From start to finish the holiday was brilliant and well organised. The accommodation and the meals were excellent and a real Spanish experience rather than just what you would get in a hotel. The bird watching, led by to very knowledgeable and helpful guide, was superb.
R.C. Cheshire, Sept 24
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - September 2024
- Tour report - September 2024
- Tour report - September 2023
- Tour report - September 2023
- Tour report - September 2022
- Tour report - September 2022
- Tour report - September 2021
- Tour report - September 2019
- Tour report - September 2019
- Tour report - September 2018
- Tour report - September 2018
- Tour report - September 2017
- Tour report - September 2017
- Tour report - September 2016
- Tour report - September 2016
- Tour report - September 2015
- Tour report - September 2015
- Tour report - September 2014
- Tour report - September 2013
- Tour report - September 2012
- Tour report - September 2011
- Tour report - September 2010
- Tour report - September 2008
- Tour report - September 2007
- Tour report - September 2006
- Tour report - September 2005
- Tour report - September 2005
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The Strait of Gibraltar: Whales, Dolphins & Autumn Migration
Tour Code: ESP02A 5-day, short break to observe autumn bird migration between Tarifa and 'the Rock' and the cetaceans of the Strait of Gibraltar.
£1,595 (Inc flights)
£1,395
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - September 2024
- Tour report - September 2024
- Tour report - September 2023
- Tour report - September 2023
- Tour report - September 2022
- Tour report - September 2022
- Tour report - September 2021
- Tour report - September 2016
- Tour report - September 2018
- Tour report - September 2018
- Tour report - September 2019
- Tour report - September 2017
- Tour report - September 2019
- Tour report - September 2017
- Tour report - September 2016
- Tour report - September 2007
- Tour report - September 2008
- Tour report - September 2010
- Tour report - September 2011
- Tour report - September 2012
- Tour report - September 2014
- Tour report - September 2006
- Tour report - September 2005
- Tour report - September 2015
- Tour report - September 2015
- Tour report - September 2005
- Tour report - September 2013
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Quick Enquiry
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!
Outline Itinerary
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
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My short break was timed to coincide with the Autumn bird migration over the Straits of Gibraltar. We stayed in delightful ranch style accommodation, just outside Tarifa, Spain, where the beds were comfortable and the food delicious and plentiful. The rustic decor lent a homely ambience to the place. We could not have been made more welcome by our hosts and their staff. We had brilliant guides, who were experts in their field, who managed to outwit the weather and find excellent birdwatching sites. A trip out to The Straits secured wonderful views of whales and dolphins, rounding off a fabulous five days. Naturetrek is a company that I have often travelled with to many different destinations around the world. They do exactly what they say, and deliver on their promises. Their customer service is pleasure to deal with, able to smooth any minor glitches. They offer a variety of holidays to suit every need that doesn't break the bank.
H.E. Buckinghamshire, Sept 22 -
I had some amazing wildlife experiences, from watching skies full of migrating raptors to seeing whales & dolphins within touching distance on a boat trip at Tarifa. Our accommodation was incredibly welcoming, our hosts went above & beyond to provide us with everything we needed. The food was superb, the rooms were spotless & the surroundings idyllic. There was plenty to occupy us in the evenings & down-time between birding. The atmosphere was so friendly & relaxed; it really did feel like a home from home! Naturetrek's tour leaders, Simon & Niki, were the perfect guides/companions on our trip: enthusiastic, passionate & utterly devoted to their work. Their encyclopaedic knowledge of wildlife was invaluable & we enjoyed their fantastic sense of humour! The atmosphere in our group was always jovial & relaxed, which made it that much more enjoyable. We couldn't have asked for better Trip Leaders, & I would love to experience more holidays under their guidance.I couldn't fault anything about this holiday & am now keen to become a regular Naturetrek client!
J.H. Wiltshire, Sept 22 -
I was hoping to see large numbers of raptors on their Autumn migration and was not disappointed! We saw 17 raptor species with good numbers of Booted Eagles, Honey Buzzards, Short-toed Eagles and Black Kites; also plenty of white and black storks - a real wildlife spectacle. The boat trip to see long finned pilot whales and dolphins was also very good. Naturetrek are a top quality wildlife tour operator, would definitely travel with them again.
J.L. West Midlands, Sept 19 -
From start to finish the holiday was well run. I worried about travelling for the first time on my own but the paperwork and clear instructions made this easy. On arrival we went to the accommodation where we were taken to our room before having a lovely lunch of simple yet delicious food. This quality continued throughout the holiday. We were then taken to our first birding location to get first view of the raptor migration. Weary we all went back to the rooms for showers and rest before meeting up in the evening for a delicious meal and discussion of the sightings of the day. This pattern continued for the rest of the holiday with no meal being sub standard. And the guide knowing exactly where to look for the wildlife depending on the wind direction and local knowledge. Throughout the holiday we were informed of different aspects of the culture and what is being done in the area to help the wildlife, which only added to the interest in the country.
R.H. Greater Manchester, Sept 18 -
The tour was well organised and everything went according to schedule. The tour guide, Simon, I thought was outstanding. He had such a love and knowledge of birds and wildlife, and actually found a roosting Night Jar, which I do not think I will ever see again as I have not the skill or knowledge to find one. He was considerate to everyone's need in the party, and dealt sympathetically with any issues any of our party had. It really made the holiday so fulfilling, we learnt and saw so much, and his lunchtime picnic venues, and food, were superb. A really wonderful introduction to Tarifa and the bird life. I cannot rate his knowledge, courtesy and care of us enough.
G.H. Nottinghamshire, Sept 18 -
My holiday in Gibraltar & Tarifa studying the Autumn migration of birds, whales and dolphins, was incredible, my feet didn't touch the ground, we covered so much with an amazing tour leader whose wealth of knowledge was second to none. The food, accommodation, itinerary (and the weather!) was everything I could have wished for. It was a whole new experience, and one which I will repeat with Naturetrek again next year.
D.W. Devon, Sept 18 -
Bird and whale watching. Fantastic accommodation. Every care taken in the comfort of guests. Simon Tonkin stayed with us to make sure we were happy at all times. His knowledge of birds and their habitat ensured we saw birds we have never seen before. His enthusiasm and kindness and knowledge added so much more to this holiday. The group were amazing, so generous and such lovely personalities.
A.M. Nottinghamshire, Sept 18 -
Highlights were: the variety of species seen/heard; Huerte Grande accommodation and environment - beautiful, peaceful and comfortable with friendly staff; enthusiasm and commitment of tour leaders - they worked very hard to help us not miss anything; the group dynamic worked well - everyone shared their sightings and helped others to see eg sharing telescopes; the whale-watching was fantastic - we were so lucky with the weather and calm sea (absolute privilege to see pilot whales); raptor-watching from miradors was very enjoyable.
S.P. Buckinghamshire -
Obviously, seeing the raptor migration, but also the Bald Ibis and the whale-watching trip were highlights.
L.E. Greater Manchester -
The dolphin/whale cruise was a highlight, and the raptor viewpoints were brilliant. The organisation, varied types of trips, and picnics were also very good.
S.L. Norfolk -
The group of fellow travellers was delightful. The tour leaders, Niki and Simon were exceptional in their knowledge base and also their people skills. The area is stunning and seeing so many raptors and storks in one place was a joy. I want to go back at different times of year. The best holiday I have ever had.
I.L. Northamptonshire -
The knowledge, commitment and enthusiasm of our guides, Niki and Simon, could not be faulted. Having close up views of birds, flora and fauna that we hadn't encountered before was super with the added bonus of being taught how to identify them for ourselves. Niki and Simon's passion for the natural world was certainly infectious!
L. & G.H. Clywd -
The trip leaders all worked hard to ensure that everyone had a good holiday and nothing was too much trouble.
G.L. Worcestershire -
We saw Orcas In the Strait of Gibraltar, which was a highlight, and Barbary Macacques stealing packets of crisps from people in the cafe on top of the Rock of Gibraltar, which was hilarious. The rest of the time was spent birdwatching. We went to various habitats and saw different types of birds, including lots of waders in a wetlands area, but most of the time we were standing on hills, staring at the sky, where we saw raptors. Many, many raptors, and such good views. Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour leaders knew exactly where to go and when, to get the best sightings.
M.L. Flintshire -
This has been the best Naturetrek trip I've experienced so far. A packed itinerary, excellent leadership and a very pleasant group of people to be with. It was very exciting to see the whales and dolphins. Byron and Lee made every effort to make us comfortable and both were very knowledgeable, and I am very grateful to them.
S.H. London -
Faultless stay at Tarifa. You had chosen two first class leaders for this holiday.
A.W. Merseyside -
Paul is an excellent leader and naturalist, and nothing was too much trouble for him. We very much hope that he will be leading other holidays that we take in the future.
P.W. Surrey -
The absolute highlight for me was the visit to the bird-ringing station, which is best done first thing in the morning. I was happy with the itinerary and very pleased with the bird count.
I.T. Devon -
I really enjoyed this short break. There were some species that I was targeting and I saw all the important ones. The trip was excellently led. The two leaders were quietly efficient and worked hard to see that all our needs were met. It was my first Naturetrek experience and I look forward to hopefully many more.
B.L. Norfolk -
Simon and Dave are exceptionally good trip leaders. Their encyclopaedic knowledge and relaxed style made the trip really enjoyable and memorable.
C.B. Staffordshire -
The excellent knowledge of the tour leaders about the birds, butterflies, insects, reptiles etc. was combined with their ability to adapt to varying weather conditions to give us a full birding experience.
P.B. Staffordshire -
Simon and David were superb with their knowledge of species and patience with our many questions. They showed enthusiasm and good humour throughout the holiday. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and although I was apprehensive as this was my first holiday abroad travelling alone, I would not hesitate to recommend it and can't wait for the next trip!
J.S. Devon -
The hotel was in a beautiful setting, with attentive staff, excellent accommodation, food, wine and beer, and a very nice swimming pool. It had all I could wish for. The others on the tour were excellent company, and Simon and Dave, our leaders, worked well together and gave us the benefit of their extensive knowledge to ensure we got the best out of our stay. I shall look forward to meeting them again on future trips.
A.S. Kent -
We met Simon on the 'Butterflies of La Brenne' trip last year. He suggested this trip might interest us, and he wasn't wrong. We had a great time. In addition to meeting up again with Simon it was also great to meet Dave, who we would also look forward to meeting on any trip he was involved in. We also enjoyed the company of all the other customers on the tour. The accommodation, food and staff were excellent, and the Huerta Grande is to be recommended. Simon and Dave both worked hard to make sure everyone got as much as they could out of the trip and I look forward to meeting up with them again.
L.S. Kent
Dates & Prices
2025
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.
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.
2026
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.
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.
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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 winter bird watching break in Norfolk
- An autumn holiday to enjoy the Red Deer rut in Ardnamurchan, Scotland
- A wildlife weekend in the New Forest
A selection of our overseas short breaks:
- In Spain we look for the world’s rarest cat, the Iberian Lynx
- Wolves on the plains in rural northern Spain
- An exploration of La Brenne’s exceptionally rich butterfly-life in northern France
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
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...
Sara Frost - Tour Leader & Marketing Manager
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:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
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...
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
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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...
Sara Frost - Tour Leader & Marketing Manager
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Tour Reports
- Tour report - September 2024
- Tour report - September 2024
- Tour report - September 2023
- Tour report - September 2023
- Tour report - September 2022
- Tour report - September 2022
- Tour report - September 2021
- Tour report - September 2019
- Tour report - September 2019
- Tour report - September 2018
- Tour report - September 2018
- Tour report - September 2017
- Tour report - September 2017
- Tour report - September 2016
- Tour report - September 2016
- Tour report - September 2015
- Tour report - September 2015
- Tour report - September 2014
- Tour report - September 2013
- Tour report - September 2012
- Tour report - September 2011
- Tour report - September 2010
- Tour report - September 2008
- Tour report - September 2007
- Tour report - September 2006
- Tour report - September 2005
- Tour report - September 2005
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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!
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