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At Whale Watch Tenerife, we experience unique moments at sea every day, but there are occasions that leave us speechless… Just like what happened a month ago, when during one of our trips, we witnessed something truly extraordinary: a sighting of orcas!
Seeing orcas in the Canary Islands is a very rare phenomenon because they don’t usually come close to shore, which made this experience incredibly special for both our team and the passengers on board.
Since we couldn’t just leave it as an Instagram post, we’re updating the blog this month because we want to share more about these incredible animals.
What are orcas doing in Tenerife?
Orcas are highly intelligent and adaptable animals that inhabit nearly all the world’s oceans. In the Canary Islands, sightings have been recorded occasionally, especially during certain times of the year (spring, particularly March and April).
Their presence in our waters may be linked to the migratory route of tuna, one of their favorite prey. Orcas follow these large schools as they move through the Atlantic, which means their appearance in Tenerife is likely connected to this search for food.
Did you know that orcas are actually dolphins?
Even though their English name is “killer whale,” orcas are not whales.
They are, in fact, the largest dolphins on the planet. For centuries, any marine creature over 5 meters long was classified as a whale, until more detailed studies of their anatomical and physiological features (like their teeth and blowhole) led scientists to reclassify them as part of the Delphinidae family — that is, oceanic dolphins.
They hunt everything: from fish to sharks
Orcas are apex predators. They feed on practically everything — from fish and seabirds to even sharks.
What’s most amazing is that they are extremely intelligent and use organized hunting strategies, often working as a group, which shows a very high level of coordination and learning.
In some regions, hunting techniques even vary from one family to another, as if each group had its own “culture,” passing down these refined strategies from generation to generation.
A privilege along our coast
The sighting of orcas in Tenerife is an exciting reminder of the marine biodiversity surrounding our island.
For our team, it’s an honor to share these kinds of encounters with those who trust us to provide an unforgettable experience at sea.
We’re still thrilled about that magical moment we experienced a month ago. Even though it was brief, it was intense! And we say brief because the pilot whales — Tenerife’s resident cetaceans — teamed up and chased them off!
Book your experience with us at whalewatchtenerife.org
