Whale watching

If you’re dreaming of catching a glimpse of whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, the whale watching tour in Fuerteventura might catch your eye. As the first whale watching company on the island, Icenai offers an experience that’s been around long enough to develop its reputation—and, honestly, not all reviews are glowing. If you’re considering this trip, it’s worth understanding what you’re getting, what might fall short, and whether it matches your expectations.

What I love about this tour is its dedication to responsible whale watching and its educational focus. Knowing that the company emphasizes conservation and educating guests about cetaceans adds a meaningful layer to what could otherwise be just a boat ride. Plus, starting from Corralejo, a strategic location in the north of Fuerteventura, means you’re well-placed to explore the waters rich with marine life.

However, a common concern from past participants is that wildlife sightings are unpredictable. Some travelers have been on trips where no animals were seen, which can be disappointing, especially if you’re hoping for dolphin or whale encounters. This is a reminder that nature is never guaranteed, and patience is part of the experience. This tour suits travelers who are okay with the uncertainty and are interested in a responsible, educational outing rather than a guaranteed wildlife show.

If you’re a traveler who values learning about marine life, enjoys scenic boat rides, and appreciates efforts toward conservation, this trip could be worthwhile. But if you’re expecting a high probability of sightings or specific species, you might want to compare other options as well.

Key Points

• Responsible and educational: The tour emphasizes conservation and sharing knowledge about cetaceans.
• Unpredictable sightings: Wildlife sightings can be hit or miss, based on reviews.
• Strategic starting point: Corralejo provides a convenient launch for exploring rich marine waters.
• Duration and timing: Runs about 3-4 hours starting at 9 a.m., fitting into a typical morning plan.
• Price point: At $88 per person, it’s a moderate expense for a chance—though not a guarantee—to see marine mammals.
• Accessible and multilingual: Tours are run in multiple languages and are wheelchair accessible.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Whale Watching Tour

The experience kicks off at Bar La Lonja in Corralejo, a straightforward meeting point right at the pier. From there, you’ll board a boat (the condition of which varies based on reviews) and head out into the Atlantic. The waters around Fuerteventura are known for their cetacean diversity, with over 25 species present throughout the year. That’s a pretty impressive number, and it’s what makes this tour appealing even if sightings aren’t guaranteed.

The Itinerary and Journey

Once you’re aboard, the trip lasts about four hours, with the boat heading out into the open waters. The company offers a guided tour, where a knowledgeable guide provides insights about the cetaceans that might be seen and shares interesting facts about their behaviors. This educational aspect is one of the highlights, especially for those keen on learning more about marine life. Snacks and drinks are included, making it a comfortable outing, though reviewers mention that the snacks are simple—like dry biscuits—and the drinks are basic water.

The Search for Marine Life

The main goal is, of course, to spot whales or dolphins. The waters near Fuerteventura are home to various species, including common dolphins, tropical pilot whales, and fin whales. The environment is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so the experience is designed to be eco-friendly and sustainable.

While many travelers hope to get close to these animals, the reality is that wildlife sightings depend heavily on luck and environmental conditions. One reviewer shared that after about 90 minutes at sea, they encountered a huge pod of dolphins that played around the boat for nearly 40 minutes. That’s the kind of encounter many hope for, but it’s important to keep expectations flexible because some trips end with no sightings at all.

The Experience for You

You might find that the boat is worn-out or older, as some reviews mention, which can affect your comfort and overall impression. Plus, if you’re prone to seasickness, be prepared for the possibility of a choppy ride. The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a plus for travelers with mobility needs.

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The Authenticity and Authentic Guides

The tour operators are praised for knowledgeable guides who can share meaningful insights about cetaceans and their behavior. This educational component adds value, especially for those interested in marine conservation. However, some reviews note that the tour wasn’t very informative and that the main focus was simply the boat ride.

Price and Value

At $88 per person, the price is reasonable for a half-day adventure that combines boat travel with education. But keep in mind: the experience’s value largely hinges on wildlife sightings, which are not guaranteed. Some travelers have felt the experience was not worth the cost if no animals were seen, though others appreciated the scenic ride and the chance to learn.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This whale watching trip is ideal for educational-minded travelers and those interested in marine conservation. It’s suitable for those who are okay with the unpredictability of wildlife sightings and are looking for a relaxed, scenic boat ride in the Atlantic. If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy nature and don’t mind the possibility of no sightings, this could be a memorable outing.

It’s less suited for travelers who are strictly seeking guaranteed whale or dolphin encounters or those with very limited time, as the experience depends heavily on luck. Also, consider your comfort with possibly older boats or choppy sea conditions.

FAQs about the Whale Watching Tour in Fuerteventura

Q: What is the meeting point for the tour?
A: You’ll meet at “Bar La Lonja” on the pier in Corralejo, a very easy-to-find spot right at the port.

Q: How long does the tour last?
A: The excursion lasts about 3 to 4 hours, starting at 9:00 a.m. daily.

Q: Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for everyone to join.

Q: What languages are spoken during the tour?
A: The guides speak English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

Q: Are snacks and drinks included?
A: Yes, snacks and drinks are provided, but reviews note they are quite simple—dry biscuits and water.

Q: Is there a high chance of spotting whales or dolphins?
A: The waters are home to over 25 species of cetaceans, but sightings depend on environmental conditions, so there’s no guarantee.

Q: Can I join the tour again if I don’t see anything?
A: The company offers the option to join again if no animals are seen, but it might depend on availability and policies.

Q: How do I know if the tour will operate on my chosen day?
A: You should ask about availability as weather and sea conditions can affect departures.

Q: What do past travelers say about the experience?
A: Some loved the boat trip and enjoyed seeing dolphins, while others found the boat worn-out and were disappointed by no sightings.

Q: Is this tour good for families or children?
A: While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the accessible nature and educational focus can make it suitable for kids, provided they are comfortable on boats.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a responsible, educational experience that offers a chance to see marine life in its natural environment, this whale watching tour in Fuerteventura could be worth a try. The company’s commitment to conservation and its knowledgeable guides add meaningful layers to what might otherwise be a simple boat ride.

However, it’s essential to approach this tour with realistic expectations. Wildlife sightings are always uncertain, and some travelers have left disappointed when no animals appear. The condition of the boat and the simplicity of the included snacks may also influence your overall impression.

Ultimately, this experience suits those who value learning and conservation and are open to the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters. If that fits your travel style, it could be a peaceful, scenic way to spend part of your day exploring the Atlantic waters off Fuerteventura.

Remember: Always ask about availability before booking, and consider reading recent reviews to see how the current conditions might affect your trip. Happy whale watching!

You can check availability for your dates here: