If I have to choose one of the best activities to do in the Canary Islands, without hesitation I would say whale-watching in Fuerteventura.
Fuerteventura is the second-largest island in the Canary Islands, and the best place for water activities like surfing and kitesurfing. However, if you’re looking for one of the coolest things to do here, I suggest a Fuerteventura dolphin tour.
Seeing wild dolphins and whales in their natural habitat is one of the most memorable experiences and one of the top things to do in the Canary Islands. To help you choose the best tour, in this guide, I’ll share 3 Fuerteventura dolphin safaris, as well as the types of cetaceans you can see in this area.
Best Fuerteventura dolphin tours
Fuerteventura is a quiet island and never gets too crowded, although it has a wealth of attractions. There is plenty of things to do in Fuerteventura, including resting on pristine beaches, exploring golden sand dunes, and visiting serene coastal villages. Also, the island is perfect for whale and dolphin-watching, and these are the best Fuerteventura dolphin tours I recommend:
- Dolphin-watching in Fuerteventura with snorkeling
- Fuerteventura whale-watching and dolphin tour
- Fuerteventura dolphin safari with lunch and water activities
1. Dolphin-watching in Fuerteventura with snorkeling
This excursion is one of the best tours to see whales in Fuerteventura. Not only will you see dolphins and whales, but also the incredible manta rays that live in the surrounding Atlantic waters. For me, it’s one of the best tours in Fuerteventura you can take.
The tour also includes a stop for travelers to enjoy a swim or snorkel and get to know the spectacular marine life around the Canary Islands. Back on board, you can enjoy tapas and drinks while taking in the views of the Fuerteventura coastline.
1. Dolphin-watching in Fuerteventura with snorkeling
- Highlights: Dolphins, whales, manta rays, snorkeling, tapas, and drinks on board
- Starting point: Puerto de Morro Jable
- Duration: One-day tour
- Price: $90
- Description: Sail the Atlantic waters and spot dolphins, whales, and stingrays. Enjoy tapas and drinks on board, as well as a stop for snorkeling and swimming.
2. Fuerteventura whale-watching and dolphin tour
Another interesting tour is this boat cruise that travels through the Jandía Natural Park, where you’ll have a high likelihood of seeing dolphins in Fuerteventura. One of the best things about this tour is that in addition to seeing cetaceans, you’ll get beautiful panoramic views of the Fuerteventura coast. During the tour, an expert whale guide on cetaceans will tell you all about the species that inhabit these waters.
This is the perfect tour if you don’t have much time but want to take advantage of the Fuerteventura whale-watching season.
2. Fuerteventura whale-watching and dolphin tour
- Highlights: Whale and dolphin-watching
- Starting point: Puerto del Morro Jable
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Price: $38
- Description: Explore the waters of the Jandía Natural Park by boat, spotting dolphins and whales along the way. An expert guide will provide facts about the area’s cetaceans.
3. Fuerteventura dolphin safari with lunch and water activities
If you’re looking for a longer, inclusive tour, I highly recommend this one. You’ll board the Odysee 3, a glass-bottom boat, and travel to Jandía Natural Park, one of the best places to see dolphins in Fuerteventura. This package also includes fun water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle-surfing in the Atlantic Ocean. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, then enjoy lunch and cocktails onboard. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.
3. Fuerteventura dolphin safari with lunch and water activities
- Highlights: Whale and dolphin-watching at Jandía Natural Park, water activities, lunch with cocktails
- Starting point: Hotel pick-up in south Fuerteventura
- Duration: 4 hours
- Price: $57
- Description: Take a glass-bottom boat to the Jandía Natural Park, where you can see dolphins, sea turtles, and whales in Fuerteventura. You’ll also get to participate in water sports like snorkeling and paddle-surfing, and lunch with cocktails is included.
Fuerteventura whale-watching season
You might be wondering about when to see whales and dolphins in Fuerteventura. Like the other parts of the Canary Islands, the Fuerteventura whale-watching season is at its peak during the summer months. You can see cetaceans here year-round, but if you take a tour in June, you’ll have the highest chances of seeing more species.
Most of the tours here operate throughout the year but remember that when you’re trying to see wild animals in their natural habitat, you can’t predict their movements. For this reason, I recommend booking a tour when you’ll have the best chances of seeing them!
Where to see whales in Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura whale-watching tours usually depart from the southern part of the island, specifically from the port of Morro Jable, one of the best places to stay in Fuerteventura. Depending on the time of year, these excursions travel around the Jandía Natural Park, Caleta de Fuste, and Isla de Lobos since these three areas tend to have the highest concentration of whales and dolphins in Fuerteventura.
Where to see whales in Fuerteventura
Since the tour companies and guides have years of experience whale-watching in Fuerteventura, they usually know where the cetaceans are. However, take into account that these are wild animals and are unpredictable, so you can’t be 100% sure you will see them.
Types of whales in Fuerteventura
Most Fuerteventura dolphin tours are accompanied by an expert guide who will tell you all about the cetaceans. Even so, I’ll give you a brief overview of the species you’ll see here.
Dolphins in Fuerteventura
One of the most common dolphins in Fuerteventura is the bottlenose dolphin, which is prevalent throughout the Canary archipelago. This species usually measures between 6 and 12 feet and can weigh 330-1,400 lbs. They have a robust appearance and a distinct, elongated snout. These cetaceans always travel in groups, so you’re bound to see several of them on a Fuerteventura dolphin safari.
Dolphins in Fuerteventura
Pilot whales in Fuerteventura
The pilot whale is another common species in the Canary Islands, so if you decide to go on a Fuerteventura whale-watching tour, you’ll probably see one! While it’s referred to as a whale and is also called the tropical pilot whale, it belongs to the dolphin family.
Pilot whales in Fuerteventura
These cetaceans typically measure between 13 and 16 feet long and can weigh up to 2 tons. Their black bodies have a dark gray underbelly with white spots, and they’re one of the most impressive species you can see in Fuerteventura.
Other cetaceans in Fuerteventura
Depending on when you take a Fuerteventura dolphin tour and where the boat goes, you may see other cetaceans. While not as common as the ones I mentioned, you may see humpback whales, fin whales, blue whales, and sperm whales.
Although it’s rare, some orcas have been seen swimming around the Canary Islands, but I wouldn’t plan on seeing any during your trip.
I hope this guide helps you choose your Fuerteventura dolphin tour! As you can see, there are plenty of great excursions in this area, so no matter your budget or schedule, you can experience this incredible activity.
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I’ll be happy to help. Enjoy your Fuerteventura whale-watching tour!
