Whale Watching

Cetacean spotting allows you to observe dolphins, whales, orcas and other marine mammals in their natural habitat. Spain is one of the best countries in Europe for this activity, thanks to the permanent presence of several cetacean species in its waters. The Strait of Gibraltar is the most famous location: during the tuna migration (July–September), orcas gather in the area, and throughout the year you can spot common, striped and bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales and sperm whales. Tarifa is the main base for these excursions. The Canary Islands (especially Tenerife, La Gomera and Lanzarote) offer year-round cetacean sightings, including tropical pilot whales, spotted dolphins, and, if lucky, blue whales, fin whales and Cuvier’s beaked whales. The strait between Tenerife and La Gomera is one of the best spots in the world for cetaceans. Excursions depart from boats equipped with hydrophones (to listen to underwater sounds) and are accompanied by marine biologists who explain the behaviour of each species. Typical duration is 2–3 hours. All operators follow responsible sighting protocols to avoid disturbing the animals.