Whale Watching on La Palma – Home to a Third of All Cetacean Species

The waters around La Palma are among the most species-rich marine mammal habitats in the eastern Atlantic. Roughly a third of all known whale and dolphin species worldwide have already been recorded in Canarian waters – a richness that comes down to the combination of warm surface waters, deep underwater canyons close to shore, and a constant supply of food.

Common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) are present all year round. In spring and summer, migrating great whales join them: sperm whales, fin whales and sei whales pass through on their migration routes. If you’re lucky enough to visit in the right month, you might even see a blue whale – the largest animal that has ever lived on Earth.

Operators at Tazacorte Harbour

Almost all whale-watching tours depart from the sheltered harbour of Puerto de Tazacorte on the west coast. The location is ideal: a short crossing to the deep-water areas, stable conditions on the west coast, and the chance to take in both the steep coastline and the Cueva Bonita along the way.

What You Can See

Dolphins are almost guaranteed: common bottlenose dolphins follow the boats, play in the bow wave and put on a show of leaps. Pilot whales – social, easy-going animals that live in family groups – often drift slowly at the surface and can be approached surprisingly closely. Sperm whales are rarer, but spectacular when they do appear: their distinctive blow, angled forward, is the unmistakable giveaway.

Many tours also take in the Cueva Bonita, the lava delta left by the Tajogaite eruption, and the hard-to-reach coves along the steep coastline. The trip out to sea doubles as a nature, geology and cultural experience all at once.

Best Time to Visit

Sightings happen all year round, but the best season for the larger whales is spring through summer (April to September). Pilot whales and common bottlenose dolphins are present year-round, making them the most reliable sighting. Morning tours (roughly 10am–1pm) often have calmer seas and therefore better visibility.

Tips Against Sea Sickness

If you’re prone to sea sickness: choose a larger, more stable boat (Fancy II or Flipper), sit in the middle of the boat, keep your eyes on the horizon, and skip a heavy breakfast before departure. Some pharmacies on La Palma sell seasickness remedies as tablets or patches – start taking them the day before your tour.

The Coastal Highlights: What the Boats Show

The coastline north of Tazacorte can’t be reached on foot and isn’t visible from the road – only from the water does it come into view. Three highlights feature on the itinerary of most tours:

Which Boat for Whom?

Speedboats (like the Inia) have the highest sighting rate, since they can react quickly and move to where the animals are. If you’re sensitive to rough seas, go for the Fancy II or the Bussard – larger, more stable boats with less motion. The Bussard offers the most personal experience: just 12 guests, four hours, a meal on board, and a swim stop. The Nemo suits anyone who prefers a small group and isn’t chasing the big spectacle moments.

Sailing on La Palma

Tazacorte and Santa Cruz are the two starting points for sailing trips. Day trips and sunset cruises (around 3.5 hours) with swim stops in secluded coves are the most popular option. Many sailing trips combine whale watching too, since the trade winds and the marine wildlife converge in the same spot.

Island Hopping by Ferry: La Gomera and El Hierro

If you want to visit the other western islands from La Palma, take the ferry from Santa Cruz. Tenerife (Los Cristianos): around 2.5 to 3 hours, several times daily, with Fred Olsen or Naviera Armas. La Gomera: often a stop along the Tenerife ferry route, around 2 hours. El Hierro: no direct connection – you’ll need to change in Tenerife. A one-way ticket to Tenerife starts at around €50. Bringing a rental car: only permitted with local providers like Cicar, and only with advance notice – the international chains don’t allow it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Pilot Whales – The Social Giants

Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) are the most characteristic marine mammal in Canarian waters. They live in tight-knit family groups of 10–30 animals. On whale-watching tours, you’ll often find them drifting calmly at the surface – less active than dolphins, but their sheer size (up to 6 metres and over 2 tonnes) and the closeness with which they lie together is impressive.

Pilot whales communicate through clicks and whistles that are audible underwater. Some boat operators carry underwater microphones on board – hearing the whales’ chatter directly while the animals swim just metres away is an experience no photo can capture.