Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
A marine wildlife expedition with a biologist in Tenerife is a boat-based observation trip in a small group, led by a marine biology specialist who explains the animals’ behaviour and often lets you listen to them with a hydrophone. The focus is on cetaceans, but also turtles and seabirds.
What sets it apart from a standard whale-watching trip is the quality of the interpretation and the group size. This page helps you check that the scientific side is real and choose the trip that suits you.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Marine observation trip with a biologist, in a small group |
| Group | Around 10–12 people in the offers reviewed |
| Boat | Often a RIB or small boat; also specialised catamarans |
| Duration | About 2–2.5 hours in the offers reviewed |
| Usual wildlife | Short-finned pilot whale, bottlenose dolphin; turtles and seabirds |
| Common extras | Hydrophone, photos sent afterwards, data for research |
| Authorisations | The same as any whale-watching trip: Barco Azul (Blue Boat) certification and AROC authorisation |
| Price | Depends on the provider, the duration and the boat |
What sets it apart from a standard whale-watching trip
| Aspect | Standard whale watching | Expedition with a biologist |
|---|---|---|
| Group | From dozens of people | About 10–12 people |
| Guide | Sector-specific tourist guide | Marine biologist or specialist |
| Explanation | General | Behaviour, ecology, species identification |
| Listening | Rarely | Hydrophone on many trips |
| Focus | Leisure | Interpretation and sometimes support for research |
If you are looking for a more relaxed trip with a swim and a meal, the standard whale and dolphin watching trip or the catamaran excursion may suit you better.
What happens
- Meeting at the port and safety briefing.
- Sailing towards the deep waters of the Teno-Rasca marine strip.
- Wildlife search, with the biologist explaining the resident species and those passing through.
- Observation keeping to the distance and time limits set by the regulations.
- Listening with a hydrophone, on many trips, with the engine off.
- Data recording, on some trips, shared with research projects.
- Return and, in some cases, photos sent to you.
Which wildlife you may see
- Short-finned pilot whale, a resident species and the most common.
- Bottlenose dolphin, also frequent.
- Sea turtles, fairly often.
- Seabirds, such as shearwaters, at certain times of year.
- Other cetacean species, occasionally or on migration.
No operator can guarantee which species you will see.
Who it suits
- People interested in biology and conservation.
- Families with curious children who want to learn, not just look.
- Nature photographers, thanks to the small group.
- Students and educational groups.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Anyone who gets seasick easily: small boats move more.
- Back problems or pregnancy: RIBs can bang hard in choppy seas.
- Anyone wanting a swim, food and relaxation: a catamaran is a better choice.
- Very young children: check the minimum age and life jackets.
How to choose well
- Who is guiding? Is it a marine biologist or accredited specialist?
- How many people per trip?
- Which boat? RIB, small boat or catamaran.
- Does it have Barco Azul certification and AROC authorisation for the Teno-Rasca SAC (ZEC)?
- Does it carry a hydrophone?
- Does it work with any research project? How?
- Does it send photos?
- If it advertises a sighting guarantee, what does that involve? It is usually a free repeat trip, not a promise of wildlife.
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Biologist or specialist | Included | Language and training |
| Hydrophone | Common | — |
| Photos | In some offers | Whether they are free |
| Food and drink | Rarely; some let you bring your own | What you can bring |
| Transport | Rarely included | How to get to the port |
Safety and requirements
- Life jackets for everyone.
- Small boats: sit where the crew tells you and hold on in choppy seas.
- Sun and wind: there is little shade on small boats.
- Motion sickness: take precautions before boarding.
Weather and time of year
- Pilot whales and dolphins are present all year round.
- Seabirds and some migratory cetaceans appear at particular times of year.
- Wind can cancel trips on small boats sooner than on large ones.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure: the duration, type of boat and what is included all vary.
The price depends on:
- The duration.
- The type of boat.
- The group size.
- Photos or other extras.
What to bring
- Sun protection, a cap and sunglasses with a strap.
- Windbreaker.
- Camera with a zoom lens.
- Water.
- Motion sickness remedy, if you need one.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Standard whale watching with more boat options | Whale and dolphin watching |
| Speed and thrills | Speedboat sea safari |
| A boat just for your group | Private boat in Tenerife |
| Birds on land | Birdwatching in Tenerife |
Frequently asked questions
How is it different from a normal whale-watching trip?
The group is smaller and it is led by a biologist who explains behaviour and ecology. Many trips include a hydrophone.
What is a hydrophone?
An underwater microphone that lets you hear the sounds cetaceans make.
Are cetacean sightings guaranteed?
No. Some companies offer a repeat trip if there are no sightings; ask what their guarantee involves.
How many people go?
Around 10 or 12 in the offers reviewed.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, for curious children. Check the minimum age and bear in mind that small boats move more.
Do I contribute to research?
Some operators share their photos and data with research and conservation projects. Ask about it.
How long does it last?
About 2 or 2.5 hours in the offers reviewed.