Human-cetacean conflict solutions
Tenerife’s whale watching community has recognised the need to continue improving standards, promoting responsible practices, and encouraging collaboration.
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Explore the Tenerife-La Gomera Whale Heritage Area, renowned for its resident pilot whales and 21 other cetacean species. Enjoy responsible whale watching and vibrant marine festivals, all while supporting conservation efforts.
This Whale Heritage Area encompasses the marine area along and between the west coast of the island of Tenerife and the island of La Gomera. Cetacean biodiversity is the main natural treasure that the local community are proud of, and whale watching is the main touristic activity of the area. Its unique resident population of pilot whales live alongside a high diversity of other cetaceans. They inhabit a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC), with a coastline that hosts millions of tourists every year – many of whom wish to see these majestic marine mammals in the wild.
Available for sponsorship
Available for sponsorship
Stories
Conservation success
Since 2014, Tonina Association has been conducting research during several field seasons to establish the conservation status of the cetacean populations in the...
Education and research
Tenerife-La Gomera WHA is the location of a great range of environmental education, conservation-based research and citizen science programmes, delivered by...
Species & habitat
As well as being famous for short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, both of which have resident populations in the area and show strong social units, the Tenerife-La Gomera marine area is also an important migration stop for 21 other cetacean species:
Risso’s dolphin, sperm whale, killer whale, false killer whale, short-beaked common dolphin, striped dolphin, Atlantic spotted dolphin, rough-toothed dolphin, Fraser’s dolphin, Cuvier’s beaked whale, Blainville’s beaked whale, Gervais’ beaked whale, Northern bottlenose whale, humpback whale, fin whale, sei whale, blue whale, Bryde’s whale, common minke whale, North Atlantic right whale, pygmy sperm whale.
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Threats
The WHA is located next to one of the biggest tourist hotspots in Tenerife. Many marine tourism activities interact with cetaceans, making harassment one of the biggest threats to local cetaceans. There are too many whale watching boats, many of those are illegal, and some do not respect the code of conduct established by the law when in proximity of cetaceans.
Entanglement is the second biggest threat. Strategies are in place already with volunteers and rescue teams; however, there is the need to have a patrol at sea to collect debris.
Supporters & Assessors
Why visit a Wildlife Heritage Area?
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Visitors to Wildlife Heritage Areas can take part in outstanding wildlife watching experiences that put wildlife first. Staying in a Wildlife Heritage Area helps local communities invest in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, benefitting community well-being and driving forward sustainable practices.
Designated for excellence
Communities achieve Wildlife Heritage Area designation by playing a central role in protecting wild animals and their habitats. With support from responsible travel organisations and wildlife experts, these communities are committed to help turn the tide on biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, adopt a zero tolerance for wildlife suffering in tourism, and advocate for positive change through a willingness to collaborate.
Supported by World Cetacean Alliance
Looking for more in-depth information?
Explore more Wildlife Heritage Areas
Each Wildlife Heritage Area is designated by experts who advise dedicated local people passionate about preserving their unique wildlife and natural heritage.
Helpful links
Apply to become a Wildlife Heritage Area
