List of Tenerife Cetacean Species
What whales and dolphins are in Tenerife?
Tenerife Whale and Dolphin Species
The island of Tenerife creates a unique ocean environment where in 2018 we observed 17 different species of whales and dolphins! Did you know that Tenerife is the third tallest volcanic island in the world? The dormant volcano ‘El Teide’ rises almost 8km from the ocean floor to the tallest peak of the volcano on the island. This creates a steep underwater topography between Tenerife and our neighbouring island, La Gomera. This pass between the islands is a rich ecosystem where whales and dolphins hunt in depths of up to 3000m. We take guests into this unique and cetacean rich marine environment to explore during our Tenerife whale and dolphin watching tours.
Commonly Encountered Cetacean Species
Pilot Whale
Tenerife is home to one the largest resident populations of short finned Pilot whales in the world! Typically found not far offshore the Pilot whales are seen on 99% of our tours.
Bottlenose Dolphin
Both the coastal and oceanic eco-types of Bottlenose dolphins can be seen all year in Tenerife. The Bottlenose dolphin is seen on over 70% of our tours.
Frequently Encountered Cetacean Species
Spotted Dolphins
Bryde’s Whales
Infrequently Encountered Cetacean Species
Sperm Whales
Common Dolphin
Fin Whale
Striped Dolphin
Blainville’s Beaked Whale
Rough Toothed Dolphin
Rarely Encountered Cetacean Species
Most Rare Whale and Dolphin Species
Blue Whale – Sei Whale – Humpback Whale – Minke Whale – Fraser’s Dolphin – Risso’s Dolphins – Orca – False Killer Whale – Dwarf Sperm Whale – Pygmy Sperm Whale – Gerval’s Beaked Whale – True’s Beaked Whale – Northern Bottlenose Whale – Cuvier’s Beaked Whale