Los Gigantes vs Costa Adeje: The Ultimate Whale Watching in Tenerife

If you’re a wildlife lover like me, by now you should already know that Tenerife is one of the best places on Earth to spot marine life, yup! Snorkeling and diving are highly popular activities, mostly thanks to their year-round warm water and clear visibility, but did you know that it’s also one of the best places to see whales and dolphins in the wild? If you do know that, then you’re on the right track (if not, you’re welcome; you now know a hidden gem), but I bet that you are seeing two big names popping up everywhere again and again: Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes.

Now, you’re stuck and can’t decide which one to choose. That’s normal, you see, when it comes to whale watching Tenerife, both of those places are world-class locations thanks to their higher chances of spotting those animals, but both places are also really different from each other, and each offers something unique.

Let’s break down this and see which destination is best for you.

Costa Adeje

Costa Adeje is probably one of the most popular places to go in Tenerife since it’s where many resorts are located, and there’s a high chance you’re staying in the area too. It’s situated on the southwest coast, and as the tourist hub of Tenerife, its main selling points are convenience and comfort.

If you’re staying in the area, Playa de las Américas, Fañabé, or Costa Adeje itself, then the proximity to the ports of Puerto Colón and Puerto José Banús is a huge plus. Why? Well, most of the whale watching boats depart from those ports, so you’re pretty much already there.

Besides that major selling point, another pro is that the waters around here are calm, since most of the coastline is sheltered, so the sea is often really smooth. This is usually a decision maker for many, in case you or anyone in your group is worried about getting seasick.

Los Gigantes

Now, Los Gigantes or The Giants, as it translates to English from Spanish, is completely different from Costa Adeje; the area here is packed with towering, vertical cliffs that shoot up from the ocean and can reach over 800 meters high. It’s an imposing view.

Despite being just a 20-minute drive away from Costa Adeje, this area feels completely different, unique, and a lot more wild. Here, you can almost feel untouched, the local side of the island, since there are almost no resorts here; instead, you get a town that has been built in the shadow of these cliffs.

Not only that, but when it comes to the whale watching tours from here, despite being on the same side as Costa Adeje, those don’t just hang out in a bay; they tend to head out to the open Atlantic Ocean more quickly. But what does that mean for you?

This usually means that you get a different more deeper sense of true exploration and adventure. Waters are choppier, and you’re not just on a tour; here it feels like you’re on a coastal exploration. Also, the views from the cliff are epic!

Marine Life Sightings

Now, you must be wondering if there’s a difference when it comes to spotting marine life. This is the million-dollar question, right? Are you actually going to see more whales in one place than the other?

Here’s the truth: The whales and dolphins don’t care which port you leave from.

The main different here is the area, the feeling you get and the backdrop, but the truth when it comes to spotting whales is that both Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes are located right in the middle of a local population of whales and dolphins, they residents in the area and that’s the main reason why Tenerife is a world-class option when it comes to this activity.

That’s the keyword: resident. It’s not a matter of luck; it’s a matter of geography. These animals live here year-round, feeding and socializing in the rich, deep waters between Tenerife and La Gomera.

So, whether you depart from the east (Costa Adeje) or the west (Los Gigantes), you’re heading to the same general playground.

So, what are the chances of spotting whales?

Your chances of seeing whales and dolphins are statistically high and identical from both Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes, which is almost 90% on any given day.

Tenerife is one of the most reliable whale-watching spots on the planet.

So, the “what” you see is pretty much the same. The “how” you see it, and what you see around the animals, is where the difference lies.

The Verdict: Which Option is Best?

Alright, by now you’re already familiar with both places, but now it’s decision time. Let’s put everything on the table and match the destination to the goals:

Choose Costa Adeje if you are:

• A Family with Kids: The calm waters, easy access, and big boats are a lifesaver.
• Staying in the South: The convenience is king; the easy access and proximity to the main ports is a winner.
• Looking for a Relaxed, “All-Inclusive” Vibe: You want comfort and reliability, as well as the whole beach holiday package.

Choose Los Gigantes if you are:

• A Couple or a Solo Adventurer: The scenery gives you an incredible backdrop. It feels more exclusive and less “packaged.”
• A Photography Enthusiast: Those cliffs! The combination of geology and marine life is a photographer’s dream.
• Seeking a More “Authentic” Feel: You want to feel like part of a bigger exploration of Tenerife’s wilder west coast.

Conclusion

So, where is the best whale watching place in Tenerife? The real answer is that there is no single “best.” There’s only a “best for you.” This becomes clear when you learn the fact that whales are resident and the chance of spotting them doesn’t depend on where you depart from.

Costa Adeje is the comfortable, convenient, and crowd-pleasing option. It’s the reliable all-rounder that guarantees a stress-free day out.

Los Gigantes is the dramatic, adventurous, and inspiring option. It’s the choice that adds a powerful dose of stunning scenery to an already incredible wildlife experience.

You really can’t make a wrong choice. Both destinations give you a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest shows. The question is simply: what kind of experience do you prefer? The modern, comfortable one right in town, or the open-air one at the foot of the giants?

FAQs

Last Updated on October 12, 2025