⚠️ Please note: permit status changes over time. Before booking, check our updated list of legally registered boats at our website.
This week the Canary team had a wonderful and eye-opening time on our whale watching cruise with Bahriyeli Tenerife. The crew was reassuring and very knowledgable, ready to answer any questions and point out any animal you might have missed. We hope you will like it as much as we did.
Whale Watching
While for many of us the first picture that pops into our head when we think of Tenerife is a sunny day and a sandy beach Tenerife is actually located in a prime position for observing marine mammals in the wild. While many of us know that the Atlantic Ocean is home to many marine mammal species, both migratory and resident perhaps not as many of us know that between the port of Los Cristianos and La Gomera (about 50 km) the ocean reaches a depth of nearly 3000 m! This depth provides food and safe passageway to migrant pods as well as a home for resident pilot whales. Given that they are residents they are the most commonly sighted mammals but bottle-nosed dolphins, orcas and sperm whales, among others, have also been observed by the Bahriyeli crew. The Bahriyeli team are committed to safety of both passengers and marine mammals and provide some food for thought with their speech and information books on board.
Bahriyeli and their Pledge to Marine Welfare
The Bahriyeli team is committed to marine life welfare. First of all they have 3 trips per day, compared to other companies who have 6 to 6 cruises. This is relevant becasue engines sounds disturb marine mammals, as does the common pratice of being chased down that unfortnately most boats employ. Meaning that these mammals are more often than not being disturbed and are unable to rest properly, the Bahriyeli does not enage in these practices but rather observe from a distance, with the engines off, letting the animals come to the boat if they wish to do so. There are other significant problems related to sewage relesead into the ocean waters near the coast.
Unfortunately these are not the only issues these animals face, if you are interested in this topic (and can stomach it) we recommend looking into what happens on the Faroe Islands and the documentary film “The Cove“.
The Bahriyeli has a “blue boat” status (look for the yellow flag) meaning they have permission from the government to go out and observe whales. They also financially contribute a part of each ticket sold towards Neptune’s Pirates UK (formerly Sea Shepards UK), an NGO dedicated to preserving marine wildlife. The Bahriyeli is also the only boat in Spain that collaborates with Neptune’s Pirates UK and Rico Barry’s Dolphin Project.
Nonwithstanding these important and pressing issues you can rest assured that Bahriyeli operates in full respect of the ocean and its inhabitants, so if you would like to observe some marine mammals in a non-threatening and non-harmful way this company is the way to go
What to expect from Bahriyelii
If you choose to go out at sea with Bahriyeli you can expect 2 hours of respectful observation of any marine wildlife that surfaces. The crew showed us footage of pilot whales coming up to ship and interacting with the crew, perhaps you might be lucky enough to experience the same thing.
All in all, we highly recommend choosing Bahriyeli boat trips if you are interested in observing marine life and we think you would enjoy it as much as we do
Our favorites
• Helpful crew
• Respect for the marine mammals
• Education
• The views of Los Cristianos from the boat
• Seeing the pilot whales of course!
Canary Green’s tips to enjoying sustainable tourism in Tenerife
Visiting Tenerife 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.
If you are interested in booking a tour with MardeOns and supporting sustainable tourism in Tenerife, visit their website here.
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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.
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