Whale Watching in Fuerteventura

The Canary Islands are renowned for its untamed wilderness, with the archipelago featuring everything from rainforests and deserts to volcanoes and craters. Conservation is at the forefront on the islands, with a total of four national parks and numerous smaller natural parks.

Luckily, marine conservation has not been left behind, and the island chain is home to several critically important marine protection areas. When visiting the Canary Islands, don't miss the opportunity to go on a whale-watching tour in Fuerteventura to discover more about these magnificent creatures.

Here's all you need to know about whale watching tours, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Fuerteventura.

What are the best whale-watching tours in Fuerteventura?

Guided group whale-watching tour in Fuerteventura

This group whale-watching tour is perfect for solo traveler and will allow you an intimate glimpse into the lives of these gentle giants. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with an accredited tour operator who will conduct the excursion in an ecologically friendly manner.

Leaving the harbor at Morro Jable, you’ll set sail on a large Zodiac, capable of seating up to 15 whale watchers — venturing into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean on your search for whales, dolphins and various other forms of marine life. If you are lucky, you might even encounter some orcas, although these fascinating animals tend to stay closer to Tenerife.

The joyous — and sometimes challenging — aspect of a whale-watching tour is that you are dealing with wild animals, so you never know what to expect. However, you may rest assured that your Fuerteventura boat tour will be lead by an experienced captain who knows these waters and understands these animals — greatly improving your chances of a successful day out at sea. The excursion lasts about 1.5 hours before returning to land.

Small group whale-watching tour in Fuerteventura

If you are traveling as a couple, a family or as a group of friends, you should consider a small group whale-watching tour. Groups tend to be limited to 10, so you won't have to contend with your fellow passengers to see these spectacular animals.

From the harbor of Morro Jable, you’ll hug the coast as you sail westwards to the Jandia Peninsula. While your main quarry for the day might be the gentle giants of the deep, you’ll also be treated to stunning views of Fuerteventura’s shoreline. Your guide and ship captain will tell you more about the region, and how fishing and marine activities have always played a critical role in the Canary Island’s history and development.

During your 90-minute outing, you’ll visit many popular hunting grounds and hopefully return to land with mesmerizing tales about the creatures of the deep.

Speed boat whale-watching tour with drinks and a swim in Fuerteventura

When it comes to whale-watching tours in Fuerteventura, it’s not always about what you see, but sometimes it's also about how you see it. Speed boat whale watching tours offer a rather unique experience, especially when said speedboat comes equipped with a roof, bathroom, and onboard bar.

“The Magic Dolphin” is a modern vessel perfectly equipped for whale and dolphin watching in Fuerteventura. On your 2-hour tour, you will get the chance to interact with whales and dolphins in an ecologically sustainable way. Along the way, you can enjoy your day out at sea in comfort, with drinks onboard and taking a break for a swim in the crystal clear waters.

Fuerteventura half-day whale-watching tour around Isla de Lobos

This half-day outing ensures that you’ll have the best chances of spotting a variety of marine animals — from turtles, flying fish and porpoises to whales, dolphins and seals. In truth, this isn’t so much a whale-watching tour as it is a boat tour on steroids.

During your 5 hours on the waters, you’ll get to go kayaking, swimming, snorkeling and even paddleboarding — that is of course when you're not scanning the horizon for whales and dolphins. On board, you’ll enjoy the luxury of a spacious ship, with drinks at the ready and a delicious paella for lunch.

On these whale-watching tours, you will also explore the waters around Lobos Island. This region forms part of a marine protected area, drastically improving your chances of encountering marine animals. After your extensive day out on the water, you’ll make your way back to Corralejo and your hotel.

How much do whale-watching tours in Fuerteventura cost?

Guided group whale-watching tour sin Fuerteventura typically cost €40 per person, and you’ll be part of a group of up to 15 people.

Small group whale-watching tours, which also costs €40 per person, are limited to 10 persons, meaning you’ll enjoy a much more comfortable tour.

Speed boat whale-watching tours from Fuerteventura cost €50 per person. The boat is one of the best-equipped vessels, with an onboard bathroom and viewing deck. You’ll also enjoy refreshing drinks, as well as the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear water.

Fuerteventura half-day whale-watching tours around Isla de Lobos cost €75 per person. However, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck, as this outing includes lunch, drinks as well as kayaking, snorkeling and swimming.

What is included?

During your wale-watching tour in Fuerteventura, you’ll enjoy the use of a boat, as well as all the safety equipment you’ll need.

The type of boat will largely depend on the tour you choose, with less-expensive and shorter tours utilizing large inflatable vessels, while longer, more costly tours will use a boat with a solid body.

During your tour, you’ll also enjoy the company of an experienced guide and skipper — an invaluable element to a successful whale-watching trip. Lunch is typically included during the longer outings, and some excursions may even serve drinks onboard.

Where does it start?

Most of Fuerteventura’s whale-watching tours depart from Morro Jable, a small community on the southern shore of the island. Pickup services are available, but these usually only cover towns as far north as Tarajalejo. A few tours are available in the north of the island, and these tend to depart from Corralejo.

How long does it last?

Whale-watching tours in Fuerteventura may last anything from 1 to 5 hours, with 1.5 hours being the typical duration, about as much as dolphin-watching tours. Longer tours will usually present better chances of encountering these giants of the deep and they will also include activities like swimming or snorkeling.

When is the best time for a whale-watching tour in Fuerteventura?

The best time for a whale-watching tour in Fuerteventura is between the months of April and October. During this period, the warm waters around the Canary Islands become a hub for various species of whales and dolphins migrating or feeding. Sightings of pilot whales, sperm whales, and several species of dolphins are more frequent in the summer.

Which other water activities can be done in Fuerteventura?

• Surf lessons in Fuerteventura
• Jet ski in Fuerteventura
• Scuba diving in Fuerteventura
• Kitesurf lessons in Fuerteventura
• Windsurfing in Fuerteventura
• Canoeing in Fuerteventura
• Parasailing in Fuerteventura
• Flyboard in Fuerteventura

Travel tips

• Whale-watching tours in Fuerteventura are very popular in the summer, so make sure you book in advance to secure your spot.
• The open water can be cooler than the shore. Wear layered clothing, a windbreaker, and a hat. Don't forget sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Bring a reusable water bottle. It's essential to stay hydrated, especially under the sun.
• Whales are wild animals, and sightings aren't guaranteed. Be patient, enjoy the journey, and savor the thrill of the potential encounter.