Pilot whales — south Tenerife / La Gomera channel

About this spectacle

In the sheltered channel between Tenerife's southern coast and La Gomera, resident pods of short-finned pilot whales glide through deep blue waters year-round. These are not seasonal visitors — families of pilot whales call this channel home permanently, often lounging at the surface, spy-hopping, and socialising within sight of whale-watching vessels. Bottlenose dolphins frequently join the scene. The channel's underwater topography — a steep submarine canyon — concentrates deep-water prey, keeping the animals reliably present. From the boat you can hear the exhalations before you spot the dark, bulbous heads breaking the surface. Light is typically strong and clear, especially in the morning hours. This is one of the few places on Earth where wild cetaceans can be encountered with near-certainty on almost any calm day.

When to go

Jan — Dec

Getting there

Nearest airport: TFS. Nearest city: Los Cristianos.

Booking options

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