The Strait of Gibraltar: Whales, Dolphins & Autumn Migration

Tour Code: ESP02

A 5-day, short break to observe autumn bird migration between Tarifa and 'the Rock' and the cetaceans of the Strait of Gibraltar.

5 days from
£1,595 (Inc flights)
Land only price from
£1,395
book now

Highlights

Summary

Summary

The Strait of Gibraltar is just 14 km wide, providing a host of migrating birds with an ideal point to cross the Mediterranean, while ‘the Rock’ itself acts as a welcome staging post. We’ll arrive during the peak of the autumn migration and make short excursions each day to scan the skies for raptors and other migrating birds by means of gentle walks or sitting in the sun! We’ll also head out to sea on one or more mornings to look for whales and dolphins in the Strait of Gibraltar by boat. We’ll be based for all four nights near the small characterful town of Vejer de la Frontera, an ideal location from which to view the bird migration.

  • Up to 18 species of raptor, plus a wealth of migrant passerines
  • White-headed Duck & Purple Gallinule
  • Cory’s & Balearic Shearwaters, European Storm-petrel, gulls & terns
  • Common, Bottlenose & Striped Dolphins plus Long-finned Pilot Whale
  • Fin & Sperm Whales plus Orca possible

Grading

A standard wildlife tour, including boat trips (weather permitting) and gentle wildlife walks only.

The Strait of Gibraltar has always been of great strategic importance, sitting as it does at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. This narrow, 14-kilometre-wide, stretch of water is not only held in high regard in the geopolitical world, however, it is of an equal importance to the natural world too, especially to the region's birds and cetaceans. Each year millions of migrating birds use the Strait to cross between Africa and Europe on their biannual migration between their wintering and breeding grounds. It is an especially important crossing point for raptors, storks and other soaring birds which prefer to avoid traversing long stretches of open water where there are no thermals or updrafts to keep them aloft. In the autumn, the rugged coastline on the Spanish side of the Strait between Gibraltar and Tarifa offers these long-distance travellers the opportunity to gain a final bit of height before setting out on the short, but nevertheless perilous, sea crossing to Africa.

This tour has been timed to coincide with the peak of the autumn migration at the southernmost tip of the European continent and offers a 5-day exploration of the Strait and Spain's Cadiz Province. We will be based for four nights in a comfortable cortijo (traditional Spanish farmhouse) just outside the small town of Vejer de la Frontera, an ideal place from which to enjoy the region's autumn birdlife and witness the raptors passing overhead… with minimum travel and maximum relaxation! Our itinerary will be flexible —  subject to the predicted weather for each day —  which is crucial if we are to catch both the peak movements of birds and ensure good sea conditions for our boat trips.

On one or more mornings, weather permitting, we will travel out into the Strait from the town of Tarifa to look for cetaceans. Three species of dolphin — Common, Bottlenose and Striped — are resident here, and are often particularly abundant in September. There are also several resident groups of Long-finned Pilot Whales in the area, which are typically extremely obliging and unconcerned by the approach of the small motor-vessel we will be using. In addition, other larger species such as Fin Whale, Sperm Whale and Orca occur in the area and we are likely to see such seabirds as Cory’s and Balearic Shearwaters and European Storm-petrel, as well as other marine wildlife, perhaps including Ocean Sunfish and sharks. Our boat trips will be two to three hours in duration and will be followed by lunch. There are a number of migration watch-points in the nearby hills which double as handy picnic sites. During September the skies are usually dominated by soaring birds. Movements can include up to 18 species of raptors —  especially Booted and Short-toed Eagles and Black Kites — together with White, and the occasional Black Storks. The views from the hills can be quite superb as raptors wheel around our heads.

After lunch we may choose to continue watching the migration or explore the local area. There are several different wetland habitats within an easy drive, where we may find passage waders, terns and gulls. The saltpans at nearby Barbate are an especially productive site and usually packed with interest at this time of year. They attract large numbers of breeding and migrating waders such as Kentish Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank and Little Stint. Gulls and terns can include such treats as Slender-billed and Audouin's Gulls and Caspian Tern. If we have time, and our schedule allows, the Bay of Cadiz to the north is particularly good for a wide variety of species, including such specialities as White-headed Duck and Purple Gallinule, and the coastline is excellent for migrant passerines.

We will also be on the lookout for one of the region's rarest residents, the quirky and endearing Northern Bald Ibis. This critically endangered bird is doing well here — thanks to a successful reintroduction programme — and we may even be fortunate to see them on one of their regular evening visits to the grounds of our hotel!

The beauty of this area in the autumn is that anything can and does happen. A pod of Orcas pops in to check out the local tuna boats, a day of inclement ‘levanter’ winds has migrants bursting out of every bush, a sky that was empty one day is filled with eagles the next or a vagrant Cream-coloured Courser is found on the beach at Tarifa. Whatever happens, we will not be far away when it does!  

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Fly Gibraltar and transfer to Vejer de la Frontera
Day 2/4
Tarifa and the Strait of Gibraltar
Day 5
Fly London
cloud_downloadDownload Full Itinerary
What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation:

    Comfortable cortijo (traditional Spanish farmhouse) just outside Vejer de la Frontera, all rooms with private facilities.

  • Food:

    All food included in the price.

Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Tue 9th Sep – Sat 13th Sep SPACES £1,595
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,395
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£160
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Niki Williamson
Niki-Williamson.jpg

Tour Leader: Niki Williamson

Niki was given a YOC membership for her 6th birthday, and has loved nature ever since. She worked and volunteered for the RSPB for 12 years, managing habitats, brandishing power tools with varying levels of success, and honing her birding skills in some of the best wetland, upland and coastal habitats in the UK. She was part of the Eastern England Farmland Advisory team for eight years, working with nature-friendly farmers to make the countryside a better place for wildlife, eventually heading up the team. Niki is particularly passionate about the plight of the Turtle Dove and was part of Operation Turtle Dove, working to ensure a future for this desperately declining bird. As well as the UK, this work took her to West Africa, where she worked closely with Conservation Grade to survey migratory and resident farmland bird species and their habitat needs, to see how local growers could produce peanuts in a way that is fair to nature and of benefit to wintering migrants. Niki now lives in Southern Spain, near Tarifa, where she has worked full time as a wildlife guide for four years, with a focus on showing people the wondrous migration spectacle of the Straits of Gibraltar. She leads tours here for Naturetrek in spring, autumn and summer, and also leads in various other destinations across Spain, including Coto Doñana, Sierra de Morena, Extremadura, Serranía de Ronda, as well as across the straits in Northern Morocco.

Sat 13th Sep – Wed 17th Sep SPACES £1,595
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,395
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£160
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Niki Williamson
Niki-Williamson.jpg

Tour Leader: Niki Williamson

Niki was given a YOC membership for her 6th birthday, and has loved nature ever since. She worked and volunteered for the RSPB for 12 years, managing habitats, brandishing power tools with varying levels of success, and honing her birding skills in some of the best wetland, upland and coastal habitats in the UK. She was part of the Eastern England Farmland Advisory team for eight years, working with nature-friendly farmers to make the countryside a better place for wildlife, eventually heading up the team. Niki is particularly passionate about the plight of the Turtle Dove and was part of Operation Turtle Dove, working to ensure a future for this desperately declining bird. As well as the UK, this work took her to West Africa, where she worked closely with Conservation Grade to survey migratory and resident farmland bird species and their habitat needs, to see how local growers could produce peanuts in a way that is fair to nature and of benefit to wintering migrants. Niki now lives in Southern Spain, near Tarifa, where she has worked full time as a wildlife guide for four years, with a focus on showing people the wondrous migration spectacle of the Straits of Gibraltar. She leads tours here for Naturetrek in spring, autumn and summer, and also leads in various other destinations across Spain, including Coto Doñana, Sierra de Morena, Extremadura, Serranía de Ronda, as well as across the straits in Northern Morocco.

  Array
(
    [168] => stdClass Object
        (
            [id] => 168
            [parent_id] => 165
            [level] => 2
            [path] => tour-focus/shortbreak
            [title] => Short Break
            [alias] => shortbreak
            [description] => 
Short Break Wildlife Holidays


Among our programme is a significant range of short breaks, designed specially for those wishing to enjoy some of Europe’s top natural history highlights at the best time of year. All of these holidays have the bonus of being short-haul and supported by like-minded wildlife enthusiasts.


Naturetrek Short Break Wildlife Tours


Short breaks are becoming increasingly popular and in response to the high demand for this type of holiday we are continuing to increase our programme both within the UK and abroad. Most of our short breaks are within Europe, for convenience of travel.


For some of our mini-breaks there is an option to travel by plane or train, and we offer a choice of duration and type of break, from a weekend’s birdwatching in the Somerset Levels to a 6-day whale watching tour in the Azores.


A selection of our UK short breaks:



A selection of our overseas short breaks:



 




 


Our specialist recommends...








"We offer two superb short breaks to the lovely island of Madeira in search of whales, dolphins and seabirds. It’s hard to beat our Just Brown Bears trip for families, while if you fancy something off the beaten track, try Estonia in Early Spring for some excellent spring birdwatching." 

Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager




All Short Break Tours

            [params] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [category_layout] => 
                    [image_az] => https://i.assetzen.net/i/Ewtrcgx7A6xc/w:500/h:500/q:70.jpg
                    [image_alt] => 
                )

            [metakey] => Shortbreak
            [note] => 11
            [parent] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [id] => 165
                    [parent_id] => 1
                    [level] => 1
                    [path] => tour-focus
                    [title] => Tour Focus
                    [alias] => tour-focus
                    [description] => 
                    [params] => stdClass Object
                        (
                            [category_layout] => 
                            [image_az] => 
                            [image_alt] => 
                        )

                    [metakey] => 
                    [note] => 
                )

        )

    [172] => stdClass Object
        (
            [id] => 172
            [parent_id] => 165
            [level] => 2
            [path] => tour-focus/whales
            [title] => Whale Watching
            [alias] => whales
            [description] => 
Whale Watching Cruises – See Whales in their Wild Habitat


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...






"In the UK I'd recommend our full-day dolphin tours to look for White-beaked dolphins off Lyme Bay. Madeira offers a good variety of dolphins close to shore including Risso's, Atlantic Spotted and Common, while if you fancy warm tropical waters Sri Lanka or the Maldives offer a good range of acrobatic species in sunny conditions!" 

Sara Frost - Tour Leader & Marketing Manager




All Whale Watching Tours

            [params] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [category_layout] => 
                    [image_az] => https://i.assetzen.net/i/Ewtrcgx7A6xc/w:500/h:500/q:70.jpg
                    [image_alt] => 
                )

            [metakey] => Whales
            [note] => 15
            [parent] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [id] => 165
                    [parent_id] => 1
                    [level] => 1
                    [path] => tour-focus
                    [title] => Tour Focus
                    [alias] => tour-focus
                    [description] => 
                    [params] => stdClass Object
                        (
                            [category_layout] => 
                            [image_az] => 
                            [image_alt] => 
                        )

                    [metakey] => 
                    [note] => 
                )

        )

    [180] => stdClass Object
        (
            [id] => 180
            [parent_id] => 165
            [level] => 2
            [path] => tour-focus/birds
            [title] => Birdwatching
            [alias] => birds
            [description] => 
Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists


The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.


Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours


We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.


The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:



Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection


Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.


 




Our specialist recommends...






"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader




  


 


All Birdwatching Tours

            [params] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [category_layout] => 
                    [image_az] => https://i.assetzen.net/i/Ewtrcgx7A6xc/w:500/h:500/q:70.jpg
                    [image_alt] => 
                )

            [metakey] => Birds
            [note] => 02
            [parent] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [id] => 165
                    [parent_id] => 1
                    [level] => 1
                    [path] => tour-focus
                    [title] => Tour Focus
                    [alias] => tour-focus
                    [description] => 
                    [params] => stdClass Object
                        (
                            [category_layout] => 
                            [image_az] => 
                            [image_alt] => 
                        )

                    [metakey] => 
                    [note] => 
                )

        )

    [190] => stdClass Object
        (
            [id] => 190
            [parent_id] => 165
            [level] => 2
            [path] => tour-focus/dolphin-watching
            [title] => Dolphin Watching
            [alias] => dolphin-watching
            [description] => 
Dolphin Watching – See Dolphins in the Wild


Seeing dolphins in the wild consistently ranks high on people’s lists of ’10 Things To See Before I Die’. Dolphins have captured the public imagination arguably more than any other animal – we marvel at their intelligence, grace and agility, as well as their apparent curiosity of their human observers.


Naturetrek Dolphin Watching Tours


Naturetrek offers the chance to watch dolphins all over the world, from the UK to the tropics and polar regions. Many of our dolphin tours also offer the opportunity to see whales. We offer:


    

  • Dedicated dolphin tours focusing on one or a few key species
    • 

  • Dolphin watching as part of a broader wildlife watching tour
    • 

  • A range of tours from day trips out on small boats to week-long liveaboard cruises
    • 

  • Expert biologist-led, photographer-led and researcher-led tours
    • 

  • A wide range of the world’s dolphin species seen, from Bottlenose and Risso’s, to Spinner, Striped and Heaviside’s
    • 



Our range of dolphin watching holidays includes:


    

  • A Maldives Cruise – a cruise through the turquoise waters surrounding the Maldives, searching for dolphins and whales as well as snorkeling over the reefs
    • 

  • Monterey Bay – enjoying the dolphins, whales and bird life of California’s Monterey Bay 
    • 

  • The Azores – Look for Sperm Whales and other cetaceans
    • 

  • Madeira – a 5-day holiday focusing on dolphin watching
    • 





Our specialist recommends...






"In the UK I'd recommend our full-day dolphin tours to look for White-beaked dolphins off Lyme Bay. Madeira offers a good variety of dolphins close to shore including Risso's, Atlantic Spotted and Common, while if you fancy warm tropical waters Sri Lanka or the Maldives offer a good range of acrobatic species in sunny conditions!" 

Sara Frost - Tour Leader & Marketing Manager




 


ALL DOLPHIN TOURS

            [params] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [category_layout] => 
                    [image_az] => https://i.assetzen.net/i/Ewtrcgx7A6xc/w:500/h:500/q:70.jpg
                    [image_alt] => 
                )

            [metakey] => Dolphin Watching
            [note] => 24
            [parent] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [id] => 165
                    [parent_id] => 1
                    [level] => 1
                    [path] => tour-focus
                    [title] => Tour Focus
                    [alias] => tour-focus
                    [description] => 
                    [params] => stdClass Object
                        (
                            [category_layout] => 
                            [image_az] => 
                            [image_alt] => 
                        )

                    [metakey] => 
                    [note] => 
                )

        )

)

Tour Dates or Itinerary Don't Suit?

Allow our experts to create a private, customised itinerary with dates and prices to suit you.

Enquire

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.

Enquire
Why Naturetrek?

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!

Related Articles

Related articles

The Best of Spain’s Wildlife
The Best of Spain’s Wildlife

Dominating the Iberian Peninsula in the south-western corner of Europe, Spain is one of the most famous holiday destinations in the world. Proverbially sunny, it has attracted heat-seeking British tourists for a century or more! In this article we celebrate all that Spain offers as a wildlife destination.

Best Autumn Migration Tours to take in 2024/25
Best Autumn Migration Tours to take in 2024/25

We offer a truly mouth-watering selection of trips for those who wish to revel in the incredible autumn migration of birds, from several UK-based ‘staycations’ to short-haul ventures to other parts of Europe. Here we share some of our most popular autumn migration tours.