⚠️ Please note: permit status changes over time. Before booking, check our updated list of legally registered boats at our website.
When we joined Atlantic Eco Experience for a whale watching tour in Tenerife, we quickly realised this was more than just an excursion — it was a truly responsible and educational marine experience.
Responsible Whale Watching in Tenerife
Tenerife is one of the best places in Europe for whale watching, as it is home to resident populations of pilot whales and dolphins all year round. But with this opportunity comes responsibility.
Atlantic Eco Experience stands out for its respectful approach to marine wildlife. Encounters are carried out at safe distances, allowing animals to behave naturally without disturbance. There’s no chasing, no crowding — just quiet observation and genuine respect for the ocean.
This is what sustainable whale watching in Tenerife should look like.
A Learning Experience at Sea
One of the highlights of our tour was the depth of knowledge shared onboard. Our guide, David, brought the experience to life with fascinating insights into cetaceans, their behaviour, and the marine ecosystem surrounding Tenerife.
At the same time, Captain Mirna navigated the waters with care and precision, always prioritising both safety and the wellbeing of the animals while expertly spotting marine life.
This combination of expert guidance and responsible navigation turned the tour into a true learning experience.
Supporting Marine Research & Conservation
What makes Atlantic Eco Experience one of the best eco-friendly whale watching tours in Tenerife is their direct contribution to research and conservation.
- They actively participate in photo identification of whales and dolphins
- They collaborate with marine conservation initiatives and research projects
- They raise awareness about protecting marine ecosystems
These efforts go beyond tourism — they contribute to the long-term protection of Tenerife’s marine life.
Our time with Atlantic Eco Experience left us with a deep sense of appreciation — not just for the incredible animals we encountered, but for the people working to protect them.
If you’re looking for a sustainable, ethical, and unforgettable whale watching experience in Tenerife, this is one we highly recommend.
Canary Green’s tips to enjoying sustainable tourism in Canary Islands
Visiting Canary Islands on holiday doesn’t give you free rein to leave your values and principles at home. We encourage travellers to seek out sustainable options and keep up with environmental practices while travelling. Our top tips for a relaxed and wholesome stay include:
- Consider green transport options. Are you able to take a ferry to the island instead of flying? While you are here is a car necessary? Investigate public transport links or choose green options such as electric cars, green-hydrogen cars or e-bikes.
- Choose destinations that value sustainability and choose green alternatives such as solar power, recycling and energy-efficient architecture. This extends to places that value workers’ rights and the impact on the local community.
- Bring your own water bottle with you and refill it instead of buying single-use plastic bottles.
- Make use of the recycling when out and about and don’t just throw your rubbish in the nearest bin.
- Take advantage of local knowledge and immerse yourself in the culture through campaigns such as #Ilovecanarias and #meatfreemondaycanarias.
- Most of all, have fun and enjoy your time in the Canary Islands.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone involved in this Canary Green project where our aim is to help promote sustainable tourism in the Canary Islands.
Do you want us to find you more sustainable choices? Please support us and donate today!
- John Beckley; Founder of Canary Green non profit
- Canary Green non profit:
- Media communication & partnerships coordination: Aurora Bus
- Marine & coastal project manager: Daphne Geißen
- AI consultant: Sebastian Betz
- Media communication & partnerships coordination: Catarina Tuerlings Pires
Sustainable Development Associate: Claudia Scharff
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