Dolphin & Whale Watching in Gran Canaria

Out of 85 species of cetaceans can be found in the seas and oceans of the world, 29 of them can be found here in Gran Canaria.
Dolphin’s intelligence has been well documented and that must be one of the reasons why they choose to live in Gran Canaria. When you think about it that’s one third of the worlds population, and considering some species live exclusively in the polar regions, rivers and very limited areas, we find ourselves in a very privaleged area for observing these magnificent creatures.

Cetacea is the order of marine mammals that include whales and dolphins and porpoises.

Cetaceans come in a great many different sizes and shapes. From small dolphins at one meter up to the biggest whale which comes in at over thirty meters and is the biggest animal on earth.

The different family groups start moving as soon as the first rays of sun hit the beaches. Their dorsal fins are known locally as “toninas” and their appearance guarantees that the fun is about to begin. The sighting of their fins becomes the main attraction for the day. For this reason, in recent years a number of local companies have been providing the opportunity to get close to the dolphin families. They use authorised boats that are licensed to bring visitors close to their habitats, whilst guaranteeing that the legal requirements are maintained and due care is taken.

Visitors are supervised and accompanied by experts and biologists who provide extra information on the whales and dolphins.

Some of the cetacean species frequetly seen in Gran Canaria:

Short-finned pilot whale

The short-finned pilot whale, also known as the “black fish,” is found in all oceans and commonly
around the Canary Islands. The scientific name derives from the Latin “globus” for globe, and the
Greek “kephale” for head, a clear reference to its bulbous shape.

Striped Dolphins
Striped Dolphins are not as trusting as other dolphins. They seem shy and rarely approach boats.
Sometimes they swim very fast and jump several metres high.

Bryde’s whale
Whales have very efficient lungs. Humans exchange only 15% to 20% of the air within our lungs with
each breath we take. Whales on the other hand, exchange over 90% of the air in their lungs with every
breath.

Humpback whale
Males sing long complex songs, presumably to attract females and perhaps also to establish separation
from or dominance with other males. Songs are population-specific and change over time.

Rough toothed dolphin
Very hard to follow at sea, they are thought to be deep divers and can remain submerged for to 15 minutes.
Nothing is known about their reproductive habits; in captivity, they have mated with bottlenose dolphins
and produced hybrid offspring.

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin
Calves are born unspotted, and dark spotting to appear on the belly at approximatly
weaning age. Spotting becomes more intense with age.

Bottlenose Dolphin
Contrary to their image as “friendly” animals, bottlenose dolphins can act aggressively toward other cetaceans. This aggressive behavior is especially displayed during mating season, when males are known to fight to be able to have access to the females.