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



Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- 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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Tarifa & Gibraltar: Whales, Dolphins & Autumn Migration
Tour Code: ESP02A 5-day, short break to observe autumn bird migration from Tarifa and 'the Rock' and the cetaceans of the Straits of Gibraltar.
£1,195 (Inc flights)
£1,075
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - September 2018
- Tour report - September 2019
- Tour report - September 2017
- Tour report - September 2018
- Tour report - September 2016
- Tour report - September 2017
- Tour report - September 2019
- Tour report - September 2016
- Tour report - September 2014
- Tour report - September 2015
- Tour report - September 2005
- Tour report - September 2012
- Tour report - September 2013
- Tour report - September 2011
- Tour report - September 2010
- Tour report - September 2008
- Tour report - September 2007
- Tour report - September 2006
- Tour report - September 2015
- Tour report - September 2005
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Can I help you?
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 in the small characterful town of Tarifa, 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
- Barbary Macaque & Barbary Partridge
Grading
A standard wildlife tour, including boat trips (weather permitting) and gentle wildlife walks only.The Rock of Gibraltar is famous to some for being a peculiar English anachronism: a ‘little England’ precariously holding on to its privileged position as a last great outpost of the British Empire, whilst steadfastly guarding the gateways to the Mediterranean and North Africa. For the naturalist, though, it conjures up many other associations. This majestic limestone buttress forms a staging post for great numbers of migrating birds, for the Strait of Gibraltar is just 14 kilometres wide and provides the migrants with an ideal crossing point of the Mediterranean. This is especially true for raptors, and other soaring birds, which make use of the thermals along this rugged coastline to gain height before one of the most perilous sections of their bi-annual migration.
We will arrive, during the peak of the autumn migration, on the southernmost tip of the European continent. Our holiday will comprise a 5-day exploration of both Gibraltar and Cadiz Province, based for four nights in a comfortable eco-lodge just outside the small Spanish town of Tarifa, an ideal base from which to enjoy the region’s cetaceans and the bird migration … with minimum travel and maximum relaxation! All the areas we plan to visit are within an hour’s drive of our accommodation, allowing us time both for gentle walks and to sit in the sun as we scan the skies for the next wave of raptors. Our schedule will be flexible, based on 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 either Tarifa or Gibraltar to look for cetaceans. Three species of dolphin — Common, Bottlenose and Striped — are resident, and are often particularly abundant in September. There are also several resident groups of Long-finned Pilot Whales in the area. These enchanting animals are usually extremely obliging and unconcerned by the approach of the small motor-vessel we will be using. In addition, other species such as Fin Whale, Sperm Whale and Orca occur in the area, and we are likely to see such migrant seabirds as Cory’s and Balearic Shearwaters and European Storm-petrel, as well as other marine wildlife like 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 regular raptors, especially Booted and Short-toed Eagles, with another 10 or so possible, together with Black and White Storks. The views from the hills can be quite superb as raptors wheel around our heads.
After lunch we may continue watching the migration or explore the local area. There are several different wetland habitats within easy driving distance of Tarifa, where we may find passage waders, terns and gulls, including regular species which can be scarce elsewhere, such as Audouin’s Gull and Caspian Tern. If we have time, and our schedule allows, the Bay of Cadiz area 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 explore ‘the Rock’ itself. This is not just a migrant hotspot and the only site in Europe for the famous Barbary Macaque and Barbary Partridge, but also offers a number of sites of historical and geological interest, the most impressive of which is St. Michael’s Cave, an enormous natural limestone ‘cathedral’ in the heart of ‘the Rock’ that provides a welcome break from the heat of the day.
Part of our morning on ‘the Rock’ may be spent at Jew’s Gate participating in a morning’s ringing of the migrant birds that have been caught overnight. This will give us an insight into the rigours of migration for some of these birds, which will probably include several species of warblers, flycatchers, chats and others. If we are really lucky, and the weather is right for grounding migrant birds, we may also be able to take part in an evening ringing session, hoping for Red-necked and European Nightjars and Scops Owls, which often make landfall here.
The beauty of this area at this time of year 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 eco-lodge just outside Tarifa, all rooms with private facilities.
- Food:
All food included in the price.
Reviews
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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
2021

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.
2022
Tour Reports
- 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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