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The Whales and Dolphins in the Strait of Gibraltar

These are the whales and dolphins that we can watch in the Strait of Gibraltar. Throughout the year we see long-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, and striped dolphins. If we are lucky, we might also see orcas, sperm whales or fin whales. On the following pages we'll give you a short description of each species.

Common Dolphin

Gemeiner DelfinOnce the most common type of dolphin in the Mediterranean, this dolphin is now considered an endangered species.

Striped Dolphin

Gestreifter DelfinA beautiful dolphin resembling the common dolphin. It is easily recognized, however, by its blue stripe on the flanks.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Großer TümmlerThe best-known dolphin species of today often surprises us with acrobatic, breathtaking jumps.

Long-Finned Pilot Whale

GrindwalThere are about 15 families of pilot whales living in the Strait. Often they swim very close to our boat.

Orca

OrcaWe can normally watch these fascinating animals in July/August.

Sperm Whale

tl_files/firmm/images/thumb_pottwal.jpgFrom April to August, sperm whales can be found in the deepest parts of the Strait.

Fin Whale

FinnwalThe second largest whale passes through the Strait on its way to the Mediterranean or the Atlantic.

Species Comparison

To get an idea of the sizes of all the whales and dolphins living in the Strait of Gibraltar, please check out our outline.