If you happen to’re a wildlife lover like me, by now you need to already know that Tenerife is among the greatest locations on Earth to identify marine life, yup! Snorkeling and diving are extremely widespread actions, largely due to their year-round heat water and clear visibility, however do you know that it’s additionally among the finest locations to see whales and dolphins within the wild? If you happen to do know that, you then’re heading in the right direction (if not, you’re welcome; you now know a hidden gem), however I wager that you’re seeing two huge names popping up all over the place repeatedly: Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes.
Now, you’re caught and may’t resolve which one to decide on. That’s regular, you see, in relation to whale watching Tenerife, each of these locations are world-class areas due to their larger probabilities of recognizing these animals, however each locations are additionally actually completely different from one another, and every provides one thing distinctive.
Let’s break down this and see which vacation spot is greatest for you.
Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje might be probably the most widespread locations to go in Tenerife because it’s the place many resorts are positioned, and there’s a excessive likelihood you’re staying within the space too. It’s located on the southwest coast, and because the vacationer hub of Tenerife, its fundamental promoting factors are comfort and luxury.
If you happen to’re staying within the space, Playa de las Américas, Fañabé, or Costa Adeje itself, then the proximity to the ports of Puerto Colón and Puerto José Banús is a large plus. Why? Nicely, a lot of the whale watching boats depart from these ports, so that you’re just about already there.
Apart from that main promoting level, one other professional is that the waters round listed below are calm, since a lot of the shoreline is sheltered, so the ocean is usually actually easy. That is often a call maker for a lot of, in case you or anybody in your group is frightened about getting seasick.
Los Gigantes
Now, Los Gigantes or The Giants, because it interprets to English from Spanish, is totally completely different from Costa Adeje; the realm right here is full of towering, vertical cliffs that shoot up from the ocean and may attain over 800 meters excessive. It’s an imposing view.
Regardless of being only a 20-minute drive away from Costa Adeje, this space feels fully completely different, distinctive, and much more wild. Right here, you possibly can nearly really feel untouched, the native aspect of the island, since there are nearly no resorts right here; as an alternative, you get a city that has been constructed within the shadow of those cliffs.
Not solely that, however in relation to the whale watching excursions from right here, regardless of being on the identical aspect as Costa Adeje, these don’t simply hand around in a bay; they have a tendency to go out to the open Atlantic Ocean extra shortly. However what does that imply for you?
This often signifies that you get a unique extra deeper sense of true exploration and journey. Waters are choppier, and also you’re not simply on a tour; right here it feels such as you’re on a coastal exploration. Additionally, the views from the cliff are epic!

Marine Life Sightings
Now, you have to be questioning if there’s a distinction in relation to recognizing marine life. That is the million-dollar query, proper? Are you really going to see extra whales in a single place than the opposite?
Right here’s the reality: The whales and dolphins don’t care which port you allow from.
The primary completely different right here is the realm, the sensation you get and the backdrop, however the reality in relation to recognizing whales is that each Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes are positioned proper in the midst of an area inhabitants of whales and dolphins, they residents within the space and that’s the principle motive why Tenerife is a world-class choice in relation to this exercise.
That’s the key phrase: resident. It’s not a matter of luck; it’s a matter of geography. These animals stay right here year-round, feeding and socializing within the wealthy, deep waters between Tenerife and La Gomera.
So, whether or not you depart from the east (Costa Adeje) or the west (Los Gigantes), you’re heading to the identical common playground.
So, what are the probabilities of recognizing whales?
Your probabilities of seeing whales and dolphins are statistically excessive and similar from each Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes, which is nearly 90% on any given day.
Tenerife is among the most dependable whale-watching spots on the planet.
So, the “what” you see is just about the identical. The “how” you see it, and what you see round the animals, is the place the distinction lies.
The Verdict: Which Choice is Finest?
Alright, by now you’re already conversant in each locations, however now it’s resolution time. Let’s put all the pieces on the desk and match the vacation spot to the objectives:
Select Costa Adeje in case you are:
- A Household with Youngsters: The calm waters, quick access, and large boats are a lifesaver.
- Staying within the South: The comfort is king; the simple entry and proximity to the principle ports is a winner.
- On the lookout for a Relaxed, “All-Inclusive” Vibe: You need consolation and reliability, in addition to the entire seaside vacation bundle.
Select Los Gigantes in case you are:
- A Couple or a Solo Adventurer: The surroundings offers you an unimaginable backdrop. It feels extra unique and fewer “packaged.”
- A Images Fanatic: These cliffs! The mixture of geology and marine life is a photographer’s dream.
- Searching for a Extra “Genuine” Really feel: You need to really feel like a part of a much bigger exploration of Tenerife’s wilder west coast.
Conclusion
So, the place is the greatest whale watching place in Tenerife? The true reply is that there isn’t a single “greatest.” There’s solely a “greatest for you.” This turns into clear while you study the truth that whales are resident and the possibility of recognizing them doesn’t rely upon the place you depart from.
Costa Adeje is the snug, handy, and crowd-pleasing choice. It’s the dependable all-rounder that ensures a stress-free time out.
Los Gigantes is the dramatic, adventurous, and galvanizing choice. It’s the selection that provides a strong dose of gorgeous surroundings to an already unimaginable wildlife expertise.
You actually can’t make a flawed alternative. Each locations provide you with a front-row seat to certainly one of nature’s biggest reveals. The query is just: what sort of expertise do you like? The fashionable, snug one proper on the town, or the open-air one on the foot of the giants?
FAQs
You’ll be able to see whales and dolphins in Tenerife all 12 months spherical! There’s no “dangerous” season. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re hoping to identify migratory species like blue whales or orcas, your greatest wager is between April and June.
Respected operators in each Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes observe strict tips to guard the animals. They don’t chase them and hold a respectful distance.
Sunscreen, a hat, and sun shades. Even on cloudy days, the solar displays off the water.
Costa Adeje. The waters in its bay are considerably extra sheltered and calmer than the extra open ocean you discover round Los Gigantes.
No, swimming with the whales is strictly prohibited. It’s disruptive and disturbing for the animals
Final Up to date on October 12, 2025