Best time to travel to Canary Islands

Long-Finned Pilot Whale in Canary Islands

Don't miss a chance to meet with long-finned pilot whales

Best time: March–April

Long-Finned Pilot Whale
Long-Finned Pilot Whale
Long-Finned Pilot Whale

Despite its name, the long-finned pilot whale is actually a large species of oceanic dolphin. The females can reach a length of up to 5.8 meters and weigh about 1,800 kg, while males are quite larger with a length about 7.6 meters and weight up to 3,500 kg. They can dive to depths up to 600 m for 10-16 minutes to feed on fish. This kind of dolphin is very social. They are usually seen in groups, which range in size from a couple of individuals to hundreds of them. Pilot whales are often observed in mixed species groups with bottlenose dolphins, minke whales, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, and others. They are leisurely swimmers, often lying motionless on the water surface—logging or floating, which allows slow-moving boats to approach. Breeding and mating usually take place in the North Atlantic between April and September. On the Canary Islands, they may be seen near the islands of Tenerife and La Palma. A particularly good time for watching the whales is during spring. At this time, they appea​r in groups of about six individuals and are accompanied by their calves. These two islands are the best for whale watching trips.

The video below is a proof that the pilot whales sound like dolphins.

Practical info

When is the best time to observe long-finned pilot whales in Tenerife?

Long-finned pilot whales are usually visible in groups of about six along with their calves from March to April in Tenerife. The species is slow-swimming and often lies still on the water surface, permitting interaction with slow-moving boats. The whales usually reside in the open ocean and tend to come close to shore to socialize and rest only. Show more

Where can you find these dolphins in the Canary Islands?

The long-finned pilot whales can be seen in Tenerife and La Palma, Canary Islands. Tenerife, the Canary Islands' region's largest, is where you can witness the species in all its glory. There are a variety of opportunities for whale watching on board from Puerto Colon, Los Cristianos, and other embarkation points. These islands' clear waters are home to various marine life, such as whales, sea turtles, and dolphins. Show more

How do pilot whales hunt their prey in the ocean?

Using echolocation, the long-finned pilot whales locate their prey and hunt them down deep in the ocean. Additionally, the animal creates clicking sounds by forcing air through blowholes, and these noises are echoed by materials in the water, making identification of position possible. Pilot whales usually feast on deep-sea creatures like fish and squid, diving for 10-16 minutes and reaching depths of up to 600m below sea level. They can travel up to 60 km in the quest for food. Show more

What is the average lifespan of a long-finned pilot whale?

The females live longer than males, with an expected lifespan of 46 years compared to 45 years. These whales usually mature at 7-10 years of age and reproduce every 3-5 years with a gestation period of 12-16 months. The maximum lifetime for this species is up to 60 years. They are also equipped with a range of vocalizations that allow for communication when hunting, migrating, or bonding. Show more

How do long-finned pilot whales interact with other marine creatures in their habitat?

The long-finned pilot whales are socially complex animals that interact with other whales, porpoises, and dolphins in their group. The pod hierarchy is governed by a female leader who the rest of the pod follows. They engage in socializing, hunting, and sharing of hunting strategies through various vocalizations. The size of the whales' species does not mean aggression, and they are usually observed to be curious about any interactions with humans. It is advisable, however, to follow all whale watching guidelines to avoid affecting the ecosystem negatively. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin