Dolphin Watching in Los Gigantes

Are you planning your trip to Tenerife and dreaming of seeing dolphins in the open sea? Los Gigantes, on the west coast, is one of the best spots on the island for Tenerife dolphin watching. The impressive cliffs and deep waters right next to them create an ideal environment for these animals.

Every year, thousands of visitors leave by boat from this area. With a high success rate thanks to resident populations, you have a very good chance of seeing them.

The species we observe

In Los Gigantes, we mainly encounter three types of dolphins:

• The bottlenose dolphin (bottlenose dolphin): the most common. Recognizable by its gray back and playful behavior. It often jumps out of the water and swims near boats.
• The spotted dolphin: rarer, migratory. It appears especially in autumn or winter in large groups.
• Risso's dolphin: more discreet, with skin often marked with scars.

We also regularly see pilot whales (pilot whales), often confused with dolphins. They are larger (up to 6-7 meters), live in very stable pods and stay on the surface longer. Unlike dolphins, they are less acrobatic.

The waters of Tenerife are home to up to twenty species of cetaceans depending on the season, but these four dominate the outings from Los Gigantes.

Los Gigantes Marine Reserve

The area off Los Gigantes is part of the Teno-Rasca protected marine strip (ZEC Teno-Rasca). This area benefits from conservation status which protects cetaceans and their habitat.

Why here? The continental shelf plunges very quickly into depth (the famous underwater barranco). The currents bring a large amount of nutrients, which attracts fish and squid — the food base of dolphins and pilot whales.

This richness makes Los Gigantes a unique place for responsible observation. Local operators follow charters so as not to disturb the animals (no pursuit, distance respected).

How to organize the excursion

Departures are mainly from the port of Los Gigantes or Santiago del Teide. Excursions generally last 2 to 3 hours.

You will find options by motorboat or sailboat. Sailboats offer calmer and quieter navigation, ideal for observing the animals without stressing them.

Indicative price: count between €15 and €35 per adult depending on the duration and type of boat. Children often benefit from reduced rates.

Book online or directly on site. Choose small boats (less than 20-30 people) for a more intimate experience.

Best period and practical advice

You can do this activity all year round. The resident populations of bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales ensure good regularity.

• Spring and autumn: often the best combination (calmer sea + more chance of seeing migratory species such as spotted dolphins).
• Summer: very calm sea, perfect for families.
• Winter: more swell possible, but sometimes more diversity.

Concrete advice:

• Take the first departure in the morning: flatter sea, more active animals.
• Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses and a windbreaker (even in summer).
• For children: it is perfectly suitable from 4-5 years old. Choose a stable boat.
• Seasickness: avoid large meals beforehand, stay in the center of the boat and look at the horizon.
• Camera or phone: burst mode to capture jumps.

Always follow the guide's instructions: no flash, no shouting, no littering in the sea.

Difference with whale watching

Many people confuse the two activities. They often take place in the same area and sometimes on the same boats, but the experience differs:

• Dolphins: more dynamic, acrobatic, they readily approach boats and play in the waves.
• Pilot whales: calmer observation. They come up regularly to breathe and remain in compact groups.

On the same release, you often have both. “Dolphin and whale” excursions combine the two without strict distinction. To find out everything about pilot whales, read our complete guide to whale watching in Los Gigantes.

Ready to live the experience?

Seeing dolphins roaming freely in the Atlantic Ocean remains a highlight of any stay in Tenerife. Los Gigantes offers the perfect setting: dizzying cliffs on one side, cetaceans on the other.

Before leaving, consult the [dolphin observation practical sheet] (/decouvrir/observation-dauphins) in the app for up-to-date practical information.

Download TenerifePulse, your reference application on the island. There you will find all the viewpoints, hikes and practical information to organize your stay around this unforgettable outing.