Whale and dolphin watching on La Palma: in search of dolphins and whales

Whale and dolphin watching from Tazacorte

Whale and Dolphin Watching – 3 hour tour

The whale and dolphin watching excursion in La Palma “Ocean Explorer” is a fascinating 3-hour experience that allows participants to get close to marine life in its natural habitat.

• This tour starts from Puerto de Tazacorte, offering you a unique opportunity to observe up to 29 different types of cetaceans with the help of expert marine biologists.
• In addition to the exciting dolphin and whale watching, participants will have the opportunity to visit the famous Cueva Bonita, the idyllic cave of Poris la Candelaria, and the new volcanic deltas formed by the recent volcanic eruption on La Palma in 2021.
• The tour is available in English and Spanish and offers a free cancellation option up to 24 hours before the activity. The tour has a 96% whale watching success rate and is wheelchair accessible.

Remember: Lunch is not provided, so it is advisable to bring a hat and sunscreen to fully enjoy this unique maritime experience.

Fast yacht trip on La Palma – 2 hour tour

Embark on an exciting catamaran tour from the port of Tazacorte on the north coast of La Palma. The 2-hour tour “FANCY” will take you to explore some of the most impressive places in the region, such as Puntagorda, Tijarafe, Cueva Bonita and Playa de la Veta.

• During the excursion, you will have the opportunity to see dolphins in their natural environment and admire amazing rock formations. You’ll travel on a specially designed catamaran that offers underwater views and access to unique areas such as Cueva Bonita.
• You will have a crew with 15 years of experience in the waters of the Canary Islands, which also offers additional safety with a rescue boat and life jackets.
• Includes snacks and drinks on board while you relax on the spacious deck in the sun.

Please note: this tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people under 17 years of age. Pets are allowed, but it is necessary to inform the activity provider in advance. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and comfortable clothing to fully enjoy this maritime experience.

What species of cetaceans can you see on La Palma?

This is a brief guide to the cetaceans that you can see on whale watching excursions on La Palma, so that you can get to know them before you see them in person:

MISTICETOS

Fin whale (Balaenoptera edeni):

• Description: Dark grey dorsally, lighter ventrally, with 3 longitudinal ridges on the head.
• Behaviour: Solitary or in pairs, without large latitudinal migrations.
• Weight: 16-18.5 tonnes
• Size: 13.7-14.5m
• Conservation Status: Least Concern
• Food: Krill and fish

First fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus):.

• Description: Second largest cetacean, dark dorsal and white ventral colouring, with an asymmetrical rostrum.
• Behaviour: Social, in groups of 2-10, dives of 100-200 metres.
• Weight: Males 50T, Females 39T
• Size: Males 20m, Females 18.5m
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable
• Food: Mainly krill

Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis):

• Description: Tapering head, dark grey or brown above and whitish below, high and curved dorsal fin.
• Behaviour: Solitary or in groups of up to 5, in breeding and feeding areas up to 200.
• Weight: 15-17T
• Size: 14.5m
• Conservation Status: Threatened
• Food: Mainly krill

ODONTOCETOS

Tropical or Short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus):

• Description: Identifiable by its 3 crests on the head and its high dorsal fin, the pilot whale has a hydrodynamic body of dark grey colour with white or pinkish shades. Generally solitary, they do not migrate and feed on squid, octopus and fish.
• Size: Up to 6.5m for males, 5m for females.
• Food: Squid, octopus and fish (occasionally).

Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus):

• Description: The largest toothed cetacean, with a large rounded head and a distinctive blowhole. It dives to 2000m to feed and can be seen in the Canary Islands all year round.
• Size: Up to 17m for males, 11m for females.
• Conservation: Vulnerable.
• Food: Squid and deep-water fishes

Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus):

• Description: Famous for its coastal affinity, it has a greyish body and can be seen in the Canary Islands all year round, in groups of up to 20 individuals.
• Size: 1,9 – 3,8m
• .Food: Fish, squid, octopus and crustaceans.

Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis):

• Description: Recognisable by its yellowish flanks, this active dolphin forms large groups and can dive to 200m. Present in the Canary Islands during winter and spring.
• Size: 2.5m.
• Food: Fish, squid and octopus.

Rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis):

• Description: Distinguished by its lack of separation between the melon and the snout, this greyish oceanic dolphin is difficult to observe, but is present in the coastal waters of the Canary Islands.
• Size: 2.6 – 2.8m.
• Food: Fish, squid and octopus.

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin (Stenella frontalis):

• Description: One of the youngest dolphins, with spots appearing at 2-3 years of age. Performs acrobatics and approaches boats.
• Size: 2 – 2,3m.
• Food: Fish, squid, octopus and crustaceans.

Striped Dolphin (Stenella corelueoalba):

• Description: It is characterised by the black lines on its body. It is an active and acrobatic species, present in warm and temperate waters of the Canary Islands.
• Size: 2.5m.
• Food: Fish, squid, octopus and crustaceans.

False killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens)

• Description: Similar in appearance to the killer whale but smaller and with a slimmer body. It feeds on fish and squid and can form large groups.
• Size: 4,5 – 6,1m.
• Food: fish, squid and other dolphins (rare)

Other species

Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris):

• Description: Weighing 3 tonnes, Cuvier’s beaked whales are the most common species of beaked whale in the area. They are distinguished by their small groups and prolonged apnoea. Males have two visible conical teeth, associated with mating and fighting for females.
• Size: 5,5 – 6,9 m
• Food: Mainly fish and deep-water squid.

Blainville’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris):

• Description: The Blainville’s beaked whale, which weighs between 800 and 1000 kg, has a robust body and a small head. Mature males have two visible teeth on the lower jaw, and their fur is brownish or dark grey in colour.
• Size: 4,5m
• Food: It feeds on fish and squid at depths ranging from 300 to 1300 metres.

Grey Pilot Whale (Grampus griseus):

• Description: Also known as Risso’s or Risso’s dolphin, the Risso’s dolphin weighs between 350 and 450 kg. Its robust body and characteristic high dorsal fin are noticeable, as well as the white scars that cover its body, especially in males, which increase with age.
• Size: 3.8 m
• Foodstuffs: It feeds mainly on squid and fish.

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