When is the best time for whale watching in La Gomera?
The best time to see whales and dolphins on La Gomera is definitely throughout the spring. In the months of February, March, April and May the diversity of species is the greatest and the probability of sighting is the highest (up to 99%).
Whales are most often seen on La Gomera in the spring or autumn, during migration periods. During this period, some species of whales pass through the Canary Islands on their route. But of course, since they are free and wild animals, there is no guarantee! No provider can give you a sighting guarantee - and if you see an advertising slogan of this kind, then in my opinion it is unserious.
But there are also periods of time when despite intensive search by the guides not a single whale or dolphin is sighted! Whale Watching is and remains a small gamble, that should be clear to everyone!
But I can say with a clear conscience that it is worthwhile to go whale watching all year round on the second smallest Canary Island. The average sighting rates over the whole year are still at a proud 80-90% - that is almost unique in Europe!
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Is it a good idea to join a whale watching trip on La Gomera?
First of all the answer: Yes, definitely!
There are approximately 90 different species of whales and dolphins on our planet. These are divided into two categories: Toothed whales and baleen whales.
Nearly 30 different species of whales and dolphins have been sighted off .coasts of the Canary Islands so far (year 2022), which is a good third of all known species. In front of La Gomera coasts 24 different species could be sighted and documented so far! Some species pass by regularly, others are only seen seasonally or appear only sporadically and irregularly.
The fact that there are so many different species of whales and dolphins here on the Canary Islands is due to various factors - such as water depths up to 3000 meters, nutrient richness, wind shadow.
In summary, the Canary archipelago is one of the most species-rich and important habitats for cetaceans in Europe.
The species most commonly encountered on La Gomera are the following: Bottlenose dolphin, pilot whale, spotted dolphin, rough-toothed dolphin and the common dolphin. But there are also irregular sightings of blue fin or sei whales. Bryde's whales, on the other hand, are seen more often, but this also requires a bit of luck.
