Fins in the Atlantic – Dolphins & Whales off La Graciosa

Dolphins off La Graciosa
Dolphins off La Graciosa

The waters around La Graciosa and the Archipiélago Chinijo are among the most species-rich marine areas in the Canary Islands. Dolphins are present year-round. Whales – especially pilot whales and sperm whales – appear seasonally. And with a targeted boat tour, the chances of sightings are exceptionally high.

Which Species to Expect

The Best Time for Whale Watching

Dolphins: year-round, most active in the mornings and evenings. Pilot whales: October to March – the winter months are whale-watching season in the Canary Islands. The calm winter waters allow particularly good sightings.

Boat Tours from La Graciosa

Pilot whales in the waters of the Archipiélago Chinijo
Pilot whales in the waters of the Archipiélago Chinijo

Specialist whale-watching boats directly from La Graciosa are rare – most tours depart from Lanzarote (Playa Blanca, Puerto Calero).

Watching from the Coast

On the west coast of La Graciosa: with binoculars from the shore, dolphin sightings are possible, especially in the mornings in calm conditions. The coastal path along the west coast offers good observation points.

Binoculars (8×42): indispensable for coastal observation

Calm weather: better visibility at the surface

Can you see whales from the coast of La Graciosa?

Dolphins yes – regularly from the west coast. Whales: very rarely, more likely on the open sea.

Dolphins off La Graciosa: year-round, frequent, close.

This article is based on on-site research by the go-la-graciosa.com editorial team. Last updated: April 2026