Whale Watching Worldwide

Clear differences can be identified when comparing whale watching in the north and south of Spain. In the
south, tours from Tarifa and the Costa del Sol run for short durations (90 minutes to three hours) with an
average cost of $45 per adult and $31 per child. By comparison, trips offered to observe cetaceans in the
Bay of Biscay are almost exclusively multiple‐day tours, lasting an average of four days. Half of the multiple‐
day tours are in effect opportunistic whale watching, complemented by bird and nature watching.
Four dolphin species are spotted in southern waters: the short‐beaked common dolphin, striped dolphin,
bottlenose dolphin and Risso’s dolphin; as well as orcas in July and August. At least 16 cetacean species are
recorded in the Bay of Biscay and various large cetaceans are regularly sighted including various species of
beaked whales.
Main species: Large cetaceans:
fin whale, sperm whale, minke whale
Small cetaceans:
bottlenose dolphin, short‐beaked common
dolphin, harbour porpoise, orca, long‐finned
pilot whale, Risso’s dolphin, striped dolphin,
Cuvier’s beaked whale
Tourists:
International 57%
Domestic 43%
Types of tours: Boat‐based, short trips (1.5 hrs, 2 hrs, 3 hrs),
half‐day trips, full‐day charters, multiple‐day
cruises, dedicated, opportunistic.
Average adult ticket price: $45
Estimated employment
42
numbers:
Main whale watch season: peak months July to September
Acknowledgements:
Katharina Heyer of Fundación firmm, Lourdes Isassa López of Whale Watch España, and Andre Anciaes of Turmares
Tarifa SL.
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