The Canary Islands are teeming with a huge variety of wildlife, and the town of Los Cristianos, on the southern tip of Tenerife, is no exception. In this sun-soaked beach town, famous for its bustling harbour and year-round warm climate, you have the opportunity to observe the exotic animals of these unique and diverse islands.
Dolphin and Whale Watching
Los Cristianos is perfectly situated for experiencing the diverse wealth of marine life in the Canary Islands. Because of the archipelago’s location, its aquatic wildlife is a combination of North American, Mediterranean and endemic species. Don’t miss a chance to see the whales and dolphins of the seas off south Tenerife on one of the many boat tours offered in Los Cristianos.
Travelin’ Lady boat tours conducts two-hour tours of the waters off Los Cristianos, where you’re likely to spot short-finned pilot whales and pods of bottlenose dolphins. Tours, which cost €18 and run seven days a week, leave from the beach at Paseo Rincon del Puerto.
Monkey Park
Five minutes from the centre of Los Cristianos you’ll find this small primate zoo. The Monkey Park is home to lemurs, marmosets and chimpanzees, as well as birds, guinea pigs and terrapins. Some of the enclosures allow visitors to enter and interact with the animals. If you’ve ever wanted a marmoset to eat food off your shoulder, this is the place for you! At just €10 for adults and €5 for children, this wonderful little zoo makes for a rewarding and economical day out.
Fishing Charters and Tours
In addition to whales and dolphins, the waters off Los Cristianos are teeming with tuna, marlin, amberjacks, barracuda, flatfish, snappers, perch, sea bream, mackerel, herring and more! Trolling these waters is a fisherman’s dream, and there are many fishing expedition companies in Los Cristianos that are happy to show you the wealth of aquatic wildlife in the area.
One such company is Crested Wave, which operates half-day and full-day fishing excursions from its 42-foot twin-engine boat of the same name. Though most of the fish, such as the marlin and other big game fish, are strictly ‘catch and release’ (that is, you must throw them back in the ocean alive), you are allowed to take certain species home to eat.
You can find Crested Wave in kiosk 6 of the Los Cristianos port on the Muelle de Pescadores.
How to Get to Los Cristianos
To get to Los Cristianos from London, your best bet is to fly into Tenerife South Airport. British Airways and easyJet both offer nonstop, four-hour flights from London Gatwick, while Thomas Cook Airlines and Ryanair fly similar flights out of London Stansted. Once you’ve touched down, you’re only twenty minutes from the centre of town! For optimal convenience, arrange to have a private car or shared ride from Shuttle Direct collect you at arrivals and take you directly to your accommodation in Los Cristianos.
Alternatively, car rentals are available at Tenerife South Airport if you wish to navigate the island yourself. Take the TF-1 due west for about ten miles before heading south on TF-655, which will take you directly to the town centre. The airport also runs a very convenient bus service that can take you into town for about €3.20. At the ground floor of arrivals, look for signs for Route 111 to buy tickets and catch the bus.
Where to Stay:
Apartamentos Costamar – This towering complex near the beach offers sweeping views of Los Cristianos’ harbour from its many private balconies. The rooms are simply furnished in cheery green and tangerine hues, and all include a seating area and balcony furniture. Only a three-minute walk from the beach, Apartamentos Costamar combines convenience, affordability and hospitality.
Paloma Beach Apartments – For a home-away-from home experience, opt for a fully furnished apartment at Paloma Beach Apartments. With a well-equipped kitchenette and spacious living room, you’ll be glad to come back to the comfort and privacy of your own flat. With private terraces offering views of the mountains, gardens or pool, you can sit back and enjoy the salty breezes sweeping in from the ocean.
H10 Big Sur – At the H10 Big Sur, you can wake up in four-star luxury and be at the beach in only five minutes! Perched on the Los Cristianos beachfront, this hotel is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and waving palm trees. Rooms are spacious and airy, with crisp white and blue decor. Catch some rays on the sun terrace overlooking the ocean or sip a tropical cocktail at the poolside bar. For true island luxury, the adults-only H10 Big Sur has you covered.
