What kind of whales 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 whales are a resident species along Costa Adeje Tenerife

Pilot Whale

Globicephala macrorhynchus

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Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

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Frequently Encountered Cetacean Species

Spotted Dolphins

Stenella frontalis

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Bryde’s Whales

Balaenoptera brydei

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Infrequently Encountered Cetacean Species

there is a resident population of Sperm whales in Tenerife

Sperm Whales

Physeter macrocephalus

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Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

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Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

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Striped Dolphin

Stenella coeruleoalba

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