Real-time: Dolphin and Whale Watching

Dolphins and whales live: the Royal Delfin catamaran

Just minutes from the coast of Costa Adeje, the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera is home to one of the densest concentrations of cetaceans in Europe. The catamaran Royal Delfin, with its underwater room featuring 16 windows, allows observation of dolphins and whales from a unique angle, below the waterline. Thanks to our real-time webcam installed on board, you can watch the atmosphere of the journey live before booking your excursion.

Why these waters are so exceptional

The southwest of Tenerife has unique oceanographic conditions: considerable depths close to shore, mild currents, and food available year-round. This combination supports more than twenty species of marine mammals that are regularly observed, including the resident colony of tropical pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, which on calm days come so close to the boats that they seem to escort them.

Much of these waters are designated as a Special Conservation Area. Therefore, the methodology of approach is as important as the encounter itself: the Royal Delfin maintains a minimum distance of 60 meters (increased to 500 if there are calves), limits encounters to 30 minutes per group, and uses optimized engines to reduce underwater noise. Additionally, it holds the ISO 14001 certification and the 'Blue Boat' distinction from the Government of the Canary Islands.

An experience with a scientific guide and dual perspective

Each trip includes a specialized marine biology guide who explains the behavior, anatomy, and ecology of the observed species. The combination of the upper deck and underwater room offers two complementary ways to experience: outdoors with views of the horizon, or underwater following the choreography of fins and tails with natural light.

From Puerto Colón, the routes head towards the usual transit areas for cetaceans, and on longer excursions, the impressive Cliffs of Los Gigantes, with walls exceeding 600 meters, are reached. When the sea allows it, the vessel anchors in a sheltered cove for swimming and snorkeling in clear waters.

Everything you need to know before boarding

What can be seen on the Royal Dolphin's webcam?
The camera shows the real-time environment onboard the catamaran and the state of the sea in the Costa Adeje area. It is useful for getting an idea of the conditions before booking the excursion.

Is it guaranteed to see dolphins or whales?
It cannot be guaranteed 100% in a wild environment, but the probability is very high thanks to the resident populations of tropical pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins in the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera.

Is the underwater room suitable for children?
Yes, completely. The underwater room is accessible for families with small children and people with reduced mobility, and it offers protection from the sun and splashes.

When is it best to book the excursion?
The early hours of the morning usually offer the calmest maritime conditions. Spring and autumn combine good weather with moderate waves. It is advisable to check the live webcams of Costa Adeje before departing.

Where does the Royal Delfín catamaran depart?
From Puerto Colón, in Costa Adeje. The port has restaurants, shops, and easy access from nearby beaches such as Fañabé Beach o Torviscas Beach.

What types of tours are there?
There are short trips focused on wildlife observation, intermediate routes that combine observation with swimming in a cove, and long routes to Los Gigantes that add spectacular scenery to wildlife viewing.