Los Cristianos: Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Cruise

If you’re heading to Tenerife and looking for a marine wildlife adventure that combines fun, education, and conservation, this No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Cruise from Los Cristianos might just be what you’re after. This tour offers a chance to witness whales and dolphins in their natural habitat without the typical disturbance caused by chasing boats. It’s a responsible, well-organized experience that ensures marine life remains undisturbed while giving you the best chance to see these incredible creatures.

What we love about this experience is its strict no-chase policy—meaning the boats respect the animals’ space—and the knowledgeable guides who impart fascinating insights about marine ecosystems. Plus, the boat itself is designed for comfort and safety, making the ride enjoyable even if the seas get a bit lively. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that, like all wildlife tours, sightings aren’t guaranteed, and sometimes the whales stay just out of reach, especially if the weather turns rough.

This tour suits travelers keen on ethical wildlife watching, families seeking a responsible adventure, or anyone wanting to learn more about marine conservation. If you’re happy to pay a modest price for a memorable, eco-friendly journey with a high success rate for sightings, this cruise will likely hit the spot.

Key Points

• Respectful wildlife experience with a strict no-chase policy
• Expert guides provide educational commentary on marine life
• Eco-friendly vessel with licenses for further exploration
• High success rate for sightings of whales, dolphins, and even turtles
• Part of the ticket proceeds support marine conservation charities
• Comfortable boat with amenities like a bar, toilets, and open decks

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Los Cristianos Whale and Dolphin Cruise

If you’re visiting Tenerife and craving a sustainable way to see the famed marine life, this cruise offers a compelling mix of ethics, education, and enjoyment. The company, BAHRIYELI NO CHASE, prides itself on following a no-chase policy, which means the focus is on observing animals in their natural environment rather than trying to lure them closer or chase them away. This approach is important because it minimizes stress on whales and dolphins, allowing us to witness their natural behaviors.

The cost of around $23 per person may seem modest, but the value is in the experience itself: two hours of boat time, guided by certified professionals who are passionate about marine ecosystems. According to reviews, many travelers find this to be a great deal for the quality of the encounter and the high success rate in spotting wildlife. One review mentions, “good value for money for two hours,” and others highlight how the guides’ knowledgeable commentary enriches the trip.

The boats are specially designed for safety and visibility. Spacious decks and open-air viewing areas mean you won’t miss a thing—whether dolphins leap beside the boat, whales breach in the distance, or a turtle glides nearby. Some reviews mention how going to the top of the boat enhances the experience and reduces sea sickness for some travelers. The vessel also has modern safety equipment and life rafts, so you can relax knowing you’re in good hands.

Why this tour is particularly special

The crew’s full licenses enable them to venture beyond three miles from the coast, giving you access to larger whales and migratory species that pass through the region. This is a key point because not all boats have this license, which means your chances of seeing migrating whales and larger species are higher. Plus, the guides are multilingual, speaking languages like English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Swedish, making the experience accessible to many visitors.

What makes this experience stand out?

• Volunteer and charity connection: A portion of your ticket supports Sea Shepherd UK, which actively works to protect marine life. Many reviews mention feeling good about contributing to marine conservation simply by choosing this tour.
• Educational focus: Guides share insights about ecosystems, species behaviors, and conservation issues—not just pointing out animals but helping you understand their worlds.
• Unobtrusive wildlife encounters: No chasing or harassing animals means you’re more likely to see the whales and dolphins in their natural behaviors, rather than stressed or fleeing.

What to Expect During the Tour

More Great Tours Nearby

Starting Point and Preparation

Your journey begins at Calle Espigón del Benchijigua 3, where staff in green polos will greet you at Los Cristianos Harbour. The logistics are straightforward: arrive early to find parking, or better yet, take the local bus to avoid the hassle of parking. Once onboard, you’ll be welcomed to the boat’s interior salon, but most of the action happens on the spacious decks where you can soak up the sun and keep a keen eye on the water.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Departure from Los Cristianos Harbour

The boat departs with a full safety briefing and an overview of the rules—no chasing animals, respecting wildlife, and listening to the guides’ instructions. The guides work diligently to maximize wildlife sightings through their expert spotting skills and knowledge of local migrational patterns.

Stop 2: Marine Life Viewing and Sightseeing

The main event is whale and dolphin spotting. The success rate is notably high, thanks to the vessel’s licenses and the crew’s experience. Many travelers enjoy seeing pilot whales, a species prevalent in the region, and dolphins, often playing alongside the boat or leaping out of the water. Some reviews describe magical moments, such as dolphins close enough to touch or observing whales on their migrational course.

One reviewer states, “We saw lots of pilot whales and some spotted dolphins on their migration path. even a sea turtle on the way back in.” This highlights how diverse the marine encounters can be, even within a relatively short trip.

Stop 3: Optional Swimming or Just Relaxing

While some tours offer swim stops, this particular cruise emphasizes wildlife observation over swimming. Generally, there’s not enough time for a swim, as locating and observing the animals often takes up the entire trip. That said, if time permits, a quick swim might be possible, but don’t count on it.

Stop 4: Return and Reflection

As the boat heads back to Los Cristianos, many passengers find themselves already talking about their favorite sightings. The guides often point out interesting ecosystems, marine behaviors, and conservation messages. Several reviews mention how informative the guides are—with one stating, “they spent a lot of time explaining a lot to us, highly recommend.”

Authentic Experiences and Insights from Passengers

Many travelers praise the respectful approach of the tour. One review mentions, “I love the fact that they respect the whales’ privacy and have respect not to go too close.” This effort to avoid disturbing the animals is appreciated, especially when compared to other operators who might prioritize quantity over quality of sightings.

The boat’s eco-friendly status and charity donations make it appealing to those who want their trip to support marine conservation efforts. One reviewer said, “Part of our ticket goes to the charities helping to keep the seas and marine life healthy,” which adds a feel-good element to the adventure.

Managing Expectations

It’s worth noting a few practical points based on reviews. Sometimes, weather conditions or sea states might prevent sightings or even cause trip cancellations, which can be disappointing but are necessary for safety. The company’s policy is to reschedule or issue a free ticket if weather prevents sightings, which many travelers appreciate.

On top of that, the success rate is very high—“a 99.9% probability of seeing something,” according to the provider. Most reviews echo this, with many guests reporting multiple sightings, including pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and sometimes sharks.

Practical Details and Logistics

Duration: Around 2 hours, which is enough time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. The trip length also helps keep the cost reasonable.

Price: At about $23, this cruise offers excellent value. Considering the high likelihood of sightings, guided commentary, and the eco-conscious approach, it’s a competitive option for wildlife lovers.

Included in the Ticket:

• A well-equipped yacht with interior and open decks
• Qualified guides who speak multiple languages
• A bar with snacks (though food and drinks are not included)
• Toilets onboard
• Legal permits and licenses for extended exploration
• Donation to Sea Shepherd UK

Not Included:

• Food and drinks from the bar (bring your own or purchase on board)
• Transportation to the harbor (plan accordingly)

Meeting Point: Follow the blue line in Los Cristianos Harbour to Zone A, where staff will be waiting. Arrive early to avoid parking frustrations.

Review Highlights from Passengers

If you’re looking for honest feedback, here are some key points:

• “The crew was very friendly and professional, and the guides are really knowledgeable.”
• “We saw a large pod of pilot whales, and some came very close to the boat.”
• “The experience was really nice, and the respect for wildlife was evident.”
• “Good value, and it’s satisfying to know part of your ticket supports conservation charities.”
• “The boat can get quite rocky, so if you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions.”
• “Going to the top deck really helps with the view and reduces sea sickness for some.”
• “Even if no animals are seen, the guides are still entertaining and informative.”

For travelers seeking a responsible, educational, and memorable wildlife encounter in Tenerife, this Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Cruise is excellent. It combines the thrill of spotting marine creatures with the satisfaction of knowing your adventure supports marine conservation charities like Sea Shepherd UK. The expert guides, comfortable vessel, and high success rate in sightings make it a worthwhile experience, especially for families, eco-conscious travelers, or anyone wanting to learn more about marine ecosystems without disturbing the animals.

While wildlife sightings depend on nature and weather, the company’s professional approach and ethical standards give you peace of mind that your trip is both responsible and rewarding. The modest price point makes it accessible for most, and the positive reviews attest to its quality.

If your idea of a perfect holiday includes respectful wildlife viewing, learning, and supporting conservation, this tour deserves a spot on your Tenerife itinerary.

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, providing ample time to observe marine life without it feeling rushed.

What animals might I see?
Most commonly, you can expect to see pilot whales and dolphins, with occasional sightings of sea turtles. Some reviews mention sharks and larger whales passing through.

Is the trip suitable for children?
Yes, children on a leash or with foldable wheelchairs can join. However, heavily pregnant women are advised not to sail, and unaccompanied minors are not permitted.

What should I bring?
Bring a sun hat and sunscreen to stay protected. The boat has toilets and a bar, but no food is included.

Can I swim during the trip?
Usually, the focus is on wildlife observation, so swim stops are rare or not included. If they happen, it’s brief and depends on time and conditions.

What if we don’t see any animals?
The company has a 99.9% success rate and offers to reschedule or issue another ticket if no sightings occur.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Multiple reviews praise the guides for their expertise, friendly attitude, and willingness to share insights about marine life.

How eco-friendly is this tour?
Very. The vessel follows a strict no-chase policy, and part of your ticket supports marine conservation charities.

This whale and dolphin cruise in Los Cristianos offers a responsible and inspiring way to connect with Tenerife’s incredible marine environment. Perfect for those who value respect for nature alongside the thrill of discovery.

You can check availability for your dates here: