Whale and Dolphin species from Tenerife Island
Tenerife is one of the best places in the world to observe whales and dolphins in their natural environment. More than 20 species of cetaceans have been encountered in our waters. The calm and pristine waters, combined with a rich marine ecosystem makes the South-West of Tenerife the perfect place for a great variety of marine species.
Resident Species
In Tenerife, we have the largest resident population of Short-finned Pilot whales in the world; around 400 animals live in our waters all year long. Bottlenose dolphins are resident as well, being possible to observe two different eco-types (the coastal and the oceanic). These two species can be observed almost every day, in 99% of our tours.
Short-finned pilot whale
(Globicephala macrorhynchus)
Bottlenose dolphin
(Tursiops truncatus)
Occasional Species
Other species of whales and dolphins can be seen all year round at unspecific frequencies. The sighting of these species depends on many factors such as the temperature of the water, the oceanic currents, the food resources and the distance from the coast.
Atlantic spotted dolphin
(Stenella frontalis)
Common dolphin
(Delphinus delphis)
Bryde’s whale
(Balaenoptera edeni)
Sperm whale
(Physeter macrocephalus)
Other Animals
Loggerhead turtle
(Caretta caretta)
