KILLER WHALES, THE GREATEST PREDATORS OF THE SEA

Yes, you are reading well. You can see orcas in Spain, in the Strait of Gibraltar.

Even close to the coast, even you can see them from the beach!

Our dear friend Mario Morcillo believed in this idea, he studied and shared his passion. Mario Morcillo taught us that there is no need to travel as far as Patagonia or New Zealand to observe killer whales. We learned to know and love those waters, just like he did, like the Phoenicians did, like the Orcas do.

From ancient times, in Cadiz coast, between Cape Grace y Cape Trafalgar, the show repeats again and again during the Almadraba time. Unlike other Orcas species feeding on marine mammals, the killer Whales visiting our shores feed mainly of Tuna fish. They are perfectly aware that billions of them come across the Strait to lay eggs in the Mediterranean Sea and they come for them around the nets of the Almadraba.

This route has been designed in loving memory of the great man who designed it years ago. With the help of the fishermen, Mario Morcillo, passionated by mythology and marine life, studied the Orcas in Cadiz Coast during 20 years. Friend, inspiring man, capable of moving mountains, he worked hard to spread his knowledge. This Wildlife watching journey is his legacy and our very spirit. We want to honour his wisdom, still guiding us from the great ocean “up there”. Thank you Mario. We love you.

We will sail near the Almadrabas in the area, searching for these whales. Orcas do not follow a stable pattern, but go after the Tunas, their moves depending on tides, water clarity and moon phases. Surprisingly, the lunar cycles are linked to the probability of seeing cetaceans. When the moon waxes, tides are stronger, increasing the possibility to see orcas close to the Almadrabas. During this trip, you might also observe other cetacean species such as dolphins and Fin whales, birds like Northern gannet, Mediterranean shearwater, Common and Black terns…

Our boat excursion will take us along Cape Trafalgar and its outstanding views. The place is famous for the battle where French and Spanish allies fought against the British Navy in 1805. You will discover the rocky cliffs of Las Breñas, the famous beach of Zahara de los Atunes (1.800 m long), the semi-natural cove de los Alemanes 130 m long and 50 width.

Special mention should be made to the Natural Park Breñas y Marismas de Barbate, which extends from Barbate to Caños de Meca and inland, towards Vejer de Frontera. With some 5.000 hectares, it is one of the smallest nature parks in Andalusia; it contains 5 different ecosystems, marine, cliffs, pine grove, marshlands and dunes. From the boat you will observe the amazing cliffs “Tajo de Barbate”, the most famous area of cliffs in the Atlantic Andalusian coast.

In this cliff area, you will see freshwater springs that flow into small coves, called “caños”. The typical flora of saline environments is present Arthrocnemum. Many species nest in the rock cavities; cattle egret, western jackdaw, yellow-legged gull, Peregrine falcon, Turnstone and Whimbrel. Many birds of prey such as Ospreys, Barn owls and Common kestrels can be observed.

Reservation requirements: complete prior payment. The Skipper will determine if the weather conditions allow the navigation. In case of adverse weather, we will propose an alternative day or time. Where this is not possible, the payment shall be full refunded. The cancelation with refund is possible only in the event of a cancelation by the Skipper for weather impediment.