Dolphins and pilot whales in Tenerife are enchanting, turning every encounter at sea into an unforgettable and almost magical experience.
An encounter with dolphins and pilot whales off the coast of Tenerife is an experience that will remain etched in your memory forever. As the boat gently rocks on the azure blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the surface suddenly breaks open: a group of playful bottlenose dolphins emerges, their sleek bodies gliding gracefully through the water. Moments later, a majestic pilot whale — a large dolphin species — appears, calm and impressive, with a deep, rumbling breath that resonates to your core.
Between Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes
A hush falls over the boat as everyone is captivated by the moment. You feel small and awestruck, part of something vast and pure. These aren’t scenes from a documentary — this is real, raw, and close. The sense of wonder, respect, and connection with nature makes this observation more than just an excursion — it becomes a lifelong memory.
Along the southwest coast of Tenerife — between Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes — these animals are permanent residents. They are protected marine mammals in one of Europe’s most important whale-watching regions. Anyone lucky enough to meet them there takes home more than just photos: they carry a profound sense of awe for the wonders of the wild.
Habitat
Of the 79 species of cetaceans that exist worldwide, 19 can be found in Canary Island waters. Some species have grown into populations of up to 250 individuals. Pilot whales, locally known as calderón tropical, are the species that thrive best in the ocean surrounding the Canary Islands.
Around Tenerife, these social and almost human-like mammals are mostly found in the deep waters between the island’s west coast and the east coast of La Gomera. As their family grows, so does their territory.
They are spotted year-round and do not leave their habitat. Why not? Because their habitat lies in the West African subtropical region, of volcanic origin and with great depths just a stone’s throw from the coast. Their preference for this area is based on three criteria: calm waters, water temperatures of at least 18 to 20° Celsius, and average dive depths of 1,500 meters — even up to 2,400 meters.
More than dolphins and pilot whales
The main reason they thrive here is the richness of food. The waters are teeming with organic matter: plankton, fish, (giant) octopuses, and squid — calamares are the favorite meal of the sperm whale, or Physeter macrocephalus, as scientists call it.
But there are more marine mammals around Tenerife. Sperm whales, false killer whales, porpoises, common (small) dolphins, striped dolphins, beaked whales, gray dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and slender dolphins. On rare occasions, you may even witness blue whales and killer whales, or orcas.
Read HERE more about marine life in the waters around Tenerife.
More TRIVIA can be read [HERE].
Pixabay © Photography
Dolphins and pilot wales in Tenerife ©
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