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Whale and Dolphin Watching Puerto Colón

4.9
·630 reviews·Costa Adeje, Spain

Embark on an unforgettable whale and dolphin watching adventure from Puerto Colón, Tenerife. Experience marine life responsibly with expert guides.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

August afternoons

Prime time for sightings

CrowdMedium
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Our boat

Whale and Dolphin Watching Puerto Colón

Best Time

August afternoons

Prime time for sightings

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Embark on an unforgettable whale and dolphin watching adventure from Puerto Colón, Tenerife. Experience marine life responsibly with expert guides.

4.9
(630 reviews)

"Best experience we’ve had so far in Tenerife, I highly recommend it!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Choose Eco-Conscious Tours

Opt for operators committed to animal welfare and environmental protection.

🚤 Small Boat for Intimacy

Consider smaller vessels for a more personal and less crowded wildlife experience.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pilot Whales & Dolphins

Pilot Whales & Dolphins

Off the coast of Puerto Colón

Witness pods of pilot whales, often with calves, and playful dolphins swimming alongside. A truly magical encounter with marine life.

Reddit
Responsible Wildlife Viewing

Responsible Wildlife Viewing

Various tour operators

Experience tours guided by biologists who respect the ocean and its inhabitants, adhering to strict viewing rules.

Reddit
Marine Conservation Efforts

Marine Conservation Efforts

During the tour

See guides actively cleaning the ocean by collecting ropes and plastic, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Respect the Marine Life

Choose tours that prioritize animal welfare and follow strict guidelines. Many operators focus on responsible viewing, ensuring minimal disturbance to whales and dolphins. Look for guides who are knowledgeable about marine biology and conservation efforts. Reddit

Book in Advance for Small Groups

For a more intimate experience, especially for special occasions, book smaller boat tours in advance. August can be busy, so securing a spot on a less crowded vessel ensures better wildlife viewing and a more personalized trip. Reddit

Best Times

When
August afternoons
Why
Prime time for sightings
Crowd
Medium
When
Morning tours
Why
Calmer seas, active animals
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Best experience ever #travel #traveltok #travelling #foryourpage #travellove #holiday #bucketlisttravel #traveltips #worldtravel #reasonstotravel #beachvibes #tenerife #spain #ocean #dolphin #dolphins
@itslucylouxo
180.4K likes • 1.8M views

🎯 Choose Eco-Conscious Tours

Opt for operators committed to animal welfare and environmental protection. Reddit

🚤 Small Boat for Intimacy

Consider smaller vessels for a more personal and less crowded wildlife experience. Reddit

Costa Adeje Market Tenerife 🛍️💕🌴
@caitlincampb_
70.1K likes • 1.6M views
Welcome to Puerto Colón, the heart of adventure in Tenerife 🌴☀️ From here, the fun begins: 🐬 Whale & dolphin watching 🚤 Boat trips and speedboats 🪂 Parascending with epic views 🤿 Snorkeling & diving in crystal-clear waters 🏖️ Relaxed beach vibes Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or pure chill, Puerto Colón has it ALL. The real question is… what’s your first pick? 😏 #get2excursions #visittenerif...
get2excursions
39 likes • 3.6K views

🦻 Listen to the Experts

Guides often share fascinating facts and insights about marine life. Reddit

🌊 Be Prepared for the Sea

Wear comfortable clothing and bring a light jacket as it can get breezy. Reddit

Puerto Colon 🌊 Puerto Colón is one of the best places in Tenerife for whale and dolphin watching. Many tour companies offer boat excursions where you can see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The beaches in Puerto Colón, such as Playa de la Pinta, are famous for their golden sand and calm waters, making them ideal for family vacations. The port is conveniently located, allowing...
tenerife_te_quiero
11 likes • 116 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Choose Eco-Conscious Tours

Opt for operators committed to animal welfare and environmental protection. Reddit

🚤 Small Boat for Intimacy

Consider smaller vessels for a more personal and less crowded wildlife experience. Reddit

🦻 Listen to the Experts

Guides often share fascinating facts and insights about marine life. Reddit

🌊 Be Prepared for the Sea

Wear comfortable clothing and bring a light jacket as it can get breezy. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(630 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the amazing wildlife encounters, with many spotting pilot whales and dolphins up close. Guides are frequently commended for their knowledge, passion, and commitment to marine conservation, making the experience both educational and inspiring. The emphasis on respecting animals and the environment is a significant draw for many. Reddit

"Amazing of couple of hours out on the water with Maria and Ion.

Saw dozens of pilot whales, including some up very close, along with some dolphins.

Both were super knowledgeable and we stopped on a number of occasions so they could scoop up abandoned ropes, carrier bags, etc - real stewards of the environment.

Also, whilst there’s a limit of 2 boats per group of whales, that didn’t stop lots of boats all piling in for a look. Our guides however were clear in explaining why we wouldn’t be joining in.

So, if you want to go out with people who really know what they’re talking about and genuinely care about the environment and its inhabitants then I’d really recommend these guys.

The others boats, the catamarans and motor yachts that I saw, not so much, it seemed more about commodification than anything else."

Ian Bogg

"It was a very nice trip, we saw a lot of pilot wales with baby’s aswell. We chose this organisation because we wanted to respect the animals. They followed the rules very strictly and care about the animals. Ion was our guide and he was very good at explaining everything and you could notice he cares about the animals. Big recommendation! We almost didnt want to book a boat trip because a lot of organisations dont respect the animals but this organisation showed us that it is possible to do it with respect and care!"

Carolina

"We had the most amazing time, John was very knowledgeable and I loved the respect he had for the ocean and marine life.
Couldn’t believe how quickly we came across dolphins, it was definitely a very eventful trip.
Best experience we’ve had so far in Tenerife, I highly recommend it!"

Darina

What People Like

Incredible whale and dolphin sightings
Knowledgeable and passionate guides
Respectful and ethical tours

What People Dislike

Occasional crowded boats
Some operators less focused on conservation

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Puerto Colón is a marina located in Costa Adeje, Tenerife. You can reach it by local bus services, taxis, or by car, with parking available nearby. Many tour operators depart directly from the marina. Reddit

Yes, several local bus routes serve Costa Adeje, with stops within walking distance of Puerto Colón. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient options. Reddit

Puerto Colón is a well-marked marina with numerous tour operators. Look for signs indicating whale and dolphin watching excursions. Reddit

Depending on your accommodation, Puerto Colón is often within walking distance from many hotels in Costa Adeje, especially those along the coast. Reddit

If you're staying in areas like Los Cristianos or Playa de las Américas, a taxi or a combination of bus and a short taxi ride might be most efficient. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Prices vary depending on the tour operator and boat size, but expect to pay between €30-€70 per person for a typical 2-3 hour trip. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for smaller, more exclusive tours. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season (like August) and if you prefer a smaller boat tour. This guarantees your spot and can sometimes offer better pricing. Reddit

Most tours last between 2 to 3 hours, offering ample time to spot marine life and enjoy the ocean views. Some may offer longer excursions. Reddit

Yes, you can find tours on large catamarans, smaller motor yachts, and even semi-rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) for a more adventurous experience. Smaller boats are often preferred for a more intimate encounter. Reddit

Typically, tickets include the boat trip, the chance to see whales and dolphins, and often a drink or snack. Some tours may also include a stop for swimming. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You have a high chance of seeing various species, including pilot whales (often with calves), bottlenose dolphins, and sometimes even baleen whales. Other marine life may also be spotted. Reddit

Mornings and afternoons generally offer good chances for sightings. Mornings can have calmer seas, while afternoons are also very active for marine life. Reddit

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a camera, and a light jacket or sweater as it can be cooler on the water. Motion sickness medication is advisable if you are prone to seasickness. Reddit

While sightings are very common (some operators offer 99.9% guarantees), they are wild animals, so sightings are never 100% guaranteed. Reputable tours focus on responsible viewing. Reddit

Responsible tours follow strict guidelines to minimize disturbance to marine life, such as maintaining a safe distance, limiting time spent with animals, and avoiding sudden movements. Guides are often knowledgeable about conservation. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion, especially for dolphins. A higher ISO might be needed in lower light conditions. Consider a zoom lens to capture details from a distance. Reddit

Stabilize your camera by bracing yourself or using a monopod. Shoot in bursts to increase your chances of capturing a great moment. Be patient and anticipate their movements. Reddit

Yes, but protect your electronics from sea spray and potential splashes. A waterproof case or bag is highly recommended. Reddit

A telephoto or zoom lens (e.g., 70-200mm or longer) is ideal for capturing close-ups of marine life without disturbing them. Reddit

The boat's movement can make photography challenging. Try to shoot when the boat is relatively stable or use image stabilization features on your camera or lens. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Whale and dolphin watching can be an incredibly exciting experience for children. Opt for tours on larger, more stable boats like catamarans, which can offer a smoother ride and more space for kids to move around. Reddit Choose operators who are known for their engaging guides who can explain marine life in a child-friendly manner. Reddit Ensure the tour duration is suitable for younger attention spans, typically around 2-3 hours. Bringing snacks and drinks is usually a good idea, and always apply plenty of sunscreen to protect little ones from the sun. Reddit

💑 Couples & Special Occasions

For a romantic or memorable experience, consider booking a small-group tour or a private charter. This allows for a more intimate setting, perfect for celebrating anniversaries or birthdays. Reddit Many couples rave about the personalized attention and the ability to get closer to the marine life without the crowds. Reddit Some tours might offer champagne or special touches, so inquire when booking. The breathtaking ocean views and the magic of seeing whales and dolphins together create unforgettable moments. Reddit

🌍 Eco-Conscious Travelers

If responsible tourism is your priority, seek out operators explicitly committed to ethical wildlife viewing and marine conservation. Reddit Look for guides who are biologists or marine experts and who strictly adhere to regulations designed to protect the animals. Reddit Many reviews highlight tours where guides actively participate in cleaning up ocean debris, demonstrating a deep respect for the environment. Reddit Choosing such an operator ensures your excursion contributes positively to the preservation of Tenerife's rich marine biodiversity. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Choosing the Right Tour Operator

When selecting a whale and dolphin watching tour from Puerto Colón, prioritize operators who demonstrate a genuine commitment to marine conservation. Reviews frequently highlight guides like Ion and John who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about protecting the ocean and its inhabitants. Reddit These guides often adhere strictly to viewing regulations, ensuring the animals are not stressed or disturbed. Look for tours that mention biologist guides or educational components, as they offer a deeper understanding of the marine ecosystem. Reddit

While larger catamarans offer a more stable ride and can accommodate more people, smaller boats often provide a more intimate and personal experience. Reddit If you're celebrating a special occasion or simply prefer a less crowded setting, a smaller yacht or even a semi-rigid inflatable boat might be ideal. Reddit Be wary of operators who seem solely focused on commodification; instead, seek out those who emphasize respect for the animals and the environment. Reddit

Maximizing Your Wildlife Sightings

The waters off Tenerife are rich with marine life, making whale and dolphin watching a highly rewarding activity. Pilot whales, often seen with their young, are a common and spectacular sight. You're also very likely to encounter bottlenose dolphins, known for their playful antics. Reddit Some tours even report sightings of baleen whales, though these are less frequent. The best chances for sightings are typically during the morning and afternoon, when the seas are often calmer and the animals are actively feeding or socializing. Reddit

Many tour operators offer high sighting guarantees, but remember that these are wild animals. Patience and a good guide are key. Guides often use their expertise to locate pods and can even use hydrophones to let you listen to whale songs, adding an incredible auditory dimension to the experience. Reddit Some tours also incorporate marine conservation efforts, such as collecting floating debris, which can be both educational and inspiring to witness. Reddit

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