Whale sanctuary in Tenerife is under threat from uncontrolled tourism
The Teno-Rasca Marine Conservation Zone, home to Europe’s first official whale sanctuary, is facing increasing pressure from unregulated tourist activity, putting at risk one of the world’s largest populations of short-finned pilot whales and endangered species such as loggerhead turtles.
Located off the busy south-west coast of Tenerife, the 70,000-hectare protected area was declared a conservation zone in 2011. It hosts more than 300 resident pilot whales and up to 20 other species of cetaceans, along with threatened marine turtles.
In theory, strict rules prohibit swimming with whales and dolphins, chasing or feeding them, and restrict the number of boats allowed near pods. In practice, however, enforcement is limited.
Jet skis, speedboats and unauthorised excursions frequently approach marine wildlife at high speed. Conservation groups report collisions, stress and changes in the animals’ behaviour, while underwater noise disrupts their communication and rest. One local researcher warned: “The animals are suffering chronic stress. Turtles risk collision and whales are altering their natural behaviour to avoid disturbance.”
Video showing people blatantly ignoring rules and swimming with whales in southern Tenerife
Whale and dolphin watching is a key income source for many licensed local operators, but they face unfair competition from illegal businesses offering kayak and snorkelling trips with dolphins and turtles for as little as €40. Licensed operators must display a “Blue Boat” flag, but authorities admit that inspections and sanctions remain sporadic.
In 2023, Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition imposed a moratorium on new licences for whale-watching boats to curb the damage, yet experts argue this is insufficient without stronger monitoring of private recreational craft. The surveillance vessel Mar Canario, purchased in 2019 to patrol conservation areas, has reportedly been absent during the main tourist summer months.
Anthropologists and marine biologists from the University of La Laguna highlight the lack of coordination between administrations and limited enforcement as the sanctuary’s greatest weaknesses. They stress that education for tourists and businesses is essential but cannot replace effective regulation and surveillance.
For visitors, the message is clear: Tenerife’s whale sanctuary is unique, fragile, and worth protecting. Respecting the rules when booking excursions or using watercraft is vital to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy these extraordinary animals.
A turtle with a damaged shell off the coast of Los Cristianos
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