The waters of the Canary Islands are one of the best windows onto marine life close to Europe. Dolphins, pilot whales and whales can be seen a few miles from the coast, and there are submarines that dive to twenty or thirty metres so children can see fish without putting on a mask. Here are the trips we have selected and how to choose the one that suits your family.
Whale and dolphin watching
From Puerto Rico, in the south of Gran Canaria, there are trips of around two and a half hours to see dolphins, pilot whales and other species with an operator certified by the World Cetacean Alliance. If you prefer small groups, from Puerto Colón, in Tenerife, there are two-hour trips for a maximum of six passengers, with official authorisation.
La Gomera: whales and the Los Órganos cliffs
From Valle Gran Rey, boats head out to look for whales and dolphins, with a swimming stop, and there is a trip to Los Órganos, basalt columns that can only be appreciated from the sea. It is a good plan for families whose children already enjoy a few hours on a boat.
Submarines: the seabed without getting wet
In Gran Canaria, the Puerto de Mogán submarine makes a trip of about forty minutes at a depth of twenty to twenty-five metres. In Lanzarote, Submarine Safaris takes 44 passengers down to 25–30 metres off Puerto Calero; because it travels below the waves, there is no seasickness. Note that children under two are not admitted.
Islands you discover by boat
Some of the best trips in the Canary Islands begin at a harbour. The ferry from Órzola to La Graciosa takes around 25 to 30 minutes, and there are catamaran trips with kayaking and snorkelling around its beaches. From Corralejo, in Fuerteventura, you can reach Lobos Island, a nature park with limited access that requires a free prior permit from the island council (Cabildo).
If the weather turns
If the sea is too rough, the Poema del Mar Aquarium, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has more than 550 species and is open 365 days a year.
How to choose your trip
For the youngest children, choose short trips early in the day, when the sea is usually calmer. Bring caps, sun cream, water and something warm, because it gets cooler on board. And remember that these are wild animals: good operators respect distances and never guarantee a sighting. For more ideas, see our guide to the Canary Islands with kids.