The Strait of Gibraltar is blessed with wonderful habitants—whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals roam the waters south of Spain all year round. However, whale watching cruises usually operate from February or March to October or November. So the best time to hop on a whale-watching cruise is from March to October. Tours depart from the small town of Tarifa set on the very southern tip of the country—in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia. Tarifa is also the southernmost town found on the European mainland. It's about a two-hour drive from Seville.
The probability of sighting in the area is 99%, but you never know which species you'll encounter as all these animals are in the wild. Dolphins and Pilot Whales stay in the area throughout the year, while other species are seasonal. Orcas follow the tuna, which migrates to the Mediterranean sea between June and August, so summer is the best time to catch a glimpse of the killer whales. Note that summer months are also the busiest time here. Sperm whales visit the Strait of Gibraltar between April and August. Fin whales are somewhat unpredictable and may occasionally be observed crossing the Strait.
Most whale watching trips last for two hours. Only if there's a good probability of the orca sighting, the time in the sea is extended to three hours. To increase your chances, it's recommended to go on a tour twice in a day. Also, remember to book your tour several days in advance and confirm a day before the trip.
Usually, the boats set off a few times per day, but be prepared for tour cancellations in case of unfavourable weather. Tarifa enjoys another fancy title—the capital of wind, and there were times when tours didn't run for over ten days in a row. The tours don't run on foggy days either.
Practical info
When is the best time to witness orcas during whale watching in Spain?
Orcas can usually be seen around the Strait of Gibraltar between June and August, which is the tuna's migration period, but during summer, there's usually a lot more tourists. Show more
Where does the whale watching tour usually depart from when visiting the Strait of Gibraltar?
The town of Tarifa located in Andalusia, Spain is where most whale watching tours depart from. It's advisable to pre-book your tour and confirm a day in advance. The place is about a two-hour drive from Seville. Show more
What's the likelihood of encountering marine mammals during the whale watching tour?
There's a high chance of encountering marine mammals on the whale watching tour, with reports showing sighting probability of 99%. However, the species may vary since they are all in their natural environment. Some species like Pilot Whales and Dolphins are visible all year round, while others like Orca and Sperm Whales may be seasonal. Show more
How long does most whale watching tours last in the Strait of Gibraltar?
Whale watching tours usually last about two hours, but when chances of Orca sightings are high, tours may run up to three hours. To improve sighting chances, tourists can opt to go for two tours in one day. Show more
What are the chances of a whale watching tour cancellation due to weather conditions?
Weather conditions can cause tour cancellations in Tarifa, especially on foggy and windy days since Tarifa is the capital of wind. To prevent any inconveniences, tourists should confirm the tour a day in advance and ensure the weather conditions are suitable for the tour. Show more
