The Atlantic Ocean
This is the ocean that laps – or some days, crashes – up against the beaches and coastline of Tenerife. The Equator divides the Atlantic Ocean into the South Atlantic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, with Tenerife being located in the North Atlantic. The average water temperature around Tenerife is between 19ºC and 23ºC, making it a very refreshing way to cool off from the hot sun, whatever time of the year it may be that you are visiting the island.
The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest ocean on earth after the Pacific Ocean, covering more than forty one million square miles, approximately twenty five per cent of the earth’s surface. It stretches from the Arctic Circle to Antarctica, it is bordered to the east by Europe and Africa and to the west by the Americas.
As you can imagine, such a vast expanse of water is the home to many different species of fish, whale and dolphins.
What is living in the sea around Tenerife?
The sea around Tenerife is full of under water wild life. Of the eighty well known whales, dolphins and porpoises in the world, twenty of them have been observed in the waters around Tenerife and the other Canary Islands. (with recently an area just off the west coast of Tenerife being declared one of the most important conservation sites for sea mammals in Europe).
The sea between the island of Tenerife and La Gomera is one of the deepest parts of the Atlantic Ocean, reaching almost two thousands metres below the surface, making it an ideal place for Bottlenose Dolphins and Short finned Pilot Whales to hang out all year round.
Pilot whales are more active at night when they use that time to hunt large amounts of fish and the squid that they are particularly partial too! Because they are so busy at night hunting, they tend to spend their days on the surface – where there can be found floating and relaxing – perfect for anyone thinking about going whale watching in Tenerife – it would be very unlikely that you would not spot one! Another quick did you know fact – Pilot Whales switch off one side of their brain to rest it whilst the other part of the brain is then in charge of keeping the animal breathing!
Bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales are resident species in the waters around Tenerife, however we do get occasional visits from Bryde’s Whales, Sperm Whales as well as both the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin and Risso Dolphins.
Our seasonal visitors – between the months of November and February – are the Common Dolphin, the Humpback Whale and Fin Whales when they pass by the coasts of Tenerife on their migratory journey.
Rare species include the iller Orca Whale, Pygmy Sperm Whales and Blue Whales only spotted on very rare occasions.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GO WHALE WATCHING IN TENERIFE?
January, February and March are generally consider the best months of the year to spot the usual Pilot Whales with the extra opportunity to get a glimpse of the Humpback and Fin Whales as they journey past our island. The beginning of March can also see the Sperm Whale in high season too!
May and June are generally considered the best months for whale watching in Tenerife, when you will typically see Pilot Whales, and perhaps a few Sperm Whales as their high season comes to an end. The likelihood of seeing an Orca is at it’s highest in these months. Temperatures generally at this time of the year are between 20º and 25ºC making any whale watching a trip a real delight as you benefit from the warm sunshine whilst enjoying the natural wonders of the sea.
July, August and September are often the busiest months as far as boat trips are concerned and a great way to enjoy a day out at sea, and get a tan. Suntan cream and a hat are a must! And if you are lucky, the whales and dolphins may come out to play and entertain you.
Some Tips for Enjoying your Whale Watching in Tenerife
If you are prone to sea sickness, have some medication you with. The sea can be choppy at times and nothing will ruin your experience more than turning green around the edges! Most tablets have to be taken an hour or so beforehand, but it is always recommended to follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
Have the right clothing with you – a towel and swimwear are a must more or less all year round, but in the winter months when it is windier, a light jacket is recommended. Don’t forget your hat, sunglasses and suntan lotion.
And finally remember your camera or phone to make sure you don’t miss recording your memories of the day. We recommend you have them on a strap around your neck to avoid it falling over board!
