Sailboat
Tasmanian Devil · Oceanis 43
13 m
10 pax
4 cabins
2009
From €2,000 / week
See availability
Teno-Rasca · Tenerife · All year round
Whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife by private boat
Resident population of pilot whale and bottlenose dolphin all year round, just over an hour's sail from Marina del Sur. Without sharing deck with anyone and without a clock on top.
✓ Cetaceans resident all year round
✓ 100% private boat
✓ Professional skipper included
✓ Without qualification
~1hNavigation to the area
12 monthsResident populations
4–8hDuration of the outing
0Shared places
The starting point
The problem of sighting in Tenerife is the clock
The area is extraordinary: resident population of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins throughout the year, one hour's sail from the south coast. In terms of probability of sighting, few parts of the world surpass it.
The problem is how it is exploited. Large-capacity boats, three daily shifts and a commercial promise—"guaranteed sighting"—that creates exactly the wrong pressure: if nothing has appeared at 12:40 and you have to be back at 1:30 p.m., the temptation to rush the approach is there. And when several boats converge on the same group of animals, the loser is the group of animals.
For you, it also means two specific things: you see what you have time to see, and you see it from a full deck. If the pilot whales stay on the surface for half an hour, you don't.
The proposal
No next shift, no promise to keep, no rush
The whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife is not an attraction set up for tourism: it is a consequence of geography. The marine strip that goes from Punta de Teno to Punta de Rasca, on the southwest coast of the island, has deep waters very close to land, a stable current and a temperature that barely varies throughout the year. This has established resident populations of tropical pilot whale and bottlenose dolphin that do not migrate.
The practical consequence is that cetaceans are seen here twelve months of the year, not in a seasonal window as happens in almost all other sighting destinations in the world. From our base in Marina del Sur (Las Galletas) you can enter the area in just over an hour by boat.
The difference between doing it with us is simple: the boat is only for your group. You do not share the deck with one hundred and fifty people, there is no public address system, you do not have to return at 1:00 p.m. because the next shift comes on and, if the group of pilot whales appears, you stay as long as the regulations allow instead of as long as the schedule allows.
The fauna
What cetaceans are seen in Tenerife
Two resident species with very consistent sightings, and a long catalog of species occasional.
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Tropical pilot whale
The star species of the area. It is a large dolphin with a rounded head and a dark color, which lives in stable family groups and spends a good part of the day resting on the surface. Resident population in Teno-Rasca throughout the year.
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Bottlenose dolphin
The classic dolphin, also resident in the area. It usually appears in more dynamic groups and frequently approaches the bow of the boat to ride the wave, which is when the outing becomes something else.
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Occasional species
Canary waters record a high number of cetacean species throughout the year: spotted dolphin, common dolphin, beaked whales, fin whales and, if you are lucky and during the voyage, sperm whale. They are specific sightings, not predictable.
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Turtles and birds
The loggerhead turtle is common on the surface in this strip, and shearwaters and other seabirds are seen along the route. It is usually the extra that no one expects and that ends up in the photos.
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Is there a season?
For the two resident species, no: they are seen all year round. Spring usually adds more variety of passing species. Our Canary season runs from November to April, so it covers a good part of the calendar.
⚠️
What we are not going to promise you
They are wild animals. The probability of sighting in this area is one of the highest there is, but there is no guarantee, and be wary of anyone who gives it to you. What we do guarantee is that you navigate the area well and without rushing.
The departure
What is a sighting trip with us like
Departure from Marina del Sur, in Las Galletas (Arona). You board with the skipper, who explains the boat and the day's plan according to the report and according to recent sightings in the area.
Heading to Teno-Rasca. Just over an hour of navigation towards the west, bordering the south coast. If it is windy, you go under sail, which is also the quietest and least invasive way to approach.
Search and approach. The skipper reduces the machine and approaches following the regulations. The approach is made parallel to the group, never in front or cutting off its path, and the minimum distance is maintained. If the animals approach them, it is another story.
Swimming stop. On the way back, anchor on the southwest coast—Playa Paraíso, the coast of Adeje or Palm-Mar depending on the day—to eat and bathe. The water is 19-20 °C even in January.
Return. With the afternoon light, which is good on this coast. Between four and eight hours in total, depending on the format you choose.
Responsible sighting
How to approach a cetacean (and why it matters)
Canary waters are regulated for whale watching, and for good reason: the Teno-Rasca strip concentrates both a resident population and one of the greatest pressures of nautical traffic in Europe. State regulations establish a exclusion zone around the animals, limit the number of boats that can be simultaneously with a group, limit the time they remain and prohibit cutting their path, separating the young from the group or forcing the approach.
In practice this means specific things on board: reduced speed when entering the area, parallel approach and from behind, engine at idle or directly under sail, and leave the area just as slowly. If there are already several boats with a group, we wait or look for another one.
The skipper takes care of all of this, and it is not negotiable even if the group asks for it. A private charter boat has an obvious advantage here over an excursion boat with one hundred and fifty passengers and three shifts to serve: there is no commercial pressure to force a sighting. If they don't show up today, they don't show up, and the plan becomes an equally good day of sailing and anchoring. there is no commercial pressure to force a sighting. If they don't show up today, they don't show up, and the plan becomes an equally good day of sailing and anchoring.
It is also the reason why we prefer long outings: with just four hours the temptation to hurry is there. Not with a full day.
Formats
How much time do you need
🕓
Half a day — 4 to 5 hours
The reasonable minimum. You can get to the area, search, stay for a while and return, but without much margin if the animals take a while to appear. It goes for hourly rental.
☀️
Full day — 6 to 8 hours
What we recommend. Whale area with plenty of time, a swimming stop and, if you feel like it, go to see the Los Gigantes cliffs, which are just to the north. See rent for one day.
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Within a week of charter
If you do the weekly charter, the strip is on the way to Los Gigantes and La Gomera. It is common to cross it several times in the same week, and each day is different.
The fleet
Which boat is best suited for sighting
Catamarans are the most comfortable for standing on deck; Sailboats allow you to approach by sail, without a motor.
Sailboat
Turrun Turrun · Sun Odyssey 419
12.8 m
8 pax
3 cabins
2017
From €2,200 / week
See availability
Sailboat
Akilina · Bavaria 45
14 m
8 pax
4 cabins
2013
From €2,400 / week
See availability
Sailboat
Cotufa · Jeanneau SO 380
11.2 m
6 pax
3 cabins
2025
From €2,400 / week
View availability
Sailboat
Tomeu · Jeanneau SO 410
12.5 m
8 pax
3 cabins
2023
From €2,400 / week
View availability
Sailboat
Majadero · Sun Odyssey 440
13.4 m
8 pax
4 cabins
2024
From €3,500 / week
View availability
Sailboat
Te Fiti · Sun Odyssey 519
16 m
10 pax
5 cabins
2018
From €3,800 / week
View availability
Sailboat
Little Mia · Sun Odyssey 490
14.3 m
11 pax
5 cabins
2019
From €4,000 / week
View availability
Sailboat
Joulukka · Jeanneau Yacht 54
16.7 m
10 pax
5 cabins
2019
From €4,300 / week
See availability
Sailboat
Le Grand · Oceanis 51.1
14.98 m
10 pax
5 cabins
2024
From €4,900 / week
See availability
Sailboat
Totufo · Jeanneau Yacht 54
16.5 m
10 pax
5 cabins
2023
From €5,100 / week
See availability
Sailboat
Katalina · Oceanis 41
12.5 m
8 pax
3 cabins
2012
Check rate / week
See availability
Catamaran
Ky Dong · Lagoon 43
13.85 m
9 pax
4 cabins
2025
Check rate / week
See availability
Catamaran
Machango · Lagoon 46
14 m
8 pax
4 cabins
2021
Consult rate / week
See availability
Why with us
We are not a boat finder. We are sailors.
Service offered by and for sailors. The difference is noticeable from check-in.
Own fleet, not a marketplace. The boat you reserve is maintained, inspected and delivered by us. We do not put you in contact with an unknown owner and we move away.
The check-in is done by a sailor. Not an administrator with a signature sheet: someone who knows the anchorages of the island, the accelerations of the channels and at what time it is convenient to cross.
Support throughout the entire charter. Our technical team is contactable for the days that your rental lasts. If something arises on board, we will resolve it without you wasting the week.
We work with Jeanneau, Bénéteau, Lagoon, Yanmar and Pantaenius.
What those who have already sailed with us say
★★★★★
Jose Antonio Cuellas
«I have shared with Ángel Escolar Escuder (ECC Yach Charter) an unforgettable crossing between Mallorca and Tenerife. As captain, he has at all times generated the necessary security and confidence for navigation decisions […]. The boat, the Machango, an excellent catamaran equipped with more comforts and equipment than one would expect, a luxury."
Review on Google
★★★★★
Alexander Brandner
«The best in the city! We went out with the amazing and spacious catamaran "Machango" this week, what can I say... Just perfect! Great boat, charming and sea-wise captain, excellent management, just an overall satisfying experience! Thank you, Augusto!»
Google Review
★★★★★
Alvaro Roberto Suquía Rodet
«I have rented sailboats between 30 and 45 on more than 8 occasions and it is the first time that I would repeat with the same company. The boat was an Oceanis 43 […] it was in very good condition and caused no problems. As for payment, everything has been done in order and with invoices; the deposit managed and returned.»
Google review
★★★★★
Godo
«The people, especially the Canarian hosts and organizers, exceptional. The solution of small inconveniences or problems, quickly and efficiently. The stages are very well thought out. Anchorages or overnight stays in port are very opportune. All in all, it was a magnificent week […].»
Review on TripAdvisor
How to book
From the first consultation to boarding, in 4 steps
No long forms or commitments until the boat is confirmed.
01
Tell us the plan
Dates, how many of you there are and what you want to do. By WhatsApp or by phone, in two minutes. We do not ask for information that we do not need.
02
We propose a boat and price
We look at what is available on those dates and we tell you honestly which unit fits your group. Closed budget, without intermediary commission.
03
You confirm with 50%
50% blocks the reservation and the remaining 50% is paid four weeks before boarding. Until that first payment there is no commitment of any kind.
04
Boaring
Check-in at Marina del Sur or Marina Santa Cruz with a briefing from a team navigator: the boat, the area, the part and the anchorages. No rush.
Frequently asked questions
Whale watching in Tenerife: frequently asked questions
What is the best time to see whales and dolphins in Tenerife?
Any. The two main species in the area —pilot pilot whale and bottlenose dolphin— are resident populations in the Teno-Rasca strip, non-migratory, so they are seen throughout the year. in the Teno-Rasca strip, non-migratory, so they are seen throughout the year.
That distinguishes Tenerife from almost all other birdwatching destinations in the world, where you have to go in a specific window. Spring usually adds more variety of species passing through, but for the base sighting the month does not matter.
What is the probability of seeing cetaceans?
Very high, and it is one of the most consistent areas that exist precisely because they are resident populations. But we do not give a guarantee of sightings, and be wary of anyone who gives it to you: they are wild animals in the wild.
What you can take for granted is that you navigate the correct area, with time and without a commercial rush. If one day they do not appear, the departure is still a day of sailing and anchoring along the best coast of the island.
How much does whale watching in Tenerife cost?
It depends on whether you are looking for a place on a shared excursion or a private boat. Shared excursions that leave from Los Cristianos or Puerto Colón cost around tens of euros per person.
Ours is something else: you rent the entire boat with skipper included, and the price depends on the boat, the duration and the date. In a group of eight or ten people the difference per head is quite narrow. Write to us with the date and number of people and we will send you the final quote.
Where does it depart from?
From Marina del Sur, in Las Galletas (Arona), our main base on the island. It is a quarter of an hour from the Tenerife South airport and a few minutes by car from Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje.
From there, the entrance to the Teno-Rasca strip is just over an hour sailing west.
Is it a shared excursion?
No. Our outings are 100% private: the boat belongs to your group and no one gets on board other than the skipper.
This is the difference with the majority offer on the island—the pirate ship, the Viking ship, the large-capacity catamarans of Los Cristianos and Puerto Colón—, which works by filling places with a fixed schedule and several shifts per day. day.
How is the approach to animals done?
Following the regulations for whale watching: reduced speed when entering the area, parallel approach and never cutting off the group's path, respect for the minimum distance, limit of time spent and limit of simultaneous vessels.
If there are already several boats with a group, wait or look for another one. The boss takes care of this and it is not negotiable, even if the group insists. It is also the best way for a good sighting: the relaxed animals stay.
Can it be combined with Los Gigantes?
It is the natural combination, because the strip of cetaceans is literally on the way to the cliff. In a full day both things fit comfortably.
More details about that route in navigate to Los Gigantes.
Is it suitable for children? Do they get dizzy?
Yes, it is one of the plans that works best with children. The navigation area is in the lee of the island, with seas much more manageable than in the north.
If someone in the group is prone to seasickness, we recommend catamaran: it sails upright and the movement is much flatter than on a heeled sailboat. And leave in the morning, when there is usually less wind.
Do I need a nautical qualification?
No. The departure goes with professional skipper included, who is responsible for the boat and ensuring that the approach to the cetaceans is done correctly.
You and your group are passengers. No license or prior experience of any kind is required.
Plans that combine well
Outing format
Which boat to choose
Check availability
Tell us your date and we'll tell you what ship is free
The calendar shows the occupation of the fleet. For a sighting trip, the quickest thing is to write to us.
Tell us what boat you are looking for
Type of boat (sailboat, catamaran), dates, number of people and type (with or without skipper). We propose the available boats that best fit.
- Personalized response in less than 24 hours
- We propose the available boats that best fit
- No obligation until payment of 50% reservation
or call us at +34 615 348 576