If Tenerife has a signature fish, it's tuna. The deep water starts minutes from the marina, and some species of tuna passes the island in every month of the year — bluefin in late winter and spring, yellowfin through summer and autumn, bigeye hanging deep along the ledges. It's the most reliable big-fish target in the Canaries.
The Tuna Calendar
- February – June: Atlantic bluefin migrate past the islands — the strongest fish of the year, often 100 kg+.
- June – November: Yellowfin dominate; fast, aggressive, and frequently in feeding schools around bait balls.
- Year-round: Bigeye hold on the deep drop-offs, and smaller albacore and skipjack fill in whenever the big fish are quiet.
For a month-by-month breakdown across all species, see the best time to fish in Tenerife.
How We Fish for Tuna
Tuna hunting here is active fishing. We troll lures and rigged baits along current breaks until the sonar lights up, then switch to live bait or vertical jigs when the school holds under the boat. Drop-offs to 1,000+ metres sit within a 30-minute run — that steep terrain is why the offshore fishing off South Tenerife outproduces most European destinations. Techniques are explained in our trolling and jigging guide.
Keep Your Catch
Unlike billfish, tuna is a sustainable food catch: whatever legal-size fish you land is yours to keep. Ksenia, our booking manager, will point you to harbourside restaurants near Puerto Colón that will cook your tuna the same evening.
Boats & Pricing
Tuna trips work in every format: join a shared trip from €85/person, or take a private charter from €490 on Mikestrike or the No Limits boats. During bluefin season, book early — those weeks fill first.
FAQ
Can you catch tuna in Tenerife year-round?
Yes — the species changes with the season, but tuna are present in every month. Bluefin peak February–June, yellowfin June–November, and bigeye hold deep all year.
How big are the tuna off Tenerife?
Yellowfin typically run 20–80 kg, bigeye similar, and spring bluefin regularly exceed 100 kg. School fish like skipjack and albacore are smaller and perfect for beginners.
Is a 4-hour trip enough to catch tuna?
Often, yes. Tuna grounds start close to shore, so a standard 4-hour shared or private trip gives realistic chances. For the biggest fish and multiple techniques, take the 8-hour option.