Dolphin Watching Trips
Encounter wild dolphins in their natural habitat amid the spectacular waters of the Strait of Gibraltar — one of the world's most dolphin-rich passages. Since 1994, we've been guiding families, couples, and ocean lovers on unforgettable encounters.
What Makes Our Dolphin Trips Special
The Strait of Gibraltar is one of the most reliable dolphin-spotting locations on Earth. Three resident dolphin species call these waters home year-round, drawn by the rich upwelling currents that funnel between the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Our trips place you right in the heart of this marine spectacle.
The Strait of Gibraltar — A World-Class Marine Corridor
Stretching just 14 km at its narrowest point, the Strait of Gibraltar acts as a giant funnel concentrating nutrients, fish, and the marine mammals that feed on them. It's estimated that over 500 individual dolphins use these waters regularly — making sightings on our trips virtually guaranteed, with a 95%+ encounter rate year-round.
Beyond dolphins, guests regularly spot large pods engaging in acrobatic bow-riding, spy-hopping, and synchronised leaping. Our knowledgeable guides help you identify individual animals and understand their social behaviour in real time.
Reserve Your Spot90-Minute Excursion
A perfectly paced trip into the Strait — long enough to find dolphins, short enough for all ages and abilities.
Small Groups
We cap each trip at 40 guests so everyone enjoys unobstructed views and personalised commentary from our marine guides.
Departing from Marina Bay
Board from Gibraltar's iconic Marina Bay for quick access to the Strait's world-famous dolphin feeding grounds.
Expert Marine Guides
Our BSAC-qualified biologists narrate the encounter, share species facts, and answer all your questions live on deck.
Year-Round Trips
Dolphins are present in the Strait throughout the year, so there's never a bad time to visit — though spring and autumn are particularly spectacular.
Responsible Watching
We follow strict international guidelines, maintaining safe distances and never pursuing or feeding wild dolphins.
Species You May Encounter
The Strait of Gibraltar hosts three resident dolphin species alongside regular visits from pilot whales and, on our whale-watching trips, sperm and fin whales. Here's what to look out for on a standard dolphin trip.
Common Bottlenose Dolphin
Tursiops truncatus
The most iconic and recognisable dolphin worldwide, with a robust body, short rounded snout, and famously curious personality. Bottlenose dolphins in the Strait live in stable pods of 10–30 individuals and are often the first to approach the bow of our vessel, riding the pressure wave at speed. Adults grow to 3.8 m and weigh up to 650 kg.
Striped Dolphin
Stenella coeruleoalba
Distinguished by a bold bluish-grey and white stripe running from eye to fluke, striped dolphins are acrobatic speedsters capable of leaping over six metres from the water. They travel in large superpods — sometimes numbering hundreds — and are often spotted in the open Strait, particularly in summer when warmer surface waters concentrate their sardine prey.
Long-Beaked Common Dolphin
Delphinus capensis
Smaller and more slender than the bottlenose, common dolphins are defined by a distinctive hourglass pattern of yellow and grey on their flanks. They are among the fastest cetaceans in local waters, routinely reaching 60 km/h. Their energetic personalities make them spectacular to watch — they love bow-riding and frequently engage in synchronised aerial displays.
Pilot Whale
Globicephala melas
Long-finned pilot whales are a bonus sighting on our dolphin trips, particularly in the deeper western channel. Despite the name 'whale', they are technically the second-largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. Their slow, surfacing behaviour and close social bonds make extended observations possible — a truly breathtaking encounter.
Want to learn more about marine life in the Strait?
Explore our Marine Research ProgrammeBest Times of Year
Our dolphin trips operate every day of the year (weather permitting). While sightings are excellent in every season, here's our guide to what each season offers.
Summer
June – August
Warm, flat seas and long days. Large sardine shoals bring striped dolphins in vast superpods. Popular family season.
Autumn
Sep – November
Peak season. Atlantic tuna migration draws record dolphin concentrations. Calmer winds, golden light — finest photography conditions.
Winter
Dec – February
Fewer boats, more intimate encounters. Pilot whale sightings peak. Occasional rough days, but milder than northern Europe.
Spring
March – May
Dolphins are breeding and calves appear. High activity as waters warm. Excellent for whale watching too.
Trip Duration & Schedule
Each trip lasts approximately 90 minutes
Departures operate daily from Marina Bay, Gibraltar. Arrive 15 minutes early.
What's Included
Everything for an unforgettable trip
- 90-minute guided excursion aboard a safe, certified vessel
- Expert marine biologist commentary throughout
- Life jackets and full safety equipment
- Complimentary water and light snacks on board
- Wildlife sighting certificate for children
- Digital photo highlights shared after the trip
- Responsible watching pledge — no chasing or feeding
- Free rebooking if dolphins are not encountered (rare — 95%+ rate)
Safety Briefing
Your safety is our highest priority
Pre-departure safety briefing covers life jacket use, emergency procedures, and on-deck conduct.
All vessels are MCA-certified and inspected annually by Gibraltar Port Authority.
Maximum weight limit: 130 kg per passenger. Please contact us for assistance.
Guests are asked to remain seated when the vessel is in motion and follow crew instructions at all times.
Children under 12 must wear life jackets at all times on deck.
Trips may be cancelled or rescheduled in conditions above Beaufort Force 5 — safety always comes first.
For full details on our responsible marine tourism practices, please visit our Responsible Dolphin Watching page. Our approach is guided by ACCOBAMS guidelines and supported by our marine research programme.
Ready to Meet the Dolphins?
Join us on the Strait of Gibraltar and witness wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Book online in minutes — departures daily, year-round.