife’s marine wonders.

Happy whale watching, and may your trip be filled with encounters that truly inspire your love for the ocean.

You can check availability for your dates here: