Guide · Spain · March to October
In the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, dolphins and pilot whales live all year. In summer sperm whales arrive and, following the tuna, orcas. From the little harbour of Tarifa you reach them in two to three hours.
Short answer: book a trip from Tarifa; boats run roughly March to October. Dolphins and pilot whales are seen on almost every trip. For orcas, go in July and August; for sperm whales, roughly April to August.
| Species | When |
|---|---|
| Pilot whale | All year |
| Bottlenose, common and striped dolphin | All year |
| Sperm whale | About April to August |
| Orca | July and August, sometimes into September |
Frequently asked questions
Whale watching from Tarifa
When can you see orcas near Tarifa?
Mainly in July and August, when they follow the tuna.
How long is a whale-watching trip from Tarifa?
Usually 2 to 3 hours; orca trips are longer.
Also read about the orca and wildlife in Doñana.
Habitat · Spain
