Author: erasmus

Whale Watching, Tenerife: Feel the Wild

erasmus

Whale watching in Tenerife has become one of the favourite excursions of every tourist, as it provokes an absolutely magical experience. Getting to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat is always a memorable event. Tenerife South waters are full of these large mammals, which gives you a chance to get up close and study them in their own environment.

Best spots for dolphin and whale whatching in Tenerife

There are 21 types of species of dolphins and whales in Tenerife waters. Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted so boat trips are nearly guaranteed a sighting. Getting to see them in the wild instead of in a small pool doing tricks is much more gratifying. Knowing that they have complete freedom is uplifting. As you spot the tail of a whale or the fin of a dolphin you can’t help but be full of excitement, getting to capture its grace.

Your success of a sighting does depend on a few factors. Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and other Southern resorts do offer boat trips but for best results go to Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje or Los Gigantes. Los Gigantes will also give you a fantastic view of the cliffs as an added bonus.

Dolphin and whales in Tenerife
Two dolphins in the wild

Choosing the right boat trip

Boat trips can vary, some are 2/3 hours long while others could be up to 5 hours. There are different types, shapes and sizes, and the prices can vary too. Choose a boat trip that suits your own needs and wants, take a look around the coast and check them out for yourself. You might even be able to negotiate a price!

All of these boat trips for dolphin and whale watching in Tenerife are completely ethical and regulated. They have limits on how close they can get to the animals, as well as the maximum time to be spent with them. It’s forbidden to feed them or swim with them. All these rules are put in an effort to conserve these cetaceans’ natural habitat and freedom. All they simply have to do to entertain us, is to make an appearance.

Most of the ports can be reached by public transport but for easier travel we suggest a car hire as the most convenient way to get around the island. So check out our website for car hire in Tenerife, choosing from a wide range of models for any taste.

Whale watching in Tenerife
Pilot whale

Tenerife Carnival: Live your fantasy to the fullest

erasmus

Every year many locals and tourists come to celebrate Tenerife Carnival, the traditional festival full of extravagant costumes and parades which continues all month long and doesn’t stop till early morning. If you are visiting Tenerife in the months of February and March you should not miss out on the opportunity to come see for yourself.

Tenerife Carnival in Santa Cruz
Carnival Parade

What happens in the Tenerife Carnival?

The biggest of these festivals takes place in the capital of the island – Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The main Tenerife Carnival is very colorful, with bright beautiful costumes and huge parades. There are two parts to the Carnival: the official musical performances and the street parties. Thousands of people come each day to the streets of Santa Cruz to participate in this fantastic celebration. It is by far the largest Carnival on the island, but there are other options to choose from. Puerto de la Cruz features a festival with a richer history and there are also smaller events in towns across Tenerife. Most of these are located on the south of the island, but Los Cristianos Carnival is the most popular among the tourists in the southern resorts.

Tenerife Carnival in Santa Cruz
Carnaval de Santa Cruz

Tenerife Carnival consists of three main parades. The Cabalgata is the opening parade. Here the queen that is elected every year and the bridesmaids are carried in decorative floats. The day is full of dancing and fancy dresses. The next comes the Coso Apoteosis, the biggest parade that attracts many tourists from the south of the island. The closing parade is called the Burial of the Sardine. This includes the burning of a paper mache sardine after bringing it through the city streets. All of these are spectacular events and there is fun for everyone!

The burial in the Carnival of Tenerife
Burial of the Sardine

Why should you join in on the fun?

Between these events there are continued parties late into the night where the participants give freedom to their fantasy creating all kinds of costumes. The weekend after the Carnival traditionally holds the Piñata party, another festival which starts with even more celebrations. No matter for how long you are going to stay on the island, you will definetely find something to enjoy during these weeks. Every year the Tenerife Carnival has a particular theme, and in 2018 the theme is Fantasy. To make the best out of your experience you must dress up and join in on the fun. Immerse yourself in the fantasy and live this dream called Tenerife Carnival.

We welcome you to come experience this energetic festival by yourself. And if you need a convenient transport to move around the island, then check these Tenerife car hire offers to get the best service for affordable prices.