Where to Whale Watch in Spain: The Best Places to See Whales, Dolphins and Orcas

Aug 1
3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Most people have no idea that Spain is one of the best whale-watching destinations in Europe. More than 30 species of whales and dolphins move through Spanish waters, across the Atlantic around the Canary Islands, the Strait of Gibraltar where two seas meet, the Mediterranean, and the deep Bay of Biscay in the north. Here is where to see them, what you will find at each spot, and when to go. Most of it is family-friendly, and most of it is well away from the crowds.

The Strait of Gibraltar (Tarifa)

The headliner. In the narrow strait between Spain and Africa, orcas hunt bluefin tuna from roughly mid-July to mid-September, the most dramatic marine spectacle in the country. Pilot whales and several dolphin species are around from spring through autumn, with tours running April to October for about €30. You can even scan for them from land at the Mirador del Estrecho. It sits on the Costa de la Luz. For the full rundown, including where to stay and whether it's kid-friendly, see our dedicated Tarifa whale-watching guide.

For the full write-ups on specific spots: whale and dolphin watching in Dénia, whale watching in the Bay of Biscay, whale watching in Tenerife and the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands (Tenerife and La Gomera)

The crown jewel, and the most reliable. The deep water off southern Tenerife holds resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins year-round, so sightings are close to guaranteed even in a single short trip. Over 30 cetacean species pass through, humpbacks migrate by from November to February, and boats leave from Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Los Gigantes. La Gomera is just as good and quieter. Plan the whole archipelago with our Canary Islands guide.

The Costa Blanca (Dénia)

The easy Mediterranean option, and the closest to Valencia. Dolphin and whale-watching trips run out of Dénia into the Mediterranean, where common and bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales are the usual sightings. A gentle, family-friendly half-day, and a nice pairing with the Costa Blanca.

The Bay of Biscay (the Northern Coast)

The wild card, and the least touristy. The deep Cantabrian Sea off the northern coast is a genuine cetacean hotspot, with fin whales, dolphins, and even elusive beaked whales. It is more of a dedicated trip than a casual outing, but for serious wildlife lovers it is one of Europe's underrated marine corridors.

The Balearics (Mallorca)

Dolphin-watching trips head out from Port d'Alcúdia on Mallorca, with sightings of dolphins and, less often, whales in the waters around the islands. An easy add-on to a Balearics beach trip. More in our Balearic Islands guide.

When to go

Summer, roughly July to September, for the orcas at Tarifa. Year-round for the Canaries, with winter adding migrating humpbacks. Spring through autumn for the Mediterranean spots and the Bay of Biscay. In short, there is somewhere in Spain to see whales in almost any month.

Doing it right

Choose operators accredited for respectful, regulated whale watching, the good ones carry a biologist on board and keep their distance. And please skip the captive dolphinariums entirely; the whole point is seeing these animals wild and free.