It was a wonderful holiday. With great sightings (albeit at a distance) of Fin Whales, an Iberian Wolf and a mother Brown Bear, we managed to see ‘the Big Three’. We also saw Wild Cat, various birds, including Great Bustard, Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Griffon Vultures and lots of passerines, plus sea birds on the ferry. The two accommodations in Spain were excellent and, as a vegan, I was very impressed with the quality and variety of the food I was given. The 2 tour guides were very knowledgeable and friendly and ensured that we all saw the animals. They [Naturetrek] have a large variety of wonderful holidays with good value for money. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly.
M.C. London, Sept 23
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - September 2023
- Tour report - September 2022
- Tour report - September 2021
- Tour report - September 2019
- Tour report - September 2017
- Tour report - August 2016
- Tour report - September 2015
- Tour report - September 2014
- Tour report - September 2013
- Tour report - September 2012
- Tour report - August 2011
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Spain's 'Big Three': In Search of Whales, Wolves & Bears
Tour Code: ESP27A 10-day holiday in search of cetaceans and seabirds in the Bay of Biscay, as well as Bears and Wolves in the Cantabrian Mountains.
£2,395 (Inc ferry)
£2,195
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - September 2023
- Tour report - September 2022
- Tour report - September 2021
- Tour report - September 2019
- Tour report - August 2016
- Tour report - September 2017
- Tour report - September 2015
- Tour report - September 2014
- Tour report - September 2013
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Quick Enquiry
Summary
This tour offers a chance to look for three of Europe's most iconic mammals in contrasting habitats in northern Spain – the Bay of Biscay, Somiedo Natural Park in the western Cantabrian Mountains and the rolling hills of Zamora Province. Our holiday begins with a ferry trip to Santander across the Bay of Biscay, where we’ll watch for whales, dolphins and seabirds. On arrival in northern Spain we head to the heart of Somiedo in search of bears, before transferring to our second base in Zamora for two days of wolf-scanning. There'll be some special birds too, including plenty of raptors, bustards and other mountain and steppe birds. We finish the tour with a little light culture in Santander.
- Fin & Minke Whales, plus Common & Risso’s Dolphins in the Bay of Biscay
- Balearic, Sooty, Cory’s & Great Shearwaters, skuas & petrels from ferry
- Griffon Vulture, Water Pipit & Alpine Chough in Somiedo
- Chance of Brown Bear with Chamois and Red/Roe Deer common
- One of the world’s largest concentrations of Great Bustards in the plains
- Almost guaranteed views (90%+) of wild Wolf - one of Europe's most exciting mammals
- Otter & Wild Boar also regularly seen
- Led by expert naturalist guide
Grading
Grade A/B. Easy/moderate.
Northern Spain, rugged and green, has a great deal to offer the naturalist. Here, in the Cantabrian Mountains, which extend for about 180 miles from the Pyrenees to Galicia, two isolated populations of European Brown Bear occur. The majority, about 100, live in the wildest, steepest and most wooded parts of the little-visited western end of the range. Of these, about 20 live in the deep valleys, forests and mountains of Somiedo Natural Park, one of Naturetrek’s favourite European retreats, and very little known. Established in 1988, Somiedo protects almost 30,000 hectares of some of the highest and most scenic peaks and valleys of the region, and is regarded as the best-preserved montane environment in the Iberian Peninsula. The Cantabrian Mountains and their outlying ranges also hold the vast majority of Spain’s 2,500 to 3,000 Wolves and are the stronghold of the species in Europe. This is a population that has increased markedly since an estimated all-time low of just 500 individuals in 1970. The depopulation of Spain’s rural regions, as Spaniards have increasingly migrated to the cities, has benefitted both the Wolf and the Bear, as has a changing attitude towards these two species which were once viciously persecuted.
Our holiday begins with a ferry crossing from the south coast to Santander over the Bay of Biscay, a journey which at this time of year regularly produces sightings of an exciting range of whale and dolphin species. The ferry provides a good vantage-point for scanning the sea ahead for tell-tale fins or ‘blows’. Our ship crosses the continental shelf during the night and the morning will find us in the Bay of Biscay, over a deep underwater topography that creates a particularly rich feeding ground for whales. Here we have a chance of encountering such exciting species as Fin, Sei, Minke and Longfinned Pilot Whales, plus the deep-diving Cuvier’s Beaked Whale and a variety of dolphins including Bottlenose, Common, Striped and Risso’s. In September it is also sometimes possible to see migrating Sperm Whales; at this time of year we also have a good chance of seeing Balearic, Sooty and Cory’s Shearwaters, up to four species of skua, Sabine’s Gull, Grey Phalarope and petrels that may even include Wilson’s.
On reaching northern Spain and overnighting in Santander, we will drive south to the rolling hills of Zamora, where we will spend four nights. Now our focus switches to finding one of these mountains’ iconic mammals, the Wolf. This is a region of rolling hills and broad valleys which affords excellent opportunities to scan wide areas of open land and which may easily be accessed via an extensive network of metalled roads and gravelled forest tracks. Birds of prey are much in evidence and include Red Kite, Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Merlin and even the occasional Golden Eagle. Coniferous forests are filled with Firecrests, Coal and Crested Tits, and Jays, while the heaths hold Woodlark, Stonechat and Dartford Warbler. Good numbers of both Red and Roe Deer are here too — good news for us, as they form the main prey for the focus of our visit, the Wolf. Looking for Wolves involves lengthy scanning sessions from strategic vantage-points and requires a great deal of persistence, patience and stealth. Having said that, 90% of our Wolf-watching tours in this area to date have been successful, so we will be hoping to maintain this record.
From Zamora we will drive north to the village of Pola de Somiedo, situated within Somiedo Natural Park, where we will be based for the next three nights. During September, Brown Bears will be feeding on the seasonal glut of fruits, nuts and other food sources in order to fatten up for their long winter hibernation. To stand a chance of seeing a Bear we must put in long hours of patient scanning from one spot during the early mornings and late evenings. A successful Bear quest will also require a hefty dose of luck, not least with the weather! There are Chamois, plus Roe and Red Deer in the park and we will also enjoy the other wildlife we see from our vantage-points, and during gentlepaced wildlife walks, as well as during our leisurely and lavish al fresco lunches set amongst the beautiful Cantabrian scenery.
Before long it will be time to drive to Santander to enjoy some more cetacean and seabird-watching on the ferry home to Plymouth, from where we offer a transfer back to our port of departure.
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Ferries
- Accommodation:
Twin-bedded cabins aboard the ferry. Comfortable rural hotels in Spain; all rooms with private facilities.
- Food:
All included in the price, except on ferry crossings and lunch/dinner in Santander.
Reviews
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I loved everything, great accommodation, food amazing locations with beautiful scenery and great views of the wonderful wildlife. Byron was a gem, always imparting his vast knowledge with great enthusiasm and excitement. Tino was also fantastic, great humour, with an awesome knowledge of his beautiful area of Spain. Rosa's food was delicious, treating us to authentic Spanish cuisine, we were truly spoilt.
T.M, Kent, Sep 21 -
The two centre concept worked extremely well as this gave us the opportunity to explore two very different habitats, with different mammals, birds, butterflies and flowers to be observed. It was a particularly enjoyable experience to look across the valley in Montana Palentina in the early morning under perfect conditions, and observe the behaviour of a pack of Iberian wolves and on the second morning, a family of wild boar.
MW, Suffolk, Sep 19 -
Excellent tour guide who knew how to get the best wildlife experience for us in the mountains of Cantabria and Asturias. Fantastic picnic lunches with local ingredients sourced by him each day including dealing well with multiple dietary requirements.
S.J. Hampshire, Sept 19 -
We would like to say how much the experience was enhanced by the enthusiasm and dedication of the leaders.
C.C. West Midlands -
Wonderful views of wolves and bears. The leaders worked hard. Excellent trip.
J.B. West Sussex -
This Naturetrek holiday was a tour of Northern Spain in search of Bears, Wolves and Whales. From start to finish we were well looked after and the experience of our guides ensured that we had great sightings of over 120 birds, bears, whales, dolphins and butterflies. Great value for money.
M.S. Tyne & Wear -
A terrific holiday. Both guides worked really hard to find the wolves, and to see 5 wolves playing for over half an hour was much more than we anticipated.
E.L. London -
Our leaders were excellent, they both worked very hard to ensure we saw both bears and wolves. They were both very good company and helped ensure we gelled as a group.
D.B. Cheshire -
Together, Gerald and Julian were a most effective team. For the most part I travelled with Julian, whose knowledge of geology and other aspects of geography in the widest sense is superb. His mobile library is marvellous.
T.N. Hampshire -
The way in which we were looked after by the tour leaders and the hotel people was considerate; they could not do more to ensure we enjoyed our holiday.
E.B. Wiltshire -
I most enjoyed seeing the Wolf watching in Zamora and watching the Bear with three cubs in Somiedo Natural Park.
A.R. Isle of Wight -
Fabulous scenery of Cantabrian Mountains. Brilliant sighting of female and three Bear cubs. The guides had used their contacts to find the best chances of sightings and those of us who bothered to get up that morning observed the Bears for two hours. Guides very generous with use of scopes. Really helpful.
J.R. Isle of Wight -
The guides were very good at finding out local information on possible location of animals. Once an animal/bird was spotted they tried hard to ensure that every member of the group had the best possible view. The food at both locations was excellent, including the provision of a vegetarian option at each meal.
M.D. Berkshire -
For me the guides made this holiday a success. They worked well as a team, always ensuring we were safe, comfortable, well-fed and gave us the best opportunity to see the wildlife. Their experience and enthusiasm came across making the tour one of the best I have been on.
M.S. Tyne & Wear -
The whole experience was impressive, the scenery, the wildlife and the expertise of two great guides, who were also two very nice guys.
J.D. West Yorkshire -
The dynamic between Gerald and Byron was amazing. They could not have done any more to ensure that every member of the group felt included and were enjoying the experience. Their knowledge was encyclopaedic and they showed this with humour and generosity of spirit.
E.B. Tyne & Wear
Dates & Prices
2025
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Seeing whales in the wild is one of the top 10 things most people want to do during their lifetime. Scanning the water, waiting to hear a blow or see a dorsal fin, is one of the top wildlife experiences in the world, and it can get addictive! A sighting of whales in their natural habitat is consistently rated in the top 10 wildlife experiences in the world. These gentle giants of the ocean hold a special place in our hearts. Our dedicated small group tours offer the thrilling opportunity of an up-close-and-personal encounter in the wild; scanning the water, waiting for the sound of a blow or the sight of a dorsal fin is both thrilling and addictive.
Naturetrek Whale Watching Tours
Our dedicated small group whale-watching holidays encompass a range of destinations all over the world to offer the best chance of sightings on short trips or longer cruises. Whether it’s a day excursion in the UK or an extended 14-day cruise to an exotic far-flung location, we offer the chance to encounter these giant cetaceans in all of the world’s oceans, from the tropics to the Polar regions.
Depending on the location, our itineraries can focus on one or several of the planet’s 86 key species, including Blue and Killer Whales, or form part of a broader wildlife-watching experience to encounter dolphins, birdlife and other marine species. Led by expert biologist or naturalist guides, our tours often allow participants to get thrillingly close to one of the most fascinating animals on Earth. We've been organising specialist wildlife tours for 32 years and our experience, passion and knowledge have earned us a reputation as the best in the business. Our range of whale-watching holidays is so popular that we are rapidly expanding our programme to include some of the most exciting, wildlife-rich places in the world.Why book a Naturetrek whale & dolphin watching holiday?
- Expert biologist-led & wildlife photographer-led holidays
- Dedicated whale-watching tours focusing on one or a few key species
- Many of our whale-watching tours offer the chance to see dolphins as well (and vice versa)
- A range of tours from day trips out on small boats to week-long liveaboard cruises
- A chance to look for cetaceans in all of the world’s oceans, from polar waters to the tropics
- A wide range of the world’s 86 species are seen on our whale-watching holidays, including Blue Whales & Killer Whales
- A wide range of the world's dolphin species have also been seen, from Bottlenose and Risso’s, to Spinner, Striped and Heaviside’s
Our specialist recommends...
Sara Frost - Tour Leader & Marketing Manager
Bear Watching Holidays – See Bears in their Wild Habitat
Bears are many people’s favourite mammal. They are immensely strong and have unpredictable temperaments, yet inspire great affection in most of us.
The Naturetrek programme includes a number of specially designed bear-watching holidays which employ local expertise to provide clients with wonderful opportunities to see their favourite mammals.
Naturetrek Bear-watching tours
Most species of bear are retiring in habit and rarely seen during the day. However, a prodigious appetite leads many species to gather seasonally in big numbers, which makes them far easier to watch!
Our bear tour groups are limited in size and accompanied by Naturetrek naturalist leaders, and also usually assisted by resident experts. Although focused on bear-watching, all Naturetrek bear tours offer many opportunities to observe the other wildlife of the area.
We also see bears on other Naturetrek tours such as Sloth Bears on Indian and Sri Lankan tours, and Brown Bears on many European tours.
Where can I see bears?
- Slovenia - Bears, Birds & Caves – a 6-day holiday to Slovenia, focusing on its Brown Bears, birdlife and other natural history highlights
- Canada: The West – stay on a floating wilderness lodge and explore Vancouver Island in search of Grizzly Bears
- Spitsbergen – Realm of the Polar Bear – a voyage into the high Arctic in search of Polar Bears and other wildlife (exclusive charter cruise)
- Brown Bears in Finland – photograph bears from a hide on the Russian border
- Romania – The Wildlife of Transylvania – go in search of foraging bears in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains
Is it possible to see bears on other Naturetrek tours?
Yes. While not specifically searching for bears, we regularly have sightings of Sloth Bears on Indian and Sri Lankan tours, and Brown Bears on our Kamchatka cruise and many European tours.
Our specialist recommends...
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
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Mammal Watching Holidays
Many of the world’s mammals are instantly recognisable to us. Animals such as Lions, Tigers, elephants and bears capture our imaginations from an early age. At Naturetrek, we take great pleasure and pride in helping people to fulfil their lifelong dreams of seeing these iconic species in the wild. We also enjoy introducing our clients to some of the world’s more unusual mammals, many of which are just as fascinating.
Naturetrek Mammal Watching Tours
Many of our tours have a primary focus on mammals and we offer the widest choices of mammal-watching holidays across the globe, from the poles to the tropics. Our holidays are guided by at least one professional naturalist tour leader and usually benefit from additional guiding by expert local naturalist guides. We have holidays to see an incredible range of the world’s most sought-after mammals, such as orangutans, lemurs, bats, polar mammals, big cats, and mammals of the African savannah. A significant number of tours also targets some of the planet’s more unusual and elusive species, from pottos and pangolins to slender lorises and obscure cetaceans.
Here’s a selection of our mammal tours:
- India’s Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves
- A cruise to Spitsbergen in search of Polar Bears
- A chance to see the ‘Big Five’ and much more in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
- Search for Blue, Fin and Sperm Whales in the Azores
- Close-up views of Brown Bear and Wolverine in Finland
- Enjoy the mammals of Kenya’s Masai Mara, while staying in luxury camps
- Search for elusive nocturnal mammals, such as Aardvark, Black-footed Cat and Aardwolf, in the Kalahari Desert
Bargain mammal selection
We offer a range of action-packed bargain holidays for the dedicated mammal enthusiast, which are exceptional value for money, from Belize to Zambia.
Our specialist recommends...
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
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Wolf watching tours – See Wolves in their Wild Habitat
Wolves are shy and elusive, which is part of what makes the thrill of seeing a lone wild wolf crossing an open plain, or a pack of wolves feeding on a kill one of the natural world’s unbeatable experiences. The wolf’s howl is a sound that epitomises the wilderness. Whether across a snow-clad northern landscape or a stark Ethiopian plateau, we are pleased to offer you the chance to see, track or hear a wild wolf on our wolf holidays.
Naturetrek offers the chance to look for wolves in a variety of countries and landscapes. One of the additional attractions of seeing wild wolves is that they inhabit some of the most beautiful places in the world. From dedicated wolf-watching holidays in Spain, where wolf tracks can be seen right outside our guesthouse door, to watching Ethiopian Wolves hunting, we offer a wide range of wolf-watching experiences in Europe and beyond. Here’s a selection of our Wolf-watching holidays:
- Wolf watching in Spain – a dedicated wolf tracking holiday in Spain’s remote north-western corner
- Ethiopian Wolves – a chance to look for the rare and beautiful Ethiopian wolf in the Bale Mountains
- Poland in Winter – a unique winter holiday focusing on the large mammals to be found in Poland, including a chance to see Wolves
- Our Sweden’s Mammals tour explores the territory of local wolf packs, with the chance to hear them howl at night
Our specialist recommends...
Kerrie Porteous - Operations Manager
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Flight-free Wildlife Holidays
At Naturetrek we make full use of the Eurostar rail service through the channel tunnel, and of the ferry routes between England’s south coast and France and Spain, to offer a range of ‘flightless’ wildlife holidays in Belgium, Holland, France and Spain. In addition, we also offer the widest selection of wildlife holidays within the UK, none of which require a flight to participate in. Therefore, if you prefer not to fly, for whatever reason, we have a range of varied and exciting wildlife holidays for you to choose from, and we are committed to regularly adding more.
It is also the case that many of our other holidays within Europe are also accessible by rail. Generally, where there’s a will, there’s a way, and we’d be pleased to offer advice to anybody who wishes to join any of our tours within Europe by a means other than flying!
Our specialist recommends...
Kerrie Porteous - Operations Manager
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
EnquireTour Reports
- Tour report - September 2023
- Tour report - September 2022
- Tour report - September 2021
- Tour report - September 2019
- Tour report - September 2017
- Tour report - August 2016
- Tour report - September 2015
- Tour report - September 2014
- Tour report - September 2013
- Tour report - September 2012
- Tour report - August 2011
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Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!