18 Interestingfactsabout Tenerife Tenerife Forum Blog

jony

-Apr 8, 2026, 11:23 PM

18 interestingfactsabout tenerife tenerife forum blog

There’s a moment, usually about twenty minutes offshore, when Tenerife starts to look completely different. The resorts shrink. The volcanic cliffs rise up behind you. The water turns from turquoise to a deep, dark blue. And somewhere beneath you, there are fish that could genuinely ruin your tackle. That’s the thing about fishing in Tenerife that most visitors never find out. They come for the sun, the food, the beaches.

They leave without ever knowing that the waters surrounding this island hold over 50 world fishing records, that blue marlin and yellowfin tuna patrol the deep channels just a few miles offshore, and that you can have a genuinely world-class day on the water for less than the price of a decent restaurant meal. This guide is for anyone who wants to change that.

Whether you’re a serious angler planning a dedicated trip, or someone on a family holiday who fancies a morning on the water, here’s everything you need to know. Why Tenerife Is Such a Good Place to Fish The short answer is geography. Tenerife sits in the Atlantic Ocean, roughly 300 kilometres off the north west coast of Africa.

That position puts it right in the path of warm currents that carry pelagic fish up from the tropics, while the island’s volcanic underwater terrain creates the kind of reef structure that smaller species love. The result is an unusually rich mix of fish. You’ve got big game species like blue marlin, white marlin, and bluefin tuna in the deep water. Closer in, there’s barracuda, dorado, wahoo, and rays. On the reefs and rocky bottoms, you’ll find grouper, red snapper, dentex, amberjack, and moray eels.

And from the shore, even a basic setup can produce bream, mackerel, and wrasse. The other thing working in your favour is the weather. Tenerife is warm and mostly sunny year-round, which means fishing is possible in every month. There’s no real off-season here, though certain species are more active at different times of year, which we’ll get to. The Different Types of Fishing in Tenerife Deep Sea Fishing This is the one that gets people talking.

Deep sea fishing off Tenerife means heading several miles offshore into the Atlantic, where the water drops to serious depths and the fish get seriously large. The main targets are blue marlin, white marlin, yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, wahoo, and dorado. These are powerful, fast fish that will test your gear and your arms in equal measure. A blue marlin can weigh several hundred kilograms. A bluefin tuna will dive deep and stay there.

Wahoo are among the fastest fish in the ocean and will strip line off your reel before you’ve had time to react. Most deep sea trips use trolling as the primary technique, pulling lures or live bait through the water at speed to attract predators. It’s effective, and it means you’re covering a lot of water rather than sitting still and waiting. The good news is that the best fishing grounds are only a few miles offshore, so you’re not spending half the day just getting there.

A six-hour trip is plenty of time to reach the grounds, fish properly, and get back. Shorter four-hour trips are also available and still give you a real shot at something worthwhile. Boat operators run out of several ports. Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje is the most popular in the south, and it’s where most of the charter fleet is based. In the north, you’ll find boats leaving from Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz.

The south is generally calmer and more sheltered, which matters if you’re not a confident sailor. Shared trips typically cost around €50 to €90 per person for a group of up to five or six. Private charters run from around €200 to €800 depending on the boat, duration, and what’s included. Most operators include equipment hire, and some include food and drinks. Always check before you book. One important note: the larger game fish, particularly marlin, are almost always tagged and released.

This is standard practice and part of responsible fishing in these waters. Dorado, on the other hand, you can often keep, and they’re genuinely one of the best-eating fish you’ll ever have. Reef and Bottom Fishing If deep sea fishing sounds a bit intense, reef fishing is a more relaxed alternative that still produces excellent catches. The rocky seabeds and reef structures around Tenerife are home to red snapper, grouper, dentex, amberjack, moray eels, octopus, and squid.

These aren’t small fish either; a good grouper can be a serious weight, and amberjack are strong, stubborn fighters that live among the rocks and don’t give up easily. The most effective technique for amberjack is metal jigging: you lower a heavy metal lure to the seafloor and then rip it upwards at speed, repeatedly. It works brilliantly. It’s also absolutely exhausting. Your forearms will be burning within twenty minutes, and you’ll feel it for two days afterwards. Worth it, though.

For other reef species, bottom fishing with live bait works well. Mackerel, sardines, and prawns are all effective. Use at least 30lb test line; the rocky terrain is unforgiving and lighter gear tends to snap on the structure. Grouper is one of those fish that sounds unremarkable until you eat it fresh. It’s not unremarkable. And red snapper, cooked simply with olive oil and lemon the same evening you caught it, is the kind of meal that makes you want to move to Tenerife permanently.

Shore Fishing Shore fishing is the easiest entry point, and it’s more productive here than in most places. The rocky coastlines, piers, and breakwaters around the island offer good access to fish that come in close to feed. Mackerel, bream, wrasse, barracuda, and even rays can all be caught from the shore with the right setup. Early morning and evening are the most productive times; locals tend to fish at night, which is worth knowing if you want to follow their lead.

Basic equipment costs around €30 from local fishing shops, and that’s genuinely enough to get started. You don’t need anything fancy for shore fishing in Tenerife. One thing to be aware of: the busier tourist beaches often have restrictions on fishing, particularly during peak hours when swimmers are around. Always check before you set up. The rocky headlands, quieter coves, and harbour walls are generally better bets anyway. It’s also a great option for families.

Children take to it naturally, and there’s something genuinely lovely about watching a kid wait for their first bite with complete, focused patience. Spearfishing Worth a mention for the more adventurous. Spearfishing is popular in Tenerife, and the underwater terrain makes it genuinely exciting. The reef structures and volcanic rock formations are full of life, and there are opportunities for spearos of all levels. One important rule: spearfishing in Tenerife must be done by free diving only. Scuba gear is not permitted for spearfishing.

You’ll also need a specific “Class 2” permit, separate from the standard fishing licence. More on that below. The Best Fishing Spots in Tenerife Los Gigantes On the southwest coast, Los Gigantes is one of the most popular fishing bases on the island, and for good reason. The dramatic cliffs drop straight into deep water, which means you’re close to serious fish very quickly. The marina has a good selection of charter boats, and the underwater volcanic formations nearby make for excellent reef fishing too.

Costa Adeje and Puerto Colón This is the main hub for fishing charters in the south. The waters here get deep quickly, which is ideal for offshore trips. Puerto Colón harbour is also worth fishing from directly; the structure around the harbour walls attracts fish, and you can sometimes catch decent-sized species right from the quayside. Punta del Hidalgo On the northeastern tip of the island, Punta del Hidalgo is a favourite with serious deep sea anglers. The unique position here draws strong currents that bring pelagic species close in.

It’s less touristy than the south, which means fewer boats and less pressure on the fish. Garachico A historically interesting spot on the north coast. A volcanic eruption in the 18th century reshaped the coastline here, and the resulting lava formations now create rich underwater habitat. Slow jigging around the rocky outcrops works well, and soft plastic lures tend to produce good results. The Anaga Peninsula For anglers who don’t mind a bit of effort, the remote northeast corner of the island around the Anaga Peninsula is worth the drive.

The roads are winding and the terrain is rugged, but the fishing is largely undisturbed. Roque Bermejo, at the far tip, is about as far from the tourist trail as you can get on Tenerife, and the fishing reflects that. Radazul On the east coast, Radazul is known more for diving than fishing, but the rocky bottoms here are excellent for rays and bottom species. Night fishing is particularly popular with locals in this area. What Fish Can You Catch, and When?

Tenerife fishes well year-round, but different species peak at different times. Here’s a rough guide: Tuna (all four species: albacore, bigeye, yellowfin, bluefin) are available throughout the year. Bluefin peak in spring and autumn. Yellowfin are most active in summer. Blue and white marlin are primarily a summer species, with the best action from June through September. Wahoo show up from spring onwards, with peak activity in summer and early autumn. Dorado (mahi mahi) are most active from April through October, with summer being the prime time.

Barracuda are present year-round but are at their best from September through January. Rays and rockfish are available all year and are reliable catches regardless of season. Dentex and pandora fish well throughout the year, with a slight peak in late spring and early summer. According to Pesca Recreativa Tenerife, the sweet spots are just a few miles offshore, meaning even a short trip gives you genuine access to quality fishing grounds. Fishing Licences and Regulations This catches people out more than anything else.

You do need a licence to fish in Tenerife, and fishing without one can result in a fine. For shore fishing and independent boat fishing, you need a recreational fishing licence. This costs around €15 and can be obtained from local council offices (look for “Edificio de Usos Múltiples I, Gobierno de Canarias” on Google Maps) or from authorised fishing shops on the island. You can also apply online through the Cabildo de Tenerife website. For guided charter trips, the boat operator’s licence covers you.

Always confirm this when booking, but it’s standard practice with reputable operators. For spearfishing, you need a separate Class 2 permit, available through the same channels as the standard licence. Size and bag limits apply to various species, and these differ depending on whether you’re fishing from shore or from a boat. It’s worth checking the current regulations before you go, as they do get updated.

Booking a Fishing Charter: What to Know If you’re going out on a charter for the first time, a few things are worth knowing before you hand over your money. Shared vs. private: Shared trips are cheaper and perfectly good for most people. You’ll be with a small group (usually up to five or six), and the operator will target whatever is running. Private charters cost more but give you full control over where you go, how long you stay, and what you target. Half-day vs.

full-day: Half-day trips (usually four hours) are a good starting point and are suitable for families, beginners, or anyone who isn’t sure how they’ll handle being offshore. Full-day trips give you more time on the grounds and a better shot at the bigger species. What’s included: Most operators include rods, reels, bait, and tackle. Some include food and drinks. Check before you book, and ask specifically about what happens with the catch. Seasickness: The south of the island is calmer and more sheltered than the north.

If you’re prone to seasickness, book from Puerto Colón or Los Gigantes rather than the north coast ports. Take medication the night before if needed, not just on the morning of the trip. Booking platforms: GetYourGuide has a good selection of charter operators with verified reviews. Reading recent reviews is the best way to separate the good operators from the average ones. Gear, Bait, and Tackle Tips If you’re bringing your own gear, here’s what works well in Tenerife’s waters: For deep sea fishing, you’ll want heavy-duty tackle.

A 50lb to 80lb class rod and reel combo is appropriate for marlin and large tuna. Most charter boats supply this, so don’t worry if you’re not travelling with your own. For reef and bottom fishing, a medium to heavy spinning setup works well. Don’t go below 30lb test line because of the rocky terrain. Live bait (mackerel, sardines, prawns) is consistently effective, and metal jigs in the 100g to 200g range are good for amberjack. For shore fishing, a medium spinning or surf casting setup is fine.

Sardines and squid are reliable bait, and small metal lures and spinners work well for mackerel and barracuda. Local bait is always worth using where possible. The fish in these waters are used to feeding on local species, and fresh local bait consistently outperforms imported alternatives. Wildlife You Might See on the Water This is one of those things that surprises people. The channel between Tenerife and La Gomera is one of the best places in the world to see cetaceans in the wild.

Pilot whales, sperm whales, and bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted, and it’s not unusual to have dolphins riding the bow wave of your charter boat for twenty minutes at a stretch. Seeing a sperm whale surface close to the boat is the kind of thing that stops a conversation dead. It’s genuinely one of the more extraordinary things you can witness from a small boat, and it happens regularly in these waters. Responsible operators maintain a respectful distance from marine mammals.

If you’re booking a charter and wildlife matters to you, it’s worth asking about their approach. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society has useful guidance on what responsible wildlife watching looks like if you want to read up beforehand. Frequently Asked Questions Do I need experience to go fishing in Tenerife? Not at all. Shore fishing requires no experience whatsoever, and guided charter trips are designed to accommodate complete beginners. The crew will show you what to do.

Bream and smaller reef species are good targets if you’re new to it. Can I keep the fish I catch? Sometimes. Dorado, grouper, red snapper, and other reef species can often be kept, and eating them fresh that evening is one of the genuine highlights of the experience. Larger game fish like marlin are almost always tagged and released. Check with your operator before the trip. What’s the best time of year to fish in Tenerife? There’s no bad time, honestly. Tuna are available year-round.

For marlin and wahoo, summer is best. For barracuda, autumn and winter are strong. If you’re flexible, late spring through early autumn gives you the widest range of species. How much does a fishing trip cost? Shared half-day charters run from around €50 to €90 per person. Private charters start at around €200 and can go up to €800 or more for a full day on a well-equipped boat. Shore fishing is much cheaper; basic gear costs around €30, plus the €15 licence fee.

Where do I get a fishing licence? From local council offices or authorised fishing shops on the island. You can also apply online via the Cabildo de Tenerife website. If you’re on a guided charter, the operator’s licence covers you, but confirm this when booking. Is seasickness likely to be a problem? It depends on the person and the conditions. The south of the island is calmer and more sheltered.

If you’re concerned, book from Puerto Colón or Los Gigantes, take seasickness medication the night before, and eat a light meal before you go. Avoid alcohol the evening before a morning trip. Can children go on fishing trips? Yes, and they often love it. Shore fishing is ideal for children of any age. Half-day shared charters are also suitable for older children. Check with the operator about minimum age requirements for specific trips. Is spearfishing allowed in Tenerife? Yes, but only by free diving.

Scuba gear is not permitted for spearfishing. You’ll need a Class 2 permit, available from the same places as the standard fishing licence. Can tourists fish in Tenerife? Yes, absolutely. Tourists can fish in Tenerife without any restrictions beyond the standard rules that apply to everyone. You’ll need a recreational fishing licence if you’re fishing independently from the shore or your own boat, and that’s available to anyone regardless of nationality. If you’re booking a guided charter trip, the operator’s licence covers you.

There’s no residency requirement, no special permit for visitors, and no complicated process. You just need the licence, a rod, and a bit of patience. What month is best for deep sea fishing? If you’re specifically chasing the big game species, July and August are the peak months. That’s when blue marlin, white marlin, and wahoo are most active in the waters around Tenerife, and when the conditions offshore tend to be at their calmest.

June and September are also very good, and you’ll often find fewer boats on the water in those shoulder months. That said, tuna fish well all year, so if tuna is your main target, you don’t need to time your trip around the summer peak. Where is the best place to fish in Tenerife? For deep sea fishing and big game species, the south of the island is the best base.

Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje has the largest charter fleet, the water gets deep quickly, and the conditions are generally calmer than the north. Los Gigantes is also excellent, particularly for reef fishing, with the added bonus of dramatic cliff scenery and quick access to deep water. If you’re shore fishing, the rocky coastlines around the Anaga Peninsula in the northeast are largely undisturbed and consistently productive.

And for something a bit different, Punta del Hidalgo on the northeastern tip is a favourite with serious anglers who want fewer boats and more fish. How much is a fishing licence in Tenerife? A standard recreational fishing licence costs around €15. It covers shore fishing and independent boat fishing, and it’s valid across the Canary Islands. You can get one from local council offices, from authorised fishing shops on the island, or online through the Cabildo de Tenerife website.

If you’re going out on a guided charter trip, you don’t need your own licence as the boat operator’s licence covers all passengers, but it’s always worth confirming this when you book. The Class 2 permit for spearfishing is a separate licence and costs a similar amount. What are the top 5 best fish to eat? This is a question worth answering properly, because Tenerife has some genuinely excellent eating fish and it would be a shame to catch something good and not know what to do with it.

Here are five that are hard to beat: - Dorado (mahi mahi) — Firm, sweet, and versatile. Eat it the same day you catch it, cooked simply with olive oil and garlic. One of the best fish you’ll ever taste. - Grouper (mero) — A local favourite and for good reason. The flesh is dense and flavourful, and it holds up well to grilling or baking. Any restaurant on the island worth its salt will have it on the menu. - Red snapper (pargo) — Clean, mild, and delicious.

Locals often cook it whole, baked in salt or grilled over charcoal. Simple preparation works best. - Yellowfin tuna (atún) — Fresh tuna in Tenerife is a completely different experience from anything you’ll find in a tin. Seared briefly so it’s still pink in the middle, it’s one of the island’s great pleasures. - Dentex (dentón) — Less well known outside the Canaries, but locals rate it highly. It has a firm, slightly sweet flesh and is excellent grilled whole. If you catch one, keep it.

A Few Final Thoughts Tenerife doesn’t always get the credit it deserves as a fishing destination. Most people think of it as a beach holiday island, and it is that too. But the fishing here is genuinely something else, and the anglers who know about it tend to keep coming back. The variety is what makes it special. You can spend a morning jigging for amberjack on a reef, have lunch in a harbour-side restaurant, and be back on the water in the afternoon trolling for marlin.

Or you can just sit on a pier with a basic rod, watch the sun go down over the Atlantic, and wait for something to bite. Both are valid. Both are good. If you’re planning a trip and want to compare operators, read recent reviews, and get a feel for what’s available, GetYourGuide’s Tenerife fishing section is a solid starting point. And if you want to go deeper on regulations and local information, the Cabildo de Tenerife website has the official detail.

Go in with realistic expectations, book with a reputable operator, get the licence sorted before you go, and enjoy it. Some days the fish aren’t biting. That’s fishing. But when they are, and you’re sitting on a boat in the Atlantic with a marlin on the line and a volcano behind you, there aren’t many better places to be. And if you land a dorado, eat it the same day. You’ll thank me for that one. 6 Comments Although I don’t fish but I used to when I was little.

But nonetheless, I would love to visit Tenerife and the Canary Islands. It’s one of those activities that brings back fond memories of childhood. When I lived in Africa, we used to spear fish and really gets the adrenalin pumping.:) Thanks for the info! I’ve just moved to Santa Cruz and haven’t fished since I was a child, but have bought a cheap setup(for around 30EU as you said) and am keen to get into it!

I hope to eventually get out on a boat after some big monsters one day too! You’re welcome Mark. Hope you have a great time and catch that big one.:) Hi admin, I have my brother visiting for a few weeks, i have the fishing licence that i understand is valid for two rods? My question is …my brother has limited mobility, are there any accessible fishing spots in the south of tenerife that he could get there in a mobility scooter?

18 Interestingfactsabout Tenerife Tenerife Forum Blog

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