Few places in Europe make whale watching this easy. A pod of around 200 short-finned pilot whales lives permanently in the deep channel between south Tenerife and La Gomera, joined by bottlenose dolphins — which means sailings from Costa Adeje spot cetaceans on the large majority of trips, all year round.
Choose a responsible boat
Look for the "Barco Azul" (blue boat) certification. It is awarded to operators that respect the rules protecting the whales: a maximum number of boats near a pod, a minimum approach distance, and no chasing. A good tour will cut the engines and let the animals come to you.
Adeje Bay Boat Tours runs small-group catamaran sailings from Puerto Colón with snorkel stops along the cliffs of Los Gigantes on the longer trips.
What to bring
- Sun protection – the Atlantic breeze hides a strong sun.
- A light layer – it is cooler on the water than on the beach.
- Motion-sickness tablets if you are sensitive; mornings are usually calmest.
- A camera with a strap – you will want both hands free.
When to go
Sightings are good in every month, but the sea is flattest from late spring through early autumn. Morning departures generally have the calmest water and the best light.
Compare every boat trip and sailing on the island, or plan the rest of your day in Costa Adeje.
