Pilot Whale and Pilot Whale Calf
Here is everything you could wish for: food, deep and warm waters Y fan's club , well Tenerife it is also the paradise of the whales. Specifically, that of a species of cetaceans that feels a special predilection for these latitudes, Pilot whales or Calderón Tropical says Félix, the skipper of the yacht that takes us out to sea from Puerto Colon to enjoy his company. A very nice white Lina Yacht sailing yacht, our home for the next three hours. In front, the profile of the island of La Gomera , declared this week a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and behind, at the stern, we left Costa Adeje , south of Tenerife, both coastlines delimit a strip that is a gold mine for whale seekers, seekers like us.
The reason is simple, but not at all common, since this area combines a rare and delicate ecosystem, with the honor of being the site where more cetaceans can be seen in their natural habitat in all of Europe and one of the largest in the world. A paradise of warm and deep waters, 20 degrees Celsius and 2,400 meters deep at some points, which makes them extremely rich in organic matter, fish and, above all, in squid, whales are crazy about squid . Thus, these conditions that do not vary, make these marine celebrities establish their home here throughout the year.
Greeting them is easy, more than easy, it could be said that it is like meeting up for coffee, when you arrive they may already be waiting for you, they may not take long to show up or, simply, they make a little begging, but they never miss the appointment. It's not like going to Africa to see lions and coming back with photos of wildebeest, no, here the snapshot is assured. Normal if we take into account that about 300 specimens move through this small blue field, some have to fall, just by chance. We turn to the right, Felix has sighted a group of whales, and the most common is to see them like this, since they form large families of about 15 or 20 members.
Cruising the waters of the south of Tenerife
And the meeting comes we are surrounded and how they approach the ship's hull. Is incredible. This species of cetaceans does not reach the mammoth dimensions that we put to whales in our imagination, although the males can reach a not inconsiderable 5 meters. Before us swim a couple of females with their calves They are fast, about 6 kilometers per hour is their cruising speed, reaching 45 if they feel threatened. Once you've chosen your favourite, you can't stop looking at it. Her strong and rhythmic breathing makes you forget everything around you and that you focus only on her, what has been said, they are real stars. “They are asleep, but active and alert” Felix warns. Incredible, again, they sleep in a state similar to that of our nap, a doze that makes them recharge with energy without completely shutting down their brain activity. It is inexplicable how within the vertiginous search, in which you must look to port and starboard as the whales feel like in their dives, the sensation that invades you is that of a total calm and that inevitably a smile is drawn on the face in a reflex action.
We continue sailing and now we just want to find more groups of whales to follow for a few meters. But they are not the only inhabitants of these waters, dolphins and turtles share territory with them , and as in a safari complete the list of marine fauna to enjoy. Landscape and animal life come together in an extraordinary natural experience.
When we get close to Puerto Colon , once the three hours of navigation have elapsed, the feeling that time has passed at full speed is a fact. But it can more the residue that leaves having enjoyed the Nature in its purest form and the whales recorded in our senses. No need to be sad, we know where they are, we just have to resurface these waters full of life.
The bravest whale, who stuck to the boat
Practical information Expeditions in search of cetaceans depart from the South of Tenerife , mainly from Puerto Colon , from the port of The Christians and the marina The Giants.
Lyna Yacht
Luxury on the sea. sailing excursions from 3 or 5 hours of duration to keep track of whales, dolphins and turtles. Between sighting and sighting, enjoy the landscape lying on deck. It offers more types of excursions, with extras such as visits to deserted beaches. Departures from Puerto Colón.
Sea of Ons Tenerife
Offers tours for whale watching aboard large yachts with white sails and wood finishes on incursions of 3 or 5 hours. It also offers the rental of boats for those who know how to navigate and want to be the captain also in these waters. Departures from the port of Los Cristianos.
Eden Catamaran Excursions Tenerife
Departures from Puerto Colon in expeditions of 3 or 5 hours in catamarans, with the possibility of approaching a beach after the sightings to take a dip.
nashira one
With departures from the marina of The Giants , in catamarans with underwater cameras, to meet Whales in excursions of 3 hours and of dolphins in expeditions of 2 hours.
Whales in the blue landscape of Costa Adeje
The maritime GPS marks our expedition