Whales in La Gomera: boat trip from Valle Gran Rey

Off the southwest coast of La Gomera, facing Valle Gran Rey, there's something most visitors never think to look for: a resident population of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins living year round in the same channel that separates the island from Tenerife. You don't need hours at sea or a full-day cruise to find them. A boat leaving from the right harbour, plus a bit of patience, is enough.

A channel with resident cetaceans

The stretch of sea between La Gomera and Tenerife is one of Europe's few sanctuaries for pilot whales: deep water close to shore, calm enough that pods settle here instead of migrating. On the Tenerife side, this strip is known as the Teno-Rasca sanctuary. Boats leaving from Valle Gran Rey and Playa Santiago, on the La Gomera side, reach the same waters after a short crossing, no need to sail over to the neighbouring island.

The cruise aboard the Silbo

The whale and dolphin watching tour in La Gomera sails aboard the Silbo, a dynamic boat with just 32 seats, built to approach the animals without crowding them. It runs 3 to 4 hours and costs €48 per adult, with local cookies and water on board. Halfway through the route there's a stop to swim in a hidden, crystal-clear cove, and the crew speaks Spanish, English and Italian. Depending on the date you book, the boat departs from Valle Gran Rey or from Playa Santiago.

What's included and what to bring

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund.
2. Book now, pay later: you can reserve your spot without paying anything upfront and confirm closer to the date.
3. Pack light: large bags, suitcases and high heels aren't allowed on board. Bring only what fits in a small bag.
4. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes: the swim stop happens partway through, without much warning.
5. Departure depends on sea conditions: if the sea isn't safe for approaching the animals, the trip gets rescheduled.

Valle Gran Rey and Playa Santiago, more than a departure point

Valle Gran Rey is one of the main tourist villages on the island's west side, with dark sand beaches, a palm valley running down to the sea and a relaxed pace, well away from mass tourism. Playa Santiago, the other departure point, still feels like a fishing village, with its marina as the hub of local life. If you're staying in the south or east of La Gomera, check which harbour your booking departs from before planning the drive over.

FAQs

Where do whale watching boats leave from in La Gomera? From the harbour at Valle Gran Rey or from Playa Santiago, on the island's southwest coast, depending on the date you book.

How much does the whale watching cruise cost in La Gomera? €48 per adult, lasting 3 to 4 hours aboard a 32-seat boat, with cookies and water included, plus a stop to swim in a cove.

What animals can you see on the cruise? Mostly pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, both resident year round in the channel between La Gomera and Tenerife.

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Still planning your trip to La Gomera? Walk through the laurel forest of Garajonay, head up to the Roque de Agando viewpoint, or browse all our tours in La Gomera.