Dolphins and whales off the coast of the Costa del Sol – where can you see them in their natural habitat?

If you enjoy water-based activities, sea cruises and admiring marine flora and fauna, then you should go on a dolphin-spotting trip! It’s an amazing opportunity not only to have a lovely time, but also to see dolphins in their natural habitat.

Where can you see dolphins in their natural habitat on the Costa del Sol?

The waters of the Mediterranean off the Costa del Sol, thanks to their temperature and geographical conditions, boast a rich variety of flora and fauna. The undeniable beauty of Andalusia’s landscapes attracts visitors year after year. Almost 8,000 km of coastline along the Mediterranean, the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean are a major attraction for water sports enthusiasts from all over the world, practically all year round.

One of the most unique – and, for Polish tourists, exotic – attractions offered by the Costa del Sol is ‘dolphin and whale spotting’, that is, boat trips during which visitors can observe dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. This is an incredible experience not only for naturalists and biologists, but also for anyone who loves animals and nature.

Most cruises of this type set sail from the ports of Benalmádena and Gibraltar. They are also organised from Tarifa, Fuengirola, Barbate, Estepona, Algeciras, Marbella and Manilva.

What species of dolphin can be found on the Costa del Sol?

Dolphins are considered to be among the most intelligent and sociable animals. They can dive to a depth of around 280 metres and hold their breath for about 8 minutes, whilst some species can reach speeds of around 56 km/h. They are gregarious animals that spend their entire lives in groups, helping one another to find food or when danger threatens. Within the group, they are very close-knit, and when one member of the group falls ill, the rest help it to find food and protect it from danger.

In the Strait of Gibraltar, you can spot common dolphins, striped dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, long-finned pilot whales, orcas, sperm whales and even blue whales. However, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are the most commonly sighted, and are renowned for their charisma and friendly behaviour. This makes them a favourite with tourists, who are keen to interact with them. The second most commonly sighted species are common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), which are exceptionally agile and famous for their impressive leaps out of the water.

Some dolphins, out of curiosity, swim up to vessels and ride the bow wave. However, it is important to remember that these are wild animals. You must not feed them, touch them, chase them or attempt to influence the direction in which they are travelling.

What is a dolphin and whale-watching cruise like?

The websites of various companies offering cruise services usually feature an extensive catalogue of options, with a wide range of dolphin and whale-watching trips on offer. During the holiday season, it’s worth booking the right trip online in advance, which will help you save time and money. If you try to buy tickets on the spot, you run the risk of them being sold out on the day.

The prices of the cruises vary depending on their duration and the attractions available on board the boat itself. Group trips, lasting around 2–3 hours, cost between 200 and 300 zł per person, whilst private cruises range from 900 zł to as much as 7,000 zł for a full-day trip. Some operators, in addition to providing a crew and a guide on board, offer longer cruises – even full-day trips – with a break for jumping into the water from the boat and several meals on board, as well as transfers to and from your hotel. You can even find companies that offer sunset cruises with an overnight stay on the boat, which can be a great idea for a romantic date or an unusual way to celebrate a birthday, stag or hen party.

Please bear in mind that, as a rule, you will not be able to buy tickets via the website an hour before the cruise, and the only way to get them is from the ticket office, which is usually located in the harbour, near where the boat is moored. It is worth bearing in mind that cruises taking place in the evening, at sunset or at weekends tend to be busier, and purchasing tickets for these may require advance booking.

When is the best time to visit the Costa del Sol?

Dolphins and pilot whales can be spotted in the Gibraltar area all year round, although the number of trips and the likelihood of seeing particular species depend on the season and the weather. Sperm whales are more commonly seen in spring and autumn, whilst orcas are mainly sighted in July and August.

Whales can also be spotted in the Strait, although sightings are rather rare. The most common whales in the Bay are the so-called long-finned pilot whales, which actually belong to the dolphin family, but their considerable size means they are conventionally classified as cetaceans.

FAQ