The cetaceans that inhabit the waters of Tenerife, such as pilot whales, and bottlenose dolphins, have developed amazing mechanisms to orient themselves and navigate in the Atlantic Ocean.
At Whale Watch Tenerife, we observe how these incredible animals use their natural navigation skills in their environment, which allows us to better understand their behavior and their relationship with the marine ecosystem.

Echolocation is one of the most impressive navigation methods employed by cetaceans. Used by dolphins, pilot whales, and sperm whales, this mechanism works by emitting sounds that bounce off objects or prey, creating echoes that the animals interpret to navigate and hunt in deep or low-visibility waters.

For pilot whales, which are regular residents of Tenerife, this ability is crucial, as they often dive to great depths to hunt giant squid and fish. This method is also common in the bottlenose dolphin, another species that frequents our waters, which uses echolocation to navigate and find food in the underwater environment.

Another essential aspect of cetacean orientation in Tenerife is the influence of ocean currents.
These warm, nutrient-rich waters attract a wide variety of cetacean species, both resident and migratory.

Whales such as the common minke whale and other temporary visitors often take advantage of these currents to travel, especially during their migratory routes. The currents help cetaceans reduce the effort of their movements, guiding them through routes they already know and providing access to areas rich in food.

Geographical memory also plays an important role in cetacean navigation. It has been shown that many species have an impressive ability to remember routes and landmarks in their marine environment. This is particularly evident in humpback whales, which travel long distances and often return to the same areas year after year, migrating between feeding and breeding grounds. In the Canary Islands, we can see them only occasionally because it is merely a “pass-through area”.
In Tenerife, tropical pilot whales, being a resident species, have learned to move in specific areas and are well acquainted with zones where they can find food and shelter.

By joining us on a tour with Whale Watch Tenerife, you can observe these animals up close in their natural habitat and discover how they navigate and move along Costa Adeje.

Each outing is an opportunity to better understand the life of the cetaceans in Tenerife, their extraordinary ability to navigate, and the importance of conserving these unique marine ecosystems.

Discover the fascinating world of cetaceans in Tenerife by booking your place on our website: whalewatchtenerife.org

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